New Sewer Inspection

Sewer Camera Inspection: What It Can and Can’t Find

A sewer camera is a valuable tool to help determine if there’s a problem with your home’s sewer system. Maybe you noticed a nasty sewer gas odor. Or maybe your water isn’t draining as fast as it use to. Or worse, you’ve got an overflowing toilet

What is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

First, let’s cover what a sewer camera inspection is. Typically sewer lines are installed under the foundation of your house. There’s the concrete slab which is about 4 or 5 five inches thick and then about 2 feet or so of dirt above the pipe.

What a Sewer Camera Inspection Can’t Do

Despite what many in the plumbing industry think, there are limitations to what a sewer camera sees inside your sewer lines. But there is one thing a sewer camera absolutely cannot see.

Locate Leaks

A sewer camera alone cannot determine if you have a leak or to locate a leak or leaks in your sewer lines. In fact, this is so important, it bears repeating

Reasons Why a Sewer Camera Can’t Locate a Leak

A leak is water escaping the pipe through a hole, break, or crack. Since the camera is inside the pipe, it cannot see the outside of the pipe. Meaning, it can’t see if something is leaking OUT of the pipe. It can only show what is going on INSIDE the pipe.

The plumber is looking at a monitor displaying what the camera “sees.” So the plumber has to interpret, or guess, what he’s seeing. He might think he see something that looks like a hole, break, or crack in the pipe. But keep in mind, this is your sewer system we’re talking about. This is where your waste flushes and runs through. Trust us when we say it does not look good. And all that gunk and waste makes it hard to tell if something is a leak based solely on what can be seen on the monitor.

Not Your Ordinary Camera

The cameras plumbers use for sewer line inspections look nothing like the digital camera you use to take family photos.

These cameras sit on the tip of a flexible pole or rod. The plumbing tech sends the rod through the plumbing pipe and as it travels, the camera sends a video signal back to the tech’s TV-screen-like monitor.

The camera captures footage of the entire length of the pipe. Most cameras come equipped with lights, which show cracks, clogs, or problems with the structure of the plumbing pipe.

Using advanced technology, the cameras also use an internal radio transmitter that records the depth of the pipe and the exact location of obstructions or defects. The plumber stores the footage on a disk, which they’ll for their reference if they need to make repairs. If you’re filing a claim on your homeowner’s insurance, your provider may request a copy of the footage for their records.

A drain inspection can get to the bottom of the issue

Most modern-day drain and pipe inspections occur through the use of video equipment. A tiny camera attached to a long line threads through the pipes and sewer lines in the home to expose via monitor any concerning issues like clogs, build up, cracks, breaks or root intrusion. Once the camera identifies the culprit, a repair or residue removal plan can be made to reverse the issue.

Use hydrojetting to clean the drain

Hydrojetting is a method of drain and sewer line cleaning that complements the use of camera inspections. First, a camera inserts into the pipes to determine the problem. If the problem is a clog, residue build up or root intrusion, a hydrojetter works to rid the pipes of the issue.

A hydrojetter is a machine that pumps high-pressure water through a long tube into the interiors of plumbing to remove clogs, grease and debris permanently. A hydrojetter does the same job as a plumbing snake, except it does the job better. While snakes can only break apart and push or pull debris out of the way, hydrojetters remove debris permanently by pushing it through and out of the system. Hydrojetters are also more effective on larger lodged objects.

In some cases, such as with older sewer systems, the plumbing is too delicate to receive a hydrojetting cleaning service. If this is the cases, more traditional and less powerful cleaning methods are necessary. A video inspection before the jetting process will help us determine the strength of the pipes.

How Home Inspectors Can Offer Sewer Scope Services

What is a Sewer Scope?

A sewer scope is a video inspection of the lateral sewer line from the house at or near the foundation to the city, HOA tap, or the septic tank. The purpose of a sewer scope is to discover and report defects that are visible in the lateral sewer line. The scope typically also identifies the material used within the sewer line itself.

Because a sewer scope serves exclusively as a visual observation of the plumbing system and lateral sewer line without any modifications or repairs being performed, most jurisdictions do not require the sewer scope inspector to also be a licensed plumber.

Time is Money

Because the equipment is lightweight and portable, adding a sewer scope inspection when you are already at a house for a standard home inspection is not a significant investment of additional time or energy. In fact, a typical sewer scope inspection takes only 30 minutes to perform.

Making Your Money Work for You

The camera system is crucial in any sewer scope inspection. The reality is that these are significant monetary investments, with good camera system costing between $6,000 and $10,000. However, if you perform just three sewer scopes a week at $150 each, that would factor out to $23,400 your first year (a 200-400% return on investment). For a frame of reference, Colorado’s Best Home Inspections, a Colorado-based home inspection business that offers sewer scope services, performs five to eight scopes a week.

Sewer Scope Protocol

In order to perform a sewer scope inspection smoothly and effectively, certain protocols should be followed. To begin, run water in all locations to flush out the sewer lines. This will ensure that your camera equipment will have lubrication and will not catch on any debris. Additionally, the water will float the camera, which will allow it to be pushed through the line more easily. If you haven’t already, be sure to establish the location of the access point and check for leaks at the access/cleanout.

Before inserting the scope into the sewer line, there are a few essential steps that must be taken:

  • Drop cloths should be placed in the work area to prevent dirtying the property or contaminating the surrounding soil.
  • All camera equipment should be set up near the access location.
  • Photos and/or video of the cleanout and camera’s location and setup should be taken. 
  • The camera equipment should be inspected for damage (loose camera head, cracked components, etc.).
  • Remove the cleanout and turn on the camera, reset the counter, insert the USB drive and begin to record.
  • Before inserting the camera into the line, scan around the room or area. It’s important to confirm and record the location of the sewer line so that the property owner can be assured that the sewer line is actually theirs (and that there was no mixup between video recordings, etc.).

