Month: December 2020

How to Choose a Hot Water Heater

When it comes to deciding on a hot water heater, there is not any”one size fits all” system. Each different water heating system has benefits and disadvantages. The choice of which system to use is dependent upon many things, such as just how much hot water that you need, the first cost of this system and the cost to operate it, and accessible energy sources in the house.

Types

There are two types of standalone water heating systems: storage and tankless. Storage water heaters, also known as tank or traditional water heaters, heat water and wait in a predetermined temperature. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand. Hybrid, heat pump and solar water heaters are combination systems. Hybrid water heaters combine tank and tankless systems, using both approaches to their best advantage. Heat pump water heaters and gas water heating systems use passive heat sources to heat water, then store the heated water in a tank; the tank also serves as a backup water heater should need outstrips the passive heat source.

Space

Normal storage water heaters are tall cylindrical tanks. The dimensions of the tank depends on the gallon capacity, but most houses will accommodate standard sizes. Tankless systems are substantially smaller; lots of fit under the sink or on the walls. Hybrid water heaters will also be smaller than typical storage water heaters, and their storage tank is usually less than 10 gallons. Heat pump water heating systems are either added to the present tank system, necessitating extra space, or built as combination units. Solar water heaters take a large, flat space, such as a roof, in addition to the storage tank water heater.

Price

Storage water heaters are the cheapest of the available water heating systems, but also the least energy efficient. Other water heating systems cost more initially, but may pay for themselves over the future with electricity savings. Along with the initial price, you will need to factor in installation and upkeep expenses. Many systems, such as storage water heaters, are easy to install, while those such as solar systems need professional installers. The charge to keep water heaters varies between systems and between models.

Considerations

Your available fuel source is an important factor in deciding on a water heater. While natural gas is usually less costly than electricity, it may be costly to retrofit a house to use natural gas. Tankless systems are accessible as either point-of-use units or septic systems; you might decide to use a storage tank program for a lot of the house, while installing tankless point-of-use units for showers. Another factor when selecting a hot water heater is your system’s warranty. An inexpensive unit that must be replaced every five years may cost more in the future than a more expensive system with a 20-year warranty.

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Difference Between Eastern King-Size Bedding and Regular King

Common bedding designs relate to the mattresses they match, but”common” turns to”perplexing” when identical mattresses have various names. Two popular king-size mattresses have been created; put the confusion to bed.

Royally Compatible Kings

Eastern king-size bedding and regular king-size bedding match exactly the exact same size mattress, which only touts the name”king,””standard king,” or”oriental king” mattress. A king — or standard or eastern king — mattress is 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. A fitted king-size sheet can measure slightly larger compared to bed — about 78 by 80 inches — so that you could put it on without much tugging and pulling or to allow for shrinkage. The California king — or Cal king — mattress is thinner but longer, measuring 72 by 84 inches. Mattress depth or thickness is an issue when shopping for bedding; look for deep pocket or extra-deep-pocket king-size sheets to match thickly cushioned king-size mattresses, by 16- to 20-inches deep.

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McCulloch Chainsaw Specifications for Model 7-10

A favorite of chain saw collectors, the 7-10 model was fabricated by California-based McCulloch Motors from the late 1960s and early 1970s. The fundamental 7-10 model was superseded by the 7-10A at the end of the production run, and the model was discontinued in 1971. By today’s standards, the 7-10 is a beefy saw, capable of doing large jobs with lots of power to spare. It does, however, reveal its age, as it lacks most of the features that produce modern saws simpler to use.

Engine

The 7-10 is powered with a 70.5-cc two-cycle engine using one cylinder. The aluminum cylinder features a 2-inch bore and 1.375-inch piston stroke. During the course of manufacturing, the 7-10 was armed with one of three distinct carburetors: a Zama, Tillotson HS-165A, or Walbro SDC58. The engine is air-cooled and, like all two-cycle motors, requires an oil-and-gas mixture instead of pure gas fuel. It has a centrifugal clutch and an automatic recoil starter.

Guide Bar and Chain

The standard guide bar length for the 7-10 is 16 inches, but the saw is able to accept and drive guide bars up to 28 inches. It came armed with a McCulloch-branded chain using a 3/8-inch pitch.

Features

The”A” at the 7-10A model designation stands for automatic, meaning that the 7-10A has a automatic oil pump with a manual fix. It also has a manual chain brake. Aside from that, the 7-10 is a workhorse, using a standard recoil starting system. It lacks the technology that reduce engine emissions and also make contemporary saws more fuel efficient, and it doesn’t offer you luxurious add-ons, like reduced-effort beginning systems or tool-free chain modification mechanics.

