8 Common Fire Hazards In Your Home - Which Ones Could Be Stopped Using A Home Fire Sprinkler?

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Over 80% of fire related deaths happen in the home and in a home without a fire sprinkler system, these fires can take over a house before you have time to do anything about it. Here are eight of the quickest and easiest ways you can reduce your house to a pile of ash-without even being aware of it.

1.Walk away from something cooking in the kitchen: The kitchen is often the most fire-prone room in the house. Unattended toasters & hotplates, dishes that are not microwave proof, cookbooks near naked gas flames are common causes of fires.

2.Let your electrical cords get worn out: Frayed or chewed electrical cords start many house fires. Exposed electrical wires will light your floor or rug on fire in no time. Pets often chew on electrical cords as well, causing serious fire hazards.

3.Overload your power strips: Overloaded power strips can also cause fire. When overloaded, they can spark. If they're anywhere near anything flammable-and in most homes they are-a fire is very likely.

4.Buy a malfunctioning electrical appliance: Malfunctioning electrical appliances are a big source of fire. Most of us own more than a few electrical gadgets, all of which can malfunction at any time. Sparks from faulty toasters, coffee makers, televisions, computer monitors, or any electrical appliance you could name can cause serious fires.

5.Put something flammable near something hot: Getting anything flammable near a source of heat is a quick way to start a fire. Some dangerous examples include lamp shades that rest too close to the bulb, clothes or curtains too close to a radiator, or any flammable material close to a space heater.

6.Leave a candle unattended-just for a minute: Candles cause hundreds of fires every year. Even with a safe holder, candles should never be left unattended. It only takes a minute for a pet or child to knock a candle over-or just nudge it too close to flammable material.

7.Use a fireplace or wood stove incorrectly: Fireplaces and wood stoves can be fire hazards when not properly used. Make sure your chimney is clear and clean before burning anything. Never throw away ashes that aren't 100% cool-even the tiniest smoldering coal could easily start a fire in your trash bin.

8.Leave burning cigarettes unattended: Cigarettes are a huge fire hazard. Smoking in bed, leaving a pipe or cigarette unattended, and emptying ashtray contents before they are cold cause hundreds of fires each year.

Once started, a fire can rage out of control in minutes. Many people don't realize how quickly a fire can spread. But a small fire can become a large one in the time it takes you to read this sentence. A fire sprinkler is activated the moment a fire starts - extinguishing the fire out before it gets out of control.

Garden Hose Knowledge Worth Knowing

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Who in their right mind would write a 400+ word article about garden hoses? And why? Well, my mind is right, but then this article is not just about garden hoses. Using a hose to transport water to thirsting plants in your garden is the way to go - no doubt about it. You already know this, or you would just carry a bucket around and slosh water all over un-suspecting plants. But as with anything, the world of garden hoses goes a little further than just a hose with water in it. It matters how that water is delivered to the plant, for instance.

A single big beam of water might wash the soil away from the roots of a vulnerable plant, which is why we have such things as sprayers that can do soft rain, hard beams and everything in between. Sometimes you want to reach a plant far away from where you stand, but does that mean you have to go stand near to it, to water it? No - simply adjust your sprayer to a long beam and aim it so that it dissolves in a mild shower over the plant in question.

But then of course you may not always be in the mood to actually stand and hold the sprayer yourself. Having a garden should not be all work and no fun, right? So attach a sprinkler to your hose, using dedicated garden hose fittings, place the sprinkler in the middle of the flower bed or area to be watered, and sit back and watch as drops of water are sent swirling out over your garden. By the way, there are scores of different sprinklers on the market; some are good for lawns, some for flower beds with tall plants, etc.

Some models have multiple sprinkling patterns that fit any watering task - and are pretty to look at. And why not? The aesthetic qualities of a garden is often why we have it in the first place, so why not have sprinklers that give the most artful water fountains a run for the money? When your plants have all the water they need for now, you probably want to stow the garden hose away, which is where hose reels enter the picture. Garden hose reels can be stationary wall mounted types, or movable with wheels attached. Storing a hose coiled up is really the only sensible way to do it.

I'm past 400 words now, but I must admit one thing: This article really isn't about garden hoses - it is about the joys of gardening, planting, weeding and watering your garden. The hose in it self is hardly an object of desire, wouldn't you agree?

Materials That Make Insulation Possible

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Insulation is used in different fields. Different areas use different kinds of insulator. The most common insulation measure is the rubber covering on copper wires used in wirings and connections. By insulating the wires, electricity flows through the wires encapsulated by the insulation so that the people handling it will not be electrocuted. Hardware stores sell copper wires with different insulation levels. Some have a thick coating of nylon while others are coated with rubber. Some have also developed a new kind of insulation coating to suit the budget. The thickness of insulation needed to cover the wires is dependent on the thickness of the wires being covered. The insulator needs to be able to withstand the electricity that will flow through it; otherwise it fails in protecting people.

Another form of insulation is the covering used on pot and pan handles so that the heat does not go through the aluminum pan and cause damage when skin makes contact with it. Pots are usually made with aluminum or steel, which are known conductors. Conduction and convection are needed where cooking is concerned because they enable the food to be cooked. Usually the handles of these cooking materials are covered with high class rubber or polyethylene so that the cook can hold the pot without being hurt.

Paint is another form of insulation although it is only applied thinly. It is a secondary type of insulator that can be used with different insulators for security reasons. Wood is also another strong insulator that prevents both heat and electricity from penetrating.

How Do the Architectural Services Offer Professional 3D Rendering?

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Many a reputed builder seek the guidance of architectural 3D rendering services to effectively market and communicate with the clients the varied designs that they can offer.

They use sophisticated technology or software to furnish solutions to the queries and technical know how's to minimize the cost structure. Further it has created a new dimension in providing conceptual design to visualize and beautify the interior and exterior of the building.

Private property owners who prefer a plan for a moderate budget can avail themselves of this technology. It enables them to get the best visualization, clarity in layout design, effortless in design management in the minimum time.

A view of the building in different angles with movable structural options is available to the client to rectify errors and save time and cost. It offers natural texture, color, furniture, floor design, shades and parking.

It helps to have an idea of the interior and exterior beauty of the plan and can be applied to any residential, commercial or institutional building. It offers the best and accurate model with error free design.

The latest technology is like a breath of fresh air to both the private builder and the developer who is sure to convince the prospective client with fresh designs to suit the requirement and budget. In the initial phase communication and understanding the relevant details is made easy and functional which attributes to selling the product.

The most important feature is that it offers a high level of detail in rendering the different aspects of services like movable models, three dimensional texturing and the effect of light in every dimension and angle of the building.

USPS Approved Mailboxes

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With today's information age, postal certified mailboxes have become indispensable to many household and businesses. So many important mails and packages are flying across the globe that needs dependable mailboxes. The importance of having them is to make certain that your letters and important documents can be safely stored inside and cannot be stolen by identity thieves.

