Posts Tagged ‘water’
A Year’s Maintenance Cycle Of A Koi Pond
Spring
Fish ponds, together with koi ponds, come awake in the spring after a winter of semi-hibernation. As soon as the temperature goes above 10C (50F), your fish become more lively and your plants will start growing again. This means that it is a great opportunity to do some upkeep – a spring clean – because you will not shock or stress your inactive fish. If you try it any earlier, you will upset your fish in their slumber and any later and you may disturb breeding.
You should take out any leaves that has fallen into the pond and dredge for some of the algae. Then clean your pond filter and turn your filtration system back on, if you turned it off for the winter. Test the water for any chemical imbalance and treat any issues.
You ought to also add a broad spectrum treatment for common fish ailments. Depending on the medication you use, you may have to repeat this procedure a week later or when the temperature increases above a certain degree.
Summer
This is when your pond is in full swing. Your aquatic plants will be flourishing as will the algae. You must keep the algae under control, which means dredging, netting and scraping. You will have to clean your pond filter more often as well. Check it daily and keep it working at full tilt. The cleaner you can keep your koi pond now, the less work you will have to do afterward.
Aeration of the water is a major concern in the summer, because warm water is able to hold less oxygen than cold water. Therefore, you will have to keep your fountain working and your bubbler bubbling, if you have one.
If you do not have one, consider getting one. You fish and the flourishing algae will be competing for the oxygen in the pond water. You can tell if the water is short of oxygen, because the fish will be gulping air at the surface.
The warm water will not only awaken your fish and your plants, it will also bring parasites to life, so keep a beady eye on your fish’ health and treat anything dubious straight away. Be on the look out for fish rubbing against the sides or each other – scratching themselves, in other words.
Feed frequently. Your fish will have eaten very little in the winter and now they have to replenish their fat for breeding and next winter.
Autumn
Autumn is changeable, but the first half may be like the summer and the second half more like winter. Continue to feed well. As the trees begin to shed their leaves, you must remove them from your pond water.
Drag the leaves off at least once a day or sling a net over the pond and skim for leaves weekly. If you have any pond plants that will not survive the winter, either take them indoors or throw them away; you do not want them rotting in your pond.
Winter
Life in your pond will slow down as winter progresses. You ought to feed less often, maybe only once a day until the temperature gets to 10C (50F) and then stop feeding – your fish will be in semi-hibernation at this point. Remove your filtration pumps and your fountain and switch all electrical gear off.
Put a pond heater in the water. This is a floating apparatus that keeps a small surface area from freezing. If you permit all your pond to freeze over gases will build up, oxygen will vanish and your fish will die.
Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on many topics, but is at present concerned with the fish pond filter. If you are interested in a Solar Powered Pond Pump, please go to our web site now for a special deal.
Softening The Minerals, Not The Water
Hard water left untreated will lead to sub par laundry results, spots on dishes and soap not foaming up when bathing. On top of this calcium in the form of scale will destroy fixtures, shorten the life spam of appliances and finally destroy the plumbing in your house. People with hard water know of these concerns but not very many know that there is a non salt alternative.
The question of who invented water softening nearly fifty years ago has lead to only two answers, either Minnesota based Culligan or Minnesota based Lindsay Miracle Water (now Eco Water). The ion exchange of sodium for calcium leading to zero calcium in the water and a measurable amount of sodium is water softening. Since the late 80′s the by product of water softening that is discharged into the environment is brine intruded water and it has come under the close watch of regulators. The discharge of chloride regulations have been implemented into huge county districts such as Los Angeles County in California and Livingston County in Michigan and also into smaller municipalities across the country. The Mayo clinic has chimed in about the negative effects of sodium levels in softened water and the Government of Finland has scrutinized the removal of calcium hardness itself. High blood pressure and stroke are just 2 of the circulatory system risks associated with sodium and soft water even without the method of softening.
Spurred by the relative ease of the internet as a research tool and a general increase in health awareness in general, the push has been intensified to find non-salt water treatment alternatives. One emerging option has been the combination of oxygenation and copper ionization in a single system. Ionic copper and natural copper systems revert calcium carbonate (CACO3) to calcium bicarbonate (CA2H(CO3)). Additionally, the process provides for a filter to remove the iron that has been oxidized without the use of salt or other chemicals. According to Mike Dewar, a regional manager in the water treatment industry, “Yahoo science and Stanford University legitimized these systems by defining calcium bicarbonate in 2001.” Dewar concedes that the acceptance of the technology has faced some resistance. “We still fight some chemical engineers and professors, typically those who earned PHDs prior to 1980, who refuse to believe bicarbonate calcium exists.”
