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Residential and Commercial plumbers and plumbing contractors available in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Homer Glen, Mokena, Frankfort, and the surrounding Chicago South Suburbs. Emergency plumbers.

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Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing Blog

Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing is Tinley Park, Orland Park, Oak Forest, Midlothian, Orland Hill, Homer Glen, Mokena, Frankfort, Crestwood, Palos Heights, Oak Lawn, local plumber. Read our blog for advice, tips, a good laugh, and basic home improvement.

**We are moving our old blog to our new and improved website. Too see all our posts visit kevinszabojrplumbing.blogspot.com

Filtering by Category: October 2022

How Multi-Role Technology Can Be Used For Mapping

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Multi-Role Technology (MRT) is being used by mapping agencies all over the world to map the world because MRT has many advantages over traditional methods such as aerial photography and satellite imagery.

This article will explore important ways in which Multi-Role Technology can be used for mapping.

Creating digital twins

MRT can be used to create digital twins which are exact replicas of real-world objects or environments which are further used for a variety of purposes such as urban planning, asset management, and disaster response.

Digital twins are created by scanning the real-world object or environment with MRT and then using computer software to create a 3D model of the object or environment. It is also possible to do drone inspections for digital twin assets located in hard-to-reach places or dangerous environments. For drone inspection, the digital twin is used to plan the flight path of the drone and to avoid obstacles.

The use of digital twins allows for a better understanding of how the real-world object or environment works and how it will respond to different stimuli. Additionally, digital twins can be used to simulate different scenarios such as natural disasters and traffic congestion.

Creating 3D and HR maps

MRT allows for the creation of 3D maps with a high degree of accuracy and detail because MRT uses LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to measure the distance between objects. LiDAR is more accurate than traditional methods such as aerial photography because LiDAR can penetrate through fog, smoke, and other atmospheric conditions that can obstruct the view.

Additionally, LiDAR can be used to create 3D maps of hard-to-reach places such as mountains, forests, and urban areas. The use of LiDAR also allows for the creation of high-resolution maps which is important for mapping agencies that need to map large areas in a short amount of time.

MRT uses a technique called photogrammetry, which is the science of taking measurements from photographs. Photogrammetry is more accurate than satellite imagery because photogrammetry can take into account the curvature of the Earth. This is important for mapping agencies that need to map large areas such as countries, continents, and oceans.

Asset management

The process of tracking and managing physical assets such as buildings, roads, and bridges is called asset management. MRT can be used for asset management because MRT can create 3D models of assets which can be used to track the location of the asset and to monitor its condition.

The use of MRT for asset management is particularly useful for mapping agencies that need to manage a large number of assets. Additionally, the use of MRT can help reduce the costs associated with asset management by reducing the need for manual inspections.

On the other hand, the use of MRT can also help improve the accuracy of asset management by providing up-to-date information about the asset.

As you can see, MRT can be used for the creation of 3D maps with a high degree of accuracy and detail, the creation of digital twins which are exact replicas of real-world objects or environments, and the tracking and management of physical assets.

Additionally, MRT can help reduce the costs associated with mapping activities while also improving their accuracy.

Therefore, it is clear that MRT is a valuable tool for mapping agencies.


Great Tricks To Help You Store Some Extra Stuff You Have

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When you have been gathering items over time, either for your family or for yourself, it can be difficult to know what to do with those items. This blog post discusses some tricks that will help you store those extra things and to make them easier to find when you need them!

How To Store Items

There are plenty of great tricks that you can use to help you store some extra stuff that you have. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Get creative with your storage containers. If you have limited space, get creative with the types of storage containers you use. Try using plastic storage bins that can be stacked on top of each other, or hanging storage bags that can be hung on a door or in a closet.

2. Use vertical space. If you have items that can be stored vertically, make use of all the space in your home by storing them on shelves or in tall cabinets.

3. Don't forget about underutilized spaces. There are often spaces in our homes that we don't think to utilize for storage, like the space under our beds or behind doors. By getting creative with how we store our belongings, we can make the most of every inch of space in our homes.

