WHY IS MY SUMP PUMP NOT WORKING

Why Is My Sump Pump Not Working

A lot of homeowners at night sleep well despite the rain because they know that they have a reliable sump pump in the basement. They no longer have to worry about potential flooding or water damage expenses because the sump pump does all the work for them in the background. So imagine coming home to your basement and finding out that your sump pump is not working. Close to being a nightmare, isn’t it? What can be the reasons behind it? If you are clueless about why your sump pump stopped working, check out this list.

REASONS WHY YOUR SUMP PUMP IS NOT WORKING

There are a couple of reasons why a sump pump may not work. Yours may have the same problem as these; check out each one to know what intervention should be done to make it work again.

YOUR PUMP MAY NOT BE INSTALLED PROPERLY

A common mistake made by many is the failure to install a check valve on the discharge line. This causes a backflow that causes the motor to unscrew the motor shaft. You may have the impression that the motor is still running because of the sound. However, when the pump impeller rotates backward because of the backflow, it stops pumping water and leads to further damage over time if not attended to immediately. So when installing your sump pump, make sure to follow the instructions in the manual carefully.

THERE MAY BE A POWER OUTAGE

If your sump pump is electric powered, it may stop working once a power outage occurs. This is not a once-in-a-blue-moon experience especially if your place is prone to experiencing a lot of storms and heavy rains. A short power outage may be harmless, but a prolonged power outage may cause your sump pump to completely stop pumping water down the drain and cause flooding in your basement. A good way to prevent this and to lessen the damage caused by power outages, you can opt to invest in a backup generator to keep it functioning even when the electricity goes out.

YOU MAY HAVE TO CHECK YOUR SWITCH FOR STUCK UPS

Sump pump maintenance and regular checkups are important because it prevents this circumstance. As days go by, the possibility of debris lodging or jamming the float is more likely to happen. There is also a possibility that the float may cause the switch to rest against the pump’s sides. These instances usually lead to a problem with the switch as it gets it lodged and stuck instead of functioning properly.

YOU MAY HAVE THE WRONG SUMP PUMP

When choosing a sump pump to install on our basements, we are advised to check the horsepower you need first. Sump pumps have different horsepower variants to cater to different water draining needs. If you get a sump pump that is too big compared to what you really need, it may end up working too much that its lifespan may be shorter than you want it to be. On the other hand, if your sump pump is too small, it may not be able to pump out all the water entirely. It may be forced to work on its maximum capacity continuously which may also lead to wearing out.

YOUR PIPES MAY NOT BE WORKING

There are a lot of reasons why your pipe may not be functioning the way it should be. One is the possibility of it being clogged with debris and the other one is it can possibly be frozen. Pipes normally freeze especially during the winter, however, you have to make sure that your discharge lines are working smoothly too. Proper maintenance usually does the trick. Always inspect for the presence of debris to prevent pipe clogging.

YOUR SUMP PUMP MAY BE CORRODED AND OLD

Everything has a limit and your sump pump has one too. No matter how heavy duty and high quality your sump pump is, it is still prone to corrosion especially if there is a huge amount of water being drained. If corrosion is your main problem, it might help to call an expert to help you check if it can be fixed. However, if your sump pump stops functioning because of old age, then you may have to consider replacing it with a new one.

Conclusion

Sump pumps are made to last for a long time especially if you go for high-quality models. If your sump pump stops functioning, then there may be a problem that you need to address. A sump pump that does not function right after purchase may indicate a defective unit. However, if your sump pump has been around for some time, you can check out the following examples mentioned above to have an idea of what to check if in case your sump pump stops functioning. Among all the factors mentioned above, one thing remains to be evident. Proper maintenance is essential to keeping your sump pump working effectively and lasting for a long time.

Guest Contributor: Gourav Sharma

RUSTIC LIVING ROOM DESIGN GUIDE

What do you imagine when you hear the words “rustic design”? You probably think about cozy cabins in the woods, snowy peaks and hot cocoa in your hand. Or you might think about tiny cottages surrounded by orchards and wildflowers. However, you don’t have to live in the Swiss Alps or English countryside to enjoy this level of comfort and peace. You can introduce rustic design into your home and surround yourself with relaxing décor and comforting peace.

