Asthma is among the most common adult diseases in the world. Despite the fact that the risks of chemical exposure have long been known and that there are well-established recommendations for handling chemicals and protective equipment, many cases of asthma are still caused by exposure to toxic substances at work.

(more…)

Sutapa Ghosal and colleagues indicate that mold contamination of homes, especially after water damage from storms and floods, is an ongoing concern. Although most molds are harmless, scientists have linked some with health risks to humans. Traditional methods for detecting mold contamination involve identifying the spores that mold release into the air. Those tests are labor- and time-intensive, often requiring that the mold grow in the laboratory. Moreover, not every mold can grow under these conditions. That’s why the researchers have sought to develop a fast and easy method that can reliably detect and identify low levels of airborne mold – even single spores.

The scientists describe a new method, which involves collecting air samples on a piece of commercially available aluminum foil, and then analyzing the spores with a technique called Raman microspectroscopy (RMS). They used the method to detect and identify single spores from seven common types of mold. The team says that use of the new test could help with many problems in the public health, forensics sciences and environmental fields. (more…)

They found more microplastic on shores in densely populated areas and identified an important source - wastewater from household washing machines. They point out that more than 1,900 fibers can rinse off of a single garment during a wash cycle, and these fibers look just like the microplastic debris on shorelines. The problem, they say, is likely to intensify in the future. In the podcast, Browne suggests solutions: “Designers of clothing and washing machines should consider the need to reduce the release of fibers into wastewater. Research is needed to develop methods for removing microplastic from sewage and determine which fibers pose less of a problem for habitats, animals and humans.”

###

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In the first extensive survey of its kind, researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences sampled nearly 500 sink drains from 131 buildings — businesses, homes, university dormitories and public facilities — in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and California.

They analyzed fungal DNA to compare the spectrum of Fusarium species and sequence types found in drains with those recovered from human infections.

The study identified at least one Fusarium isolate in 66 percent of the drains and in 82 percent of the buildings. About 70 percent of those isolates came from the six sequence types of Fusarium most frequently associated with human infections.

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Ho Sun Lim, Jeong Ho Cho, Jooyong Kim and Chang Hwan Lee point out that the drive for energy conservation has fostered efforts to develop new types of window glass for everything from skylights and windows in houses to conference room walls in offices. “Smart” windows that reflect sunlight away from buildings in summer and switch back to full transparency in winter already are available. But they have many drawbacks, including high cost, rapid deterioration in performance, and manufacturing processes that involve potentially toxic substances. So, the researchers set out to develop a smart window that overcomes these drawbacks.

They discovered that using a polymer, so-called “counterions” and a solvent such as methanol was an inexpensive and less harsh way to make a stable, robust smart window. It has the added advantage of being extremely tunable - quickly and easily switching from 100% opaque to almost completely clear in seconds. “To our knowledge, such extreme optical switching behavior is unprecedented among established smart windows,” the authors state. “This type of light control system may provide a new option for saving on heating, cooling and lighting costs through managing the light transmitted into the interior of a house.”

Contact: Michael Bernstein
m_bernstein@acs.org
202-872-6042
American Chemical Society

This is because current codes consider natural hazards individually, explains NIST’s Dat Duthinh, a research structural engineer. So, if earthquakes rank as the top threat in a particular area, local codes require buildings to withstand a specified seismic load. In contrast, if hurricanes or tornadoes are the chief hazard, homes and buildings must be designed to resist loads up to an established maximum wind speed.

In a timely article published in the Journal of Structural Engineering,* Duthinh, NIST Fellow Emil Simiu and Chiara Crosti (now at the University of Rome) challenge this compartmentalized approach. They show that in areas prone to both seismic and wind hazards, such as South Carolina, the risk that design limits will be exceeded can be as much as twice the risk in regions where only one hazard occurs, even accounting for the fact that these multiple hazards almost never occur simultaneously. As a consequence, buildings designed to meet code requirements in these double-jeopardy locations “do not necessarily achieve the level of safety implied,” the researchers write.

Simiu explains by analogy: a motorcycle racer who takes on a second job as a high-wire performer. “By adding this new occupation, the racer increases his risk of injury, even though the timing and nature of the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident or in a high-wire mishap may differ,” he says. “Understandably, an insurer would raise the premium on a personal injury policy to account for the higher level of risk.”

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Great for when you go camping the Pack-Away Kettle is a 1.1 liter capacity kettle that flattens down to just over 2 inches tall. The base is made from stainless steel, while the body is made from silicone (which is what allows it to fold down so small). While you might not think of a kettle as the first thing you need to pack, you’ll be glad you have it when you wake up in the morning. The question is whether or not it’s worth $50 to have one that flattens down this small.

1. Contractor registration. Many states now require contractors to register. Contractor registration requirements vary from simply providing basic contact data to testing and background checks. This provides a consumer with the ability to at least verify an individual as being on record with the state government.
2. Contractor notices.  Each state requires contractors to notify their clients about certain rights. When and how those notices are provided are strictly detailed out in the law. One of the most common contractor notices is the pre-lien notice. This informs the client of the contractors right to file a lien against their property if they don’t receive payment for work done.
3. Lien rights. As mentioned above, contractors who perform work on real property are entitled to file liens against the property, if they are not compensated for their work. Lien laws also detail out when and how a lien must be filed. This helps protect consumers from frivolous liens being placed upon their property.
4. Building codes.  States, counties and cities each have their own set of building codes. Many of these codes have been set in place to insure that buildings are constructed safely and will meet minimum construction standards.
5. Building permits. Permits fill a similar function as the codes. Certain items are required from your contractor before a permit will be issued to do the work. In addition, the permit makes inspectors aware that a project is progress that will need their stamp of approval before completion.
6. False advertising. Laws regarding company advertising are also in place to protect the consumer against bad contractors. Most states require that contractors include their registration or license number in all their advertising. This assists consumers in reporting false claims or other issues with contractors.
7. Contract requirements. States also protect consumers with laws that require written contracts to be put in place for home improvements. These laws are generally very specific about what items must be included in the contract to meet the state’s minimum requirements.
8. Contractor licensing. Some states go beyond contractor registration to the more thorough process of contractor licensing. Contractor licensing usually requires some testing of an individuals knowledge of their field of work, state regulations and basic business practices.
9. Bonding and insurance requirements. When laws require bonding and insurance policies be held by your contractor, this protects consumers as well. If a loss should occur as a result of a contractor’s work on your project, these protections insure that you will have resources available to cover those losses.
10. Excessive down payments. Some states have put limits on the amount a contractor can request in payment prior to, or at the signing of, a contract. This limits the losses to a consumer should the contractor not perform the work as expected.

It is unfortunate that many reputable businesses must deal the long lists of regulations necessary to protect the public from those few contractors who do not operate lawfully.

Source: DoorFly.com

Most drains in homes I’ve owned have crossed pieces of metal set inside the flange that hair and other gunk get caught up on. This is what they sell things like the Turbo Snake for, but I’ve an easy cheap tool that works great.

Take a standard cable tie, (the longer the better) and using a very sharp knife, very carefully cut shallow diagonal slices into it on both sides. Make sure they angle up towards the head of the tie, and of course don’t cut all the way through. Try not to go more than half way or the tie may break off in the drain.

Slip the cable tie down into the drain, past the hair catching part and swirl it around a bit. Now pull all that nastiness out. It may take a few tries to get it all but it works great.

The Danish Net-Zero-Energy Home shown above could transform the way we live in our energy restricted future. The house uses a truck load of high technology allied to cost effective materials like wood to deliver a building that generates more power than it consumes.   In total, the Home for Life ought to use about 60 percent of the energy of a traditional single-family house in Denmark: 15 kWh per square meter per year for lighting, household appliances, and running the active components of the house and 32 kWh/m² per year for hot water and heating. It’s the latter where the Home for Life really stands out: Its heating consumption is just half that of an ordinary Danish home. Once all the systems are fine-tuned, we estimate that the house will generate a surplus of about 9 kWh/m² per year.

Alongside the traditional fixtures and fittings you’ll find extensive installations of photovoltaic solar panels, heat pumps, triple glazed windows with thermal properties and automated blinds, and a powerful sensor system allied to an outside weather station to maintain the interior environment no matter what the conditions are like outside.

(more…)

Yes folks, we’re talking catalytic converters for people!

“I use them on airplanes, after a chili meal, and even on my dog,” Kim Olenicoff, the ‘brains’ behind the idea told Gawker. “Some customers have even told me these saved their marriage!”

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The system is controlled with this waterproof touch-screen display, powered as well by the running water.  With a simple interface, you can control the temperature and the water pressure. It awakens our consumption consciousness with useful information as elapsed shower time and amount of used water.

Officials said tests had found Chinese drywall — also known as plasterboard — emitted dangerous levels of sulfur, which could corrode electrical wiring and gas pipes.

“Certain Chinese samples had emission rates of hydrogen sulfide 100 times greater than non-Chinese drywall samples,” the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said in a joint statement.

“Based on scientific study of the problem to date, HUD and CPSC recommend consumers remove all possible problem drywall from their homes, and replace electrical components and wiring, gas service piping, fire suppression sprinkler systems, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.”

Homes built between 2005 and 2009 chiefly in southern US states in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, were most acutely affected thanks to the large amount of imported Chinese drywall to help rebuilding efforts after the storms.

(more…)

You cannot apply water-based siloxane sealers to concrete until it has dried for 24 hours. If it rains during the 24-hour waiting period, wait another 24 hours to let the surface dry. Water on the driveway will dilute the siloxane sealer, which limits the amount of sealer that gets into the concrete substrate.

Spray, roll, or brush the sealer onto the driveway. Use the tool you prefer, but keep in mind that a roller applies the sealer faster than a brush. A garden sprayer is faster than a roller. Don’t worry about getting some of the sealer on your grass or garden plants. If you get some of the product on metal or windows, simply wash it off right away with soap and water. Use a sponge to clean the surfaces.  Apply the concrete sealer until a faint white color appears on the driveway. If any of the sealer “ponds” in a section, spread it evenly before letting it dry.

Source

Here some of the types of Faux finishes

• Marbleizing or faux marbling is used to make walls and furniture look like real marble. This can be done using either plaster or glaze techniques. (more…)
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/a-look-at-faux-painting/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/clogged-drain-tips/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/clogged-drain-tips/#comments Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:47:09 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/clogged-drain-tips/ Slow drains can be extremely frustrating to the home owner and even more frustrating to people who live in apartments. Fortunately, you don’t have to always wait for the management company to send a repairman. There are plenty of things you can do on your own to fix a slow drain. This article will discuss a variety of tools and tricks for maintaining a fast moving drain and clearing a clogged one.

  For starters, when it comes to maintaining a healthy drain, an ounce of prevention is worth a truckload of drain-fixing tools. Want to know a simple way to keep a free-flowing drain healthy? Hot water. Put the stopper in your sink drain or shower drain, and run the hot water directly from the tap and fill up the basin. Then pull the plug, and allow the hot water to continue to run for another thirty seconds after the basin empties. The hot water breaks up old accumulations in the waste line. By doing this once every few weeks, it will prevent a new line from ever having clogs, and will also help clear out an older drain line over time. Another trick is a cap-full of bleach once a week into every drain in the house. These simple tips for keeping drains clear will save you a lot of money in the long run.

  If your drains do end up clogged, the problem usually lies in one of two areas: localized obstruction and vertical or horizontal clog.

  A localized obstruction is usually in a fixture trap, in a mechanical waste fixture or appliance, or where the drain piping makes an abrupt change in direction. The obstruction is usually easy to clear with a wire or by using a plunger. Most often the object is a small toy, cotton ball, toothpick, or something similar. Removal of the item typically clears the slow drain immediately.

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/clogged-drain-tips/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/solar-powered-garden-insect-theatre/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/solar-powered-garden-insect-theatre/#comments Sat, 02 Jan 2010 15:45:29 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/solar-powered-garden-insect-theatre/ This falls in the, just thought it was cool and wanted to share.  The Solar-Powered Garden Insect Theatre offers a sustainable insect habitat that attracts moths, lacewings and butterflies into your garden. The solar panel charges the internal battery by day, then lights up the insect theatre by night. The battery automatically turns off at daylight to recharge. The insect theatre is made from sustainably grown timber and treated with an environmentally safe wood preserving agent.  Insects get in and out of this cool habitat through holes in the side, the louvres and around the edges of the wide door, so they won’t get trapped. To encourage them to visit the insect theatre, mount it in a warm, dry and slightly shady area. Insert branches, leaves or other plant material to make it cozy. Prices start at around $47 US.
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/solar-powered-garden-insect-theatre/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/chinese-drywall-linked-to-hydrogen-sulfide-gas-vapors-and-health-problems/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/chinese-drywall-linked-to-hydrogen-sulfide-gas-vapors-and-health-problems/#comments Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:50:27 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/chinese-drywall-linked-to-hydrogen-sulfide-gas-vapors-and-health-problems/ The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is launching an expanded investigation into dangerous drywall imported from China, which has been linked to multiple health problems. The contaminated drywall has been shown to give off fumes of hydrogen sulfide gas, causing harmful indoor pollution in homes where the drywall is used.In addition to health problems, the drywall has been connected to corrosion of electrical components, causing safety issues. After a study of 35 homes using Chinese drywall, with comparisons to homes without the Chinese product, the CPSF now has established a baseline to continue its investigation. Consumer Product Safety Commission chairman Inez Tenenbaum said, “We now have the science that enables the Task Force to move ahead to the next phase — to develop both a screening process and effective remediation methods.”

