3 Ways to REMOVE PVC Pipe From a FITTING (Video Review)
Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. Roger Wakefield, the creator of the Youtube channel (All About Plumbing), is a plumber with over 20 years of experience. In this video review, he shows us three different ways to remove PVC Pipe From a Fitting. […]
Roger Wakefield, the creator of the Youtube channel (All About Plumbing), is a plumber with over 20 years of experience. In this video review, he shows us three different ways to remove PVC Pipe From a Fitting.
The first method is by using a pry bar. Roger demonstrates how to use the pry bar to gently lever the pipe out of the fitting.
The second method is by using a PVC cutter. Roger shows us how to cut through the PVC pipe, which will release it from the fitting.
The third and final method is by using a heat gun. Roger heats up the PVC pipe with the heat gun, which will cause it to expand and release from the fitting.
Roger demonstrates each method on a piece of PVC pipe, so that we can see how it’s done. He also gives us some tips on which method is best for different types of fittings.
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for the job at hand. Roger’s videos are informative, witty and practical so let’s watch the video then our expert team at Water Heater Hub will chime in on what they think of the video as well as methods they personally use to get the job done…so without further ado!
Table of Contents
Let’s break down the four key moments of this video:
Minute 1:05 – Roger talks about scoring the pipe so it’s easier to remove the glued pipe in sections as apposed to yanking the whole pipe out.
Minute 02.22 – He discusses directing the force goimg from outside the pipe towards the inside to ensure you break off the intended pipe section.
Minute 03.33 – Roger talks about “the fitting saver”, which is really a drill attachment that shaves down the pipe section that needs to be removed.
Minute 07.58 – This is really a blooper reel, where Roger shows that making Youtube videos doesn’t always go smoothly.
Why Remove A Glued Pipe?
If you’re unglueing a pipe, it’s likely because you need to fix something. Maybe a leaky faucet or a clogged drain. Whatever the problem is, unglueing the pipe will give you access to fix it.
But unglueing pipes isn’t always as easy as it sounds. If the pipes are glued together with a strong adhesive, you’re going to need some serious unglueing power. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Anthony Barnes is One of the founders of WHH, he has over 30 years experience in plumbing, HVAC & Electrical…he knows his $hit!
Anthony: ” I like Rogers methods in this video I just don’t always agree with the way he chooses to do some of the tasks.
The reality is that lots of our readers are just average homeowners and Pros looking for a better way to get something done, which really means they don’t have all the time or tools to do what needs to be done without running to the store 100 times.
I’ll tell you a method that I found is my go-to whenever I need to remove a pipe that’s already glued one section is going to stay, and the other one can get ruined because I’m yanking it out.
How To Remove A Glued Pipe That Hasn’t Set
As you can see in the pic below, we have two opposing pipe wrenches. The key to this method is timing, if the glue is set more than a couple hours you’re probably going to break the pipe instead of break loose the glue.
Choose a Bit that will just barely fot inside the pipe as we will be heating up the bit & inserting it in the pipe.
Bit sitting inside the pipe:
Before placing the bit in the pippe, you need to heat up the metal for about a minute with a torch. This will create a heated pipe within a pipe that makes the (piece you want removed), soft enough to yank out with a pair of needle nose pliers.
Warning!!!!!
Always be cautious around pipes when they’re being heated especially PVC pipes. Any solvents or glues or any type of chemicals being used will create vapors that are not good for you.
Make sure you have plenty of ventilation… plenty of fresh air flowing through your work area and even wear a mask to protect you from inhaling anything that’s not good for you.
Place Heated Bit Into Pipe
The heated bit will sit inside of that pipe for about a minute and that will transfer enough heat to make the pipe that you’re removing soft and flexible so you can grab it with those pliers twist it until it breaks bond, then pull it out.
If you heated the pipe properly and long enough, you can twist it and you can pull it out and it will come out easily without breaking the pipe that’s inside of the wall.
Once the old pipe is fremoved, get the old glue out with some sand paper & prep with new glue & insert your newly fixed pipe back into it’s original position.
Conclusion
That’s it for today’s video review of Three Ways to Remove PVC Pipe from a Fitting, we hope you enjoyed our commentary and our personal methods of removing PVC pipe once it’s been glued.
I’m sure you guys have tried a lot of techniques as there’s a lot of different ways of doing this and some have worked and some have failed. We hope you find this info useful and good luck!
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Best Cold Climate Heat Pump (Ultimate Guide To Awesome Warmth)
Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. Are you looking for a new cold climate heat pump? With literally hundreds of options to choose from, it can quickly become a difficult and overwhelming task. Purchasing a cold climate heat pump sounds like an easy […]
Are you looking for a new cold climate heat pump? With literally hundreds of options to choose from, it can quickly become a difficult and overwhelming task.
Purchasing a cold climate heat pump sounds like an easy and straightforward thing, but there are many factors to take into consideration if you want to get all of the benefits, features, and characteristics that you want out of your cold climate heat pump.
In this guide, we will not only highlight some of the best options available when it comes to cold climate heat pumps, but also give you the information that you need to know about these pumps. With that information in hand and a variety of pumps to choose from, you are sure to track down the right cold climate heat pump for you.
Table of Contents
What is a Cold Climate Heat Pump?
First, let’s define what we are looking for. A cold climate heat pump is a device that helps to transfer heat from one area to another.
This can be done in two ways, by either taking heat from a colder area and releasing it into a warmer area, or by taking heat from a warmer area and releasing it into a colder area.
In general, most people think of the first scenario when they think of a heat pump. That is, taking heat from the cold outdoors and releasing it into the warm indoors.
This is how most traditional heating systems work, by using a furnace to take in outdoor air, heat it up, and then release that air into the home.
The second scenario, taking heat from a warmer area and releasing it into a colder area, is not as commonly thought of but is actually how air conditioners work.
In this case, the heat pump would take heat from the indoors (which is usually warmer than the outdoors) and release it outdoors.
So, a cold climate heat pump is a device that can either transfer heat from a cold area to a warm area or from a warm area to a cold area, depending on the needs of the user.
Types of Cold Climate Heat Pumps
There are two main types of cold climate heat pumps: air source and ground source.
Which type of cold climate heat pump is right for you will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, your climate, and your individual needs. You should do your research when evaluating different cold weather heat pumps.
Best Heat Pump Technology Pumps
Now that we know what to look for, let’s take a look at some of the best cold climate air source heat pump options on the market.
The Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat Cold Climate Heat Pump is a high-efficiency device that can be used in both residential and commercial properties. It is easy to install, is one of the best ductless heat pumps, and has a rating of 4.5 on Amazon, making it a high-quality product. It is great for climates where the temperature regularly drops below freezing, as it can heat a property up to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Overall, the Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat Cold Climate Heat Pump is an excellent choice for those in cold climates who are in need of a reliable and efficient heat pump.
The Klimaire DIY Cold Climate Heat Pump is a high quality product that is easy to install and is perfect for both commercial and residential properties. This heat pump has a high rating on Amazon, and it is a great option for those who are looking for an energy efficient way to heat their home or business. The Klimaire DIY Cold Climate Heat Pump is the perfect choice for those who live in cold climates, and it is sure to keep you warm all winter long.
The Senville SENA-30HF is a cold climate heat pump that is designed to provide heating and cooling for both commercial and residential applications. The unit has a rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon, with customers praising its performance and ease of installation. One customer noted that the unit was easy to install and provided “excellent heating and cooling.” Another customer said that the heat pump was quiet and efficient, providing “good value for the money.” Overall, the Senville SENA-30HF is a high-quality cold climate heat pump that is designed to provide reliable heating and cooling for both commercial and residential applications.
MrCool Central Heat Pump is an excellent product that can be used in both residential and commercial properties. It is easy to install and has a high rating on Amazon. The benefits of this product include its energy efficiency, which can save you money on your energy bills, and its quiet operation, which makes it a good choice for homes and businesses.
If you are still on the fence about buying a heat pump, it may help you to learn about all of the benefits that are associated with a heat pump. Here are 5 benefits of using a heat pump for your residential or commercial building.
1. Air Quality
One of the benefits of using a heat pump is that it can help to improve the air quality in your home or office.
A heat pump will take in air from the outside, filter it, and then release it into the building. This can help to remove pollen, dust, and other allergens from the air, making it easier to breathe for those with allergies or asthma.
2. Energy Efficiency
Another benefit of using a heat pump is that they are extremely energy efficient. In fact, a heat pump can be up to 400% more energy efficient than a traditional heating system.
This means that not only will you save money on your energy bills, but you will also be doing your part to help the environment.
3. Zoned Heating and Cooling
One of the great things about a heat pump is that it can provide zoned heating and cooling. This means that you can control the temperature in different areas of your home or office, depending on your needs.
For example, you may want the living room to be warmer than the bedroom. With a heat pump, you can set the temperature in each zone to meet your needs.
4. Durability
Another benefit of using a heat pump is that they are built to last. In fact, most heat pumps will last for at least 15 years, and some can last for 20 years or more.
This means that you won’t have to worry about replacing your heat pump anytime soon, which can save you money in the long run.
5. Low Maintenance
Finally, heat pumps are low maintenance. There are no filters to replace and no moving parts to worry about.
This means that you can set it and forget it, knowing that your heat pump will continue to run smoothly for years to come.
Now that you know more about cold climate heat pumps and the benefits of using one, you can decide if a heat pump is right for you. If you live in a cold climate and are in the market for a new heating system, a heat pump may be the perfect option for you.
Characteristics of a Good Heat Pump
If you have never bought a heat pump before, you might be wondering: what makes a heat pump a good option? There are many characteristics that you should search for if you want to find a heat pump that will meet all of your needs. Here are the main criteria that you should be looking at when you start shopping for a heat pump–and why they are important!
1. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
One of the most important things to look for in a heat pump is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER. The SEER is a measure of how efficient the heat pump is at converting energy into heat.
The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the heat pump is. You should look for a heat pump with a SEER rating of at least 14.
2. The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)
Another important thing to consider when shopping for a heat pump is the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, or HSPF. The HSPF is a measure of how efficient the heat pump is at converting energy into heat during the winter.
Again, the higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient the heat pump is. You should look for a heat pump with an HSPF rating of at least 8.
3. The Temperature Range
The temperature range is another important thing to consider when shopping for a heat pump. The temperature range is the difference between the coldest temperature that the heat pump can reach and the hottest temperature that it can reach.
Ideally, you should look for a heat pump with a wide temperature range. This will allow you to use the heat pump in a variety of different climates and weather conditions.
4. The Size
The size of the heat pump is also an important thing to consider. The size of the heat pump will determine how much space it can heat and cool.
If you choose a heat pump that is too large, it will use more energy than necessary, which will increase your energy bills.
5. The Warranty
Finally, you should also consider the warranty when you are shopping for a heat pump. The warranty is a measure of how long the manufacturer is willing to stand behind the product.
Ideally, you should look for a heat pump with a long warranty. This will give you peace of mind knowing that the manufacturer is confident in the quality of their product.
Now that you know what to look for in a heat pump, you can start shopping for the perfect one for your needs. Keep these criteria in mind, and you will be sure to find a heat pump that is perfect for your home or business.
What Are The Cons of Using a Heat Pump?
For many, choosing a heat pump is one of the best decisions that they have ever made. It can increase efficiency, improve heating and cooling, and overall makes for a nice addition to almost any home, especially those in cold climates.
However, that doesn’t mean that a heat pump is the right choice for everybody. Of course, there are some people that are not well-suited for a heat pump. Here are some of the cons of buying a heat pump.
1. They Can Be Noisy
One of the biggest complaints about heat pumps is that they can be noisy. In some cases, the noise can be so loud that it interferes with sleep or other activities.
If you are sensitive to noise, you might want to consider another option.
2. They Might Not Be Powerful Enough
Another potential downside of heat pumps is that they might not be powerful enough to heat or cool your home effectively.
If you live in a particularly cold climate, you might find that a heat pump is not able to keep your home as warm as you would like it to be.
Heat pumps might not be as durable as some of the other options on the market.
If you are looking for a heat pump that will last for many years, you might want to consider another option.
5. They Might Not Be Available in All Areas
Finally, heat pumps might not be available in all areas. If you live in a rural area, it might be difficult to find a heat pump that is suitable for your needs.
These are just a few of the potential downsides of heat pumps. Of course, there are also many upsides to heat pumps.
If you are considering a heat pump for your home, be sure to weigh the pros and cons before making your final decision.
One of the best ways to save money is to choose energy-efficient appliances for your home. Energy-efficient appliances can help you save money on your energy bills.
One appliance that you might not have considered is a heat pump. While a heat pump might not be the first appliance that you think of when you are looking to save money, it can actually be a great way to reduce your energy costs.
Best Heat Pump Brands
If you are in the market for a heat pump, you might be wondering which brand is the best.
Of course, there are many different brands of heat pumps on the market, and each one has its own strengths and weaknesses.
To help you choose the best heat pump brand for your needs, here is a look at some of the best brands on the market:
1. Mr Cool
2. Kilmaire
3. Trane
4. Senville
5. Cooper & Hunter
6. Lennox
7. Maytag
8. York
9. Kenmore
These are just a few of the best heat pump brands on the market. Be sure to do your research to find the perfect heat pump for your needs.
Let’s Recap
If you are considering a heat pump for your home, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
First, you need to decide if a heat pump is the right choice for you. There are both pros and cons to using a heat pump.
You also need to make sure that you choose the right brand. There are many different brands of heat pumps on the market, and each one has its own strengths and weaknesses.
With a bit of research, and the knowledge given to you in this guide, you can be sure to find the heat pump that is most appropriate for your needs.
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Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. Water softeners are great for households with kids or pets who love drinking from the tap. They also provide a safe way to soften water without having to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into the water supply. […]
Cleaning your water softener is a vital part of its maintenance routine. Even if you use a water filter instead of a water softener, you still need to clean the filters periodically.
Your water softener should be cleaned every three months.
However, if you live in a hot climate where the water tends to get very warm, you may want to clean your water softening system more often.
In the following sections, we have compiled 4 professional tips to clean your water softener. We hope that you find them useful!
Tip One: Clean The Resin Tank
Learning how to clean a water softener (see also ‘How To Tell If Your Water Softener Is Working‘) resin tank is important because it helps ensure that your water softener stays working properly.
Over time, the resin inside the tank becomes filled with sediment and debris.
If this happens, water passing through the tank will no longer be softened.
Water softener resin tanks contain resin beads that absorb calcium and magnesium ions from water.
As the resin gets loaded with dirt and debris, the capacity of the resin decreases. Eventually, the resin will reach the point where it needs to be replaced.
In most cases, the resin tank will flush the beads to keep them clean. However, this does not mean that the resin beads do not require regular maintenance.
Fortunately, you can purchase resin bead cleaners from various stores and websites. Although you will need to refer to the unit manual to determine the best one.
Tip Two: Clean The Brine Tank
Water softeners will often feature two tanks: the resin tank and the brine tank.
The resin tank contains the resin beads while the brine tank holds the salt solution used to soften the incoming water.
Over time, the brine tank will fill with sediment and debris. This can lead to problems like reduced efficiency and poor performance.
Learning how to clean your brine tank is extremely important for ensuring that your water softener continues to work effectively.
This can be done by removing the debris with a small shovel or hammer.
In some cases, brine tanks can also form mold at the bottom of the container.
If this happens, then you will need to empty the tank and give it a thorough cleaning. You can do this using soap and warm water.
Tip Three: Use A Bleach Cycle
If there is mold in your water softener tank, then you can combat the problem using a bleach cycle. This is when you use bleach to clean the entire unit.
Bleach cycles are typically done once per year. They help remove any mold or bacteria that might be present in the water softener.
You can buy bleach solutions online or in local hardware stores. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Also, make sure that you wear gloves when handling the bleach.
It is also important to refer to the unit manual when using this method, as some manufacturers do not approve of using bleach.
If you want to clean a 9-inch tank, you will need to place one cup of bleach in the brine tank.
However, if you are working with a 12-inch tank, then 2 cups is the recommended amount.
When the bleach has been added, close the tank and activate the manual regeneration cycle.
During this time, you should not drink from the taps, as the water could still contain traces of the bleach.
Instead, you will need to wait until the regeneration cycle has finished.
Tip Four: Remove Salt Bridges
Salt bridges occur when there is too much salt in the system. In these situations, the salt begins to form structures called bridges, which can block the water softener.
This can also result in the illusion of a full brine tank, which is why you need to be wary of buildup.
Fortunately, the residue can be easily removed with a stick or shovel.
Because of this, you should make a habit of checking the brine tank for bridges, especially if the tank remains full for long periods of time.
When the salt is allowed to sit for a long time it begins to form bridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you understand how to clean your water softener, let’s take a look at some of your burning questions:
Can You Use Other Products Instead Of Bleach?
Of course! If you don’t want to use bleach, then you can substitute the product for another acidic liquid.
For example, many people prefer to use vinegar as a safe alternative to harmful chemicals.
Just follow the same method used for the bleach cycle but with vinegar instead. You can also use vinegar to scrub the inside of the tank during a deep clean.
How Often Should You Clean A Water Softener?
The frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, including the type of water softener that you have installed.
Some systems require less maintenance than others.
However, most experts recommend that you perform regular checks on your water softener every six months.
If you notice mold or something strange, then you will need to check the softener and see if it needs cleaning.
Conclusion
Water softening is an essential part of home plumbing. It helps prevent damage to pipes and appliances while making drinking water easier to manage.
We hope that this article helped you learn about how to clean your water filter. We wish you good luck and happy plumbing!
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Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. Are you unsure what forced air heating is and want to know more? Perhaps you have heard others talking about it and want more information? Whatever reason brought you here today, we have the answers for you! […]
Are you unsure what forced air heating is and want to know more? Perhaps you have heard others talking about it and want more information? Whatever reason brought you here today, we have the answers for you!
We know how tricky it can be to navigate the world of heating, especially when it comes to forced-air heating. Everyone seems to have a different answer, leaving you even more confused than when you first started looking!
Well, no more. Today, we are here with the answers that you need. Just keep reading to find out what forced air heating is and everything else you need to know about it.
Table of Contents
What Is Forced Air Heating?
Forced air heating is a system that circulates cold air in an enclosed space, like a living room or bedroom. It’s designed to provide comfortable temperatures while minimizing your energy bill. As its name implies, the system forces warm air into a closed area by blowing heated air with a blower fan.
This process creates convective cooling, which draws warm air from high areas toward the ceiling and lowers walls, allowing cooler air to move into those spaces.
Most forced-air heating systems use one central unit that heats all of the connected spaces at once. Sometimes these units are called “zone controllers” because they control each separate area individually.
Types Of Forced Air Heating Systems
There are two types of forced air heating: baseboard and radiant. Baseboard systems work similarly to traditional electric heating coils. They usually use a blower fan, heating element, and timer for controlling the flow of hot air.
Radiant systems work differently than other methods. Instead of circulating room heaters throughout a building, radiant systems create a small amount of constant heat via a series of tubes.
These tubes distribute warmth evenly across large areas. Radiant systems are often used for whole buildings rather than individual rooms.
Forced air heat also can be divided into three different styles depending on their operation: wall-mounted, portable pedestal (also known as a wall mount), and floor standing. In general, wall-mounted systems are more expensive than other varieties.
Wall Mounted Systems
Wall-mounted systems consist of an enclosure box that holds the components. Most include a blower fan, thermostat, ducting, and register. Wall-mounted systems tend to come with prewired wiring since it makes installation easier.
Portable Pedestal Systems
These systems operate exactly like wall-mounted units except that they’re larger and heavier. Portable pedestals often have wheels attached so they can easily be moved around.
Floors Standing Systems
Floor standing systems rely on the same technology as radiant systems, but they’re built to sit directly on the floor.
Some manufacturers offer versions that float on top of the ground when not in use. Floats usually have special insulation properties and are constructed using lightweight materials.
Benefits Of Forced Air Heat
The most obvious benefit is comfort; you’ll feel warmer during winter cold snaps.
You’ll also save money on utilities like electricity or gas because you won’t need as much to keep your house comfortable. For this reason, many families choose to upgrade to forced-air heating.
The benefits of forced air heat are numerous. If you think about it, why wouldn’t you want to pay less for heating? If you still have doubts, here are several reasons why forced air heating is a better choice:
1. Energy Efficiency
When you use forced air heating instead of traditional heating methods, you’ll reduce energy consumption.
This means you’ll spend less on utility bills and avoid wasting resources. It’s especially beneficial if you don’t currently have a furnace in your home.
Installing forced air heating will allow you to retrofit your existing system without tearing up your floors, walls, ceilings, or paintwork.
2. Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
You might not realize how bad your air quality has become until you install forced air heat. An inadequate supply of fresh air combined with chemical fumes from furniture polish or pet odors can contribute to health problems such as asthma attacks or allergies.
With forced-air heating, you eliminate any risk of breathing those harmful chemicals by providing ample ventilation through your vents.
3. No Maintenance Costs
If your home doesn’t already have forced air heating installed, you’re going to incur increased expenses over time. Because your current unit isn’t compatible with new technologies, replacement parts will require additional investments.