REIMAGINE YOUR WALLS WITH STONE WALLPAPER

If you don’t want to tear down walls or do any major work on your home, you can simply grab some rustic wallpaper, pick a wall and create a beautiful nature-inspired statement item in your living room. Today, you can find all sorts of practical wallpaper designs that are easy to put up and take down in case you get bored with one look. Combine your statement wall with some faux wood beams and you’ll feel like you stepped into a fairytale cabin every time you enter your home (and all that without too much work).

WARM UP THE SPACE WITH WOOD ACCENTS

One of the key elements in rustic interiors is the use of wood. This is the best way to give your home a rustic vibe, even if you’re aiming for a more modern approach to this style. You can go for anything from wood art installations to heavy coffee tables and warm wood accessories. There’s only one rule to wood: try to use the same wood tones throughout the space to achieve a coherent look. For that warm feel to your space, focus on rich colored accents when matching accessories to your wood, and if you prefer a cooler atmosphere, opt for grey tones.

ADD A FEW NATURE ITEMS

Rustic design is very closely connected to nature, so make sure to include a few items that come straight from the outdoors. For instance, you can brighten up the space with a wicker or driftwood chandelier or create a gorgeous fall-inspired centerpiece for your coffee table. If you want to go a little bit darker and mysterious when it comes to your design, you can look into taxidermy and mount a hand-carved animal skull onto your wall. If this idea tickles your mind, you can learn more about it and include a gorgeous conversation-starter piece into your home.

GET COZY IN FRONT OF A FIREPLACE

A fireplace is a staple in rustic design, so if you have any means to include it into your home, don’t hesitate to invest in this item. Of course, a fire-burning hearth is tricky to construct and maintain, so if you want to avoid the fuss, you can opt for one of those gas fireplaces. These are easier to install and require zero effort when it comes to maintenance and getting the fire going. Just turn it on, enjoy the dancing flames and curl up to your loved ones (pets are a great replacement for humans too).

SOFTEN UP THE VIBE WITH TEXTILES

No rustic home is complete without plenty of cozy textile elements. No matter if you’re aiming for a traditional look or you want to achieve the fusion between rustic and modern design, textiles will balance out the space, so they are a must. Integrate softness and texture into your space with pillows and throws, but don’t neglect your window treatment. Besides these elements, you can also pay attention to your furniture pieces—a mix of upholstered and bare furniture is a great way to achieve the harmony between warmth, coziness and elegance.

Rustic design is perfect for everyone who craves comfort and relaxation but is not willing to sacrifice any style. Incorporate some of these interior design elements into your home and you’ll fall in love with your space all over again!

Guest Contributor: Michael

10 TIPS TO MAINTAIN A CLEAN WATER RESERVOIR

Without a consistent water supply, it’s hard for animals and humans to survive for a longer period. Water is key to survival and improves a lot of ongoing activities in the body. Daily routines are almost incomplete without the use of water. When going about these routines, we could simply be struggling with keeping a clean water reservoir since it doesn’t seem like an everyday activity. People focus primarily on water purification rather than cleaning the water reservoir. The truth is, every little action goes a long way in keeping the tank safe for use.

Water tanks are quite the investment and maybe on the pricey end. As they sit on the surfaces or plain ground, with time, sediments and algae deposits on the walls and ceilings of water reservoirs are inevitable because of prolonged use or their sitting positions. These deposits pollute water, making it unfit for cooking, drinking, or general-purpose. That goes to show that tank cleaning is necessary to maintain hygiene. A water reservoir should be cleaned depending on the water type. For example, hard water needs sedimentation more often than soft water, and annual cleaning does not cut it. How then can you avoid water pollution and reduce the harmful effect on your health? The ideal way is to keep your reservoir clean. These are some useful tips to maintain a clean reservoir.

Check your outdoor surfaces first

Before you decide to put your tank anywhere outdoors, consider checking the surfaces very well. Be sure to test the firmness of the surface you intend to put the tank on. Make sure to keep the surrounding area of the tank clean by sweeping and mopping it clean of dirt. Keep the area free of jagged edges or hidden stones that could puncture the tank. Again, be sure there are no insects beneath the spot in case of a sudden infestation or burrowing of holes.

Furthermore, to maintain the reservoir, consider raising your tank with platforms made of steel or wrought. This helps maintain an even weight hence keeping the tank away from debris.

