Repair Warped Wood

When one side of wood is exposed to too much moisture and the other side in not, wood can warp. Repairing warped wood is a process of adding back the lost moisture and bending the wood back to its original position. This can be done in a variety of ways depending on the level of damage.

Instructions

1. Observe the size of the warp you want to fix to determine which method to begin with.

2. Moisten a paper towel and place the warped wood on it upside down.

3. Place some heavy objects on the wood. The wood will absorb the moisture from the towel and bend back into place.

4. Apply a wet towel to the warped side of the wood. Use a warm iron to iron the towel. The heat and moisture will pass through the wood causing it to straighten.

5. Use a steamer to apply steam directly to larger pieces of wood. Clamp some heavier objects on top of the wood and apply the steam.

6. Leave clamps in place for several days.

7. Continue to apply steam and pressure until the desired straightness is achieved.

Tags: apply steam, side wood, objects wood, warped wood

Collect Rain Water In Tanks

Rainwater catchment is used throughout the world.

According to Southwest Florida Water Management District, a 1/2 inch of rainfall will supply you with 50 gallons of water. Rain barrels for a residential household vary in size with most small tanks holding about 50 gallons. They are installed above ground at the end of a gutter drainage pipe where they collect water run off from the roof. Opaque plastic tanks are the most economical for a single family home. Once the tank is installed all you have to do is wait for rain. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Attach your tank to the end of a gutter. A manufactured rainwater tank will slide under the gutter's drain pipe. If you find the barrel is slightly too tall for your pipe you can place the pipe inside the barrel and cut a hole in the covering to accommodate the pipe. In the event that your tank is much too tall, use a hand-held hacksaw to cut the pipe to the appropriate length. Barrels that once held food products such as olives or juices can be reused as tanks. The bin should be made of opaque plastic to deter algae growth in the water. Use wire mesh and a solid covering to place over the top of the bin. The wire mesh will catch the bird droppings, leaves and insects that could sneak through the cracks of a solid covering.

2. Collect rainwater. According to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, one square inch of rooftop will produce about one 1/2 gallon of rainwater in your tank. If a heavy rain fills your tank, the excess water will simply splash off as overflow. Using your collected rainwater on a regular basis will help prevent overflow.

3. Clean your rain barrels. Pull the barrel away from the gutter. Reuse the remainder of the water and dump the excess. Use a hose to spray down the sides of the barrel. Do not use any disinfectants or chemical-based cleaning products on the inside of the barrel.

Tags: your tank, According Southwest, According Southwest Florida, Florida Water, Florida Water Management

What Is A Drum Rack Made Of

Drum racks are used to make setup easy and convenient for the user. Drum racks add stability and also remember your setup each time you play. But they have many different parts.

Types

There are two main types of drums racks: square and round. The terms refer to the tubing and clamps to be used--square and round are not interchangeable. Most popular by far is the round type--there are many name brands as well as generic. Gibraltar and Drum Workshop are the two most popular round drum racks.

Tubing

In addition to whether the tubing is round or square, another important factor is whether the tubes are curved or straight. Curved tubes allow for a more circular setup while straight are more simplistic but have fewer setup options. Both the main rack tube and the side extensions come in straight and curved models.

Clamps

Drum racks are made up of many clamps. They hold tubes together and are usually black but can be silver as well. There are three main types: 1. Tube clamps, which connect the tubes together. 2. Rack clamps, which hold cymbal boom arms, auxiliary booms, mic stands. 3. Memory clamps, which are simply place holders to make setup faster and easier.

Size

Drum racks come in many different sizes, from one main tube with one extension to a multilayered "cage" that encloses the drummer. You must decide how big your drum rack will be based on your budget and many drums and cymbals you have in your set-up.

Additional Considerations

Consider buying a used drum rack on eBay or Craigslist. Drum racks are made of steel, so buying a used rack is usually not a problem. Be careful that a used rack isn't rusted. Start small if you have to. Drum racks are interchangeable, and you can always add to it over time.

Tags: Drum racks, clamps which, buying used, Drum racks made, main types

Make A Gutter Rain Chain

Rain chains are a decorative way to replace your downspout and add beauty to a part of your house that was formerly just functional. Originally from Japan, rain chains allow water to flow down a chain into a container or onto a collection of rocks, rather than splashing out the bottom of a downspout, creating an almost Zen design. The gentle sound adds to the ambiance, and the look is a great home improvement from your old gutter extension. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the existing downspout from the gutter. Measure the distance between the gutter opening and the ground. This will be the length of your chain. Inspect your gutter fastening thoroughly, making sure that it is securely fastened to the building.

2. Create your chain. You can use any number of materials, such as binder clip rings or shower curtain rings, to make the chain itself. If your area gets heavy rainfalls, double the chain links. If you wish to make a decorative cup rain chain, purchase metal votive cups and add them every foot or so along the chain, using heavy duty wire, through a hole that you drill in the bottom.

3. Slip the chain onto a U-shaped strap fastener, and fit it into the gutter opening. This will allow the chain to hang towards the ground. Attach the stake to the other end of the chain and stake it into the ground to secure it from high winds. Surround the end of the stake with decorative rocks. Alternatively, you can submerge the chain into a rain barrel or other water collection device, if you want to save the rainwater for recycling.

Tags: chain into, gutter opening, This will, your chain, your gutter

Collect The Sun'S Heat In A Hoop Greenhouse

One way to collect heat in a greenhouse is to trap it in water.

A hoop house is an arched greenhouse that resembles a half-circle. Hoop houses are used both by amateur gardeners for backyard production as well as on farms for large-scale commercial crop production. Hoop houses may be made using materials commercially available from any hardware store. The greenhouses are heated during the day by solar radiation trapped beneath the greenhouse membrane. At night, hoop houses lose heat rapidly due to lack of insulation; an alternate form of heating, which uses the sun's energy, can help replenish some of this heat. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Obtain a 60-gallon plastic rain barrel from a garden center or hardware store, or make your own using a food-grade storage barrel. Such barrels are typically available for purchase from factories where food is processed.

2. Paint the barrels black using spray paint. Black-colored items absorb the most heat through solar radiation.

3. Fill each barrel with water using a garden hose. Position the barrels throughout the greenhouse so that they are in sunlight for the longest period of time and release heat to the most plants. The barrels absorb heat as long as sunlight touches them. This will heat the water inside the barrels to create a thermal mass. As the air cools, the warm water releases heat into the air to keep nearby plants warm.

Tags: greenhouse that, hardware store, Hoop houses, solar radiation

Clean A 55gallon Plastic Barrel

Clean a 55-Gallon Plastic Barrel

People use plastic barrels for a variety of purposes. For example, you may set up a 55-gallon plastic barrel to collect water from a rainspout on your home, which you can later use to irrigate your garden. This conserves water and helps reduce storm water runoff. Another use for a barrel is to make compost out of household waste for application in your garden, or to fill the barrel with soil and grow plants in it. Before using your 55-gallon barrel, clean it with a few household items. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wipe away grime and dirt from the exterior surface of the barrel, thoroughly scrubbing with a clean rag soaked in mixture of equal parts water and vinegar.

2. Rinse the inside of the barrel with water from a garden hose to eliminate debris, and then pour out the water.

3. Mix 1/8 cup of bleach with 5 gallons of water in the barrel and scrub it with a sponge, then discard it by pouring it down a household drain. Thoroughly rinse out the barrel with water from the garden hose.