Comparison With Current Models

In comparison to versions that are current, the 7-10 is a creature. The maker didn’t officially rate the energy output of this saw’s engine, but it has no problem powering a huge 28-inch manual bar. In contrast, McCulloch’s current top-of-the-line CS 450 Elite saw has a 45.7-cc engine that is able to handle bars between 13 and 18 inches. The 7-10 tips the scales such as a monster, though; its powerhead alone, minus bar and string, weighs 15.6 lbs, while the CS 450 Elite weighs just 11.7 lbs.

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How to Restore a Porcelain Kitchen Sink

Porcelain sinks need special cleaning and care to keep them looking fresh. Strong abrasive cleansers can dull the sink’s end, harm its topcoat and take years away from the life — but they could help during the restoration process. Even common household cleansers like baking soda or ammonia can damage the finish to a porcelain sink as time passes. However, not all is lost when you use a refinishing product to restore your porcelain kitchen sink into a like-new condition.

Clean the sink thoroughly with an abrasive cleanser and seams. Rinse and towel dry. This removes surface dirt and grime.

Mask off the surrounding region with painter’s tape and plastic sheeting.

Eliminate the metal drain in the sink. Detach the pipe drain first by unscrewing the large nut on the pipe only under the drain. Pull back on the pipe quietly to get rid of it in the sink.

Unscrew the large nut just beneath the sink which keeps the metal flange and metal drain set up. Turn it counterclockwise to remove it. Set the large nut apart.

Push upward from below or use a flat-head screwdriver to pry all the way around the rim of the drain flange to loosen it by the contractor’s putty which forms a seal between the drain flange and the sink. Lift the metal drain in the sink. Set a large bucket under the drain hole to catch any drips or spills while cleaning and restoring the sink.

Apply the putty knife to remove all of caulk or plumber’s putty in the sink. Hold the putty knife at about a 45-degree angle into the material requiring elimination. Scrape against it to lift it up. Discard from the trash.

Employ a hard-water deposit remover into the sink and rinse with the abrasive pad. Rinse and repeat till all hard-water deposits are gone. Wear rubber gloves and goggles for protection.

Sand the surface of the sink with wet-dry 400- to 600-grit sandpaper. Buff in small circles across the full surface of the sink. Scratching the surface of the sink with the sandpaper allows the epoxy finish paint to stick to this sink. Rinse the sink clean to remove residue.

Wipe the sink with the tack cloth to remove any excess seams or seams on the sink caused by the sandpaper before applying the epoxy finish.

Mix the two components of this refinish epoxy together after package instructions. Pour the mix into the paint tray. Don’t do this ahead of time; wait till you’re ready to coat the sink with the epoxy paint. Wear a N95 face mask to protect against breathing in potentially toxic fumes.

Apply the epoxy finish into the sink with a fine-bristle masonry brush, a short nap roller or a airless sprayer if you’ve got one. Avoid overlapping regions with an excessive amount of epoxy. Wait a minumum of one hour prior to applying a second coat. Allow the sink dry up to three days prior to reassembly and work with. Wash up with rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits.

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How to Clean Whitewashed Oak Cabinets

Whitewashing entails a method of applying watered-down paint into timber, then wiping it off while still wet. Though the actual whitewashing process functions best for pine wood furniture, then in addition, it can work for oak cupboards. Often known as a pickling stain when used on oak, the process to produce the whitewash or pickling stain starts with thinning the paint with water. After applying the thinned paint to the wood, use a damp rag to remove the excess paint before it dries, leaving the pores of the wood embedded with shade, but the grain showing through. A final finish coat seals the cupboards, making them safe and simple to clean.

Remove the contents in the whitewashed oak cupboards and set them aside.

Attach the extension hose into the vacuum and fit it with the small soft brush attachment. Vacuum all loose debris from inside the cupboards.

Mix 10 parts of warm water to 1 part liquid dishwashing detergent in among these gallon buckets. Swish the mixture with your hand to create suds. Insert clear warm water into the next bucket.

Dip the sponge in the cleaning solution and wring it out to remove excess. Wash the inside of the cabinet. Wash the sponge in the clear water and wring it out, then rub on the cabinet to remove soapy residue. Wipe dry with a clean rag.

Repeat the cleaning way of the exterior of the cupboards, starting at the bottom and working upward. Gently wipe the sponge in a circular movement to completely clean the cabinet’s exterior. Rinse with clean water and dry with the rag. Don’t use a sponge using a scrubber, as you do not need to scratch the wood’s surface or remove the pickling stain. Apply gentle pressure to the sponge; do not be too rough.