Install a water filter system at the main inlet

Impurities cause damage to the reservoir and make water unfit for use. Install a suitable water filter system at the eye of the main channel. Although there are several systems you could use, a disposable filter fabric or a mechanical system keeps unwanted material from the main body of water.

If you use gutters to carry water into the reservoir, inspect the gutter area regularly. Sometimes, the contamination occurs in rain gutters and inlets. As a result of climate change, gutters could accumulate dry leaves, weed, clogs, and even build up sludge. Rather than let rubbish accumulate, it would help if you considered using a gutter mesh. In addition to this, if your water reservoir has a pump system, avoid taxing or stressing it. With a pump, you can use gravity to your advantage.

Check the water level of your tank regularly

Put ‘checking the water level’ on your daily or weekly to-do list. Checking helps you know the frequency of water used per time while helping you determine a reasonable period for cleaning. If the water level depletes faster than usual, there could be a leak and, ultimately, an avenue for microorganisms to grow.

Drain out all the water from time to time

Regular inspection of the water level helps you know the level of sediment. Sediment, by its nature, settles down at the bottom of your water tank. To determine the sediment levels of your tank, a visual inspection of the water tank is better. Usually, you would expect to see the bottom of the tank underneath the water. If you don’t, drain water out of the tank, wash the internal surfaces manually with a soft sponge, and flush off.

When picking a tank for use, ensure that the crevices are easy to clean and accessible. Accessibility is curtailing dirt accumulation in sharp corners and providing hassle-free cleaning. When you have an easy-to-clean tank, cleaning is easier.

Devise a cleaning system within many years

An interval cleaning is perhaps the most important aspect of water reservoir maintenance. Water tanks usually last for years. Also, they tend to withstand shifts in temperature, wind and wear and tear. As a result, deterioration or corrosion can be determined as early as possible. When you see such changes, these issues should be attended to as quickly as possible to prevent long term damage.

In addition to conducting daily or weekly checks, it is good to have a full inspection of the tank for around three to five years. Although some people do it annually, adding new water tank liners to the containers is a great idea. For the best of liner products, check out a range of products, and make a good selection best suited for water reservoirs.

Prevent Odor with Baking Soda

Each time you empty your water reservoir, add a touch of baking soda into space and rinse it with some fresh water. Thus helping you keep odor check.

Install an automated tank cleaning device.

Sludges are substances you don’t want in your food, and body system via ingestion. To keep your tank sludge-free, you could install an automated tank cleaning device. The device works automatically upon installation.

Alternatively, you could hire a professional to handle the tank cleaning, although it may cost some cash.

Take care of tank coating

Since tanks are made for extended use, they often come with top quality coating. However, maintaining a tank coating is essential to reducing maintenance costs throughout the years. The coating on tanks is a primary defense against corrosion. Corrosion tends to change the color of the water as well as the taste. Maintaining a good layer keeps the reservoir in good working conditions, including humidity, dew point, and air.

Keep up with technology

Every new day ushers us into new technological means of maintaining good hygiene. Even though access to the latest webinars and conferences may not be necessary, being aware of new tech helps you learn new ways to work equipment and ultimately maintain your reservoir.

Sanitize your reservoir

If your tank is old or has been sitting on surfaces for too long, it may begin to harbor unwanted substances. As a result, the reservoir can emit an unpleasant smell that makes drinking water taste bad.

You can combat this challenge with some bleach. To be sure, pouring bleach straight into the water reservoir is not ideal. But you could use diluted bleach with this foolproof method.

Add one cup measure of bleach into four gallons of water for a 40-gallon tank. One and a half measure for six gallons of water for a 60-gallon tank. Two cup measure into eight gallons of water for a 100-gallon tank.
Place bleach solution directly into your water tank and fill with fresh, clean water.
Run solution throughout every faucet until you’re sure bleach has touched everywhere.
Then empty the tank. Fill up again with fresh water and let it stay for a night. On the next day, drain the tank again through all faucets. Fill up again with clean water and repeat until the smell of bleach is gone.

Guest Contributor: David Smith

HOW TO PREPARE RECLAIMED WOOD FOR REUSE

Reclaimed wood has been adored by many people for its look. The character, history, uniqueness, and structural integrity these wood possess are features that homeowners greatly appreciate. Working with reclaimed wood be very meticulous so it will take careful planning, preparation, and patience to get the best out of the reclaimed wood that you have.