Tags: barrel with, water from, barrel with water, from garden, from garden hose, garden hose

Build A Floating Boat Dock

Boat dock with canoe on top

Floating boat docks are common on the edges of ponds and lakes. A sturdy dock allows safe access to boats. Many individuals choose to build their own floating boat dock to save money. They are not hard to construct but the materials and design must be strong to ensure safe function. Swimmers can also use floating boat docks as platforms to enter the water.

Instructions

1. Determine the size of floating boat dock you need to build and cut the pressure-treated wood accordingly. Build the outside frame of the dock by using bolts and washers to securely connect all the beams. The frame of the dock will consist of the beams that make up the outside edges as well as equally spaced support beams in the middle of the frame.

2. Measure the barrels that will be used as the floatation devices. Before the construction of the deck begins, build extra supports at all four ends on the underside of the dock. Measure these supports precisely to hold the barrels in place.

3. Check the seals on the barrels before you place them in the water. The Cary Company website shows the kinds of barrels that are normally used for floating boat docks. The common selection is a 55-gallon plastic barrel with a tight head.

4. Start building the deck by placing the beams on top of the dock frame. The beams should be screwed into place tightly to ensure that the deck surface is stable.

5. Place the floating boat dock in the water. Many individuals choose to stain the floating boat dock to protect it against the elements and lengthen the longevity of the wood.

Tags: floating boat, boat docks, floating boat dock, barrels that, boat dock

Determine Water Pressure By Height Of Tower

Water runs downhill. This is the basis for how the height of water towers provides pressure to your tap water. In ancient times, this was the basis for how fountains worked without motors. Each foot of height of a water tower provides 0.43 pounds per square inch (PSI).

Instructions

1. Imagine a column demarcation inside the water tower that has a cross section of one foot by one foot, and a height equal to the height of the tower. The weight of the water outside of this demarcation doesn't contribute to the net upward or downward pressure on the water in the column. Therefore, the water inside the demarcation can be considered in isolation.

2. Weigh the water in the column. A cubic foot of water weighs 62.4 pounds. So each foot of height adds 62.4 pounds of downward force.

3. Multiply the height in feet by 62.4 to get pounds per square foot.

4. Divide by 144 to get pounds per square inch (PSI), i.e. multiply the height by 0.43 to get the pressure in PSI. This will be the pressure that the tower exerts. If h is the height in feet, the formula is Water Pressure = 0.43h PSI.

Tags: foot height, pounds square, height feet, height water, pounds square inch

What Is An Ips Connection Faucet

IPS faucets can be indoors or outdoors.

Iron pipe size, or IPS, refers to an older system that categorizes the thickness of pipe walls, still used by some manufacturers of iron and polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, piping that connects to faucets for home and business use. Does this Spark an idea?

Types

Types of piping categorized by the IPS system for faucets include a female IPS, often called female iron piping, or FIP, which has internal threads for joining piping together. The installer inserts a section of FIP into another section, then twists it to tighten. The other type -- male iron piping or MIP -- contains threading on the outside of the pipe.

Function

During the height of IPS system use, before the second world war, metal piping relied on halves welded together. Users of the piping found diameters by measuring the outside diameters, or ODs, which closely resemble the pipe sizing system widely used today: the ductile iron pipe standard, or DIPS.

Fun Fact

Philadelphia replaced its wooden water piping system in 1804 with cast-iron pipe, marking the first time a city switched to all-iron piping, reports ThePlumber.com. Able to supply city residents with plentiful water from the Schuykill River, Philadelphia then sold its old wooden piping to the city of Burlington, New Jersey.

Tags: iron piping

Return Color To Weathered Oak

Oak may look weathered after several years of exposure.

Oak is a commonly used wood in outdoor furniture and on doors. Although tough and versatile, oak may begin to weather after several seasons of hard rain, wind and sunlight. Oak may lose the stained color in spots, or the entire piece of wood may begin to look worn. Instead of getting rid of the oak piece, it is possible to refinish the wood and restore the color. Give yourself a weekend to complete this project without rushing. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove any hardware from the piece of wood, such as hinges.

2. Lay the piece of wood down flat if possible.

3. Sand the finish or paint down to the bare wood using 80-grit sandpaper on a power sander. Sand with the grain of the wood.

4. Wipe the wood clean with a rag to remove any dust.

5. Paint the piece of wood with one coat of stain that matches the original color, painting with the grain for the best coverage. Apply a second coat of stain if the first coat does not bring the wood back to its original luster.

6. Apply a coat of polyurethane water sealer on the piece of wood to protect it from the elements. Allow the first coat to dry, then paint with a second coat.

Tags: piece wood, after several, coat stain, first coat, second coat

Have A Wedding In The Rain

Your wedding day takes a lot of thought, time and detail planning to come together. Getting married in the rain can be a great surprise way to make your event stand out from the rest. Use the following suggestions to have a wedding in the rain and make it a day to remember for you and your guests.

Instructions

1. Pick a location that is accessible even during rainy weather. The parking area should be paved and not grass or dirt.

2. Plan the wedding during the rainy season. No matter where you live, there are certain times of the year when the rain chances peak. Check an almanac for the best possibilities of rain when planning in advance.

3. Rent or buy a small gazebo or archway with a solid roof that you can stand under during the ceremony. You may not mind getting rained on, but the person performing the ceremony might.

4. Set up a large tent for the reception. Your guests, food and dance floor can be dry while the rain pours outside.

5. Have umbrellas ready for all of your guests and wedding party.

6. Warn wedding guests that it will be raining. They need to be prepared to get wet or have proper rain gear. This can be done on your invitations.

Tags: during rainy, your guests

Make A Log Burner From A Steel Barrel

Typical Barrel Log Burner

This article will show convert a steel barrel into a log burner. The main reason to do this is cost of the log burner. You can make a log burner for less than $100.00 which performs just as good as one that may cost many hundreds of dollars more. The kits come with legs which makes it possible to make a stand alone log burner or, without the legs it is possible to install it into a fire place if the opening is large enough. The stand alone ones are great for garage heating. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. One of the more difficult parts of doing this is finding the right barrel. Barrel businesses can be found in the yellow pages or on line. Most used barrels cost about $30.00 or less. Or it is possible to find barrels just sitting around behind businesses in which case they may be free for the asking. The barrel must be clean and free of dangerous chemicals, free of paint if at all possible, and not all rusted out. The barrels with lids are important so you can take the end off for clean out purposes.

2. Mark the lid for cut out for the door opening. Instructions come with the kits for doing this.

3. Drill the holes around for the attaching screws. Cut out the opening for the door. I used a saber saw with a rough cut tungsten carbide blade in it. Compound tin snips work well also.

4. Put a layer of furnace cement between the mounting surfaces and install the door assembly with the provided bolts. The furnace cement keeps the door plate from leaking fumes.

5. Mark and cut out for the flue adapter. Install it by drilling holes and attaching it with the provided bolts. Put a layer of furnace cement between the mounting surfaces to help seal it off.

6. Once your kit is assembled it is a good idea to burn the barrel outside to burn the new off. This keeps unpleasant odors, if there are any, from filling the house.