However, not all mailboxes in the market have met the qualifications of USPS. The United States Postal Service has set guidelines and standards that should be applied to all residential and commercial mailboxes in the whole United States of America. Fortunately, there are many online sources that sells approved USPS mailboxes.

They are made from durable and high quality materials which are designed to last through all kinds of weather and harsh conditions. You can also find decorative, personalized, and locking mailboxes for your home or business which have also bear the stamp of approval from USPS.

USPS approved mailboxes will give you a top quality mailbox at a reasonable price. There are various types of mailboxes available to choose from. You can choose wall mount, house mount or freestanding mailboxes. They come with a variety of colors, styles and customization to suit every taste and preference. If you are on the market searching for mailboxes, you will be delighted to discover about the numerous and endless possibilities at affordable prices.

Make sure that in purchasing a mailbox, you follow the high standards of USPS and that your mail and your personal information are kept secure. There are various online retailers that sell approved USPS mailboxes that can be shipped quickly to wherever you are.

Sprinkler Systems Part 2

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Remember your trenches should be no deeper than 8 inches. After you have laid your pipes in them, go around and double check everything again to make sure that you have the right cut and length for all your PVC pipes.

Now take everything, your risers and pipes, and fit them all together. Don't glue anything; we're not to that step yet. Go over your plans and make sure that everything looks exact and in place.

In my front yard I have some grass that is separated from the other grass by cement. If this is the case for you, you can easily get pipe over to the other side without pulling up the cement. Take a PVC pipe with secure tape at the end, and push it from one side to the other until you can see the pipe coming out on the other side of the grass where you have already dug up your ditch.

Next, you'll want to make your connection to your water supply. Connect a t-connection to it.

This is also a good time to set up your manifold. This includes your emergency shut off valve or any other switches.

Now you can finally glue everything into place. When you by your pipe glue make sure that it says PVC pipes, any other 'pipe glue' will not do the job properly.

Now, you want to give your new system a go. Using your controllers, or any other system you have set up, turn on your water and watch to see if you have any leaks or any other problems. You want to make sure everything works now before you can move to your next step.

With your system working and everything set up properly you can finally bury the pipes. Pack the dirt around your risers and make sure that they will stay in place. Always remember that if you find any major problems plumbers will be able to help.

Cordless Ultrasonic Repeller for Yard and Garden

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Cordless Ultrasonic Repeller for Yard and Garden Features No more pesky animals with this handy Ultra Sonic Cordless Repeller Motion sensor senses movement up to 15 feet away. Read more details Related Products Bird-X YG Yard Gard Ultrasonic Animal Repeller Contech CatStop Ultrasonic Outdoor Cat Deterrent Shake Away 9002020 20-ounce Cat Repellent Coyote/Fox Urine P3 International P7810 Cordless Motion Activated Animal Away Contech Electronics CRO101 Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler Best Customer Review : My mission was to banish bats who wanted to take up residency in the attic. I was skeptical about this Ultrasonic Repeller - but the price was so reasonable I had to give it a try. The bats were gone within a couple of days. They were few in number but likely were the first batch of more to come. At this point, I am pleased, relieved, surprised and impressed with this little unit! Customer Review 1 : didn't work - Enrique Marmolejo Garcia - Mexico City Outside my house there are many homeless cats and dogs and this repeller didn't repell them. Customer Review 2 : Excellent Device - Egalitarian - California, USA This is an excellent device; all the stray and feral cats are gone, no more possums, cat urine, or other left behind detritus that animals leave behind when they visit your domain. the device is barely audible to humans at the highest setting, it does however, take 6 C-batteries, but works marvelously, and at the price charged for the device, it is an incredible value. Customer Review 3 : a total rip off! - S. okun - I should have read the reviews before I threw my money away. The tiny screws to open for placement of the batteries bent my screwdriver for starters - the ultra sound speaker has no hole in it so no sound comes out - the unit was dead within 30 days. There are so many other good products on the market like this - and I thought I was acutally purchasing a Black and Decker - too late for me to get my money back - but do SAVE YOURS! Buy Low Price Cordless Ultrasonic Repeller for Yard and Garden

How to Flush Out Your Lawn Sprinkler System

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Are the spray heads or rotor heads on your lawn sprinkler system constantly sticking up when they should be retracting back down?

Don't worry, this is a common problem and is most likely caused by one of a couple factors. First of all, what is the age of your sprinkler heads? Over time (anywhere from 3 years and beyond) the wear and tear on the risers will cause rough edges which will cause the head to stick up.

The more sandy the soil is, the quicker the risers will wear. The only way to fix this after the head is this damaged is to replace the head. However, there is another option available to prevent this from happening again. That would be to get sprinkler heads with stainless steel risers. They are a little more expensive, but will last much longer.

If you have a system that is pretty new and you are constantly having problems with the heads sticking, you could have dirt in your pipe. The dirt could have entered your system when you were repairing a break, when the pipe was being installed, or it could just be sediment from your well.

Sometimes, the heads can be easily cleaned by stepping down on the riser while the water is on and the head is running. Let it pop back up, then step on it again. Do this a few times, then turn off the system and see if the head is still sticking. What you are doing here is cleaning out the debris from around the wiper seal of the sprinkler head.

Your system's water source has a lot to do with how often your heads get clogged. Irrigation systems on city water do not need to be flushed or cleaned nearly as much as sprinklers tied to well water. Some wells produce fairly clean water, while others have high iron content and other debris which causes the heads to stick and nozzles to clog fairly frequently.

If you have several heads that are always sticking or nozzles getting clogged, then you may want to flush out your whole system. This can be done by removing the nozzles and screens on the spray heads and installing flush caps, then running water through the system. Flush caps come with the spray heads when you first buy them. If you don't have any, this can also be done by removing the head completely and pulling up the swing joint and then flushing. Please note, this is not the same as draining or blowing out your system.

The rotors will have to be flushed in that manner anyway. If your system is older and your heads are not installed on swing joints, then just make sure to dig around the hard PVC riser that the head was attached to, making sure that no dirt can flow back in the pipe while you are flushing.

You may also want to take the sprinkler heads to a water faucet and clean them out. Unscrew the inside of the head from the casing and rinse out both pieces. After you are done flushing the system and cleaning the heads, re-install the heads and run your system for about 10 minutes.

Then turn off the system and make sure all the heads went down. If some are still stuck, they may be beyond fixing and you'll just need to replace them. If you are in sandy soil, I would recommend rotors with stainless steel risers. Stainless steel rotors cost anywhere from 3 to 5 times the cost of normal rotor heads, but may be worth the expense. Spray heads are a lot less expensive and it is more economical to just replace them, rather than purchasing expensive steel risers.

Just as with an automobile, your sprinkler system is going to require routine maintenance to keep it running in good condition. The more that you neglect your irrigation, the more damage will be done and will end up costing you more work and money in the long run. An average system will require about $350 per year on maintenance. So if you neglect your system for 3 years, expect to pay around $1,050 in maintenance costs when finally having it serviced.