Determining the Wood Species

Just like any other wood, reclaimed wood can come from different species of wood. One good parameter in choosing what species of reclaimed wood to choose is the strength of the wood. It’s best to consult with a structural engineer to confirm that the chosen size and length of the reclaimed timber are adequate for your design.

Staging and Material Inspection

After determining to wood species of your choice, we need to have our timbers inspected on-site. It’s best to do the inspection on a site where there is very large space for the timbers to lay out.

There are various features that you can check on the timbers on inspection day. It can be irregular cuts and notches. It can be the ageing features of the wood. The features of your choice will entirely depend on your taste

The next step is to have a professional look on the timbers of your choice to see the structural grade of each piece. This process can take as long as five hours as the process includes poking and prodding each wood. Chunks of dry rot are removed sometimes during these inspections. The inspector will give a formal report of the inspection afterwards.

Corn Cob Blasting and Fumigation

After the design drawings and the construction contract has been finalized, it’s time to clean and fumigate the timbers as preparing reclaimed wood for use is a very critical step. The last thing you want once reclaimed timbers are erected are loose organic particles constantly falling over from the beams.

The first thing to do is to manually scrape the wood beams to remove any loose barks or wood chips. The next step is blast those wood beams with corn cob. This process will remove any excess bark, dry rot, and debris from the wood gently enough that it will not destroy the surface.

The last step is fumigating the wood. This is done by applying a solution of borate glycol onto the wood surface. This solution penetrates the wood and kills any bugs left.

Now your reclaimed wood is prepared and ready for construction!

Guest Contributor: Maria Espievidal

5 CREATIVE DIY BASEMENT RENOVATION PROJECTS

The best houses put every inch of space to good use, from the powder room all the way up to the master bedroom. However, basements are often overlooked. Maybe it’s because they lack natural light, or because they tend to be a little cooler in temperature. Another reason might be that many newly built homes are sold with unfinished basements. Whatever the reason is, basements tend to be neglected as viable and useful spaces.

The truth is, however, that any finished or unfinished basement has the potential to provide untapped utility. The best part is, you might not even have to hire an expert or break the bank to do it. With a little bit of creativity, you can convert this underused and underappreciated space into a private oasis.

Here are 5 creative DIY basement renovation projects you can take on.

Home Theatre

You don’t need a 100” flat screen television or an elaborate surround sound system to create a home theatre that’s fun and cozy. Because of the lack of natural light, basements are the perfect place for a home theatre, even one that’s built on a budget. To start, installing a projector on your ceiling is as simple a drill and a few screws. You can also install a motorized or non-motorized projector screen over a wall that doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Even simpler, if you have an unfinished basement with exposed concrete walls, you can paint one of the walls white to make it a screen.

Workshop

With some lumber, simple tools, and a little bit of handiness, you can build your own heavy-duty workshop in your basement. Some items you might want to put together include a workbench and a shelving unit for storage. You can also drill holes in a shelf as a way to store different kinds of screwdrivers. As well, a store-bought peg board and some hooks provide a great way to store your tools while showing them off. Extra touches could include a whiteboard for jotting down notes, and a work stool.

Storage Area

Basements are the perfect place to store items you don’t need readily at hand every day. With either built-in or freestanding shelves, clothing racks, and closets, you can effectively store a lot of belongings you don’t want to look at every day. If you have an unfinished basement with exposed studs, you can easily install shelves in between these studs to create very usable storage space. You can also convert your area under the stairs that might have otherwise gone unused into storage for larger seasonal items like Christmas decorations.

Art/Music Studio

It doesn’t take much to turn the basement of your home into a loft-style space that fosters creativity. If you’re a visual artist, laying down some area rugs, placing some comfortable spaces to sit, and creating storage for your materials can transform your space into a studio. If you’re a musician, you can improve the acoustics and create a home studio feel with foam egg cartons or real acoustic paneling.

Home Gym

Looking to stay out of the gym while staying in shape? Your basement could make a great home gym without a huge investment. To make it a safe space, lay down some padded flooring, which is often as simple as cutting it with a pocketknife. From there, things like a chin-up bar and free weights are readily available online.