  The CPSF is joining with multiple federal and state agencies to identify the exact substances in the Chinese drywall and to take steps to warn consumers. The investigation will also recommend solutions to homeowners with the contaminated drywall in their homes.

  The drywall was used in the rebuilding effort in Southern states, after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina.

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/chinese-drywall-linked-to-hydrogen-sulfide-gas-vapors-and-health-problems/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/composting-is-an-easy-eco-friendly-alternative/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/composting-is-an-easy-eco-friendly-alternative/#comments Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:16:22 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/composting-is-an-easy-eco-friendly-alternative/ Recycling is certainly not a new concept. In fact, gardeners have been using one form of recycling - composting - for about as long as people have tilled the soil. Composting is a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to give your garden a boost.

  Start your compost pile now, before winter settles in, and come spring you’ll have a jump on nutrient-rich compost to help your garden produce its best harvest. Composting happens by itself through natural decay and the breakdown of organic matter. Depending on your local climate, the composting process may not be fully completed with useable humus or compost until temperatures warm up.

  “Composting is easy and can be done for as little as $10 - or even free if you build your own bin,” says Bruce Augustin, senior director in research and development with Scotts. “It’s a great way to provide essential nutrients to your soil, while recycling kitchen and yard waste, which helps keep refuse out of landfills.”

  It’s easy to get started composting: find a bin, gather materials, build your pile and compost. Augustin offers the following easy-to-follow steps for getting started:

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/composting-is-an-easy-eco-friendly-alternative/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/portable-rain-collector-barrel/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/portable-rain-collector-barrel/#comments Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:27:43 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/portable-rain-collector-barrel/ This 34 gallon collapsible rain barrel made of laminated, flexible polyester, this tear-resistant container can be stored anywhere when not in use. With its zippered wide mouth and mesh screen, makes debris-free rainwater collecting simple. At only seven pounds when empty, move this handy rain catcher anywhere with ease. Connect a hose to the pre-installed nozzle, then reuse your catch during the hottest growing season. Priced at $70 from Greenhome, place it under your gutter or just on your deck, and reuse the water for all your outdoor needs.
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/portable-rain-collector-barrel/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/glass-shower-door-installation/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/glass-shower-door-installation/#comments Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:50:36 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/glass-shower-door-installation/ One of the most effective methods for improving the look and feel of your bathroom is to add or replace your shower doors. Shower doors come in many shapes and styles and are made by many different manufacturers. The process is straight-forward and requires a only a few basic tools, some caulk and the new shower doors.

  Steps to Shower Door Success

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/glass-shower-door-installation/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/work-safe-with-led-gas-detector/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/work-safe-with-led-gas-detector/#comments Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:09:43 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/work-safe-with-led-gas-detector/ Lab tested to sense propane, butane, acetylene and methane (natural gas) the LED Gas Detector will keep you safe from noxious leaks at home or doing handyman tasks. Simple LED indicator  lights up and alarm sounds when flammable levels of gas are detected. No calibration required. Green = Good, Red = Run! Check for gas leaks in pipes, hot water heater, propane grill tanks and more.  Needs 2 AA batteries and US$29.98
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/work-safe-with-led-gas-detector/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/insurers-dropping-people-who-have-homes-containing-chinese-drywall/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/insurers-dropping-people-who-have-homes-containing-chinese-drywall/#comments Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:47:53 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/insurers-dropping-people-who-have-homes-containing-chinese-drywall/ A recent story from the Associated Press notes that Chinese drywall are leaving many people with denied claims and canceled home insurance policies.. According to state and federal sources cited by the AP report, the drywall releases a sulfur and organic compounds.  People who tried to file claims based on the damaging effects of the drywall are being denied by home insurance companies. Furthermore, some of them are having their home insurance policies canceled or not renewed.
  According to the AP, the Chinese-made drywall is especially prevalent in Florida and the rest of the Southeast. David Durkee is a Florida attorney who represents a number of homeowners that are suing companies as a result of their drywall problems. He told the news organization that the problem will continue to grow.

  “This is going to become critical mass very shortly,” Durkee said to the AP.

  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the total number of incidents involving defective drywall climbed to 1,192 as of September of this year. Between August and September, 382 incidents were relayed to the CPSC. Overall, homes in 24 states and the District of Columbia have had drywall problems.

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/insurers-dropping-people-who-have-homes-containing-chinese-drywall/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/shining-and-removing-scratches-from-stainless-steal-appliances-and-sinks/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/shining-and-removing-scratches-from-stainless-steal-appliances-and-sinks/#comments Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:50:08 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/shining-and-removing-scratches-from-stainless-steal-appliances-and-sinks/ I have been doing a little research for my own secondhand stainless appliances I recently purchased and have tried a few of the many suggestions and they all seem to work well. I will add to this post as I try new products. For shining and hiding fine scratches, baby oil might be the first thing to try, or safflower seed oil is said to work well too. I also tried WD-40 believe it or not and that worked well too. Spray or dab a small amount on a piece of paper towel and rub with the grain over the surface of the appliance.  Remove any excess afterward.  Note these are flammables, so don’t for example put this on your stove and then turn on a burner.

  For cleaning and removing water spots try hydrogen peroxide. For removing greasy film, vinegar.  I have read a lot about a product sold at Home Depot specifically for taking SCRATCHES out of stainless steel called Scratch-B-Gone but haven’t tried it yet.

  Commercial Cleaners

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/shining-and-removing-scratches-from-stainless-steal-appliances-and-sinks/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/what-gauge-stainless-steel-sink-to-buy/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/what-gauge-stainless-steel-sink-to-buy/#comments Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:38:02 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/what-gauge-stainless-steel-sink-to-buy/ Many of you will someday be looking to renovate your kitchens including new counter tops.  In the process you may look to replace that old and tired looking sink.  If your interested in picking out a stainless steel sink you like, you need to consider the thickness of the steel or gauge.  ‘Gauge’ means how many layers of material would stack to make an inch: 14 gauge means 14 layers, 18 gauge 18 layers, etc, so lower numbers are better. I would never buy anything over 18 gauge steel.  The 18 gauge is okay but has kind of a tin like sounding reverberation when anything bangs on it.  My recommendation is go with 16 gauge if possible, though the cost can be significantly higher in retail stores.  I highly recommend taking a look online though at Galaxy Tool Supply.  This is no shameless plug, they offer excellent stainless steel sinks, free shipping and have been very dependable for me.
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/what-gauge-stainless-steel-sink-to-buy/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/motion-sensing-wall-plug/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/motion-sensing-wall-plug/#comments Sat, 26 Sep 2009 23:56:30 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/motion-sensing-wall-plug/ Stop stumbling around in the dark trying to turn on a light by clapping your hands.The SensorPlug is a passive infrared sensing wall plug that will allow you to activate any device you have plugged in when motion is detected. The sensor can detect motion in a 90° arc and up to 20′ away. It has a built-in timer that will switch off any device if no one is detected for 2 to 5 minutes and so long as someone is in the room it will stay on indefinitely. That’s got to save you money. US$13.99 from Kleargear.
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/motion-sensing-wall-plug/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/choosing-a-central-air-conditioning-system-for-your-home/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/choosing-a-central-air-conditioning-system-for-your-home/#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:51:32 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/choosing-a-central-air-conditioning-system-for-your-home/ Sizing a central air conditioning system for your home is an important task.  Particularly for newly built homes, contractors use industry sizing models, such as Model J, but most use them as a reference, modifying the results to accommodate their own years of experience. A 1500-sq.-ft. ranch-style home, for example, might normally require a 2 1/2-ton air conditioner, but factors like the climate for your region, insulation, windows having western exposure, maybe a 3-ton unit might be more appropriate.  The best way to determine the correct air conditioning system size for a home you’ve lived in, is to decide how well the old system worked when it was running well. If your old system did the job in cooling, your new system will do the same job more efficiently, since the new technology is typically better.

  If you don’t know your central air system’s size, simply look at the nameplate on the outdoor AC unit.  Almost all air conditioner manufactures put the Btu rating in the model number.  One ton of cooling is equal to 12,000 Btu’s.  Most units start at 2 ton, or 24,000 btu’s and increase in half ton increments.  Another good thing to do is to check what your neighbors with similar size homes are using or recently purchased.   Something to keep in mind, sizing too small or too big are both bad things.  Sized too small, the system will run all the time, and even freeze over, on the warmest days. If sized too large, the system will cycle on and off too frequently, losing it’s efficiency and greatly reducing its ability to control humidity. 

  Another factor to consider is whether to buy a high-efficiency air conditioner.  The efficiency level of a central air conditioner is determined by its “seasonal energy efficiency ratio” (SEER).  SEER rating is technically defined as the cooling output provided by the unit during its normal annual usage period divided by its total energy consumption. More simply, the SEER rating is similar to the miles-per-gallon rating for automobiles. Units of 20 years ago probably were running at a SEER rating of 9 or 10, while beginning in January 2006, the minimum efficiency level for all new central air conditioners manufactured must be at least 13 SEER.  An air conditioner rated at 13 SEER uses 30 percent less electricity than a 10 SEER system. High-efficiency 16 to 23 SEER central air conditioners cost more but save money particularly in warmer climates and government and utility companies offer rebates.

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/choosing-a-central-air-conditioning-system-for-your-home/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/ultrasonic-stain-remover/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/ultrasonic-stain-remover/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:35:07 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/ultrasonic-stain-remover/ This Ultrasonic Stain Remover claims to get out the stains others leave behind. First it sprays water onto the stain and then it attacks it 50,000 ultrasonic frequencies per minute, shaking loose all the dirty, nasty bits. For tough stains, dab some detergent on, count to 600 and then set the stain remover to kill. Gentle on fabrics and also works on upholstery. Comes complete with a brush, power adapter, detergent and instructions.
  
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/ultrasonic-stain-remover/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/drinkwell-360-water-fountain-for-pets/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/drinkwell-360-water-fountain-for-pets/#comments Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:54:51 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/drinkwell-360-water-fountain-for-pets/ Water is an essential element for the health of your pet, so purchasing a water fountain for your pet is an important decision. Pets prefer free-falling water to stagnant water in a traditional feeding bowl and the The Drinkwell 360 Water Fountain for Pets applies this knowledge with a free-falling water fountain that encourages pets to drink more water, it ultimately promotes healthier kidney and urinary tract functioning. A quiet, submersible pump is located in the center of this unique fountain that offers 360 degree access for your pets to drink from any side. The kit includes five interchangeable spout heads in the center that let you customize the flow, from one stream of water up to five, and a flow control on the top cap lets you easily adjust the speed of the water flow. It can hold up to 1 gallon (128 ounces) of water that passes through an activated carbon filter inhibiting bacteria growth, aerating water with healthful oxygen and removing bad tastes and odors. The Drinkwell 360 Water Fountain pumps fresh, filtered water into the bowl and makes a great investment in the health of your pets at $58.49.

  What’s Included

   

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/drinkwell-360-water-fountain-for-pets/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/proven-solution-for-chinese-drywall-is-now-available/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/proven-solution-for-chinese-drywall-is-now-available/#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:07:06 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/proven-solution-for-chinese-drywall-is-now-available/ The only effective solution with proven performance to manage and remove the harmful contaminants being emitted from Chinese Drywall is now available. The RISS System(TM) removes the inorganic and organic sulfur based contaminants from indoor air. The technology for the RISS system is so unique that it is in Patent Pending status with the U.S. Office of Patents and Trademarks. The RISS System(TM) : (www.RISSsystem.com)
  • Safe and affordable solution
  • Occupants do not have to leave their home
  • No removal of personal property from home or building
  • No removal or remediation of the existing Chinese Drywall.
  • Installation of The RISS System(TM) can be completed in 4-8 hours by trained and certified technicians
  • Noticeable improvement to the quality of indoor air within 72 hours of installation.

  The System has been comprehensively tested by one of the leading independent indoor air quality testing laboratories in the U.S. The performance has been documented by the reduction of the multiple harmful inorganic and organic sulfur based contaminants being emitted for the Chinese Drywall to levels at or below analytical detection limits. The results of the testing performed in homes resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of the indoor air and a restoration of the quality of life for the occupants.

  (more…)

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/proven-solution-for-chinese-drywall-is-now-available/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/pump-it-up-with-the-airpro-cordless-air-compressor/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/pump-it-up-with-the-airpro-cordless-air-compressor/#comments Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:23:22 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/pump-it-up-with-the-airpro-cordless-air-compressor/ The AirPro Cordless Rechargeable Air Compressor works to keep you riding on air with minimal effort on your part! The AirPro cordless air compressor offers a powerful 120 psi. With a 15-inch air hose, the AirPro rechargeable air compressor can be used for a wide variety of purposes. From car and bike tires to sports balls and a host of other inflatables like rafts and tubes. Order yours today at $69.95.
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/pump-it-up-with-the-airpro-cordless-air-compressor/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/noodlehead-%e2%80%93-flexible-sprinkler/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/noodlehead-%e2%80%93-flexible-sprinkler/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:56:03 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/noodlehead-%e2%80%93-flexible-sprinkler/

  Noodlehead is a garden sprinkler with twelve, flexible watering tubes. You can bend and reposition each tube individually and they’ll stay wherever you point them. You can mount the Noodlehead in any orientation and it can water almost any shaped lawn. You can also purchase optional risers to get the sprinkler up high above your plants. US$16.95 from Noodlehead.