The amount I mentioned above is just an average figure that I've calculated from comparing hundreds of maintenance jobs over the years, there are many different factors that could require your maintenance costs to be more or less. Systems with wells & pumps tend to have higher overall maintenance costs than systems tied in with city or reclaimed water.

P3 International P7840 Electronic Deer Chaser

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P3 International P7840 Electronic Deer Chaser Features Engineered with special sound level and light intensity to scare away deer but remain unobtrusive to humans Developed by a PhD plant scientist and found to be extremely effective in tests performed by Big Game Biologist with New York state's Department of Environmental Conservation Wide angle of sensitivity, up to 25-feet from the unit, can protect an area or redirect deers' path of travel away from garden plants Effective year 'round; simple battery operation means that you do not need to bring either water or electricity to area that you need to protect 4-by-10-1/2-Inches and weighs 1-pound-3-ounces; uses 3 D batteries Read more details Related Products Contech Electronics CRO101 Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler Havahart 5250 Electronic Deer Repellent Havahart 5265 Spray Away Motion-Activated Water Repellent Cordless Ultrasonic Repeller for Yard and Garden Bird-X DG Deer Gard Ultrasonic Deer Repeller Best Customer Review : Keeps the deer at bay. We use it to act as a gate guard, keeping deer from passing through even if the gate is not closed. Customer Review 1 : Know what you're getting - S. Hayes - MN This device works fine for my uncle, which is why I was willing to try it. But he lives in an area where deer don't come into contact with humans as much. We live in a suburban area, but on the edge of farmland and woodland. So there is a real deer problem. They are very used to humans, so things like human noise, scent, soaps, etc. are not nearly as effective. In no time at all the deer were back to what they were doing and eating plants. The only ones really put out by this were the neighbors. Customer Review 2 : Fool me Once - Truman Coyote - Oregon This thing is useless. Described as loud and bright. Well, its quiet and dim. False advertising to the max. I guess it only works on international deer. Another piece of crap from China boys and girls. Buy Low Price P3 International P7840 Electronic Deer Chaser

Discovering Cheap Outdoor Summer Activities For Kids

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Having fun with your kids this summer should not be a hassle or expensive. You have many options in your own backyard or nearby parks or recreational areas. Make a summer of fun your kids will remember forever.

When the summer heat is getting to you, consider water fun on your own property. Set up a cheap kiddie pool, a slip and slide, or a sheet of plastic, or even a regular sprinkler and let the kids run through it. Invite their friends over to play and provide an easy-to-eat treat like popsicles. Decorate your driveway or sidewalk with wet footprints or handprints. Play with squirt guns or spray bottles. Have a water balloon fight. Blow bubbles. Make mud pies. Play in the rain. Wash the car and spray the kids with the hose. Let them get you wet, too.

In the cool of morning, evening or on moderate weather days, have a day to enjoy nature. You could call it a nature hike. Visit a walking path at a local park or find a new trail to hike. A nature hike can be just a walk or it can be more than that. Think of off-roading a little bit. What kinds of rocks, leaves, plants and flowers can the kids find? Have them use a bag to store their favorites. When you get back home, go online and research the names of the plants you collected. Here are some more ideas for fun with nature: take pictures of nature with a camera. Take the kids to a scenic area with a set of watercolors and ask them to paint what they see. If you live close to the ocean or lake, pack a lunch, sunscreen, drinking water and some beach toys and go there. Spend the day digging in the sand, building sandcastles and searching for seashells. There are all kinds of ways of interacting with nature, like planting a vegetable or flower garden together. Visit a pick-your-own fruits farm. Instead of just having a picnic lunch at the brightest time of day, try having a sunset picnic at a park or beach. On the other hand, get up early, pack breakfast, and have a sunrise breakfast. Walk barefoot in the grass and pick the wildflowers, if it is allowed. Do some cooking outside on a grill or a campfire, or just toast marshmallows. Pitch a tent, perhaps even in your own backyard, and sleep outside. The moon, stars and planets are nature, too.

When thinking of summer activities for the kids there are always all kinds of games and sports. You do not have to join a team or class because they can get expensive, but if you have the resources and interest in pursuing that path, ask the kids if they would like to learn a new sport or activity. The summer is a great time to try something new without the commitment that often comes with starting it during the school year. Go for a bicycle ride around the neighborhood. Teach the kids some jump rope rhymes from your own childhood. There is hopscotch, too. Plan a scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt. For a scavenger hunt, all you need to do is create a list of twenty or so items that are frequently found outdoors in your area. Pass out the list to each of the kids. The first person or team to find everything, or the most items, and wins a small prize. For a treasure hunt leave clues around the house or yard, with each clue leading to the next clue, until they reach the treasure, maybe a snack or small prize. There are many more ideas for outdoor sports and games, like playing kickball with the neighborhood kids. Fly kites. Compete in a three-legged or other race. Create an obstacle course. Play freeze tag. Build paper airplanes and have a flying contest.

With some help from your kids, you may come up with many more ideas. Water, nature, and sports and games are great sources of cheap and healthy entertainment. The summer time is a great time to be outdoors, but please remember the sunscreen, hats and monitoring the amounts of sun exposure. Older kids with later bedtimes may even be able to enjoy many of these activities after the sun goes down.

Tips to Get Some Peace and Tranquility in the Home and Garden

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In this day of ever burgeoning technical machines and the like, people still want to enjoy nature when they have some down time. Even if the family cannot get away to see the full effects of nature, we can still enjoy it by utilizing the garden or backyard to relax and breathe a little. Whenever we want to decorate those backyard gardens, we often look to bird houses or even water fountains to enhance the look and sound of the place and to enable us to get a little taste of nature at its best.

There are many different styles on offer which range from the countrified look to those sleek and modern ones that fit so well in the really high tech home. But for the garden in particular, rustic looking benches or niches offer a lovely way to fit in with nature rather than contrast it.

Springs or cascades help in that they give off a lovely tinkling sound which some people find extremely peaceful. They also attract some smaller forms of wildlife to use the garden too and many an hour can be spent observing their behavior. Squirrels and all forms of winged creatures just love to have their bath on hand whenever they visit the garden and this also offers some great photographic opportunities for those who are interested.

Even within the home, Zen like structures, which can be placed in corners or on tables, offer the same tinkling experience for those who like to meditate or just have a quiet read. Some have living trees incorporated and give the amateur enthusiast a chance to try out Bonsai trimming and such.

Sound seems to play an integral part in the minds of some people when they want to relax and restore their energy. Wind chimes are another way to ensure that the lovely tinkling sound is carried throughout the room or on the deck outside. These come in so many designs from the hollowed out bamboo styles to the glass or metal varieties. All have their own particular sound but some people collect many and have them all over the house for a good effect.

