XMWare

2018-02-26T10:53:00

(BPT) – Home water leaks waste 1 trillion gallons of water per year, and 10 percent of American homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons of water a day, according to the EPA.

Fixing easily detectable leaks like dripping faucets and malfunctioning toilets can reduce water bills and water waste. But what do you do about the leaks you can’t see?

Hidden leaks can be dangerous. Leaking pipes within walls can cause mold. Dripping faucets behind appliances can be a fire hazard. Leaking irrigation can cause significant lawn damage. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

In a national study of more than 300 homes, intelligent-water industry leader Phyn found that 17 percent of homes have some type of leak. Of those leaks, half were from a broken toilet flapper. This type of common leak wastes 800 to 1,100 gallons of water each day!

Uncovering hidden leaks is important for your budget, your safety and to protect your property investment. Here are some ways to easily detect hidden leaks so you don’t have to worry:

Proactive inspections: Look where hidden leaks commonly occur before you see signs of a problem. Early detection could prevent costly damage. Even new homes need this approach, since human error during construction could lead to hidden leaks later.

Inspect systems: First check your irrigation system by walking around the yard, looking for signs of leaks, like puddles of water or depressions in the ground near sprinkler heads or lines. Also, inspect around your water heater for moisture. Remember to watch the water meter, too. An unexpected spike in a water bill could indicate a problem.

Technology: New advancements help detect leaks using intelligent-water technology, such as the Phyn Plus smart water assistant + shutoff. Installed right after the meter on the main water line, this device analyzes your home’s water use by measuring tiny changes in pressure at 240 times per second. This allows the device to shut off the water automatically, so the owners can rest assured that they won’t come home to surprise water damage from a burst pipe.

Keep age in mind: Older homes have older pipes and systems that may be more prone to leaks, so it’s important to keep close attention on your home as it ages. That being said, new homes aren’t immune to water leaks. You may have heard stories of new homeowners hanging a picture on their wall, only to find a puddle on the floor the next day right below where the nail had punctured a pipe. Pipes and soldering can fail at any time, whether your home is brand new or 100 years old.

Use the pros: When in doubt, hire a professional to get expert insight and workmanship. For example, the Uponor Pro Squad is a group of authorized, intelligent-water specialists, dedicated to installing and servicing the Phyn Plus. Pro Squad members have been trained and certified to provide an expert installation experience, ensuring the quality and workability of the Phyn Plus device.

It’s important to detect hidden water leaks in your home. Learn more about water leaks and smart home technology at www.phyn.com.

2018-03-07T12:01:00

(BPT) – Spring season marks the beginning of the lawn care regimen and many of us have big plans and strategies ready to make this season of lawn care our best yet.

Now we just have to make sure our tools are ready to carry out our vision.

After a long winter of dormancy, power tools like blowers, trimmers and lawn mowers require some early season maintenance to perform at their best throughout the summer. This maintenance includes checking the equipment for any wear and tear issues and cleaning off dirt and grime, but you may want to consider a few extra steps.

Before you start up your power tools for the season, apply these prep steps:

* Lubricate immediately. This first tip is really for mowers. Before using your mower this season, make sure the machine is greased and lubricated at all major function points. This is also a great time to check the tire pressure — adjusting as needed — and to make sure the deck is level and ready to go.

* Check and change the oil. Checking the oil in your mower utilizes a dip stick just like the oil gauge in your car, but in the spring you should probably plan to change your mower’s oil as well, as oil can deteriorate. This can be done by turning the mower so the spark plug side is facing up, opening the oil plug with a socket wrench and letting the oil spill into an oil-safe container. Recycle this oil and, before adding new oil, be sure you’re adding the right blend. The owner’s manual will tell you what type of oil your mower needs.

* Replace air filters. Air filters get clogged quickly in yard equipment because of all the dust, grass clippings and debris they collect. That’s why it’s a good idea to replace the filters in your tools at the start of the year. The air filter will be located behind a panel, near the engine, and this panel can be removed with a screwdriver, allowing you access to the air filter to make the replacement. Once again, before throwing your filter away, be sure you have the proper model to replace it.

* Drain and replace stale fuel. Like your engine’s oil, fuel that remained dormant all winter grows stale and can lead to sediment buildup. If you didn’t burn off the last of your fuel last season, drain the fuel now with a hand siphon before adding new fuel. Remember that fuel will be found not only in the fuel tank, but it may also be found in the carburetor and fuel lines.

* Fuel concerns for blowers. If a blower is part of your spring lawn care plans, addressing oil and fuel concerns in this piece of equipment changes slightly from what was listed above. To check the oil and fuel levels in your blower, choke the engine a few times first. This ensures all the fuel is out of the system. From there you can proceed with your adjustments knowing all the oil and fuel in the blower is accounted for.

* Check the deflectors. If you’re planning to get your trimmer ready for spring, you first need to clear off any dirt and grime accumulated while in storage and then make sure your deflectors are intact. The deflectors provide protection from flying debris, so it’s important to make sure they aren’t cracked or bent.