On the contrary, forcing air requires little maintenance at all, which means you’re free to focus on your career rather than spending four hours per week cleaning and repairing mechanical equipment.
A forced-air heating system will last longer too, offering you savings in the long run.
4. Safety And Security
Forced air heating eliminates the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide builds up inside homes where there are no chimneys or combustion sources, such as furnaces and wood stoves.
Many studies show that CO causes thousands of deaths across the country each year.
It kills more people than car accidents, alcohol abuse, drug overdoses, suicides, and murders combined.
To protect yourself and your loved ones, make sure your home has an exhaust vent that empties into the outside through the roof. By doing so, you’ll prevent the build-up of dangerous fumes while keeping smoke out of your windows.
5. Convenience
Forced air heating makes life easier. Instead of waiting three to seven minutes for your water heater to heat your entire home, you’ll instantly be warm when you arrive home after work.
And since fans move air quickly throughout the house, you won’t experience overheating as you would in a room without proper circulation. As a result, you’re able to stay comfortably cool even during the hottest months of summer.
6. Lower Cost Of Ownership
Even though you’ll end up paying $600-$10,000 or more for forced-air heating equipment, you’ll save hundreds of dollars every year once you factor in the lower operating cost.
For example, the average gas furnace uses roughly 75 gallons of fuel per month compared to 100 gallons of oil used per month by other models.
That’s 10 times the amount! Plus, modern systems feature variable speed blowers and thermostats that automatically adjust according to changing conditions, so they can save you money on utility bills.
7. Longer Lifespan
Thanks to continuous airflow and high-efficiency systems, forced-air heating lasts much longer than traditional heaters. If properly maintained, most units can last 25 years or more before needing repair or replacement.
Additionally, because your furnace doesn’t emit any toxic gasses or cause damage to indoor materials, your forced air heating system will never need repairs or replacement, unlike conventional furnaces.
Finally, forced air heating also offers energy conservation features, making them eligible for government rebates and tax credits.
8. The Right Choice For Your Lifestyle
If you’re looking for home comfort year-round, consider investing in a central air conditioning system designed specifically for your home. These systems provide consistent temperature regulation in rooms where AC isn’t practical.
For example, if you live in a single-family home with limited space between rooms, then choosing a ductless HVAC system will keep you comfortable all year long.
On the other hand, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, you might want to consider a condensing unit that draws outdoor air through the cooling coil instead of forcing hot, stale air from the basement straight back upstairs.
Regardless of which option you choose, remember to follow manufacturer instructions carefully and hire a professional installer who specializes in forced-air heating and cooling systems.
10. Quiet Operation
When it comes to enjoying your home as well as the environment around you, quiet machinery is key. While newer models are much quieter than their predecessors, many older homes don’t offer enough insulation to naturally reduce noise levels.
With that said, few of today’s forced-air heating systems operate at 50 decibels or higher—which is the threshold required to keep noise levels low.
As a result, your neighbors may have no idea that you’ve installed a new piece of technology under your kitchen sink or attic.
To make sure that your system remains completely out of sight, try installing it near an exterior wall or behind some furniture. Or, if privacy is necessary, you could install one inside a closet or bathroom.
How Reliable Is Forced Air Heating?
A reliable heating system runs smoothly throughout the entire season without having to be turned off during extreme weather conditions.
There are three main aspects to this:
1. Performance
Your system should perform consistently throughout each day, week, month, and even season. In addition, it should continue working when the power goes out due to a storm or other issues.
2. Warranty
You purchased your furnace and HVAC system expecting it to work as brand-name products do. Unfortunately, there are several common problems homeowners face every season and year, such as malfunctioning registers or broken components.
The best way to avoid these situations is with a comprehensive warranty. Warranties typically cover the whole system, including the parts and labor costs involved in repairing any of its components.
3. Installation
Installing a forced-air heating/cooling system can seem intimidating, but most people can do it themselves with proper instruction.
If you choose this route, however, make sure that qualified professionals install your heater and ensure that your system is properly sized according to local building codes.
Conclusion
Forced heating systems are designed for comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency. If you’re considering adding one to your home or business, our guide above has all the information you’ll need about benefits and installation options.
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Gutter Guards: Are They Bad in Winter? Find Out If They Will Cause or Prevent Ice Dams Here!
Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. Gutters are an important part of your home’s drainage system. If you have gutters, they will help prevent water from accumulating on your roof and causing leaks. However, gutters can cause problems of their own at certain […]
Gutters are an important part of your home’s drainage system. If you have gutters, they will help prevent water from accumulating on your roof and causing leaks.
However, gutters can cause problems of their own at certain times of the year.
If you’ve ever had to climb up onto your roof and remove blockages of dead leaves and other debris from your guttering, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.
To prevent this kind of situation, many homeowners choose to install gutter guards. Unfortunately, this system is not free from complications, especially in winter.
If you’re using gutter guards in an area with a lot of snowfall, they can cause snow build-ups and ice dams, which may lead to damage to your roof and guttering.
So, does this mean gutter guards are inherently bad in winter? Not necessarily.
We will be outlining the potential issues with using gutter guards in winter and how to circumvent them in this short guide.
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Which Gutter Guards are Bad in Winter?
Some gutter guards may increase your risk of developing ice dams on your roof or gutters, but there are gutter guards you can install that will actually prevent ice dams.
The kinds of gutter guards you definitely don’t want to use in winter if you get a lot of ice and snow are flat gutter guards and gutter guards with minimal inclines.
These guards will encourage snow and ice to accumulate instead of melting and dispersing quickly, and this is what leads to dams.
If you need to use gutter guards during the winter months, we recommend using gutter guards with holes that are large enough to let pieces of ice fall through into the gutter.
This way, the ice and snow won’t build up on top of the guttering and will instead melt and drain away.
Of course, if you live in an area that doesn’t experience much (or any) snowfall, this isn’t something you need to put much thought into.
The problem with gutter guards in winter is limited to regions where snow and ice are a common occurrence during this season.
Installing gutter guards in winter requires a bit of planning ahead. You’ll need to know when it’s going to start snowing before you begin installing these guards.
You can predict this by keeping track of the weather forecast, but it’s still not too late to install snow-friendly gutter guards after the first snowfall of the year – you’ll just need to be sure to exercise extra care if your roof is slippery due to snow and ice.
It might be best to hire a professional to conduct the installation in these cases.
Do Gutter Guards Prevent Ice Dams?
There is a common belief that gutter guards cause ice dams, but this isn’t always the case.
While certain poorly-designed gutter guards (flat ones, for example), may cause ice and snow to accumulate and ultimately block or cause damage to your guttering, other factors also contribute to this issue.
One leading cause of ice dams on gutters is actually poor ventilation in your attic.
Many people mistakenly think that choosing the right gutter guards will 100% prevent ice from building up, but this is usually not the case if you have a lot of snowfall in your area.
In addition to guttering with ice-friendly gutter guards, you will need to install radiant roof heating and maybe also a de-icing system.
Most of the time, snow melts fairly quickly if there is proper heating coming from a home’s attic space.
Therefore, if you have ice dams on your guttering, don’t be so quick to blame your gutter guards entirely. It’s possible that you need to put some work into ventilating and heating your attic.
How to Stop Ice Dams Forming on Gutter Guards
One of the easiest ways to stop ice from accumulating on top of your gutter guards or in your guttering is to install some heating cables directly inside the gutters.
This is helpful for a fairly straightforward reason: when ice falls onto your gutter guards, the heat from the heating cables in the gutter radiates upwards (remember, heat rises) and melts the ice quicker.
When combined with gutter guards that slope downwards, this method of preventing ice dams is very effective.
Sloping gutter guards allow the ice to fall off or into the gutter even if it doesn’t melt immediately, so you probably won’t end up with any significant accumulations.
It’s important to note that if you’re going to install heated cables in your guttering, you shouldn’t attempt the process yourself (unless, of course, you’re a qualified electrician).
It’s always best to call a professional who has had a lot of experience fitting heated cables for your own safety and the safety of your home.
Protecting Your Gutter Guards in Winter
If you want to ensure that your gutter guards are safe and functional throughout the winter, you will need to start the maintenance process in the fall.
The most basic form of autumn maintenance for gutter guards is sweeping any leaves off the top of the guards as well as removing leaves from the gutters themselves, if any have fallen through.
During the fall months, leaves are falling from trees and being blown all over the place by stronger winds, so you will have a higher risk of blockages in and on top of your gutters.
If this isn’t cleared out before winter, the snow and ice won’t be able to drain away as effectively, so even if you use sloped gutter guards, you might end up with ice dams.
You should also make sure that all the gutters and downspouts are clear of debris such as twigs, dirt, and mud.
Dirty rainwater can leave residue in your gutters, which may build up over time and make it more difficult for water, including that from melted snow and ice, to drain.
You can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment to clean out the gutters on a regular basis, but especially during the few months leading up to winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gutter Guards A Waste Of Money?
Gutter guards are not a waste of money unless you buy badly-constructed, flat gutter guards with small holes that make it difficult or impossible for debris, ice, and snow to disperse.
As long as you purchase gutter guards that are suitable for all seasons, including winter, and pair them with proper heating both from inside your attic and from heat cables in your gutters, your gutter guards will be worth the money, even in icy conditions.
Should I Remove Gutter Guards In The Winter?
If you get gutter guards with large holes that also slope downwards, and if you pay a professional to install the required heating systems, you won’t need to remove your gutter guards in the winter seasons.
However, if your gutter guards are flat or only have tiny holes for water to drain through, it’s best to remove your gutter guards before winter comes and replace them with guards that are more suitable for snow and ice.
If you don’t live in one of the colder climates that get a lot of snow and ice during the winter, then there’s no need to remove your gutter guards at all – just make sure to clean your guttering regularly with a hose or a roof rake to prevent buildups of debris and impeded water flow.
Do Gutter Guards Increase Home Value?
Things like clogged or faulty guttering can significantly decrease your home value because the guttering will need to be fixed before or after purchase.
For this reason, installing snow-friendly, sloping gutter guards with large holes can increase your home’s value.
Allowing snow to melt and drain properly will prevent the damage caused by ice dams, so you won’t have to deal with broken gutters and a leaking roof when trying to sell your home.
If you want to increase your home value even more, install a heat cable that runs through the entire gutter to speed up the ice melting process.
This will benefit any future owners of your home by preventing long-term damage from the weight of snow and ice and will mean it can be sold for a higher price.
Final Thoughts
If you live in an area where winters are particularly harsh, then you’ll definitely want to invest in a few preventative measures to keep your gutters functional and damage-free.
The best way to reduce issues with gutter guards during the winter is to choose sloping guards with larger holes and pair them with attic heating and ventilation as well as heat cables.
Make sure to check your gutters frequently throughout the year, and clean them out whenever necessary.
If you notice any problems, contact a professional who is familiar with cold-weather issues.
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How Can You Remove A Kitchen Faucet Handle Without A Screw?
Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. Are you having issues with your kitchen faucet? Perhaps you need to remove a faulty filter within your faucet, or you just simply want to remove the handle so you can clean the inside of your faucet. […]
Are you having issues with your kitchen faucet? Perhaps you need to remove a faulty filter within your faucet, or you just simply want to remove the handle so you can clean the inside of your faucet.
Nowadays, most kitchen faucets have no visible screws, which can make it trickier when attempting to remove the handle.
To fix any problem you’re having with your kitchen faucet, you’ll need to remove the handle.
Taking off a faucet handle without a screw can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before.
But this doesn’t need to be a job for your plumber, with some simple instructions and a few tools you should have laying around, even someone with no experience with faucets can remove a handle with no visible screws with ease.
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How Do You Unscrew A Faucet Handle?
It’s worth mentioning that not all faucet handles will remove the same way, whilst we’ve outlined a simple and effective method, this may not work for every faucet.
You’ll need a few common tools for this method.
A pair of pliers
A flat-head screwdriver
An allen wrench
A standard cloth
An adjustable wrench
A handle puller set
Distilled white vinegar
Once you have all these tools, you should follow these directions to successfully remove the faucet handle.
Make Sure The Water Is Turned Off
Regardless of the problem you are having with the faucet, the first thing you should do is to turn the water off.
This can be done by turning off the two shutoff valves found underneath your sink. If you don’t want to do that, then you can always shut off the main water supply to your home.
To close the shutoff valves you turn the handles clockwise until they cannot turn any further.
After you have done this, you can test to see if the water is shut off by turning the faucet handles and seeing if any water flows.
In doing this, you allow any remaining water in the faucet to be drained and this releases any pressure trapped in the line.
If water is still dripping from the faucet after closing the valves, then they could either be worn out or faulty.
In this case you’ll want to consider replacing your shutoff valves whilst you’re replacing your faucet.
Remove The Button or Cap On The Top Of Your Faucet
Most faucets aren’t really screwless, most have a button or decorative cap hiding the screws but some faucets don’t come with buttons or caps. If your faucet has a button or a cap then this step is essential.
Use a flat head screwdriver to try to pry it off, try to work it around the button or cap and slowly lift as you go, make sure you are being cautious as they are typically easy to break.
You may have to do some inspecting to find the button or cap, it is usually found on top of the faucet handle, but sometimes it can be located on the side.
After doing this you should see an invisible set screw underneath.
Remove The Hidden Screw
Make sure the drain is covered before you remove the set screw, it’s super easy to lose a small screw down the drain and even harder trying to get it back out and if you lose the screw you won’t be able to tighten your kitchen faucet.
By using the allen wrench or spanner, remove the screw.
Remove The Faucet Handle
Once the screw has been removed you can gently lift the handle of the faucet up to remove it.
You may need a faucet handle puller if you have one lying around or a pair of pliers will do.
Pliers may scratch and damage your faucets finish, so make sure to use an old cloth between the pliers to avoid scratching your faucet.
Rinse Off Any Mineral Deposits
After removing the handle you may spot mineral deposits. You should use some distilled white vinegar to remove this, as it will make removal in the future easier and protect your faucet from any leaks or damage.
Whilst doing this you should inspect your faucet for any faults, if the faucet cartridge is broken then you will need to replace it.
Replacing a faucet cartridge may sound difficult, but it is quite straightforward and cartridges can be found at most local plumbing stores, hardware stores and home centers.
If you are replacing your cartridge, then keep in mind that most faucets are different which will mean you’ll have different parts to your faucet, so take the faulty piece along with you to ensure you get a perfect match.
The process of replacing the faucet cartridge includes:
Removing the retaining nut
Removing the retaining clip
Removing the O-ring
Removing the cartridge
Once you have replaced the cartridge (if necessary), cleaned any mineral deposits and fixed any other issues with your faucet, you’ll need to do this whole procedure in reverse to ensure everything is reassembled.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to remove a faucet handle with no screws.
If you were a novice to this, hopefully now it doesn’t seem too daunting, and with the newfound knowledge you have, you should be able to DIY many plumbing related problems you may have without having to enlist the help of a plumber.
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What Are The Best Kitchen Sinks? Buyer’s Guide & Reviews
Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. Meta – Water wheels have been used since ancient times, but now they’re used as a decorative feature. Which one is the best and how can you determine which is right for you? The Best Pond Water […]
Meta – Water wheels have been used since ancient times, but now they’re used as a decorative feature. Which one is the best and how can you determine which is right for you?
Table of Contents
The Best Pond Water Wheel
Back in the day, you would find water wheels being used as a source of power generation. We no longer need to rely on this and instead use water wheels as a fabulous item for decoration, especially in our backyard ponds. Not only do they make incredible decorations they are also beneficial for fish ponds. Today, we are going to explore the various types of water wheels as well reviewing existing water wheels.
Water Wheel Functions Outside of Decoration
Water wheels have been around as far back as ancient times and have been used as a way to generate power from flowing water. They were often used as watermills. These giant wooden wheels are made up of steps, buckets, or blades that collect the water and generate power through the rotation of the wheel. More often than not, water wheels are set up vertically, but they can also be made to function on a horizontal axis as well. The power is generated via flowing water The water is sent through a gear or axle that is found at the wheel’s center. This is then turned into electricity through the generator.
For centuries, these contraptions were used as power generators, but now they have been substituted with much more fuel-efficient water turbines. Because of this, most water wheels, mostly in ponds, are now made to be used as decor. Now, these wonderful devices help to add movement and life to your garden. However, as well as functioning as decoration, water wheels are in fact beneficial in other ways. These benefits include increasing oxygenation and aeration. While the wheel moves continually through the water it makes more flow and produces additional oxygen and nutrients within the pond.
There are still scenarios where water wheels can be used to generate power such as powering pumps with low wattage. However, there are downsides to this. For example, they rely on the constant flow of water which means that some wheels may need to be maintained as well as certain parts needing replacement such as the bearings. If you’re looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly power source, consider wind power or solar power. These are far more reliable and can also provide more power for higher wattage items. On the other hand, water wheels are still excellent for pond decoration and the extra benefits are fantastic for those who have fish ponds.
Pond Water Wheel Benefits
Oxygenation and Aeration
When the water wheels move they help to spread additional oxygen and nutrients throughout the pond. This is great for people who have goldfish, koi, or other types of living fish within their ponds. As well as this, the extra aeration can also help to make filtration better. The good bacteria within pond water systems have lots of dissipated oxygen that aids in breaking down any dangerous contaminants within the pond.
Prevents Algae and Pests
Lots of insects that rely on biting as their method of consumption (eg. mosquitoes) prefer to lay their eggs in stagnant water. Adding a water wheel to your pond will deter these insects as water wheels disturb the stillness of the water. On top of this, algae also prosper in slow-moving and still water conditions. When water wheels provide aeration to the pond, this will slow the growth of algae, especially in summer. Make sure to maintain the water well in order to further prevent these occurrences.
Fantastic Decoration
Lastly, because water wheels hold such a distinct place in history, they look amazing as decorative items in your garden and ponds. These contraptions are fading out of the modern world and having a water wheel as part of your garden decoration plays a tribute to the mechanism that changed the industrial world.
How Do They Work And Which Are Best For Your Pond?
There are plenty of various types of water wheels, the ones most commonly found in America and western Europe are the vertical water wheels. As discussed earlier, water wheels are all powered by the flow of water. The only difference between different types of water wheels is how the water actually passes through them in order to make them move.
When looking specifically at pond water wheels, you will find undershot and overshot water wheels are the two most common distinctions. However, other sub-types are available, but overshot and undershot water wheels are designed more specifically with garden ponds in mind. This is because they are easily powered by slower water flows and are also easier to construct.
Undershot Water Wheels
These water wheels are designs that have been used for a long time. The blades sit flat in comparison to the overshot water wheels that use buckets. Undershot water wheels rely on the natural current within your pond. The blades move through the water underneath them. Undershot water wheels work best if they are placed in the part of your pond that has the strongest current. This is usually in front of a waterfall or in front of your pond water pump. This option is great as a decorative item. However, due to the process of installation combined with the fact that they don’t rely on overhead water flow, they are actually quite an inefficient design. So, this may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a water wheel that has a lot of movement.
Overshot Water Wheels
These water wheels are another common option to consider. Its design is a little more efficient than that of its undershot counterpart. However, they are a little more complicated to install and do require a little more effort to get moving. Overshot water wheels can actually have an efficiency of up to 80% depending on the design that you choose. Typically with overshot water wheels, the diameter and height of the water wheel will dictate the movement of water. So, the larger the wheel you buy, the more efficient it will be for power generation. But, if you’re looking at an overshot water wheel purely as a source of decoration, then this is a great option. Overshot water wheels will provide you with a decent amount of movement, especially when installed with a water pump of high quality and a good flow rate. You will find that the majority of water wheels are overshot due to the fact that they are easier to move once installed.
Which Pond Pump Is Best For A Water Wheel?
When it comes to undershot water wheels, you will find that a submersible pond pump is the best option. This is because they can be put exactly in line with the blades of the wheel. This also means that you have a lot of choices when it comes to placing your water wheel as the pump can go wherever you need it to. This pump doesn’t require large head heights as the water wheel functions because of water flow. So, all the pump will need is enough GPH (gallons per hour) to keep the wheel rotating. If the water wheel you wish to get is much smaller, then you could actually use a solar-powered water pump. These are good enough to power an undershot water wheel in summer and spring. Solar-powered pumps are also a great money saver as it relies on renewable energy to power them.
If you’re considering an overshot water wheel or other large water wheels, then solar-powered water pumps may not do the job. For overshot water wheels, the water flow will need to come from the top of the wheel. These types of water wheels are best accompanied by a top-quality submersible water pump or an external water pump. These will help to ensure that higher head heights are accounted for. In order to find out what pump size you require will depend on the water wheel height and the water flow that is required in order to move the blades. So, for a wheel that is 1 foot in height, you would need 200 GPH for water flow. Therefore, you would need a pond water pump that provided the correct amount of gallons per hour of water pressure in order to move the water wheel. In this case, an external water pump may actually provide too high of a GPH and therefore a submersible pump would be the best option here. But, if you’re looking to purchase a water wheel that is 5 feet tall, this would need 500 GPH and potentially even more. Here, an external pump would be your best bet in order to provide enough water pressure.
Generally, within this article, small submersible water pumps and various solar-powered pond pumps will suffice enough to get the water wheels moving. For those water wheels that are up to around 25” in diameter, garden hoses will actually be sufficient enough to get the wheel moving.