They can also include animals too, like humming birds or dragonflies which really enhance the surroundings that they are set in. Indeed, frogs also have their place in nature and some people are crazy about these little creatures, to the point of having different forms of architecture or knick knacks depicting them all over the place. Of course, it is all down to personal taste since some people just love hedgehogs!

What many families do is to have a common theme running through the home and out into the garden. This produces a lovely cohesive look to the whole place and it becomes a haven for the family to treasure and relax in away from the stresses of the world. A collection of different animal sculptures can be used for the corners of the house or for those hidden places in the garden and children love this since they never know what they are going to see around the next corner.

Bird-X YG Yard Gard Ultrasonic Animal Repeller

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Bird-X YG Yard Gard Ultrasonic Animal Repeller Features A humane alternative to chemicals and traps Features a built-in motion sensor and sonic & ultrasonic sounds Easy to mount with keyhole slots Effective to up to 4,000 square feet Maintenance-free and weatherproof Read more details Related Products Cordless Ultrasonic Repeller for Yard and Garden Bird-X BG Balcony Gard Ultrasonic Bird Repeller Bird-X TX-PRO Transonic Pro Electronic Pest Repeller Contech CatStop Ultrasonic Outdoor Cat Deterrent Contech Electronics CRO101 Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler Best Customer Review : I had such a problem with raccoons pooping in my fountain that I couldn't even enjoy my new backyard because I was cleaning the fountain every single day. Cheyenne pepper does work but you have to keep re-applying every day and if you miss a day, watch out. More poop, which smells really bad!! I went online to check out how to repel raccoons and found all kinds of gadgets out there. Some of them are very questionable and with high price tags. I had heard of electronic sound devices, so thought I would check some of these out. One of these was the Bird-X Yard Gard Ultrasonic Animal Repeller. After reading the product description I thought, "Wow, I wonder if this really works." After reading reviews on this product and finding that everyone had good luck with it repelling raccoons I decided to give it a try. Believe me, THIS THING REALLY DOES WORK!!! I have not had any more problems with any raccoons and am enjoying my back yard. Customer Review 1 : Piece of Junk - Gabriela Maura - Tucson, AZ Before I purchased this contraption, I contacted the company so I wouldn't waste my time and money. I read the reviews and decided to buy it. I ordered it in early April, received it promptly, and installed it immediately in my vegetable garden. My husband and I decided to not make bed covers and use this device instead. Big mistake. I knew there was a possibility it wouldn't work to prevent quail from entering the garden, but it didn't deter squirrels, either. Cats were all over my yard, too. I had it set to deter all animals shown on the list. I wrote the company and asked about a refund, and they said that there is a 30-day guarantee - BUT, sometimes it takes 3-4 weeks for the repeller to work! So, if you wait 30 days to see if it works, you're screwed out of your refund. Customer Review 2 : Not as effective as hoped - Woz - We have many fruit trees, and at the time of purchase, a brood of ducklings that I wanted to protect. I'm pleased to say that the ducklings grew to maturity without problem, but our fruit trees are still under constant attack. We tried all settings...the low, all purpose setting to keep the coons and possums away from the nest and to keep the squirrels out of the fruit trees and duck feed. I would say that for a couple of weeks after installation, the yard was relatively squirrel free. A month later, however, the unit is still installed, set on the Squirrel setting, and I keep interrupting squirrel picnics every time I go out there. The raccoons and possums haven't been as much of a problem, although one did try to attack our drake (who isn't penned up with mama and babies), which never happened before (I think the coon was just startled by the drake, who was snoozing in a different part of the yard than the nest box, much closer to the highly desirable compost pile). When confronted, the coon evacuated *toward* the Yard Gard, although it certainly did not linger. All in all, I've noticed less traffic in the yard overall--not nearly as many cats in the yard--but it is certainly not a 100% fail safe plan. Currently researching further squirrel deterrent measures. Customer Review 3 : It seems to work as it should - Álvaro Amador - Costa Rica I've using Bird-X YG at my front yard for a while and it seems to work as it should. It looks like the cats are not longer interested in using decorative stones as... you know. People doesn't hear the device working at the "cats and dogs" mode and even on the lowest range the device covers an impressive area. I recommend Bird-X YG Ultrasonic Animal Repeller. Buy Low Price Bird-X YG Yard Gard Ultrasonic Animal Repeller

Orbit 62001 Lawn and Garden Digital Watering Timer

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Orbit 62001 Lawn and Garden Digital Watering Timer Features Easy to install to any outdoor hose faucet Battery-operated automatic water Standard 3/4-inch and 3/4-inch BSP (international) Water-resistant design Removable controller can be programmed Read more details Related Products Orbit 58248 Brass Garden Hose Y-Connector with Shut-Off Valves Earth Quencher 2 Pack - Two 50' for a total of 100 Feet by 1/2" Soaker Hoses Gilmour 13 Brass 2-Way Connector Gilmour 996D Pattern Master Impulse Sprinkler Orbit 67500 50-Piece Drip System Garden Assortment Kit Best Customer Review : I'm here buying my second timer because I have been very pleased with the first one. After going through several other timer brands at the beginning of last summer, I bought an Orbitz timer as well as the Clabor 2-outlet timer. Both came highly recommended on Amazon. I found them both to be very reliable and well-built. However, I found the Orbitz to be much easier to program than the Clabor. The Clabor, while reliable, isn't very intuitive. The Orbitz is very easy to use and program. It's also easy to use in 'manual' mode, unlike the Clabor. Both timers survived the winter just fine (in my shed, not on the faucet) and the battery in both was also functional. If you're trying to chose between the two, I'd recommend the Orbitz. Customer Review 1 : Awesome timer - Homero H. Barrera II - KATY, TX, US I purchased this timer after I researched almost every timer available at Home Depot, Lowes, Wal-mart and Amazon. When it was all said and done, this one was the one that was rated highest and had the best features. I tried to order this timer last summer 2009, but the item was never in stock, so against better judgment, I purchased 2 Vigoro timers from Home Depot ( each) and it was a waste of money. One of them leaked and the other one had already been returned by someone else. To my satisfaction they were back in stock this year so I ordered 2 and they are awesome! Customer Review 2 : Very good except for the cheap hose connection - J. Wong - Jackson Heights, NY United States I found the Orbit 62001 watering timer very easy to use. The digital interface was really easy and intuitive. The only problem I had is with the cheap black plastic hose connector at the bottom. Several times when I was adjusting my hose, it would pop off by the connector. If you were to keep disconnecting the hose, you will see wear on the plastic connector. It gives me a sense that the plastic threads on it are wearing out and will eventually be gone. I'll also recommend you use plumber's tape to make the connection tighter. In general, it's a great unit if you don't screw/unscrew the hose too often. Customer Review 3 : Well-crafted, plenty of configurability - J. MacDonald - Cambridge, MA This unit was a snap to install, has easy-to-follow instructions, and seems configurable enough to do exactly what I wanted: turn on the water three specified times per day, each with a different period. The construction feels solid. There is ample warning for low batteries, and when the batteries get low enough, it stops the flow (the right thing to do!). There is a quick-reference guide inside the display housing that contains enough instruction to perform any operation. Finally, the one-click "manual mode" is an easy way to check your sprinkler setup work! Buy Low Price Orbit 62001 Lawn and Garden Digital Watering Timer

Great Summer Parties - 22 Hot Tips to Make Your Party the Hit of the Season

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It's time for a great summer party. Maybe you're planning a big outdoor event, like a family reunion, garden wedding, or milestone birthday party. Or perhaps you've decided on the spur of the moment to invite a few friends over for a small get together. Here are some hot tips to turn your average summer party into a real blast.