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/noodlehead-%e2%80%93-flexible-sprinkler/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/tow-n-stow-the-trailer-that-converts-to-a-cabinet/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/tow-n-stow-the-trailer-that-converts-to-a-cabinet/#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:41:43 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/tow-n-stow-the-trailer-that-converts-to-a-cabinet/ Tow n Stow is a very clever car-towable trailer that converts into a waterproof, upright, storage unit. The trailer weighs 396 pounds, can carry 992 pounds and can be towed with almost any normal vehicle. It’s watertight, holds 1.4 cubic metres (50 cubic feet) and it has 2 removable doors over the top and a removable tail gate that can accommodate ramps. When you’re done haulin’, just stand it up,  fill it with stuff and close the doors. Remembering of course that you’ll have to empty it before you head out again. US$2495.

  

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/tow-n-stow-the-trailer-that-converts-to-a-cabinet/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/recommending-mosman-plumber-down-under/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/recommending-mosman-plumber-down-under/#comments Sat, 25 Jul 2009 16:42:10 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/recommending-mosman-plumber-down-under/ A quick shout-out to a fellow plumber working down under (plumber mosman).  In case you’re looking, for Plumbing services in Mosman, Australia, the Lower North Shore or the Northern Beaches, I want to tell you about my colleague Keith B. Hodges. Keith the mosman plumber is a licensed master plumber, drain and gasfitter, who can handle all kinds of plumbing emergencies, including broken pipes, clogged or blocked drains, pipes, and toilets, rainwater tanks and storm water systems.

  Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time and usually at the worst times possible. When they do, you want someone on the scene fast before the problem worsens or perhaps causes peripheral damage.  Luckily Keith Hodges and company is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week,and he doesn’t charge extra for weekend service. Keith’s fully-equipped trucks feature state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that the job is done completely and efficiently. And he’ll stay until the problem is solved, with courteous, clean and professional service. I always tell people don’t wait for an emergency to happen before you try to find a plumber. If you’re in the following northern beaches plumber areas (Manly, Fairlight, Balgowlah, Clontarf, Seaforth, Mosman, Neutral Bay, Cremorne, Cammeray, North Sydney, Crows Nest, Chatswood, Roseville, Davidson, Frenches Forest, Colloroy, Dee Why, Manly-Vale, Brookvale, Killaray Height) you might want to keep Keith’s contact information handy at: Address: 142 Sydney Road Fairlight 2094  Phone Number: 0417 250 432 or 9948 5524 (24 hours - 7 days).  You can also visit his website right here.

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/recommending-mosman-plumber-down-under/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/tips-on-preparing-a-room-for-painting/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/tips-on-preparing-a-room-for-painting/#comments Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:00:31 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/tips-on-preparing-a-room-for-painting/ A lot of the effort in painting is in the preparation. In smaller rooms particularly, it probably takes more time to prep then the actual painting.  You’ll get the best results if you follow these tips:

  Clear the room if possible of all furniture, wall hangings, etc.

  Don’t be lazy, remove light fixtures, wall socket covers, towel racks, etc.

  Use removable (usually blue) ’safety’ masking tape (not too sticky)  around moldings, doors and windows.

  Lay down drop cloths to protect floors and furnishings.

  Sand or scrape loose cracks and flaky paint with sandpaper and paint scrapers - down to bare surfaces if necessary.

  (more…)

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/tips-on-preparing-a-room-for-painting/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/hands-free-e-z-toilet-flusher-gadget/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/hands-free-e-z-toilet-flusher-gadget/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:17:54 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/hands-free-e-z-toilet-flusher-gadget/ For those who fear picking up and spreading germs from those chromium plated toilet handles:This hands-free, step-on toilet flusher works with a gentle tap of the foot pedal - no back strain, hand pain, or body contortion necessary. You’ll never have to touch that germy handle again. Installs easily…It fits any standard toilet, and you don’t even have to dismantle your current handle. It says no tools needed for installation, which suggests fairly easy installation.  At $12.98 it sounds like a pretty good bargain.

  E Z Toilet Flusher

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/hands-free-e-z-toilet-flusher-gadget/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/pullzall-portable-lifting-tool/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/pullzall-portable-lifting-tool/#comments Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:49:33 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/pullzall-portable-lifting-tool/ The PullzAll by Warn Industries is a powerful, lightweight, easy-to-use handheld electric tool with the ability to lift or pull up to 1,000 lbs. A strong motor and variable speed control allow you to move heavy items into place smoothly and precisely. These features equate to saving both time and money.

  It comes in AC or DC powered versions, has 15 feetof 7/32″ steel cable, forward/reverse switching and a variable speed trigger. Keeping you safe is an integrated hook-and-swivel anchor, an electronic load limiter with LED display, and a dynamic brake. The DC version runs on a 24 volt NiCad battery and the AC versions come in 110V and 230V localized versions.

  Prices vary greatly, but according to website RedFerret, Amazon seems to be the cheapest, at around US$300 for the DC and US$220 for the AC. There are quite a few accessories as well. Superheroes should probably go for the DC version.

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/pullzall-portable-lifting-tool/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/ez-bundler-gives-automatic-string-bundling-at-the-press-of-a-trigger/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/ez-bundler-gives-automatic-string-bundling-at-the-press-of-a-trigger/#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:59:21 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/ez-bundler-gives-automatic-string-bundling-at-the-press-of-a-trigger/ Sometimes it never occurs that a tool could make your job a lot easier.  Thus is the case of the EZ Bundler, which really helps piling, gathering, stacking and bundling. Joy! $19.98. Organize and secure just about anything! Bundle newspapers, stacks of wood, extensions cords — Hundreds of uses, from the home, garage, garden, office, and more. Pull the trigger to cut & clip exact amount of nylon strapping needed. Bundler comes with 50-ft roll of strap and 100 clips.
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/ez-bundler-gives-automatic-string-bundling-at-the-press-of-a-trigger/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/ge-hybrid-electric-water-heater/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/ge-hybrid-electric-water-heater/#comments Sat, 13 Jun 2009 16:20:14 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/ge-hybrid-electric-water-heater/ The new industry-exclusive GE Hybrid Electric Water Heater  is designed to provide the same hot water homeowners are accustomed to, but requires only about half the energy to produce it. For example, based on the same standard tank water heater that uses approximately 4800 kWh per year, the new GE Hybrid Electric Water Heater is designed to…use less than half of that energy – or about 2300 kWh per year– a savings of approximately 2500 kWh per year.  Set to premiere in late 2009 -gives you the hot water you want, using half the energy you’d expect.

  The system takes natural heat from the ambient air and transfers it into the water, thereby saving around $250 per year in heat-up costs. The electronic control system gives you set and forget control, and the onboard sensors enable the device to self-monitor and notify the homeowner of potential problems. This trendy looking tank is sure to be a slam dunk for homeowners looking to save some green while being green. 

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/ge-hybrid-electric-water-heater/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/hydrokinetic-adjustable-hydraulic-wrench/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/hydrokinetic-adjustable-hydraulic-wrench/#comments Sat, 06 Jun 2009 21:51:30 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/hydrokinetic-adjustable-hydraulic-wrench/ This Hydrokinetic Adjustable Wrench allows you to open a valve, push a plunger to adjust the fit against your target nut or bolt and tighten valve. It can cope with up to 23 different metric and standard nut sizes, and is purposely slimline to fit into niche corners. Stylish steel at $24.99.

  To adjust the Hydrokinetic Adjustable Wrench, just open the valve, fit around the nut or bolt of your choice, and push the gripper on the opposite end. It will compress the liquid which will, in turn, push the gripper on the end you want. Once it is snug against the nut, close the valve and your Hydrokinetic Adjustable Wrench is locked into position.

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/hydrokinetic-adjustable-hydraulic-wrench/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/septic-tank-cleaning/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/septic-tank-cleaning/#comments Thu, 21 May 2009 22:36:18 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/septic-tank-cleaning/ If you live in a rural area you probably have a septic system instead of a sewer connection. Clean your septic tank every one to three years.  A rule of thumb is a 3-bedroom home with 4 occupants (and with no garbage disposal) needs cleaning once every 3 years for a 1,000 gallon tank serving.  If you feel that an additive is needed, be aware that some may do great harm. Additives that advertise to “eliminate” tank cleaning may cause the sludge layer to fluff up and be washed out into the drainfield, plugging soil pores. Some additives, particularly degreasers, may contain carcinogens (cancer-causing) or suspected carcinogens that will flow into the ground water along with the water from the soil treatment unit.

  Septic tank pump and haul contractors can clean your tank. To properly clean a septic tank, the manhole cover or the tank cover must be removed. It is a good idea to supervise cleaning to assure that it is done properly. The thickness of the floating scum layer and settled sludge layer in a septic tank are the keys to determining if a tank actually needs to be pumped. To extract all the material from the tank, the scum layer must be broken up and the sludge layer mixed with the liquid portion of the tank.

  An experienced pumping person does this by stopping the process in between and by re-injecting some of the pumped scum into the septic tank, specifically at the bottom. The septic tank should be pumped through the large central manhole, not the baffle inspection ports. Pumping a tank through the baffle inspection ports can damage the baffles, resulting in a destroyed leach field.

  (more…)

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/septic-tank-cleaning/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/bosch-dnm60l-digital-level/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/bosch-dnm60l-digital-level/#comments Wed, 20 May 2009 22:46:27 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/bosch-dnm60l-digital-level/ The Bosch DNM60L Spirit Level is a digitally enhanced level finding tool. No more peering myopically at a small yellow bubble (although it still sports one for the purists), instead you can read off actual angles and inclines on the LCD and even hold and store results at the push of a button.

  

  Automatic rotation of the measured values when working overhead * Hold function to hold measurement results at the push of a button * Slanted, easy-to-read display * Sturdy and handy * 2 vials enable use as a spirit level

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/bosch-dnm60l-digital-level/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/aquasafestraw-very-portable-water-purification-system/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/aquasafestraw-very-portable-water-purification-system/#comments Wed, 13 May 2009 12:25:24 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/aquasafestraw-very-portable-water-purification-system/ AquaSafeStraw is a high tech, tested and approved water purification system that removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria including Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, and Fecal Coliforms, plus parasitic contamination by Cryptosporidium, and Giardia.

  You use it like a normal drinking straw, as the water is sucked up through the membrane in the middle of the straw, only particles smaller than 0.2 µm are able to pass. This strains out all the nasties and leaves you with hopefully ok-tasting drinking water.

  The straw just needs a quick shake after use and with periodic cleaning the straw is good for 500 litres of filtered water. Even 3 year olds can use it apparently.  $US34.95 + shipping.

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/aquasafestraw-very-portable-water-purification-system/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/smelly-drywall-imported-from-china-raises-health-and-safety-concerns/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/smelly-drywall-imported-from-china-raises-health-and-safety-concerns/#comments Thu, 07 May 2009 14:23:32 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/smelly-drywall-imported-from-china-raises-health-and-safety-concerns/ Homeowners throughout the United States are complaining of stinky odors, copper pipe and wire corrosion, and respiratory problems in an ongoing crisis that officials say is linked to drywall imported from China. An article on this topic is published in the May 4 issue of Chemical & Engineering News.

  C&EN associate editor Bethany Halford explains in the article that drywall — also known as wallboard, plasterboard, and gypsum board — is composed of a gypsum, a chalk-like material. Spurred by complaints from homeowners that their homes smell like rotten eggs, investigators have traced the problem to drywall imported from China starting in 2004. But officials do not know the exact chemicals that are causing the problem and how they got into the drywall.

  Researchers suspect that the odors are caused by certain sulfur-containing substances in the drywall. Released as gases, these substances can corrode copper pipes, wiring, and air conditioning coils, the article notes. Although officials believe that the gases do not pose a serious health threat, many homeowners with the drywall have reported nosebleeds, sinus problems, and respiratory infections. Several government agencies are now investigating the exact health effects caused by exposure to these gases as well as the electrical safety issues related to corrosion of copper wiring.

  Wallboard Woes. Chemical & Engineering News, May 4, 2009; Volume 87, Number 18; pp. 50-51 [link]
  Via: Science Daily

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/smelly-drywall-imported-from-china-raises-health-and-safety-concerns/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/spring-is-the-right-time-to-think-about-air-conditioning-maintenance/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/spring-is-the-right-time-to-think-about-air-conditioning-maintenance/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:43:43 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/spring-is-the-right-time-to-think-about-air-conditioning-maintenance/  

  An air conditioner is a very tough piece of equipment and is engineered to withstand all sorts of abuse and keep on running. This is great in most respects, but it can lead to complacency about maintenance. Like a car, air conditioners need regular tune-ups to run properly.

  Without regular maintenance an air conditioner looses about 5% of it’s original efficiency for each year of operation. This means that the 12 SEER unit that you bought just a few years ago may be functioning like a 9 SEER unit today! The good news is that you can recover most of that lost efficiency through regular maintenance. Studies show that with regular tune-ups a unit will maintain up to 95% of it’s original efficiency. This means that the cost of an annual tune-up is recovered very quickly in savings on your monthly electric bill and reduced repair costs. A properly serviced air conditioner will also do a better job of dehumidifying your home.

  Many local air conditioning firms offer special prices at this time of the year. Some even offer annual service programs that insure that you will be reminded of the need to service the unit at the beginning of the cooling and heating seasons.

