system

Not as Tricky as You Think: Learning How to Add a Valve

October 30, 2017 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

There are likely to be plenty of DIY enthusiasts who may think that a job like adding a valve to an irrigation system is too complicated for their level of skills, but this is a typical example of a job that can often be easier than you might believe.

Here is a look at why you might to do something like adding a valve and the basics that you need to know in order to get the job done successfully, including understanding how your system works, the essential aspects of the job, plus some troubleshooting hints if the installation doesn’t go to plan first time around.

Adding a zone

A good starting point is to understand the basics of your irrigation system and what happens to control the flow of water.

The water comes into the system under pressure normally from the main water supply system, and output of that water is controlled by a series of valves depending on how many zones you have.

If you want to add a new zone you will need to add a new valve.

Your first task is to locate the valve box which will normally be installed with a cover at ground level and your aim should be to add a valve closest to where you want the new zone to be.

Getting started

Turn off the water supply before you begin working and then pre-assemble the new section before attaching it to the T-joint of the main water line.

You may well be able to get the items you need and other tools and equipment from this site so that you have everything you need to complete the job in one visit.

If you follow some basic instructions for this procedure you will see that it is not as complicated as it seems when describing the procedure.

Fixing the new section in place

You can use the pre-assembled section to determine how much of a section of the source pipe you need to remove.

Once you have that information you can cut the section out and proceed to attach the other end of the of the PVC union coupling to the appropriate outgoing section of the source pipe.

The next step is to use solvents to attach the valve assembly to the source pipe, before completing the job by screwing both ends of the union coupling together.

If you find that the union leaks when the water is turned back on, turn off the supply again, before repeating the process with more solvent until the coupling doesn’t leak with the water supply in full flow.

Adding a valve should be within your DIY capabilities if you follow the instructions and have all the right tools and accessories you need, and it will prove that your range of skills are wider than you give yourself credit for.

Once you have this job cracked you can look for something more ambitious that might be as equally less challenging than you envisaged.

Simple and Cost Effective Ways to Prevent Break-Ins

September 20, 2017 by Painter Mommy 1 Comment

If you are worried about your home getting broken into while you are out or during the night, we have some steps that should help with the issue. Even though none of the below steps are going to give you a 100 percent guarantee of no break-ins, we believe these steps will ensure the risk is close to negligible. Here are some simple and cost effective ways to prevent break-ins.

Stop Showing Off

It may sound obvious, but if you are going to show off your wealth there is a much higher chance of you getting robbed. And that is especially true if you are not living in a highly secure neighborhood. If you have an expensive motorbike or bicycle do not leave it out unattended. If you have pricey electronics do not throw the boxes they came in to an area that is clearly visible to those who are passing by. And if you have those expensive electronics set up in the house avoid leaving the drapes or shades open while you’re out so that everyone can see your huge screen TV.

Trick Burglars

One of the best ways to ensure you are not robbed is to give the illusion that you are always home. Even when you are heading to work, keep one or two lights on. You may even want to leave the TV on or some music playing as that will really make people think there is someone in the house. Statistics show that a break in is far less likely if someone is home.

Secure Your Windows

It is always a good idea to keep all of your sliding doors and windows secured. You may think no one is going to realize your back sliding door does not lock, but all it takes is for a burglar to try getting inside. We suggest connecting with locksmiths in Perth so they can help you get all of these doors and windows secured. It is much better to be safe instead of coming home to a place that was robbed because your window was unsecure.

Stop Leaving Spares

We have all seen this in many movies or television shows –homeowners leaving a key under the mat or a nearby pot. Do NOT do this under any circumstances. Unless it is for a specific occasion and the key will only be there for a couple of hours, it is a bad idea. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that burglars don’t know this too! The first thing they’ll do is look for a ‘hidden’ key – and they know all the good hiding spots.

Get an Alarm System

With most alarm systems, you are getting a high level of protection for a very low price. And sometimes all it takes is having one of those signs in your front yard that says you are a customer for an alarm company. It will deter burglars, because they know that an alarm is going to go off if they attempt to get into the house through a door or window.

3 of Signs It’s Time to Upgrade the HVAC System in Your Home

April 24, 2017 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Most households don’t notice their HVAC systems. As long as their home stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter then they don’t think about it. However, when it stops performing effectively or starts getting more disruptive, homeowners are forced to evaluate their HVAC units to determine what can be fixed and what needs to be replaced. Here are three signs that your HVAC system needs to be replaced or at least needs to be inspected.

There Is More Dust Floating Around

Image via Flickr by pulverizer_13

Dust is more than a cleaning annoyance. It can worsen your allergies and make your children sick. If they have asthma, they could struggle to breathe — even in their own homes. Furthermore, pollen from the outside can spread to areas like the bedroom and den that you want to feel comfortable in. Replacing your HVAC unit and cleaning your ducts can make it easy to breathe in your home again.

If you have noticed more dust in your home lately, check your air ducts to see if they’re particularly dusty. While air filters catch a significant amount of dirt and dust, older models are less effective at trapping these irritants. Your older home could also have decades of dust build up in your air ducts if they have never been cleaned.

Your Energy Bills Are Increasing

There are two signs that your HVAC system isn’t performing like it should: your energy bills are increasing and your system seems to run constantly. In this instance, you might have a leak in your air ducts that is pushing the air out of your home instead of inside your rooms. If your energy bills have been on the rise lately, pay attention to your HVAC system and see if it’s not turning off as often as it used to. The two could be correlated.

Before you decide to invest in a new system, call your local HVAC company for a checkup. There might be something wrong with your unit that’s causing it to run longer or push out room-temperature air. This could be an easier — and more affordable — fix than a complete replacement. During your tune-up, the HVAC professional will also check other sources around your home for leaks, like a drafty room or loose windows. This too could provide an affordable alternative to an HVAC replacement.

Your System Is Loud and Disruptive

Has your HVAC system grown louder in the past few years? Is there roaring and clanking that is keeping you and your kids up at night? If so, then your unit may be on its last legs. Older motors have to work harder and lose pipes or doors could lead to clanking noises.

This is another reason to have your HVAC unit inspected by a professional. He or she might be able to tighten up a few loose elements or find a way to muffle the sound of your system without requiring a complete replacement.

A poorly performing HVAC system can make the summer miserable, whether you’re sweating through the day or sneezing all night. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, then it might be time to invest in a modern unit.