At this point, you may begin the scope.  During this process, do the following:

  • While pushing the scope through the sewer line, make sure to pause at defects for at least five to 10 seconds so that you can document them.
  • CAUTION:  Do not force the camera through any obstruction.
  • When the camera reaches the tap (the end of the section of the pipe that the property owner owns), turn off the water.
  • IMPORTANT:  While conducting the sewer scope, do not enter the backflow device, city tap, or septic tank.
  • Begin to pull the camera back while it is still recording.
  • Once the camera is pulled out completely, scan the room or area again.
  • Re-install the cleanout.
  • Turn the water back on to check for leaks.

Be sure to check the camera head and clean your equipment before and after every scope.

How To Hire A Good Divorce Lawyer

Secrets only divorce attorneys know

Divorce process is a stressful process that can easily bring out the worst in people. Some people even see divorce as a way to seek revenge on a spouse by seizing money and assets.

Although divorce can get you out of an unhappy marriage, it can also milk you for all you are worth if you don’t know your rights.

Don’t Let Emotions Lead Your Financial Decisions

People often want to take out their hurt feelings on their exes; however, it’s important not to let emotions interfere with the business at hand. In the long run, being spiteful could harm your own finances

Everything Is Divisible and Is Fair Game

Individuals often make the mistake of assuming that assets that are in their names can’t be claimed by spouses in a divorce. However, divorce experts caution that the opposite is true.

Make Big Purchases Before Filing for Divorce

Have a big purchase in mind, such as a new car? “Most states issue automatic financial restraining orders prohibiting people from making big purchases or liquidating assets after the divorce is filed, absent a court order or an agreement,” said Narris.

DivorceLawyer

Divorce is never easy, but a good divorce lawyer will make the experience as painless for you as possible. The right attorney will help you arrive at a settlement that works for you and your former spouse, and will be on hand for divorce modifications involving custody, alimony and other concerns–not just now, but for years to come.

When hiring a divorce lawyer, you’ve got to do some homework of your own. If you have friends, coworkers or relatives who can recommend someone, that’s great. Even if you’re starting from scratch, you can end up with a good attorney

Things to think about when hiring a divorce lawyer include:

Experience: How much experience does the attorney have in family law? In divorce cases? Practicing law in general? How much of his or her practice is devoted to family law issues?

Rates: Are you paying a flat fee or by the hour? Will the attorney offer a free consultation to hear your case? How often will you be billed? What miscellaneous expenses, such as court filing fees, will you have to pay?

Comfort Level: As the divorce case proceeds, you may need to talk to your divorce lawyer about personal issues, concerns, and problems. Do you feel comfortable with this person? Do you have a rapport, and do you trust him or her to advocate for you?

Divorce Lawyers Should NEVER Do These Things

Whether we like it or not, divorce lawyers are the ‘go to’ professionals for spouses deciding to separate. In fact, most people still believe that they are required to go to court in order to obtain a divorce

the vast majority of separating spouses resolve their affairs outside of court. Nonetheless, divorce lawyers are needed in order to advise spouses on their rights, obligations and preferred method to resolve their affairs. Most divorce lawyers do an excellent job serving their clients. However, there remains a small few few who don’t. 

Never fan the flames.

Divorce lawyers are neutral, balanced and trusted legal advisors. Clients rely upon us to validate good choices and to correct bad choices. Especially when it comes to matters of the heart such as family and divorce, clients especially require sound legal advice even if that means disagreeing with the client’s viewpoint. Indeed, it is exactly at such moments that the benefits of independent legal advice are most valuable.

Never let a client stand on principle.

Many marriages end because of personal, emotional or moral considerations. The role of the lawyer is to assist the client to transition from the end of their marriage to the beginning of the next chapter of their life, as speedily and as painlessly as possible. Standing on principle is a sure fire way to cause the experience to be more protracted, expensive and painful.

Never befriend the client.

Although the lawyer will collect the client’s history of marriage and separation and become privy to all of the sensitive details within that family’s life, the lawyer must remain an impartial advisor. Although there are times for advocacy, what the client often needs is sound legal advice as to her options and remedies as opposed to having another person commiserate with them

Divorce Lawyers serve a critical purpose at a very sensitive time in a person’s life. What is needed is helpful, expert and objective advice to assist the client in navigating that stage in her life.  When choosing a divorce lawyer, be absolutely certain that the person you select has the experience, expertise and skill set needed to achieve an amicable, speedy and inexpensive divorce settlement. 

Divorce Basics Question

What options are available for filing for divorce?

you have several options for getting a divorce. These include mediation, collaborative law, a no-fault dissolution of marriage, and adversarial divorce proceedings in court

How can I use mediation for my divorce?

If you and your spouse are able to work together but have incompatible goals regarding child custody, property division, or other matters relating to your divorce, mediation may be a good option. With mediation, you and your spouse will work with a neutral “mediator” who can employ proven strategies to help you and your spouse come to terms.

What is collaborative law and how can I use it for my divorce?

Collaborative law is a relatively new concept in family law that allows divorcing spouses to avoid contentious disputes in court. In a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse will agree up front not to go to court, and you will work closely with your attorneys and subject-matter experts to come to an amicable resolution on all of the key aspects of your divorce

How do I choose the best option for my divorce?

Which option is best for you will depend on the unique circumstances involved in your divorce.

Can one attorney represent both my spouse and I in our divorce?

While it is technically possible to have one attorney represent both spouses in a divorce, we generally don’t recommend it. In most divorces, there are just too many conflicts for both spouses to have the same legal counsel. In addition, if any issue in your divorce starts to look like it might possibly end up going to court, you will likely have to hire a separate attorney anyway.

Divorce Lawyers and Family Law Attorneys

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the future we’ve tried to build with a spouse or significant other begins to fall apart. Sometimes it can be salvaged, sometimes it can’t and you find yourself in need of an experienced divorce lawyer

we have many years of experience dealing with the issues commonly involved in divorce cases and, because of our additional backgrounds in business law and trust, estate and probate law, we are also well equipped to assist business owners and professional people through the less common issues that are also involved in their divorces

Make Sure Your Divorce Attorney is Experienced

When your marriage is headed for dissolution, it often feels like the rug’s been pulled out from under you, you’ve had your breath knocked out, and you no longer have any control over your own future or the futures of those you care most about. At these times, it’s vital to have an advisor who can help you understand your family law rights and options, as well as the rights and options of all the parties involved in the process; and to have an advocate who will go to bat for you to achieve the best possible outcome.