  (more…)

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/spring-is-the-right-time-to-think-about-air-conditioning-maintenance/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/anti-drowning-device-for-peace-of-mind/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/anti-drowning-device-for-peace-of-mind/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 09:27:15 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/anti-drowning-device-for-peace-of-mind/

  Pool Angel is a new anti-drowning system that has been developed for domestic swimming pools. After installation the alarm will sound within 3 to 7 seconds if it detects a body of around 8kgs falling into the water. There is a secondary receiver which will then sound inside the house within a couple of seconds. Clever tech.

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/anti-drowning-device-for-peace-of-mind/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/chinese-drywall-poses-risks-for-many/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/chinese-drywall-poses-risks-for-many/#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:07:14 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/chinese-drywall-poses-risks-for-many/ Household problems ranging from corroded plumbing to serious skin rashes all are coming from the same source—China—according to experts in the United States and in other countries. For many Americans living in as many as 100,000 new homes built during the recent housing boom, the drywall contains chemicals that, when exposed to heat and humidity, give off fumes that not only smell bad (like rotting eggs) but also is capable of corroding copper pipes, tarnishing jewelry and making people sick. This particular drywall was imported from China by construction companies because it was abundant and cheap. It is believed that as much as 500 million pounds of the toxic compound wound up in the United States, including in newly built homes in the Southeast after Hurricane Katrina.

  As if that wasn’t bad enough, researchers in Europe have discovered that hundreds of thousands of leather sofas made in China contain a toxic fungicide that can cause chronic dermatitis, skin burns, eye irritation and breathing difficulties. The culprit is dimethyl fumarate, which can turn into a toxic vapor when people’s body heat from sitting on the sofas causes a chemical reaction.

  At the height of the U.S. housing boom, when building materials were in short supply, American construction companies used millions of pounds of Chinese-made drywall because it was abundant and cheap. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/chinese-drywall-poses-risks-for-many/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-stretches-to-get-you-back-to-work/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-stretches-to-get-you-back-to-work/#comments Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:44:30 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-stretches-to-get-you-back-to-work/ A very nice demonstration of effective stretches and exercises to eliminate the pain, numbness, tingling and grip strength loss due to carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries.
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-stretches-to-get-you-back-to-work/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/pirit-utility-line-anti-freeze-hose-pipe/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/pirit-utility-line-anti-freeze-hose-pipe/#comments Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:30:39 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/pirit-utility-line-anti-freeze-hose-pipe/  

  The Pirit Utility Line Anti-Freeze Hose Pipe comes with a built in heating element and thermostat to stop water freezes wrecking your hose and your garden aspirations. $189.00 for 50 foot.

   The hose connects to your water line like any other garden hose; however it also has an electrical plug that can be connected to any outdoor rated GFCI outlet. Once plugged-in, a built-in thermostat is set to activate the heating element (copper wire) inside the hose line if the ambient temperature outside the hose is below 95° F and will turn off the heating element if the ambient temperature reaches above 105° F. It isn’t necessary to keep the electrical cord plugged in at all times, and ideally the cord and hose should be disconnected when not in use. However, Utility Line was specifically engineered to withstand the cold and even if hose is left to freeze with water inside, it will only take about five to ten minutes to thaw once plugged-in.

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/pirit-utility-line-anti-freeze-hose-pipe/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/the-eco-drain-allows-you-to-recycle-your-hot-shower-water/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/the-eco-drain-allows-you-to-recycle-your-hot-shower-water/#comments Sat, 28 Mar 2009 23:25:10 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/the-eco-drain-allows-you-to-recycle-your-hot-shower-water/

  The new Eco Drain is  brilliant and yet simple idea which could potentially save millions of dollars each year which we waste through sending our hot shower water down plug-holes and into the drains.

  

  Simply put this is a heat exchanger, but this is a great application of the technology which could offer significant benefit.  The Eco Drain collects the shower water before it disappears into the plumbing and recirculates it to heat up your incoming shower water. Result, you don’t need as much energy to heat up the water and hence the savings.

  (more…)

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/the-eco-drain-allows-you-to-recycle-your-hot-shower-water/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/sweet-home-3d-interior-design-program/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/sweet-home-3d-interior-design-program/#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:31:38 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/sweet-home-3d-interior-design-program/ Sweet Home 3D is an interior design program that helps you place your furniture on a house 2D plan, with a 3D preview. It ships with a quantity of ready made models which you can drop and position to your heart’s content, and supports community generated plugins for added functionality. It’s available in 11 languages and runs onthe Mac, PC and Linux.  And best of all it’s free!!

  
  

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/sweet-home-3d-interior-design-program/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/fake-security-cheap-the-doom-camera/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/fake-security-cheap-the-doom-camera/#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:29:30 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/fake-security-cheap-the-doom-camera/ The Doom Camera is a deterrent and not real security but it just might get the job done. It looks like it might be the real deal when you walk by, as it flashes away when it detects motion. I like the name too, but wonder if the manufacturer meant to spell it as  ‘Dome Camera’? Hang it anywhere with no wiring necessary and it works off two AA batteries. $11.00.
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/fake-security-cheap-the-doom-camera/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/osprey-biotechnics-trillions-of-good-bacteria-for-waste-management/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/osprey-biotechnics-trillions-of-good-bacteria-for-waste-management/#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 23:40:22 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/osprey-biotechnics-trillions-of-good-bacteria-for-waste-management/ Osprey Biotechnics is expanding to produce more trillions of beneficial bacteria — the hungry kind that open drain pipes, clean up soil and groundwater, treat waste water, and are beneficial to fruits and vegetables.

  The company is quadrupling its output this year from about 20,000 gallons a week to 80,000, and that’s a lot of bacteria — about 1.1 trillion per gallon.

  The production increase is leading to a 20-25% increase in staffing, the company reports.

  Osprey credits its growth to what it describes as “extraordinary quality control, quick customer service, new products — we try always to deliver beyond expectations,” says

  Lauren Danielson, executive vice president. “And of course we’re almost the definition of a ‘green’ company, because we do so much for a clean environment.”

  The company provides custom fermentation, contract production, private label products, new product development, and quality control services. Its customers and products include: (more…)

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/osprey-biotechnics-trillions-of-good-bacteria-for-waste-management/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-not-to-advertise-a-toilets-capabilities/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-not-to-advertise-a-toilets-capabilities/#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:13:03 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-not-to-advertise-a-toilets-capabilities/
  null - Watch more free videos

  To demonstrate a St Thomas Creations toilet, flushes just about anything, some clever marketing folks thought up some creative things to dump into the bowl.  Large carrots, chess-set pieces, bummi bears, etc. Perhaps a nice statement that the toilet does not clog.  Best though to keep children and small pets far away.

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-not-to-advertise-a-toilets-capabilities/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/tips-on-building-a-dog-house/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/tips-on-building-a-dog-house/#comments Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:22:44 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/tips-on-building-a-dog-house/ Building a dog house can provide your dog with shelter when outdoors, particularly if you live where the winters are cold, or if you have a dog with arthritis or some other condition that is made worse by the cold. Before you get started, you should know the Humane Society of the United States urges dog owners to allow their pets to live indoors with their families. If that isn’t possible, then the next best thing is a properly-constructed heated dog house.

  The three main points to remember about building a cold weather dog house are
  1) build your dog house off the ground,
  2) build the house large enough for your dog to comfortably turn around and to stretch out but not so large that it’s own body heat can not keep the house warm and
  3) insulate your dog’s house with the same type and grade of insulation that you would use to insulate your own house.

  Never build a dog house that sits directly on the ground. The floor of the dog house should be several inches above the ground to allow for proper air circulation. It is an excellent idea to build the house on a foundation of concrete blocks.

  (more…)

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/tips-on-building-a-dog-house/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/sylvan-sport-go/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/sylvan-sport-go/#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:30:20 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/sylvan-sport-go/

  The Sylvan Sport GO is one heck of a portable camper. Basically, it’s a cross between a pop-top camper and a tent but it’s much more than both.

  In travel mode it’s very compact and quite light (about 360kg) and can be towed by pretty much anything. When you get there, unhitch, drop the legs and wind up the roof. The tent part is stored in the plastic compartment and drops down and the walls are held in place via flexible poles like modern tents. Each of the beds are supported by swing out metal frames. I just don’t know how they managed to squeeze so many options into such a tiny package.

  

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/sylvan-sport-go/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/3m-performance-plus-duct-tape-nuclear-grade/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/3m-performance-plus-duct-tape-nuclear-grade/#comments Sun, 22 Feb 2009 01:06:19 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/3m-performance-plus-duct-tape-nuclear-grade/ 3M™ Performance Plus Duct Tape Nuclear Grade 8979N has a unique tape construction that allows for both permanent and temporary applications whether indoors or outdoors. It is removable with little or no adhesive residue from most opaque surfaces up to 6 months after application. 3M duct tape 8979N is also UV resistant for one year.

  Designed to work well outdoors, in harsh sunlight and in wet conditions Nuclear Duct Tape can be removed from most opaque surfaces without leaving any adhesive behind, even after 6 months in 4°C - 49°C temperatures. In fact it works in temperatures up 93°C and is UV resistant. $US15 for 60 yards apparently but it’s probably illegal to export it.

  Source

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/3m-performance-plus-duct-tape-nuclear-grade/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/one-of-the-best-tools-gets-better-magnetic-duct-tape/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/one-of-the-best-tools-gets-better-magnetic-duct-tape/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:24:01 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/one-of-the-best-tools-gets-better-magnetic-duct-tape/ One of the most essential tools in a do-it-yourself repairman’s toolkit, duct-tape just got better. Now there is Magnetic duct-tape, and it couldn’t be any easier or more versatile to use: As duct-tape sticky backing adheres to just about every surface, and all you have to do is cut off a small length, attach a piece to object and a piece to the wall or refrigerator door and position the two together. The tape strips will stick to each other magnetically. And can be just as easily taken off again. Unlike conventional removable adhesive tape, you can use this tape again and again and it leaves no residue.
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/one-of-the-best-tools-gets-better-magnetic-duct-tape/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/cool-shower-head-offers-rainfall-or-waterfall/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/cool-shower-head-offers-rainfall-or-waterfall/#comments Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:50:38 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/cool-shower-head-offers-rainfall-or-waterfall/  

  The Aquavolo is a stylish Bossini shower for those who like a little variety. Do I want my shower rainfall style or waterfall style today? The stainless steel Aquavolo shower fixture can flip back and forth between its two functions using an innovative technique. The horizontal position of the large, flat spout will let forth a refreshing rain shower. But if you flip the spout down, the water falls as a generous waterfall.. [Bossini via Trendir]

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/cool-shower-head-offers-rainfall-or-waterfall/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/xxo-9803-body-analyser-high-technology-for-the-large-boned/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/xxo-9803-body-analyser-high-technology-for-the-large-boned/#comments Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:24:00 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/xxo-9803-body-analyser-high-technology-for-the-large-boned/ The XXO 9803 Body Analyser is designed tough, for even the larger fitness buff. Why do we think that this is a model designed specifically for weightlifters? Well this baby will handle 440lb/200kg in weight. Not only will it confirm your weight, but it will also deliver crucial info on your muscle and bone mass. Oh and did we mention it’s extra wide?  €59.95.

   Extra wide body analyser with toughened glass top. Large panorama display. Extra high capacity of 200kg Slim model with new TAMM technology.

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/xxo-9803-body-analyser-high-technology-for-the-large-boned/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/pocket-purifier-the-point-and-kill-germ-zapper/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/pocket-purifier-the-point-and-kill-germ-zapper/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:48:41 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/pocket-purifier-the-point-and-kill-germ-zapper/

  The Pocket Purifier contains a germ zapping UV lamp which kills 99.99% of nasty germs and bugs like E-Coli that make us ill. Of course, the other .01% then grow up to be even tougher and stronger and more immune to stupid human attempts at extermination. Which may cause us a few problems in future. But hey, as long as we can indulge our rampant paranoia, who cares eh? $19.95. More here.

   Protect yourself this flu and cold season with a powerful tool that gives new meaning to the term pocket protector. The Pocket Purifier is a compact UV light germ killing machine. In just 10-15 seconds, its UV light eliminates 99.99% of E-coli, staphylococcus, salmonella, and germs that cause the flu and the common cold…Simply point the light at the object in need of cleansing and the 4W ultraviolet light does its job.

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/pocket-purifier-the-point-and-kill-germ-zapper/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/pressure-washers-often-provide-quicker-cleaning-for-less/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/pressure-washers-often-provide-quicker-cleaning-for-less/#comments Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:15:04 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/pressure-washers-often-provide-quicker-cleaning-for-less/ Pressure washers use a gas engine or electric motor, pump, and concentrating nozzle to boost water pressure from your garden hose as much as 60 times. That lets them blast away deck mildew, driveway stains, and other grunge a hose can’t touch while cleaning chairs, siding, and other items more quickly and easily than you could with a scrub brush. For as little as $90 for electric machines and $300 for gas, owning one is a tempting alternative to renting one for $50 to $90 per day.

  Lower prices and less upkeep explain why 60 percent of buyers choose an electric pressure washer. But gas machines have roughly twice the cleaning power, which is the main reason you’ll see fewer plug-in models at the big-box stores where most pressure washers are sold.

  Weeks of tests on an array of outdoor surfaces confirmed that gas-powered machines have a clear performance edge over electrics. But more pressure also means more chance of injury with any pressure washer (see Protect yourself and your belongings, below). Especially with gas models, it’s easy to damage what you’re cleaning. Here are the details:

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/pressure-washers-often-provide-quicker-cleaning-for-less/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/protect-your-home-with-do-it-yourself-laser-beam-security-system/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/protect-your-home-with-do-it-yourself-laser-beam-security-system/#comments Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:15:51 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/protect-your-home-with-do-it-yourself-laser-beam-security-system/

  Here is an easy to make and powerful laser alarm system that can protect your entire home, indoors or out! Watch the video for details and the Test Results.