Water Wheels – FAQs
Q: Should I purchase a water wheel kit or DIY it?
For those of you that are confident in your DIY knowledge and abilities for this project, then making your own water wheel to your own specifications may actually be a rewarding and fun experience. Water wheel designs have expanded and changed over the years, but the basic concept of construction hasn’t changed too much. These basic fundamentals include the wooden wheel itself, the blades and support, and the axis with the correct bearings. Though, if you have never built a wheel before then there are several step-by-step instruction books that go into detail about the DIY process. You will often find that the steps covered in these books can also be translated into the creation of smaller or larger water wheels as well.
There are some disadvantages to making your own water wheel. One of these is the time it takes to build them. On top of this, building your own water wheel usually means that the end product isn’t as efficient as one that you could buy. By getting a wheel or water wheel kit from a seller that specializes in them you can be sure that your wheel will be efficient and optimized enough to suit your needs. Most of the time you will find that pre-made wheels come with a warranty that covers any accidental damage for that time period. If you still like the idea of creating your own water wheel, you could buy the parts needed from separate suppliers and then put them together yourself rather than constructing your own pieces.
However, if you’re not set on creating your own wheel and are just looking for something that functions well, then you can pick up your own water wheel or water wheel kit.
Q: Can you run a water wheel without a water pump?
If your pond already has a pump that provides a waterfall or filtering system and it is giving enough water flow, then an undershot water wheel can be placed in line with the pump that already exists. However, we do recommend purchasing a pump dedicated purely to running a larger wheel. But, if the water wheel you’ve purchased is small in design, then you can place this where the strongest current is and see if this works. The majority of suppliers who make wooden water wheels try to ensure that their designs are optimized for lower water flows instead of generating power. So, you may find that your water wheel will rotate even in areas with small water flows.
If you have a water wheel that is a lot larger or an overshot water wheel, then you will probably need to get a water pump that is dedicated purely to that wheel. This is so you can make sure that you get enough water flow to get it moving. For this, you can purchase or design the wooden framework and then install the water spout onto it.
Q: Can I use a water wheel if my pond has fish in it?
Typically, water wheels can be safe for ponds with fish in them, they can actually be quite useful due to the fact that they give extra aeration and oxygenation to the water. There can be an issue with water wheels, usually undershot water wheels, depending on how deep you place it into the water. Placing the water wheel too deep into the pond may result in fish getting stuck as the blades pass the bottom. Fish, especially koi and goldfish, are quite curious creatures and you will probably notice that they will check out the bottom of the wheel that is in the water. So, you will need to ensure you install the water wheel at an appropriate height within the water. As well as this, you need to make sure that the water wheel is made from safe materials. The wheel will need to be coated with a coating that is non-toxic in order to stop it from bleeding into the pond water.
You will be able to fully control what materials and coatings you use on your water wheel if you choose to make it yourself. Make sure to find a wood coating that is natural, such as soybean oil. You must also ensure that the bearings you use don’y have any oil that are harmful or can damage the life within your pond.
It important that you make sure that the bearings on your water wheel contain absolutely no oils whatsoever. If you’re bearings contain this oil then it can cause harm to your fish and other pondlife. If you have purchased a water wheel that has bearing with toxic coatings, then you can contact the manufacturer and ask if they can send you replacement bearings without this coating. Bearings without any oil coating will probably need to be replaced every so often due to rusting, but it is worth it to keep your fish and pondlife healthy.
Best Pond Water Wheels
Here, we have covered some of the best water wheels on the market. All of these have been gathered together because of high build quality, materials, and affordability. Within this list you will be able to find water wheels as well as basic wheel kits. All of these are great choices for decorative usage as well as making great water features.
This water wheel is 12” in diameter and is a fantastic choice for people who are trying out water wheels for the first time. It is handmade from pinewood. This is a standard overshot water wheel, because of this, it will require a steady water flow from above the wheel in order for it to rotate correctly. The water that hits the wheel will then flow through the blades which will activate the axle causing it to spin.
In order to gain a decent flow rate so that the wheel turns at a good rate then it is recommended that you get a water pump with around 50-100GPH to accompany this product. Due to this water wheel being quite small in size it will not need a lot of water flow in order for it to turn. If you have too much water flowing into it then it may actually cause the water to overflow meaning that it will not achieve efficient rotation. You will find that this small wheel will turn fine even using small solar-powered pumps. Even your garden hose would do the trick!
The water wheel also comes with a support frame so that you won’t need to create your own. This support frame will help keep the wheel in place. This wheel is best suited for decorative purposes so you can keep it still or use a pump so that it rotates, the choice is yours. However, you can’t use it for producing energy.
Lastly, this wheel is great for ponds with fish and other pondlife in them due to the bearings which are free from any oil coatings. All in all, this water wheel is fabulous for those looking for an adorable pond decorative item.
Grabbing yourself a much larger pond water wheel than the one above will add a lot of flair to your garden which is bound to impress your friends and family. This amish-made wooden water wheel is an incredible addition to any garden. This wheel comes in three different sizes, small (14.25” diameter), medium (22” diameter), and large (29.5” diameter).
These water wheels are hand crafted and can also come in different colors and patterns too! You can also rest easy knowing that all of these water wheels are naturally made and are non-toxic. The wood material is coated with soy bean extract with is a natural and safe oil. This extract helps to prevent moisture from soaking in and damaging the wood, so this water wheel should last you a long time. Because of the natural manufacturing of this handmade water wheel, it will be entirely safe to use in ponds with fish.
This wheel is made using the overshot design and that means it will need a flow of water coming from the top of the wheel in order for it to rotate correctly. If you are purchasing the smaller sized wheel then you can use a simple garden hose or a solar-powered pump, you can even use a submersible pump if you’d like. All of these options are valid for the smaller wheel. The largest wheel size will need you to use a stranger water pump in order for the higher water pressures that are needed to be maintained. Approximately, you will need a pump that has a range of 400-600 GPH. This will ensure a smooth rotation of the wheel.
The water wheel does come with bearings included. These bearings have a zinc plated seal which ensures maximum durability and will not need to be greased or oiled. Remember, greasing and oiling your bearings can prove hazardous to your pondlife. Even though the bearings do have a durable and long lasting life span, you will need to replace them every few years just to make sure you are maintaining the functionality of the water wheel as best you can.
This pond water wheel doesn’t come with its own mounting frame, so the choice is yours where and how you would like to mount it. All in all, this water wheel is a fantastic choice especially due to the many options of aesthetic and sizes available to you. There are options for those of you with small or large gardens. It is a fabulous choice for anyone who is looking for a pond water wheel that will last them many years.
This water wheel is hand-craften by a local Amish carpenter in Pennsylvania. The wooden water wheel comes complete with a cold-rolled steel axle and sealed wheel bearings. All bearings, screws, and fasteners are yellow zinc coated. This coating is completely non-toxic and does not run the risk of harming your fish or other pondlife within your pond eco-system. You will be entirely overwhelmed by yesteryear when this water wheel is installed into your stream. It is entirely reminiscent of the water wheels used in ancient times and will give your garden a timeless feel.
Each water wheel that is purchased from this seller is completely individual due to the wood that is used and the fact that they are handmade. Each piece of wood that is used as its own knots and natural blemishes that make it individual to the buyer. These natural variations ensure that no two water wheels are the same.
This water wheel is best used as decoration and will not be able to be used as a source for generating power. The water wheel moves freely around its stationary axle and can be powered using a solar-powered or submersible water pump with a reasonal water flow. This water wheel in particular is an overshot water wheel that will require a water flow source from above.
This Amish crafted water wheel comes in three different sizes, small (15” diameter), medium (30” diameter), and large (36” diameter). The larger the diameter of the water wheel, the more water flow it will need so make sure you consider this when purchasing a water pump. There is also the option to personalize your water wheel. You can choose which stain color you would prefer. There are nine options to choose from: unfinished, natural, cedar, redwood, oak, mushroom, walnut, gray, and linden leaf. So, you are always guaranteed to find a stain that matches the decoration choices you have already made within your garden.
If you do choose to have your water wheel unstained, you need to ensure that you stain it on your own. This means that you can choose whatever color stain that you like, freeing up even more possibilities. Wooden products that are left unsealed are very susceptible to water and humidity damage. Unless you are able to stain or find the proper weather-safe storage for your water wheel, then it is best not to buy and unstained version.
All in all, this water wheel is an excellent choice for those who want a traditional option for their pond. It is extremely beautiful and will leave your visitors in awe.
Conclusion
The addition of a water wheel to your garden pond is bound to liven up the area without a problem. There are many things to consider when it comes to choosing the best water wheel for you as well as the correct water pump to keep the water wheel rotating.
Always be aware of the type of water wheel you are purchasing, make sure you know whether it is overshot or undershot so you can determine where the water flow will need to come from. As well as this, make sure that if you are purchasing a water wheel that is over 12” in diameter, that you have a strong enough water pump to keep it rotating. As well as this, you need to make sure that there are no toxic coatings on the wheel, especially if you have pond life.
We hope that this guide has helped you discover what the best water wheel is for you and your garden pond. Enjoy!
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Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. Fish tanks are great for keeping tropical fish or other aquatic animals. They come in various shapes and sizes, from simple aquariums to elaborate systems with multiple levels. Fish tanks are usually built out of glass, plastic […]
The Fluval Chi is an excellent choice for anyone who wants an aquarium with a fun new addition of a waterfall.
Not only does the waterfall keep the water moving and give your fish somewhere to play, but it also adds a sense of elegance to your room decor.
The tank is in the shape of a cube and comes with the waterfall attachment as well as an LED light, filter, and even more accessories!
You’ll be getting all you need to set up your own tank with this aquarium kit.
This tank is 5 gallons, which is a great size for beginners who just want to test the waters within fishkeeping to see if it’s the right hobby for them.
Overall, this tank is excellent for anyone who doesn’t want their tank to take up too much space in their home.
You can keep a few smaller fish within this tank and they’ll be very happy. Don’t forget to add some plants, too!
Pros
Comes with some accessories to help set your tank up.
7600K LED light with temperature controls.
Effective filter included.
Fun waterfall to make your tank stand out from the rest.
Cons
The waterfall might not be the best to keep plants with.
If you’re worried about your fish tank fitting into your modern interior design, look no further from this tank.
The compact design will fit on any shelf or table, and the edgeless design gives it a much more aesthetically pleasing finish.
This tank comes with a 6500K LED light which can leave you with shimmering light dancing all around the room, enhancing your design.
The filter is also high quality and can improve water conditions in terms of chemical, mechanical, and biological levels.
You can choose between two sizes for this tank – 6 and 12 gallons.
The larger tank looks slightly different from the smaller, but it will still fit perfectly into a modern room.
Pros
Edgeless design makes the tank more aesthetically pleasing.
LED light with touch button.
Fits a wide range of modern interiors.
Cons
Not the easiest tank to clean and maintain.
Fish Tank Buyers Guide: Things To Consider
Now that you’ve seen our top recommendations for fish tanks, you should have a better idea of how to find the best tank for you.
But why take our word on these tanks?
While we believe that they are the best, you might need something different.
So, for this reason, we have made a buyer’s guide for you to use.
Here we have the most important factors to look for when choosing your fish tank.
Keep these factors in mind when shopping for your fish tank to ensure that you get a high-quality tank that suits the needs of you and your fish.
Materials
There are two main materials that a fish tank can be made out of – either glass or acrylic.
Both have their benefits and drawbacks, so let’s go through these now to see which would better suit your needs.
Glass Fish Tanks
Glass is the more traditional material of a fish tank and it is heavier, so these tanks can be a pain to move around.
However, glass is non-porous and therefore does not change color or get cloudy overtime.
Glass is also resistant to scratches and easy to clean.
Glass tanks allow you to see your fish clearly and don’t require updating too often.
Acrylic Fish Tanks
On the other hand, acrylic fish tanks are much lighter to move around.
However, constant exposure to water will make the acrylic tank brittle and cloudy over time.
This means that the tank will need to be replaced much quicker than a glass one would, at least if you wanted to be able to see your fish through it!
Size Of Tank
The size of your fish tank is incredibly important for both you and your fish.
Fish have a minimum amount of room that they require for their tank.
Smaller fish will need less space and therefore can get away with a smaller tank, but bigger fish need lots of swimming room.
Another thing to consider is overcrowding.
While you might think that a small tank is fine for your small fish, if you have a lot of them that need to share the space, then they’re going to fill the tank quickly and run out of room.
The larger your fish tank is, the more options you have for stocking your tank.
You will be able to choose from a larger variety of fish, as well as how many you want in your tank.
However, larger tanks also require more attention, equipment, and maintenance.
Smaller tanks are considered the best for beginners.
However, they are also limiting as they don’t allow for many fish to be kept within them.
Many nano tanks are very difficult to keep a stable water condition within and therefore end up killing the fish within.
So, the best size of tank for a beginner would be a medium-sized tank.
They are easier to control the water and therefore keep your fish alive, but they don’t require extra equipment or experience.
You also have more choice when it comes to stocking your tank.
Overall, for beginners, the best size of tank would be between 10 and 20 gallons. 10 gallon tanks will be good for bettas, shrimps, tetras, and other single species fish.
20 gallons would be best if you wanted to keep a mixture of fish within it as well as some plants.
If you already know what type of fish you want to keep, make sure that you check their tank requirements.
Some fish might look small at first glance, but require a lot of swimming room.
Additional Features
Many tanks come with added features that can enhance their appearance and make you more willing to buy them.
That’s because there are many things that you need to add to your fish tank in order to keep fish in it.
Unfortunately, it’s not enough just to have the tank for your fish to live.
You’ll need lights, a filter, and maybe a heater if you’re keeping tropical fish.
These can all quickly add up in the way of expenses, so choosing a tank that comes with some of them can be a great benefit.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common additional features seen in fish tank kits.
Filters
You can’t keep fish without a filtration system.
The filtration system removes waste products from the water and keeps it clean.
It also helps prevent algae growth and prevents bacteria from building up in your tank.
Filters are usually placed near the top of the tank, below the surface of the water.
Filters are essential to fish tanks and, despite what you might have read online, all fish need a filter within their tank.
Fish can’t live properly without one.
So, an added filter within your tank can be very appealing.
Just bear in mind that the filter that comes with your tank might not be the best quality.
You might have to purchase a separate one if you want a top of the range filtration system.
Either way, an added filter is a great additional feature for any beginner.
Lights
Again, not all people know that fish need lights in their tank.
Lights can help fish see and live their best life.
Some fish tanks come with integrated LED lights so that you can see your fish at all times of the day.
If you are keeping aquatic plants within your fish tank, an LED light might also be necessary to keep them alive.
If you’re wanting a fish tank with a light within it, look for one around 6000K.
This will be sufficient enough to keep your fish and plants happy.
Another thing you should look for, if you want an aquarium that already comes with a light built in, is day and night mode.
This will allow you to keep the settings as natural as possible for your fish so that they’re not over or underexposed to light.
Heaters
If you’re wanting to keep tropical fish, then you’re going to need a heater within your tank.
You can buy these separately, although some tanks do come with them already installed – which can be easier.
Some fish require warm water, such as Bettas, and the water needs to be regulated to remain constantly warm.
A heater is a less common addition to fish tanks that you’ll see on the market, but there are a few that do come with one.
If you’re planning on keeping tropical fish, this could be an excellent addition to your new tank.
Overall Cost
When choosing your new fish tank, price is certainly going to influence your decision of which to get.
Some tanks come with a much higher price point than others because they have added features.
However, if you do not need these added features, then you might find yourself paying for nothing.
Cheaper fish tanks tend to be smaller and come with average quality additional features.
However, these might be fine for a beginner.
Our advice would be to look on the cheaper side for your tank if you’re just starting to keep fish.
You can get a more expensive tank once you determine that you enjoy fish keeping.
However, if you know that you’re going to be keeping fish for many years to come, it might make more sense to make the investment now.
Now For The Fun Part: How To Decorate Your Fish Tank
You’ve decided what tank you’re going to get – woohoo!
Now you get to enjoy the decorating side of keeping fish (and isn’t this one of the best parts?).
When decorating your tank, you need to find a balance between what you want the tank to look like and how your fish needs it to be.
The first thing you need to do is research the type of fish you’re keeping and how they like to live.
Some fish like lots of places where they can hide, while others prefer lots of open space to swim freely.
Below we’ve come up with three tips on how to decorate your tank.
Keep our advice in mind while decorating, but the rest is up to you!
What’s Your Theme?
The theme of your fish tank is important when decorating your tank!
Some themes can be more intricate than others, such as pop culture themes.
Some of the most popular pop culture themes for fish tanks are Spongebob and Star Wars.
However, your theme could be more simple, such as natural woods or lots of greenery!
You can find plenty of decorations online or in your local pet store for fish tanks.
We recommend looking around as all of the different options can spark inspiration for your own tank!
You can be as creative or as simple as you want with your tank, as there will be a number of decorations to fit any theme that you could think of.
Start With A Strong Base
The base of your fish tank should be covered in a type of gravel or stone to stop the light reflecting off of the mirrored glass and blinding your fish.
Gravel is the most popular type of base for a fish tank, and you can get it in all different types of color or finish.
You could also use sand instead of gravel – some fish even prefer sand!
You should know what kind of base your fish like before setting their tank up thanks to your prior research.
So, choose the base that the fish you’re planning to keep will enjoy the most.
Add Some Greenery!
Plants are a great decoration for any fish tank.
They provide oxygen for your fish, help filter out waste, and add beauty to your home.
There are two main kinds of plants that you can put into your fish tank: floating plants and potted plants.
Floating plants grow in water and float around the top of the tank.
Hanging plants grow in soil and sway in the moving water.
When choosing the plants you want in your tank, it’s important that you use plants that are only compatible with the fish you’re planning to keep.
Some fish don’t like plants altogether, so keep them away from these fish.
Some fish like to eat plants, so it’s important to know that the plants you have chosen are not poisonous to them.
To avoid this altogether, you could use artificial plants rather than live plants.
Both types of plant can be fun and add a lovely color to your tank.
Why Should You Keep A Fish Tank In Your Home?
There are a number of benefits to keeping a fish tank in your home, and it’s a very rewarding hobby to enjoy.
It’s a great way to teach your kids about animals and nature, and you’ll never get tired of your new addition to your daily routine.
Watching fish swimming around your tank can leave you feeling relaxed, as it can be meditative to you.
Fish swimming around is incredibly peaceful, so adding them to your home can benefit your mental wellbeing.
Another benefit is that fish aren’t messy or loud like other pets are.
You don’t have to walk fish and they don’t scratch your furniture.
Fish are much less stressful than cats or dogs.
Fish can make a very positive change in your environment, making you happier and healthier.
If you have ever considered keeping fish but haven’t taken the leap yet, we strongly suggest that you do.
You won’t regret welcoming a new little family member into your home!
Frequently Asked Questions
Now we’re going to answer a few quick frequently asked questions to give you more information on choosing your fish tank.
Hopefully, after reading these, you won’t have any more questions about fish tanks and will feel confident enough to choose your own.
Should I Get A Glass Or Plastic Fish Tank?
Glass tanks are usually recommended over plastic ones because they’re easier to clean and maintain.
However, if you want a lighter tank in weight, then a plastic tank is the one for you.
Bear in mind that a plastic tank will get cloudy and scratched over time, whereas a glass tank will remain clear and be much more resistant to scratches.
However, the decision of what material to opt for is up to you.
Do I Need A Fish Tank With A Heater?
A heater is an essential part of having a fish tank at home – if you’re keeping tropical fish.
Without a heater, your tropical fish would die due to cold temperatures.
Drain Clogged With Hair: 5 Simple Tips to Dissolve it.
Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. Is your drain clogged with hair? Here are some tips that will help you remove the blockage and get your drain flowing smoothly again! Remove hair from your drain using a wire brush, and then pour in […]
Is your drain clogged with hair? Here are some tips that will help you remove the blockage and get your drain flowing smoothly again!
Remove hair from your drain using a wire brush, and then pour in enough water so that it overflows the entire drain area.
Be sure to use a bowl or other container to catch water overflow. This is an effective way to dissolve the hair and prevent it from getting into the pipes.
Call in a professional plumber who can clear out the blocked drain for good if all else fails.
Table of Contents
5 Tips To Dissolve Hair In A Drain
To dissolve clogged hair in drain pipes, try these tips below.
1) Get a plunger. A plunger is one of the most helpful home tools that anyone can quickly obtain at a reasonable price.
Plungers come in different sizes and designs. They can be used to open drains, remove clogs and dislodge hair from tub spouts.
Once you know where the problem is, you can use the right tool to fix it.
The best thing about plungers is that they don’t require electricity; hence, no power outage is needed when using them.
You can plunge the device into the drain without worrying about draining the water supply.
Plunge cleaners work well to break up small pieces of debris in the pipe.
2) Put the plunger directly over the drain opening and firmly push down until you hear a “thunk” sound.
This indicates that the problem has been solved.
Afterwards, flush the drain with a whole bucket of water to ensure that the clog has been eradicated.
Repeat this procedure until you see clear water running through the sink.
3) Try pouring hot water. If you have access to a hose, heat water and spray directly onto the clog.