4. Get organized. One of the best ways to make sure you're making the most efficient use of your storage space is to keep everything organized. Color code your storage bins, label everything clearly, and invest in some good organizational tools like drawer dividers and shelf risers.

5. Make it easy on yourself. If you're constantly struggling to find things or put things away, it's time to reassess your storage situation. Maybe you need to downsize your belongings or find a better way to organize what you have

Where To Store Items

If you have extra stuff that you need to store, there are some great tricks that can help you out. First, try to find a place in your home that is out of the way and not too visible. This could be in the back of a closet or in the attic. Second, invest in some good storage containers. These can be plastic bins or even old suitcases. Be sure to label them so you know what is inside. Experts at https://welshpoolselfstorage.com.au/ suggest that if you have items that are delicate or valuable, consider renting a storage unit from a local facility. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your belongings are safe and secure.

How To Rent A Storage Unit

When you're running out of space in your home or office, a storage unit can be a great way to store some extra stuff. But how do you go about renting a storage unit? Here are some great tips to help you get started:

1. Decide what size unit you need. Storage units come in a variety of sizes, so it's important to figure out how much space you'll need before you start looking for a unit.

2. Research different storage facilities. Once you know how much space you need, it's time to start looking at different storage facilities. Compare prices and amenities to find the best deal.

3. Choose a location for your storage unit. You'll want to consider things like proximity to your home or office, security features, and climate control when choosing a location for your storage unit.

4. Make sure your belongings are insured. Most storage facilities offer some level of insurance, but it's always a good idea to make sure your belongings are fully insured in case of damage or theft.

5. Pack your belongings carefully. When packing up your belongings for storage, be sure to use sturdy boxes and packaging materials. Label everything clearly so you can easily find what you're looking for later on.

There you have it! A few great tricks to help you store some extra stuff you have. These tips are easy to follow and will definitely come in handy the next time you need to declutter your home or office. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today and see how much easier your life can be with a little bit of organization.


Top Reasons To Invest In Home Insurance When Buying A New House

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If you own a home, regardless of where you live in the world, you are required to get home insurance. Just like you buy insurance plans to protect your loved ones' physical and economic well-being, your house requires protection from numerous external threats. Homeowners' insurance policies are created specifically for this purpose, to protect your home against natural or man-made threats. However, there are also more reasons why a homeowner should have house insurance coverage. 

No matter if you're a first-time homebuyer or an experienced one, insurance for your new investment is an important factor to consider. Your home-buying process can be planned out to help things go a bit more smoothly, particularly for first-time buyers. This includes ensuring that your homeowner's insurance requirements are satisfied.

Continue reading to find out how and why.

Security Against Burdens

The liability benefits afforded by house insurance policies prevent you against allegations of physical harm and property damage submitted by visitors and other third parties as a consequence of their stay in the insured home. You are protected from third-party litigation by liability insurance. It even applies to your dogs! Therefore, if your dog bites a neighbor, whether the bite happens at your home or theirs, your policy will protect their medical costs. Alternatively, if your kid smashes a neighbor's Chinese vase, you can submit a claim to pay them back. Furthermore, there is a chance that either you or your relatives (living in the insured home) will be held legally responsible for any harm or damage done to third parties. This insurance is crucial since it protects both you and your home from potential legal issues.

Protection Against Tragedies Caused by Both Natural and Human-caused Factors

A thorough home insurance coverage protects your home from losses and damage brought on by calamities triggered by nature, like earthquakes, flooding, storms, typhoons, etc. Your home is also protected by the policy from both natural and unnatural events. This includes malicious behaviors like vandalism, theft, strikes, rioting, and other mischievous behaviors. It also lets you reconstruct your house and recover financially from the loss. Accordingly, the team at www.agilerates.com could surely help you find top insurance companies with the best prices. When your house is damaged due to some other accident, the importance of carrying home insurance becomes clear; it helps cover the costs you incur in restoring the damage your home has suffered.