7. Once you complete the outdoor burn out it is a good idea to put the log burner in it's final location and line the bottom 1/3 with fire brick or a grate. The fire brick and grate are available at hardware stores, or Tractor supply, or Ace hardware or other places that sell wood burning equipment. Fire brick comes in thick or thin bricks. I just used the thin bricks

8. This shows the log burner mounted in the fireplace.

Tags: furnace cement, between mounting, between mounting surfaces, brick grate, cement between, cement between mounting, come with

Store Water In A 50 Gal Barrel

FEMA recommends a three-day supply of water for emergency situations.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that you keep an emergency water supply that will last you and your family for at least three days. On average, you will need about a half gallon of water per person per day. However, this amount is strictly for drinking purposes. Storing a sufficient supply of water in 50 or 55 gallon barrels provides water for drinking use and other purposes such as washing, brushing teeth and cleaning dishes.

Instructions

1. Purchase a 50 or 55 gallon barrel specifically for storing water. Ensure that it is made of polyethylene plastic that is approved by the FDA for water storage. Purchase a barrel with as thick a wall as possible. The thicker the plastic walls, the better it will be at preventing foreign vapors from contaminating your water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for any specific actions you need to take before you put water into it.

2. Rinse the barrel thoroughly. Your barrel should be clean before adding your emergency water.

3. Place the barrel in a location away from any direct sunlight. The location should be cool and dry. If you have a basement, store it there away from any other containers that contain toxic substances such as kerosene, gasoline or pesticides.

4. Fill the barrel with tap water. If you do not have access to tap water, use water from a well or other source. Add 3 tablespoons of bleach to your barrel after it is filled. The bleach will ensure that no bacteria or viruses will thrive in the water as it sits in storage.

5. Label the barrel with the date you filled the barrel with water and make it very clear that the content of the barrel is just water. Also include on the label how much bleach your have added to disinfect the water. Secure all caps and lids as required to close the barrel. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for any specifics needed for your particular water storage barrel. Drain your barrel and repeat these steps every three years to ensure that you will have an emergency supply of clean water.

Tags: barrel with, away from, barrel with water, bleach your, emergency water, ensure that, Follow manufacturer

Create A Native American Three Sisters Garden

Native American tribes have used companion planting techniques for thousands of years. The "Three Sisters" planting technique is one of them. The Three Sisters are corn (originally called maize), beans and squash. Intermingling these crops benefited all three: the corn provided shade for the spreading squash and vertical support for the beans; the squash shaded the ground and kept weeds down and raccoons away from the corn, and the beans provided nitrogen for all three plants. Planting a Native American Three Sisters garden is an easy project for anyone with even the tiniest green thumb. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine the location of your Three Sisters garden. You can plant the garden in your yard or in a large planter, as long as the location receives at least 6 to 7 hours of direct sunlight a day.

2. Start with the right soil. The soil should be fluffy and full of vegetative matter. If your soil is poor, mix in compost, peat moss or aged manure to build the soil's nutrient level. If planting in a pot, make sure it has lots of drainage and cover the bottom of the pot with at least 2 inches of gravel before adding the soil. This will allow the pot to drain well.

3. Consider your Three Sisters garden's watering needs. Vegetable plants require constant and consistent water. Plant your garden where your garden hose will reach it or where it is easy to water from your rain barrel. If you plant your Three Sisters garden in a pot, you will need to water daily during the hot days of summer.

4. Choose your seeds. If you want to grow your Three Sisters garden as authentically as possible, you can find sources of heirloom Native American corn, bean and squash seeds on-line or simply choose what appeals to your family. The beans should be a pole-type rather than a bush-type and the squash should be a winter squash.

5. Plant your Three Sisters garden in the spring after any chance of frost. For each Three Sisters grouping, plant six corn seeds interspersed with six bean seeds near the middle of the planting. Plant four squash seeds in a circle surrounding the other seeds. Tamp down the soil over the top of the seeds and water gently but thoroughly.

6. Keep the soil watered thoroughly during the growing season. The beans will begin to climb the corn stalks and the squash will spread around the corn and beans. Pick the beans as they become ripe if you are eating the whole bean and not drying them.

7. Harvest each crop as it becomes ripe. If you are drying beans, they will be ready when the bean pods are plump and the foliage begins to die back. The corn will be ready when the tassels begin to darken and dry. The squash will be ready when they achieve the desired color and feel hard to the touch.

8. Celebrate the harvest! The Native Americans always feasted and celebrated the taking in of the crops in the fall. It's part of the tradition of Thanksgiving that carries on even today. Find recipes that incorporate all Three Sisters.

Tags: Three Sisters, Sisters garden, your Three, your Three Sisters, Native American, Three Sisters garden, ready when

No Gutters Method To Collect Rain Water

Rainwater can be collected in a variety of ways.

Collecting rainwater is a technique that has been practiced for centuries as an environmentally friendly method to collect rain for distribution in gardens and across landscaping. Today houses are built with roof gardens that naturally absorb the rain and grow an insulating layer of grass. But if you do not have a roof garden you can still collect and use rainwater. It is easiest with gutters around your roof, but there are methods of rainwater collection even without gutters. Does this Spark an idea?

Catchments and Diverters

Catchment areas on rooftops are places where water is naturally directed in certain pathways. A slanting rooftop will always direct rain water down. When two sections of rooftop meet, they will often form a single catchment line that will force the rainwater into a stream. These catchment areas focus rainwater like gutters, which means there will always be sections of your house where rainwater falls more heavily. Use a collection vessel or drainage pipes at these areas to collect and distribute the rainwater, rather than letting it fall at the corners of your house.

Diverters are metal sections that you can install above doorways or flower beds to protect them against frequent rainfall. These diverters are not gutters: They are short sections of aluminum, usually only several feet long, that are fitted underneath the shingles of the roof to form a metal wall that diverts the rainwater away. These diverters will also form concentrated streams of water that you can channel or collect.

Barrels and Landscaping

One of the most ancient and popular methods to collect rainwater is with a barrel. There are many different types of rain barrels that are sold at gardening and landscaping centers. Essentially, they stand in your yard and collect water as it falls. Neither roof nor gutters are needed, and after it rains, the water can be used for whatever gardening purpose you want. Some barrels are even connected to underground pipes that automatically channel the water in certain areas. You should be able to find a style of rain barrel that fits in with your overall landscaping plan.

You can also use the land itself to channel rainwater into certain areas. Look for low-level areas in your garden where water tends to collect. These areas might be a good spot to place a diverter pipe that can be positioned to carry water away, or you can build natural, slightly depressed valleys as you landscape that will carry water evenly throughout your garden.

Tags: carry water, certain areas, collect rainwater, rainwater into, that will, These diverters

Stormwater Management For Residential Projects

Make sure that your gutters are clean and free of debris, allowing for smooth water flow.

Dealing with stormwater effectively will prevent your yard from eroding, plants from drowning and basement from flooding. Due to the large amount of impervious surface areas within municipalities, runoff pollution and sediment in streams and rivers has become the largest threat to the country's freshwater resources. By taking some necessary stormwater management precautions, you can decrease the impact of your residence on the environment. Does this Spark an idea?