Apply a pure beeswax product into the surface of the cupboards to protect them following the cupboards have dried. Subscribe to a dime-sized quantity of beeswax using a clean soft cloth. Working in small areas, rub the beeswax into the oak cabinet in the management of the grain. Be sure you put on the beeswax evenly to the surface of the closet. Once the beeswax starts to dry, you have to buff it to give it a subtle shine.

Rub a clean cloth across the waxed cabinet surface to burnish the wax and leave a wax. This step also helps remove any irregular application of this wax. Replace the burnishing cloth with a clean one if it gets overly caked with wax. Keep on rubbing at the direction of the grain until each of the cupboards shine with a soft sheen.

Reinstall the removed items in the cupboards. Gently dust the cupboards between cleanings. Regularly clean cabinet exteriors at least one time every two months.

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What Makes Granite Countertops Turn Color:

Granite countertops appear well to heavy use. With normal use and proper maintenance, they are impervious to heat and heat. But granite is porous. Food and liquids left to sit too long could stain the granite and alter its color, especially if the countertops haven’t been properly sealed.

Kinds of Stains

Nearly any colored liquid or food can stain your granite. Frequent culprits include oil, tea, coffee, and vegetable and fruit juices. Even standing water discolors granite if it is allowed to penetrate, but the effect is temporary.

Stain Removal

Water stains vanish on their own after the water evaporates. You can remove true stains with a commercial granite cleaner or by making a poultice to draw out and absorb the material. For petroleum stains, make a paste of dishwashing liquid and flour. Expand the poultice on the stain, then tape plastic wrap over it to keep it moist. Leave the poultice on the stain for 24 hours before removing the plastic and then allowing the paste to dry. Substitute hydrogen peroxide to your dishwashing liquid to take care of non-oil stains.

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How to Stain Wicker or Rattan Furniture

Wicker, made of rattan reed, willow, paper fiber or other natural materials, holds stain beautifully, letting you customize the finish of your favorite furniture. An sloping wood stain is a breathtaking way to give wicker a classic look, but fabric dye is also a chance, enabling you to color your furniture without painting it.

Go the wicker to an outside, covered work area and put it on a big tarp or drop cloth. Vacuum the piece thoroughly to remove any dust. In a large bucket, dilute mild soap in warm water until it hardly suds. Wet a rag in the solution, wipe the lipstick down down and let it dry completely. To help in the process, point a box fan in the furniture or strategy cleaning for a windy day. Don’t enable the wicker dry in direct sunlight, as this can make the fibers brittle.

Inspect the wicker and quite gently sand any sharp or rough areas having 80-grit sandpaper. Wipe the area with a damp rag to remove dust.

Apply a liquid sanding product into your furniture according to manufacturer instructions. This may soften any remaining varnish or lacquer, allowing the stain to penetrate the wicker. Let this dry completely before moving.

Mix a can of stain in a color of your choice thoroughly, or blend 1/2 cup liquid cloth wax with two cups extremely hot water. Traditional oil-based wood stain will create a classic, natural look, whilst fabric dye enables you to play with color without painting.

Apply the stain into the wicker with a dense brush, working from the top down. Take the opportunity to perform the stain into the wicker’s crevices and lines, but be cautious not to create any drips. Let the stain sit for the amount of time recommended by the producer and wipe off the excess with a soft, clean rag. When dealing with fabric dye, it’s necessary that the water remains hot constantly. Mix a brand new batch of dye as necessary so the water stays warm.

Let the stain dry for several hours and then flip the furniture over. Lightly apply stain to some bare areas on the underside of the furniture for the even finish, if applicable. Let the stain sit for the identical length as the first coat, and then wipe off the excess. Let the furniture dry for 24 hours.

Apply an even coat of clear lacquer or varnish according to manufacturer instructions. Spray varieties are easiest, particularly with wicker, but brush-on software are just as acceptable. Let this coat dry completely.

Add liquid wax into a small dish. Dip a dense brush into the wax and then implement this evenly into the wicker according to manufacturer instructions. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, or the length of time recommended by the producer, and buff away any excess with a very soft brush. The combination of liquid wax and transparent varnish or lacquer protects the brand new stain and also provides wicker a shiny finish.

Refrain from sitting on or employing the striped furniture for three to five days. This enables the new finish to heal.

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How to Repair a little Surface Chip at a Fiberglass Tub

Fiberglass tubs are usually lasting and affordable, but accidents can happen. In case you have a little chip at the surface of your tub, you can fix it yourself having an epoxy-based ceramic repair kit. To get a good color match, buy tinted epoxy, then tint it yourself or paint over the area having a waterproof epoxy paint. The finish may not be as perfect as a professional repair job, but it can save you a lot of money and hassle.