The major reason for purchasing home insurance coverage is to safeguard your home from any harm or loss that may happen. If a tree falls on your roof or someone miscalculates and destroys the border fence with a vehicle, your house insurance coverage will pay the costs.

Coverage for the Damage or Loss of your Priceless Belongings and Valuable Items

Coverage for the damage or loss of your priceless belongings and valuable items

House insurance companies offer policies to make use of the opportunities against loss/damage of items/contents kept inside the covered house, in addition to safeguarding the structure of the property. These include a variety of valuable, important, and expensive belongings. These include documentation and valuables like jewelry, clothing, furniture, and appliances, among many other things.

Prevent Bankruptcy

Construction and upkeep of homes are highly expensive, especially if you run a company out of your home. Each and every loss or damage will result in the bankruptcy of your company. With property insurance, you can replace your home without going into bankruptcy.

Once the House Is Damaged, Provide Temporary Accommodation

The types of crises that necessitate a homeowner's policy might frequently be so severe as to abandon you without even a place to live. Assume you're on a trip and a fire bursts out. When you return, the facilities are no longer habitable, and you'll need to arrange for short accommodations elsewhere. If you have home insurance, it will most certainly cover the cost of alternate lodging whilst your property is being repaired.

You are doubtless uncertain about the place you and your household will stay for a while while the checks and repairs are being made. Property insurance policies typically come with a provision to provide temporary housing during the restoration process, in addition to covering the expense of damage or housing construction.

Unfortunate incidents like floods, fires, or theft could occur at any time and cause severe damage to your home, robbing you of years' worth of hard-earned money. Therefore, obtaining home insurance, including coverage from a title insurance company, is highly recommended.

Apart from the reasons stated above, house insurance coverage offers you something invaluable: peace of mind. You can rest assured that if any damage occurs suddenly, your insurance plan will cover any financial losses.

Common Injuries That Happen When Renovating a House And How To Handle Them

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Home renovations are long and complex processes that will take you a little too much time and energy. Truth be said, we are all super excited because of the renovations and dread that period of time all at the same time. The point being is that you anticipate the results but, at the same time, detest the mess you need to bear with. On the other hand, too much mess and a very cluttered space can have some surprising outcomes, such as serious injuries. It is inevitable to get injured during renovations in your home, especially if you are the one doing the majority of the work. Henceforth, we have prepared a list of the most common injuries during renovations and how to deal with them.

Thrown-Out Back 

In upside-down houses, one of the most common injuries is the thrown-out back. In addition, this is one of the most common back injuries. When you are deep into renovating your home, you will be required to put your body in a number of different positions that can quite challenge your posture. However, the more flexible you are, the less likely you are to get injured. Unfortunately, while renovating, we keep on throwing out our backs while lifting heavy objects. Normally, it is not always the weight of the objects that keeps causing trouble. On the contrary, awkward shapes and the sizes of different objects can cause serious back injuries. One of the best ways to keep yourself safe from throwing your back out is to repeat the basics. “Lift with your knees, not with your back." 

Also, you need to be proactive. This means that you must stretch before you start renovating your property. To this end, the looser your body is, the less likely you are to throw your back out. If your back has already been stiff, then you should pay a visit to your chiropractor as soon as possible. In addition, when you are done with a very long day, you must get some well-deserved rest on some of the mattresses from the https://www.miamiherald.com/health-wellness/article262452462.html selection. Good quality and inexpensive mattresses sound like a match made in heaven, and on this list, you will find some of the best suggestions. 

Bruises and Cuts 

Your fingers, arms, and legs are the most exposed areas of your body, and while lifting super wavy and edgy stuff, you might face the consequences of your actions. For instance, have you ever wondered how close you are to smashing your fingers whenever you swing the hammer? By mentioning this, we are aiming to say that this is one of the most common injuries at renovation sites. However, these small movements can cause a huge impact and some serious injuries. Broken fingers or even disabled fingers are not rare cases. So, swinging a hammer should be done with full force next time, otherwise, you will face impeccable pain. 