While most of the issues involved in Divorce Law are similar across the country, Divorce Law itself is very state-specific. It’s better to have a divorce lawyer who’s actually been practicing divorce and custody law locally, rather than a franchise of some out-of-state law firm with catchy radio ads. And, don’t be fooled by mediation mills that try to convince you that “divorce without lawyers or courtrooms” is the way to go. At best, they must remain neutral and cannot advise you as to the law and your rights. At worst, they’re attempting to practice law without a license.

Every divorce case must go to mediation before it can go to trial, and most divorce cases actually settle in mediation. It’s far better, however, to go to mediation when the case is actually ready to settle, with an ethical mediator and attorneys who have your back, than to rush into it and either blow what may be your one shot at mediation without reaching a settlement or worse yet, cut a bad deal for yourself and your children because you were not well advised.

Learn How To Deal With Bed Bugs While On Vacation

Bed Bug Confidential: An Expert Explains How to Defend against the Dreaded Pests

Chances are, you or someone you know has had a run-in with bed bugs. It might have happened in a scrupulously clean bedroom. Or maybe it was a hotel room, office or college dorm. In the February issue of Scientific American entomologist Kenneth Haynes of the University of Kentucky explains how, after a lengthy absence, bed bugs are staging a comeback. The good news is scientists are intensively studying these insects, and their insights suggest novel ways of detecting the bugs and eradicating infestations. Some of those potential solutions are a long way off, however. In the meantime the best bet is to avoid bringing bed bugs home in the first place. I called Haynes to ask him how to do that and what to do if one suspects an infestation (eek!), among a bunch of other practical-minded questions.

Do bed bugs only feed on humans?

No. Bed bugs are also pests in poultry operations, and they’re known to parasitize bats. Some labs that study bed bugs rear them on guinea pigs and mice. The bugs might feed on cats and dogs. Fur is probably a barrier to them, but they could feed at any place on the body without fur. Bed bugs are not specific to humans, but they are adapted to parasitizing us

Could you have a bed bug infestation in your home and not know it?

That’s very possible. I have heard of couples reporting that only one partner is getting bitten. The truth is that both are getting bitten, but only one has a reaction to the bites. Thirty percent of people or more don’t react to bed bug bites at all, and the elderly are less reactive than the rest of the population. Among those people who do react to the bites, most of them don’t respond to early bites, but develop a sensitivity to subsequent ones. Those individuals who are not sensitive to bed bug bites may not know they have an infestation. Because bed bugs are nocturnally active, it’s hard to see other signs of their presence—unless you’re accustomed to waking up at 3 A.M. and taking a census. With a huge infestation, bed bugs start to move away from the bed, so you’re more likely to see one in an exposed place during the day. In very severe infestations people can become anemic. That takes a lot of bugs though—maybe 100,000 feeding once a week or more.

Another clue to infestation is odor. Like many species of bugs, bed bugs release odors called alarm pheromones. When a group of bed bugs gets disturbed, you may get a whiff of that odor, which is similar to the odor stink bugs give off. At higher concentrations the odor is unpleasant. Some people say at low concentrations it’s a pleasant smell—like coriander. In fact, older literature refers to the bed bug as the coriander bug. I’ve tried to smell the coriander scent in bed bug alarm pheromones and have not been able to make the connection, however.

What can one do to avoid getting bed bugs?

The first thing is you have to be able to recognize and distinguish a bed bug from any other insect. Everything starts to look like a bed bug if you start to worry about them. An adult bed bug is about the size and shape of an apple seed. If it has not fed recently it will be flattened and brown. If it has fed it will be round in circumference and reddish. Immature bed bugs have a similar appearance to adults, with the smallest being the size of the head of a pin. You can then learn to look for their fecal spots, which can be easier to detect than the bugs themselves. Check your hotel rooms when you travel. And think twice before bringing home used furniture. If you are purchasing used furniture, ask the furniture store how they deal with bed bugs. If they have no plan whatsoever, that’s probably not a good sign. If you purchase used clothing, put it through a clothes dryer on a medium to high setting for a cycle as soon as you bring it home. And before you move into an apartment, ask the landlord whether there has been a bed bug infestation, or whether the building has ever been treated for bed bugs.

DIY bed bug treatment: myths and facts

Bed bugs can be a huge burden for home and business owners alike. The sheer thought of these blood-sucking insects is enough to keep anyone up all night. These crawling insects can deliver a multitude of aggravating bites that can itch for hours, and can sometimes be particularly troublesome to control.

More often than not people will try a DIY solution using home remedies to control bed bugs before contacting a pest control professional. Here, we dig into which methods that can be effective

Still, if you have noticed any signs of bed bugs, we recommend you reach out to a pest control professional for a real solution to your problem

Home remedies for bed bugs

So, which home remedies for bed bugs actually work? And what can you do to help stop them from spreading? Read on to find out.

Method:

The idea behind this home remedy for bed bugs is to use ultrasonic devices, typically those that you plug into the wall. The high frequencies of the sound waves emitted from the device are believed to be uncomfortable for bed bugs, forcing them to leave the area.

Don’t let the bed bugs bite

Question: If you put on “Off” or some other insect repellant before retiring in a hotel will this prevent them from biting? Can they get in your hair?

Answer: Although we have not specifically tested mosquito repellants on bed bugs, we have tested repellant insecticides. Bed bugs do not seem to respond in the slightest to repellent insecticides. In fact, they will sit on top of them until they die. These results have been confirmed by the older bed bug literature (Usinger 1966) who stated that many repellant materials were applied to bed frames in an attempt to keep bed bugs from crawling up, but none had any effect. Because we have not tested repellants on skin, we can’t say for sure whether bed bugs would be willing to stick their mouth parts though repellant treated skin or not. But we have found bed bugs to be very determined little creatures and I think it would be hard to stop a hungry bed bug. In addition, the repellants that you buy for mosquitoes last only a couple of hours before the effects begin to wear off.  If you apply a repellant before getting into bed, a lot of the material could rub off on the sheets etc.  Also, bed bugs are most active between 3 and 5 am, which is several hours after the time you would have put the on the repellant to go to bed.  Bottom line, a repellant may prevent you from getting a bite or two but I do not believe that they will significantly hinder a hungry bed bug.