About The Author: Alex Capozzolo is the owner of the Brotherly Love Real Estate blog and a content writer for the real estate industry. We buy houses in Philadelphia, PA. Our focus is on helping people through one of the most important investment decisions of their lifetime by seamlessly providing fast, honest, and professional real estate services.

Guest Contributor: Alex Capozzolo

LOUSY SHOWER HABITS THAT RUIN YOUR PLUMBING

Having daily showers is part of most people’s routine. A good shower can do wonders for your mind and body. Cold showers can increase alertness, help with muscle recovery, and even improve our immune system, while hot showers can aid in detoxing your body, repair cells, and ease anxiety.

The typical shower habits that cause damage to our plumbing are probably not the first thing that comes to your mind when you turn the knob to get the water going. Still, the way we get ready every morning can significantly affect our plumbing system. These ordinary shower routines might be beneficial, but they might also affect your plumbing. Here are some of the lousy shower habits that you should avoid.

Ignoring Small Plumbing Issues

Many plumbing problems come with different warning signs before accurate disaster strikes. It is especially the case in the bathroom, where your shower is likely to give you a fair bit of prior warning if all is not well. The constantly dripping faucets or showers may not seem like a significant problem, but it could be a hint that you need to adjust water pressure before you ruin the plumbing.

Similarly, hot water not lasting as long as you hoped is not only annoying, but it may also be a sign of a severe problem with your water heater. It’s always better to call a plumber as soon as you notice the minor problems than to ignore and risk them escalating. You can consider installing louvered access doors and panels for you to have easy access to your plumbings during minor check-ups.

2. Leaving Puddles on the Bathroom Floor

We might often forget to drain up small water puddles in our bathroom, especially if we’re in a rush. Leaving water on the floor of your bathroom is a recipe for disaster. That water could cause mold growth, ruin your base, and can potentially cause much more widespread problems. Investing in a bath mat and cleaning up water spills after a shower will help to prevent severe water damage.

3. Not Removing Falling Hairs From The Drain

Obstruction in your pipes is one of the most dangerous things for your plumbing system. As time goes by, hair that accumulates in your drain can slow and eventually block the drain completely. Use a drain cover or another hair-catching device like filters, then remove the hair after every shower, so it doesn’t create potential problems in the future.

4. Not Removing Calcium Deposits

You might not notice it, but it can leave deposits overtime when hard water dries, blocking the showerhead nozzle and reducing water flow. But you don’t have to worry; this common issue has a straightforward solution! You can add a little white vinegar, and it can easily remove calcium deposits, improving the function and appearance of your shower head in less than minutes.

5. Staying in the Shower for Too Long

If you enjoy taking long showers, you might want to rethink that habit because it is one of the main reasons your bathroom may be a perfect place for mold growth. The steam that builds up in your bathroom during long showers can result in mold, which is unsuitable for your family’s health. Mold can quickly spread to every edge of your bathroom if good ventilation is not present. Shower curtains and loofahs are also breeding grounds for mold and bacteria and may need regular cleaning if you’ve noticed signs of decay.

One way to eliminate mold growth is by reducing the temperature and length of your shower. You can also increase ventilation and reduce mold by opening a window or installing an exhaust fan.

6. Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

If you’ve noticed a clog in your drain, whether from hair or other debris, using a chemical cleaner is the worst thing you could do for your health and your bathroom. Chemical cleaners may eliminate the clog, but they could leave you with a more severe problem. Not only are chemical cleaners bad for the environment, but they’re also harmful to your plumbing. These harsh chemicals can corrode your pipes, which can cost more than cleaning a simple clog.

These bathroom habits may be simple, but you sure don’t want to ignore them, for it can open to more severe issues that can cause you a lot more repairs. Always remember to have your plumbings regularly checked by trained professionals.

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson

HOW TO SAFEGUARD YOUR PLUMBING FROM TREE ROOTS

Split drainage pipe caused by ingress of tree roots

The purpose of tree roots is to absorb and transport water and minerals from the soil to the rest of the tree. Therefore it is only natural that roots from trees and shrubs grow toward sewer lines. These pipes hold the water source that the plant needs, as well as oxygen and nutrients. Roots that find a way into a tube through a leak will grow fast and cause blockages resulting in damaged pipes. This instance is one of the reasons why regular plumbing inspections and maintenance are necessary.

