I have read through most of the research that was done on the septic systems and I have to agree with the folks whose conclusion that a septic system, under “normal” use, has no need and will receive little benefit from the addition of anything, including septic relievers like Septic Remedy.
However, if you read all of the background information you will see that the term normal is one that must be highlighted - too many folks just seem to gloss over it. Normal septic system use means leaving it free of any non-organic loads. Such things being discharges from the washing machine, garbage, toilet papers, cigarettes and more. Additionally, the use of strong soaps and toilet cleaners can worsen the condition.
A normal septic system is really an ideal paradise, where the only things that enter it come from the toilets and graywater full of heavy organic matter.
I have a septic tank that has been less than hospitable since we bought the house. Yes, I made the unfortunate mistake of not seeking an inspection of the septic system before purchase. Consequently, I have done lots of reading up in the area of the septic system after I was contacted by Septic Remedy to use their once-a-month solution for my tank.
I have to tell you that, although I was reluctant to do so, I purchased a pack and tried it. I can tell you with 100% confidence that the drains flow many times better after I add the stuff. Within 24 hours of it’s addition all of the drains flow faster.
If you’re on this site, you probably like to get your hands dirty. You probably enjoy cutting through wood, banging on a hammer or cranking that power chainsaw with the focus of a Zen monk listening out for a one-handed clap. There can be jobs, however, that will prove a little out of your two useful hands. I know I called out for help the last time we had an emergency plumbing repair need at home. While I wanted to fix that flooding myself, I knew my limited manpower - despite my passion for handyman work - will probably create a massive fail.
When you catch yourself in a similar situation with tasks that may prove too big and need professionals to come in, where do you usually turn?
I took to the phone directory. Problem with the yellow pages is, it’s one big advertising mess. While you get hundreds of options to call, you have no idea how each one performs. Are those electric contractors any good? What’s their track record? Do you really have the time to research them individually or the patience to close your eyes and hope you make the right choice?
These are probably the same questions that plagued many a homeowner and is likely what prompted a website like Done Right.
Done Right is an online directory of home improvement service providers and contractors, many of whom are backed by the site’s quality guarantee. All merchants approved by Done Right will display the Done Right Guarantee logo, an assurance to you that the company will abide by the website’s strict quality policies. If it concerns home improvement, there’s probably a “Done Right-approved” company near you under one of their 100+ categories. With Done Right, you can find professional companies that are guaranteed to do a great job based on previous work with many other Done Right users - the growing list of whom include regular homeowners, realtors and property managers.
Got a rat infestation? Head on over to the Home Pest Control directory for your locale. Serious electrical troubles plaguing your home? The reliable guys are all there in just a click.
Even better, Done Right goes one step further to help you rectifying bad situations and mitigating complaints. Check them out today!
Power tools rock. Sorry handy basic toolkits, but I’d hang on a power tools’ nuts any time of the day.
The risk of accident, however, multiplies considerably anytime you’re handling power tools. Thousands of minor and major accidents are reported each year along with several fatalities. Barring professional training, you can reduce your chances of being involved in a power tool accident by using each machine as outlined by the manufacturer. You should also heed their recommendations for the proper safety equipment to use while you are operating a particular power tool.
The most common power tool accidents involve injuries to the fingers. This can be anything from a minor cut to losing the entire finger. Approximately half off all finger amputations in the United States each year are the result of an injury involving a power tool. The index and the middle finger are the two generally involved in the accident. The most common power tool involved in these cases are the various types of saws. Of these finger injuries, 55% occurred while operating the power tool at home.
According to OSHA, a large portion of power tool injuries occur because the power source is not removed while changing parts on the power tool. It doesn’t matter how much experience you have with power tools or how quickly you can change the parts. Drill bits and saw blades are the most common culprits. It only takes a moment to unplug the power source. If you are using a cordless power tool, you may want to remove the battery before you change anything on it. The tiny inconvenience is well worth the safety benefits.
Cords on power tools are another concern. Many power tool accidents have been eliminated by going to cordless power tools. If you operate any type of power tool that has a cord, make sure you have it properly secured. Don’t leave the cord out in the open where you or someone else can trip on it. There is the risk of electrocution so make sure the cords aren’t frayed. Keep them out of wet, damp areas, and make sure there is nothing in the area that can accidentally be spilled on them.