Roof and Gutters

Clean your gutters at least once every six months to prevent clogged drainpipes, which can lead to water pouring over the gutter and onto the ground below, causing erosion. Additionally, think about installing rain barrels to harvest the rainwater for plants or gardens. If you have a flat or relatively low-pitched roof, then consider installing a green roof where you can grow grass; that will further reduce the impact of the rainwater on your living space.

Permeable Surfaces

Replace existing impervious surfaces, such as driveways, walkways and patios, with permeable surfaces that allow water to seep through to the water table below the ground. Reducing impervious surfaces is a way to manage the effects of stormwater runoff into streams and rivers. You can choose from a variety of permeable surfaces, from gravel to grass, permeable porous concrete mix or brick.

Selective Planting

Landscaping serves as another residential feature to help control stormwater runoff. Several plant species, from grasses to shrubs and trees, help to absorb stormwater effectively. Line your yard with some of these plant species to help control erosion and runoff into the streets. Examples of plant species include maples, birches, beech, green and red ash, blackgum, oaks, sourwood, dogwoods, pond wood, smartweed, marsh hibiscus and cattails.

Sump Pump

A critical component of stormwater management includes installing a sump pump in your basement or crawl space. During larger rainfall periods, water can leak into your basement, causing potential damage to the foundation of your house in addition to introducing risks of mold and mildew. Sump pumps, when installed correctly, will virtually eliminate basement flooding. Place the sump pump at the lowest location in the basement that is closest to where the water trickles in.

Tags: plant species, help control, impervious surfaces, permeable surfaces, runoff into, stormwater effectively

Irrigation Systems Using A Cistern

Cistern irrigation systems collect water that would have otherwise ended up in storm drains.

Irrigation systems using a cistern make use of water that would have otherwise run off into the ground or storm sewers. They can be attached to gutters to collect rain water, or might be underground to collect ground runoff. Does this Spark an idea?

Types

Use an appropriately sized pump for the anticipated volume of water.

Two types of cistern irrigation systems exist: gravity-fed and pump-fed. Gravity-fed cisterns require no external power, but must be placed high enough above the area to be watered so the water can freely flow out of the cistern when needed. Pump-fed cisterns can be at ground level or below and require an electric or solar pump to draw out the water.

Applications

Rain water can be collected by anyone with a gutter and a barrel.

Cistern irrigation systems are gaining popularity at many universities and institutions in their efforts to achieve sustainable practices. They can, however, be used by homeowners to water their lawns and gardens by collecting the rain water from the gutters on houses, garages and other buildings. The common rain barrel is nothing more than a simplified cistern-based irrigation system.

Considerations

A screen placed at the opening of the downspout will help exclude leaves and debris.

When installing an irrigation system using a cistern, make sure that the water collected will be free from debris so that it does not clog. A filter may need to be installed to keep foreign material from the cistern. Also, select an appropriate-sized cistern. Improperly sized components will impede effective use of a cistern-based irrigation system.

Tags: irrigation system, irrigation systems, would have otherwise, Cistern irrigation, Cistern irrigation systems

Diy Rain Water Irrigation

Rain water irrigation is the process of collecting rainwater and using it to water plants. Irrigating your plants this way is a simple way to save money and be more environmentally friendly. The irrigation system does not need to be complicated or expensive. A simple setup of rain barrels for collection and soaker hoses to distribute the water will be effective. The soaker hoses use gravity instead of water pressure, so you will not need a pump of any kind. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Level the ground under each downspout of the house with a shovel or rake. Remove any rocks or debris.

2. Make a cinder block square under each downspout by setting the blocks flush against each other. The square needs to be big enough to support the rain barrels. These bases will elevate the barrels above the garden, providing enough water pressure for the hoses.

3. Wrap the threads of the rain barrel spigots with two to three layers of Teflon tape. This will prevent water from leaking out of the connection between the hose and the spigot.

4. Screw a soaker hose over the spigot on each rain barrel. Unroll the soaker hose into the garden or lawn.

5. Open the spigots on the rain barrels whenever you want to water the plants. As rain collects in the barrels, it will flow through the soaker hoses and into the soil.

6. Cover the hoses with a 1 to 2 inch layer of mulch or sod to prevent them from drying out or cracking.

Tags: rain barrels, soaker hoses, each downspout, rain barrel, soaker hose, under each, under each downspout

Seal A Water Well In Minnesota

Abandoned water wells pollute water resources.

Wells supply drinking water to people, animals and agriculture. Wells can be abandoned or fail due to neglect. Old, hand-dug wells, once very common throughout Minnesota, include large corroded concrete covers that create a potential hazard. Newer drilled wells may fail due to lack of water, corroded casings or may be a conduit for surface pollution to reach groundwater. The Minnesota Department of Health requires wells to be sealed if they are abandoned, contaminated or pose a health hazard. Minnesota state law requires wells to be sealed by a licensed well contractor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check old property records. Private and public property records contain valuable information regarding active and abandoned wells.

2. Check the property for signs of abandoned wells. Old pumping equipment and sunken areas can be signs an abandoned well is present.

3. Schedule an estimate to be made by a state-licensed well contractor. The well contractor will clean the water well of debris and then add a grout to seal the well from bottom to top.

4. Research cost-sharing grants and low-cost loans for financial help when sealing a well. Because abandoned wells can cause injury or lead to pollution, counties in Minnesota may offer cost-sharing grants that will pay for part of the cost of sealing the well.

5. Schedule the well to be sealed by the licensed well contractor. The well contractor will submit records on the well owner's behalf to the Minnesota Department of Health stating that the well has been properly sealed.

Tags: well contractor, abandoned wells, Check property, contractor well, contractor well contractor

Connect A Water Hose To A Gutter

Connect a Water Hose to a Gutter

Connecting a water hose to a gutter downspout is very beneficial because it allows you to make use of a valuable resource. Instead of wasting water by draining it out of a downspout and to an area where it's not needed, you can instead direct it to a water barrel, garden or sprinkler. The advantage of attaching a hose to a gutter has led to the creation of a multitude of different gutter water diverters and adapters. You connect a water hose to a gutter by following the directions for each particular water diverter. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Go to a home improvement store or gardening center to select what kind of attachment you will use to connect the hose to the gutter. The attachments (or adapters) can be placed at the bottom of a downspout, in the middle of a downspout, or just under where the downspout attaches to the gutter.

2. Disconnect the downspout from the gutter. Place the downspout in a place where it will be easy to work.

3. Place a water diverter on the downspout extension that is located beneath the gutter. Secure the diverter to the extension with sheet-metal screws. Cut the top of the downspout with sheet metal shears so that it will fit inside the water diverter. Place the top of the downspout into the water diverter.

4. Cut the bottom of a downspout with sheet metal shears so it will insert into the water diverter. Attach a water diverter to the bottom of a downspout. Secure the diverter with sheet metal screws.

5. Cut the downspout in the middle with a hacksaw. Attach a water diverter to the top part of the downspout with the directions described above. Attach the bottom part of the downspout to the water diverter with the same method. Secure the water diverter to both ends of the downspout with sheet metal screws.

6. Attach a water hose to the water diverter.

7. Secure the hose with nylon ties.

8. Run the hose to where you want the water to drain.

Tags: water diverter, downspout with, hose gutter, sheet metal, with sheet

Types Of Plastic Barrels

Plastic barrels, made from a high density polyethylene, are available in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes. Barrels can be open at the top and closed with a lid and lever lock rings. Barrels also can be closed on top with plugs that are known as bungs. Bungs are on top of the barrels and are for filling and emptying the contents. Plastic barrels are used for storing food and water or for storing hazardous and nonhazardous materials. The barrels are available in a wide range of colors, including blue, black, white, purple, red, orange, yellow and green. Does this Spark an idea?