Sewage leaks are unhygienic and lead to health problems, and repairing the damage caused by the roots can be very costly. Prevent costly repair bills by taking a few precautionary measures when planting trees and maintaining pipes.

But first, you must be aware of the signs that the tree roots are the primary culprit in causing damages to your pipes. Here are the symptoms:

Bad Odor
Sewer Flies
Toilet Drainage
Water Backups/ Overflow

If you ever noticed these signs, it’s time to get your pipes checked and take precautionary measures to prevent this instance from happening again.

Locate the Sewage Lines in Your Area

It is essential to know and locate where your underground pipes, lines, and cables run as an establishment owner. This information will help you in future potential planting or landscaping projects in your area. It is also best to limit the amount of plant present next to your sewer line to avoid problems with your pipes.

2. Have Regular Maintenance and Inspection

When clog drains frequently occur, this can be difficult to clean and emit gurgling noises. Call a plumber to inspect the drain and sewer lines if you notice the signs. With the help of surface mount access panels, a plumber will have easy access to your drainpipes and can use a camera by running it through the pipes to locate injured areas. After the inspection is complete, the plumber will make the necessary recommendations. For regions with significant tree-root damage, you must replace the lines.

In addition, you can also clean sewer lines regularly and inspect the structure of the pipes to avoid significant sewer repairs. Regular maintenance and clearing the lines prevent root growth inside the pipes. Sewer-line care involves threading a cable through the sewer pipe that cuts through tree roots or clogs and cleans the sewer pipe to the inner walls.

3. Safeguard Your Sewer Lines

One of the most helpful methods to keep pesky tree roots out of your sewer pipes is to build a barrier between the trees and the sewer lines. There are various options available for you to create a practical hurdle. One of the common examples is by purchasing slow-release chemical solutions designed for residential properties. These chemicals help stop the growth of roots within the sewer line area, minimizing the probability of tree roots uncovering their way into the water pipes through breaks or cracks.

You can also use metal barriers and wood by burying them about 6 inches to a foot deeper than your pipes and running them vertically along the sewer line to prevent the roots from getting into the sewer pipes.

4. Plant Wisely

Planning your landscaping project smartly and thoroughly is the best way to avoid problems that can lead to expensive repair bills. To prevent this instance, you can limit the number of plants you place close to sewer lines. Plant more giant trees far enough away from sewer lines, so the roots are not within reach of the pipes. If you do plant near sewer lines, select slow-growing trees with a small root ball.

Your plumbing pipes are the nutrient source for tree roots. It is why it is vital to be aware of the signs and symptoms if your pipes are damaged from tree roots, for it can impose some potential health risks for your occupants. Be sure to seek help from your local plumbers if ever you notice any damages.

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson

EFFECTIVE WAYS TO SECURE YOUR BACKYARD

Due to the pandemic, many of us have fallen back in love with your backyards, since they were the only escape from the house. But if you take a good look at your beloved outdoor space, does it look secure to you? Is it protected from burglars and other intruders? Does it offer privacy that you crave? If one of these deserves a no as an answer, you need to boost security in your backyard. Luckily, that can be done quickly and effectively with these tips.

LIGHT IT UP

First things first, make sure to illuminate your space properly, since burglars don’t like well-lit spaces. The more light you have, the easier you will catch the intruder, and everyone knows that. Get moderate-intensity floodlights with motion sensors to ensure proper security. When the sensors detect motion, they turn on and stay on for a few seconds (you can program your lights how you like it) and shut off unless they continue to detect movements. Aim your sensors at all doors, deck, patio and stairway and place them from 6 to 10 feet above the ground.

STOCK UP ON CHAINS AND PADLOCKS

Many burglars are only looking for a quick and easy loot from your backyard like ladders, power tools, bikes and such—they are not even interested in getting inside your house. If you often keep these things in your backyard in the open, it’s smart to get a few chains, padlocks and a ground anchor and secure these down. Pay special attention to your ladder, because they can be used to access other floors of the house, so they should always be secured or put away in the garage.

INVEST IN A FENCE

One of the best ways to boost security in your backyard is to get a sturdy fence. Burglars might be scared to jump over and realize they are trapped, so they will stay away from your space thanks to your fence. Make sure to find a fencing supplier with a good reputation and plenty of experience, so you know your fence will be sturdy and installed properly. With this simple move, you will add a ton of security, safety (your kids and pets will always stay safely inside), privacy and noise control to your backyard.

