House Design News

House Design News

Posted: 14 Dec 2013 11:34 AM PST

Your septic system is one of the most important (yet overlooked) utilities in your home. It is constantly working to treat and dispose of your household water waste, so it is important to maintain your system. A vital part of system maintenance is making sure your septic tank is not full. When your household water leaves your home for treatment, the first place it stops during the treatment process is the septic tank. Your septic tank must be properly maintained to work correctly. Many modern tanks come equipped with alarms and other technology to alert you when they are full. However, older standard models do not provide this luxury. Consider these tips to help keep your septic tank in top shape.

Wet or Soggy Areas Around Your Leach Fields
A leach field, also referred as a drain field, removes contaminants from the water waste that emerges from the septic tank. Often, you will experience soggy or wet areas around your leach field when it becomes clogged from backed-up sludge or other waste. This back-up prevents the water waste from moving through the soil like it should. This eventually creates soggy puddles, which is hazardous to your health and the environment.

Backed-up Toilets
A slow-running or backed-up toilet is often a sign that your septic tank needs pumping. But before you make this assumption, try to unclog it. If you can’t unclog it, then chances are your tank needs pumping.

Bad Odor
One of the first signs that your septic tank needs pumping is a bad smell inside or outside of your home. This odor can smell like rotten eggs or raw sewage. Check to make certain there aren’t any broken lines. It is easy to mistake a break in the drain field for a full septic tank. If there aren’t any issues with the lines, but the smell is strong, there is a good chance that it is time to pump your tank.

It’s Time for Tank Maintenance
Regular maintenance is important for the health of your septic tank even if your tank is functioning well and shows no signs of issues. If you have not had your tank pumped in three to five years, then it’s time to consider maintenance. How often you will need to perform this maintenance greatly depends on the size of your tank, the number of people in your household, and the amount of solid build up. If you are unsure of the frequency, check your yearly rate of solid accumulation. If the sludge layer in your tank has reached 25 to 35 percent of the liquid capacity, then the tank needs pumping. There is also an estimated septic tank frequency chart that gives homeowners an idea of when a tank needs cleaning. For example, a 500-gallon tank with a household size of four should be cleaned every year.

It is important to clean your septic tank periodically to prevent waste from accumulating. How often it needs cleaning depends on many factors, such as how many people are using the system and its size. While it is recommended that system tanks may only need cleaning once every three to five years, keep an eye out for the signs of a full tank.

This article was written by Jared Miret, father and home handyman. He knows first-hand about septic, plastic tanks, plumbing and all things DIY and home improvement. He is happy to share his knowledge with you to shave your family time and money.

How to Choose the Right Siding for Your Needs

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 11:34 PM PST

If you’re in the process of choosing siding for your home, you probably realize how daunting the task really is. There’s lots to consider with this type of home improvement project, from cost to colors and beyond. Will you do the siding yourself or will you hire a professional to get it done? Will you go with the standard siding style or something fancier such as shingles or scallops? Your decision will be based in large part on your budget, but the style of your home or business, and your location also play a big role.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Siding
With so many factors playing into your siding decision, it’s a wonder how anyone gets this job done! But once you know the basics, and arm yourself with the proper knowledge, you’ll be a pro at siding options in no time. Better Homes and Gardens advises considering six basic issues when it comes to siding:

Water Resistance
The first thing issue to consider is water resistance. Choosing a siding material that is resistant to water will last longer and stretch your home’s value as a result.

Installation
Next up is ease of installation. If you’re a DIY’er and want to tackle this project on your own or with some buddies, make sure you choose siding that gels with your skill set and requires only basic tools.

Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is another important factor. BHG recommends checking the R-value rating to take full advantage of energy savings. Check into what you will need for insulation as well.

Aesthetics
It should go without saying, but make sure aesthetics is at the top of your list too. You’ll be looking at your home as you come and go for many, many years so make sure you absolutely love the color, style, and corresponding enhancements such as shutters and trim. Even if you plan to move after rehabbing the home, you’ll need to choose a style and color that complements the home and surrounding neighborhood, and that would appeal to potential home buyers.

Versatility and Durability of the Materials
Keep versatility of the materials you’ll be using in mind. Is a particular style too complicated for you to handle? Does a particular siding type present an added challenge over others? Be sure to assess what adjustments or added expenses you’ll need to tack on if so. Durability is another thing to consider. Not only do you need to make sure the siding type you settle on is able to resist extreme temperatures common to your area, you also should be certain it will stand up to normal wear and tear.

Do Your Homework
If you’re just starting out on your siding journey, you’ll need to do your due diligence first. Consulting trusted resources like Consumer Reports is a wise idea. There you can find unbiased reviews on not only types of siding but also specific companies in your area. Consumer Reports can provide you with buying advice as well as unbiased ratings and siding reviews to help you choose the best method. If you plan on hiring a professional sider, check out reviews on the company and ensure he or she has the proper licenses and insurance in your state. Meet with several companies first before you make a decision to assess a good fit.

This article was written by Jared Miret, husband and home handyman. His is happy to share his knowledge and skills with you. He urges you to consider the environmental benefits of metal paneling during your search for siding for your business.