* Be sure the blades are ready. The blades beneath the deck of your mower are integral to your lawn care routine but as you place them in the thick of every project, they collect a fair amount of debris during the season. Thus, before starting your new lawn care regimen, be sure to check underneath the deck and scrape any existing debris free from the space. This is also a great time to be sure the blades are sharp and that everything is in good working condition.

Finding additional information

If you have a question about one of your tools that was not addressed in this guide or you’re unsure of your ability to fix on your own, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Husqvarna’s dealer locator tool can help you find a list of experts in your area who can walk you through everything you need to do to get your tools ready for spring, so you can enjoy your best lawn care season yet.

2018-03-13T16:57:00

(BPT) – As Americans increasingly appreciate the therapeutic benefits of nature, they’re putting more thought and effort into creating beautiful, comfortable and functional living areas outside their own homes.

These days, such outdoor havens are considered valuable home extensions rather than underutilized corners of your yard. More than 70 percent of U.S. households now incorporate outdoor living spaces, reports one survey, and nearly 70 percent use those areas at least weekly in season.

A favorite material for such havens is Western Red Cedar, a stunning and fragrant wood species that incorporates beautifully into decks, porches, furniture and other functional elements of your home.

Not surprisingly, Western Red Cedar has many fans in the construction world. Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan of HGTV’s “Colin and Justin’s Home Heist” recently broadcast an online episode featuring the building of a lakeside cabin pergola that features the finely grained wood. “It smells incredible,” notes Ryan. “Honestly, you are transported to the center of a forest … it feels escapist, it feels luxurious and it looks amazing. If you brought lots of plastic or man-made materials into this environment, it would just be wrong.”

The unique characteristics of the sought-after cedar allow it to weather into a gorgeous silver patina even as it resists rot, decay and insects. Further, the durable wood is a dream to work with because it’s lightweight, lays flat, stays straight and is free of pitch and resin. Bonus: The forests harvested for the wood are carefully and sustainably replanted.

Dreaming of a private, well-appointed outdoor space where your family and guests can relax while enjoying nature? Consider how these other suggestions might also help put those wheels in motion.

* Cover your bases: Make your space easier to use through the seasons by adding a gazebo, pergola, pavilion or three-season porch that can protect you, your guests and your furnishings from sun or rain. Consider draping curtains or netting that can be pulled back at will, allowing greater privacy and/or protection from bugs. Ideally, your new oasis will merge the best of both worlds, bringing the comforts of home outside while still offering the benefits of fresh air, fragrant breezes, sunshine, birdsong and positive interactions with flora and fauna.

* Eat, drink and be merry: The old adage about guests gravitating toward the room that has the food? It’s absolutely true, and incorporating cooking into your outdoor haven can lend a fun and informal entertaining element that just can’t be replicated indoors. Options for equipment include grills, smokers, pizza ovens, fireplaces, bars or full kitchen set-ups with ovens, sinks, refrigerators and prep areas. Make sure to choose weather-resistant finishes for everything, install effective lighting and make sure you have plenty of comfortable seating for foodie friends.

McCallister notes on his show how rewarding it can feel to transform unused outdoor areas into havens of fun and relaxation, “transforming dead space into valuable life space.” That same feeling can be achieved by do-it-yourselfers who embark on their own outdoor projects.

“Outdoor patio spaces have sure changed in the last few years with the onset of new outdoor materials, furnishings, fixtures … and the homeowner’s desire for more outdoor living and entertaining space,” notes Audra Slinkey in a recent report by the National Association of Realtors. “Today’s yards are multi-functional and serve to entertain, lounge and maximize lot square footage.”

It’s beautiful, it’s practical and it’s easy to use. Western Red Cedar can be an ideal building material for your next home improvement project. For more information about the building material and its guest appearance on “Colin and Justin’s Home Heist,” check out RealCedar.com.

2018-03-17T09:48:09

(BPT) – There are many reasons that termites have gained the nickname “silent destroyers.” Five billion reasons, in fact.

Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage in the U.S. each year. If left unchecked, they can silently chew through the structural stability of a home, eating away at wood, flooring and even wallpaper. To make matters worse, the damage they leave behind is not typically covered by most homeowners’ insurance policies.

How to spot termites

Spring is prime time for termite populations as they emerge in search of new structures to invade. Termite explorers, referred to as swarmers, will look for hospitable homes, and are particularly attracted to structures that may have sustained damage from severe winter weather or have dead or decaying wood on the property. Once these swarmers have determined a home to be a good fit, it’s likely that they will settle in and begin a new colony, growing into a full-blown termite infestation over time.

Termite or flying ant?

Many people will see termite swarmers in homes during the spring and mistake them for flying ants; this can end up being a costly mistake. Winged termites have a straight waist, straight antennae and their wings are equal in size. Flying ants, on the other hand, have waists that are pinched in the middle, bent antennae and two sets of wings, with the top set being larger than the lower. Termites are also most likely to swarm in the spring, while flying ants may swarm at various times of the year.

It is not always possible for an untrained eye to spot evidence of termites, but homeowners should keep a look-out for a few key signs that can help them identify a termite infestation.