Bed bugs can get in your hair but the good news is that they really don’t want to be there. Unlike fleas and lice that have bodies or claws that are specifically designed for navigating through hair, the common bed bug does not have these modifications. In fact, bed bugs need to set their front claws in a particular position so that they can insert their mouthparts into the skin just so, in order to be in the proper feeding position.  Hair on the human head would make this very difficult. They would much prefer to feed on the bare skin.  If they encountered your head first, they would most likely move to your face (many people suffer face bites) or some other less hairy area to feed.  If you are bald, well, the head is fair game.

Question: Would the silk “sleep sacks” sold as a travel accessory be any help at all against bed bug bites at a hotel?

Answer: Unlikely. Bed bugs can very probably feed directly through the weave of the “sleep sack.” Even if the bag were to offer some protection, the bed bugs could crawl to the opening of the sack and enter that way. The best defense is to inspect the bed (mattress and sheets) and the head board for signs of bed bugs.  If you find any, report this to the management and request a different room.

Question: When traveling I carry a can of Lysol spray and spray the bed with it. Is this helpful in getting rid of bed bugs?

Answer: The only way that Lysol spray could help you is if you sprayed the bugs directly.  The alcohols and propellants would probably kill bed bugs if you wetted them down with the material.  However, dried spray on or around the bed would have no effect

If you are traveling, always inspect your mattress for bed bugs by pulling back the covers and looking carefully at the seams and tufts for bed bugs or bed bug evidences (black fecal spots).  If you find bed bug, don’t spray them yourself.  This may cause them to move around and infest other areas.  Instead, contact the hotel management inform them of the bugs and ask for another room immediately.  Leave the spraying to a professional.

EASY TIPS TO PREVENT BED BUGS

Learn the Best Ways to Keep Bed Bugs Away With These Expert Tips

Bed bugs present a major problem for households throughout North America. Since bed bugs need a safe, temperate environment to thrive, there are many places inside a home that provide perfect breeding conditions.

There are certain measures that you can take to prevent bed bugs from invading your home, but sometimes—even with the best preparations—bed bugs will still find their way into your house.

Bed bugs are elusive, and they typically hide in narrow cracks and crevices. Basically, anything you can slide a business card into will be an ideal hiding spot for a bed bug. It is also important to remember that bed bugs are not always found in a bed. They will shelter in any place that meets the necessary temperatures they require to live.

Cover Power Outlets

Cover your power outlets – bed bugs use power outlets to evade extermination. They climb into the outlet holes and hide there until it is safe to move elsewhere. In cases of severe infestations, bed bugs can travel through walls via electrical outlets, effectively spreading the infestation to other areas of your home or business

Store Your Clothing in Vacuum-Sealed Bags

This is especially important when traveling, since bed bugs are most commonly transferred from hotels. Purchase standard vacuum-sealed bags and store your clothing in these airtight vacuum bags when traveling. This will make your belongings less accessible to pests, and will prevent bed bugs from making their way home with you. Learn more about how bed bugs travel.

Tips for Preventing the Spread of Bedbugs

In many cases, bedbug problems start when they “hitch‐hike” in our luggage or other items during trips and stays at hotels and rental properties or if our jobs take us into potentially infested dwellings. Here are some tips on what you should do if you know or suspect that you picked up some bedbugs during a trip.

Know the Signs of Bedbugs

Bedbug bites are somewhat similar in appearance to mosquito bites, but many people do not react to the bites. For that reason, bites (or bite-like marks) or rashes are not reliable signs of a bedbug problem. Look for actual bedbugs and their fecal smears. Bedbugs are reddish‐brown, oval, flattened insects from 1⁄4 – 1⁄3 inch long and 1⁄16 – 1⁄8 inch wide before feeding (Figure 1). After a blood‐meal, they are swollen and dull red.

Bedbugs can be difficult to spot on furniture, luggage, backpacks, etc. particularly if the items are dark in color. They like to hide in crevices no thicker than a credit card. Their oval white eggs are only 1⁄25 inch and even more difficult to spot. Figure 2 shows a bedbug and dark‐colored fecal smears on the seams of a mattress. For more information about identifying bedbugs, see Bedbugs – Biology and Management.

What Can You Do to Reduce the Likelihood of Picking up “Hitchhiking” Bedbugs?

Skip to What Can You Do to Reduce the Likelihood of Picking up “Hitchhiking” Bedbugs?

Carry some plastic trash bags in your luggage. You can also enclose your clothing and other items in trash bags inside your luggage.

Don’t place luggage on beds or on the floor near beds. Some hotels have fold‐out luggage stands. These stands are not “bedbug proof” but you can check them for signs of bedbugs particularly where the webbing wraps around the frame. You can store luggage in a trash bag (preferably a white or light-colored trash bag so you can spot any hitch-hikers on the bag). Another option is to keep your luggage in bathtub.

For work-related home visits, minimize what you bring into the home. Place items on a hard surface, such as a table, rather than on a couch, chair or the floor next to furniture.

Avoid spraying pesticides in your hotel / vacation room. Remember, you are not the only guest who has used (or will use) the room and many people are sensitive to pesticides. The management of your guest accommodation likely has a pest control program in place and any spraying you may do can be both hazardous and actually disruptive to their pest control efforts.

If your job takes you into potentially-infested homes, be careful about spraying repellents on your clothing. Know your client. Although you may not be sensitive to pesticides, the residents of homes that you visit may have a reaction to the chemical including an asthmatic event.

If you’re staying at a hotel or vacation rental property, pull back the covers and sheets inspect their mattress & box spring for signs of activity. You can do the same thing at home periodically to make sure you haven’t missed something. Remember that spotting on a mattress or box spring does not necessarily mean that it’s bedbug feces OR that there is a current bedbug problem. Many places are now using mattress encasements. Do not open the encasement because it may be difficult to reseal and so compromise its effectiveness.