The steam should loosen the clog up.
When you see lots of bubbles coming from the drain, take care not to let the water run too long as the hot water might burn the surrounding surfaces.
4) Use a wire brush. Wire brushes are ideal for loosening up hair and debris from the bottom of the drain.
Most of these products come with handles that allow you to grip and hold the brush while pushing it down the drain hole.
Hold the brush tightly against the sides of the drain and move it back and forth.
Do this slowly but steadily until you feel that the hair loosens up. Make sure you keep the bristles straight when working with wire brushes.
This will help avoid scratching the sides of the drain.
5) Use baking soda. Baking soda is inexpensive and easy to find. Mix equal baking soda and white vinegar parts and pour them directly into the drain.
Leave it there overnight and rinse the next day thoroughly. Baking soda works great as it naturally breaks down grease and soap scum.
Be sure to use a good quality product such as Drano or another brand recommended by a plumber.
Tips For Preventing Drain Clogging
To prevent your drain from clogging, do simple things like changing out your filters regularly, flushing all drains monthly, and taking advantage of drain cleaning services.
How to Clean a Blocked Sewer Pipe | How to Fix a Broken Sink Drainpipe
Many homeowners may soon face a broken kitchen sink, an overflowing toilet, or even a blocked sewer line that needs unblocking.
Of course, most people would rather spend their time enjoying the company of friends and family than cleaning out pipes.
Unfortunately, plumbing emergencies often cause significant damage to homes and property.
So before any problems arise, it’s essential to plan ahead and prepare as much as possible for potential disasters.
Here are some tips on saving yourself and your home from a significant plumbing emergency.
Plumbing Basics Every Homeowner Should Know
1) Check Your Filters
Regularly It’s essential to frequently change your household air filter.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dirty filters make indoor air dangerous to breathe.
In fact, a 2005 study found that “airborne household particles can contain toxins, allergens, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other contaminants.”
A simple way to tell whether or not your filters need replacing is to pull them off of the box they came in.
Most boxes include labels that indicate which type of filter goes inside each box.
If one is omitted, buy yourself an additional box, measure the holes in the centre of both boxes, and then match them up. If they don’t align perfectly, replace the filter.
2) Flush All Drains Monthly
While talking about air filters, it’s also important to flush all of your drains at least once every month.
One of the easiest ways to ensure this happens is simply running cold water over the faucet until you hear it running through the pipes.
This will help remove debris and grime trapped behind walls and under sinks – helping your plumbing system work efficiently without having to be cleaned out.
3) Change Out The Trash Compactor Filter
On a similar note, change out the filter in your trash compactor once a year.
Not only does this help keep odours to a minimum, but it also helps protect the machine itself.
4) Take Advantage Of Plumbing Services
You’ll have to call a professional to take care of large-scale plumbing issues. Luckily, these professionals exist to help those caught in the middle of a disaster.
To prevent loose hair from clogging your drain, you must remove the source of the issue.
The most common reason for this is a buildup in hair and body oils accumulated over time.
When the blockage occurs at the end of the line, it can be challenging to get rid of. If you have a complicated problem, try these tips below:
Use baking soda or vinegar as a homemade solution. Mix 1/4 cup of each into your hot water pipes.
Wait ten minutes before running cold water through them again. This will help soften any challenging build-up.
Buy some commercial cleaning products and pour several drops down your drains. You can buy many different types available on Amazon.com. For example, if you are looking for something simple but effective, look for “kitchen sink cleaner” or “tub & tile cleaner.” These should work well enough.
Don’t use too much soap when washing your hands. Instead, wash them twice daily (before eating and after using the bathroom). Cleaning your hands is one of the best ways to avoid getting grease in your drains.
Avoid putting too much oil on your skin. Oil is often not suitable for our bodies or our drains. It has a tendency to clog lines and obstructions. Try keeping your hair short so that there is less potential for it to accumulate.
Take care of your hair. Don’t comb it when it is wet – this causes it to stick together and become tangled. Also, don’t put it anywhere where it could collect because this will cause more problems.
Tips For Cleaning Your Shower
To clean your shower quickly and effectively, keep a few things in mind.
Firstly, take out all the items you do not want to see while bathing.
Some examples include toothbrushes, hairspray cans, shampoo bottles, etc. Once everything is removed, wash every surface thoroughly.
Start by scrubbing the walls and floor with a sponge and warm water.
Afterward, spray some cleaner onto the surfaces and let sit until dry. Then proceed to rinse everything out.
Finally, just leave it alone. Do not continue to scrub or wipe anything off afterward.
In addition, consider installing a powerhead shower head.
A powerhead can save you time in the long run since you no longer need to bend over to manually turn the water on and off.
Most of them come with pressure sensors that automatically adjust based on how much water you use.
They also provide a lot of options, including temperature control and pulsating.
Tips For Cleaning Your Sink
To effectively clean your sink, follow these steps: First, start by rinsing the bowl under hot water.
Next, throw away food particles and other debris. Using a soft cloth, scrub the entire surface with dishwashing liquid.
Followed by pouring some bleach into the bottom of the tub and allowing it to soak overnight.
Rinse everything out with clear water once it has dried completely.
If you would like to add extra protection to the area around your sinks, consider placing a rubber mat underneath it.
While this may seem unnecessary, having a rubberized lining prevents staining due to spills.
Make sure to only purchase ones that are specifically made for bathrooms.
Tips For Clean Your Toilet Bowls
While toilet bowls tend to be self-cleaning, they still need some maintenance from time to time.
The first step of cleaning your toilets requires removing any solid waste inside.
This includes feces, paper, and other debris. Next, scrub each part thoroughly before flushing.
Once you have finished removing all the waste, you must flush the pipes.
This is done by closing both handles and pushing down on the lever.
If the handle does not close fully, there is an obstruction somewhere along the line.
Check the main drain pipe and remove any debris that may be causing it to block up. Otherwise, consult your local plumber.
Afterward, rinse the whole thing out with clean water. As a final step, apply some bleach to the area, wait at least half an hour, and then rinse again.
You should now be able to use those toilets without clogs or smells.
How To Remove Mold From Bathroom Floor Tile
You can easily remove mold from bathroom tile using vinegar.
Vinegar is effective because it reacts with mildew spores, destroying their structure.
Once the moldy spots have been treated, you should neutralize the remaining odor by sprinkling baking soda on top of them.
Baking soda absorbs odors and balances pH levels.
The next time you notice stains on tiles, try covering them with vinegar.
Let them sit for about 10 minutes, and then blot the excess moisture away with a towel.
When removing stains, avoid using harsh chemicals as they might damage the surrounding materials.
Conclusion
To conclude, I hope that my readers learned something about the importance of keeping drains clear and free from blockages.
When they get clogged due to hair and debris buildup, it could result in severe medical conditions down the road.
However, by doing things such as changing out your filters and using drain cleaners, you can avoid a very unpleasant situation altogether.
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Why Do Copper Pipes Turn Green And How To Clean Them?
Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. Our homes are made of various objects that are important to keeping everything working properly. From the brickwork to electrical wiring, everything has its place in our home, even if it is not obvious what that place […]
Our homes are made of various objects that are important to keeping everything working properly.
From the brickwork to electrical wiring, everything has its place in our home, even if it is not obvious what that place is at first.
So when we see objects suddenly change or not function as they are supposed to, it can cause us some alarm. Normally, this is nothing to worry about, as we can generally tell what the fault is.
For example, if water is squirting out of the side of the shower head, something is probably clogging the openings where it is supposed to go, like limescale.
However, for some things, the problem can be so bizarre or just alien to us that we don’t know what we are doing.
One of these things has to relate to copper piping. Not leaking or breaks, but a change in color.
From copper to green, in fact. This is strange and normally thought of as unsavory on a lot of items, but for copper it just seems bizarre. So, why do our copper pipes turn green, and how do we clean them?
In this article, we seek to answer this very question.
Table of Contents
What Is Copper?
Copper is a metal with a reddish-orange color and a metallic luster under the chemical element of Cu.
The metal is a soft and malleable metal that has a lot of ductile strength. This means it has a lot of tensile strength before it breaks and can be bent and molded to a lot of different materials.
It is an excellent conductor of electricity and of thermal energy, meaning it can transport electricity and heat very well through its base structure.
Due to all these aspects, copper is seen as a great metal to use in the construction of a house as well as in a wide range of products.
For example, it is used in plumbing systems as the piping material that transports water because of its ease of use and molding abilities, its strength, and its durability.
Copper piping is also used in water transmission and distribution since it is less susceptible to bacteria and other harmful organisms than plastic or cast iron.
As well as piping for water, copper is also used for piping for natural gas and for electrical wiring.
It is also used for heat exchangers in air conditioning and refrigeration systems due to its excellent heat transfer properties.
What Is Copper Used For In The House?
Copper is a rather useful metal. It can be found in wires, pipes and cables, as well as being used in many different building materials. These are used in a few different household items.
Typically, the wiring that keeps your home running is made of copper, as is the piping for utilities that pass through the walls.
This copper piping is normally adhered with a plastic or a rubber compound on the outside that is designed to maintain the structural integrity of the copper and make sure it doesn’t conduct anything out of the piping.
However, the most common use for copper in the home is the piping for the water and drainage systems.
It is also used for the plumbing for the washing machines, sinks, showers, and toilets. In addition, there are numerous electrical wiring and wiring for the natural gas systems in the home.
While these are not generally copper, they do have elements of copper in them.
Why Is Copper Used?
We mentioned many of the best qualities of copper earlier, including the fact that copper is a very strong metal that conducts electricity well and keeps a good, steady temperature in its surroundings.
All these qualities make it ideal for use in the house and all its systems.
One of the best features of copper that we haven’t covered is that it is also resistant against corrosion.
Corrosion is basically the breakdown of metals, and we would normally associate it with rust on iron, but corrosion can take many shapes and forms.
Copper is quite resistant to corrosion, and it does not easily wear away or break, which is ideal for a home that is supposed to last years.
However, copper also has a few downsides. For one thing, it is heavy and takes up a lot of space.
The other issue is that it is expensive, which means that it is not used in houses without a good reason – having it because it is the best is not a good enough reason when you have a budget.
There are a few very good reasons why copper is used in the houses, despite its expense – most of which we mentioned earlier.
Yet, the real reason is that we just haven’t found anything that functions better when put to the same tasks. Copper is the best material for the job and until we find a better one, it will continue to be used.
Why Does Copper Turn Green?
There are several factors that may cause copper piping to turn green. The most common is the build-up of slime, or minerals, like lime scale, on the inside of the pipe.
In this case, it is not so much the copper itself turning green and more that the accumulation of material and gunk that is in the pipe turning or being green.
This build up can reduce the conductivity of the pipe, and as a result, the flow of water into the faucet.
Another cause of copper pipes turning green is due to a chemical reaction between the copper piping and the chemicals in the water or air.
When this happens, it is known as verdigris of the copper, verdigris being the green pigment that copper gains in this time.
So, there are two causes of this green pigment in copper (as well as bronze or brass).
One is acetic acid and the other is age and exposure. Acetic acid is used in a lot of products in the house and makes up about 4% of vinegar.
As such, if it is disposed of down the sink, it may come into contact with a copper pipe and change its color. Normally, the acetic acid is diluted heavily by washing, so the Verdigris takes a while to form.
The other cause – age and exposure – is just what it says, really. In this case, it is not so much causing a reaction as it is adding a layer to the copper.
See, over time as the copper is used, it comes into contact with the weather of our world or atmospheric elements.
Water, oxygen, carbon dioxide will be thrown at the copper, whether it be inside the home or outside.
While you can reduce the amount of time that copper is in contact with some of these elements, the one that mostly causes copper to turn green is oxygen, and it is everywhere.
As such, it is almost impossible to stop the oxidation process once it has begun.
The constant throwing of different elements at copper will erode it and a thin layer will form over the top of the copper called a Patina, that will change and oxidize the copper, turning it green.
This takes a lot of time to form, generally years. If you want to see it in action, look no further than the Statue of Liberty. It was once bright copper, and now it is a bright green.
A much rarer cause is biological activity in the pipes. Biological activity is caused by an accumulation of bacteria in the pipes, which can lead to the piping turning green.
It goes without saying you want no biological or bacterial activity in the pipes you drink out of, so if you think this might be the case, sort it immediately.
Should I Be Concerned If My Copper Turns Green?
Yes, you should be concerned if copper pipes in your home are turning green.
The reason why it is turning green is the same as we said earlier because there is either some type of blockage in the line causing a build-up, bacteria is accumulating, or chemicals in the water are reacting with the copper piping.
None of these you want, and all can be bad for your health.
If you are not comfortable doing the clearing yourself for a potential blockage, then contact a plumber. They are professionals who work with pipers all day, and they can help you out.
If there is no blockage in the line and the chemicals in the water are not causing a chemical reaction, then you should contact a plumber immediately to get the line cleared out and the pipes cleaned.
Bacteria can lead to some serious medical issues, including the dreaded legionella bacteria, which can lead to legionnaires disease.
How Do I Stop Copper Turning Green?
Unfortunately, there is no way to stop copper from oxidizing or turning green.
While cleaning the pipes will stop the green color if bacteria, slime, gunk, or minerals are the cause, if it is the metal itself turning green then you are plum out of luck.
When oxygen comes in contact with the copper pipes, it causes the metal to oxidize. This is normal and cannot be stopped.
There are, however, ways to limit the oxidation of the metal so that the oxidation is controlled or at least contained.
One way to do this is with a water softener. Water softeners use ion exchange technology to change the water’s ions to reduce the amount of minerals that are present in the water, and this will limit the oxidation of the copper.
How Do You Clean Green Copper Pipes?
There are a few different ways to clean your copper pipes, depending on the cause of the green color. The easiest way to clean your copper pipes is to simply run a dishwasher full of hot water and soap, with the pipes inside.
It may not get them completely clean, but it will remove some of that oxidized layer and get rid of whatever is causing it.
Another method is to make sure to run both a hot and cold water faucet for at least 30 minutes every four hours in a day.
This is so you can push out whatever is causing the problems, whether it be bacteria, oxidizing elements, chemicals, or minerals.
There are also chemicals you can use to clean your copper pipes that are specifically formulated for cleaning copper pipes.
You should always follow the directions on the bottle carefully, though, as not all of these chemicals are safe to use in confined spaces and are not good if they get on your skin.
The best solution to cleaning copper pipes is to talk to a plumber. They are professionals in terms of plumbing, and they will have all the tools necessary to deal with this situation.
Even if you plan not to use their services, having a talk with them about what you can do will help you a great deal.
Conclusion
Copper is one of the most useful metals in the world and has made the lives of homeowners much easier. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its own issues.
The main one is that it can turn green, and that can be a bit perturbing. Yet, if you recognize the problem and check what is causing the pipe’s new color, then you can easily rectify it or contact a professional for help.
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Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. Rheem is a brand which provides water heaters at a high quality for their customers but are also known for having some leaks due to being a water heater. If you are encountering a water heater leak […]
Rheem is a brand which provides water heaters at a high quality for their customers but are also known for having some leaks due to being a water heater.
If you are encountering a water heater leak then you might need some extra guidance in how to solve this issue.
There can be many reasons for why your water heater may be leaking like old age which is very common in most products that you buy.
The most important part for leaking heaters is how to find a solution for this safely without damaging anything in your home.
In this guide we will be walking you through why your water heater is leaking and how you can tell. This will all be really helpful to avoid any types of excessive leaking in your home.
Table of Contents
How Are You Supposed To Know It Is Leaking?
There are several ways to find out if your water heater is leaking and some are quite obvious and others can be quite difficult to detect. Here are a mixture of different signs that you will need to look out for:
There are a few obvious types of signs which include: Dripping and water flow which you would most like to be able to see. You tend to use all of your senses as well when it comes to the rattling sound you might hear coming from any loose nuts.
When checking over all of the pipes, it is important to check whether there is any damage to any of them or the seals. Due to the leaks, it can also cause rust to the product in certain areas (metal).
It is also important to check all around the product including the water tank.
If there is any water that has escaped, you will most likely find it underneath the tank and there will be a build up which is very unwanted.
You will definitely need to keep an eye out for all of these different types of signs because for example, the dripping could be very minor but over time this will become a larger problem.
It is better to cut out the problem at the route so it cannot cause any damage to the product or your home.
The faster you are able to repair the problem, the cheaper it will be because it will be less dangerous. However, if you leave this problem for a long period of time, it could be very costly for you to repair or replace.
Why Is This Product Leaking?
There are several reasons why this product could be leaking from very simple reasons to more difficult ones to fix. Here are some examples of reasons for leaks:
Too Much Pressure – When there is a large amount of pressure and high temperature it can affect the amount of pressure it can handle.
Through Age – depending on how long you have had this product, it can get worn down over time because materials do not lose forever – especially when it comes to any plastics and rusting metals.
Damage To Product – If you have damaged anything in the heater such as the internal tank, any cracks or breaks could cause these leaks.
Drain – If there is a loose drain valve, it will make it more difficult for the water to get out and can also cause leaks.
Lack Of Cleaning – if you don’t clean your water heaters, then there may be a build up of sediments that can cause holes in the shell which can also cause the leaks.
If something becomes damaged in your heater, you are most likely able to replace that part which should stop the leakage.
However, if you are able to maintain your heater and keep it clean and take care of it, the product is likely to last a lot longer.
Step By Step Guide On What To Do With The Leak
Tools you might need:
Screwdriver
Cloths and towels
The spare parts
Wrench
Hose
You will first need to first find the source of the problem and it could be any from the list above. As mentioned previously, some can be harder to find than others and you might need to be quite thorough.
Depending on what the problem is, you always need to be careful of touching anything that could burn you, for example having to change a corroding valve in the heater.
You need to get yourself some gloves to avoid any injury or health issues.
If you haven’t been cleaning out your water heater very well, there could be sediments and either breathing, or having direct content could be very harmful to your health. Therefore, be careful and try to use protective gear.
You will need to drain out the valve with a garden hose. You will need to drain this somewhere safe and maybe in an outdoors area.
Close the cold water.
Open the hot water and release excess pressure. Then close after a few minutes.
You will need to let the water drain for about 10 gallons.
You will then need to use the wrench to take off the run-off tube.
You then need to apply the teflon tape and wrap 6 times for the new valve.
You then need to attach the new valve while checking the placement of it.
PVC drain line attached to valve.
Open hot water and cold water at the same time. You should be able to see the water starting to fill up.
This will help you if you are trying to install a new valve to your system. You do need to be very careful when carrying out this task because of the differences in water temperature.
If you find that the valve is working perfectly well, you might need to find some extra support from the Rheem customer support.
When Should You Call For Help?
It is always very important to ask for help from professionals if you are struggling to find the route of the problem or if you are struggling with using any tools.
There are some reasons where you will have to call a plumber and these are:
If you have zero hot water
If your water heater is quite old
If the product of hot water is not satisfactory
These are all types of problems that a professional plumber will need to come out and fix because they are a bit more difficult than replacing a part.
You also need to get hold of a plumber if you need a new water heater put in.
When Can You Know If Your Heater Is On Its Way Out?
There are many different indicators to show that your water heater might be in need of TLC or a replacement. Here are some examples below:
Water color – you need to be cautious of having smelly or discolored water
Odd sounds being made by the heater
Lower water pressure
If there is a variety of water pressure – can it go from very hot to cold
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Rheem Water Heater Leaking From The Bottom?
If you notice a puddle of water at the bottom of your hot water tank, check the bottom of the discharge tube for moisture.
If you find water, the problem is most likely the temperature and pressure relief valve. The T&P valve is either faulty or there’s too much pressure in the tank.
What Do You Do If Your Water Heater Is Leaking From The Nottom?
If you see water leaking from the bottom of your water heater, check that the drain valve is completely closed. If it is still leaking, it may be loose.
By using a pipe wrench, you can try tightening the drain valve slightly. It is important to not over tighten the valve, as this would cause it to leak more.
Can A Water Heater Be Fixed If It’s Leaking?
Tank. Once the tank itself starts to leak water, and you are certain there is no other cause for the leakage, it’s time to replace the water heater.
The inside of the tank eventually corrodes from mineral deposits and from the constant strain of heating and cooling. There is no way to repair a leaking tank.
Why Is My Rheem Water Heater Leaking From The Top?
A very common cause of gas hot water heaters leaking from the top is a malfunctioning or damaged temperature and pressure valve, also known as a temperature-pressure relief valve. You may have to replace it or check the heat and pressure inside the tank.
Conclusion
Overall, if you are thinking of buying or already have a Rheem water heater there are a couple of things you will need to educate yourself about when it comes to faulty leaks.
This is an important part of looking after your heater because if you want or have one, by maintaining this product properly, it will last longer and be less dangerous in your home.
It is very important to also keep a close eye on those signs that your heater is leaking because not all of them will be very obvious to you at first.
By having this list of particular things to look out for, it will be easier to find the route problem.
Moreover, if you need to replace the valve in the heater, this easy guide should help you insert a new replacement in no time!
If you are having any problems that you are unable to fix yourself, it is important that you get in touch with customer support or a plumber to help you try and fix the problem if you are not someone who would want to replace something yourself.
