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Skip the hot tub, bidet and private swimming pool

August 14, 2011 Posted by admin

It is said that in the future wars will be fought over water and control of resources that are abundant in water. This is because water is a component that is essential to our everyday existence. We cannot survive without this component. We need it for our everyday purposes such as drinking, bathing and cleaning. Although 70% of the surface area of the earth is covered by water, most of this is the salty water of the oceans which are completely unacceptable for our daily needs. Only a fraction of the total water available is fresh water and hence it is essential that we make the most efficient use of this resource. There are a number of ways in which water conservation can be carried out. For any method of water conservation to be entirely effective it must be undertaken at the individual level. For this purpose minor considerations in areas around your home where water can be conserved must be taken into consideration.

Ways to save water

Many of us choose to have a private swimming pool attached to our homes. What we fail to realize is that this is a luxury and not a necessity. Thousands of gallons of water are required to fill up a swimming pool and several thousand more gallons of water is used each time the water in the pool is changed or is disposed off. This is an unnecessary drain on your water resources. Instead making use of public swimming pools that are designed for community uses seem to be much more of a feasible option. Besides our swimming pools, there is another way that we can save water and that is by using a bucket instead of a bath tub for our bathing purposes. A bath tub uses on an average 150 liters of water, while a bucket uses just one third of that amount. Hence this minor adjustment in your bathing habit will make a big difference in your endeavor for water conservation. Also avoiding the use of bidets is advisable in striving for water conservation.
These are just some of the minor changes that we can make around our home in the hope of making the best possible use of our available water.

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Tags: drain, need
Categories: Save Water

Green house plans for the back yard garden

August 10, 2011 Posted by admin

A greenhouse in the backyard is an excellent way to extend the growing season. Whether it is for flowers or vegetables, the greenhouse is an excellent way to protect them. It can be made in about ten feet square in plan with a two foot eight inch by six foot eight inch door and plenty of headroom. The greenhouse can have a center aisle with a planting table on each side and numerous operating windows to allow for ventilation when required. All wood and glass, the greenhouse can be been kept as simple as possible to allow for ease of construction and yet it is still a visually pleasing design.

Plan for green house

Complete greenhouse plans include foundation plan, floor plans, roof plan, front, back and side elevations, two sections, various wall sections and details. A three dimensional drawing showing the major framing components, another three dimensional drawing showing the completed structure, window details, table details, rafter details, material list with quantities, glass schedule, and lots of construction notes and dimensions.

Where to built green house in back yard?

Pick a site likely to get the most benefit of winter sun. The site should not be in an area that could be muddy and should be level or in a place that is easy to make level. If the site is below a hill or slope, then it might be necessary to put in a drain to re-direct any water flow away from the greenhouse site. Location is important from a heat conservation and light availability perspective. The most ideal location to the least ideal is south, southeastern, southwestern, east, west and northeast, northwest, north. The south side obviously shelters the greenhouse from the cold northern winds and when the angle of light is lower on the horizon during winter. The south side captures more light during the shorter daylight period of winter. A greenhouse located in the middle of a yard without any barrier to the elements is the same as a fully northern exposed location. Although it would confine more light, it would be far less heat retentive. A location close to a circuit breaker box is best for accommodating electrical service to the greenhouse. The main use will be for over wintering tender plants or for display of collection plants that are not used in the landscape during the outdoor growing season.

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Tags: Complete, drain, Green
Categories: Backyard

Concrete Pipe

July 21, 2011 Posted by admin

Concrete pipes have been known to exist for more than a thousand years. Being a long lasting and structurally strong material, a concrete pipe is generally used to conduct water supply or serve as drains in both rural and urban areas. Most concrete pipe water supply as well as drainage and sewer systems that have been constructed in the earlier century still stand strong and function as efficiently as when they had first been constructed.