Water Testing Methods

How To Take A Water Sample

Water may appear clear and pure, but water from wells or other sources may contain dissolved minerals and other substances. Generally, Indiana’s ground water provides a good supply of safe water that doesn’t need much treatment. Indiana has approximately half a million private wells. If you are a private well owner, you need to test your water supply to insure the well supplies safe, high quality water

With the advice of your county Health Department or Cooperative Extension office, decide what tests are needed for your water supply. The WQ bulletin “Why Test Your Water?”, available at your extension office, may be helpful in determining which tests to run. After selecting the tests, choose a lab to test the samples. See WQ 1, “Water Testing Laboratories” for the location of labs that test water from private wells.

Steps required for taking a water sample will vary for different tests. Timeliness and cleanliness are important when collecting any water sample. Use the sterile collection bottles the lab sends you and not your own bottles to take a sample. Labs often will only accept samples taken in their collection bottles. Also complete all the forms the lab requires to process the sample.

A water sample needs to be submitted to the lab within 48 hours of collection. In some cases it must be kept cold prior to testing. Care must be taken to prevent anything but the water from contacting the inside of the bottle or the cap. Contaminants are often present in small amounts. Careless sampling prevents accurate test results.

For most water tests, follow these steps when collecting a sample:

Take the sample close to the pump, before the water goes through a treatment system.

Do not take the sample from a swing-type faucet.

Inspect the faucet for leaks. Select another faucet if there is leaking.

Remove the aerator.

Disinfect the faucet with bleach or a flame.

Run the water several minutes to clear the line.

Take the sample midstream.

Do not touch the sides of the collection bottle, the opening or inside of the cap.

If needed, store the sample in the refrigerator before taking to the lab.

Submit the sample within 48 hours of collection.

Transport the sample in a cooler or ship in an insulated container.

Free Drinking Water Analysis for Residents

The safety of your home’s water supply is crucial to your family’s health and well-being. Particularly when used for drinking, your water needs to be clean, clear and free from harmful contamination.

Water Safety

Many potentially harmful microscopic organisms and dissolved inorganic substances could be lurking in your water, whether it comes from a well or from your city’s water supply. Particularly if you live within five miles of a gas station, factory, farm or cemetery or if you have a septic system/leach field on your property, you are more likely to find certain substances in your drinking water that not only do not promote health but, in fact, do just the opposite. Agricultural and industrial waste products, pesticides, human and animal wastes can all contaminate groundwater, making water supplies less-than-safe to drink. Even heavily fertilized lawns can contribute to the problem of groundwater contamination.

Several of the worst water contamination offenders, which can harm human health but are easily detected through high-quality water testing, follow:

Coliform bacteria

Nitrate (in high concentrations)

Lead and other toxic metals

Arsenic (a metalloid)

Complimentary Water Analysis

An experienced Aqua water evaluation consultant will visit your home and carefully collect a specimen for analysis. The complimentary water analysis we use will detect many contaminants the presence of which can alert you to the need for water treatment. The certified evaluation results we provide will arm you with the knowledge you need to select the water-treatment system that will rid your water of the unhealthy contaminants it harbors. Whether you opt to use one of our water filtration systems to remove contamination or our analysis gives your water a clean bill of health, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing your water is safe.

Commitment to Water Quality

neighbors use for drinking, cooking, dishwashing and personal hygiene. We feel you have a right to know exactly what’s in the water you use every day. That’s the most important reason we offer complimentary water testing. It’s also one of the many ways we partner with you to raise the quality of life your family enjoys, bringing your home that much closer to becoming the haven of health and comfort that it was intended to be

Well Water Testing DIY To Advanced Lab Testing

I get into specific potential contaminants to consider testing for as well as Do It Yourself testing versus using a certified and licensed analytical laboratory. I hope you find this episode useful and informative.

Well Water Testing Topics Covered:

Well water testing do it yourself

When to get lab water tests done

Reasons why one should test their well water

The advantage of do-it-yourself test kits

Figuring out what your potential contamination sources are

Different types of contaminants for which to test

How to self-test for water hardness

In this podcast series I give easy-to-follow tips and information all about well systems, well water quality, well water treatment systems, and how to improve quality of your well water. In this podcast, we’re going over well water testing.  Basically, reasons why you should test your well water periodically, what to test for, how often should I test my well water, when to use a certified lab versus doing it yourself, and a test you can do yourself today at home without any test kit and get the basic idea of one of the parameters of your water.

Importance of Well Water Testing

So you might ask, “Why should I test my water?” well, if you think about it municipal city water systems test their water routinely, regularly. They’re on top of it, making sure the water is safe and that they’re required too anyway. But there’s no requirement to test a private well, except when you first have it drilled or maybe you’re refinancing your home and they know you’re on a private well and they might want to a basic test for bacteria, perhaps nitrate, and few other things.

But the government isn’t going to come after you to make you test your well water and situations can change over the years. Perhaps your well was safe at one time but now it’s contaminated but you don’t know it because you can’t smell or taste the contaminant. So it’s a good idea there’s just a few basic things you should test for on a regular basis. The decision on what to test for is really based on the types of land you use in your well and what your goals are.

PRIVATE DRINKING WATER WELLS & SYSTEMS

It is the responsibility of the private water well owner to sample and have their well water tested. The State of Alaska, Drinking Water Program, does not sample, test, or regulate the construction of private drinking water wells. In fact, the only local governments that regulate and have established standards for private water wells

Also, it’s important to note that while the DEC-Division of Water requires minimum separation distances for on-site disposal (septic) systems and other potential sources of contamination from private water wells, it is typically enforced only when a septic system is being installed by a certified installer. Therefore, failure to meet or maintain minimum separation distances for new and existing private water wells may only be highlighted during the sale of your home.

Wellhead protection

Maintain proper drainage away from the well; e.g. ensure no standing water around the wellhead.

Make sure the top of the well casing is at least 12 inches above the ground surface, or well house floor, and higher if the area is frequently flooded. Remember “High and Dry”.

Eliminate potential sources of contamination near the wellhead.

Maintain a sanitary seal to minimize the risk of contamination entering the well casing, such as animals seeking shelter.