If you are getting a brand new one as well you will need a plumber to come out and install it for you.
As mentioned before, there can be health issues when it comes to water heaters if they aren’t cleaned properly or you can hurt yourself on hot water. These are all things you need to keep in mind when looking for route problems.
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How To Connect A Honeywell Thermostat To Google Home
Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. It is important to know exactly how to control your thermostat to prevent your house from being too hot or too cold. Constantly standing up to adjust the thermostat can be tiring, especially when you are comfortable. […]
Say goodbye to all of the times when you forget to adjust your thermostat as you are in a different room, but now, you can do it in the middle of a chore just by using your voice!
This will allow you to pair the thermostat to the Google Home, otherwise, it will not be able to connect.
How To Connect A Honeywell Thermostat To Google Home
Below you will find instructions on how to connect your Honeywell thermostat to Google Home so you can control the thermostat with your voice.
You must follow all of the steps to make sure that you properly connect your thermostat to your Google Home device, otherwise, it won’t work properly.
1. Read The Manual
Firstly, you need to read the manual that came with your Honeywell thermostat and set it up by following the instructions. Carefully read the instructions and make sure that the thermostat is set up correctly before you start trying to connect it.
2. Connect Your Device To WiFi
You need to have access to a tablet or smartphone to connect your Honeywell thermostat to Google Home. Make sure that your tablet or smartphone is connected to the same WiFi as the Google Home device to make sure that it connects properly.
3. Open Google Home On Your Device
On either your tablet or smartphone, open the Google Home app and set it up.
Make sure that the Google account that you are using on the app is the same one that is connected to your Google Home.
You need to connect the thermostat using this app, so download it if you haven’t already.
If the app is frozen or won’t load, delete it and redownload it.
Once you have opened the app, you need to find ‘Menu’ at the top of the page.
The button should be found on the left-hand side, and once you find it, click on it to open the ‘Menu’.
Next, click ‘Home’, then ‘Devices’, and then press ‘Add’ at the bottom of the page.
You can then see all of the devices that can be connected. Once you find your Honeywell thermostat, click it and follow the steps to connect it to the Google Home device. After the devices have successfully connected, you can press ‘Done’.
Assigning The Thermostat To A Room
Once you have finished connecting the Honeywell thermostat to Google Home, you need to then assign the thermostat to a room.
This will allow you to use the thermostat using Google Home. You can find the instructions on how to do this correctly below!
1. Open The Google Home App
To assign the Honeywell thermostat to a room, you will need to reopen the Google Home app on your tablet or smartphone.
You can then relocate the ‘Menu’ button at the top of the screen on the left and click on it.
Once you open ‘Menu’, you can then find the button called ‘Rooms’. Click on ‘Rooms’ and then press ‘Add’ at the bottom of the screen in the right-hand corner.
2. Add The Room
To add the room to the app, you need to press either ‘Add A New Room’ or ‘Select A Room’.
These will allow you to either add a new room or an existing room as the assigned room for the Honeywell thermostat.
If you want to add a new room, click ‘Add A New Room’ and then find the button that says ‘Custom Room Tab’.
Once you click on that, it asks you to enter the name of the room that you want to be the assigned room. After you have filled it in, press ‘OK’.
Once you have added the room, you need to then connect the thermostat to that room.
There is a box next to the name of the device that you want to add to the room, so find the thermostat, and then click on the box to connect them. You then need to press ‘Done’ when you are finished.
Test Out The Voice Commands
One of the most popular features of connecting your Honeywell thermostat to Google Home is being able to control the thermostat with your voice.
This is very handy and it allows people to control the temperature in their homes easily and quickly.
When your first pair your devices, you should try to practice using voice commands to control the thermostat.
You cannot make the instructions for the thermostat too complicated as it won’t be able to control them.
You need to make the commands simple, and here are some examples to help you.
Ok Google, make the temperature cooler
Ok Google, make the temperature warmer by 5 degrees
If your commands are working correctly and the thermostat has adjusted how you want, then you are simplifying the commands enough.
If you use voice control and the thermostat isn’t changing, speak louder and simplify the commands.
If this still doesn’t work, you will need to contact a professional as there may be a problem.
How To Find Out If You Can Connect Your Thermostat To Google Home
If you are unsure if your Honeywell thermostat can connect to Google Home, you need to make sure that it is a smart thermostat otherwise it will not be able to.
You can also work out if your thermostat can be connected to Google Home if you have already used the apps called Honeywell Home App or Honeywell Total Connect Comfort app.
If you have connected to these apps before, you should be able to connect the thermostat to Google Home.
The Honeywell apps work similarly as you can control your thermostat through them, so you should be able to connect to Google Home as well.
Can Google Home Control Everything On Your Thermostat?
Google Home can control your whole thermostat just with your voice. You can turn the thermostat on and off, set it to a specific temperature, turn down the thermostat, and turn it up.
You can control all of these things with your voice, but you just need to remember that you need to simplify the commands otherwise it won’t work.
It is very easy to control the thermostat with your voice and you can control everything on the thermostat with simplified commands.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, it is very easy to connect your Honeywell thermostat to Google Home by following the instructions.
Firstly, you need to set up the apps, and then you can follow the steps to connect the thermostat to your Google Home device.
Make sure that you do not miss any steps out as it will not work properly.
It is important to remember that you need to simplify the voice commands.
If they are too complicated, they won’t be able to work. If your thermostat still doesn’t work after simplifying the commands, call a professional to help as they may be a fault.
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How To Remove A Bathroom Sink Stopper In 5 Easy Steps
Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. We have all been there, for whatever reason, you need to remove your sink stopper but, you’re unsure how. Whether you have a faulty sink stopper, trying to remove clogged-up debris, or simply just want to clean […]
We have all been there, for whatever reason, you need to remove your sink stopper but, you’re unsure how.
Whether you have a faulty sink stopper, trying to remove clogged-up debris, or simply just want to clean your sink.
Removing your sink stopper can be a tricky ordeal if you’re uncertain how to do this, you may even be considering hiring a professional plumber.
However, luckily for you, we have created a simple guide to help you remove a bathroom sink stopper all on your own.
With 5 easy steps, you’re sure to remove it in no time!
Table of Contents
The Different Types Of Sink Stoppers
Before we start taking apart our sinks, it’s important to know and understand the differences between sink stoppers.
As different types of sink stoppers may require different removal processes.
All-in-all, there are six different types of sink stoppers. These include:
Push-and-pull
Lift-and-turn
Toe-touch
Pop-up
Flip-it
Trip Lever
Below, you will find a brief explanation of these six different types of sink stoppers.
To help inform you and understand which sink-stopper your sink possesses.
1. Push-and-pull
A push-and-pull plug is recognizable by its circular top.
As its name suggests, you push this stopper down to close it and pull it up again to open it. There is also a screw under the stopper’s cap.
2. Lift-and-turn
This stopper is easily recognizable by a small knob located on the stopper’s cap. When it comes to design, it is similar to the push-and-pull stopper.
However, this knob serves as a way to open and close the plug, depending on which way you turn it.
It features a set screw just below the stopper’s cap which can be used during or after installation.
Although, if this screw is too tight from installation or has corroded over time, it can sometimes make this stopper difficult to remove.
3. Toe-Touch
Also known as foot-actuated or a toe-tap, this sink stopper is very similar to the push-and-pull and lift-and-turn plugs.
Although, unlike these plugs, it uses a spring.
To open it or close it you use your foot, as opposed to your hands. It shares similar removal techniques to the lift-and-turn plug.
4. Pop-up
Particularly similar to a bathroom pop-up, the bathroom sink stopper pop-up features a lever on the top of the overflow plate, alongside a spring.
This spring employs the stopper by opening and closing it.
These are typically high-quality. Although, despite this, they are still especially hard to remove and clean as they tend to collect a lot of hair.
5. Flip-it
To open and close this stopper, there is a lever on the right of the stoppers side that moves from left to right.
Typically, these are the easiest stoppers to remove and they require no tools.
6. Trip Lever
This sink topper features a lever that is located on the front part of the tub.
Unlike the other stoppers, it doesn’t have any visible pop-up stopper, you can only see a strainer.
With a plunger in the overflow pipe, this trip level sink stopper moves up and down to open, as well as close the drain pipe.
One thing to keep in mind is that this sink stopper can be a bit challenging to remove.
Tools Required
Now that we have discussed and explained all the different types of sink stoppers.
It is important to understand the types of tools you will be needing when removing these sink stoppers.
Here’s what you will need:
Wrench or Pliers – This will help loosen any tight screws that cannot be unscrewed with your hands.
Flashlight – To help you see exactly what you’re doing.
Bucket – This is needed in case your sink starts leaking.
Likewise, you may also need some extra equipment if you need to clean the sink stopper.
This may include:
Small Brush – An old toothbrush would work best.
Detergent
Vinegar – A great natural cleaning solution for washing a sink stopper.
Tool for removing clogged hair
Liquid to clean drains – This would be for any pipes that need cleaning too.
How To Remove A Bathroom Sink Stopper
Now that we have outlined all the different sink stoppers, as well as the tools that may be required.
You will now find a step by step process to remove your sink stopper.
Step 1
The first step is to see if you can remove the sink stopper by hand.
This will prevent you getting your tools unnecessarily dirty, and it should be an easy, straightforward process.
To check, all you have to do is take the plug between your fingers and try to turn it. With ample force, it might just be enough for you to pull it out.
It’s important to note that you shouldn’t try pulling the stopper out too hard and this may damage it.
Step 2
If you have managed to remove the bathroom sink stopper by hand, great, you can skip the next few steps.
However, if you weren’t able to remove it, don’t worry, you may just need to change tactics.
The next tactic would be to go under the sink, this may get a bit messy so be prepared to do some cleaning.
Make sure to remove anything that is under the sink so you have enough space to maneuver and move freely if need be.
Step 3
Take your flashlight and shine it towards your sink to help you locate the horizontal plunger rod that is used to connect the strap to the stopper.
Next, look for a rod that connects the vertical strap, this should be easy to identify as it has several holes in it.
Then, you should notice that there is a small metal clip that intersects everything together.
You will need to remove this, and store it somewhere safe as you will need to replace it later.
Additionally, make sure that you remember what hole the rod was attached to, as this will help you later on.
Step 4
When looking at the otherside of the detached rod, it should be connected to a pivot nut, you will need to unscrew this.
At this point, you may need to put your bucket under the sink, just in case any water comes out of the nut when you unscrew it.
This will save you time cleaning up water in your bathroom.
Next, try loosening the pivot nut with your hands. If you are unable to loosen it or it’s screwed on too tight, try using some pliers or a wrench.
Step 5
All these steps should help to release your bathroom sink stopper. You should now be able to remove your sink stopper easily and hassle free.
One thing to keep in mind; however, is that your plug may be dirty and covered in gunk if it hasn’t been removed in a while.
This would be a great time to clean it, and check for any breaks that may need to be replaced.
How To Clean A Sink Stopper
Now that you have successfully removed your bathroom sink stopper, you may be wondering how to clean it.
Overtime, you may notice your sink not draining properly, and the main culprit for this is hair and gunk that gets stuck in the drain and plug.
To start with, you will need to remove as much hair, gunk and anything else stuck in the hole, as possible.
You may find it easier to use a tool that is specifically designed to remove hair.
Next, clean your sink stopper with detergent or soak it in a vinegar solution for 10-15 minutes, making sure to thoroughly rinse it with water after the time is up.
For your drain, you could also use home remedies if it’s clogged.This could include baking soda and vinegar.
Once the time is over, run the water from the tap and repeat this process until complete. This should successfully clean and unclog any pipes.
Likewise, you could also use boiling water to unclog a drain. To do this, you will need to boil half a gallon of water.
Next, once this has finished boiling, carefully pour the water down your drain. Run the tap water to see if the clog persists.
If it does, repeat this process until it runs easily.
One thing to remember, however, is that boiling water can melt plastic, so this method isn’t advised if you have PVC pipes.
Once you have finished cleaning your sink stopper and any clogged drains, your sink should be pristine clean once again!
How To Put Everything Back Together Again?
Once everything is clean, it is time to put it all back together. This will be relatively easy and shouldn’t take too long.
Essentially, you just need to follow all the steps you did previously but in reverse order.
Firstly, you will need to return the stopper back into the sinkhole. This should be nice and easy as everything is all clean.
Then, go back underneath your sink and re-tighten the pivot nut.
If you are able, you can simply use your hands. If not, use a pair of pliers or a wrench to tighten it.
Next, you will need to reattach the strap and the rod with the clip you initially removed.
This will return the sink stopper back to its original position. This is why it’s important to make sure you don’t misplace anything!
Lastly, the final thing to do is test the sink stopper to see if it works.
If it does, then you have successfully removed and replaced your own sink stopper!
How To Fix A Sink Stopper
If you haven’t fitted or replaced your sink stopper properly you may notice it not working as it once did before. Although, sometimes, it may just not be working.
The most common issue with sink stoppers is that they won’t stay up, causing your sink to clog once again.
Like we said before, the most common cause of this is buildup of gunk and hair in your drain, as this will prevent it from working.
However, if this isn’t this issue, then the culprit may be the clevis.
This is primarily the case with pop-up stopper models, however it can happen with other universal stopper models, too.
The best way to fix this issue is by replacing the spring clip.
To do this, all you have to do is go underneath your sink and look for the spring clip, and clevis, or the flat bar, on the stopper.
To release the clevis from the pivot rod, all you need to do is pinch the clevis.
Then transfer the rod to a different hole while replacing the spring clip.
Once you have done this, resemble everything back into place. Then check if your stopper is working properly once again.
If it isn’t, you may need to buy a new one and replace it.
Final Thoughts
Whatever your reasons for removing a sink stopper, it can be easily accomplished by following this guide.
We have also outlined how to clean, reassemble, and even fix your sink stopper, so you can easily do it yourself!
Hopefully, this article has helped and provided you with a better understanding about sink stoppers.
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Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. Understanding the wiring of your thermostat can be difficult, the wires can be red, green, white, blue, black, green, orange, or sometimes something more obscure. Most of these wires have different functions and roles in controlling this […]
Understanding the wiring of your thermostat can be difficult, the wires can be red, green, white, blue, black, green, orange, or sometimes something more obscure.
Most of these wires have different functions and roles in controlling this important part of your house, but sometimes the manufacturers make it difficult to know which wire does what and how to work it out.
An important thing to consider before reading this guide, however, none of these answers to wire color meanings are guaranteed to be correct and there is very little standard protocol on a certain wire having to have a certain meaning.
So while this guide covers what it is likely these wire’s colors mean, it is always preferable to have a guide from the manufacturer to have the proper definitions available.
You can get a definite answer by checking the wiring in an HVAC system if you have access to yours as it will give you the exact answer you are looking for.
While this guide may give you the answers you are looking for do not attempt to work on or change any of the wiring in your thermostat if you are even partially uncomfortable with the work or feel qualified or competent to do so.
If you go in not confident in your abilities it is likely that you can cause more damage than good and may even require the help of a professional to fix your mess.
And when working on your thermostat you should isolate your power supply to the HVAC system and the wiring through your circuit breaker.
Table of Contents
The Different Types Of Wiring In Your Thermostat
The wiring that is present in your thermostat will rely on variables like the style of HVAC system you have, how many devices or appliances are connected to it, as well as the era in which your thermostat was wired.
In the modern era, most thermostats will have a normal 4 or maybe 5 wire templates with the main stand-out being whether a C-wire is there.
There are older thermostat setups that may have just 2 or 3 wires in the system which are usually just connected to a single simple boiler, this is compared to modern systems that are usually connected to devices like air conditioners and heat pumps.
So what is it likely that the color of your wires means?
Red Wires In Your Thermostat
Terminal Name – R, Rh, and RC
What Is It Usually Used For? – Power
The red wire in a thermostat will usually provide power (usually 24V) from your transformer.
Green Wires In Your Thermostat
Terminal Name – G
What Is It Usually Used For? – Controlling the fan
The green wire will usually control your blower fan that is in the air ducts by turning it either on or off.
Yellow And Light Blue Wires In Your Thermostat
Terminal Name – Y and Y2
What Is It Usually Used For? – Cooling
These wires are usually used for AC relay to control your air conditioner.
Black Wires In Your Thermostat
What Is It Usually Used For? – No standard function
A black wire in your thermostat does not have a standard function and to know what it means it is best to refer to your HVAC system.
White And Brown Wires In Your Thermostat
Terminal Name – W and W2
What Is It Usually Used For? – Heating
White and brown wires in your thermostat are usually connected to your heater or your heat pumps that control it.
Orange And Dark Blue Wires In Your Thermostat
Terminal Name – O and B
Orange or dark blue wires are usually used to control the heat pump reversing valve.
The Occasional Use Of Blue and/or Black Wires
Terminal Name – C
What Is It Usually Used For? – Complete Power Circuit
This use which is usually used on a black or blue wire is not always easily available but has control over the complete power circuit.
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Now you have a general overview of what each wire type does, let’s go into more detail, so we can get a more in-depth understanding of what each wire type achieves within your thermostat.
Details On What The Wire Color Of Your Thermostats Mean
Red Thermostat Wire (R, Rh, Rc)
This wire is almost universal for all thermostats and is what is used to power an HVAC system.
Depending on the country you are in this wire will connect a 220V/110V system directly to your heating device connecting it to your power source.
The device is usually used to connect to a furnace and will usually be connected by a transformer at one end.
If you have a modern thermostat, you will likely have 2 red wires that are marked as Rh (used for heating) and Rc (used for cooling).
These wires work separately to power different systems meant for heating and cooling respectively using a different transformer.
If you are using a system that has a transformer shared by heating and cooling, a jumper is used to separate them.
Yellow And Light Blue Thermostat Wires (Y, Y2)
If your thermostat uses yellow wires they will come from the Y terminal into the compressor relay that controls your air conditioning.
The yellow wire color is usually dedicated to a cooling system that comprises a condenser, compressor, as well as an air handler.
The compressor as well as the condenser will be left outdoors, in contrast to this the air-handler will be placed indoors.
Your yellow wire will go from your thermostat into a splitter that is placed near (sometimes inside) your air handler.
There will be a single wire going from your splitter to your condenser then onto your air-handler.
Some people have a dual-stage type cooling system which is when the Y2 terminal is in use as well.
Most systems tend to have a single compressor but with these systems there are 2; therefore the presence of a Y2 terminal.
A Y2 terminal is usually connected with a light blue wire into the second compressor.
So generally speaking, there is a yellow wire usually intended for cooling and if you have two compressors there will be a light blue wire present as well.
White And Brown Thermostat Wires (W, W2)
If you have a white wire, it will usually be located behind the thermostat, and it is generally used to control your heating section on your HVAC.
This wire will be connected from your W terminal as well as your heat source, a boiler, or a furnace.
A lot of houses use a dual-stage type heating system that is much more efficient than not using one and is now common to have as part of a more modern HVAC.
If this is what you have, the thermostat will control both a low fire and a high fire setting.
If you use this type of two-stage type heater, you will tend to use a brown wire that would connect to a W2 terminal located on the dual-stage switch which is on the boiler or the furnace.
Heat pumps will usually utilize staging to have more heating (often called auxiliary heating).
If this is what you have, your heat pump will be connected to your W2 terminal using a brown wire.
Sometimes there will be a split type system, in this case, the fan will be indoor in your air handler, while inside a package unit, your fan will be in an outdoor unit.
These fans will blow air back against where it is naturally tending to go, a good example of this is the warmth inside which is achieved during winter as naturally the airflow should be going from warm temperatures to cold.
Your fan will be using electrical power to go against this to keep warm air flowing inside your house.
The reverse of this is true for cooling during warmer weather. Over time, your heating or your cooling appliances will work less making a fan have to work harder.
Common Thermostat Wires (Usually Black) (C)
This wire has become a more common topic in the past 5 years and is labelled the C wire and is usually black.
Most modern systems run on 24V and have a C wire that is utilized to complete your power circuit between for your thermostat if it uses electricity.
Most of these modern thermostats will need electricity to remain operational, meaning that a C wire is definitely a necessity.
There are some thermostats powered by batteries that will not necessitate a black C wire.
However, if you need a C wire, you can also install a power kit for more control over it.
If you do not have a C wire but need it for operation you will need to buy an extension kit to connect it to your power supply.
Orange And Dark Blue Thermostat Wires (O, B)
Orange and dark blue wires are most commonly used for controlling your heat pump, more specifically your reversing valve used on the heat pump.
The color used for this will depend entirely on the manufacturer and only one or the other will be used.
E Terminal Thermostat Wires
The E terminal will need wires to power its function of powering back up emergency heating through the heat pump.
These wires tend to not have a standard wire color. These are used in case your primary heating system fails with a lot of heat pumps featuring a lesser emergency heating setting for this occasion.
This wire will come from your heat pump.
What Type Of Wire Is Best To Use For A Thermostat?
For this purpose both 18 and 20 gauge wires are used, and the name labels the thickness for the wire.
Generally speaking both will work fine but try to use a thicker wire for shorter distances and the opposite for longer.
Takeaway
Make sure to always check your HVAC system to make sure the wire definitions match, but these wire coloring systems are the most commonly used.