Concrete pipe shapes and sizes

Concrete pipes are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The five most common shapes include the circular, horizontal elliptical, the vertical elliptical, the arch and the rectangular ones. The shape of the pipe would depend upon the project or activity in which it is to be used. It would also depend upon the topography of the site, the cost and the structural efficiency of the project as well. Since concrete pipes are mostly used as conduit material, they are generally used where they would help in the natural flow of water supply or drainage as the case may be.

How are concrete pipes made?

There are many ways of making concrete pipes. Some of these methods use dry concrete mix to make concrete pipes. These methods include the centrifugal or spinning method, the dry cast method, the packerhead method and the tamp-entail method. Another method of making concrete pipes called the wet casting method makes use of a high-slump concrete mix. The basic materials for making concrete pipes are the same as for other concrete products such as cement, gravel, sand and water. In some projects, steel reinforcements may also be used for adding more strength to the concrete pipe structure.

Uses of concrete pipes

Concrete pipes have been used in irrigation systems, water supply lines, sanitary sewers, storm drains. Concrete pipes are the best conduit material for supply of water to farmlands and also for water supply to large cities as well. Most drainage systems also make use of concrete pipes. Storm drain systems play a very important role in crowded towns and cities and help in reducing the damage caused by floods.

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Tags: drain, materials
Categories: Concrete

Check for hidden water leaks Correct the silent wasters

July 16, 2011 Posted by admin

Prudent use of water at the domestic front is very important to save water. If not able to make proper facilities to conserve water one should try to save it by sensible use and by not wasting it. The latest washing technologies have been developed to give the best washing with least water usage. However there are some places in house through which lots of water can be wasted if neglected. These parts are various leakages. Through leakages clean water is wasted even without using it. Thus it is very necessary that water pipes and storage tanks be checked regularly and in case of any leakage it is repaired immediately.

How to check leaks

1. Check the meter

With help of meter readings one can easily find out if water is been wasted through leaks. Primarily record the meter reading and close all kinds of water usage. After two three hours again come and check the reading if you see any kinds of changes in the reading there is a leakage that is using up your water supply.

2. Check toilet tank leaks

Adding food coloring to the tank can easily check toilet tanks leaks. If there is a leakage the color will flow out of the cracked area.

3. Sonic leak detectors

Sonic leak detectors are the latest technology used for detecting leakages. They are very effective for detecting leaks in pipes fitted in slabs of walls. A Sonic leak detector uses beams of high frequency, short wave signals to inspect and detect the leak. The detector is provided with a point and headphone. On turning on the equipment the audio sound detection system is activated, just move the point over the slab if there is a leakage particular sound can be heard in the headphone when it reaches the leakage point.

If leaks not repaired in time, grow bigger in days and can cost a huge repairing expenditure. On the other handed water wasted, which will further cost you. By preventing leaks you not only stop the drain of water from your house but also money is stopped from draining.

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Tags: drain, tank
Categories: Save Water

Basement waterproofing

July 16, 2011 Posted by admin

Why does a basement leak?

The joints between the floor and the wall are the most common areas where a leak could occur. Rainfall or snow melting above the ground level collects on the surface and because of hydrostatic pressure is forced through the joints where the floor and the wall meet. Wet basements are mostly due to such leakages and require proper waterproofing processes.

Why is basement waterproofing necessary?

Basement waterproofing is necessary to prevent moisture seepage into the basement and keeping it dry. Hydrostatic pressure can cause water and moisture to seep in through the walls and joints. Using a quality waterproofing coating to the walls can prevents this. It is advisable to use the waterproofing coating as per instructions from the manufacturer and not according to one’s perception of the extent of waterproofing required. This will keep the walls in good condition and prevent any damage from moisture or water.

How is basement waterproofing done?

The first task is to begin by waterproofing the areas outside the house. Any collection of water near the house should be done away with. When the soil on the surface becomes water-saturated, water is forced to enter inside reaching the joints between the floor and the wall. Low areas around the house should be filled up to ensure water flows away from the house. One can also install a drain system that will collect the water and drains it to the floor drain. It is important that basements are checked for any waterproofing requirements both before and after a flood.