Even if you use the power tool as it should be operated and have on the right safety equipment, accidents can still happen in the blink of an eye. Tripping, slipping, or falling while carrying a power tool can result in an injury. One unfortunately young man was using a staple gun on a ladder with safety equipment on when he lost his footing. He fell from the ladder and ended up with several long nails in his skull. He didn’t die from it but could have.
To help prevent power tool accidents, make sure your work area is secure. Ladders should be securely in place. Never work on a surface that is slippery or unstable. It is a risk you don’t want to be taking with a power tool in your hand. I understand that not all work areas are under the best of circumstances. Be cautious and use common sense.
This information isn’t meant to scare you, only to help you remember that power tools are dangerous, and you have to use them responsibly. Hopefully all of your experiences with power tools with be safe. Do your part to use them under the best possible conditions to help reduce the amount of power tool accidents out there.
As you do your part, so with the manufacturers of power tools. They are very aware of the types of accidents and injuries that take place with power tools. They strive to make improvements on their power tools to help reduce the risk. Most manufacturers welcome your comments, so if you have any ideas on making them safer please contact the manufacturer of that particular power tool.
Clearly, this won’t be DIY. If you’re planning to build or upgrade a pool, you want professional help. It’s going to be expensive too. Then again, you probably wouldn’t even think of having a pool installed unless you have the cash for it.
Been searching online the past few days because we do have the cash and our 1-year old house has more than the space for it. After discussing with the wife, we decided we wanted an above-ground unit. They just look so much better and seems easier to maintain than a regular inground pool. If you want great above-ground pool designs, check the pictures in this site and you’ll fall in love like we did.
I didn’t want to buy direct from them, however, because I heard they can be quite pricey (albeit very very good.) I wanted to have one built so I looked online and finally found a site offering swimming pool quotes. Hell, I get quotes from various providers before buying policies, cars and everything else so I thought I should get quoted for pool construction too before deciding on anyone.
Anyway, just wanted to sound off that we’re getting a pool installed so don’t be surprised if the next few articles are all about swimming pool construction. I’m feeling kind of obsessed right now and pretty much can’t stop thinking about it.
Decorating your home? Want to add a touch of class to any area of your house? If you’re at a loss where to turn, consider a new rug from Plaza Rugs. They offer top quality units and provide value that few shops can equal.
Personal Touch
Plaza Rugs is a family owned and operated business that guarantees warm and personalized service with no pressure on anybody who walks in.
Match Your Best Price
Plaza Rugs will match the best price for any identical rug you find elsewhere, guaranteed. There are no extra charges, no restocking fees and shipping is free for all area rugs anywhere in the country. Even better, they offer a 30 day full refund with no questions asked.
Impressive Inventory
Their website presents an exhaustive inventory of area rugs with many signature brands including Calvin Klein, Liz Clairborne and many more. They offer over 4000 different styles in various sizes from traditional units to contemporary rugs to ones with specialized artwork and prints.
Whether you want low-cost synthetic area rugs, contemporary silk or traditional wool, you can find it. Want the lower-cost stuff on one side of the house and the expensive materials on the other? No need to visit multiple stores. Plaza Rugs will serve as your one-stop shop.
Easy To Find
Whatever type of rug you have in mind, you can find it easily with their easy to navigate site. Have a particular brand in mind? A specific style, perhaps? They’re all accessible within a couple of clicks and it makes shopping for a rug online a painless task.
Okay, now put down your hands. I guess a better question would have been, “Who doesn’t want a cleaner home?”
We all want spotless kitchens, pristine walls, and carpets we can roll around in. While diligence has its place in maintaining a clean home, back-breaking labor may not be the best idea if you want your home in regularly proud condition. A better option, if you can spare the expense, are professional cleaners who can bring in their fancy machines and proceed to give your rooms and carpets the treatment your regular vacuums and brushes can’t seem to do. Alternatively, you can just get the cleaning supplies and proceed with the job yourself. For such a solution, The Big Clean should prove to be your big ticket.