Bicarbonate calcium tests are now required on new wells in Canada and EPA approved testing methods in the US are now available to demonstrate water hardness as permanent or temporary. Culligan Los Angeles and Watercheck in Cleveland, OH are two leading sources for the bicarbonate test. Instead of hard scale, bicarbonate calcium will leave a dry powder residue, easily wiped away without chemicals. Dewar adds that the root electrolysis used in these systems was developed by NASA and first used in the Apollo Space Program and the low level copper ions are healthy to humans and effective against mold while the oxygenation was used to control scale in the Apollo cooling systems.
“The other major benefit is the residual bacteria control, which becomes important if you filter out the chlorine of city water or recognize a high percentage of wells develop Coliform through the natural ecosystem,” Dewar continued.
To learn more about Salt Free Water please visit ECOsmarte’s site where you can learn more about Salt Free Softening and what it can do for you and your water.
What to do with Bathtubs that Won’t Drain
As one of the most used plumbing fixtures in the home, a bathtub that won’t drain can be a very frustrating experience. Common causes of a clogged bathtub drain are hair, soapy sediment, and cleaning products that accumulate in the drain. A clogged bathtub drain will affect everyone in the household. Fortunately, there are number of things a homeowner can do to clear a clogged bathtub drain.
The following is a list of tips to fixing a bathtub that won’t drain:
1. Most clogs begin in the strainer. The first thing you can do is check the strainer on the drain if you have one. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws and clear out any accumulated hair and debris. Once complete, run the water to see if the problem is resolved.
2. You can use a plunger to unclog the bathtub. Fill the tub with water high enough so that the head of the plunger will be submerged in the water. Place the lip of the plunger head over the drain hole. Using forceful thrusts push on the plunger. Repeatedly plunge until you clear the clog and then run hot water through the drain to see if you cleared the clog and the water is continuously running through the pipes.
3. Pour a drain cleaner in the bathtub drain. There are chemical drain cleaners on the market, however, some cleaners are corrosive and can damage the pipes. There are natural drain cleaners on the market that will clear a clog without harming the septic system. You can also make a homemade drain cleaner that consists of pouring a half cup of white vinegar and a half cup of baking soda. If it is a tough clog, it may have to sit overnight. After sitting, run hot water through the plumbing system to clear out any loosened and broken up debris.
4. Using a manual snake is effective at clearing a stubborn bathtub drain clog. First, use a screwdriver to remove the screws that are securing the trip lever face plate. Pull the face plate forward (towards you) and take out the drain stop. Then, unscrew and take out the bathtub drain grate. Feed the snake with the auger head going in first. Feed the snake through the drain system until you reach the blockage. Manipulate the snake so that you are grasping and loosening the clog. Push the snake auger head through the clog. Then, retract the snake and pull the clog out. Once you have the clog removed, run the faucet with hot water to get rid of any remaining pieces of debris.
The method you choose to clear a bathtub drain depends on your personal preference and the nature of the clog. With a little ‘know how,’ clearing clog bathtub drains can be quite easy, however, if you have tried all methods and your bathtub still won’t drain, you should call a professional plumber who will have the skills and knowledge to find the cause of the problem and make the repair.
Searching online for a local plumber to fix your drains and plumbing problems? Then be sure to contact the plumbing professionals at Mr.Rooter, offering full services 24 hours a day! From plumber Sidney to plumber Hope problems, Mr.Rooter has you covered coast to coast!
Can You Install Wick Drains In Rocky Soil?
One issue that must be taken into consideration when undertaking a construction project is the long term settlement and stiffness of the ground such as the soil, clay, or soft silt. The solution to ensuring much quicker soil consolidation and settlement has been the development of Wick Drains. Wick drains are used when there is a problem with soil consolidation.
Also known as Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PV Drains), wick drains are flat, plastic fabric coated channels surrounded by a thin geo-textile filter jacket that functions as a free-draining water channel. The fabric acts as a filter because it maintains permeability while preserving the fine soil particles.