Pulled Shoulders 

Even though none of these injuries do sound very serious and concerning, they may have some consequences you will have a hard time bearing. In the same way that you can throw out your back, you can also pull out your shoulder as well. Shoulders are extremely sensitive areas of your body, and this instance is mainly proven when you keep shifting the objects over your head. Not only will you feel pressure at some point, but stinging pain as well. With lifting heavy objects comes shifting and some awkward positions, which can result in your shoulders being pulled out. 

For instance, you might be installing something in your kitchen. These actions usually require your arms to be placed over your head, which makes your shoulders quite vulnerable. So, if you make the slightest move too fast or abruptly, you can tweak or pull a ligament in the shoulder area. Some of the best ways to prevent this type of injury are to properly stretch your shoulders. You can also start your day by lifting not-too-heavy objects over your head until you are entirely warmed up. 

Renovation sites are the places that bring some risk with them. Since every construction site has clutter that can pose a potential danger, you should be careful where you are placing your feet. Otherwise, you could stand on something sharp. Also, while swinging your hammer, beware that those fingers are your own. Do not make abrupt and sudden movements while holding or lifting something heavy. Remember, you should lift it from the knees, not from the back. 

Space-Saving Hacks For Small Kitchens

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If you don’t have the luxury of a large kitchen, there are still plenty of tips, tricks and hacks you can use to make the most of the space you have available.

Many of these involve some innovative ideas rather than restructuring existing furniture, and not all of them will work in your small kitchen, however we hope that these many space-saving hacks for small kitchen will give you some idea of where to start.

Let’s take a look at 13 wonderful ways you can boost your kitchen space with minimal effort.

1.     Hang Things On Walls – you can drill holes in walls for extra storage solutions by creating shelving, or you can even use adhesive hooks to place tea towels on. If you have an open space on a wall, you can add a pegboard which has holes in it so you can attached all kinds of utensils and pans.

2.     Get A Caddy – a simple caddy for your bits and bobs will go a long way to keeping things organised. You can add items into your caddy such as washing up liquid and sponges and place by your sink, or you might want to use them in the fridge to group similar items and vegetables together.

3.     Install A Tension Rod – a plastic extendable bar placed lengthways across any cupboard or under the surface drawer can be used to support cleaning products which have a spray handle. Place the rod as high as you can in the cupboard and then just hand the products from it. It can also be used for utensils.

4.     Opt For Integrated Appliances – rather than having a standalone dishwasher or cooker, why not consider an integrated appliance that frees up floor space? Everything from microwaves to refrigerators can be incorporated into your kitchen design these days.

5.     Use Jars In Cupboards – if you have lots of bags of rice, pasta and dried beans, you should consider keeping them in large glass jars in the cupboard to take up much less space. Simply take a felt pen and write the expiry date on the bottom.

6.     Pull-Out Chopping Board – chopping boards can take up lots of space if stored incorrectly, but you may be able to incorporate a pull out board under the surface. You can even open a drawer, place the chopping board on top and use it that way if you are limited on surface space.

7.     Mobile Kitchen Storage Cart – a standing kitchen cart in your room can hold everything from pots and pans to vegetables. If it has a surface on the top then even better, making it a truly dual-purpose item in your kitchen.

8.     Wine In A Drawer – a small kitchen storage idea with a hint of innovation, you can store your wine flat in a drawer instead of having to place it on special shelving. It doesn’t need a rack, but be careful when stacking bottle on bottle, you might need a tea towel between layers.

9.     Buy Stackables – pots and pans which stack are an excellent idea for kitchens with hardly any storage. You can easily fit your kitchenware such as pans and colanders and measuring jugs in the same place if they stack neatly within each other.

10.  Reuse Office Supplies – you can use things such as file holders to organise your belongings too. Place them inside cupboards, or add them to an unused corner of the kitchen on the surface so they can be easily accessed when you need them.

11.  Try Magnetic Holders – whether it’s pots and pans, kitchen utensils or knives, metal and magnets will save you lots of space. Attach a magnetic board as a backsplash or on your wall, and your objects will stick to it in whatever configuration you desire.