INSTALL SECURITY CAMERAS

Outdoor cameras are also a great security feature that will give you peace of mind during the night or when your kids are home alone. The best devices have motion sensors that capture any movement in your outdoor space. Also, some cameras can automatically alert authorities if they detect someone in your backyard. And most cameras today have phone apps, so you can monitor your outdoor space wherever you are and know exactly what’s going on there.

BE STRATEGIC WITH GREENERY

Your choice of backyard plants can make or break burglars’ plans, so make sure to be strategic when planting and pruning. If you know how, you can easily keep intruders away with your landscaping. Firstly, tall shrubbery is a perfect cover for sketchy characters, and they can use it to hide behind and watch your home or to pry open a window or door. So make sure all your foundation plants are low so no one can hind behind them.

Additionally, keeping tall trees near your fence or your house can provide a hiding spot and something to climb on, so it’s best to remove these to ensure optimal safety in your backyard. Instead, focus on thorny plants around the fence and under windows (unless you have small kids who could get hurt). If breaking in through the window means going through a cactus patch or a rose bush, many will give up.

ADD A FURRY PROTECTOR TO YOUR BACKYARD

Did you know that one of the most effective deterrents for burglars is a guard dog? Big dogs are more successful in keeping intruders away, but even small ones can alert the owner and provide plenty of distraction for the bad guy. If you’re not ready to become a dog parent, buy a “Beware of Dog” sticker and put it on your gate, fence and doors—not many will stick around to check if you actually have a guard dog or not.

None of these ideas above are too big to be performed quickly, easily and with little investment, but the returns in security will be immeasurable. The safety of your family and property are worth every penny you spend!

Guest Contributor: Diana Smith

5 CHANGES YOU CAN DO TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ECO-FRIENDLY TODAY

It’s more important now than ever for people to do all that they can to save the environment. From years of carelessness, our environment is suffering irreversible damages; however, it’s not too late to stop these damages before they worsen. If every person made small efforts to save the environment, it’s likely that the ecosystem would see outstanding benefits, preserving the environment and the organisms that inhabit it. The best ways for people to make small efforts to save the environment can be done in the comfort of their own homes. Your home is one of the places that cause vast environmental damage without you even realizing it. This post will detail 5 ways to make your home an eco- friendly place so that you can do your part in saving the environment.

HOW CAN I MAKE MY HOME MORE ECO-FRIENDLY?

Making your home eco-friendly doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With minimal effort, you can make a large impact on the ecosystem. Here are 5 ways to make your home more environmentally savvy.

UTILIZE SOLAR ENERGY

Solar energy is an outstanding way to make your home more eco-friendly. The most popular form of solar energy is solar panels. Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity that can be used to power your entire home. A specialist from a company that sells solar panels in Cherry Hill pointed out that solar panels can save homeowners thousands of dollars in electricity bills per year as solar panels are a sustainable energy source.

Solar panels can be a bit costly, and though they are an investment worth making, if you can’t afford solar panels, you should consider investing in solar lighting fixtures. These lighting fixtures work the same way, storing sunlight and converting it into electricity in order to provide light to your home.

INSTALL A SMART THERMOSTAT

Smart thermostats are an important energy-saving invention to incorporate into your home. Smart thermostats work the same way as regular thermostats, however, you will now have the option to adjust them from an app on your mobile device. Smart thermostats allow you to turn your heating and cooling systems down or off when you leave the house, then back on when you are on your way home.

Smart thermostats will save you energy and money because they no longer need to be left on when you aren’t home. You can control the temperature of your home from remote locations, allowing you to still come home to a comfortable temperature without leaving your heating or cooling system on all day.

USE LED LIGHTING

Lighting fixtures use copious amounts of energy which is not only harmful to the environment, they can also end up costing you hundreds of dollars in electricity bills each month. To conserve energy when it comes to lighting fixtures, consider installing LED light bulbs. LED light bulbs use only a fraction of the electricity that standard light bulbs do and have a much longer lifespan. In addition to their minimal electricity use, LED bulbs will create less waste because of how infrequently they need to be replaced. And like smart thermostats and solar energy, LED bulbs will ultimately save you money; therefore benefiting both you and the environment.