Wick drains reduce the distance water travels to a drainage path thereby reducing the time of settlement. Basically, they act as a free-draining water channel. Wick drains are suitable for peat, silts, clay, silt sands, and sludge waste from industry. Both the core and geotextile filter jacket of wicker drains makes them extremely durable and resistant to chemicals and many micro-organisms such as bacteria.
Wick Drains are a cost efficient method of hastening the consolidation process of fine grained soils in order to cut down on the time for starting construction. It allows for the drastic reduction time for long term settlement to occur. The use of wick drains helps to remove excess water, consolidate the compressible soil, and promote soil settlement. This allows a construction project to start in a few months instead of 12 months or more.
Special equipment called ‘Stitchers’ are used to install wick drains. The ‘Stitchers’ are mounted on a crane containing an installation mandrel that holds the wick drain. The mandrel along with the wick drain is driven hydraulically or vibrated into the ground allowing the penetration of rocky soil. When the mandrel is withdrawn, the wick drain remains in the ground. Depending upon the soil conditions, the speed of installation can be up to 2,000 feet per hour. As the soil consolidates, it increases in strength because there is a large reduction in water.
Wick drain projects have included: sedimentation ponds, buildings, airport runways, highway embankments, dams, golf courses, large storage areas…etc. The installation of wick drains is essential in areas that contain high fills that have to be positioned over low strength soft soils. The rate of soil consolidation and settlement depends on how quickly the water leaves the soil through the wick drain process. This is largely determined by the size of the spacing between the wick drains as well as the permeability of the water.
The particular design curves of drains Canada spacing chosen, the fill height, and consolidation time, all allow construction to begin much sooner. The costs of installing a wick drains depends on a number of factors that include: soil conditions, difficulty of pre-drilling, type of drain used, size of the project…etc. There are professional companies that specialize in installing wick drains. Today, the installation of wick drains has become an invaluable component of a construction project that requires a faster rate of soil consolidation and settlement.
Looking for a local plumber? Then contact the plumbing experts at Mr.Rooter, offering plumber Oshawa and plumber Peterborough services all across Canada. Visit mrrooter.ca to find a plumbing franchise in your city.
What Kinds Of Items Make Drains Clogged In Home Plumbing Systems
Clogged drains are a common problem that nearly every homeowner will encounter and have to resolve. Because the plumbing pipes are designed only to bring in clean water and eliminate wastewater, poorly maintained plumbing systems can result in clogged drains. There are various substances that can create clogs. These items are not supposed to be put in the drains. In order to prevent clogs, it is important to know what kinds of items make drains clogged in home plumbing systems.
1. The bathtub drains can become clogged with a variety of substances such as hair, soap, and chemical cleaning agents which can accumulate in the drain and build up in the pipes. To prevent build up of debris and matter causing clogs, you can insert strainers in the drain hole and keep them cleaned out. As well, after bathing or showering, make sure that you run the tap water thoroughly in order to make sure all matter has been pushed through the pipes.
2. Kitchen drains can become clogged due to food, grease, and debris being put in the drain. Pour grease into a can and put it with the trash instead of pouring it down the sink. Make sure you have cleaned off all dishes that held food before you rinse and wash them. Once a week, run hot water down the sink drain to keep the pipes clear of debris. You can also add a homemade drain cleaner consisting of vinegar and baking soda down the sink once a week and flush it with hot water to remove accumulation of matter. As well, never use the garbage disposer without running water down the pipes to flush out the food particles and organic debris. Don’t put tough, fibrous foods into the garbage disposal such as chicken bones and celery pieces.
3. Some people will dump harmful products such as hot wax, paint thinner, and motor oil down the sink drain. This will not only contribute to clogs, but it can damage the plumbing system. Never pour these items into your sink drain and use non corrosive drain cleaners.
Slow drains are extremely frustrating, but a clogged drain is even more annoying. If you have something in your drain causing a clog, overtime it will only get worse and cause a more serious problem. By properly maintaining your plumbing system, you can reduce the chances of getting a clogged drain. Annual inspections by a professional plumber will help your plumbing systems stay clear, clean, and working properly.
If you do get a clog, there are items you can use to clear the clog such as sink augers, plungers, plumbing snake, and non corrosive chemical drain cleaners. There are also bacteria-based enzyme cleaners that eat away at a clog without causing damage to the pipes. Remember, for clogs that cannot be removed even after you have tried everything, it is important to contact plumbers who will have the skills and tools to identify the cause of the clog and repair the problem.