12.  Remove The Door – a simple yet effective way to create more space is to remove the door. If it swings inwards and intrudes on the space, take it off its hinges and store it if you plan on selling. Alternatively, you could see if you can change it for a folding door, or make it swing outwards.

13.  Use The Inside Of Cabinet Doors – you can add adhesive hooks to the inside of kitchen cabinet doors and hang items on them. Or you could drill small baskets on the inside of the doors so things are easily accessible when you open them.

 

If you’re looking for kitchen storage ideas for your small kitchen, try some of these tips above and you’ll have more space in no time at all. A lot of our suggestions don’t really require any expertise or knowledge to implement, but they can save you precious cupboard and surface space.

How to make the caulking and grout last in your bathroom

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Whether you are remodeling your bathroom or just want to freshen up the appearance of the space, it’s important to choose the best grout and caulk when working with a tile project or a tub surround.  

Grout and caulk, while similar, they are not the same thing. Grout is a powder that, when combined with water and properly applied, makes your bathroom shower or tub surround installation completely waterproof. It keeps water and moisture from seeping in behind tiles and enclosures, which can cause damage to your installation and your walls.  

Caulk is a flexible material that is placed along the joint of a tiled wall and bathtub to make that joint completely waterproof.  

Choosing quality products, as well as proper maintenance, will help your grout and caulk last longer and your bathroom installation look beautiful for years to come.  

Choose a quality grout 

Your bathroom finishing project starts by choosing a quality grout. Grout is the thick paste used to seal the cracks between tiles. Grout keeps the tiles in place, as well as provides a nice, finished appearance to a bathroom shower or tub.  

There are several types of grouts to choose from, cement, epoxy, and single-component.  

Cement grout is made from a porous material, which can allow water to seep into the grout, where mold and mildew can form. This type of porous material also allows for dirt and other environmental elements to attach to the grout, making it susceptible to staining. Cement-based grout is also, surprisingly, not waterproof. This disadvantage can cause the grout to damage quickly after installation; therefore, it should always be installed with the help of a finishing sealer. 

Epoxy grout is a strong and durable material, highly resistant to staining, damaging cracks, and high-moisture content conditions. Unlike cement grout, epoxy grout lasts much longer and doesn’t tend to crumble over time. It can last the lifetime of your shower or tub surround. Also, unlike cement grout, there is no need to use a finishing sealer.  

Single-component grout, made from low-porous materials, will repel mold and mildew. Made from literally a “single component,” this grout is either made from urethane or acrylic-silicone resin. It is pretty durable and resists staining and crumbling. Just like epoxy grout, It does not need to be sealed. Unlike epoxy and cement grout, this grout is usually sold in a bucket with a lid, so you can use as much or as little as you need for your application.  

Choose a quality caulk 

Once you’ve selected the best grout for your job, move next to choosing a quality caulk, to seal around the edges where you will not use the grout. 

Be sure to choose a caulk labeled “for bathroom use,” so you can be sure you are getting a waterproof brand and one formulated to repel mold, mildew, and bacteria. The types of caulk are silicone or latex.  

Silicone caulk is most commonly used in bathrooms as it stays flexible throughout its use. It doesn’t peel or crack and provides a waterproof barrier against moisture.  

Latex caulk should usually only be used in areas where there is not a lot of water, so areas where you need to fill in gaps, such as in walls, ceilings, or wood trim. It is easy to use and clean up, provides a good seal, and can be colored to match your application.  

Choose a quality sealer 

You’re almost through shopping! Move on to the next item on your list - sealer. Grout is not waterproof, so if you want to ensure that your grout and caulk last, you’ll need to apply a sealer after the application.  

By choosing a quality sealer, you will help to prevent staining and mold, and mildew. The material of grout is “sanded,” which means that as soon as it is applied, the grout in the tile joints becomes a porous material that will absorb what it comes in contact with. When you apply a sealer to the grout, after it is completely cured, you prevent the grout being able to soak up exposed moisture.  