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/protect-your-home-with-do-it-yourself-laser-beam-security-system/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/emergency-cash-for-the-holiday-season/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/emergency-cash-for-the-holiday-season/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:58:24 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/emergency-cash-for-the-holiday-season/ The expression, ‘times are tough’ is sometimes over used but very applicable these days, I think you would agee.  We have all had to tighten our collective belts a little in these times, but with the holiday season approaching familiy is the priority and eveyone likes to splurge a little on their loved ones.  Should you find yourself in a jam for cash, I want to tell you a little about my friends at ThinkCash.com. 

  ThinkCash helps you get the cash loans you need to cover life’s unexpected events, fast. This is a new option for those who want a short term loan without the hassle of mounds of paperwork, long approval processes, and waiting in line.  Not only that but I really like to keep my business private, so walking in to some crowded place to get a loan and dealing with a ’suit’ holding judgement is not my idea of a good time! Working with a trusted resource over the internet or phone is a much better scenario for me.  ThinkCash, knows how important security and privacy are to you. Here are just a few of the steps they take to protect your personal information:

  • Computer virus protection helps to detect and prevent computer viruses from entering their computer network systems.
  • Firewalls help to block unauthorized access by individuals or networks.
  • Secure data transmissions help to ensure that information remains confidential. ThinkCash uses 128 bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption to transmit information to you and your bank.

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/emergency-cash-for-the-holiday-season/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/minimize-winter-plumbing-problems/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/minimize-winter-plumbing-problems/#comments Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:44:41 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/minimize-winter-plumbing-problems/ When temperatures threaten to dip below the freezing mark, you should start thinking about how that affects your plumbing. A little bit of time could save you a lot of money.

  “The consequences are great economically for the repair and of the damage and of the repair of the pipes that broke,” said Sean Corr, who is with Seattle Public Utilities.

  He says with a few inexpensive steps you can avoid calling the plumber.

  First step: Detach your garden hose and drain the water out.

  “When the hose is attached it’s full of water it’s going to freeze. It’s going to break. It could break the faucet,” said Corr.

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/minimize-winter-plumbing-problems/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/installing-a-new-bathroom-sink-yourself/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/installing-a-new-bathroom-sink-yourself/#comments Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:44:42 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/installing-a-new-bathroom-sink-yourself/ You find the perfect new sink. Now what do you do? Well should you decide to install it yourself here are the general steps to follow:

  Step 1: Take things apart
  Just like in a lot of projects, you will first need to take things apart. With this project, you’ll want to first turn off your water and then ‘unhook’ the hot and cold hoses from your faucet.

  You will need to get under the sink to do this and you will also need the assistance of a flashlight - it’s dark under the sink.

  Turn the plastic nut in a counter clockwise fashion (lefty loosy).

  Also, don’t forget to unhook the drain from your sink. Under your sink you’ll find your drain pipe is attached to your drain by a large nut that goes around the faucet. Simply get your adjustable wrench, grab a hold of the large nut and rotate counter clockwise (loosy lefty).

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/installing-a-new-bathroom-sink-yourself/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/picking-the-right-interior-house-paint/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/picking-the-right-interior-house-paint/#comments Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:04:18 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/picking-the-right-interior-house-paint/ Having trouble picking the perfect paint color for your home decorating project? Not sure what type of paint you should use? Don’t feel bad, even the pros need help from time to time. Size up your room. How you use color depends on where you use color. Each room has its own unique elements and function. First think about the structure of the room. Consider its shape and size. A lighter color can make a small room feel more spacious, while a darker color can help an immense room seem cozier.

  Take into account any architectural details, such as molding, trim, columns, and brackets. What’s attractive and what’s not? Varied intensities and hues can complement architecture, furnishings, and art. Remember, paint can accentuate a room’s features or hide them.

  Your choice of color also depends largely on function. Will the main purpose of the room be eating, sleeping, working, entertaining, or something else entirely? A warm hue in the living room gives a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere for guests than a cooler color. 
   
  Selecting the type of interior paint

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/picking-the-right-interior-house-paint/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-to-fix-a-stuck-or-dead-pixel-on-an-lcd-monitor/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-to-fix-a-stuck-or-dead-pixel-on-an-lcd-monitor/#comments Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:17:50 +0000 admin2 http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-to-fix-a-stuck-or-dead-pixel-on-an-lcd-monitor/ Pressure Method
  Turn off your computer’s monitor.  Get yourself a damp washcloth, so that you don’t scratch your screen. Take a household pen, pencil, screwdriver, or some other sort of instrument with a focused, but relatively dull, point. A very good tool would be a PDA stylus.
  Fold the washcloth to make sure you don’t accidentally puncture it and scratch the screen.
  Apply pressure through the folded washcloth with the instrument to exactly where the stuck pixel is. Try not to put pressure anywhere else, as this may make more stuck pixels.
  While applying pressure, turn on your computer and screen.
  Remove pressure and the stuck pixel should be gone. This works as the liquid in the liquid crystal has not spread into each little pixel. This liquid is used with the backlight on your monitor, allowing different amounts of light through, which creates the different colors.

  Tapping Method
  Turn on the computer and LCD screen. Display a black image, which will show the stuck pixel very clearly against the background. (It is very important that you are showing a black image and not just a blank signal, as you need the backlighting of the LCD to be illuminating the back of the panel).
  Find a pen with a rounded end. A Sharpie marker with the cap on should be fine for this.
  Use the rounded end of the pen to gently tap where the stuck pixel is - not too hard to start with, just enough to see a quick white glow under the point of contact. If you didn’t see a white glow, then you didn’t tap hard enough, so use just slightly more pressure this time.
  Start tapping gently. Increase the pressure on the taps gradually for 5-10 taps until the pixel rights itself. Display a white image (an empty text document is good for this) to verify that you haven’t accidentally caused more damage than you fixed.

  [edit] TipsIf the pressure and tapping don’t work directly on the stuck pixel, start moving outward around the stuck pixel. If you see the pixel flicker while doing this then you know where you can focus the pressure and tapping techniques rather than directly on the pixel.
  Many people report success with this technique but these instructions won’t work in every case. It may take a few attempts to make sure you are pressing exactly on the stuck pixel.
  These instructions will fix “stuck” pixels, not “dead” ones. Dead pixels appear black while stuck pixels can be one constant color like red, blue or green.
  An alternative, but similar technique involves gently massaging the stuck pixel with a warm damp (not wet) soft cloth.
  Alternative technique to tapping: Using a rounded pencil eraser, push with moderate pressure into screen at stuck pixel.
  If these instructions don’t work, you can hopefully get the monitor replaced through your manufacturer. If your monitor falls under the specifications of replacement, get in contact with the manufacturer to set up replacement plans.

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-to-fix-a-stuck-or-dead-pixel-on-an-lcd-monitor/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-often-do-hip-and-knee-replacements-need-revision/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-often-do-hip-and-knee-replacements-need-revision/#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:54:24 +0000 admin2 http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-often-do-hip-and-knee-replacements-need-revision/ A comprehensive study using nationwide data on hip and knee replacements in England has found that one in seventy-five patients require a revision of their joint replacement after three years. Although this compares favourably with the rest of the world, the study published in this week’s PLoS Medicine reinforces concerns about the new surgical techniques of hip resurfacing and unicondylar knee replacement.

  Hip and knee replacements are amongst the most frequent surgical operations performed, with around 160,000 carried out in England and Wales in 2006. However, there is little evidence to compare the patient outcomes of hip and knee replacement with the many types of surgical techniques and prostheses used to replace the joint. Jan van der Meulen and colleagues from the Royal College of Surgeons used records from the National Joint Registry (NJR) for England and Wales to address this lack of evidence; the NJR being the largest national joint registry of any in the world. Since it was established in April 2003 the NJR has collected data available immediately following surgery, including patient characteristics, the type of prostheses and the surgical technique used to replace the joint, with the aim of providing patients, healthcare professionals and regulators with evidence to assess these prostheses and techniques.

  In order to identify the revision rates – how often the hip or knee replacement had to be re-done – the researchers linked the NJR records with another database: the Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES), which contains information on all admissions to National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England. They considered revisions for any reason in the three years following a hip or knee replacement. They also paid particular attention to hip resurfacing and unicondylar knee replacement, two techniques that are increasingly used but about which there is little evidence of their performance. Hip resurfacing was introduced in the 1990s for younger patients or those with less severe disease. Rather than replacing the head of the femur, as happens in total hip replacement, the diseased surface of the joint is replaced with a metal component. In unicondylar knee replacement only the damaged part of the knee is replaced and it also results in shorter recovery time.

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-often-do-hip-and-knee-replacements-need-revision/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/choosing-deck-building-materials/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/choosing-deck-building-materials/#comments Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:26:19 +0000 admin2 http://www.plumberhelper.com/choosing-deck-building-materials/ So you’re finally ready to start that long-delayed wood deck on the back of the house. It will be a nice addition to your home, and national estimates show that approximately 70% of the cost of a deck will be recovered when you resell your home.
  But one question keeps nagging at you - what do I build it out of? There are a quite a few building materials available that are appropriate for exterior decks. Choosing the right one means taking into consideration your budget, aesthetics, and carpentry ability.
  Pressure-Treated Lumber
  This is the least expensive option, and is widely available across the country. Pressure-treatment consists of impregnating lumber of various sizes with an insect and rot resistant chemical. Manufacturers claim that lumber treated in this manner will remain serviceable for as long as thirty years. The result of this treatment is that the wood (most often a variety of pine) has a somewhat greenish tint and a high moisture content. This moisture content shows up in the back-breaking weight of the wood (especially the 4×4’s), and in its workability. As it dries out, pressure-treated lumber also tends to cup or bow more than other wood, and thin members (such as 2×2’s) can sometimes suffer from strange bending.
  Nevertheless, pressure-treated wood remains popular because of its strength and the variety of sizes it comes in, typically: 6×6, 4×4, 2×10, 2×8, 2×6, 2×4, and 2×2. For decking, a popular 5/4 x 6 board is available with rounded edges. This material can span 24” and comes in lengths of up to 12’ to avoid unpleasant butt joints (where two boards meet at the end).
  The major rap on pressure-treated lumber is the appearance. The green tint fades after a couple of years, leaving an uneven gray tone to the lumber. Attempts to stain pressure-treated wood never really seem to result in a satisfactory appearance. Semi-opaque stains seem to work best, in that they eliminate much of the unpleasant variations in the appearance of the decking. Most pressure-treated deck owners find exterior-grade paint to be the most appealing way to deal with the wood. Because of its appearance, many homeowners use pressure-treated lumber only for the substructure - the posts and joists of the deck - and choose a more visually appealing (and expensive) product for the decking and railings.
  If you do choose to paint, wait at least a year for the decking to “season” or dry out enough so that the paint will adhere properly.
  A few warnings in working with pressure-treated lumber: Wear a dust mask when cutting or sanding; do not burn wood scraps in your fireplace, and wash your hands frequently. If you can stand working in gloves, they are advisable in dealing with this product.
  Western Red Cedar
  This widely admired wood is a very common decking material, owing to its combination of beauty and affordability. Red Cedar 2×4’s and 5/4 boards are often used as decking over a pressure-treated structure. Although somewhat structurally weaker than pressure-treated lumber, cedar makes up for it by being a pure joy to work with. The smooth, even graining makes this wood very easy to cut, rout, and sand. Although 5/4 decking are often installed on joists 24” on center, a safer bet is to drop down to 16” on center to eliminate any deflection.
  There are a few oddities to using red cedar you need to be aware of, however:
  *In its natural state, red cedar has a beautiful light orange tint that is widely admired. Exposed to the elements, this tint disappears within a couple of seasons and turns to a pleasant gray patina. Attempts to use clear waterproofing coatings to retain the original color don’t work, either because they must be reapplied religiously and evenly, or because rain and sun fight their way past them. There are three solutions to this dilemma: Learn to love the gray tone of the weathered deck (it really is pretty in its own right); stain the deck with a light semi-transparent stain that mimics the original red color. Various brands are available, but frankly I haven’t found one that faithfully recreates the color, so choose carefully and practice on scrap pieces before trying it on your decking; Every two years or so, use a pressure washer and chemical “deck brightner,” which will restore the deck to something relatively close to its original appearance.
  *Galvanized nails or screws cause the cedar to “bleed,” which results in black streaks washing below the nail hole. This is a peculiarity to cedar, in that galvanized nails don’t have this effect on any other wood. To combat this, use stainless steel nails, coated nails, or coated screws. The stainless steel nails are very expensive, so you may want to take a look at the coated products. They are even available in a tint that is compatible with the color of the cedar;
  *Cedar is soft, and if you use nails to attach the decking, the cedar will tend to rise up over the course of a couple of seasons, pulling away from the nail. This isn’t a big problem, and can be easily solved by simply nailing the boards back down every two years or so. If is bothers you however, install the decking boards with coated screws and you’ll never have a problem.
  Recycled Products
  There are several brands of plastic aggregate decking products on the market. The most popular is manufactured by TREX Corporation, and consists of roughly 1×6 planking manufactured out of recycled by-products. Naturally it is rot and weather resistant, and comes in gray and brown colors. This product is also dimensionally stable and easy to work with, an important attribute on decks, and one that suggests that it will give longer service and have lower maintenance requirements than a wood deck.
  There are three drawbacks to recycled products. How important they are depends on your needs:
  Appearance: Recycled products aren’t going to fool anyone into thinking they are wood. While their appearance is pleasant it its own right, they are obviously a manufactured product;
  Cost: Recycled products currently are competitive with cedar decking (though not with pressure-treated). Judging by appearances, most homeowners would rather spend equivalent dollars on cedar than a recycled product. If you’re more interested in low-maintenance, however, you would probably choose the recycled product;
  Strength: Recycled products are much weaker than either pressure-treated or cedar decking. You may notice some bouncing in your deck at 16” spans, so a safer bet would be to install your joists at 12” on center.
  Redwood
  Redwood is the champagne of decking materials. It is an absolutely gorgeous material, combining the attributes of beauty and strength. Because of its denseness, redwood requires high caliber carpentry tools and know-how. If you can afford a redwood deck, you can well afford to hire someone who knows how to work with this beautiful wood. So don’t attempt to build with redwood unless you are a very capable carpenter with quality tools. Redwood holds its color well over time, but because of its deep and consistent color, it can be supplemented with a very light semi-transparent stain to keep its appearance consistent for years.
  Redwood also has an even more expensive and beautiful cousin called purple heart. This wood has a deep purple hue with reddish undertones, and is sometimes found in expensive outdoor furniture. Don’t even try to price out a deck made from this wood. It would only make you cry.
  1248 words
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/choosing-deck-building-materials/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/first-particles-injected-into-large-hadron-collider-atom-smasher/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/first-particles-injected-into-large-hadron-collider-atom-smasher/#comments Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:09:34 +0000 admin2 http://www.plumberhelper.com/first-particles-injected-into-large-hadron-collider-atom-smasher/ The first particles have been injected into the biggest atom smasher on the planet, marking the start of the countdown to probing the secrets of the universe.