Open-Top Barrels

Open-top plastic barrels are also known as open-head barrels. The barrels are available in several gallon sizes, which are 15, 20, 30, 35 and 55 gallons. The barrels can be purchased with or without bungs.

Closed-Top Barrels

Closed-top plastic barrels are also known as tight-head barrels. The barrels are available in 15, 20, 30, 35 and 55 gallon sizes. Closed top barrels have two bungs, one with a coarse thread and one with a fine thread. Some barrels also can be purchased with handles on top.

Straight or Tapered Sides

Open-top or closed-top plastic barrels are generally straight-sided but can be purchased with tapered sides. Tapered barrels are the open-top style and are available in 15, 30 and 55 gallon sizes with lever lock rings.

Water Barrels

Plastic water barrels are made from a food grade high density polyethylene plastic, or HDPE. The material is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for food products and water storage. Water barrels are available in 15, 30 and 55 gallon sizes, with or without bungs on top. Water barrels can be purchased with a handle.

Rain Barrels

Plastic rain barrels are also known as rain water barrels and are made with FDA-approved material. Rain barrels are available in open or closed tops and come with a downspout diverter. Rain barrels are available in 30, 35 and 55 gallon sizes.

Tags: barrels available, gallon sizes, available gallon, available gallon sizes, purchased with

Cut A Whiskey Barrel Lengthwise

Most real whiskey barrels are made from American white oak wood. Aside from the obvious use of aging whiskey to perfection, the barrels have a plethora of uses only limited by your imagination. They can be used to make tables, beautiful storage bins, wine racks, sinks, planters, wishing wells, and a host of other practical and decorative ideas. Once you know cut the barrel correctly, anything you can imagine with a whiskey barrel you can make.

Instructions

1. Empty the barrel entirely of its contents and let it dry if liquid was in it previously. Rinse the barrel if any dirt or debris was left behind to make sure it is clean.

2. Mark the barrel along the length where you want to make the cut using chalk. If you want to cut the barrel in half, make sure the marks are lined up so the barrel is split evenly.

3. Put on safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from any flying pieces of barrel or sharp pieces that may be sticking out.

4. Insert the tip of the reciprocating saw into the top of the barrel at the marks you made and slowly drag the blade down toward the ground until you reach the middle of the barrel.

5. Turn the barrel over onto its top and cut through the bottom along the mark until you meet the end of your first cut. Repeat on the other side of the barrel.

Tags: make sure

Diy Rain Barrel Spigot

A DIY rainbarrel spigot.

Commercially manufactured rain barrels are very well made and work well, but for a fraction of the cost, you can make your own. Heavy plastic is preferable to a steel barrel because it is easier to work with, it is lighter and it will never degrade.

Spigot options come in a variety of shapes and styles, but sticking to a common type will make it easier to obtain parts if it needs to be repaired. Does this Spark an idea?

Types of spigots to use

The most common spigots to use for a rain barrel are easily obtainable garden hose types that can be turned off and on as desired. The best types are brass. Plastic will work but is not as durable, particularly in northern climates where temperature variations degrade a plastic spigot. Because garden hose spigots are commonly found at hardware or department stores, washers and fitting nuts will be easy to come by.

Parts and supplies

The most common diameter for the threaded ends of a garden hose spigot is 1/2 or 3/4 inch. This size determines how fast the water will drain, so the more efficient and faster draining spigot is 3/4 inch.

You'll need two large flat washers that fit over the threads of the spigot, and then find a corresponding brass/bronze nut that threads on. Avoid a steel nut. Although it may work initially, over time it will rust and deteriorate, so always go with a brass/bronze nut for attaching the spigot. Also, pick up a tube of clear silicone caulk.

Doing the job

The two keys to the installation of a spigot are proper locating it and properly creating a watertight seal. Both require only a little diligence.

The hole should be about 1 inch from the bottom of the barrel. This way most of the barrel will drain normally and most of the rest can be drained by slightly tipping the barrel. Depending on how you have the barrel hooked up to the downspout, you may only be able to tip the barrel slightly.

Ensuring a proper seal requires both the creation of the correct size hole and appropriately applied caulk.

The hole should always be slightly larger than the diameter of the spigot intake (15/16 inch for a 3/4-inch threaded spigot). Since you want to test each step along the installation process, gently thread or push the spigot through the hole you drilled to make sure it fits, then remove.

Lay a small bead of silicone around the edge of the hole on the outside of the barrel, place a washer over the spigot threads, then push the spigot back into the hole. Put another bead of silicone around the edge of the hole on the inside of the barrel, push the other washer over the back of the spigot, and thread the nut onto the spigot threads. Tighten the nut with an adjustable or dedicated sized wrench, firmly but not overly tight. Some silicone will be squeezed out from behind the washer, and that is exactly what you want for a water proof fitting. Wipe the excess away.

Allow the silicone seal to dry overnight before filling, and your spigot will remain leak proof and functional for the life of the barrel.

Tags: garden hose, around edge, around edge hole, bead silicone, bead silicone around

Homemade Water Storage System

Collect rain that falls on your house to reuse the water for gardening and lawn maintenance.

Installing your own home-made rainwater collection system can save money associated with gardening and lawn maintenance. Collecting rainwater is also environmentally friendly as it reduces runoff and sediment that accumulates in urban and suburban water sources. Does this Spark an idea?

Rainwater Barrel

If you can find a large barrel to use as a rain collector, attach it to one or more of your gutter downspouts. Drill a hole near on the side of the barrel, near the bottom for an on-off valve and connect a hose to the rain barrel.

Maintenance

Bring your rain-water barrel in during the winter. Heavy freezes and low sustained temperatures could lead to frozen barrels that burst due to the expansion of water when it is frozen.

Benefits

Benefits of rainwater harvesting include reduced water bills and being able to water plants on your own schedule during periods of drought and water restriction. Rainwater is also richer in nutrients than water from the municipal system.

Tags: gardening lawn, gardening lawn maintenance, lawn maintenance

Build An Underground Rainwater Storage Facility

Rainwater collection systems provide additional water in and around the home.

For every inch of rain that falls, a rainwater collection system operating at 100 percent efficiency can be expected to gather about 0.62 inches of water per square foot of catchment surface. Most collection systems, however, only operate at 85 percent efficiency. When calculating the amount of water your collection system will supply, allow for a 15 percent loss due to evaporation, water run-off and overflow. Determine the appropriate size of your collection system based on the amount of anticipated rainfall in your area, as well as the anticipated demand for water in and around the home. Rainwater used for irrigation purposes will require less filtering than water that is to be used in the home. To use rainwater for drinking, you must ensure that it is properly treated prior to consumption. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Build an Underground Rainwater Collection System

1. Determine the catchment surface. The roof on an existing home is the most convenient surface to use. However, asphalt, composite and wood surfaces should not be used for collecting rainwater. If the surface of your roof is not appropriate for a collection system, a simple rain-barn or other open-sided structure can be built.