Wash the chipped area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and a cloth. Use plastic packing tape to mask the area surrounding the chip.

Open the windows to ventilate the toilet and turn on the exhaust fan if you have one. Wear rubber gloves and then mix the epoxy and hardener using a spatula based on the manufacturer’s instructions, but do not add the thickener yet. Save a small amount of unmixed epoxy and hardener for later use.

Apply a little bit of epoxy to the chipped area with a little paintbrush. This aids the thickened epoxy adhere to the fiberglass surface.

Insert the thickener to the epoxy and then stir till it reaches a thick, creamy consistency. To tint the epoxy, then add 1 drop of acrylic paint pigment at a time and blend it thoroughly till it reaches the desired color. Apply the epoxy to the chipped area with the spatula and smooth it out. Allow the epoxy to cure for at least five hours or overnight.

Wear a dust mask and then sand the epoxy to a smooth finish with 180-grit sandpaper, avoiding the surrounding area as much as you possibly can. Wipe off excess dust with a damp cloth.

Mix a little bit of epoxy and hardener without thickener and apply it to the full area to seal it. Let it cure for at least five hours or overnight.

Wet-sand the full area using 180-grit sandpaper till you have a smooth finish, and wipe off the dust with a damp cloth. To paint the mend, mixture epoxy paint based on the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it to this area with a little paintbrush. Allow the paint to fully dry before using the tub.

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Flower Landscaping Ideas for Front Yards in the Springtime

Flowers in the front yard improve the curb appeal of the home. Several flowering plants produce spring blooms, allowing the gardener to design a springtime showcase in the backyard. Creating a spring look wakes up the landscape following a gray winter and welcomes the warmer seasons in with brightly coloured flowers.

Annual Flowers

Annual flower beds allow the gardener to change the look of the bed each year once the flowers are replanted. Many annuals start blooming in the spring and last throughout the warmer months of the year. 1 spring annual includes Johnny-jump-ups (Viola tricolor), which produce purple, white and yellow pansylike flowers in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. This plant reaches less than 6 inches tall and tends to self-seed every year. Superbells “Dreamsicle” calibrachoa (Calibrachoa Superbells “Dreamsicle”), in USDA zones 10 and 11, grows salmon and orange petunialike flowers that produce a carpet of cascading stems 6 to 12 inches tall. Other annuals to plant include English daisies (Bellis perennis), “Imagination” verbenas (Verbena speciosa “Imagination”), “Summer Sundae” sweet Williams (Dianthus barbatus “Summer Sundae”) and bachelor’s buttons (Centaurea cyanus).

Spring-Flowering Bulbs

Spring-flowering bulbs are among the first flowers to welcome spring into the backyard. The bulbs are planted throughout the fall, usually around the first two or three weeks in November. Most spring coats enjoy areas with full sun exposure. Some sweetly fragrant bulbs include hyacinths (Hyacinthus spp.) , which grow best in USDA zones 4 through 9. These flowers are available in pink, red, orange, yellow, blue, purple and white colors and look best when planted in groups. More showy spring coats are tulips (Tulipa spp.) , crocuses (Crocus spp.) and daffodils (Narcissus spp.) .

Spring-Flowering Shrubs

Spring-flowering shrubs function well in foundation plantings to conceal utilities and other unslghtly areas. Many spring-blooming bushes are some of the very first plants to flower in the spring and catch the interest of guests. One of the first flowering shrubs is that the Magical gold forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia “Kolgold”), that grows to 5 feet tall and spreads 4 feet broad in USDA zones 5 through 9. Bright yellow-gold flowers appear on bare stems in the spring prior to the rich green leaves appear. “Snow Panda” fringe flowers (Loropetalum chinense “Snow Panda”) develop on a vase-shaped bush with arching branches in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9. The snow-white flowers appear in the early spring with sage-colored evergreen leaves on this 8- to 10-foot-tall bush.

Spring-Flowering Borders

Spring-flowering borders contain a mixture of perennials, ground covers, ornamental grasses and short shrubs. Spread shredded bark mulch between the plants to reduce weed growth. An edging involving the lawn area and border creates a defined separation. 1 spring perennial is that the bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis), which creates soft green leaves and heart-shaped blossoms in USDA zones 3 through 9. The pink-and-white flowers reach up to 3 feet tall and wide. Crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) produces clusters of leaves across the base of a 3-foot-tall, almost black stem topped with bell-shaped orange, yellow and yellow flowers under a palmlike canopy of leathery leaves at USDA zones 5 through 9.

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