  Scientists are pushing ahead with powering up the machine, shrugging off speculative fears that it could destroy all life on Earth by sucking it into a black hole.

  Starting up the biggest scientific experiment ever built is not as simple as flipping a switch.

  Earlier this month, the successful injection of the first particles - protons - into part of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experiment at CERN, the European Centre for Nuclear Research, took place.

  This weekend, scientists are hoping to complete testing of another part of the machine, which sits in a 17 mile circular tunnel approximately 100 metres underneath the Franco-Swiss border, with the aim of seeing particles travel the whole way around for the first time.

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/first-particles-injected-into-large-hadron-collider-atom-smasher/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/scientists-prove-beer-goggles-are-real/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/scientists-prove-beer-goggles-are-real/#comments Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:42:01 +0000 admin2 http://www.plumberhelper.com/scientists-prove-beer-goggles-are-real/ For the first time, scientists have proven that “beer goggles” are real — other people really do look more attractive to us if we have been drinking.
  Surprisingly, the beer goggles effect was not limited to just the opposite sex among the ostensibly straight volunteers recruited for the study — they also rated people from their own sex as more attractive.

  Scientists in England gave 84 heterosexual college students chilled lime-flavored drinks that were either non-alcoholic or given a dose of vodka equivalent in alcohol to a large glass of wine or a pint-and-a-half of beer.

  After 15 minutes, the volunteers were shown photos of 40 other college students from both sexes. Both men and women who drank booze found these faces more attractive, “a roughly 10 percent increase in ratings of attractiveness,” said researcher Marcus Munafo, an experimental psychologist at the University of Bristol in England.

  The researchers also asked volunteers to rate their mood, “and there were no differences on those measures in the alcohol group compared to the no-alcohol group,” Munafo added. “This suggests that the effect we observed wasn’t due to a general change in mood.”

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/scientists-prove-beer-goggles-are-real/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/green-catalysts-provide-promise-for-cleaning-toxins-and-pollutants/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/green-catalysts-provide-promise-for-cleaning-toxins-and-pollutants/#comments Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:19:42 +0000 admin2 http://www.plumberhelper.com/green-catalysts-provide-promise-for-cleaning-toxins-and-pollutants/ Tetra-Amido Macrocyclic Ligands (TAMLs) are environmentally friendly catalysts with a host of applications for reducing and cleaning up pollutants, and a prime example of “green chemistry.” Carnegie Mellon University’s Terry Collins, the catalyst’s inventor, believes that the small-molecule catalysts have the potential to be even more effective than previously proven. Collins will discuss how iron-TAMLs (Fe-TAMLs) work and areas for further research, citing evidence from mechanistic and kinetic studies of the catalyst on Monday, Aug. 18 at the 236th national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia.

  The oxidation catalysts are the first highly effective mimics of peroxidase enzymes. When partnered with hydrogen peroxide, they are able to convert harmful pollutants into less toxic substances. Made from the common elements of biochemistry, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen around a reactive iron core, Fe-TAMLs are less toxic and usable at extremely low concentrations. Additionally, their composition also results in very strong chemical bonds that are not broken down by the highly reactive oxygen intermediaries formed during the reaction with hydrogen peroxide.

  “Our recent studies into what occurs during the chemical reaction caused by TAMLs proves that the catalysts are indeed really close mimics of peroxidase enzymes,” said Collins, the Thomas Lord Professor of Chemistry and director of the Center for Green Science at Carnegie Mellon. “By knowing the mechanics of the reactions, we can fine tune the catalysts for even better performance.”

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/green-catalysts-provide-promise-for-cleaning-toxins-and-pollutants/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/tips-on-buying-home-insurance-in-the-uk/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/tips-on-buying-home-insurance-in-the-uk/#comments Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:23:14 +0000 admin2 http://www.plumberhelper.com/tips-on-buying-home-insurance-in-the-uk/ Whether buying a new home or protecting the assets of your current home, having household insurance is essential. Why you ask? There are two major reasons for homeowners to buy insurance:

  1. A home is one of the most important assets that a person has. You need to protect your home from damage and destruction!
  - Property Protection: The better your coverage, the less you will have to pay out of your own pocket if disaster strikes.
  - Self Protection: You need enough liability coverage to protect yourself from lawsuits resulting from your negligence.

  2. Mortgage lenders require homeowners to carry insurance to protect the lender’s investment from damage or loss.

  But where to buy the best home insurance in the UK? Well before making a decision I highly recommend an article on CNN Money on Insuring Your House. The article gets into among many things, top things to know, Why insurance costs so much, getting the proper coverage and picking an insurer.

  (more…)

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/tips-on-buying-home-insurance-in-the-uk/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/exposing-health-hazards-in-household-cleaners/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/exposing-health-hazards-in-household-cleaners/#comments Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:03:34 +0000 admin2 http://www.plumberhelper.com/exposing-health-hazards-in-household-cleaners/ A clean, fresh-smelling home may actually be bad for your health, depending on what type of cleaning and air freshening products you use.

  Recent research suggests that exposure to cleaning products or air fresheners that contain a certain volatile organic compound (VOC) called 1,4 dicholorobenzene (1,4 DCB), can reduce lung function by 4 percent. Another study found that the use of spray household cleaners could increase the risk of developing asthma by nearly 50 percent.

  Yet a third study, reported by University of Washington researchers this week in the journal Environmental Impact Assessment Review, found that the fumes from air fresheners and fragrances contain hazardous toxins, none of which were listed on product labels since companies are not required by the federal government to disclose the ingredients in these products.

  “I don’t think everybody’s getting asthma from air fresheners and house cleaners, but this suggests that more research needs to be done,” said Dr. Jennifer Appleyard, chief of allergy and immunology at St. John Hospital in Detroit.

  (more…)

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/exposing-health-hazards-in-household-cleaners/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/creating-a-mold-and-mildew-free-home-environment/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/creating-a-mold-and-mildew-free-home-environment/#comments Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:24:28 +0000 admin2 http://www.plumberhelper.com/creating-a-mold-and-mildew-free-home-environment/ Each summer, as temperature and humidity rise, mold invades thousands of homes. Some 10% of the U.S. population is sensitive to mold, and invisible mold spores cause countless allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and sinus infections, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
  Mold also wreaks havoc on building materials. In nature, mold breaks down decaying organic matter, but in a home, it can decompose floors, walls, and other structures.
  Fortunately, mold growth can be controlled.
  Detecting Mold
  – Recognize Visible Mold — Mold grows in damp, dark environments. Commonly found in bathrooms and basements, it’s usually slimy or fuzzy in appearance, and its color may be green, black, orange, or purple.
  – Be Aware of Hidden Mold — Mold can grow behind walls and wallpaper, above ceiling tiles, and under sinks. If you notice a musty odor in a particular room, it’s likely coming from hidden mold. You can check for mold with a Mold Test Kit.
  Preventing Mold
  – Clean Up Spills Immediately — If you have a spill, leak, or any kind of water damage in your home, clean and dry out the area immediately. Mold starts growing within 24-48 hours.
  – Keep Indoor Humidity Low — Dehumidifiers keep the humidity low by removing excess moisture from the air. Keep your home’s relative humidity below 50% to prevent mold growth.
  – Protect Your Basement — Basements are notorious for mold and mildew. Use a basement dehumidifier to prevent mold and mildew growth.
  – Defend Your Crawlspace — Crawlspaces are dark and damp — ideal environments for mold. Place a plastic vapor barrier on open earth to reduce moisture. Many crawlspaces require a crawlspace dehumidifier to keep the mold at bay.
  Cleaning Up Mold
  – Carefully Clean Visible Mold — If you see visible mold growth, carefully clean it up with water and detergent. It’s impossible to completely remove mold from a porous surface such as drywall; this material will have to be removed and discarded.
  – Protect Yourself While Cleaning — The Environmental Protection Agency recommends wearing an N-95 respirator mask, gloves, and goggles while cleaning mold. Black mold or toxic mold (usually found in buildings with severe water damage) produces dangerous toxins that can cause neurological symptoms and even death. If you encounter extensive mold growth, or if you suspect that it may be toxic mold, contact a mold remediation professional.

  Indoor mold is a major cause of sinus infections, allergies, and asthma attacks, not to mention structural damage to buildings. “But if you control your home’s humidity, then mold doesn’t stand a chance.”

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/creating-a-mold-and-mildew-free-home-environment/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/industry-responds-saying-granite-countertops-are-safe-to-use/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/industry-responds-saying-granite-countertops-are-safe-to-use/#comments Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:48:51 +0000 admin2 http://www.plumberhelper.com/industry-responds-saying-granite-countertops-are-safe-to-use/ The Marble Institute of America on Friday responded to the studies by Rice University physics professor W.J. Llope saying that granite countertops pose no significant health risk.

  Earlier, Llope was cited by Houston Chronicle as finding that some granite countertops generate gamma radiation and radon gas at a level that is considered dangerous by the U.S. government.

  In its statement, the MIA categorized the studies as junk science and cited new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) statements to say that radon gas and radiation released from granite countertops do not pose a risk.

  The MIA represents producers and quarriers, fabricators, installers, distributors and contractors worldwide in the natural dimension stone industry.

  “While natural minerals such as granite may occasionally emit radon gas, the levels of radon attributable to such sources are not typically high,” the EPA statement was quoted by MIA as saying.

  (more…)

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/industry-responds-saying-granite-countertops-are-safe-to-use/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/is-the-radiation-in-granite-countertops-dangerous/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/is-the-radiation-in-granite-countertops-dangerous/#comments Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:42:33 +0000 admin2 http://www.plumberhelper.com/is-the-radiation-in-granite-countertops-dangerous/ Granite countertops are red-hot — and not just because of their soaring popularity and high resale value. It turns out that some granite quarried for furnishings brings with it relatively high levels of uranium, which is not only radioactive but releases radon gas as it decays.

  Sales of granite countertops have exploded tenfold in the last decade, as has the number of different styles now available. At the same time, a debate has been simmering about how safe the attractive surfaces actually are.

  There have been a number of reports of people observing above-background levels of radiation coming from their kitchens, and the EPA has received a growing number of complaints, according to the Times. Officials have noted that some exotic and striated granite varieties from Brazil and Namibia, in particular, have been most suspect.

  The Marble Institute of America calls any worries about radiation from granite countertops “ludicrous,” saying that any possible levels are insignificant compared with background radiation from space and the Earth’s crust, or even X-rays and smoke detectors. Yet one person told the paper her house had radon levels of 100 picocuries per liter of air because of her granite countertops, when the EPA recommends action if radon levels exceed 4 picocuries per liter.

  (more…)

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/is-the-radiation-in-granite-countertops-dangerous/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-to-clean-bricks/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-to-clean-bricks/#comments Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:12:47 +0000 admin2 http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-to-clean-bricks/ Bricks are one of the most durable and beautiful facades in building construction, but even they need occasional attention. If your brick are beginning to get moldy or stained from water splash, with a little work and common chemicals, they can look almost new.