1. Instead of balloons, hang inflatable beach balls.

2. Give each of your guests a little battery operated personal fan that you can get at the dollar store. It's a practical party favor that will come in handy if it's a very hot day.

3. No pool? Throw a sprinkler party. Tell your guests to bring their bathing suits for a run through the sprinkler. Provide water guns and water balloons for additional entertainment.

4. Rain in the forecast? Have an indoor picnic. Push the furniture to the side, put a checkered or gingham tablecloth on the floor, serve take out fried chicken, sandwiches and potato salad.

5. Use a beach pail to hold plastic utensils or napkins at your summer party. The plastic shovel makes a novel serving spoon.

6. Keep white Christmas lights handy all year. They look great strung around the patio, deck, trees, or around the table or doorway inside the house.

7. Try to have much more ice on hand than you think you'll need. And make sure you have lots and lots of beverages, especially frozen drinks and smoothies. Summer parties are the perfect time to try out some new recipes in the blender.

8. Use a wheelbarrow filled with ice. Add cans and bottles of your favorite drinks for a portable outdoor cooler.

9. Have a luau themed party. Decorate with grass skirts, plastic leis, etc. from a party supply story. Scatter seashells on the table. Hang colored lanterns. Play background Hawaiian music. Don't forget the pineapple and macadamia nuts.

10. If you don't have a backyard, have your summer party at the park, beach or even zoo.

11. Give each of your guests a dollar store beach pail as a party favor filled with summer stuff, like sunscreen, flip flops and a novel for summer reading. Add a homemade or professionally made personalized photo bookmark inside the novel that thanks your guests for coming to the party.

12. At night, light candles for atmosphere and Citronella candles to discourage bugs.

13. If you're having a pool or beach party, make sure you find a guest to volunteer as a designated lifeguard who is willing to give full attention to watching the kids in the water.

14. Have an ice cream party. Provide a selection of ice cream and sherbet flavors and let your guests add their own sundae and fresh fruit toppings.

15. Have extra sunscreen prominently displayed and available to any of your guests who may need it.

16. If you're doing the grilling, ask your guests to bring the salads and side dishes.

17. Have Christmas in July (or August). Put up your fiber-optic or pre-lit tree, play Christmas music, serve cookies.

18. Have a Mexican fiesta, complete with make your own tacos, salsa and chips (try some fruit salsas) and a pinata.

19. Some outdoor activities kids can enjoy at a party include a treasure hunt, blowing giant bubbles, water balloon toss, fishing for magnetic fish in a wading pool, ring toss in a wading pool, croquet, horseshoes, badminton, face painting, spin art, hide and seek.

20. Serve fresh, seasonal fruit in hallowed out melon or pineapple halves.

21. Take lots of photos at your summer party. Email a few of the best ones to all the guests who attended. Better yet, have custom made photo magnets made of a group photo or one of you and your family with a message thanking people for coming to the party. Then mail them out as a great remembrance to a special occasion.

22. Don't forget to toast some marshmallows!

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How To Keep Deer Out Of The Garden

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Well, the word has gotten out. The deer know you have started another buffet of green delicacies.
Word spreads fast in the forest and it won't be long before these uninvited guests will arrive at
your garden gate.

Deer tend to feed on our gardens at night making it difficult to keep them out of the garden.
Some favorites of deer are: Apples, Arborvitae/white cedar, Arrow wood Viburnum, Birch, Day lilies,
Dogwood, Euonymus, Garden lilies, Hostas, Hydrangea, Impatiens, Linden/basswood, Yews , and Roses.
An important factor that will effect how often deer enter your vegetable garden, is availability
of food in their native habitat.

Unless you live in a city, the odds are you will have deer in your garden at some point. If you
live in the country, your garden is almost like having an open invitation for dinner - everyday.
These nuisance deer can be difficult to deter without taking some serious and consistent action
to prevent them from enjoying a buffet dinner that you call your garden.

So how do you keep deer out of the garden?

There are several ways to keep deer out of your garden, some of these deer repellents you may not even be aware of. In addition, there are many plants that deer will usually avoid. One of the hottest products to hit the market to protect your plants from deer is the Scarecrow - a motion activated sprinkler that shoots a 3 second burst of water in the direction that triggers it.

There are many home remedies that may be effective, but only for a short time. Fencing is expensive,
labor intensive and needs to be at least six feet high - besides, who wants to hide their beautiful
garden behind a fence - in some case a fence is not even an option. Planting deer resistant plants
may deter deer until they get really hungry - kind of like kids and spinach. Dry weather will
attracted deer to irrigated plants for the refreshing moisture.

Overall, the final consensus amongst most gardeners is effective deer management requires a combination
of deterrents to be effective. This includes commercial repellents combined with home made remedies
as listed below. Fencing for most of us, is not an option and very expensive. As such, we won't cover
fencing here. Instead we will focus on the known alternatives.

Deer Repellents & Control:

Use these known deer repellents and controls in combination for best results

Dogs: A dog that will actively chase away deer is probably the number one, most effective deer deterrent
there is. If your dog does not wonder, keep him out at night and you should have no further problem
with deer. If fido is a little on the lazy side, other alternatives as listed below may warrant attention.

The Scarecrow: The Scarecrow is a motion activated sprinkler that works both day and night. It not only scares away deer, but is effective for cats, dogs, rabbits, raccoons and larger birds. It sprays a maximum
35 foot stream of water for 3 seconds. One 9 volt battery will provide approximately 3000 bursts
of water. Works on water pressure between 30 - 80 psi (use a pressure reducer at higher psi),
is fully adjustable and comes with a 24 month warranty.

Liquid Fence ®: All natural, the long lasting Liquid Fence ® Deer & Rabbit Repellent will stop deer and rabbits from
eating your flowers, shrubs, vegetable plants, trees and vines. And rest assured, it won't harm
your plants or animals! The manufacturer offers a written 100% money back guarantee.

Features as noted on the Liquid Fence® website:

* Environmentally safe and biodegradable

* USDA field tested

* Easy-to-use

* Long lasting and rain resistant

* Family & pet friendly

* 100% Money Back Guarantee

* Member tested and recommended by the National Home Gardening Club!

