Monthly Archives: August 2015

Drip, Drip, Drip: What Will A Leaky Faucet Cost You In The End?

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Fotolia_23406014_Subscription_Monthly_MA dripping faucet is more than a nuisance. Many people notice the sound at night, when the steady sound comes through like water torture.

In drought areas, wasted water represents moisture needed by people, crops, gardens and animals. In any location, the drip costs you money and can lead to unpleasant consequences.

The Cost of Leaking Faucets

A property that has three faucets leaking at 30 drips a minute wastes 8 gallons of water daily and 3,124 gallons in a year, according to the U.S. Geological Survey website. That dripping faucet does more than waste water. Plumbing leaks and drips can attract insect pests, vermin and unwanted wildlife. Home and business pests such as cockroaches, mice and rats seek water, and that drip makes your place more attractive for them to live in — and reproduce. Drips also increase the risk of stains from mineral deposits and rust stains, which can make sinks and fixtures look dingy. In some cases the damage might be permanent and require costly replacements. In the interest of saving water and saving money, fix drips right away.

How to Fix the Drip

Often a leaking faucet requires only a new washer to stop the drip. Some newer faucets may need a cylinder replacement, so if you’re not sure, look for your faucet model online for instructions and replacement parts, or call in a plumber. Leaking faucets never stop dripping by themselves, and tightening the handle may make the problem worse.

Water Conservation Tip: Here Are 10 Beautiful Plants That Require Very Little Water

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Saving water is high on the priority list for most property owners. One of the best ways to keep a luxurious yard without the need for constant watering is to use plants that thrive with less water than most. These kinds of plants can be layered for a better effect, and most are perfect for tight spaces. Some will even work in shady areas where there are plenty of trees and bushes.

For year round color, the Angelita Daisy and Desert Marigold are perfect for blanketing a large area with color. These plants bloom almost the entire year and require one foot of space between plants to give complete coverage. Lemon Dalea grows in spikes with yellow flowers to give a pop of color. Another yellow flowering plant is the Trailing Gold Emu, which blooms from spring to fall. Damainita, which blooms during the same period, has flowers that are similar to daisies. The Golden Dyssodia, which also looks like daisies, blooms spring to fall and it attracts butterflies.

Lantanas come in a variety of colors and are perfect for people who want to appeal to butterflies. Trailing Rosemary uses very little water and blooms from winter to spring with small blue flowers. Katie Ruellia and Rock Verbena both have purple flowers that are in bloom from spring to fall, and when mixed with Trailing Rosemary it gives flowering coverage year round. Bush Morning Glory plants grow with silver colored leaves, and white flowers bloom in March to add a little variety.

3 Tips on How to Keep Your Septic Tank Healthy

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Homeowners will want to get their septic systems cleaned out every three to five years and have an inspection done, but during a three to five year period there are a lot of things that can go wrong. A clog or leak could turn into something major if you do not know how to keep your septic tank healthy. The following are three tips that you should consider to keep your septic tank in good working order:

Flushing Habits

Be sure that everyone in your household has a complete understanding of what should and should not be flushed down the toilet. Being choosy about your toilet paper can also help your septic tank as that which is made from recycled paper is known to break down much faster and more complete.

Garbage Disposals

While many enjoy the convenience of a garbage disposal, it can be damaging to your septic tank. Grease and solids can actually cause a clog quicker than anything else. If you are going to have one in your home, limit how much it gets used to protect your septic system.

Cleaning Chemicals

There are specific cleaners to use when cleaning your toilet that will not harm your septic. Do not simply dump any other cleaners down your septic to get rid of them. Certain chemicals will actually prevent the breakdown of sewage as they kill the good bacteria.By following the above three tips, you can be sure that your septic is working properly and stays healthy in between inspections and cleanouts.