There are two types of sealer, penetrating and non-penetrating. You should opt for a penetrating sealer to use with your bathroom project since this non-penetrating type of sealer does not allow for water evaporation. To keep your grout looking, and performing, its best, reapply the sealer once or twice a year. This will lengthen the life of the grout, as well as inhibit mold and mildew growth.  

Choosing a quality sealer will also help to maintain the look of your grout by preventing stains to set in from dirt, or other outside elements. The type of sealer that penetrates will soak right into the surface of the grout, but it won’t change its color. If you need to match the color of pre-existing grout, you can purchase a colored sealer.  

Proper maintenance of grout and caulk 

We’ve already talked about the importance of sealing the grout and using caulk to increase stability. This is the first step in proper maintenance. The other ways to properly maintain your grout and caulk are regular cleaning and proper ventilation.  

Do light cleaning every day 

Use a squeegee in your shower each day, to remove the excess moisture that accumulates after a hot, steamy shower. It is a time-consumption on your day, but in the long run, it can not only keep your home value up, by preventing the growth of mold and mildew, but it will also help keep your family healthier by not being exposed to those formations.  

Ventilate the bathroom

A bathroom constantly has moisture in it. If this moisture is not removed, it’s going to sit and accumulate on surfaces, including the grout and caulk. If you don’t have an exhaust fan, install one. The cost of purchasing and installing one will be far less than having to pay for mold and mildew removal and restoration. Make sure to turn on the fan each time you use the shower or tub with hot water, and keep it running for 20-30 minutes afterward.  

By choosing the right products for your bathroom installation, and maintaining a daily routine of good maintenance, you can ensure that your grout and caulk will stay beautiful and functional for the life of your bathroom. 

About The Author

Correct caulking are the leading joint sealing applicators in Victoria, they have over 10 years’ experience in all types of construction from custom homes to high rise buildings.

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5 Things to Install in Your Home for Better Living

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A home is a sacred place. It’s where we come to relax and unwind after a long day, where we raise our families, and where we make memories that will last a lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to make sure our homes are as comfortable and livable as possible. One of the best ways to do this is to install certain features that can make our lives easier and more enjoyable.

A water filtration system and water softener

How does a water filtration system improve your life? A water filtration system ensures that the water you and your family drink is clean and free of contaminants. This is important for both your health and the longevity of your appliances. Over time, hard water can damage plumbing and appliances, but a water filtration system will remove these minerals from your water before they have a chance to do any damage.

A water softener is another device that can remove minerals from your water, but it does so in a different way. A water softener uses ions to exchange the minerals in your water for sodium ions. This process doesn’t remove the minerals from your water, but it does make them less likely to cause problems with your plumbing or appliances. A professional near you can help you decide if a water filtration system or water softener is right for your home. All you need to do is do a simple online search with words like "water softeners in Calgary," if you live in Calgary, for instance, and you'll get a list of options in your area.

A whole-house humidifier

If you live in a dry climate, or if your home is heated with forced air, a whole-house humidifier is a must-have. Dry air can cause all sorts of problems, from static electricity and dry skin to cracked furniture and increased allergies. A whole-house humidifier will add moisture to the air, making your home more comfortable and preventing all of these problems.

If you have asthma or allergies, a whole-house humidifier can also help. Dry air can aggravate these conditions, but adding moisture to the air will help to ease your symptoms.

A programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat is one of the best ways to save money on your energy bills. By programming your thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re not home, or to raise it only a few degrees in the winter, you can save a significant amount of money each year.

A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature of your home based on a schedule you create. So, if you know you’re going to be gone from 9am to 5pm every day, you can program your thermostat to lower the temperature during those hours. This way, you’re not paying to heat or cool your home when you’re not even there.

A home automation system

A home automation system can make your life much easier and more convenient. With a home automation system, you can control everything from the lights and temperature to the security system and appliances all from your smartphone or tablet. This means you don’t have to waste time walking around your house to adjust things, and you can even control your home while you’re away.

A home automation system can also help you to save money. For example, if you forget to turn off the lights when you leave the house, you can simply turn them off from your phone. Or, if you want to make sure your kids are doing their homework, you can set a timer for the lights to turn off at a certain time.