* We have not used this product, but it has been recommended by fellow gardeners - usually the most reliable source.

Electric Fence: The electric fence is often overlooked by many gardeners. It is very effective for cattle
and horses and offers some protection against deer - although if they jump over and never
touch it, they will not be afraid of it. Fortunately, deer tend to graze and nibble as they
feed and the odds are in your favor that they will touch your fence and flee, realizing this
area is better left alone.

Electric fences are best used for the vegetable garden in back yards, were public access is
restricted. You do not want the neighbors kids running home and telling their parents they got
zapped. Unless you live in a rural area, you may also find it difficult to find a supplier.
This can be overcome by shopping online or traveling to rural or farming communities near you.
Select a low powered fence designed for smaller livestock - after all, you are not trying to
keep animals the size of horses or cattle out of the garden.

Low lying electric fences (and low powered) can be effective for Rabbits and other smaller
animals. They should be kept very low to the ground using two lines, set on an angle away
from the garden - set the first line about 3" above the ground and the second about 8".
Keep the lines clear of grass, shrubs or any other material that will ground the charge
and reduce the effectiveness of the fence.

A new electric fence for slugs is under development in Canada and should be on the market by
2007. We can not elaborate on this now, but testing is proving very successful and we will
provide details when given the go ahead from the developer.

Deer Repellent Plant Protec: A new product from http://www.deerbusters.com, this all natural green Deer Repellent plant protector
clips easily on most plants. Emits a non-offensive garlic odor keeping deer and other unwanted
pests away. Environmentally safe with no spraying and no mess. Plant Protec lasts up to 8 months.

Egg Based Deer Repellent: A another product from http://www.deerbusters.com is the Deer Repellent egg based repellent, it has been tested and proven effective against deer browsing. This unique product repels by odor but, unlike some repellents, Deer Away will not be offensive to you. Tested in independent studies
by the USDA and Penn State. Deer Away was originally developed for use in large reforestation
projects. One application will last up to 2 months. This product is designed for pines, firs,
fruits, citrus and ornamentals. Other names this product is known as include "Deer Away" & "Deer-Off".

Human Hair: Human hair wrapped in a old nylon and hung on branches or tucked between plants will provide some protection against deer and various animals. The smell of a human indicates danger to
most wild animals and should keep deer away from these areas.

Tree Guard(tm) : Tree Guard with Bitrex(tm) is another deer deterrent. It is lightly sprayed on seedlings, shrubs, ornamentals, hedges and flowers to produce a lingering nasty taste that animals do
not like - DO NOT USE on anything that you will be eating.

The bitter tasting Bitrex is locked into the plant surface forming a "protective jacket"
which resists dew, snow, rain and vaporization. One quart can covers 250-400 seedlings, one
gallon - approximately 1000 seedlings. Not a concentrate - ready to go! Tree Guard does not
wash off, it adheres with a single application and continues to protect through all kinds of weather.

The Manufacturer states that Tree Guard is the most effective deer deterrent on the market today.
We have not used it, so we cannot back this one up.

Bar Soap: Said to work by a number of gardeners, Take a piece of ivory soap, drill a hole in it, tie it to
the plant. The deer won't come near your plant. You can also put a bar in an old stocking and hang
in shrubs - try to find a location, like under large leaves, that will protect the soap from rain
and watering - the bar of soap will last much longer.

Sound Based Deterrents: Their are a number of motion activated sound based deterrents available. However, for most people
these can cause more problems with neighbors, than the positive results in your garden. Imagine the
neighbors delight, when a high pitched noise goes off several times during the we hours of the night.

If you live in a remote, rural area and feel you won't be woken up in the night by such products,
check around online for possible suppliers.

Marigolds - Myth or Fact?: It has been suggested that marigolds planted in a garden will keep deer away. I have tried this on several occasions with little effect. This does not mean it will not work. It is possible that I did not plant enough, or that I used the wrong variety. If you want to try this, I would plant around the plants deer like to eat. Marigolds are attractive and are reported to keep away various insects so it will do any harm to plant them regardless.

Now, if none of these solutions keeps the inquisitive deer out of your garden, a regular fence may be your only choice. However, it is a pretty good bet you'll have success with one of these options. Good Luck!

Gardena Sprinkler

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It's high time that you gave your garden the extra advantage of Gardena sprinkler. They are the new age watering system for keeping your garden watered and healthy. When you have a small garden, you can easily water it manually, but in case of lager gardens there arises a need for an automated system that waters the plants evenly.

These Gardena sprinklers are turbo driven sprinklers. They are used for watering garden which vary in size between 850 to 4850 square feet. They are fully adjustable and encapsulated. This encapsulation protects sprinklers from dirt and hence gives a longer life. The watering is done in two stages hence the water is distributed evenly. Sprinkler products are mainly silent-operation sprinklers and are very apt for morning watering. They do very well for gardens that are medium-to-large in size. These have an average capacity of watering up to 5000 square feet sized gardens. They generally posses two stage watering capacity, one for larger circumference watering and the other for smaller. The mode that you choose depends on the need of a particular time or size. The good news is that these Gardena sprinklers do very well for irrigating larger irrigating areas as well. You just have to fit other sprinklers in a series. They work well even in pressures as low as 14psi.

The Gardena sprinklers can withstand extreme weather conditions as well. They survive maximum heat and minimum temperatures. They are not even affected by rough wind conditions. They are light weight and easy-to -install.

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How to Fix a PVC Pipe With Water Gushing Out

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Down here in Florida, and I guess this would be true for other places in the south, where it never gets cold enough, long enough to freeze water pipes, a very unusual practice takes place. At least it's unusual to me, because I grew up in Michigan, where all pipes that have any kind of water in them must be buried under the frost line, and that is 4'6" where I'm from, deeper if you go further north.

The unusual practice that I speak of is, having the feed for lawn sprinkler systems exposed above the ground. Let me explain, the feed for this is usually a 1" PVC pipe that rises about 2' above the ground with a 90 degree elbow, then a short piece of PVC with a threaded coupling, this threaded coupling goes into a 1" brass ball valve, next there are back to back 1" cast iron backflow preventer's with strainers, then back into a 1" brass ball valve another short piece of PVC a 90 degree elbow and finally back in to the ground where it will usually go to the garage to a water management timer and from there it feeds the sprinkler system.

Now think about this for a moment. We have these two 1" PVC pipes sticking up from the ground holding up about 30 pounds of cast iron and brass components. I don't know who the genius is that thought of this, but it seems to be the standard for these systems here. The first house I lived in when I moved down here, this set up was right in the middle of the backyard. Pretty easy to spot when mowing the lawn, but it looked pretty ugly as well. The next house I moved to, it was tucked away in the back corner of the yard, out of the way behind the shed.