CREATE A COMPOST PILE

Compost piles are a free and easy way to give back to the environment. Compost piles are created to be used as natural soil in gardens in order to help plants grow. To make a compost pile, instead of disposing of food and waste that is organic and natural, such as fruits and vegetables, put it in a pile outside and let it decompose. After it decomposes, you will be able to use it as soil to give your plants top-notch nutrients.

You will be providing the ecosystem with natural resources to help the organisms within it thrive. And the best part? Compost piles will not cost you a dime; consider creating one in a corner of your yard or in a garbage can on your deck. Be sure not to add processed foods or dairy products to your pile as these foods will ruin it and cause it to smell.

REPURPOSE OLD FURNITURE

Repurposing old furniture is a simple, easy, and fun way to make your home eco-friendly. Instead of buying new furniture, consider repurposing your old furniture. Repurposing furniture will allow you to have the exact piece of furniture you have been looking for and will allow you to reduce waste. Try making this environmentally savvy task a family affair; you can repaint, refinish, or repair pieces of furniture with your significant other and/or with your children.

If you don’t have any furniture around the house that you can repair, consider buying furniture from a second-hand shop, or buying used furniture from online and repurposing that. You will be doing your part to save the environment by reducing somebody else’s waste.

YOUR SMALL EFFORTS WILL PLAY A PART IN YOUR FUTURE

The small efforts you make at home now will have a huge impact on the future of the environment. It’s important for all humans to do their part to save the environment before it’s too late. By doing the small efforts such as the ones listed above, a bright future for the ecosystem is possible. Consider making these small changes to your home today, you won’t regret it, in fact, you will likely benefit too. Make some changes today.

About the Author

Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer that works with All American Plumbing, a plumber in Sicklerville. Jennifer is also a blogger, dog-enthusiast and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey

Guest Contributor: Jennifer Bell

5 SURPRISING REASONS TO REGULARLY WASH YOUR WINDOWS

Windows play an integral role in not only the value of your home, but to how you interact with the world around you. Windows let in the sunlight, and allow you to look out at your surroundings.

But dirty windows not only look unsightly, but they can actually cause lasting damage to your home and health. So while cleaning your windows does wonders for making your home look its sparkling best, regularly washed windows also come with the following surprising benefits.

CLEAN WINDOWS IMPROVE YOUR CURB APPEAL

If your windows are dirty, they’re one of the first things prospective home buyers will notice about your house. That’s not a good thing. If you’re concerned about maintaining your home’s value, “curb appeal”, or how your home looks to an outside observer, is a hugely important factor.

Just as an unkempt lawn might lead people to undervalue your home, dirty windows similarly stop your home from showing its best version. But if your windows are cleaned with regularity, your home can look bright and welcoming to everyone stopping by.

THEY KEEP YOUR HOME WARM

You might be wondering, how can clean windows help warm up your house? During cold months, though it might not feel like it, sunshine coming through your windows naturally heats up your home’s interior, lowering heating bills and bringing with it a natural warmth.

The dirt and grime from dirty windows can block out parts of your window, allowing less sunlight to enter, and thus robbing you of that natural heating. Keeping your windows cleans ensures that you get all the natural sunlight you can, which is great news for your thermostat and your wallet.

CLEAN WINDOWS MEAN CLEAN AIR

While you tend to assume that you need to open your windows to bring fresh air into your home, a clean window, while closed, can actually help improve your air quality. When dirt builds up on windows, and sills, they often work their way into your home, lowering your air quality.

Even worse, dirt build up occasionally can bring in mold, which can cause a host of health problems. By cleaning your windows regularly, you keep these bad particles out, and keep clean air in.

REGULARLY WASHING YOUR WINDOWS INCREASES WINDOW LIFE

Repairing windows that have been worn down or damaged can be an unfortunate and wanted expense. Thankfully, you can keep your windows for longer by regularly washing them.

Dirty windows build up grime and dirt that can penetrate the glass, which can stain and weaken your window and cause permanent damage. Even when you can’t visibly see debris on your window, consistently washing your windows clears the glass of microscopic imperfections that can lower the lifespan of your windows.

By just washing your windows regularly, you can keep your windows shining for years!

Guest Contributor: Jeff Good