Gas Leak Symptoms
Many people are using natural gas in their homes for cooking, heating, and more. However, natural gas can be harmful to one’s health if there’s a leak present. Some gas companies add smells to the gas like rotten eggs or sulfur to make a leak more recognizable, but that isn’t always the case.
To prevent a slow gas leak, follow these tips:
1. Yearly Inspection
Any appliance that uses gas should have an annual inspection. All Star Plumbing and Restoration can help with this.
2. Carbon Monoxide Detector
Every home that uses natural gas should be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. There should be one on every floor.
3. Ventilation
If the area around the appliance isn’t properly ventilated, gases can build up. With the right combination of oxygen and ignition sources, this could lead to fire. Air needs to be able to circulate through vents.
4. Fire Extinguisher
There needs to be at least one fire extinguisher in the home for emergencies such as a gas fire.
5. Chemical/Flammable Materials
As stated above, the right combination of oxygen and ignition sources can be flammable. For fire prevention, store household chemicals and potentially flammable materials far away from gas appliances.
Another way to identify a problem with gas leaks is by looking for these health symptoms:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Flu-like Symptoms
- Memory Loss
- Tiredness/Depression
- Chest pain
- Chest Pain/ Difficulty Breathing
Winterizing the Sprinkler System
Winter has arrived in Boise! If you’ve been putting off winterizing the sprinkler system, don’t delay any longer. It’s just as susceptible to freezing, bursting, and water damage as other water pipes. Simply draining the sprinkler system can still leave behind water that can freeze.
Here are the different types of water removal for winterizing the sprinkler system:
1. Manual Drain Method
If the sprinkler system has manual valves located at the end and low points of the irrigation piping this is the best method. Shut off the irrigation water supply and open all of the manual drain valves. Once all the water has drained out, open the boiler drain valve or the drain cap on the stop and waste valve to drain the remaining water. Open the test cocks on the backflow device also. If the sprinkler system has check valves, pull up on the sprinkler to allow the water to drain out of the sprinkler body. Once all the water is gone, close all of the manual drain valves.
2. Automatic Drain Method
When the automatic drain valves are located at the end and low points of irrigation piping, this method works well. Shut off the irrigation water supply to activate the automatic drain valves. Once the water is drained from the mainline, the boiler drain valve/drain cap will need to be opened, the sprinklers pulled up, and the test cocks opened on the backflow device.
3. Blowout Method
For this method, an air compressor with a Cubic Foot per Minute rating of 80-100 will be needed for any mainline two inches or less. They can generally be rented at an equipment rental yard. The compressor is attached to the mainline through a quick coupler, hose bib or other connection located after the backflow device. Shit off the water supple, and attach the compressor hose. Activate the station controller that is the zone or sprinklers highest in elevation and furthest from the compressor. Close the backflow isolation valves and slowly open the valve on the compressor, releasing air into the system. Don’t exceed 80 PSI. Slowly work around the system until no water can be seen exiting the heads in each zone.
For those who suspect their sprinkler system has frozen and could be broken, call the experts at All Star Plumbing and Restoration. They can assess the damage and decide what repairs are necessary.
A Guide to Selecting Bathtubs
When doing a bathroom remodel, one thing to consider is what type of bathtub to install. There are a lot of options, and factors to consider. The type chosen will most likely depend on the space available in the bathroom.
- 3-Wall Alcove
For bathrooms trying to maximize space, this is a great choice. This shower-tub combination gives homeowners the choice of showering or relaxing in the bathtub. The ends of the tub are surrounded by walls or a built-in storage cabinet. It’s not the most aesthetically pleasing, but still allows the bathroom to have a tub.
- Freestanding
These bathtubs sit above floor level and have a solid base or cradle that the bowl sits in. For more luxurious bathrooms this is a common choice.
- Drop-In
Mostly installed in open areas, these tubs have their own deck or peninsula that they sit in. They require more floor space than other options.
- Clawfoot
For those who like a vintage-inspired bathroom, a clawfoot tub can make a statement. They sit on beautifully designed legs, but sometimes their plumbing is exposed, which some people find unattractive.
- Corner
Corner tubs can also take up a lot of floor space, and are often five sided as opposed to three. They are for luxurious soaking, and can turn the bathroom into a spa-like experience.
When choosing a new bathtub, talk to All Star Plumbing and Restoration about the plumbing. They can modify the plumbing for the remodel, if necessary, and can make sure the plumbing fixtures are properly installed.
Holiday PVC Pipe Decorations
Decorating for the holidays is always fun and making your own decorations can add to the family fun. When looking for holiday craft ideas consider experimenting with PVC pipe. There are a ton of ideas available using PVC and a few other items. Here are some examples:
Wreath
Love wreaths, but tired of them shedding pine needles? Make one with PVC and some ornaments. Just cut pieces of PVC that are different diameters in varying lengths from an inch to three inches. Paint them, arrange them in a circle, and glue them together. Then place ornaments inside and glue them in so they stay.
Candy Canes
This one requires a little bit more effort. Here are the items needed:
- Two 2 inch or 3 inch PVC drain with 5 SS strain
- Two 2 inch PVC p-trap with union
- Two 2 inch by 2 inch PVC solid pipe in 2 feet section
- Two 2 inch by 22.5 diameter street elbow
- Sand paper
- Tape
- Primer
- White spray paint
- Red spray paint
- Two strings of 35 white Christmas lights
- Rocks/gravel for the bottom
- Two red bows
- Attach the PVC together in a candy cane shape: drain on bottom, 2 feet PVC pipe, P-trap, elbow
- Sand and primer the candy cane
- Put on two coats of the white spray paint and let dry
- Wrap the tape around the candy cane to create the stripes and give them two coats of the red paint. Before the second coat of red dries, take the tape off.
- Once the paint is dry drill holes where desired, take off the bottom drain and put the white lights up inside the candy cane.
- Attached the bows and plug them in!
PVC pipe can be used for so many decorations. And they will last for years to come.
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