Carpet Cleaning Equipments
Yes, you can get professional-grade carpet cleaning machines& equipment at reasonable prices for your personal use. They carry plenty of home-care machines including carpet cleaners, room driers, pressure washers, scrubber driers, rotary machines, chemicals, sprayers and more all at competitive prices. They sell both to individual homes and industrial cleaners so you will be sure to get top-grade equipment for your money.
If buying machines prove too much cost for twice a year of general house cleaning that you normally do, The Big Clean allows you to lease their machines for a small weekly or monthly cost, depending on your needs. Imagine getting professional-grade carpet and floor cleaning at a fraction of the price. You can even get a bunch of your neighbors together and pitch in to lease the items for a month, so you can all enjoy the same top-notch results.
And More
The Big Clean also offers window cleaning machines as well as a good line of vacuum cleaners in case you need to get your hands on more than carpet cleaning equipment. Check out their Numatic Henry line at really good prices - henry vacuum cleaners are good vacuums, according to many reliable sources.
Professional Help
If you find the task of doing it yourself a tad too daunting at this point, they even offer a comprehensive directory of commercial cleaning services in various UK areas so you can look for professional hands to do the work for you.
Visit The Site
The website is easy to use - all products are categorized properly and listed with photos and description so you know exactly what you’re going to get. They also have a safe and secure payment system so no worries about using your credit cards online. Even if you are not yet decided on going all out and purchasing one of their powerful machines, visiting them should give you some ideas as to how to plan your next home cleaning job.
You and me are probably similar kinds of people. We love sweating it out to the tune of a crisp hammer on nail and a powersaw slicing through wood. I sometimes wonder whether I work on things at home because they need to be done or simply because I need to work on things to enjoy myself.
While we’d love to do all home repair and construction work on our own, it’s just not the smartest idea sometimes. Some projects can prove too big, too difficult or just plain too much for a single handyman to handle. In case you find yourself with one of these tasks, getting a helper isn’t such a bad idea. Even better, you can get it with just a few simple clicks online.
Hire A Helper is a website that lets you find low-cost, local help for any home project that needs more hands than the two you’ve already got. Whether you’re in need of moving help, cleaning labor or builders to help with an extra room in your backyard, you can easily find blue-collar workers at affordable prices without leaving the house.
What It Does
The website brings together freelance laborers and short-term employers so they can get in touch and begin mutually-beneficial relationships. All moving labor providers, cleaners, handymen and general workers sign up as helpers on the site offering their services and skills. Individuals or businesses with short-term labor needs can then choose from the available workers to help with their ongoing or upcoming projects.
Site Features
The site lets you:
1. Search for workers in your area and get immediate costing quotes for the work needed.
2. Find reviews and feedback from other customers for the workers you find and compare their rates and quality of work.
3. Add your credit card so the helpers are automatically paid once you declare that the job has been fulfilled.
4. Post and review feedback about each worker
Visit Them Now
Hire A Helper is a much-needed online service. Great idea and, by the looks it, great site. If you need a couple extra hands for that next home construction project, make sure to pay them a visit before looking elsewhere for the labor that you need.
If you live in the States, you’ve probably seen the Empire Today commercial before. It’s short, fast and memorable - chipmunk style.
The commercial is for Empire Today, one of the most trusted names in carpet and flooring installation. While the amusing commercial has gained plenty of media over the years as well as a considerable amount of attention in YouTube - dogs singing to the TV, babies dancing while it plays and so on, the company is best-known for their service record. Working on improving people’s homes for the last 45 years, the company has built a reputation with their ever-growing product and service line which now include window treatments as well as bath and shower liners. The company takes much pride in their efficient and professional service, upgrading the value of your home with as little trouble as possible.
Products
Specializing in carpeting and flooring, they can provide products and installations services for most every room of your home - basement, bathroom, bedroom, den, dining room, hall, kitchen, living room, home office, patio and more. They have extensive options for carpeting from indoor carpets to outdoor units all available in varying textures, colors and make. For floors, they offer ceramic, laminate, and traditional and specialty hardwood flooring.