Resources for basement waterproofing

It is recommended that professional basement waterproofing contractors be called in to do the job. However it is important to know a few things about the process for oneself as that will prove beneficial in terms of costs as well as future care. Do-it-yourself installation kits are also available or one can bring a professional contractor to do the job. Most contractors who offer services for drainage and plumbing systems also undertake waterproofing jobs. Doing it before the rains as a precaution will prove to be more beneficial than after the damage is done.

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Tags: drain, offer
Categories: Basement

Basement sump pump

July 13, 2011 Posted by admin

The annoyance of water seems to have a simple solution and this is done by the purchase of a sump pump from a local hardware shop. Normally basement water comes from two locations. One main source is called the cover area and water can come through the basement cracks. The main purpose of the basement sump pump is that when the water is directed towards it can collect water spontaneously.

Features of the basement sump pump

1. Last defense against flooding.
2. No blockage in the basement.
3. Basement always remains clean.
4. No damages to furniture and carpets.

Checking the sump pump
1. Cover is to be removed and water is to be poured into the sump tank.
2. Watch for the “float” to rise and trigger the pump.
3. Once the pump is started, the water level quickly lowers and the float shuts off the pump.
Any problems arises is related to the float A repositioning of the pump solves the problem.
1. The float may need replacement.
2. If the pump fails to shut off when the water level decreases to the bottom of the sump tank, which indicates a new float is needed.
Significance
Location of the sump pump should be at the lowest point of the basement just in front of the sump hole. From the top of the sump the PVC plastic pipe is to be followed till the till the hook into a larger drain line. Sump pump is to be tested by filling the sump hole with water. The pump is ready with a mechanical switch that senses when the water reaches a certain level and turns itself on automatically – then it should clear most of the water from the pit, shutting off once the water drops below a certain level The floor should have been designed to lean slightly towards the sump hole. Some things like walls or poor design can get in the way, so one may have to help on occasion if the water gets deep, but the sump pump will take it from there..

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Tags: drain, need, PVC, tank
Categories: Basement

Concrete Driveway – “A must in landscape design”

July 6, 2011 Posted by admin

A concrete driveway can make a dramatic difference in home landscaping and enhance property value by lending itself to a variety of designs available. Concrete is preferred over other materials in the construction of a driveway because concrete is versatile, durable, has a good appearance, requires low maintenance and indicates quality construction from the first glance.

Why opt for concrete?

Today’s homeowners take great pride in the exterior of their home which is why a concrete driveway has become an essential part of a landscaping plan imparting an inviting image. The wide variety of texture, color or patterns of concrete has elevated the driveway as an element of landscape designing and meeting homeowners’ exact demands.

Functionality of concrete:

Concrete is not just functional but lends itself to a wide variety of design options that can make a dramatic difference in home landscaping plans. Apart form the traditional look, concrete can have a decorative appearance and the feel and color of brick, tile, slate or stone. Another popular finish is exposed aggregate. Many other design choices are available that complement a variety of exterior treatments of the house. Concrete driveways give trouble-free service to homeowners because of the simple reason that concrete is enduring. They also do not require major maintenance and just like many high-quality purchases cost less in the long run.

Patterns in concrete:

From the street to the garage, a personally designed concrete driveway not only adds visual satisfaction but also adds long lasting quality and value to the home. Concrete can be molded into any shape, texture, pattern or color. Concrete can add a new dimension of quality and elegance to your home at a reasonable cost. An exotic and colorful way to enhance an ordinary concrete driveway is by pattern stamping. In pattern stamping, the driveway is cast in place concrete which has been colored and imprinted with a pattern designed to look like brick, tile, cobblestone or various other patterns.