2. Attach gutters along the edge of the catchment surface to catch run-off water. Use PVC, vinyl or galvanized steel gutters to ensure that water quality is not affected by contaminates in the gutter system. Install gutters with the outside face slightly lower than the inside. Positioning the gutters in this way will ensure that if the water ever overflows the gutters, it will run outward and away from the building.

3. Select a location for the storage tank that is at least 50 feet from animal stables or septic fields. Bury the storage tank as close to the catchment surface as possible to minimize the need for long lengths of pipes. The substrate in the selected location should be stable enough to ensure that the tank will not sink over time. Compact the soil in the excavated hole and place a layer of gravel or compacted sand over the area.

4. Attach downspouts to the walls of the building using appropriate size fasteners. The downspout tube should run from the gutter to the storage tank. Insert screens and filters at both the downspout and tank levels. Filters and screens prevent debris from entering the storage tank. There is a wide variety of options for filtration. A simple metal screen will prevent large debris from contaminating the system. If you are planning to use rainwater collected for drinking purposes, more extensive filtration devices will be needed to ensure water quality and safety. Screens and filters will require regular maintenance and cleaning to keep the collection system working properly.

5. Attach an on-demand water pump as close to the tank as possible. As opposed to a standard pressure tank pump system, an on-demand water pump moves water directly from the storage tank. These types of pumps also incorporate the motor, pump, check valve, controller and pressure tank into one unit, making the job of installation easier and less time consuming. Use PVC pipe to carry water from the pump to the area of use.

Tags: storage tank, catchment surface, ensure that, collection system, appropriate size

Paint Rain

A white pigment is often used for painting rain.

Painting rain may add a touch of gloom to a picture, but it also enhances the quality and depth of the painting. Painting rain for the first time is a learning process and it may take you several attempts to achieve the desired effect. When attempting to paint rain over a landscape, you must consider what type of rain you wish to paint and the overall tone you want to portray in order to produce the best results.

Instructions

1. Choose the color of paint you want to use for the rain. It is important to choose a color that will coordinate with the landscape while still depicting the emotions you wish to evoke with the rain. Remember that rain does not always have to be gray. You can paint rain with hints of violet or indigo instead of using only gray tones.

2. Choose the type of brush you will use to paint the rain. Fine, round brushes tend to work well to create rainy backgrounds, and filbert hog brushes that are bristled are useful to create intense rainstorms.

3. Paint the rain in light, short and thin strokes over the finished landscape while avoiding blending the rest of the paint. The rain should be slightly angled rather than completely vertical. Vertical lines make the painting seem stiff and unrealistic.

4. Continue to paint until the landscape is completely covered but not hidden by rain.

5. Allow your painting to dry completely before attempting to frame or move the picture.

Tags: landscape while, paint rain, paint rain, Painting rain

Blue A Worn Rifle

Return the lustre to your gun's finish.

Over time, the finish will wear off your rifle. You can get your rifle looking like new by bluing it yourself. You can purchase a bluing kit at any gun store. Bluing your rifle yourself will save you money and will allow you to get just the finish you want.

Instructions

1. Remove the wooden stock from the rifle. This may require a little time. You want to be working with only metal and no wood. Some stocks come off with one large screw, some are a little more complicated.

2. Use the steel wool to rub off any rust spots. If there are any marks under the rust, work on them until the metal is completely smooth. Start rubbing the entire surface until it is free of any small nicks. Take it down to bare metal.

3. Clean your hands with alcohol, especially your fingertips. You do not want to leave a fingerprint anywhere on the surface.

4. Take a small bit of tissue and plug both ends of the barrel. Use the clean cloth with the degreaser and rub until the metal is clean. Rinse with warm water. Degrease again and rinse with warm water. Dry with a clean cloth and let stand for several minutes.

5. Clean your fingertips with alcohol one more time. Saturate the sponge in the gun bluing compound. Apply the bluing to your rifle using the same strokes you would use with a paintbrush. Continue until all the metal is covered. Let the bluing dry for 5 minutes then rinse the entire surface with warm water. Wipe the surface dry and let sit for 5 minutes.

6. Go over the surface of the rifle lightly with the steel wool. The finish may show some streaking. If so, repeat steps 3 through 5 until the finish meets your standards.

Tags: your rifle, until metal, warm water, with warm, with warm water, clean cloth

Set A Raindrip R672ct Water Timer

Water timers produce healthy lawns with the correct amount of water at each interval.

A Raindrip model R672CT water timer allows automatic watering of the lawn or garden when homeowners are at work, asleep or away from the home. A water timer screws onto the hose spigot and into a garden hose on the opposite end. The spigot is in the "on" position to allow the timer to work. When the timer reaches the preset frequency, the internal valve opens and allows water to flow for the duration of the setting on the timer. The valve closes after the run time is reached to shut off the water flow. Water timers save time and water lawns efficiently without worry or wasting water. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Grasp the waterproof cover and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it. Lift the cover straight up and set it aside. Set the controls at the time you want the first watering session to occur.

2. Turn the frequency knob clockwise to a setting from one hour to 72 hours or to a week. An hourly setting will repeat the water process each amount of hours indicated. For example, setting the hourly frequency at 12 will enact watering at 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day. The "Week" setting will water the lawn once a week.

3. Turn the run time knob clockwise for the duration of watering in minutes. Turn the knob to 30 for a 30-minute watering session for each frequency set.

4. Place the waterproof cover on top of the timer, and turn it clockwise to tighten it.

Tags: knob clockwise, setting will, water flow, water timer, Water timers

Buy Used Beer Kegs

The beer keg, when properly designed, can easily become a 15-gallon boil pot or fermentor. But, because they are used extensively by beer-brewing hobbyists, used beer kegs can be difficult to find. It doesn't help that it is illegal to re-use kegs from breweries or convenience stores that sell full kegs for consumption. Unless you live near a factory that produces kegs, your best option to buy a used one is likely online.

Instructions

1. Determine what size used beer keg you want. Typical keg sizes are 5, 7.5, 15 and 15.5 gallons. Five-gallon kegs are easy to find and can be purchased at any home-brewing store (a link for 5-gallon kegs is provided in Resources). Five-gallon kegs are too small to be crafted as actual brewing equipment--but if you just want to keep beer on tap, they work. If you want larger used kegs, such as quarter- and half-barrel-sized, you will need to look more extensively.

2. The second link in the Resources section takes you to sites that carry quarter- and half-barrel kegs (7.5 and 15 gallons). The listings periodically show as "sold out." If this is the case, check back at the site often. If you find a product you like, decide your quantity and purchase the product. Look for other websites that sell used kegs. Generally speaking, a used keg can run anywhere from $60-$100. It all depends on the quality of the used keg and who is selling it.

3. Search websites like Craigslist.com and eBay.com. These sites occasionally have used beer kegs listed. If you see one, however, buy it quickly because they tend to sell fast. The "Buy Now" feature on eBay may be the best way to secure a used beer keg before someone else does.