Well testing

Regularly test your water: at a minimum perform annual nitrate and coliform bacteria analyses, and in certain areas, test for arsenic.

Well records

Well log

Pump test and aquifer test records

Maintenance records for your well or pump

Water test results

Water Rights documentation from DNR

Test Plugs – Helpful Tips

What is the purpose of Test Plugs?

Testing plugs are used to stop pipes and to carry out low pressure testing on many types of pipes, and often this testing is mandatory. In order to meet building regulations any new construction, whether residential or commercial, may require a drain pressure test.

What types of Test Plugs are available?

Bailey Test Plugs are available in two forms, centre lock and rim fastening. Centre locks can be produced in steel/aluminium or nylon to suit the application (rim fasts are only available in steel).

How do you use Test Plugs?

Please note: Testing should be carried out to current Building Regulations

Air Test – Testing Guidelines

Seal pipe section with appropriate size drain test plug. Remove any grease or foreign material from installation point. Ensure no dirt is trapped between seal of plug and plates. Ensure plug is inserted square to pipe wall. Ensure wing nut and sealing cap is tight.

Fit test nipple to one of the drain test plugs.

Connect rubber hose via ‘Y’ piece to nipple, ‘U’ gauge and hand bellows.

Fill ‘U’ gauge with water to ‘zero’.

Squeeze the hand bellows gently until the level reaches 100mm on the open side of the gauge and the lower limit below zero on the closed side. The level should not fall to less than 75mm during period of 5 minutes without further pumping, after allowing a suitable time for stabilization of air temperature. If it drops below 75mm within the specified time the pipe section is leaking.

Water Test – Testing Guidelines

Fit an expanding plug, suitably braced to resist the full hydrostatic head, at the lower end of the pipeline. Also plug any branches. The pipes may need strutting to prevent movement.

Provide a means of applying the test head of water at the top end of the line, preferably using a 90 degree bend and a straight pipe of the same diameter as the line. Ensure that the standpipe and plug are suitably strutted to resist the applied hydrostatic head. Provide a means of filling the pipeline with water.

Fill the system with water keeping pockets of trapped air to a minimum.

Fill the standpipe to the requisite level.

Leave for at least two hours to enable the pipes to become saturated, topping up as necessary.

After the absorption period measure the loss of water from the system by noting the amount needed to maintain the level in the standpipe over a further period of 30 minutes. In carrying out the test to the requirements (please see current Building Regulations), the standpipe should be topped up at regular intervals of 5 minutes and the amounts measured. Seal pipe section with appropriate size drain test plug.

Metal Roof Installation

DIY Roof Installation vs Hiring a Professional Roofer

DIY Factors to Consider

If the DIY temptation is still strong after going back and forth in your head about whether or not to hire a licensed roofing contractor, it might help to know the tasks involved prior to installing the new roof.

Depending on the condition of your roof, you may need to replace the entire thing and not just parts of it. If this is the case, then you have to consider the fact that tearing-off or removing the entire roof is no easy task. And once the roof has been removed, you have to check the condition of the planks or boards, and replace them as necessary. In some instances, you may need to install new plywood over your old roof deck before you can install the new roof.

There are minor home repairs or improvement projects that you can do on your own but roof replacement isn’t one of them—unless you are a professional roofing contractor or you’ve had a previous experience in successfully replacing an old roof.

In other words, roof replacement isn’t as simple and easy as painting your walls or giving your kitchen a makeover.

Cons of DIY Roofing:

  • Roof replacement by yourself is a long-term commitment. Considering the amount of time required to do the work, it may make more sense to hire a professional roofer.   Plus, if you work full time, you can forget about weekend golf outings or trips to the beach until you get the job done.  You may want to reconsider now whether saving the money is worth sacrificing your precious free time with family.
  • It’s dangerous. You need to consider if you have a fear of heights and/or whether you can carry heavy materials up and down a ladder.  Are you comfortable and steady on your feet?  Falls from roofs result in thousands of serious injuries and deaths each year.  Plus, there’s the risk that comes from roofing in rain or other inclement weather that could be better left to the professionals.
  • Tools can be expensive. You may think you’ll save money on labor, but, if you don’t already have the right tools, you may end up spending a hefty chunk of your budget to purchase the right gear and equipment for the job.  Plus, you may never use these specialized tools again once the roofing work is complete.
  • It requires physical strength and endurance. Roofing involves a great deal of physical labor:  climbing up a ladder with heavy gear and shingles and the grueling work of tearing off the old shingles.  It also means doing all of this physically demanding work for hours under the hot sun which presents risks for dehydration and even heat stroke.  Professionals are trained and equipped for such intense challenges.
  • A warranty won’t cover damage caused by improper application or installation.  If your mistake results in a leak, you will have to hire a contractor to fix it.

What Makes Professional Roofing Work Better Than DIY?

Cable TV building and repair shows are fun to watch, and informative. They do everything DIY, from installing windows to pouring concrete, to hanging drywall, to roof repair.

Deciding whether to go DIY or hire a professional for roof repairs should come with careful consideration. Your roof is your home’s most important defense against the elements. Here are a few points to think about before getting the ladder out of the garage and going to work.

Experience

Your day job may not involve swinging a hammer, but maybe you’ve helped with or done your own construction work a time or two so you may think roof repair will be easy. If you’ve lost a single shingle, that could be true. However, hiring an experienced roofing contractor in Spokane who will evaluate the entire roof could save you money in the long run as they may find some hidden problems underneath.

It’s safer.

Safety is the first priority for any Seattle roofing company worth hiring. Because roofers risk serious injury, illness and death on the job, compliance with the stringent standards set by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is required of all workers.

Hazards that must be controlled on roofing sites include those associated with working at heights, power tools, electricity, noise, hazardous substances and extreme temperatures. This laundry list of hazards should be reason enough for an untrained homeowner to stay off their roof!

It’s faster.