Other signs of infestation

Mud tubes — Subterranean termites, the most destructive termite species, build mud tubes to provide moisture while they travel between their colony and food source. Mud tubes are most often found near the home’s foundation.

Wood damage — Termites tend to eat wood from the inside out, so wood that sounds hollow when tapped often signifies a termite infestation. Homeowners should also look for blistering pieces of wood.

Frass — Drywood termites produce wood-colored droppings as they eat through infested wood. If a homeowner finds a small pile of what looks like pellets inside or outside the home, it could be a sign of a drywood termite infestation.

It’s a good rule of thumb to have your home inspected for termites once every two to three years, and every year if you live in the south or in warmer climates. If termites are suspected, a pest control professional will be needed to eliminate the problem.

Top 10 termite prevention tips

The good news is that there are plenty of ways homeowners can help protect against termites, while in turn, protecting their greatest investment — their home. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) offers this termite advice:

* Eliminate or reduce moisture in and around the home, which termites need in order to thrive.

* Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and exterior AC units.

* Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles.

* Replace weather stripping and loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.

* Divert water away from the house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks.

* Routinely inspect the foundation of a home for signs of mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source), and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.

* Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, doorframes and skirting boards for any noticeable changes. Remove dead trees and replace rotting wood.

* Maintain an 18-inch gap between soil or mulch and any wood portions of your home.

* Consider scheduling a professional inspection annually. Wood-boring insect damage is not covered by homeowners’ insurance policies.

* Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.

Termites cannot be controlled with do-it-yourself measures. If you suspect a termite infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional immediately to determine the extent of the problem and receive a recommendation of an appropriate course of treatment. To find a local, qualified pest professional, visit PestWorld.org.

2018-04-10T10:11:01

(BPT) – You may never see them. They sneak in silently once the sun goes down. They ravage your delicate garden and stunning landscape. If you do happen to catch a glimpse, they’ll run fast as lightning to safety so they can dine in your yard while you’re not around.

No, this isn’t a plot from some cinematic thriller; it’s a daily occurrence for homeowners with outdoor space. Rabbits can quickly take a toll on any size yard, and can easily climb into raised beds and nibble away at your painstakingly planted container creations.

Wild rabbits have a big appetite and your garden and landscape is like a tempting, bottomless salad bar. And where there’s one, there’s more: The gestation period for a rabbit averages just 30 days. There’s factual truth behind that old saying, “multiplying like rabbits”!

You may enjoy bunnies in storybooks or even as domesticated pets, but wild rabbits can be a devastating problem for your yard. These four-legged foragers can eat your fabulous flowers and prized produce, literally overnight.

To protect your yard from rabbits, you first need to identify their presence. Because they often come out at dawn and sunset, you may rarely see them. According to the animal repellent experts at Bobbex, these are the top signs that you’ve got rabbits:

1. Plant damage low to the ground, often a few inches above the soil

2. A clean, 45-degree angled cut on the end of stems and leaves

3. Woody plants debarked up to 16 inches from the ground

4. Piles of rabbit droppings (dark pea-sized pellets)

5. Tracks: Wild rabbits have five toes on their front feet and four toes on their much longer hind feet.

Check, check, and re-check. If you do catch a glimpse of the furry intruder, you may be able to identify the most common wild rabbit species. Cottontails are common throughout North America, identified by their short tail that resembles a tuft of cotton. Snowshoes are typically found in rocky, mountainous terrain and are identified by their large feet with white fur during winter and rusty brown fur during warmer months. Finally, the speedy jackrabbit is found in the Western U.S. and is known for its incredibly long ears and powerful hind legs.

Once you know you have rabbits ravaging your yard, it’s time to take action. There are a few ways to safely repel them before the damage is done.

Step 1: Build and bury barriers

Fencing can be an effective way to keep rabbits at bay. If you’re targeting rabbits, the fence only needs to be 3 feet tall as they are unlikely to jump over it. However, you’ll have to bury the fence underground since rabbits are experts at burrowing up to a foot below the surface to access a tasty food source.

Step 2: Repel and remove temptation

Bobbex-R Repellent is all natural, environmentally friendly and proven effective at protecting ornamental plantings from small, four-legged garden critters such as rabbits. Usable in any weather, it won’t burn plants or wash off. Use it as a bulb dip to deter underground damage or spray it at the mouth of burrows to prevent animals from re-entering. It’s safe for humans, pets, birds and aquatic life.

Step 3: Remove the creature’s comforts

Many homeowners are surprised to find rabbits have made a home under stairs or in a shed. If you don’t want rabbits nesting and raising families in your yard, remove brush and other debris that could provide them easy shelter and spray a repellent in those areas to maintain rabbit-free hiding places.

These three simple steps will help you safely repel rabbits so you can fully enjoy the beauty and bounty of your outdoor space.

To learn more, visit www.bobbex.com where you’ll also find repellents for other common wild foragers such as deer. Try Bobbex Deer, compared to nine other repellents in category, it was rated 93 percent effective, second only to a fence at 100 percent.