In the spring time down here we get a lot of rain and vegetation grows very fast, my weed wacker was broke and it had been a week or so since I had trimmed the yard. So I'm out there cutting the lawn on my riding lawn mower, which I had just bought a couple of months ago, because it is too damn hot and humid to be trying to push mow anything down here, and I was making my first pass around the backyard. as I passed behind the shed I knew that the sprinkler pipe was in this area but couldn't see it because the vegetation had grown up and hid it from my sight. I thought that I had given plenty of room and went right by. I don't think I moved ten feet when I could feel water landing on my back. I knew immediately what I had done. I pulled the tractor up another twenty feet, so it wouldn't get soaked and shut it off.

When I turned around I almost couldn't believe my eyes, water was shooting up into the air 15-20 feet. The first thing I thought of was to shut one of the ball valves, which was a great idea except for the fact that the pipe was broke before the valves and they were lying on the ground. At first the water felt kinda cold but after a couple minutes I was getting pretty used to it. I was really amazed at the water pressure coming out of that pipe. Being a pipe fitter I looked in my stuff to see if I had anything to cap this geyser off with, but I work on steel pipe and couldn't find anything. so I ran up to the hardware store and purchased a 1' PVC cap and some PVC primer and glue.

So the first thing that I wanted to do was to square off the end of the pipe that had been broken. I got out my 1/2" x 1-1/2" pipe cutter and cut it off about a foot above the ground. I then filed the end of the pipe so the cap would slip on to it nice and easy. Now keep in mind that the whole time that I'm doing this I am getting a steady stream of water dumped on my head, because it's shooting straight up in the air and coming right down on me. Not only that, there is now about 4 inches of water built up on the ground.

Alright, my pipe is cut an cleaned, so I put the primer on the pipe and then in the cap an then the glue on both. I then force the cap down onto the pipe and hold it with my hand in my crotch and applying all my weight on it. The water stops squirting out and I hold this position for about a minute, till my hand just couldn't take it anymore. I slowly start to take my weight off of the cap and then move away, thinking whew, glad thats over. I took maybe two steps backward and poof, the cap pops off and flies about 30 feet into the air and water is gushing everywhere again. Just about this time my wife comes out and says "maybe we should call a plumber". HAHA very funny.

After I found the cap, I saw that it had only gone onto the pipe about a quarter inch. Maybe the water was messing with the glue. so I cleaned everything back up and had her hold the other pipe, the one that had broken with the 90 on it, so it would shoot the water away from me and the pipe so the glue wouldn't get wet. At least I'm not the only one getting wet now. I reprimered and glued the pipe and cap. Once again I tried to force that cap back onto the pipe, but the pressure was just too strong and I just couldn't get it to stay. I again heard that little voice "maybe you should call a plumber". I am not paying someone $90 an hour to fix this when I know I can do it myself. Just then, it hits me, and I think to myself you idiot, you sure wouldn't fix this, like this at work.

So I head back up to the hardware store make my purchase and hurry home. By this time there is probably 6 inches of water on the ground and my wife says do you need my help? Nope I got it. I clean the pipe off one last time and apply the primer and glue to the pipe and the PVC ball valve I had just purchased from the hardware store. with the valve in the open position I slip it onto the pipe and make a quarter turn and hold it in place for about a minute. When I'm sure the glue has set I simply closed the valve and my nightmare was over. I purchased a ten foot piece of PVC pipe, three 90s, one straight slip coupling and a couple threaded couplings. It only took about a half an hour to completely rebuild the whole thing, and needless to say I don't let the weeds grow up that high back there anymore.

I hope that this story has helped you. I know that I could have just told you from the beginning what to do, but I think you'll remember it better this way.

Havahart 5265 Spray Away Motion-Activated Water Repellent

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Havahart 5265 Spray Away Motion-Activated Water Repellent Features Motion activated water repellent chases wild animals away from landscape and gardens Spray Away senses the animal by using heat and movement for efficacy Spray Away pauses for 8 seconds after firing, creating randomness, preventing the animal from becoming accustomed to the repellent Water shoots 35 feet in length, protects 1000 square feet Uses 9 volt battery power for thousands of activations Read more details Related Products Contech Electronics CRO101 Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler Orbit 58248 Brass Garden Hose Y-Connector with Shut-Off Valves Contech Electronics CROBRACKET Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler Mounting Bracket Contech CatStop Ultrasonic Outdoor Cat Deterrent P3 International P7840 Electronic Deer Chaser Best Customer Review : This deer deterrent works well. The sensitivity is adjustable. At first I set it to maximum sensitivity and the rising sun set it off. When I set it to medium sensitivity it worked on animals, but not the sun. Customer Review 1 : spay away - bad water connection - Steve W - San Diego CA The motion activated spraying worked fine. However the connection of a watering hose to the unit leaked constantly. I tried 2 differnet hoses, then added a hose washer into the threaded portion of the unit, then tried using teflon plumbing tape on the end or the watering hose threads. None of those worked. The unit leaked noticeably at the hose connection and was a constant waste of water. Customer Review 2 : Can be a little too sensitive - R. Marks - PASCO, WA, US The Havahart Spray Away can be a little too sensitive at times, especially when it's windy, but it works great! No more cats in my flower beds. Customer Review 3 : Havahart 5265 spray away - Rodney Pontillo - Hawaii Great product, ne feces from Dogs and Cats in my yard anymore, Doesn't work on Birds like Pigeons, Doves or smaller ones. Give it time for a fine tune. Buy Low Price Havahart 5265 Spray Away Motion-Activated Water Repellent

Benefits of a Double Electric Blanket

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Electric blankets have come a long way since the ones that you have may have seen your grandmother using that were almost as likely to catch on fire as they were to keep you warm. Today's electric blankets are not only safe, but they are reliable and there are many benefits to using them during cold winter nights. Here are a few of those benefits.

First, with an electric blanket you will save a significant amount on your electrical bills each month, giving you more spending money in your pocket and also reducing your home's total greenhouse gas emissions. An electric blanket only takes a few cents each night to keep heated, and it keeps the heat around you, right where you need it. If you use central heat to heat your entire house, on the other hand, you're spending money heating rooms that you're not using and heating a lot more square footage. This is much, much more expensive and bad for the environment.

Besides being economical, these blankets also let you get a nice, cozy, comfortable night's sleep. You won't have to worry about waking up in the middle of the night shivering any more. With today's newest blankets that are better at keeping a constant temperature, you won't have to worry about waking up sweating either. It may take a little trial and error but setting the temperature dial on your electric blanket to where you like it is the best way to make sure you get a good night's sleep.

Electric blankets are even very versatile. You can take them anywhere where there's an outlet and use them. So while they work great on beds, they're also great to use if you're sitting in front of the TV or even if you're out on the balcony on a colder spring night.

Finally, using an electric blanket can help you relieve some mild joint and muscle pain. Heat is a great treatment for aches and pains and by warming your muscles up at night, the blanket will be drawing blood into them. This will help them to heal quicker and make sure that you don't wake up with aches and pains every morning.