  Steps
  Choose the type of stain or dirt you are dealing with. Mold, mildew, or algae require different methods and chemicals than do rust stains or cement and mortar smears.
  Clean your brick with a solution of chlorine bleach if you have mildew or mold problems.
  Mix chlorine bleach with water in a large bucket, using equal proportions.
  Pour the solution into a pump type garden sprayer, and pump it up.
  Wet a section of wall (or patio, if cleaning pavers) with a water hose.
  Spray the bleach solution on the surface, beginning at the top, on a wall, soaking it thoroughly.
  Allow the bleach solution to react with the stains for a few minutes, but do not leave it long enough for it to begin to dry.
  Rinse a small section of wall to see if the solution is having the desired effect.
  For serious stains, scrub the wall with pure bleach, using an acid brush on a broom-type handle.
  Rinse the wall thoroughly with water. Be careful not to let the bleach solution dry on the wall before rinsing.
  Use an acid solution to clean mortar stains, rust from irrigation well water, or soil that a bleach solution doesn’t clean to your satisfaction.
  Buy muratic acid or an acid based masonary detergent like Shurclean, available at home improvement stores, hardware stores, or building supply centers.
  Fill a plastic buck 2/3 full of clean water. Add acid at a proportion of about 1 part acid to 3 parts water, but do not fill the bucket too full, as you will not want this solution to splash out accidentally.
  Wet the wall or other surface with a garden hose.
  Brush the diluted acid solution on the wall, scrubbing as you apply it with an acid brush.
  After applying and scrubbing with the acid solution, allow the acid to work for 10 to 15 minutes, being careful not to let the wall dry out.
  After giving the solution time to work, rinse thoroughly with copious amounts of water.
  Rent a pressure washer for very stubborn soil or stains, being careful not to “etch” the masonary joints or brick when using this method.
  Rinse all surfaces exposed to either of the above mentioned cleaning solutions, using plenty of water to dilute them to prevent damage to surfaces or plants.
  Consider sealing the brick to prevent future staining or soiling. Use a siloxane or silicone sealant, applied following the manufacturer’s directions.

  Tips
  Wear old clothing, rubber gloves, and goggles when applying the cleaning solutions mentioned above.
  Work when there is minimal wind to prevent spray from going where you do not want it to.
  Work on shaded areas, or shaded sides of the project when possible.

  Warnings:
  Avoid contact with skin when using even dilute solutions of acid or bleach.
  Never mix acid and bleach when cleaning.
  Do not breath concentrated vapors from these cleaning solutions.

  (more…)

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-to-clean-bricks/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/selecting-plywood-for-home-projects/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/selecting-plywood-for-home-projects/#comments Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:06:39 +0000 admin2 http://www.plumberhelper.com/selecting-plywood-for-home-projects/ Plywood is an extremely strong product composed of thin sheets of veneers glued to each other at right angles. Plywood thickness varies, but the most common are ¼”, ½”, and ¾”. Panels with tongue and groove edges are available for use in sheathing floors. Minimum thicknesses for various applications: Roofing: ½”; Floor sheathing: ¾”; Floor underlayment installed atop the floor sheathing: ¼”; Wall sheathing: ½”.
  Types: Plywood comes in a dizzying variety of types, ranging from simple interior grade plywood, acceptable for normal inside woodworking projects to marine grade plywood, made with waterproof glues to resist moisture. Special plywood products made with smooth surfaces and no voids are called underlayments, and are appropriate for use on top of the plywood subfloor as a base for vinyl or ceramic tile and carpeting. If you’re building furniture or cabinetry of any kind, you’ll want to use hardwood veneer plywoods, made with a face veneer of oak, birch, maple, or walnut. Softwood veneers (pine or fir) are used for many siding, roofing, and general construction activities for their ease of nailing and general economy.
  Grading: Plywood quality is determined by a grading system, with each face receiving its own letter grade: A is the highest quality (no major blemishes, sanded smooth); B grade may contain minor blemishes; C grade has noticeable patches and is not appropriate for finished products; D grade can contain holes, knots, and splits, and is used as a purely economy product where it will be hidden or appearances do not matter. In the case of hardwood veneers, a combination letter and number system is used, with the letter referring to the face grade and the number referring to the back grade (the opposite side of the board). These rankings range from AA for the best face grade to E for the lowest utility grade (pallets); and 1 for the best back grade to 4 for the worst.
  Appearance: Plywood veneers are cut and arranged in different ways to achieve different looks. Most plywood is cut with a rotary blade, but flat-sliced veneers (produced by moving the log back and forth over a knife) result in the most attractive veneers. Here are the most common ways in which in which veneers are matched on a piece of plywood:
  Random Matched: Veneers are not matched with any regard to grain or color;
  Slip Matched: Veneers are matched with the same face always upward;
  Book Matched: Veneers are joined as if they are two pages of the same book. This is one of the most common types of veneers in finished furniture; and also the most expensive type.
  Other Board Products
  Particleboard (also known as flakeboard) is made of sawdust and wood shavings bonded with resin under high pressure. It’s a dense, heavy board ideal for economy cabinetry or shelving, as a base for plastic laminate countertops, and for flooring underlayment. Particle board breaks down quickly when exposed to moisture, so it should never be used in exterior or wet conditions. Also, never use it as structural flooring - only as an underlayment atop the structural plywood floor. In addition, particleboard does not hold nails well at all, and the cheaper grades (coarser) do not even hold screws that well. It does glue well, and although it needs to be primed with a sealer first, accepts paint very well. Particleboard comes in many thicknesses, the most common of which are ½”, 5/8″, and ¾”.
  Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) / Hardboard are two products that are similar to particleboard, but have the advantage of being made of smaller fibers. They are therefore denser, smoother, and stronger than particleboard (and more expensive, as well). MDF is used mostly by cabinetmakers and countertop manufacturers, and is prized for its ability to hold screws and nails well, and its easy workability. You may often see MDF used as a base for wood or laminate wall panels you can buy for your bath, kitchen, or den. Hardboard is an even denser version of MDF, and is made with waterproof glues for use in home exterior siding products. You may also find it in your home as garage perforated pegboard, drawer bottoms, and the backs of cabinets or other furniture. Occasionally it is used as a floor underlayment.
  Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is an economy product touted as a replacement for plywood in many situations. This product is made of strands of wood bonded in various directions on each face, with the various layers bonded at right angles to each other. Although it is rated nearly as strong as plywood, OSB is very susceptible to moisture and, for that reason, is not the preferred product for roof sheathing or floor decking, unless you are confident the board will be protected from moisture shortly after installation. OSB is ideal as wall sheathing and attic flooring.
  Medium Density Overlay (MDO) is a very expensive, high-quality exterior grade of plywood with a smooth surface. It is widely used by sign painters and furniture makers for its denseness, weatherability, and ease of use. MDO can be purchased with paper overlay on one or both of its finishes for applications requiring an exceptionally smooth finish.
  No product is as useful as plywood for making home projects with a durable and paint-ready finish. Pick your product and and enjoy making a useful addition to your home!
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/selecting-plywood-for-home-projects/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-to-decorate-a-romantic-room/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-to-decorate-a-romantic-room/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:51:13 +0000 admin2 http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-to-decorate-a-romantic-room/ Looking for ways to soothe the soul? A romantic setting does a lot to calm the frenzy of the outside world. Besides, a personal retreat may be just what you need to jumpstart the lovelife again.
  Sometimes there is more to the romantic look than lace and frilly frou-frous. It is, in a sense, a way for you to make your personal fantasies come true. Whether you fashion your room with a theme such as an Arabian Nights tented boudoir, an attic room or painter’s garret, a cozy cottage room or a grand country estate, there are romance elements that will always be classic.
  Pay particular attention to flattering colors, details, and comfort. Rely too, on the natural splendor of a setting. Does the view take in the ocean, a pasture, or a garden? In new construction, you can play it up to the hilt with: beautiful window frames in unusual shapes, incorporate multi-paned framing or add diamond insets or special glass in order to frame vistas. In addition, think about adding good bones in the way of architectural elements such as columns, curved moldings and ornamentation.
  Use pale, ice cream colors that give a glow to the skin; colors that make people look good. Shades of yellow, peach, and sage have a soft sheen when painted, and, coupled with an old-world finishes such as sponging, strié, or marbling, will add class and heritage to the background - a big plus, the old world look. Fanciful wall mural gardens or trompe l’oeil of idyllic places can transport your romantic mind to anywhere in the world! Tea-stained carpets in Oriental, Persian or Aubusson style will only add to the dramatic, rich setting.
  Seductive furniture is a mandatory element in the romantic room. Try a loveseat or a tête-à-tête piece and make an effort to add extra down filling for the seat cushions, arms and pillows. The same for padded headboards, use the extra batting and gentle touches to make it especially sumptuous.
  Hand-painted furniture and chinoiserie give case goods an exotic touch. You may even opt to buy pieces fashioned with a touch of the Rococo period - woodcarvings featuring cherubs, shells or flowers. The French Empire style too, reminds us of Napoleon and Josephine who chose this type of furniture with its strong, straight lines juxtaposed against fabulous fabrics decorated with, what else? Bees! Think about using magnificent beds, bolstered seating areas and petite daybeds with fancy iron scrollwork.
  Fabric treatments in the romantic room say, “More, more!” Choose silk, satin, and velour or velvets. Play with classical patterns. Think about pleating a ceiling, having fabric walls or draping a bed. Pattern ideas usually boast beautiful toiles, peacock feathers, dragonflies’ wings, and large, bountiful chintzes filled with roses and small bouquets of forget-me-nots.
  For windows, think silk stripes, and make sure there are full-length under-curtains to add depth and fullness, and then let them billow on the floor just slightly. They can be topped by cornices, antique rods or plaster fixtures. For a surprise, you may want to add tremendous cascades of flowers over the drapes and pin them up with butterfly-topped nail heads. Whatever treatment you decide on, keep a keen mind’s eye pointed to a layered look and you can’t go wrong.
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-to-decorate-a-romantic-room/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-do-architects-work/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-do-architects-work/#comments Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:24:23 +0000 admin2 http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-do-architects-work/ Architects are trained in the art and science of building construction. A typical architect attends college for five to six years, serves a three-year internship, and passes a four day registration exam before he is licensed to practice.
  Architects typically follow a set pattern in working with clients to design a building that meets their needs. The process has often been compared to a funnel, by which a wide amount of information is gradually narrowed into a specific design. This pattern can be adjusted or shortened depending on the size and complexity of the project, but normally consists of the following steps:
  · Programming
  · Schematic Design
  · Design Development
  · Construction Documents
  · Programming consists of developing an understanding of the client’s needs. The architect’s main goal in the programming phase is to understand what types of spaces the client needs in his building, how they relate to one another, and what general characteristics each space must have. This information is normally in written form, though it can consist of small symbolic drawings such as bubble diagrams, used to show the spatial relationships among building areas. With a small project such as a home, programming may be little more than a few notes and a conversation; with a much larger project like a hospital, a programming document could run to hundreds of pages. During the programming phase, the architect will also talk with the client about image and style issues.
  · Schematic Design is the phase in which the architect quickly looks at several options to achieving the client’s goals. He will examine the site on which the building is to be constructed, exploring ways to best use the site to obtain the necessary building area, parking, landscaping, and site amenities such as ponds. He will study alternative schemes to arranging the spaces within the building to best achieve the client’s needs. Small, quick sketches (called thumbnail sketches) of the plans and elevations (exterior faces) of the building are used to explore design ideas in an attempt to develop a coherent theme for the project. Toward the end of this phase, the architect may meet with his client to show him the most promising scheme, or several schemes, to determine with him which route seems most desirable. The Schematic Design phase is basically a period of exploration and experimentation for the architect.
  · Design Development: After the client and architect determine the best of the alternative design schemes to pursue, the architect begins narrowing the funnel, producing more detailed plans and elevations, selecting exterior materials, and setting the final site plan design. He may prepare outline specifications, an preliminary version of the detailed specifications which will ultimately describe every installed item in the project. He may also draw a perspective (or three-dimensional view of the building), or construct a model to help himself and the client clearly see the appearance of the structure. The architect may have several meetings with his client during this phase, making the sure the design is truly meeting his needs. Once the floor plan is set, the architect will work more closely with his engineering consultants to integrate the structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems into the building. The end of this phase occurs when the client give final approval to the design and authorizes the architect to begin the construction documents.
  · Construction Documents are the plans and specifications (written instructions) by which the building will be constructed. These drawings take up approximately fifty percent of the architect’s total time on the project, and require a great deal of detail. The major decisions such as materials, finishes, and colors are made by the client. But the architect typically makes hundreds of building decisions on behalf of the owner, ranging from the mundane (vents) to the major (windows). Together with his consultants, the architect assembles a set of large drawings and a book of specifications, which together form the construction documents. On a large project, the drawings can run into hundreds of 2’ x 3’, or larger sheets. The specifications, even on modest projects, can equal the size of a large city phone book. These drawings were once produced with ink on linen, but today most architects use computer-aided drafting or reprographics, two techniques for limiting the amount of time spent producing original drawings and making corrections. The level of detail present in the construction documents can mean the difference between a poorly or well-constructed building. The care of material selection can mean the difference between a building that is within or above the owner’s budget. That is why architects devote so much time to the Construction Document phase of the project.
  · Once the construction documents are finished, the architect will usually have a thorough review with the client. When the client is satisfied that the documents fulfill his goals, the architect will arrange for the documents to be bid out to several contractors, or negotiate with a selected contractor, depending on the client’s desires. After the bids are received, the architect will negotiate with the low bidder if his price is above the client’s budget, and make changes in the documents if necessary to bring the project back within budget. Occasionally, projects must be bid again if they are severely over budget.
  · Once a contractor is selected, and underway, the architect makes periodic observations of the building as it is erected. He does not supervise the work, but does inspect to generally ensure that the building is being constructed in accordance with the contract documents.
  · Increasingly, architects are teaming up with contractors in what are termed alternative delivery projects. These include design/build arrangements, where a contractor/architect team can provide the owner with a turn-key (or complete) project, eliminating the sometimes contentious bidding and construction disputes present in the traditional method of selecting contractors. They may also cooperate to provide fast-track services, or design that occurs as the building is being constructed, when clients face severe time restrictions.
  Architects are also interested in aspects of green design (environmentally conscious design), energy-efficient design, and life-cycle costing, or choosing materials based on their long-term maintenance value.
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/how-do-architects-work/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/a-look-at-empire-today-leading-provider-of-installed-home-furnishings-and-home-improvements/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/a-look-at-empire-today-leading-provider-of-installed-home-furnishings-and-home-improvements/#comments Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:44:04 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/a-look-at-empire-today-leading-provider-of-installed-home-furnishings-and-home-improvements/ Empire’s Shop-at-Home Service is one of the many things that makes this company special!