Always shut off power before working on wires and make sure to not leave an open job and not leave wire work half-finished.
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Finding And Fixing A Leak Under The Bathroom Floor: A How-To Guide
Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. A leak under the bathroom floor can be subtle and go unnoticed for quite some time, which can prove quite dangerous a problem. Within a few days, you could be stepping into a pool of water as […]
A leak under the bathroom floor can be subtle and go unnoticed for quite some time, which can prove quite dangerous a problem. Within a few days, you could be stepping into a pool of water as soon as you step out of the bath.
You should want to sort it out yourself as the problem is not going to go away and no one wants to be wasting water. Finding the leak can be one thing yet fixing it is quite another.
A leak under the bathroom floor can either be obvious or can prove difficult to spot depending on the source of the leak. All that time when the leak is occurring and you cannot identify it could amount to more money to eventually fix it.
Should you see water droplets or water stains then the water could have come from the ceiling, if not then it may well be a leak under the bathroom floor.
If all seems to be dry then try to listen carefully and if you can hear a hissing sound then that may indicate a leaking pipe which could lead you to the leak itself.
A leak under the bathroom floor can be shown by what lies underneath. Say that the bathroom is on the second floor, then check the room directly under as a leak under the bathroom floor would show some signs. Perhaps a water stain or water droplets forming on the ceiling.
Poorly Installed Toilet
A likely culprit for a leak under the bathroom floor is if the toilet was poorly installed. This has a lot to do with the measurements that are taken between the toilet and the wall as any gap could cause a leak.
If the level on the water meter stays the same then there may not be a leak and it could just be a spillage. However, if the water meter indicates that water is still being used then there could well be a leak and it could be coming from an outside source.
This could be rainfall that is still seeping into the house through some structural issue which would likely be a costly problem to fix.
How To Fix A Leak Under The Bathroom Floor
Once you have successfully identified the leak being under the bathroom floor, you will want to fix it quickly before the problem gets worse. This can mean either taking apart the ceiling from the room below or taking apart the bathroom floor itself.
Typically, it is easier to solve the problem from underneath, and it can be more expensive to replace any bathroom tiles that you currently have.
Install Bathroom Floor Fitters
Occasionally, a leak under the bathroom floor can be inexpensive to fix. Should the issue be caused by cracked tiles then you can install some bathroom floor fitters. As long as the cracks underneath them are sealed then that could be the end of it.
Fix The Leaking Pipe
If you have located the specific pipe that is leaking then focus on turning off the water that goes there. Fixing that one pipe could solve the problem though you would need a professional plumber as a temporary solution will only last so long.
Stopping the leak could well mean stopping the source of all the water that comes into the house. Yet if the pipes are not found to be the problem with a first-floor bathroom then the problem may be harder to solve as the water could be coming in from outside.
These sources of the leak could be from badly sealed foundations, holes or cracks in the foundation floor, or a crack in your home’s exterior. Finding a crack in your home’s exterior may mean using a plug to close it until you hire a professional to fix it but issues with the foundation floor and foundations are harder to spot.
Seal The Crack
If the leak under the bathroom floor is from a badly sealed foundation or issues with the foundation floor then you could use some cement.
However, you should consult with a construction expert as this could be another temporary solution if there is substantial structural damage. This is particularly serious as cracks in the foundations can always get bigger.
How To Identify A Bathroom Leak
If you know how to solve a leak under the bathroom floor then a more general leak in the bathroom should be easier to solve. While you can expect a bathroom leak occasionally, especially in an old house, identifying it quickly will save you a lot of hassle.
There are several ways of identifying a leak in your bathroom and some are more obvious than others.
Damp Patches/Puddles
The most obvious sign of a leak under the bathroom floor is the unexpected sight of some water. Sure, you can rely on some being on the floor after someone has just stepped out of the shower or a bath yet a puddle of water in the middle of the day should be a rare occurrence.
Especially if the water is pooling where you should least expect it to, specifically in your cabinets or surrounding the base of the shower or bath. The damp patches, or simply some dampness, that can appear on the floor or all the way to the ceiling are another hint of a leak.
Peeling Wallpaper
If you do have wallpaper in your bathroom and you notice it beginning to peel then this could be another sign of a leak. This would be due to the damp patch that lies underneath the wallpaper causing it to peel from the wall.
It could be down to time and a failed adhesive yet if you check and feel the dampness then you may have a leak.
Tiling Problems
Like the peeling wallpaper, if you have tiles on your bathroom wall and you see water cascading down them, this should be worrying. Loose or broken tiles are a concern anyway yet if water is coming through then it is likely that the damage is already done.
Tile leaks can be costly to repair and hopefully only require the tiles and grout to be replaced but occasionally it means new backing.
Mold
A lot of bathrooms are going to suffer from mold as the environment is damp and humid which are the perfect conditions for mold to develop.
However, if a damp patch arises from a leak then mold can grow on top. If this occurs in an area that you would expect to be dry then you may well have a leak.
Odd Smells
Sometimes you can smell a problem before seeing it with your own eyes. This can be the case for mold in your bathroom as well as the damp and mildew that can develop.
If you can smell an earthy, dank odor, like you would in the basement, then there may be a leak in the bathroom. You could try to mask the bad odor with some air freshener but that is only hiding the bigger problem as the leak is only going to get worse.
Leaking Noises
If you can hear a leak, this is a surefire sign of one before you need to see the pooling water. That drip, drip, drip should be investigated promptly as the leak will continue to cause damage in places that you cannot even see yet.
Leaking noises can occur in the night when no one is using the bathroom. Not only can that prove to be really annoying but the noise can signify the increasing cost of fixing the problem.
Thankfully, this kind of leak should be simple to solve by tightening the faucet base below the sink. As long as the water fails to re-emerge, you can reapply the caulk.
Final Thoughts
Leaks under the bathroom floor can be difficult to solve as it can take time to find out the source of the water. More time spent identifying the issue and the source of the water can mean a higher cost of eventually solving the problem.
When in doubt, consult with a plumber to find out where the leak is originating from and they may also be able to solve it. If the leak is from structural damage to the house then get in contact with a construction expert as this is a problem you would not be advised to sort out yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Leaks In The Bathroom Considered Dangerous?
If you have any pools of water in your bathroom then that can be considered a hazard. Not only can someone slip and strike their head against the sink or bath, but the water can also cause a short circuit due to the electrical devices.
If the standing water is left alone it can cause health issues from the growth of mildew and mold as well as cause damage to the drywall and warp any wood.
Can Water Leak Through A Bathroom Floor?
Yes, quite easily in fact and you would see water droplets on the ceiling from the room below. The water can come through tiles that have damaged grouting or silicon.
These files can become loose from the water and then fall off. Water from a leak can also pool behind walls then drip through the floor without you even noticing.
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Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. If you have a pond that is taking up valuable backyard space, or it just isn’t doing its job, then there are options when it comes to what to do with it. Whilst it might look generally […]
If you have a pond that is taking up valuable backyard space, or it just isn’t doing its job, then there are options when it comes to what to do with it.
Whilst it might look generally nice, if it isn’t efficient, then there is usually no point in keeping it, especially when it is taking a sufficient amount of your time to maintain it – as well as money.
If you are finding it stressful to own a pond, and are unsure what to do with it, then you have come to the right place. In this article we shall look at 3 easy ways to change an unwanted pond.
So, let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
What Can You Do With An Unwanted Pond?
If you have a pond in your backyard (see also ‘5 Cover Ideas For Your Backyard Pond‘) that you don’t want anymore – perhap it is overgrown or you are struggling to maintain it – then there are a few things that you can do.
For example, instead of becoming stressed due to leaving it alone, you can take action. One of these ways is by transforming it completely into a brand new pond. This way, you can make it into a pond that suits the home, or one that you are willing to maintain.
Or, you can just fill it in. It isn’t the preferred option, but if the pond is causing you stress and you would like to not have a pond at all, then this action is for you.
Lastly, you can also just leave it, however, this will not solve your problem and will cause you to keep getting stressed!
So, with these actions in mind, let’s take a look at how we can fix the issue.
Action 1 : Fill The Pond In
If you want the easy option, then filling the pond in is a good idea. Once you have gone through the motions, and you feel like giving up, then you might finds that removing it all together is the best option
That being said, whilst filling it in might seem like it will reduce your stress, maybe you will regret doing so? If you think about it, you are taking away a bit of nature from your home.
Ponds attract all sorts of different bugs that help with the ecosystem within the water. Not only that, if the water is healthy, it can attract dragonflies which feed off mosquitos, helping to keep them at bay.
Also, having a pond is a great way to teach your children about nature and why bugs are important for all of us. So, before you decide to pick up that shovel and fill the pond with dirt, think about any benefits that having a pond might bring to you and your family.
If you don’t find the sound of running water relaxing, and really do what to fill in the pond, then go for it!
Action 2: Transforming An Unwanted Pond
You could however, just transform the pond into something that you would like. Whilst it might not look like much now, it doesn’t mean that you cannot have a pond that suits your style and needs.
A pond can be a highlight, rather than a hindrance, especially when it comes to the design and where it is placed. Obviously, you cannot move the location, but you can still create a design feature that is also useful for the environment.
Think about how you can make the pond become more efficient, whether that is the fact it runs smoother, it looks different, or that it becomes pondless.
It might sound odd, but you can turn it into a water feature instead so that the work you put into it is vastly reduced.
If you are unsure about getting rid of the pond altogether, this option might be the best way to go. If you have any doubt, it likely means that you don’t really want to get rid of the pond for good.
So, instead of removing it altogether, why not think of ways you can improve it? It also might be a fun project to get stuck into!
Action 3: Or, You Can Just Leave Your Pond
You can also just leave it and ignore it, however, this isn’t the best option and should be avoided. The reason being, the pond will not just magically get better. In fact, it’ll become worse over time.
That is exactly what you have been doing, and as you have likely noticed, all those years of leaving it has made it into more of a job – and probably an expensive one, too!
So, instead of leaving it to become an eyesore, take action with the two options above. If you want to keep it, perhaps change it. If you don’t want a pond anymore, then fill it in.
Before You Take Action
Before you decide to take action on any of the above, think about why you decided to have a pond in the first place. Did you want to create something wonderful where bugs and frogs could have a home?
Or, was the pond already there when you moved in? Because if it was, then action 2 could be a great option to creating something that you would love to have in your backyard.
So, think about the reasons as to why you had a pond first before you fill it in, and then have to go through the effort of creating a new pond because you regret filling it in!
Final Thoughts On An Unwanted Pond
Owning a pond can be time consuming and expensive in the long run, and if you have one that looks like an eyesore – well, that is a whole other issue entirely!
Instead of having to put up with a bad looking pond that you feel is a waste of time, think about changing it up or getting rid of it. Just, whatever you do, don’t leave it to become even worse!
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How To Shade A Garden Pond (Heat Protection Guide)
Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. Summer is the best time of the year. The sun is finally out and there is nothing better than sitting back and relaxing in the garden. More after these days are people investing in ponds to add […]
Summer is the best time of the year. The sun is finally out and there is nothing better than sitting back and relaxing in the garden.
More after these days are people investing in ponds to add to the garden and whilst this is to enhance your garden’s beauty, it also comes with plenty of work.
Garden ponds are beautiful additions however it is important to know how to look after it so that it stays as perfect as it started out.
In this article, we will be guiding you through how to protect your garden pond during the hottest seasons of the year to keep your pond looking great.
Table of Contents
Why Shading Your Garden Pond Is Important
The sun is something we all look forward to. It is a time to explore the outdoors, hang out with friends and family and, most important of all, soak in the warm air.
However, not all things thrive from the rising temperatures like we do.
Although garden ponds are stunning to look at, especially in the summer, this is not to say that they will benefit from the from the sun.
In fact, if your garden pond is not protected from the heat, it can do some damage.
It is very important when the sun is out to shade your pond for this will help to control the growth of algae, keep away any predators and keep your fish swimming happily.
Below, we will be highlighting these benefits in further detail:
Algae Growth
One thing that is important to highlight is algae growth. In the summer when the heat is soaring, the growth of algae doubles.
In turn, this becomes unmanageable, leaving your garden pond looking dirty and unkept.
With heat, algae is prone to growing much faster meaning that it is much more difficult to handle and keep up with.
Although the growing of algae is inevitable, it is still very beneficial to keep your pond in the shade during hotter seasons as it will slow down the growth.
Your pond will end up with less algae, therefore making it much easier to handle.
As well as this, too much algae can have a real strain on the fish in the pond. Every time algae blooms, the production of oxygen reduces.
This can be very uncomfortable for fish, particular goldfish and koi fish.
The Comfort Of Fish
Most garden ponds will have fish, so it is very important to acknowledge them and how their behaviors will change depending on the climate and season.
The two most common types of fish to have in garden ponds are koi fish and goldfish.
Although these fish are able to withstand any temperature, whether that be cold or hot, this is not to say that they are comfortable by any means.
Typically, you would want them to be in a temperature of between 65F and 75F degrees.
However, it is not just about comfort; it is also about their health. With warmer temperatures, the likelihood of ammonia heightens and this can be very dangerous for fish.
Oxygen Levels
Allowing your garden pond to keep shaded will massively improve its oxygen levels.
During the hotter months of the year, fish will naturally become more active.
They will eat more due to their metabolism rates increasing and because they are eating more, they are producing more waste too.
Beneficial bacteria will then work to break down this waste however they need plenty of oxygen in order to work.
With the soaring temperatures and lower rates of oxygen, this bacteria will not be able to do its job.
Ways You Can Shade Your Garden Pond
As the temperatures rise, it is very important to think about the quality of your pond.
You will want to keep it shaded in order to protect the overall quality of the pond as well as the fish swimming in it But not everyone has ponds that can easily be shaded, so how will this work for them?
If you have a pond that is in the middle of your garden with no shade from tree (Tree services by Mencer’s), then you may feel as though there is nothing you can do, but this is not the case.
There are many ways to shade your garden pond no matter where it is located, keeping it safe for your fish and algae free,
Below, we will be listing some of the best ways you can shade your garden pond:
Using Pond Plants
One option is to use pond plants (or lily pads) to shade your garden pond. Whether you choose to use real ones or artificial ones is completely up to you for they both work just as well to grant you the best results.
Their large surface area will casually float on top of the water, thus providing shade from the sun, blocking direct sunlight for the fish.
As mentioned prior, it doesn’t matter if you choose to use real or artificial pond plants however you should still bear in mind what you will get out of them.
If you choose an artificial pond plant, your garden pond will be provided with the shade it needs.
On the other hand, if you choose to use a real one, not only will you be providing your pond with shade but also more oxygen, allowing for natural filtration.
If you prefer, you can also choose to use marginal plants instead.
These plants will only need to be dotted around the corner of the pond to allow a discrete look whilst still providing your garden pond with enough shade.
Using Fish Shelters
Another option is to use fish shelters. This product is just how it sounds – they are shelters for fish.
Whilst this will not provide optimal shade for the entire pond, this is a great choice for protecting your fish.
When the days are much hotter, you want your fish to feel comfortable and the only way to do that is to allow them some shade.
Using a fish shelter is a great way to do so. So, how do they work? These shelters are specifically designed to sit at the bottom of the pond floor and curves over to block the sun.
Not only is this great for shade but also acts as a nice shelter for the fish for when they want to de-stress.
Fish shelters are typically made from non-toxic plastic or mesh material, making it a safe option.
If you are thinking about investing in one of these, you should be aware that it does have some limitations.
For one, this fish shelter will not work for shallow pond; your pond should be at least 3 feet deep with water.
Furthermore, you may also need to invest in more than one shelter, meaning more money needed to be spent, however this is only for those who have a larger pond with many or large fish.
Using Shade Sails
Some may choose to use shade sails, a similar choice to the fish shelters.
Some may even say that this product is a better option as you will only need to purchase one and it will be guaranteed to provide full shade to your garden pond.
Made from a durable UV-resistant fabric, these shade sails are installed above ground, completely shading the pond from high up.
What’s more is that you are free to adjust how much shade you want to give.
You can either partially shade or allow full coverage. Shade sails are a great option, especially for those with smaller garden ponds, and are perfect to use during the hottest days of the year.
They are easy to install, requiring no maintenance, and cover 90% of all UV light.
Using a shade sail will also reduce the growth of algae as well as deterring any airborne predators such as herons.
Whilst this may seem like an extreme assumption, there are many predators who will take the opportunity to swoop down and prey on fish, even in garden ponds.
Using Pond Water Dyes
A final option is to use pond water dyes.
Many people are worried about using products such as this one as they believe it may contain harmful chemicals, however be reassured that pond water dyes will produce the best quality results without using any harmful toxins.
Pond water dyes are completely non-toxic making them safe to use in ponds and around fish.
This is a popular method which is used to control algae where shade isn’t given.
Typically, these were most suited for larger areas of water such as lakes however have more recently been introduced to garden ponds.
What is unique about water pond dyes is that they are the same dyes we used to colon foods, so come in colors ranging from turquoise to blue to black.
We would highly recommend using a blue dye as this will look natural against the pond, however another popular choice used amongst many is black.
This dye product will like around 2 or 3 months before it needs to be topped up.
Reasons To Have A Garden Pond
Ponds are a great addition to any garden. So long as it is well kept and you understand the importance of heat exposure, anyone is capable of having a pond.
However, the main reason people want ponds is to enhance the look of their gardens. Guests will be mesmerized and it will truly create a lovely finish to your home.
If you are considering adding a pond to your garden then you will want to look at the many benefits:
They Are Stunning To Look At
The one major benefit of having a garden pond is its appearance.
Ponds are gorgeous to look at and will simply complete the entire look of your garden, particularly in the summer when the sun is glistening on the water and shines beautifully.
A garden pond also adds a unique touch, making your garden much different from the rest.
Not many people are able to describe their gardens as unique and cozy, but having a garden pond will definitely allow that.
They Are Great For Filling Up Space
Whether you have just moved into a new home or have been stuck on ideas, we have all been through the stage of trying to fill up empty outdoor spaces.
When it comes to gardens, there is only so much you can do.
You may have a place for an outdoor seating area, a small play area for the kids, yet you are still left with that empty space which bothers you every time you enter the garden.
Thankfully, we have garden ponds to solve this problem.
What is great about using a garden pond to fill up space is that you can choose for the pond to be as large or as small as you desire.
Whatever you choose, you will definitely be satisfied with the results and glad you went down this route.
Garden Ponds May Attract Wildlife
Another benefit to having a garden pond is that they attract wildlife. Although some may see this as a negative, we see it as a great positive.
You will be welcoming birds to bathe, frogs to hop on lily pads, home for animals.
As well as this, it is also a great way to educate your children and introduce them to different birds and insects you may see.
Having A Garden Pond Increases Your Property Value
Because of its appearance and the way it will enhance the look and feel of your garden, having a garden pond will naturally increase your home’s property value.
This is particularly beneficial for those who are wanting to put their house on the market.
If someone was to view the home and see this pond, they will automatically feel very drawn to it and will be willing to spend a little more as it is both stunning and unique.
Some people may even build a pond (see also ‘How To Build A Pond Or Water Garden‘) for this reason alone. If so, make sure to do plenty of research and make this pond as wonderful as ever.
It Keeps You Busy
There is much more to a garden pond than the way it looks and being able to relax with them.
Garden ponds require plenty of maintenance, maintenance which some will thrive from. If you are looking to keep yourself busy and on your feet then a garden pond is a great idea.
You will have to monitor how much heat is getting to it, take care of the fish inside, monitor the algae, clean the pond and just make sure it is constantly looking good.
As well as this, you will also have fun building the pond from scratch if you are someone who enjoys getting their hands dirty.
They Are Relaxing
Lastly, garden ponds are extremely relaxing.
Why listen to a playlist of calming sounds when you can relax in your garden to the calming sounds of your pond?
Listen as the water flows, as your fish swim, as birds chirp as they perch on the side of the pond.
This will be a great environment for all to relax by after a stressful day and be filled with a sense of calm.
Things To Consider When Getting A Garden Pond
When it comes to getting a garden pond, there are many things that should be considered:
Sunlight
Before investing in a garden pond, you will need to think about how much sunlight the pond will be getting.
As we have explained above, sunlight is a massive factor, especially because of how your pond will need to be protected from the heat.
Think about the comfort of your fish as well as the rising chances of algae.
Location
Another thing to think about is visibility. It is important to choose a location in your garden that is not in the way yet is visible to all.
For instance, you do not want to have a small pond in the corner of the garden where no one can see it.
You want it to be the main focus of your garden, welcoming guests as they enter. This pond should be your centerpiece.
Wind
One thing which many people do not consider is wind. If you know that one area of your garden gets particularly windy, then it is probably best not to have your garden pond there.
This is because the wind can mess with the quality of the pond, not only having the potential to knock ornament and decorations over but also creating water loss from the pond.
Health And Safety
The health and safety of those around is a big factor, especially if you have any children or pets.
Children can easily fall into the pond if they are playing nearby and pets can try to catch the fish.
You want your garden pond to be safe for everyone, so it is necessary to alter the design to fit this purpose.
We recommend fencing off your pond as a means of protection. You should also think carefully about the location you are choosing.