One oft-touted benefit of DIY home improvement is the ability to fix what you want, when you want—no worrying about scheduling or seasonality! And as much as we love the climate here in the good old PNW, getting your roof fixed before the next rainy day is a pretty big deal. All these are solid votes in favor of DIY…

…until you factor in the time you’ll spend learning to fix the roof, tracking down and purchasing the right materials and doing the work itself. If you can’t (or don’t want to) take time off work, you’ll have to take into account the number of days between today and the weekend as well.

Here’s our point of comparison: most professional roofing jobs are completed in three days or less. If foul weather calls for expediency, temporary repairs can be made within a few hours. The quick fix is meant to prevent further damage until the contractor can do a thorough inspection and propose a more permanent solution. Having a roofing contractor assess the extent of the damage can also help expedite the insurance claims process.

Keep in mind that roofing is an extremely competitive industry, so both you and the contractor have a vested interest in getting the job done ASAP.

Liability and Insurance

Your home insurance will likely not cover any damage you do to your roof by walking on it or repairing it without proper knowledge and skill. When they deny your claim, your insurance company may argue that you were negligent when you tried to fix your roof yourself. If so, you will have to pay for the repairs out of pocket.

Professional roofers are much less likely to make mistakes. When they do, they typically have insurance that will cover any damage they may have caused to your roof, or other property. Reputable roofers will also return to fix any mistakes they made without charging you for their additional costs. By choosing a professional, you gain the protection of their insurance and you save yourself the hassle and expense of dealing with a denied claim.

Can Your Repair Your Own Roof on an Insurance Claim?

If a storm damaged your roof and your insurance company has already agreed to cover the cost of repairs, can you make those repairs yourself? The laws surrounding insurance claims are slightly different in each state and province. It is always best to confirm with a lawyer and your insurance company before you use the funds you received in your insurance claim. If you make a mistake when attempting to fix your own roof with your insurance policy pay out, your insurance company may deny any further claim. They may argue that by not hiring a professional roofer, you assumed the risk of your repairs. In the end, you may end up with a bigger roof problem than you started with and may not have any legal recourse to get the damage covered.

Limited Warranties

When you hire a professional roofer, you may be covered by two types of limited warranties: one from the roofer for labor and one from the shingle manufacturer for product defects. If you attempt DIY roof repair, you won’t be covered by the roofer’s limited warranty. Further, you’ll usually void your limited warranty from the manufacturer too.

Manufacturers require that their products be installed correctly, in accordance with their application instructions and applicable building code requirements in order to be eligible for limited warranty coverage. Professional roofers are best positioned to properly comply with these requirements.

Can Roof Repairs be Made by Homeowners?

You should also consider the damages you may cause to your roof by trying to fix your roof yourself.  Even one improperly installed shingle can allow water beneath the shingles, which can do damage to every other layer of the roof, not to mention your home.

If you damage your roof, a professional cannot restore your warranty coverage. They may still choose to offer you a limited warranty on their own work. However, it may be challenging for you to take advantage of that guarantee, as they can always argue that your initial damage to the roof caused the underlying problem.

Advantages Of Vinyl Flooring

What Is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Redoing your flooring certainly offers a range of options, from hardwood to tile to vinyl to carpet. Of course, renovating on a budget means weighing the pros and cons of each flooring type and finding the one that sits at the intersection of affordability, durability and aesthetics. Vinyl flooring often meets those three requirements, which is why it’s such a popular choice for homeowners. Though, as with any material you use in your home, vinyl comes with its own set of benefits and frustrations.

Vinyl plank is designed to resemble hardwood, and it comes in strips. You can find this product in a number of styles, each mimicking a specific type of wood, from oak to hickory and beyond. Because vinyl plank imitates hardwood, you’re sure to find a version that matches the rest of your home’s decor. Additionally, vinyl is the budget-friendly choice for renovators who want the look of hardwood without the challenging installation and cost.

Pros and cons

Purchasing wood vinyl flooring can be a smart investment, but you’ll only know whether the material is right for your home by weighing the pros and cons

Pros:

Many models of vinyl plank are backed with a felt product. When installed, this feature translates to a softer floor with more give. The top will look like hardwood and have that strong feel, but standing on vinyl for long periods of time is easier than standing on real wood. Additionally, objects are less likely to break when dropped on vinyl, which is good news for glasses and mugs.

Vinyl flooring is water resistant, making it a great choice for both bathrooms and kitchens. In fact, vinyl is better at sealing against water damage than laminate and hardwood. What’s more, some vinyl options are totally waterproof.

Vinyl plank can be installed directly on top of your subfloor, making the process quick, cost-effective and easy (given that the subfloor is in good condition). When you remove your old flooring, inspect the subfloor to make sure it’s in good shape before adding vinyl on top.

If you don’t want put a lot of effort into maintaining your floors, vinyl plank is a wise choice. The product is long-lasting, requiring only routine cleaning (i.e., sweeping and occasionally mopping) to keep it looking like new.

Vinyl is a long-lasting flooring product and can last up to 20 years. Once it’s down, you’ll have a great floor for years to come.

You can install in-floor heating beneath a number of vinyl flooring options if you’re looking for ways to increase luxury in your home.

Cons:

Vinyl products have a tendency to warp to any particles left beneath them during installation. For instance, a trapped bit of dust could eventually become a bump in your floors. As such, you must take extra care during installation to ensure absolutely no particles are left on the subfloor. This can be tedious, but the cleaning is well worth the final product.

While vinyl will hold up for many years, you can damage it. Dropping a glass or moving heavy furniture can result in scuffs and gouges that are difficult to remove. If you do rearrange furniture, be sure to cover the feet with felt, or lift the piece off the ground before moving it.

Unlike hardwood, vinyl does not add much resale value to your house. So, if you’re renovating in order to increase the value of your home, vinyl may not be the best option.

Best Ways to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring

You’ve just been handed the keys to your first real home (complete with vinyl plank throughout, of course). There’s nothing in the world that could dull your sparkle right now. Little did you know when you bought the house that not properly taking care of your shiny new vinyl plank floors could easily dull their sparkle.

If you’re feeling a sense of panic sit in, don’t worry. Vinyl plank flooring is actually one of the lowest maintenance flooring types you can install in your home. With some daily love and care, your shine can be easily be upkept by following a few guidelines unique to your new flooring type.