They also carry bath renovation items such as shower liners as well as window treatments.
Getting A Free Estimate
If you’ve been looking to get your flooring updated or need additional installations, you can request for a free, no-obligation quote from Empire Today. It’s no generic, over-the-web quote either. Visit their website to set an appointment and choose which specific products and services you would like to be quoted for - carpeting, flooring, window treatments, or bath renovation.
Once you make an appointment, a representative will actually visit your home, survey the area and help you decide on what types of products to install at the price point you can afford. With samples in tow, they will help match their extensive product line with your existing decor and home layout to make sure you get the best value out of the experience.
Pricing
Empire today offers low warehouse prices, passing on the full savings to consumers. They also offer a unique “No Payments For One Year” offer. You heard that right - wait out a full year to begin payment with zero interest.
Empire Man
The Empire Man is the company’s well-known face - an animated persona that has evolved into a popular icon over its more than 30 years of existence. Pitching “800-588-2300 Empire!” for the company formerly known as Empire Carpet, it has grown from a mere company symbol to a celebrated figure featured annually in McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The house exterior is one of those things: No matter how much you clean it, it’s never clean enough!
If you’re looking to sell your present house and move to a different place, one of the best things you can do before putting it on the market is to get professional cleaning services to really shine it up. If you’ll believe what some real estate brokers say, it can add as much as 10% value to your market price. Even if it doesn’t, a clean-to-the-brim home will definitely get more offers than a dirty one - presentation counts!
Pressure washing is a method of cleaning off mold, grime, dust mud and other forms of dirt from your home’s exterior. It uses a high-pressure water source to “fire away” and remove all the unwanted surface layers caked to your roof, sidings and pretty much the whole house.
Midwest Pro Wash is an Indiana-based company that specializes in providing this house cleaning service. They offer their services to most cities and towns in the state. They provide free estimates, extensive support and a service guarantee - if you’re not satisfied with the cleaning, they’ll come right back and do it again for free!
Whether you need to clean up brick, stone, or concrete surfaces in your home, pressure washing is guaranteed to help you and if you’re in the Indiana area, look no further than Midwest Pro Wash. Be sure to visit the website and check the before and after photos - you’ll be amazed!
If you enjoy gardening as much as I do, you will do well to spend a little more on your tools. Apart from price, what other items do you factor in when buying equipment?
Do you have small garden or a large one? A small garden will not require the same large equipments that will prove helpful when working on a wide plot of soil. A ride-on mower is unnecessary if you only have a small strip of lawn.
Will your wife be using the tools? You may want to concern yourself with the weight of the items and how much strength it will require to use them aptly.
1. A rake is a basic requirement for any home garden. The strong rake with the flat head and sharp metal prongs is used for smoothing a garden bed, clearing out the last of the bumps and weeds. The plastic rake is intended for leaves and grass clippings only.
2. Shears will be useful but only if you have a hedge, or plan on growing one. Otherwise, feel free to skip it. Choose shears with curved blades - they keep branches from sliding out when cut.
3. Forks are used for turning and aerating compost and breaking up lumps of soil. Choose a sturdy, more expensive fork ($100+) - the cheaper ones cannot handle heavy soil and will create more work for you.
4. Look for secateurs that have blades that can be sharpened or replaced. They need to stay sharp, otherwise they can damage your plants. Try to find a unit with tension control. Secateurs can damage you from between $50 to $130.
5. A chipping hoe is a handy tool for getting rid of small weeds. The Dutch or push-hoe is slightly more user-friendly as the action required to use it does not jar the neck and shoulder quite so much.
6. Pruning saws will do for trees and large shrubs what secateurs do for small plants. They have narrow curved blades that fit between branches easily and slices them as you pull the saw backwards. They are a great buy for $40.
7. A shovel has a scoop blade and is best used to move around dirt and garden soil. A spade has a flat blade great for cutting edges, digging and dividing plants. The edge of a spade should be kept sharpened for clean and efficient cutting will cause the least amount of damage to plants. These are a basic garden necessity and usually cost from $30 - $50.
Stay tuned to Quickie Tools for more home and garden DIY articles. As always, make sure to support our sponsors!