A solar-powered motion sensor light

Solar-powered motion sensor lights are a great way to deter burglars and increase the safety of your home. These lights will turn on automatically when they detect motion, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn them on. And, because they’re solar powered, you don’t have to worry about running up your energy bill.

Last but not least, solar-powered motion sensor lights are a great way to save money. Because they’re powered by the sun, you don’t have to worry about paying for electricity. Plus, they’re very easy to install, so you won’t have to pay someone to do it for you.

Installing a few of these features in your home can really improve your quality of life. So, if you’re looking for ways to make your home more comfortable and livable, consider adding some of these things. You and your family will be glad you did. Just remember to do your research before you buy anything, and to hire a professional if you’re not sure how to install it. With a little effort, you can make your home the best it can be.

Guest Contributor: McKenzie Jones

DIY Halloween Decorations

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Are you looking for decorations that are cheap and easy to make? You’re on the right page. We love finding ways to DIY decorations and get creative for the spooky season.

There are numerous things you can use to make these DIY tombstones. You can use wood, foam, thick cardboard, anything that would be able to withstand weather. You can fully customize these and use random names or make a theme to the tombstones and make them funny as seen in the picture.

This DIY might be on the more pricey side, but it’s not impossible to DIY. You would need to buy a jack o lantern head, preferably a light one from a craft store. You can build the body of the pumpkin man out of PVC pipes, (which is perfect for us plumbers), and cover the PVC in any type of wrap to get your desired look. This pumpkin man also has sticks for hands, so it’s proof that you don’t have to make it fancy or overcomplicated.

Are you a great painter and are looking for a small project? Painting realistic eyes on the rocks that you put in your garden is a small but super spooky detail to add to your decorations this spooky season.

The perfect decoration to add into your window is a DIY one! You can make a cut out of a spooky character of your choice and make sure the light will hit it and make it stand out in the day and night time!

Another DIY where you probably have to spend some money, but this is a cost effective one! Foam heads and faces are relatively cheap, and cost less than $5 to buy. You can also purchase mesh as pictured if you don’t have any on hand, but you can definitely experiment and get different spooky colored mesh to make it pop more.

Have any mason jars laying around as well as some paint? This is the perfect opportunity to make paint faces on the jars and throw a LED light into the jar and make it look spooky!

Another mason jar spooky project, adding a LED light and mesh on the top will make it look like a spooky lantern!

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the more popular decorations, this DIY Michael Myers is the perfect cheap alternative. PVC is cheap, and you can make this probably 80% less than the cost of buying a Michael Myers from a store.

Using household appliances are a perfect way to incorporate the DIY aspect of it because you’re saving money on cool decorations!

Choosing the Proper Toilet for your Home in 2022 - Performance, Quality, and Suggestions

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A toilet that serves you right is essential in every home. While choosing the proper toilet for your home, you need its style, size, height, and comfort to suit just right. Here are the things to consider when you’re looking for the best toilet for you, your kid, or the elderly at home:

Consider the Flush Type

The flush types dictate your water use and convenience. There are two types of mainstream toilet flushes:

Dual Flush 

These toilets come with two flushing options. One is for liquid waste that needs a low amount of water. Another is for solid waste, which flushes out more water. 

Most dual flushes are push button based with a larger button for 1.28/1.6 GPF (Gallons Per Flush) and a smaller push button for .8 GPF. Though some people find it confusing at first, it suits everyone after a few times of use.

With every use, the smaller flush uses less water. Using a dual-flush toilet can save up to 67 percent of water. Even if you press both buttons at once it will still release the same amount as pressing the larger button. 

Single Flush

Single-flush toilets have only one type of flush for all uses. Modern single flushes are equipped with either 1.28 or 1.6 GPF. Single flushes use more water overall. Read more below about the differences.

However, these are easier to operate than dual flushes. There is often a single push button positioned on top of the water tank or a trip lever on the side connected to the ballcock. In the high cistern toilets, pull chains are used.