Trying to find a local plumber in your city? Mr.Rooter, the leader in residential and commercial plumbing services, has plumbing locations all across Canada to service your plumbing and drains needs. From plumber Collingwood to plumber Orillia, Mr. Rooter is the preferred choice for the highest quality plumbing services throughout all of Canada.
Finding The Right Plumber For The Job
All homeowners know how important maintaining their homes is and how important it is to make sure that their plumbing is is good condition. Plumbing can be a big issue and can cause a lot of damage if not taken care of right away and by a good plumber that has a lot of experience.
If it is your first time looking for a professional to take care of your plumbing issues you may find it a bit of a difficult task and probably do not even know where to begin your search. A lot of people do not take the time and effort to do research and usually jump at calling the first plumber they see in the phone book.
This however; is not always the best way to find yourself a good and reliable professional to take care of your problem. You could end up paying far too much and you put yourself at risk for poor work and may not be up to the required standards.
You should have a checklist that starts with word of mouth. If a professional has a good reputation it stands to reason that the reputation has been spread by word of mouth. So it is always a good idea to start calling your family, close friends, people at work and your neighbors and see if they have any recommendations for a good plumber. If this does not turn up anyone, you can always call plumbing services that give out references for plumbing companies with good reputations.
Another important thing to have on your list is how long the company and or plumber has been in business. The more experience they have the better off you are going to be in getting a good job done. Make sure that the company lists a variety of services and if your problem does not seem to be on the list it is important that you move onto someone who does.
Of course price is another important issue but if you have never had the need of a plumbing service before it will be hard to decide what might be a fair price. You should call around to a variety of different plumbers and find out what their charges are and then take the average of all of your quotes so that you will have some sort of middle ground for an average price that you can use when you begin seriously looking for a professional to take care of your problem.
Another important point that should be put on your checklist is the guarantee that the company offers their customers. If the guarantee is good to excellent then you can rest assured that you will more than likely be well taken care of. But if the guarantee just does not seem to be very appealing then you might want to consider staying away from them even if the price is right.
Many companies now have their own websites offering you information on their services, but it is still a better idea to call the companies and get a first hand idea of what kind of people they have working for them. It is easier to get a feel for how they treat their customers if you talk to them on the phone and there might be questions you need to ask that their website cannot answer.
Find a dependable Burlington plumber for your sewage disposal system. Plumbing relates to the maintenance of different fixtures, pipes, and appliances that move water. From your bathroom sinks to kitchen faucets, a professional Guelph plumber is what you need.
Learning About Hercules Garden Water Fountain
The most admired historical feature within the Kew Gardens in England is the Hercules garden water fountain. This fountain is situated at the Palm House Pond, frequently called as Palm Pond. The water fountain was initially made so it could add humidity as well as attractiveness to the tropical green house next door. This greenhouse is known as the Palm House.
The Kew garden was designed and made in the 1800′s. At that time the art from the Romans and Greeks were highly admired. Throughout that time the Greek and Roman art was the only thing that was amazing as well as dignified enough to be placed in an English garden. 1n the year 1845, the Palm House had been built and this was the time the pond was also constructed.
The three dimensional art object of Hercules was added in 1853. He is bare in the sculpture battling with a large snake (the Greek God Achelus). The entire statue is more than 6 feet in height and the name of the garden water fountain been given as “Hercules Fighting Achelus”. Nevertheless, it is also known as “Herc”.
Bosio was very much into Roman and Greek myths. His work normally included statues of larger bare people on horses. Other sculptures by this great sculptor include – Hyacinth awaiting His Turn to Throw the Discus and Cupid with a Bow. He is also well identified for statues of horses and angels.
Bosio was greatly into Roman and Greek myths. His work usually included art forms of bigger bare people on horses. Other statues by this excellent sculptor consist of – Hyacinth awaiting His Turn to Throw the Discus and Cupid with a Bow. He can also be well recognized for statues of horses and angels. Not very much is known regarding Bosio besides his work. Nonetheless, individuals who desire to add peacefulness as well as tranquility to their home can also opt in for indoor water fountains obtainable in the marketplace.
It matters not how much you think you are aware about yes,solar fountains information such as information about solar fountains, or even indoor water fountains, visit this awesome site to be amazed at very revealing information — http://www.thesolarfountains.com
Great Lakes And Global Warming: A Recipe For Regional Reshaping
A century worth of human innovation including the industrial revolution can wreck havoc to any environment that it comes into contact with. With leaps in scientific measurement we can now look at the world in completely new ways and a side effect of that is being able to look into the future with some certainty. Climate change is a hot topic along with its effects. The Great Lakes and global warming is a situation that will significantly change an entire region.