Trees And Bushes
Wherever you have your pond is a long term decision, so you will need to think about how your pond will cope during all seasons.
There are some people who choose to have their garden ponds sat underneath trees and by bushes but these people soon regret their decision when autumn comes and leaves are falling.
You will be constantly having to scoop leaves out of your pond and this means plenty of work.
Whilst this isn’t to say that you should not have your pond under a tree, you should still be made aware that this will require a lot more maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Garden Ponds Hard To Maintain?
Garden ponds can be hard to maintain so it is important to always be vigilant and keep up with all the work that needs to be done.
If you don’t want to do much maintenance, be aware of where you are locating your bond.
Make sure that it is not under a tree or anywhere windy as this will only lead to more work.
Do You Need Planning Permission To Have A Garden Pond?
This all depends. It is best to check with your state council to see what they advise, however as it is your garden you should be allowed to do what you want.
If you are living in a rented property, however, you should always ask your landlord/landlady first.
Can You Have A Pond In The Front Garden?
Yes, you can definitely have a pond in your front garden, but it would be best small.
You should also consider where you live. If you live on a busy main road then a front garden pond wouldn’t be best.
If you live in a quiet suburban area then a pond would make a great addition to the front of your house.
However, with this said, you will need to be more cautious when it comes to safety as your pond will be closer to cars and other threats.
Final Thoughts
Ponds make a great addition to any home but it is up to the owner to maintain it.
Heat is a great threat so it is necessary to know how to maintain the pond despite the sun.
Above, we have given you many tips to help you. By following them, you will find yourself with a well maintained and managed garden pond which all will love.
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What Are The Best Four Hole Kitchen Faucets? Reviews & Buyers Guide
Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. Trying to find the right kind of faucet for your kitchen can be a bigger task than a lot of people originally thought. So, if you need to do your faucet research before you start purchasing, then […]
This buyer’s guide will be going through all the things you need to consider before you purchase your new kitchen faucet.
The first thing you need to do is check the mounting holes on your new kitchen sink and start taking measurements.
Kitchen sinks come with a range of mounting holes, ranging from as few as just one to as many as four, so don’t just assume what number of mounting holes your kitchen sink has.
Double check how many as this will limit the options available to you.
Also, you will want to check how far apart each hole is and take note of the size of the water line.
These measurements will again limit your options when it comes purchasing your new faucets as you will need valves that are spaced apart and easy to use, and not pick a design that is too close together.
Once you have all of the nitty gritty specification details you need, then you can start to look for your ideal faucets.
A lot of faucets come with special features like flexible nozzles so you can adjust the spray of water, or a separate feature for a spray gun or soap dispenser.
If there are any cool features you are dying to have, you will want to keep these in mind.
Materials are also super important as some materials are higher quality than others. Some brands have even developed non-smudge technology incorporated into the materials they use to reduce the amount of visible fingerprints on your faucets.
Brands is another area to consider because some names like Delta or Kohler have huge reputations that make them reliable sources for faucets.
However, all of these above areas are sure to drive up the price of your ideal faucets. Set yourself a maximum budget so you know how much you want to spend on your faucets. This will help you avoid going overboard.
And finally, you will want to think about the design aesthetics of your faucets. Different faucets suit different kitchens so try and find one that suits the overall appearance of your kitchen’s design.
Four Hole Kitchen Faucet Reviews
Here are some of the best kitchen faucets available on the market! Each one is built to fit a four whole mounting, so take a look at the below options and pick out your favorites!
This top selling kitchen faucet model from Delta has a flawless, classic design that best suits minimalist kitchens.
It only has one single handle to reduce its size, making it super compact and easy to function. There is also a side sprayer that produces stronger jets that can help you get through those dirty dishes in n time!
For those who have a very modern design to their kitchen, this is the perfect four hole faucet for you!
Made from flawless stainless steel, this kitchen faucet is super sturdy and comes with a side sprayer that can help jet wash away stubborn stains on your dishes.
It also features a cool matte black finish, a swivel spout for bonus functionality and includes two handle operations for precise control over your water’s temperature!
There are also faucets available for more classic designs, including this option from Pfister.
Available in a tuscan bronze, this kitchen faucet comes with a side spray and a soap dispenser for bonus use. It’s also very efficient with water use, allowing you to cut down on your utility bills.
Conclusion
And that’s everything you need to know when buying a four hole kitchen faucet (see also ‘3 Hole Kitchen Sink Faucets’)!
Check out our buyers guide above so you know every area you need to keep in mind when shopping, and check out our highly recommended options above!
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Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. Any garden looks better with a nice pond nestled in the corner. Ponds are great because they take up space on your lawn, meaning you won’t have as much to mow on a regular basis. They also […]
Any garden looks better with a nice pond nestled in the corner. Ponds are great because they take up space on your lawn, meaning you won’t have as much to mow on a regular basis.
They also can attract new species to your garden, making it much more enjoyable to spend time in.
However, the best thing about ponds is that they simply look great. These water features can do a lot to make your garden feel more tranquil and full of life.
That said, they need to be maintained on a regular basis to prevent them becoming stagnant.
Stagnant water can produce foul odors and acts as a nesting site for certain species of insect to lay their eggs.
Both of these will ruin your peaceful water garden very quickly, which is why you should take measures to keep your pond clean and healthy.
A pond spitter is a small statue placed in the middle of a pond that spits water from an outlet, usually located in the mouth.
You may think these miniature fountains are simply decorative ornaments, but they are actually very helpful at keeping the water in your pond clean.
Pond spitters disturb the surface of your water, preventing algae blooms, and greatly reducing insect larva.
They can also help to aerate your pond, raising the oxygen levels of the water to make it more suitable for fish and aquatic plants.
If you’re interested in getting one of these ornaments for your pond, then read on and discover some of the best pond spitters available to buy online.
Table of Contents
Why Do I Need A Pond Spitter?
A pond spitter isn’t essential, but they make great decorations for your pond and can provide a number of surprising benefits.
For a start, the sound of trickling water is very relaxing and will help to make the area near your pond or water garden much more tranquil.
Furthermore, these fountains help to disturb the surface of the water in your pond.
This has several benefits, such as preventing algae blooms or insect eggs from accumulating in your water.
It also helps to aerate the pond and raise the percentage of oxygen dissolved in the water.
This is essential if you have fish, as it will help them to breathe and thrive, along with any species of aquatic plant you are cultivating.
As such, pond spitters can be very helpful at keeping your water clean and free from contaminants.
Not to mention, they instantly improve the aesthetic of any water garden and make a great attraction for impressing your friends and family.
Bamboo Accents Water Fountain With Pump
If you are looking for something that is simple yet effective, then this bamboo water fountain may be just what you need.
This product is made from real, split-proof bamboo, making it a natural addition to any pond or water garden.
The type of bamboo that it is made from absorbs excess sound, so you can enjoy the peaceful trickle of running water and nothing else.
It is designed for small bowls, but you can easily use it for a small pond instead.
If you are worried that your pond may be too big, then this unit is cheap enough that you could easily buy two and place one at either end.
Another great thing about this product is that it comes with its own 110V pump, meaning you won’t have to buy anything else to set it up.
If you want to attach a different pump, such as a solar-powered model, then it is easy to do so provided you buy one with the right size of outlet.
Pros:
Made from all natural materials.
It creates a quiet trickling sound that is very peaceful.
If you want to add a bit of classical flair to your garden, why not try this stylish and mischievous spitter inspired by a famous fountain in Brussels.
This statue is made from crushed stone bound together with resin. It isn’t the most durable spitter, but it is resistant to UV, heat and other conditions that would normally harm statues made from poly resins.
This unit doesn’t come with a pump, so you will need to buy a 400 GPH unit to power it.
Once you do, though, this is a very low maintenance product and should last you a long time provided you don’t knock it over.
Sadly, this statue isn’t built to handle drops or sudden impacts, so make sure to put it somewhere stable and secure to prevent it falling and breaking.
This pissing boy statue will make a great humorous talking point when you next have guests.
Pros:
Classical design based on a fountain in Brussels.
Made with real crushed stone bound together with resin.
Aquascape 78310 Naughty Dog Pond And Garden Water Fountain
This is another whimsical fountain for adding a bit of naughty charm to your garden pond.
Shaped like a peeing dog, this spitter is humorous and compatible with 180 GPH pumps to provide a steady stream of water.
This makes it suitable for small to medium-sized ponds. And all you need is a suitably flat rock to place it on, and you are ready to go.
While it looks like it is made from real brass, this statue is still made from the same poly resin that all of Aquascape’s products use.
As such, it is resistant to both UV and temperature fluctuations, although there may be an issue with the paint used.
Sadly, according to some customer reviews the paint has a tendency to flake off, but you may be able to fix this with a can of primer and some metallic bronze paint of your own.
Apart from this minor inconvenience, this is a great little statue that adds a bit of doggy charm to any garden pond.
Pros:
Compatible with 180 GPH pumps.
Made from durable poly resin.
Charming and whimsical statuette for small to medium-sized ponds.
Design Toscano EU59307 Kohaku Asian Koi Piped Spitter
Design Toscano have gone all out on this colorful and charming piped spitter statue. If you are looking for a colorful decoration to place next to a pond full of koi fish then this is the perfect choice.
The statue is made from crushed stone bound together with poly resin and then hand painted in vibrant, weather resistant paints.
It is designed to work with a 240 GPH pump, although you can use weaker models as well, and it should still function properly.
One issue with this product is that it is incredibly lightweight and will actually float if placed in water.
This won’t be a problem if you put it on a stable platform around the outskirts of your pond, but it may be irritating if you want to place it in the pond itself.
At full power this statue can spit up to 1ft which will be suitable for aerating smaller bodies of water.
Pros:
Colorful hand painted design.
Works equally well as a standalone statue or spitter.
Aquascape 78304 Double Frog With Cattail Spitter Water Fountain
Pond spitters aren’t the best way to aerate your pond by a long mile, but some of them can be very effective depending on the size of your pond and where you place the pump.
This model made by Aquascape has two outlets facing in opposite directions to provide better coverage.
As such, if placed in the middle of a pond, this spitter can provide awesome aeration provided your pond isn’t too deep.
Just like Aquascapes other products, this statue has been made from a durable polyresin that has been painted to look like real metal.
Since it weighs 4.8lbs, you won’t have to worry about it floating off into your pond during periods of heavy rain.
It is recommended to use a 180 GPH pump with this model to provide enough pressure for both of the spouts.
This is a simple, yet effective little spitter with a great design.
Pros:
Two outlets for better coverage and more aeration.
Charming, realistic metal coloration.
Solid design with a wide flat base to offer great stability.
Cons:
Some delicate parts may snap off easily if not handled with care.
Pond spitters are a great way to add some decoration and charm to your garden pond or water garden. However, it isn’t just about buying something that looks nice, you need to make sure it is functional as well.
In this section, we will cover some important things to consider when shopping for a suitable pond spitter.
Material
Most pond spitters will be made from a type of poly resin with a special coating to protect it from the elements.
These materials are chosen because they are non-toxic and won’t seep into the water of your pond, causing harm to anything living in it.
This poly resin is highly durable and capable of withstanding UV, temperature fluctuations and many other forms of common wear and tear.
Some spitters may be made from stone, although these are generally much more expensive.
Others may be made from wood such as bamboo, which offers something a little more natural at an affordable price.
Companies like Design Toscano make their spitters from a combination of resin and crushed stone.
This lends them a more authentic feel and also reduces the weight considerably. However, lower weight isn’t necessarily a good thing.
Statues made from these materials are more fragile and may break easily if knocked over. They are also so light that they may float on water, which means you won’t be able to place them in the pond itself.
Pump Size
Before you buy a pond spitter, you will need to think about the size of pump you will need to buy for making it work.
Some spitters will come complete with a pump and hosing for connecting the two items together.
However, for most of them, the pump will need to be bought separately. Most pumps below 300 GPH will be fine for a polyresin spitter.
The power of the pump will determine the speed and force with which the water is ejected from the statue.
If you want your pond spitter to provide any level of aeration, you will need a stronger pump to get the desired effect.
As well as a pump, you will also need to buy a length of hose for connecting it to your spitter.
Most of the time you will want to place the pump in the water of your pond to provide better circulation.
When doing this, try to find a way of attaching the pump to the bottom of the pond.
This will move water from the bottom, so it can be ejected by the spitter. As a result, the water in your pond will be moving more and the spitter will be able to provide much better aeration.
Paint/Coatings
The final thing you need to consider is the materials used to paint and your pond spitter and protect it from the elements.
Most companies will try to use non-toxic paint and coatings, but it is always worth double-checking.
Coatings, such as soy resin, are natural and won’t cause any harm to your fish if they leach into the water of your pond.
Other, more synthetic coatings may be much more harmful, and should be avoided in case of leeching.
Be wary of items that haven’t been painted properly.
If the paint on a pond spitter is flaking or peeling off, some of that paint will end up in the water of your pond, where it may start causing problems for your fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will A Pond Spitter Aerate My Pond By Itself?
A pond spitter can help to aerate your pond, but it is far from the best method for doing so.
If your pond is over 5ft deep, then a spitter will not be able to provide enough aeration for the water at the bottom.
In most cases, you will want to have a disc aerator as the main source of oxygen for your pond and keep the spitters for decoration.
However, for a pond that is more shallow, a spitter or multiple spitters could work on their own.
For this to be viable, you will need to place the pump or pumps at the bottom of the pond.
This means that the water at the very bottom is being circulated, which will help to improve the benefits from your spitter.
However, in most cases it is better to have multiple aeration methods rather than just relying on one.
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Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. A drop of water level in your pond can mean a lot of things, but the first you’d think of, and potentially the most problematic is there being a hole or tear in the pond liner. In […]
A drop of water level in your pond can mean a lot of things, but the first you’d think of, and potentially the most problematic is there being a hole or tear in the pond liner.
In this article we’ll be discussing this problem, and how you can go about fixing your pond liner in a few easy steps. So without further ado let’s get started.
Pond liners are expensive and tricky to work with, so it’s always a good idea to check for any other issues before you get started on this job.
Table of Contents
Is There A Leak In My Pond Liner?
The first thing to consider as we said above, is if the issue is directly related to your pond liner, and nothing else, so let’s take a look at some other potential issues you may have.
First off, evaporation of water is a consistent issue seen with ponds, especially in the warmer summer months of the year.
If you can see that your pond is slowly losing water over a matter of days, then it’s more than likely evaporation affecting your pool.
This is completely normal of course, and won’t be as large of an issue as if you had an actual leak in your pond liner.
Instead you can expect to lose around 1-2 inches of water per week if you’re seeing symptoms of evaporation, and you could quite happily top your pond off with some extra water, but usually this is naturally repaired with rainwater, and shouldn’t be too much to worry about.
However if you have a water feature in your pond and you’re experiencing some extreme heat, it’s not uncommon to see 8 inches of water loss every week instead, this alone is because of your water feature meaning there’s more surface area of water that’s exposed to air and heat, allowing for more evaporation to take place, your best bet is going to be to turn your water feature off during extremely warm days, or simply replace the pond water after a drastic loss.
There’s other causes of water loss too, including objects blocking waterfalls you may have in your pond, leaks within your circulation system, and improperly installed water skimmers.
All of these issues are going to be easily fixed once you find them, it’s just important to thoroughly check all of your pond’s systems to see if any of these are the culprit.
If there’s a leak in your pond liner, the loss of water from your pond should seem disastrous at the best of times.
You won’t see the same gradual water loss as you would from basic evaporation, but instead you’ll see a rapid and uneven dispersion of water flowing out of your pond, and into the soil below.
If you’ve read these above points and you’re certain that your issue is your pond liner leaking, then there’s a simple test you can do to be certain. Simply:
Fill your pond back up to an appropriate level
Unplug all pond equipment, including the pump.
Allow your pond to sit for a day
If you see a noticeably large difference in water quantity between these two days then you’re looking at a leak in your pond liner.
How To Locate Leaks In Your Pond Liner
So now that you know that you’ve got a leak in your pond liner, the next step is to locate where exactly your leak is coming from.
Pond liners can be large things, so being able to precisely pinpoint where your issue is is going to be an enormous help in repairing your pond.
The simplest, and probably easiest way to locate a leak in your pond liner is simply to let the water inside of the pond escape, until it stops.
This will allow you to see at what level exactly your leak is located, which makes it much easier to find it once you’re up close, if you’re having trouble finding the leak as it’s small, then look for where your water is flowing whilst it drains, or even small bubbles as the water escapes out of the leak.
If you’re still having trouble after this, then you can add a small amount of condensed milk to the water, which is much clearer, and will allow you to see where exactly the water is flowing to whilst it drains from the pond.
Be sure to only use a small amount of milk though, and don’t worry, this much milk won’t affect the health of your pond in any way.
Some drawbacks to this method are notable though, if you have fish you’d be best holding them in another tank for a little while, as the leak could be on the bottom of your liner, meaning that the fish don’t have enough water to survive once you’ve located the leak.
As well as this, this method intentionally wastes a lot of water, as you’re essentially just emptying the contents of your pond out into your garden, so be prepared for some unwanted wet side effects.
Repair, Or Replace My Liner?
Once you’ve found your leak, you’ll probably be wondering if it’s best to try to repair the damage, or simply buy a new pond liner, whilst this will obviously be different with every leak, it’s good to generally consider that small tears in your liner are easily repairable, but larger holes inside of the liner are just going to break again, meaning you’re going to have to buy another pond liner.
Remember that these are expensive too, so if you can help it you’re probably going to want to repair your leak instead of replacing it. Below are some of the best methods you can use to repair your pond liner:
Pond Liner Kits
Best Used For Small To Medium Sized Leaks
Pros
Simple, all in one solution that you can easily apply to your liner
Really easily repairs smaller holes
Once settled it blends with the liner great, you’d never know you’d have a leak.
Cons
Not going to work for larger, more extensive damage done to your liner
Requires a dry application, so you’ll have to fully dry out your liner.
If you’ve got a small to medium leak in your liner then there’s really no better choice than a pond liner repair kit.
They’re relatively inexpensive and come with absolutely everything you need to repair your pond liner.
They also come with instructions so they’re perfect for inexperienced people wanting to save some money by repairing their liners instead of buying a whole new one.
Generally these kits come with a patch, which you can stick over the leak, after a little while the patch will be completely stuck to the liner with a waterproof seal.
After that it’s easy as giving your pond liner one more look over to inspect for any other forms of damage, and then getting it back in your pond.
These patches can come in all sorts of measurements, all the way from 2×2 inches to 30×30 inches wide, and if you’ve got a larger patch then you can cut them down to fit the size of your leak, no waste!
Make sure before you jump in though, check that the area with the leak is completely dry, and use the primer that’s included in the kit to ensure that the patch fully sticks to the liner.
Once your patch is attached you can use the roller to ensure that any air that was stuck inside of the patch is removed, so you can be sure that you won’t get another leak in the same spot again. To summarize in a few key points:
Cut a patch for the leak, circle shapes are the most durable
Locate the tear in the liner and clean the area with primer
Press the patch over the hole and hold firmly for a few seconds
Once rigid, roll over the patch with the included roller, and you’re good to go.
Pond Liner Joining Tape
Best Used For Fixing Leaks Where Extra Pond Lining Is Needed
Pros
Great for when you have a leak at the top of your liner, where having extra pond lining would be useful
Can be used for general small repairs elsewhere
Good for sealing anything you may have inside of your pond, such as a pond skimmer box
Cons
Not designed for sealing larger tears or rips.
Can be difficult to apply, you probably need 2 people
Both sides of the tape are sticky, resulting in debris collecting in an undesired location
Pond liner joining tape is useful for niche scenarios but it does repair them extremely well.
If you have a leak in the top of your pond, or just have a lack of pond liner, you can use the tape to fill out any leaks that you might have.
It’s as simple as priming the two surfaces you’re joining, and applying the tape to the edge of your liner, or over any smaller leaks that you might have inside the liner itself.
The tape is durable, and will last a long time without any fuss, but it’s not going to be effective at anything much larger than a small tear.
The joining tape is also great at providing more liner for equipment that hasn’t been setup too well, simply apply it in the same way you’d apply it anywhere else and you can fix any equipment you may have in your pond easily.
Pond Liner Repair Sealants
Great For Very Small Holes And Rips In Your Liner
Pros
Really effective at filling in small holes and rips
Cheap!
Really easy to do
Cons
Not as durable as the patches
Takes a long time to fully set whilst being completely dry
Will only work on very small leaks.
If you didn’t want to use patches, then your next port of call would be Pond liner repair sealant, as it’s the most cost effective method on our list, and is great for filling in tiny leaks, up to around 2 inches in diameter.
To use the sealant, you need to drain the pond (see guide on how to drain a garden pond) and make sure your leak is completely dry, then apply the sealant directly to the tear using the nozzle on the can that you’re using.
You’ll have to wait up to 8 hours for the sealant to gradually cure, and fill the hole that you’re covering, but after that time you’ll be delighted at its waterproof and durable qualities, with it being so easy to do.
You’d be surprised that the sealant is completely fish and plant friendly, and won’t do any harm to them whatsoever, and it can be used for all sorts of problems you might have with your pond.
If you need extra lining on a waterfall or fountain, simply apply it and wait.