Height Recommendation

Toilet heights are measured from the floor to the seat. Different people find different heights convenient. 

You can choose between two height types: 

Chair Height

These toilets are around 17-19 inches tall with their seats. Some models come with even taller toilets at around 20 inches tall. 

These toilets also known as comfort height toilets or ADA toilets are specifically branded for being comfortable for the user. This is because it lets the user maintain a healthy posture for longer durations. 

Normal Height

A standard height toilet ranges from 14-17 inches from the ground to the seats. This height makes the user arch their backs slightly forward, which is medically proven to be a good position to help provide some extra bowel movement.

However, it is not a position you want to stay in for a long time. This position poses pressure on the spine of the user which may lead to back aches. 

Although, due to a user's height difference, the standard height would provide more comfort for people under 5 feet 6 inches.

Toilet Water Conservation

Saving around 5000 gallons of water per household over a year, 1.28 GPF HETs are comparably the best for water conservation. 

If you use a dual flush with a smaller flush of 0.8 GPF and a large flush of 1.28 GPF you will further increase the efficiency. The water cost of the saved water will pay for the toilet itself in around 4 years. 

Some of the best toilets consume lots of water. According to this blog, household toilets account for roughly 30% of our total daily water usage. Pretty surprising fact! So saving water in every toilet flush should be your footprint priority. Read more below about gallons per flush options for your toilet.

Gallons Per Flush

All models manufactured after 1994 use only 1.6 gallons(6 liters) in ULF toilets while more efficient models can reduce it to 1.28 gallons in HET and 1.1 gallons (4 liters) of water in UHET per flush. 

1.28 Gallons per Flush

lower GPF means the flushes use less water. It saves around a gallon of water per day on average. Moreover, the flush is quiet. 

On the cons, you might find the flush to be not as powerful even though that rarely occurs. Flushing twice however defeats the purpose of saving water. These HETs often have more skid marks on the pan compared to 1.6 GPF. 

1.6 Gallons per Flush

These flushes are powerful enough for any household. The flush comes through a larger valve and is somewhat noisy. It gets rid of all waste in a single go, and flushing twice isn’t an issue. It is also more hygienic as it keeps the toilets clean for a longer time with lesser skid marks.

However, with each flush, it uses excess water which oftentimes is way more than what’s required. Which can stack up to increase the total water cost unnecessarily.

Flange Size

If you don’t want to mount your toilet directly on the floor, then a flange is your go-to option. Here is what to consider:

10" Flange 

This is the standard size for flanges and fixes up according to most pipelines. This site will connect the closet bend to the pipeline without any extra extensions. It has a 3-inch diameter, thus ensuring the bottom joint of waste pipelines that also has a 3-inch diameter.

12" Flange

Also popular as deep flanges, these come with a 4×3 inch joint system. The bottom part connects with the pipeline as it has the same diameter of 3 inches. And the top part of the flange has a 4-inch diameter that will connect to all sizes of toilet basins. Its unit height is

 2 ¼ inches.

Be sure to check out some of our plumbing terms here.

What Is The Best Toilet Height For Seniors?

Many think that comfort seats are the best option for seniors. However, that isn’t necessarily true. The best height for seniors (as per ADA) is the height at which their feet are placed comfortably flat on the ground while sitting straight.

That means that their feet must not dangle from the seats. Seniors who are under 5 feet 4 can suffer discomfort as their feet can’t touch the ground. The worst part of that case is oftentimes they have to hold on to the seats to keep balance.  

The best height for seniors is to consider the user's height and balance it. Here’s a guide to understanding that:

What Should I Choose For My Small Bathroom? 

Considering you have little space in your bathroom you should focus on products that are compact wall-mounted products such as the tissue holder or accessories case. 

Select coupled two-piece toilets or a one-piece toilet rather than high cisterns to save space.

Final Words

Choosing the proper toilet needs customization of your needs. Consider your family members and their age along with what features you need in the toilets. In the long run, hygiene and comfort matter the most. So, prioritize them. Make sure to check our blog section for more useful household and toilet information.