Tags: used beer, because they, beer kegs, Five-gallon kegs, that sell, used kegs

Kill Mosquitoes In Water Gardens

Water gardens are a wonderful addition to any yard or garden. They can stand alone as the center piece of your yard or serve as a tranquil backdrop. In addition, once they are established, they require little to no upkeep. One issue with any standing water on your property, including water gardens, is that it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which lay their eggs in standing water. You can however, prevent mosquito breeding in your garden with little or no additional maintenance. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Killing mosquitoes before they mature

1. Drop a mosquito dunk that contains Bti in once every thirty days. These dunks are small circular cakes that float in the garden, slowly releasing a biological control agent that the larvae eat. According to the EPA, Bti is "a naturally occurring soil bacterium registered for control of mosquito larvae." It is completely safe and environmentally sound, affecting only mosquito and black fly larvae.

2. Sprinkle a granular insect growth regulator (IGR), that contains methoprene across the water surface every thirty days. It arrests the larval growth in the pupal stage and they die.

3. Add a waterfall, current or fountain to the water garden to agitate the water surface. Mosquito larvae require still water to mature.

4. Add fish to your water garden. They add an interesting touch and they eat mosquito larvae. Both Koi and goldfish are popular choices. Fish do need places to hide from predators however, and their numbers need to remain low to prevent overpopulation (click on the link about pond fish below for further information).

5. Attract frogs to the garden by ensuring that there is ample shade; shallow areas for them to enter and leave the water; and places where they can hide from predators, such as plant cover or a rock outcropping. Like fish, they are a unique addition to the garden and mosquito larvae are on their menu, too.

Tags: every thirty, every thirty days, from predators, garden They, hide from, hide from predators, mosquito larvae

Make A Barrel For Wine

Barrel Making at Martell's Cooperage

Barrels for wine are made at a cooperage and are used for storing the wine (or cognac). Selection of the wood is important, as the type of wood that is used will have a direct effect on the flavor of the beverage. A fine-grain wood, for example, will give a more dense drink. Oak is most often used, but there are many types and grains of oak that can give the wine its unique flavor. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Prepare the wood by leaving it outside to wash naturally in the rain. Then keep it outside until it has dried in the sun. Once the wood has dried, cut it into strips, with the length to match the length of the barrel desired. Also cut circular pieces of wood for lids. Set lids aside.

2. Hold the metal hoop (as shown in the photo below) and pound the wood strips into the metal hoops using a mallet. Once the strips have filled the circle, place the barrel in a fire to char the edges (the amount of char can also affect the flavor of the beverage). Also place the top and bottom pieces into the fire.

3. Punch a hole in the side of a barrel (to be used as a spout once it is delivered to the wine-maker). Place the barrel in a sander (or sand by hand). Mix flour with a little water until it forms a paste. Put the paste along the top and bottom edges of the barrel and place metal hoops on each side, pressing to seal into place.

4. Use the mallet to pound the lids into the barrel. Put barrel in sander to finish. Place water in the barrel to test that it does not have any leaks. Then fill with wine.

Tags: barrel sander, flavor beverage, metal hoops

Methods To Recycle Water

The world is facing a water shortage even though our planet is more than two-thirds water. We can conserve our water resources by recycling much of the water that we use daily. It only takes a few simple steps to capture and recycle water from our homes and businesses. Everyone will benefit from these small steps toward a long-term solution for the future. Does this Spark an idea?

Gray Water

Reusing laundry and dishwater in the home is one of the most common methods of recycling water. The environmental benefits outweigh the dangers from using this source of water. The Environmental Protection Agency does not recommend using gray water for drinking or bathing. However, it is usually safe for use on gardens, lawns and flushing your toilet. To implement a gray water recycling system you need to divert water from the outflow drains for your sinks, tub, dishwasher and washing machine to a water catchment system. The typical homeowner may not have the plumbing skills needed to implement this type of recycling system. However, if you hire a professional, you can recoup your investment as your water bills decrease. Some municipalities do not allow gray water recycling, so check your local codes.

Capturing Water

Many people overlook harvesting rainwater as a method of recycling. Collecting the runoff from your roof into barrels instead of allowing it to spill on the ground randomly is an easy change to make. You can buy rain barrels or make your own. Then you divert the downspouts from your home into these barrels. Stanford University estimates the yield from one inch of rain can be nearly five gallons of reusable water. Although this water is not potable, collecting rainwater does allow you to make decisions about use the free water that rain provides. Substitute rainwater for tap water when you wash your car. In an emergency, you can sterilize rainwater that has been properly collected. It will be safe for bathing in addition to watering your lawn and garden.

Waste Water

The Environmental Protection Agency works with municipalities throughout the country to develop waste water recycling plans. The cost for setting up water systems that make waste water safe for reuse is often an obstacle. Those cities that have systems in place frequently use reverse osmosis to filter impurities from waste water. After additional chemical treatment, this water is suitable for power generation, oil refinery operations and other industrial uses, such as mixing concrete. Individuals and businesses can get tips on safe water recycling and download free water recycling guidelines at the EPA website.

Tags: water recycling, Environmental Protection, Environmental Protection Agency, free water, from your

Step On A Barrel Tile Roof Without Breaking A Tile

Barrel tiles are prone to damage from weight and impacts.

Manufacturers make barrel tile roofing materials from red clay, giving them a natural terra cotta color. Barrel roofing tiles are heavy, strong and long lasting but fragile at the same time. Typically, manufacturers and roof installers recommend refraining from walking across a barrel tile roof because the tiles may crack or break. Unfortunately, in some instances, gaining access to chimneys or damaged roofing tiles requires stepping on the roof. Stepping on a barrel tile roof and walking across it calls for extreme care. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place an extension ladder up to the house without leaning the ladder on the gutter or edge of the roof to gain access to the roof. Leaning an extension ladder against the edge of a barrel tile may cause the tile to fracture. Position the ladder as far up the house as possible and lean it against the wall of the house.

2. Step onto the section of barrel tile that lies above another barrel tile. One barrel tile under another is the strongest point on the field of roofing tiles.

3. Check each tile for cracking, chips or other flaws before stepping on the barrel tile.

4. Line up the middle of your foot with the middle of the top curve of the barrel tile to allow your heel and toe to fit around the curve of the barrel tile uniformly.

5. Position one foot on the topmost curve of a barrel tile. Place the other foot on the top curve of a second barrel tile to distribute your weight evenly. Place each hand on a top curve of the barrel tile so you are walking on all fours and distributing your weight at four points.

6. Move slowly across or up the roof, cautiously stepping each time. Slowly plant your foot on the top curve and set it in place before advancing your other foot. Move your hands in tandem with your feet.

Tags: barrel tile, curve barrel, curve barrel tile, roofing tiles, barrel tile roof

Visit Microbreweries In Fort Collins Co

CooperSmith's Pub & Brewing Company

Called the “Napa Valley of Craft Beer,” Fort Collins, Colo., is home to a number of microbreweries that together produce one of the largest city volumes of craft brewed beer in the country. New Belgium, Odells and Fort Collins Brewing, among others, all create distinctive, original and highly regarded brews that bring locals and tourists year round to visit their respective brewery tours and tastings, in addition to the annual Colorado Brewer’s Festival, held each year in Fort Collins. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Visit Odell’s Brewing Company, a sustainable and “green” regional brewery known for it’s 90 Shilling brew and offers tours at 1, 2 and 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday. This 40,000 barrel a year brewery, was the second brewery to open in Colorado. Their 5 Barrel pale Ale and Easy Street Wheat are also popular, and a tap room, serves small batch brew beer not available for sale, is open 11-6pm, Monday through Saturday as well.