Want a Koi Pond? Get a Clue

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Liner ponds leak, concrete ponds leach. Fish get diseases if they are not eaten first. Algae are a constant problem. And what about mosquitoes and West or East Nile Virus?

Ponds are high maintenance, so do I get a pressurized bead bio-filter? Do I get an up-flow filter or down-flow filter? Or a side-flow? How about a waterfall? Bio-falls? Pondless falls? Liner fall? Concrete fall?

I had a pond once, and you could not see the fish for the algae. Someone said to use algaecide, and somebody else said to get a U.V. Someone said to get more plants, and someone else said I had too many fish for the size of my pond. No problem...a crane ate half of them and last month a raccoon ate the rest.

Someone said I need a scarecrow sprinkler or a pond net. I asked, What for? I don't have any fish, only lots of mosquitoes. So someone else said, buy some mosquito fish, you can get them free from the Department of Fish and Game. I got the mosquito fish, and my sump pump that the liner guy installed in my liner pond ate all my mosquito fish.

My pump was plugged with mosquito larvae and dead mosquito fish. Someone said I could scrape them off the pump screen with a kitchen knife. That worked well, but I accidentally stabbed the liner. I Googled leaky liner and found someone who calls himself The Fall Guy. He said I should get rid of my sump pump and liner and install a concrete and rebar pond with bottom drains and a high-performance, low-energy centrifugal pump, a pressurized back-flushable filter, a U.V. light, and an electronic auto-fill system.

He said that, unlike liners that have no warranty against acts of nature, concrete and rebar ponds which are built and sealed properly will last for decades. Plus, with the proper design and equipment, they will be next to maintenance-free.

I said, okay!

It cost me 20 percent more to do all this than what the original liner pond cost me to be installed.

It's been 5 ½ years, I have a wooden deck built around my pond 14 inches above the pond surface. The pond is 3 feet deep in the shallow end, and 5 feet in the deep end. Raccoons hang onto the deck, lean over, and swipe at the surface of the water. Cranes stand at the edge wishing the pond was shallower or that they could bend down that far so they can scarf up a scaly snack. Their eyes are pathetic. I almost find myself sprinting to the kitchen to find them a snack. NOT!

Once a week I turn the handle on my bio-filter and back-flush the brown, nitrogen-laden waste water into several 5-gallon buckets from an attached flexible pool filter hose. Then I water my trees and plants with it. Talk about miracle grow!

After 1 to 2 minutes of back flushing, I pull the wiper plunger on my U.V. a few times to clean off the internal quartz lens housing the U.V. bulb. The film (pond scum) is instantly removed from the lens, giving the U.V. bulb 6 months of extra life.

The U.V. light kills pathogens that cause illness to my fish and other bacteria that cause the pond to stink. It also kills what is known as planktonic algae that turn the pond green. Twice a year I throw in some rock salt to keep the salt level at a specific gravity of 1.0. The fish have a healthy skin coat, my plants are happy, and string algae are virtually nonexistent. My water is crystal clear, and an electronic aquafill maintains the level of the water automatically.

Look before you leap and research before you weep.

Happy koi, peace and joy.

The Ultimate Kitchen Sink Buying Guide

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If you're looking to buy a kitchen sink, then you must consider every detail and feature. The Kitchen sink is probably the most used aperture in the whole household, even if you're using a dishwasher, most of the cleaning is still done in your ordinary kitchen sink, all the more reason why you should find the best one around.

Size

Choosing a kitchen sink apart from being a question of quality is also a question of need. Most of the standard sinks that you will find in the market roughly consist of two 22 by 30 inch sized bowls both 8 inches in depth, however, if you use large pots, you might want bigger sizes or you might want to have them specially made. Nine and Ten inch deep bowls are also available commercially. Added features like bowls for peeled fruits in the center can be very handy.

Whistles and Bells

If you want your sink to have all the whistles and bells available, then you might want more pre-drilled holes on it. Most sinks have four holes on it, one for the hot knob, one for the cold knob, one for the faucet and another one for the shower feature. Some sinks however have extra spouts, for soap dispensers, an air gap for the dishwasher drain, a liquid soap dispenser, a TV, well just kidding about the TV. But if some sinks have extra features that you might not want to use, you can always ask the supplier for ready made plugs to cover the unused holes, conversely, if the sink you choose doesn't have enough holes, you can easily drill a hole in your sink, or maybe have it drilled by a professional.

Installation

Apart from choosing a design and a type, you should also be aware of your sink's location, will your chosen sink fit in the desired location etc. You can choose from a self rimming sink or an undermount. A self rimming sink is easier to install and would just rest on top of your counter, however, the underside where the sink meets the countertop can be a breeding ground for bacteria and may be hard to clean. An undermount however, is harder to install because it has to be attached from under the counter. This type however, is easier to clean.

Type of Sink

Now we proceed to choosing which type of sink to choose. To make the choice easier, a few pros and cons are listed together with a brief description of each type of sink.

Stainless Steel

This is probably the most common kitchen sink around and is available in all prices ranges. However, you don't expect to buy the best quality sink for a cheap price. Usually a cheap stainless steel sink is made of thin metal which flexes and vibrates. This is especially bad because of the racket it makes when the water drums on it or when the garbage disposal vibrates. A good quality sink doesn't get scratched easily and should be easy to clean. A sign of a good quality sink is also its ability to maintain a brand new appearance even if you just wipe it.

A general rule for buying stainless steel sink is not to buy mirror type ones, sure they'll look great when brand new, but overtime scratching will mar its surface and give it a foggy dirty look. Another good tip is to check the insulation under the bowl, insulation deadens the water drumming. Foam insulations are always better than those that are just sprayed on.

Enameled Cast Iron

The best thing about enamel cast iron sinks is its elegant finish which is available in many colors. It has a very hard finish and will rarely chip. Another good thing about this is its resistance to water drumming. It keeps hot water hot longer, and if you're excited about that, you'll be happy to know that clean up is a breeze, a good wipe over should be enough for this baby to get back its original shine.

Warning: There are Enameled Steel sinks, but these aren't the same quality as cast iron sinks.

Composite sinks

These are sinks made from a mixture of two different substances to make a very sturdy material. Generally, Acrylic and fiberglass aren't a very good combination because they tend to easily absorb stains and as time passes, lose the glossy finish.

A Quartz composite sink might be the best choice for this range of sinks. These are known for their durability.

Composite sinks however, are susceptible to scratching. You should avoid rubbing sand or dirt on them or using abrasive cleaners. The water drumming is still present but probably not as loud as stainless steel sinks.

Tip: To make sure that you have a sturdy sink, press down on the bowl, if it flexes, there are chances of a noisy garbage disposal.

Integral solid surface

You can buy a sink that is already integrated with a countertop, mostly in the same color or a complementary design. These types are easily scratched but are easily repaired as
well. The bad side is if you're tired of the sink, you'll have to remove the whole countertop.