  Home remodeling is a rewarding thing to do, especially when you use the services of Empire Today.  Empire Today has been a leading provider of installed Home Furnishings and Home Improvements for more than 45 years, with over one million satisfied customers.  The company was founded in 1959 by Seymour Cohen and was a family-run business under its original name, Empire Carpet. Empire Today even has a Wikipedia page here. They have cute commercials too, check out the video below:

  Empire Today’s ever-expanding line of quality home products make it easier and faster for you to improve the look and value of your home. They provide superior service and world-class customer care to more than 50 major metropolitan areas in the U.S. and Canada – making Empire Today your convenient and trusted partner for all your home improvement needs. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/a-look-at-empire-today-leading-provider-of-installed-home-furnishings-and-home-improvements/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/what-is-a-backflow-prevention-device/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/what-is-a-backflow-prevention-device/#comments Wed, 28 May 2008 16:59:41 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/what-is-a-backflow-prevention-device/ The backflow device prevents mixing of drinking and treated water from flowing into the public water system by maintaining a constant higher pressure in its pipes. Many types of backflow prevention devices also have test ports so that they can be tested or examined to ensure that they are functioning properly. A check valve is a common form of a backflow preventer.

  Backflow prevention protects the potable water system from minor, moderate, and severe hazards. There are over 10,000 reported cases of backflow contamination each year.

  Backflow devices, are about the size of a suitcase, and are typically installed in front yards near the water meter. Many homeowners, especially in older communities, are likely to object when they find out installation means tearing up their landscaping. Many states and/or local municipalities actually require annual testing of such devices.
  An outdoor 18-inch-tall brass gadget, which prevent the accidental contamination of the public drinking-water supply, costs about $500 to install by a private contractor and could require to licensed plumber to test every year at about $60.

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/what-is-a-backflow-prevention-device/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/chilli-the-cow-is-utterly-huge/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/chilli-the-cow-is-utterly-huge/#comments Wed, 14 May 2008 22:22:00 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/chilli-the-cow-is-utterly-huge/

   For your viewing pleasure we bring you Chilli - the 6′6″ (from ground to shoulder) tall cow from Somerset, England. The 9-year-old Chilliwho is said to be a friendly and gentle cow is currently being assessed by the Guinness Book Of Records for the title of Britain’s tallest cow.  Chilli lives at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Chard, Somerset, after he was left on their doorstep aged just six-days-old.

  Nine years later, Chilli has kept on growing, and staff believe the giant will smash a record for Britain’s tallest ever cow.  The typical cow stands about 5 ft.  Chilli does weigh over a ton but is quite lean and not as fat as many of his companions.  Slap a couple of horns on Chilli and he would make a great “Babe the Blue Ox”, should there be a casting call for a new Paul Bunyan film.

  Source

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/chilli-the-cow-is-utterly-huge/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/the-us-dollar-sure-doesnt-buy-much-today/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/the-us-dollar-sure-doesnt-buy-much-today/#comments Wed, 09 Apr 2008 06:53:58 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/the-us-dollar-sure-doesnt-buy-much-today/ I am sure all of you have noticed how much money it costs to buy a tank of gasoline these days.  And perhaps you have also picked up on the rising price of commodities including the food we buy.  Heck gold shot through the $1,000 barrier for awhile.   Sure things cost more in the US but it’s not just that.  I have been traveling abroad lately and it’s stunning to see how little the dollar is worth.  The Euro is basically worth twice the value of the US dollar, which has also slid against Asian currencies as well.  Being a baby boomer like many, I have spent a large part of my life saving money for retirement.  Having enough money now is like the carrot at the end of the string.  It’s hard to save enough when everything costs more and the dollar becomes worth less and less.  These are some difficult times right now and they look like they are going to get even worse for quite a while.
  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/the-us-dollar-sure-doesnt-buy-much-today/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/good-services-plumbing-in-seattle/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/good-services-plumbing-in-seattle/#comments Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:28:21 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/good-services-plumbing-in-seattle/ In case you’re looking, for Plumbing services in Seattle, I want to tell you about my friends at Good Services. They can handle your plumbing, sewer and heating needs with service for single family residential homes, property management companies, apartment buildings, coperatives, condo associations and businesses.

  Good Services has been offering Seattle plumbing and heating services since 1909. The company has been on Capitol Hill since 1971 (first as Bruce the Plumber) and was well known to Mr. Frees. An agreement was reached and the combined company ‘Good Services’, continues to operate out of the Jay Frees building on 12th Ave. Since this time Good Services/Jay Frees has increased its area of work to include heating and radiant heating. Initially it had the only RPA Certified radiant heating technicians in Seattle.

  Their service technicians have tremendous experience in the repair and remodeling of a wide range of plumbing fixtures and heating systems found in some of the oldest homes and buildings of Seattle.

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/good-services-plumbing-in-seattle/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/new-study-lets-you-have-your-chocolate-cake-and-eat-it-too/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/new-study-lets-you-have-your-chocolate-cake-and-eat-it-too/#comments Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:02:18 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/new-study-lets-you-have-your-chocolate-cake-and-eat-it-too/ According to a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Daily consumption of chocolate bars made with a patented combination of plant sterols and cocoa flavanols may affect cardiovascular risk by lowering elevated cholesterol levels and improving blood pressure.

  The study conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Illinois and Mars, Incorporated found that, as part of a balanced, low-fat diet, the daily consumption of CocoaVia® dark chocolate bars with added plant sterols (natural plant extracts) significantly lowered total cholesterol by 2 percent and LDL cholesterol (or “bad” cholesterol) by 5.3 percent in individuals with elevated cholesterol. In contrast, when the same study participants consumed dark chocolate bars without added plant sterols, neither total nor LDL cholesterol level was significantly affected, supporting that the consumption of plant sterols was responsible for the cholesterol reductions. Interestingly, the regular consumption of these flavanol-rich chocolate bars was also shown to result in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, reducing systolic blood pressure by 5 percent after 8 weeks. Of importance is that these improvements in cholesterol and blood pressure were observed without any adverse affects on HDL (’good’ cholesterol), triglycerides, or body weight.

  The study authors suggest that specially formulated foods, like the chocolate bars used in this research, could have potential to help support cardiovascular health as part of a healthy diet. This is important, since, according to the American Heart Association, nearly half of all Americans are living with high cholesterol levels and one third are afflicted with high blood pressure, putting them at risk for serious cardiovascular disease.

  “We know that Americans are increasingly looking for foods to help them maintain their health,” said study co-author Catherine Kwik-Uribe, PhD, research scientist for Mars, Incorporated, creators of the CocoaVia® line of heart-healthy snacks. “Our study supports the possibility that chocolate products specially formulated to contain both plant sterols and cocoa flavanols can, in the context of a balanced diet, be a practical and enjoyable dietary strategy to help support healthy cholesterol levels and a healthy blood pressure”

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/new-study-lets-you-have-your-chocolate-cake-and-eat-it-too/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/plumbers-grant-wilson-or-jason-hawes-are-no-%e2%80%9cghost-busters%e2%80%9d/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/plumbers-grant-wilson-or-jason-hawes-are-no-%e2%80%9cghost-busters%e2%80%9d/#comments Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:24:06 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/plumbers-grant-wilson-or-jason-hawes-are-no-%e2%80%9cghost-busters%e2%80%9d/ To start with don’t compare plumbers Grant Wilson or Jason Hawes to “Ghost Busters” because they hate that.

  For the stars of a hit show on the Sci-Fi channel, “Ghost Hunters,”  names can be deceiving.? Hawes said, “We aren’t walking around with hoovers strapped to our backs,”  and they have never been slimed either.

  Wilson added, “We have done lectures at colleges and they’ll play that song and we’re like, ‘Can you just turn that off’ ? drives us crazy ? because we’re so not that.”

  Hawes and Wilson have been hunting ghosts on their own for nearly two decades. It all began after they encountered a few paranormal experiences of their own, experiences they didn’t want to talk about. The phenomena inspired them to found TAPS: The Atlantic Paranormal Society, a group that tries to help people who think their house, farm, garage or anything might be haunted.

  “We are not looking for ghosts,” Wilson said. “We’re looking to disprove them.”

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/plumbers-grant-wilson-or-jason-hawes-are-no-%e2%80%9cghost-busters%e2%80%9d/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/commercial-carpet-spot-cleaning/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/commercial-carpet-spot-cleaning/#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:53:13 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/commercial-carpet-spot-cleaning/ The first step to removing a carpet spot is to determine what caused the spot or stain, in the first place. Most commercial and institutional carpet spots and stains are caused by spills. But cleaning professionals should find out if the substance causing the spot is a solid or a liquid because each case requires separate spotting agents.
  If it’s a spill, you want to reliquify it,flushing the area with water before using any carpet-spotting solutions.

  Once the carpet is wet, use a clean, white towel to blot up the water, let the water dwell, then blot it up again.

  When working with solid substances, “Start with dry solid spotters, then go to liquid spotters.”  “Once you wet something, you won’t have as much success with dry spotters.”

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/commercial-carpet-spot-cleaning/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/product-watch-solar-birdbath-fountain/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/product-watch-solar-birdbath-fountain/#comments Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:57:30 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/product-watch-solar-birdbath-fountain/ This handsome birdbath is also  a soothing fountain. Go green with this Solar Birdbath Fountain, which needs no wiring or plumbing. The sun does all the work, transforming this eye-catching birdbath into a bubbling spout of water.
  The soothing sound of trickling water invites the birds and adds a relaxing atmosphere to your patio.
  It’s  easy to use, you can set the birdbath up in minutes to provide a cool welcome to feathered friends. Direct sunlight activates the birdbath’s fountain, bringing the relaxing sounds of splashing water to your yard.

  In addition to creating the relaxing sound of splashing water, solar power eliminates the need to run cords or install pipes. The built-in, high-quality solar panel powers the recirculating pump, which is out of sight in a covered reservoir. Aluminum with a verdigris finish.

  If the sun makes the fountain spray too high, or if you just want a different look, remove the fountain head and enjoy a peaceful bubbler.

  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/product-watch-solar-birdbath-fountain/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/cleaner-water-through-nanotechnology/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/cleaner-water-through-nanotechnology/#comments Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:14:33 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/cleaner-water-through-nanotechnology/ Coated silica particles filter out toxins, pathogens

  Tiny particles of pure silica coated with an active material could be used to remove toxic chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and other hazardous materials from water much more effectively and at lower cost than conventional water purification methods, according to researchers writing in the current issue of the International Journal of Nanotechnology.

  Peter Majewski and Chiu Ping Chan of the Ian Wark Research Institute, at the University of South Australia, explain that the availability of drinking quality water is fast becoming a major socio-economic issue across the globe, especially in the developing world. However, water purification technology is often complicated, requires sophisticated equipment and is expensive to run and maintain. Moreover, it usually requires a final costly disinfection stage. The Australian team suggests that nanotechnology could provide a simple answer to the problem.

  The researchers have investigated how silica particles can be coated easily with a nanometer-thin layer of active material based on a hydrocarbon with a silicon-containing anchor. The coating is formed through a chemical self-assembly process so involves nothing more than stirring the ingredients to make the active particles.

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  ]]> http://www.plumberhelper.com/cleaner-water-through-nanotechnology/feed/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/choosing-the-right-ceiling-fan/ http://www.plumberhelper.com/choosing-the-right-ceiling-fan/#comments Tue, 19 Feb 2008 23:55:35 +0000 Plumber Helper http://www.plumberhelper.com/choosing-the-right-ceiling-fan/ Intro:

  Selecting the right ceiling fan isn’t just about choosing the right color and style. There are some key factors that you must consider your decision in order to get the maximum efficiency and enjoyment from your fan.  

  Ceiling Fan Fundamentals
  Fans do not actually lower room temperature, but instead circulate or ventilate air, which speeds up the evaporation of perspiration from the skin so we feel cooler (think of it as a wind chill factor inside your home).  The ventilation process also makes a room more comfortable by replacing hot, stuffy indoor air with fresh, outdoor air.  It is estimated that moving air with a fan has the equivalent effect of lowering body temperature by 3 degrees Celsius - very much appreciated on those hot summer days!
  Motor
  The motor is the ‘heart’ of the fan, and you certainly do NOT want a fan with a motor that clicks, hums or buzzes during operation (just TRY to sleep in a room with this type of annoyance).   Cheaper fans typically have an outer covering or case that is made up of very thin metal.  As you can imagine, these thin components may vibrate and rattle more than your more expensive models, which are more solid in design.  Thus the old adage “you get what you pay for” is very true in the case of fans.

  Blades
  People often mistakenly think only in terms of aesthetics when choosing a fan - selection is usually narrowed down to how well the particular blades (color or design) fit in with the decor of a room. 

   Blade architecture will determine how effectively air is moved; more specifically blade pitch.  An optimum pitch is 14 degrees, which maximizes the efficiency of air movement. 

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