This area is already dealing with the deleterious affects of invasive species, and something like climate change will only act like fuel to a fire. Twenty percent of the world’s fresh water comes from the Great Lakes, it is a major source of this finite resource and any depletion will have massive and widespread repercussions.
Being a huge reservoir for fresh water cannot be downplayed in its importance, but there are other things that the region provides. It is a main player in the waterway shipping, as well as a provider of hydroelectric energy to many surrounding areas. Many tourists flock to its shores, which are also a treasure trove of plant and animal species.
All is not right in the great lakes region, however, as it has been subject to urban development over the past hundred years. This construction and urbanization has led to air and water pollution as well as habitat destruction due to the building up of cities along its shores. All of these issues make something as simple as increased temperatures potentially devastating.
Warming temperatures will increase the melting away of the ice cover that is already quite thin upon the lakes. This melting will result in an increased evaporation of the lakes themselves, bringing the water level down.
As recently as last year, the lake level of Lake Superior was at its lowest in seventy seven years and predictions for the future are estimating another three foot decrease. The effects of low water levels include restrictions to shipping and a concentration of pollutants which will damage the water quality greatly, as well as the industry for travel, leisure, and cruises.
At the present, there are preliminary measure being discussed to restore the grandeur to the Great Lakes, but it will require billions of dollars over a number of years. Updating antiquated sewage treatment systems and cleaning up the already polluted sediment will be coupled with a natural buildup of wetlands that will act as a natural filter and barrier from invasive species.
There are more repercussions from climate change other than decreasing water levels and that includes an increase in the number and ferocity of storms and drought periods. In response to these weather extremes viral transmissions can increase and pollution runoff may be increased. Within the lakes there may be more dead zones, places where there is no oxygen because of algae overgrowth.
The predicted future statistics are not encouraging. The temperature itself will be increased two to four degree centigrade with lake levels falling anywhere from 1.5 to 8 feet! Weather wise, the increase in storms may be 25%.
Making a better tomorrow really does mean being better today. Allowing for proactive measure while being realistic about future effects can mean that humans can restore luster to the Great Lakes region.
These luxurious Toronto boat cruises offer boundless fun, adventure, and excitement for all ages. Whether you are a tourist, vacationer, or adventure seeker, you will enjoy the fireworks cruises for their enriching amenities and cozy accommodations.
Why It Is Always Good To Have A Water Filter For Your House
You need to protect your family from harmful things that can be in the water by having good water filters in your home. These filters can help the water that you drink, cook with, wash clothes with, and that you take a bath with. Did you know that water can have fungi, bacteria, toxic chemicals, viruses, drugs, and much more dangerous things in it? This is why it is important to have water filters in your water to help get these things out of it and so it does not get into your body.
These things can cause health problem as time gos by making you feel sick and weak. Do you know the ricks of drinking contaminated water is? It can give you the risks of water born diseases, amoebiasis, typhoid, cholera, and botulism. It can also cause cancers to, scary uh. Water filters purify your water making it healthier for you and protecting you from these risks.
You need to have a filter in the main pipe where the water comes in from and you need to have filters in all of your faucets like sinks, showers, bath tubs, and in your appliances. The appliances that they have to in is to your dishwasher, washing machine, refrigerator, and fish tanks as well. You also have to put a filter in your pool to keep it clean and safe for you to be in.
But you have to change the filters every so often due to the filters will get a lot of things in them and they will get nasty. When they get nasty and dirty they will not work which things can get through it. With filters they can be expansive but they are worth it because they do the job to keep your water safe and healthier for you. There are a lot of types of filters out there all you have to do is find the right one that you need for your home and also the best ones to use.
Get the ones that fit you pipes and faucets because you do not want to get ones that do not fit because than it will not work as well as it needs to. Because things can get through and you can get them into your body, if you have problems finding what you need just ask someone and they will help you get what you need, you can go to any store to find water filter. If you do not know about the filters in your house than check them and find out or if you buy a house ask them about it and have them change them before you move in.
Want to find out more about Berkey Water Filters , then visit Jessica McNabb’s site on how to choose the best Berkey Light Water Filter for your needs.