What is vinyl plank?

Vinyl plank is a super versatile flooring option that has surged in popularity over the last few years. The durability of vinyl compared to classic wood has made this flooring newcomer a staple in new home construction and renovations.

Nowadays, vinyl plank is a great choice to install in rooms such as bedrooms or living rooms (AKA rooms where you would traditionally find solid wood floors). The real beauty of vinyl is that you can also install it in places like kitchens and bathrooms where you can’t install wood without having warping.

Everyday Cleaning:

If you leave dust and debris on your floor, you run the risk of seriously damaging and scuffing the finish on it. You may be wondering: how does this damage happen from just a little bit of dirt on the ground?

LUXURY VINYL FLOORING

Get the natural look of wood and stone flooring with the added day to day advantages of luxury vinyl flooring (LVT). Stunning wood and stone effects are painstakingly recreated across our ranges with beautiful depth of colour. Our Impress collection even includes a registered emboss texture which allows you to see and feel grains, grooves and knots just like real wood.

The easy maintenance of luxury vinyl flooring (a simple weekly mop or brush keeps the floor looking as good as new) together with great sound and heat insulation properties ensures that luxury vinyl flooring is a great, cost effective alternative to the real stone or wood flooring.

luxury vinyl flooring is:

Moisture-resistant – perfect for slippery areas such as kitchens or bathrooms

Scratch and scuff resistant – due to a unique Protectonite PU wear-layer

Slip resistant – featuring a top R10 rating

Easy to clean and maintain – just a simple brush or mop

Great at sound and heat insulation – no more cold stone under your feet

Easy to install – thanks to CLICK technology; no adhesive, no fuss

Dependable and durable – with a 20 year guarantee available

Environmentally friendly – made with 50% recycled materials with major eco-credentials

Designed to reflect unique textures and patterns found in natural wood and stone flooring – be sure to view Impress which features a unique registered emboss texture

You can be assured of our meticulous attention to detail to recreate and bring all the authenticity and elegance of real wood and stone into either your home or business. All Moduleo® luxury vinyl flooring uses a unique printing technique to make our designs razor-sharp together with a structure press to accurately re-create the subtle textures found in wood grains and stone grooves. Impress goes one step further with an actual registered emboss texture which brings real knots and grooves into the flooring

Inspirational vinyl floor tiles

rovides endless creative possibilities to design your own floor, with varying sizes, tiles, patterns and textures available to make your space a masterpiece. Our luxury vinyl flooring takes inspiration from natural wood and stone finishes including exotic, endangered woods such as Wenge.

Vinyl Flooring – All You Need To Know Before Buying

Vinyl Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring

Vinyl flooring has made alot of improvement in the last few decades and stands today as another top choice. It is stylish, durable and affordable. Previously we discussed laminate floors which have alot in common with vinyl floors. Let’s talk all about vinyl flooring starting with a comparison to laminate.

With advances in technology, both vinyl and laminate have come a long way. Today both are rival alternative choices to more expensive natural materials like hardwood, stone and tile. Vinyl and laminate are today made to very realistically resemble these materials. No longer are these types of flooring just a cheap looking imitation that last a few short years. Improvements in construction have greatly increased the durability and longevity for both types of flooring. These materials are today made with a wear layer that on quality products is highly resistent to scuffs and scratches.

Both come in planks and tiles which are relatively easy to install for most do it yourself homeowners. Luxury vinyl (high quality solid vinyl) like laminate, is constructed of several layers with a durable clear coat wear layer over a design layer. The wear layer on each stand up well to heavy traffic and sunlight. The photographic design layer on both materials can look just like real wood, stone or ceramic. Both are available in a huge variety of designs, options and quality grades.

Vinyl & Laminate Flooring – Today’s Most Popular Flooring Choices

Each has available products which are FloorScore certified for air quality, as well as products which are antimicrobial for infection control. Both cost about the same being considerably less than wood, stone and tile. And both laminate and vinyl are relatively low maintenance.

What is the difference between laminate and vinyl ? Laminate is thicker and is rigid just like planks of wood . It is largely composed of wood fiber. Laminate’s construction allows for more depth in the design layer giving it a slightly even more realistic appearance. Walking on laminate can be just like walking on hardwood. Vinyl has a soft, cushioned, resilient surface which is quieter to walk on. It is made out of flexible pvc plastic. And that’s where it’s main advantage lies. It is impervious to water damage. Laminate on the other hand, cannot withstand under a puddle of water for very long without damage. Still laminate flooring will add slightly more value to a home for resale, where vinyl floors will do little to increase a home’s value. Hardwood, stone and tile add the most value to the sale price of a home.

BENEFITS OF VINYL

Everyone loves the look of hard-surface floors. wood, for example, is beautiful and comfortable, conveying a natural, easy luxury. tile and stone floors have the same appeal

For decades, consumers seeking an alternative to natural wood, tile, and stone surfaces didn’t have a great many stylish choices. vinyl and laminate products were, in the past, popular for their budget friendliness and ease of installation, but no one claimed they were as fashionable as real wood or tile

Luxury vinyl tile (lvt) and Vinyl sheet flooring have evolved into sophisticated products that high-end clients are choosing over wood and tile, because the new products look so similar to the natural surfaces they mimic. they perform extremely well and cost less.

Benefits of Vinyl

Available in a fabulous assortment of designs, colors, and textures, Vinyl flooring brings you exciting new styles that create beautiful rooms.

this type of floor is moisture resistant, impervious to most stains, and easy to clean.

Vinyl flooring doesn’t need to be waxed—its top layer is made to stay shiny.

heavy traffic is no problem, because these floors not only handle lots of activity, they’re actually resistant to scratches.

Vinyl flooring is … Vinyl. It’s flexible and comfortable underfoot, and there’s less breakage when items are dropped.

The price tag is usually a very pleasant surprise.

You can choose from several alternatives in look and construction. There’s direct-glue sheet flooring for durable performance and seamless appearance. Or you may prefer luxury vinyl tile or luxury vinyl planks in either direct-glue or floating constructions. Ask one of our sales staff to help you decide which of these options will best suit your space.