Repair sealant is convenient and so simple, you’ll be surprised at how effective it is with very little effort!
Replacing Your Pond Liner
Your Only Option For Large Tears, Or Rips In Your Pond Liner
Pros
From all of these options, this is the only option that will truly last the longest, a brand new high quality liner can last up to 25+ years, and won’t let you down.
If you replace your pond liner you can be certain that no other issues remain.
Cons
The most expensive solution to your leaking problem
Requires the most work, as you’ll have to drain and empty your pond and start again from scratch.
Completely overkill for anything smaller than a large leak. Don’t replace your pond liner unless it’s a large leak!
If you’d just prefer a fresh start, or have a leak that’s too large to fix, then simply buying a replacement pond liner is going to be your best option.
But bear in mind that if you have small rips or tears in your lining then there’s absolutely no need to replace your entire pond lining at all, just choose some of the options above and you’ll save yourself money and the time and effort it takes to replace an entire pond liner.
When purchasing a new pond liner you should consider what type of material you’re going for.
There’s loads of options available to you so you should consider all of the advantages and disadvantages that come with the many different materials, but in general, rubber based liners are going to withstand tears and general damage that’s done over the years you’ll own it.
PVC and LPDE are also options that you can take a look at, which add a lot of flexibility to your pond, which may be an advantage if you can see yourself doing a lot of work with it over the years.
HPDE is also a great choice due to its resilience to chemicals, and can last upwards of 36 years if treated right, so there’s loads of options you can choose from.
Whatever your choice, buying an all new pond liner can be an expensive and critical decision for the longevity of your pond, so make sure you research the materials properly, and make the decision that suits your needs best.
Preventing Pond Liner Leaks
The main issue that lies with pond liner leaks and tears is that it’s really hard to work out what caused them.
Due to most pond liners nowadays being durable and able to withstand a good amount of pressure, usually if a pond liner tears it’s because of some foreign entity that’s pierced through the liner itself, or it’s just exceeded its best of date.
Because of this, it’s really hard to tell what specifically breaks pond liners, but it’s important to try and understand how it broke so that it doesn’t happen again.
Below are some common reasons as to why pond liners break, and solutions to stop it from happening ever again.
Add Netting To Your Pond
A relatively cheap and simple way to increase the durability of your pond is by adding high quality netting to the surface of your pond.
This reduces the amount of debris that can fall in your pond, which reduces the overall sludge that builds up in your pond over time, this sludge if left unattended will build up over time no matter how great your netting is, and things like sharp sticks and stones will eventually cause damage to your pond lining.
By adding a net though you can reduce this amount of buildup massively.
As well as this nets stop predators from attacking your fish from the pond’s edge, as birds such as herons do.
Herons are large predatory birds that will attempt to catch fish from your pond with their sharp beaks, as you could imagine this can cause huge damage to your pond, as well as being a large reason why holes are poked in your netting.
By adding a net the herons cannot poke through to the water anymore, so don’t bother going near your pond.
Nets are extremely cheap but you can really see the difference that they make. If you don’t have netting over your pond i’d strongly suggest getting some as soon as possible.
Remove Sharp Stones From Around Your Pond
Many people choose to decorate their pond with stones around the edge of the water.
Whilst this looks great, sharp stones can be knocked from their places into the water, or the pond lining, which can easily puncture it, resulting in a leak.
Even if stones are directly inside of the pond, they will sink to the bottom and scrape along the pond floor, which over time will wear down the lining of your pond.
Instead look for rounded, smooth stones to line your pond, and if you see any that have fallen in, just net them out to remove the risk of punctures.
Use Underliner
Pond underliner is a great way to add some reinforcement to your pond, without compromising the look of it.
Underliner is similar to lining, but goes underneath it, and is much more flexible whilst retaining a lot of that durability.
It cushions the pond liner from both sides, and really reduces the risk of leaks due to all of the extra durability that it adds.
If you’re choosing to replace your pond liner it’s a great idea to purchase a good quality pond underliner that you can wrap around your liner.
It’ll increase the longevity of your liner, stop punctures, and do both of those things without looking any different from above. Underliner is a great way to buff up your pond!
Ensure That Your Liner Is Secure Around The Edges
Your pond liner is most fragile around the top of your pond, usually where you disguise it with stones or plants.
So make sure that all of the top of your liner is completely secured, that can be with stones, plants or anything that suits your garden, you’ll reduce the risk of the top of your liner tearing if you keep it secured behind another strong surface, and if you need anymore of it added, simply use joining tape to add more.
Final Thoughts
Pond lining nowadays is not a fragile thing, new liners are incredibly durable, and can last decades long.
But that doesn’t mean that things don’t go wrong, so just in case that they do you can always come back to this guide to find a solution to your problems.
Remember that every pond is different, and you’ll prioritize different things for your own pond, so be sure to do research before you buy anything!
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How Do You Remove Rusted Bolts From A Toilet Tank?
Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. If you live in a warm and humid place, then it is more likely that pieces of metal that have iron will become rusty a lot quicker. Of course, taking care of your toilet tank and keeping […]
If you live in a warm and humid place, then it is more likely that pieces of metal that have iron will become rusty a lot quicker.
Of course, taking care of your toilet tank and keeping it dry will help prevent rust for a while, but it will rust eventually. You may even notice some rust in your toilet bowl.
The bolts inside a toilet tank are always submerged in water, so it’s natural and inevitable that rust will build up over time.
This is especially the case if your toilet is made from cheap metal that easily rusts, and if this is the case, regularly replacing the bolts in your toilet tank is essential.
When you buy new bolts for your toilet tank, you should opt for brass or stainless steel as these are the least affected by rust. They are more expensive, but as they last longer this is more cost-effective in the long run.
Replacing your toilet tank bolts may look easy, however, it’s not without its difficulties. One of the most common difficulties is that the bolts may be so rusted that unscrewing them is near impossible.
But when there is a will there’s a way, and this article will take you through all the steps of removing rusted bolts from a toilet tank, (see also ‘How To Fix A Slow Filling Toilet Tank Without Calling A Plumber‘) and why toilet tank maintenance is so important in the first place.
Table of Contents
Why Is It So Important To Maintain Your Toilet Tank?
After all, if you want anything in home to be long-lasting then you have to take care of it. Without regular maintenance and small checks when necessary, your toilet tank can run into problems like leaking (see also ‘How To Replace A Leaking Toilet Tank To Bowl Gasket’) and rusting.
So to keep your toilet in fantastic condition, keep these things in mind.
Clean Your Toilet Tank Regularly
You should clean your toilet tank on a regular basis to avoid issues like a buildup of germs and dirt.
Empty Your Toilet Tank If It Hasn’t Been Used For A While
If a toilet tank is rarely used it can grow moldy inside, which not only smells awful but can negatively affect your health. So even if you haven’t used your toilet tank in a while, be sure to empty it.
Avoid Using Bleach
While bleach is a popular cleaning product, do not use toilet tank cleaning products that have bleach in them as they erode rubber parts.
Make Sure To Check For Parts That Are Damaged
While you’re cleaning your toilet tank, check for signs of damage and replace them early before they break down.
Replace Bolts When They Begin To Rust
Your toilet tank usually has two large nuts and bolts that keep the tank secured to the toilet bowl that can rust over time and cause leaks. When these bolts start to rust, replace the bolts as soon as possible.
If the bolts are incredibly rusty, then you might not be able to remove them. This doesn’t make unscrewing the bolts impossible, however.
Removing Rusted Bolts From A Toilet Tank
Now let’s go through the steps to successfully remove rusted bolts from a toilet tank.
Remove The Water
Switch the water supply off before flushing the tank it empties of water. Use a sponge or an old towel to soak up the residual water.
This is an important step because when the toilet tank bolts are loosened, it may cause a leak.
Another option is to lay a towel on the floor where you will be working. You may not be too worried about this step if you have a tiled bathroom, but it’s still important to be mindful of leaking water.
Unscrew The Bolts
To unscrew the bolts, you’ll need a flat head screwdriver and a wrench. First, hold the bolt in place with the screwdriver and turn the wrench counterclockwise around the nut below the tank.
As long as the bolts are not seriously rusty, you should be able to unscrew the bolts.
Be Ready To Explore Alternatives
If the head of the bolt essentially crumbles when you begin to use the screwdriver, you’ll need to consider a different angle.
Attempt To Remove The Bolts Using A Mini-Hack Saw
A mini-hack saw has a flexible blade that gives you access below the head of the bolt.
Even when the bolt is extremely rusty, this solution should work. Stripping the rubber washer is also beneficial and helps you easily cut through the bolt.
Use A Reciprocating Saw
This undoubtedly works better than a hack saw, however it may break the toilet. Shorter blades are more controllable, but longer blades give you better access. You may even find you need to use both.
Try Bolt Cutters
Bolt cutters can be a good alternative if the nut is loose and you’re still struggling to remove it. Bolt cutters are also not too expensive.
When using a bolt cutter, put the nose on the stem of the bolt, as this makes the process a lot simpler.
Drill The Bolts Out
If the bolts are incredibly rusty and just won’t come out, then this is the last resort.
Using a small drill, remove the bolts. You should proceed with caution with this method as it could damage the porcelain. Also when attempting this method the tank should be totally dry.
How Do You Install New Bolts?
Now that we’ve removed the rusted bolts, let’s find out how you can install new bolts!
Use High Quality Bolts
If you replace your old bolts with new, high quality ones then this will mean less time replacing rusty bolts in the future! When looking for new bolts, make sure they are corrosion and rust-resistant.
Screw The Nuts Onto The Bolt
With a flathead screwdriver, you need to hold the bolt inside the tank and screw the nut onto the bolt but not on the opposite side.
Also make sure not to overtighten the nuts! Doing this will squeeze the washers, and keep the water in the tank.
Overtightening the tank can be accidental, so don’t be too worried if the tank moves a bit. Flexibility doesn’t hurt.
If the toilet tank cracks, also try not to worry about that either and it can be remedied with epoxy.
Important Things To Remember
Let’s take a look at a few more important considerations when removing rusty bolts from your toilet tank.
Find Replacements Ahead Of Time
The best replacement for rusty bolts is to get bolts made of stainless steel and solid brass.
A big complaint amongst DIY enthusiasts is that it’s difficult to find bolts that properly fit your toilet, and if you’re replacing bolts for the first time, it’s easy to just replace the old bolts with bolts that can easily rust again, so it’s important to do your research and find the right bolts.
Stop When The Bolts Are Tight Enough
Many people wonder when the bolts on their toilet tank are tight enough.
While this is something people learn with experience, there are some things to keep in mind if this is the first time you’re replacing the bolts on your toilet tank.
For example, using a smell wrench helps you to resist the urge to overtighten, and the bolts should always be snug, not too tight.
Make Sure To Inspect The Toilet Tank Gasket
Since you’re already installing new bolts, you might as well install a new gasket too.
This is actually the next logical step after removing the rusted bolts, and it’s easier to do these jobs all in one go instead of having to remove the bolts again a few months down the line to install a new gasket.
Be Mindful Of Other Sources Of Leaks
Toilet tank (see also ‘Best Epoxy For Toilet Tank Repair‘) leaks are not just caused by rusty toilet tank bolts. They can be caused by the tank being cracked, a leak in the gasket in the middle of the tank, or a leak in the tank water supply.
Be Prepared!
Plumbing is rather unpredictable, and a lot of DIY plumbing involves trial and error.
You may start a job and midway through realise you need other tools to finish the job.
It’s good to be aware of the opening hours of your nearest hardware store, and get to work early so you have plenty of time to get the tools you need quickly.
Final Thoughts
Removing rusted toilet tank bolts might seem incredibly difficult, and how dexterous you are and how rusty the bolts are can have an effect on how difficult it is to get the job done.
But we hope our guide has been helpful, and with the proper tools and some patience you’re sure to successfully replace the rusted bolts on your toilet tank!
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What Size Pond Pump Do I Need: A Guide To Pond Pump Sizes
Need to Hire a Plumber?Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area. A pump is a vital part of the ecosystem of your pond, so it’s important you get the right one. A pump circulates pond water, and by doing so keeps dissolved oxygen at a safe level in […]
A pump is a vital part of the ecosystem of your pond, so it’s important you get the right one.
A pump circulates pond water, and by doing so keeps dissolved oxygen at a safe level in your water, and ensures your fish stay healthy.
Constantly moving pond water encourages aeration and provides the water with nutrients, whilst deterring mosquitoes and preventing algae from growing. Filters, fountains, and waterfalls all need the right-sized pumps in order to function.
There are two types of pond pumps (see also ‘Best Pond Air Pump & Aerator‘), and these are submersible and sit at the deepest part of the pond, or non-submersible and are placed above the surface of the water.
There is a wide range of pond pumps that vary in size and power, and it’s important to consider what your pond’s needs are before buying your own pump.
After all, you wouldn’t want to buy a pump for your large, busy pond that isn’t up to the task of maintaining it, nor would you want an overpowered pump for your small waterfall.
But how do you know which size pump you require? There are two important figures you need to look at, and this concerns the flow rate and head.
These two figures tell you the amount of water a pump can circulate, and how capable it is of overcoming any resistance.
Some of the calculations used to determine what size pump is right for you can look a bit complex and daunting, but below we’ll break down these calculations so correctly choosing the right size pump for your water features will be a breeze.
But first, let’s take a closer look at the types of pond water pumps.
Table of Contents
Types Of Pond Water Pumps
We now know that there are two types of water pumps, and these are submersible and non-submersible. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so let’s explore what those are.
Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps are meant to be totally submerged underwater in the deepest part of the pond.
You can put these pumps in your pond directly, or use a pond vault or skimmer box to do so. Submersible pumps can be as small as 50 gallons per hour (GPH) and as large as 5,000 GPH.
Submersible pumps are simple to install and for smaller ponds that have up to 1,000 gallons of water can be the more economical option. Submersible pumps are also quiet, and are useful for draining your pond (see also ‘How To Drain A Garden Pond‘).
However, if your pond is populated with fish and other aquatic life then you should avoid a submersible pump that doesn’t use oil.
This is because if the pump malfunctions or breaks, oil can leak into the water and harm the fish.
Non-Submersible Pond Pumps
These pumps are not only a reliable option, but more energy-efficient too. You install the non-submersible pond pumps above the pond in a dry location. For larger ponds that are over 1,000 gallons of water, non-submersible pond pumps are more suitable.
However, they are noisier than a submersible pump and a bit harder to install. But once these pumps are installed, they’re even simpler to maintain than a submersible pump.
What’s The Difference Between Pump Head and Flow Rate?
Flow Rate & Head Height
When trying to determine the right size for your pump, you first have to find the right flow rate. Flow rate refers to the volume of water that is moved per unit of time.
Flow rate is either given in GPH or liters per hour (LPH), depending on where you are.
Now that you know the required flow rate, it is time to determine the head height of your setup. The flow rate in your pump will be different depending on the situation, and is determined by the quantity (head height, or simply head).
This is a term used in engineering and refers to how high a pump will lift water above the pond’s surface. When the head increases, the flow rate of the pump will decrease. The higher the water rises, the harder the friction and gravity will resist the flow.
More powerful pumps can provide more of a flow rate at higher amounts of head. Your pump should produce the flow rate you want at your system’s head height.
Total Dynamic Head (TDH) & Friction Head
The overall head height of a pond configuration is known as Total Dynamic Head (TDH). Getting your TDH calculations accurate is quite complex, and there may be many variables.
However, if you’re trying to calculate for a pond in your backyard (see also ‘5 Cover Ideas For Your Backyard Pond‘) it can be pretty easy. Each foot of vertical distance between the pond’s surface and the highest point to where the water is pumped to would be 1 foot of head, and this distance may also be referred to as static head.
TDH calculations can also include friction head and pressure head. Friction head refers to how the size of the pipe and the material of the pipe affects flow resistance.
For backyard ponds, friction head doesn’t have too much of an impact. There are a few simple ways that you can reduce friction head.
When selecting a pump for your pond, you should always use the pipe size recommended by the manufacturer. Smaller pipes can’t hold as much water and so have a lower flow rate.
A narrow pipe diminishes the power of your pump and may even break some setups.
Friction can also be taken into account by adding 1 foot of head for every 10 feet of horizontal piping between the pump and your feature or filter. Every 90-degree turn in the piping also adds 1 foot of head.
Pressure Head & Max Head
Pressure head refers to how devices that operate using pressure resist such pressure.
If your pump is going to be used for a pressurized filter, spray nozzle, or UV clarifier, then you may need to take pressure head into account.
While it’s fairly simple to estimate pressure head, you can get a more precise calculation using the conversion factor 2.31 feet = 1 psi if you know the actual pressure of a device.
Once you’ve calculated the sources of head, you then have to opt for a pump that provides the correct flow rate at that height.
For example, if you require 3,000 GPH at 10 feet of head, a pump that only provides you with a flow rate at 5 feet won’t be powerful enough.
Manufacturers normally provide a list of the flow rates that their pumps are capable of at numerous head heights. This includes the max head height, and this is the furthest distance a pump can lift water.
The flow rate is zero at the max head height, and you can refer to max head heights to compare their strengths.
These basic guidelines are handy for understanding how flow rate and head height can affect your pump, so now let’s take a look at how you can apply them to your pond setup.
Pump Size Guide For Fountains, Waterfalls and Features
How big your pump is will have a direct impact on how your waterfalls or fountains will look. To keep it simple, we’ll just talk about setups that connect the pump to the water feature.
But if other components are included (for example, additional filters), these will need to be taken into account too.
When choosing a fountain pump, the strength of the pump will determine how high the water rises and how powerfully it does so.
So to work out the required flow rate, you need to measure the diameter of the outlet of the fountain. You need to add 100 GPH to your flow rate for every inch.
You then need to work out your fountain’s head height by measuring the vertical distance from the outlet, to where the pump rests.
If your pump’s maximum head height and this distance is the same, the fountain will only produce a trickle of water.
A pump that has a maximum head height that’s about 1.5 times more than this distance can give you a steady stream of water to the head of the fountain.
So if your fountain has a head height of 22 inches and the outlet diameter is 3 inches, you’ll need a pump that gives you at least 300 GPH and has a maximum head height of around 33 to 35 inches.
When looking for a waterfall pump, it’s a similar process to the one above, with a few exceptions.
If you want to find out the head height, measure the vertical distance from the water’s surface to the tip of the waterfall. Don’t forget to add 1 foot of head for every 10 feet of pipe that connects the pump to the waterfall.
You then need to measure the width of the waterfall where the water will cascade.
For a decent flow, go for a pump that provides a flow rate of 150 GPH for every inch of the width. For a softer flow, tweak this figure to 100 GPH, and for a stronger flow, adjust it to 200 GPH per inch.
So if your waterfall is 20 inches wide, you’ll require a flow rate of 3,000 GPH for a decent flow.
If the distance between your waterfall and the pond’s surface is 6 feet and is connected by 20 feet of hose, your pump has to provide that 3,000 GPH at 8 feet of head height.
Pump Size Guide For Fish Ponds
When trying to determine the right size pump for water circulation, the most vital things to consider are the pond’s volume and how many fish are in there.
If your pond is densely populated, your pump needs to be able to circulate the whole volume of the pond hourly.
So if your pond is 1,200 gallons, your pump should be able to provide a flow rate of 1,200 GPH at the head height of the outlet.
If your pond has a lower population (or doesn’t have any fish), you may only need a pump that can shift half the volume of your pond.
You can estimate the volume of ponds in gallons by multiplying the length of your pond by the width and the depth. This may be harder to do if your pond has an unusual shape, but if this is the case you can multiply the longest, widest, and deepest parts.
While it is ideal to get this as accurate as possible, if your calculations are over by a bit, there is no need to worry.
If there isn’t enough water circulation in your pond, it can harm the ecosystem, so overestimating the volume is better than underestimating it.
Flow rate is also as crucial for pumps that power water filters. If the flow is on the slow side, the filter will be unable to keep up with the pond’s cleaning needs and the quality of the water will decrease.
On the other hand, if the flow is too rapid, the biological filters and UV clarifiers won’t be able to keep up and will be unable to process the pond water effectively.
So how do you strike the perfect balance? Go for a pump that is close to the maximum suggested flow rate of your filter, without exceeding it.
Your filter may also increase the pressure head to your system, and most pressurized filters give you an additional 3-5 feet of head.
Some models can reach 10 feet, and this is normally stated in the user manual. Meanwhile, UV clarifiers give you an extra 1-2 feet.
It is crucial to regularly clean your filter. When filters become clogged, or are not cleaned regularly, it is harder for water to press through them and this increases the pressure.
You may even decide that it is easier to have different pumps for your water features and filters, and this might be for a couple of reasons. Filters need to be running 24/7, but you can turn off a water feature whenever you want.
Plus, a lot of filters are unable to handle the flow rates needed to run a fountain or a waterfall.
Opting for different pumps not only gives you greater flexibility, but ensures optimum performance for your filters and water features, and helps you save on energy bills.
Final Thoughts
Having a pump for your pond is crucial to keeping your water clean, especially if your pond is populated with fish and other aquatic wildlife.
We know that figuring out the right size pump can be a bit daunting, but we hope our guide has told you everything you need to know!