A well-laid concrete driveway can give at least 20 to 30years’ trouble-free service and can be laid quite easily by any person. The concrete should be of high quality and at least be 75mm thick and 2.75 meters width is adequate. The concrete should be laid in panels that are square or nearly so. The surface of the driveway should have a cross-fall so that water can drain off it. There should not be any low areas where water can accumulate.

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Tags: drain, materials
Categories: Concrete

Dehumidifiers for cool homes

July 2, 2011 Posted by admin

A cool home is something that all of us look forward to. We look forward to this luxury especially in the summer season. The oppressive and burning heat gives us reason to find ways to keep our homes cool. One such way of doing so is by introducing dehumidifiers in our home. We basically feel hot due to the excessive amount of moisture in the air. The percentage of water vapor in the air is high especially in those areas that are near the coast. There is an effective solution to getting rid of this water vapor and that is by the use of dehumidifiers.
Working of a dehumidifier
These dehumidifiers have a simple method behind their working. The dehumidifiers absorb the moist air from the surrounding and pass it over a refrigerated metal coil that is outfitted with a fan. It is a known fact that saturation water vapor of water decreases with decreasing temperature. The water in the air thus condenses, and drips into a bucket that should be kept nearby. The dehumidifier can be outfitted to ensure that instead of a bucket the outlet is connected directly to a drain through a pipe. The warmer side of the coil then reheats the air. Air conditioners are a very good example of dehumidifiers. They reduce the temperature of the air and are designed in such a way that instead of eliminating water directly, they make use of a condensing coil and a fan in order to evaporate the water into the surrounding air. If your apartment or building employs central air conditioning, then it is essential that there is an outlet for a drain.
Besides acting as a cooling agent in warm climates, it can have an opposite effect in cold climate areas. Here the machine in order to remove the water vapor in the air would have to reduce the temperature of the air by removing the heat from the air. This air is then reheated. Thus this machine thus acts as a heating agent instead of a cooling device in countries with an already cold climate.
Thus the use of dehumidifiers is highly recommended. This is an easy and cost-effective way to cool your home.

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Tags: building, drain
Categories: Home Cooling

Basement construction- Best Basement for your Dream Home

June 27, 2011 Posted by admin

Before one buys a new home, the basements must be built with the same quality construction standards that are used throughout the homes interior. There are a few easy construction techniques for the homebuyer’s, which can be used. A general checklist of good basement construction practices helps ensure the quality of the new homes. The most effective line of defense against basement wall moisture problems is basement Waterproofing System.
Insulation in the Basement
The exterior insulation offers many advantages to the homebuyers. Exterior insulation protects the waterproofing membrane from the extremes of the soil and above grade climate. The wall maintains a stable temperature and undergoes very little thermally induced expansion and contraction. This reduces the potential for cracking too. Since the wall’s temperature is maintained nearer to the indoor temperature the humid interior air is unlikely to condense on the basement walls.

Drainage Placement for Basement

Installing a perimeter footing drainage system to relieve hydrostatic pressure from surface water and table water is better. An exterior system is preferred to an interior one. However, many experts recommend both forms of drainage. When using both, the exterior system is used as the primary drainage system while the interior is used as the backup and for venting the soil of gases. The drainage system should connect to a sump pump for gravity discharge. For most residential applications a 4-inch diameter perforated drainpipe is adequate. A clean-out point makes drainage system maintenance easy.
Water Table Protection
As basements become larger the slab will be more susceptible to pressure from the water table. It is important to have a minimum 4 -inch layer of clean gravel spread evenly under the slab area for drainage as mentioned above. There should also be a pathway to relieve water pressure from the center of slab too. This can be done by digging a 6 to 8 inch deep trench in an X pattern by filling it with clean gravel and connecting it to the drainage system. As the water table rises, the pressure is relieved through the pathways to the sump pump drainage system. Remember that the top of the perimeter exterior drain tile should be below the bottom surface of the interior slab to get extra protection.

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Tags: drain, Waterproofing System
Categories: Basement