2. Stop by Fort Collin’s Brewery’s tasting room that opens at noon, Monday through Saturday, and closes at 6pm. Several staples, including the unusual Major Tom’s Pomegranate Wheat and the smoked amber Z Lager, are featured alongside seasonal brews like the Summer Fling. Weekly specials, special events and coupons are all listed on the brewery’s website.

3. Try Albert Damm Bitter, Punjabi Pale Ale and Sigda’s Green Chili beer at CooperSmith’s Pub and Brewing Company, which features a brewery, restaurant pub and poolhall seated bar all in one spot in Old Town Fort Collins. At the Pubside, English pub fare and American favorites are paired together in a family friendly restaurant alongside an exceptional beer list brewed in house. These same brews are also available next door at the Poolside, where 12 billiard tables and a light menu, can be found in more sophisticated ambience open late night.

4. Head to New Belgium Brewing Company, a regional craft brewer opened since 1991, open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, with tours and tastings at the Liquid Center Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. New Belgium’s Fat Tire amber ale is widely available throughout the United States, but other brews like Sunshine Wheat and Mothership Wit are also popular, as are a number of seasonal brews.

5. Check out a branch of the Anheuser Busch brewery, though not a microbrewery, but also offering tours and samples. Hours vary by season and are listed on the Anheuser Busch-Fort Collins website.

Tags: Fort Collins, Brewing Company, through Saturday, Monday through, Monday through Saturday, also popular

Recycle Air Conditioning Water Condensation

Recycle Air Conditioning Water Condensation

The condensation from your air conditioner can produce a lot more water than you might realize. Instead of allowing that water to be lost, you can convert your air conditioner yourself to recycle that water. Recycled water from your air conditioner can be used for all sorts of things, including watering your household plants, cleaning your floors, or even watering your entire garden! Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Locate the discharge pipe on your air conditioner. This pipe carries the condensation from the air conditioner and usually empties into a drain or an outside line.

2. Disconnect the pipe from the drain or outside line.

3. Place the end of the disconnected pipe into a large bucket or rain barrel instead. Be sure to place the bucket or rain barrel below the point where condensation exits the air conditioner. That way, gravity will be able to bring the water to the bucket or rain barrel; otherwise, you'll need to use a pump.

4. Allow the condensation from your air conditioner to run into the bucket or rain barrel.

Tags: your conditioner, bucket rain, bucket rain barrel, rain barrel, condensation from, from your

Make A Rain Barrel Out Of A Wine Barrel

Collect rain in a rain barrel for to use to water your lawn or garden. The barrel collects the rain that enters the gutters on your roof. Use an old wine barrel to set up the system. A spigot at the bottom of the barrel allows you to hook up a hose to use the water were you need it. Collecting the rain water helps save money on water bills and saves water. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cut a hole in the top large enough to fit the gutter downspout. If the top of the barrel is open, cover it with a piece of screen and cut a hole in the screen to hold the downspout. Use the drill to insert screws to hold it in place. Insert the downspout and seal with the plumber's tape.

2. Cut a hole in the bottom of one of the sides large enough to fit the spigot. Place one end of the spigot into the hole. The spout should be on the outside, pointing down. Apply plumber's tape to the part of the spigot that touches the barrel. Squeeze the sealant out over the tape. Smooth it out with your finger. The sealant needs to dry before it comes in contact with water.

3. Hook up a hose to the spigot when you want to use the water.

Tags: large enough, plumber tape

Cut Metal Gutters

Metal gutters can be cut with aviation (tin) snips.

Metal gutters divert rainwater from your roof to the ground. With no gutters, rain would run off your roof in a sheet, soaking anyone walking under your eave with water. Properly installing the gutters around your home will reduce leaks, increasing the efficiency of your home's gutter system. An important part of gutter installation is cutting lengths of metal gutter. Properly sized gutters ensure that you cover the entire area of the roof and the gutter does not detract from your home's curb appeal. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pull the tape measure along the length of metal gutter and mark the length you need to cut the gutter with the carpenter's pencil.

2. Rest the base of the carpenter's square against the top edge of the metal gutter and align the blade of the square with the pencil mark you placed on the gutter in step 1.

3. Move the carpenter's square around the gutter, aligning the blade with the pencil line you are extending, until the gutter has a pencil cut line around its perimeter.

4. Cut along the pencil cut line with a pair of aviation snips. If the section of the gutter you are discarding is on your left, use the right-hand tin snips, and vice-versa if the discarded section is on right. If you have difficulty cutting with the tin snips, make another cut 1- to 2-inches away from the cut line with the alternate hand snip. For example, if you are making the main cut with right-hand tin snips, you will make the second cut with left-handed tin snips. Make sure you place the second cut on the piece of gutter you will be discarding.

5. Continue cutting along the metal gutter with both pair of tin snips until you have cut through the metal gutter. Cutting in this fashion will eliminate the tin snips from bending or distorting the metal gutter.

Tags: metal gutter, pencil line, your home, aviation snips, carpenter square, from your, gutter with

Uses For 55 Gallon Drums

Drums with a 55-gallon capacity are large enough to be employed for storage, transport or any number of uses. They are extremely sturdy and durable, which is the reason for their popularity with individuals as well as commercial industries. Fifty-five gallon drums are available in plastic or steel at very little cost. Accessories such as liners, dollies and covers can be readily purchased from drum suppliers.

Industrial Use

Industrial uses for 55-gallon drums are unlimited, including safe shipping and storage of dry or solid products. Steel drums are used as trash containers and as storage for chemicals. Special steel salvage drums are used as containers for hazardous materials such as those that pose a danger if there is a leak. Plastic barrels are found in commercial settings as water barrels and floating dock barrels. Companies that manufacture products such as food, perfumes and drugs employ stainless steel drums for transporting their goods because they are sealed, corrosion resistant containers that allow the drum's contents to remain pure.

Environmental Applications

Because of their large capacity, plastic drums are favored by environment-conscious consumers for use as rain barrels and compost containers. Rain water is collected for use in gardens and for cleaning purposes. Composting has long been a favorite chemical fertilizer alternative for organic gardeners. Refurbished sterilized drums are being sold as an alternative to the health risk to homeowners posed by recycled drums that once held hazardous materials.

Emergency Preparedness

In the early 21st century, 55-gallon drums have become sought-after items among stringent survivalists as well as the average homeowner, due to anxiety about future natural or man-made disasters. Stainless steel drums are used to safely store nonperishable food, because rodents cannot eat through them. Stainless steel is also preferred to make stoves or ovens for a source of heat. Plastic drums hold extra clothing, medicine and other supplies that might be needed. These large drums could also be used as septic systems to hold waste in the event disaster strikes and no plumbing is available.

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Harvest Rain Water With The Irrigation Method

If you live in an arid place, such as the Southwest, rainfall is limited and evaporation rates are rapid. Rather than use your precious drinking water to irrigate your garden, harvesting rainwater is an effective way to meet the moisture needs of your trees and garden. Rainwater collection also reduces the strain on public resources and provides you with a free way to keep water for your property. When harvesting water you must have a way to capture, divert and store rainwater for later use. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Locate a place on your property that will provide run-off for rainwater such as a roof or raised solid surface. When it rains, look for a place where a good amount of water runs off your roof.

2. Dig a base a few inches deep where you want to put the barrel. Place a layer of cinder blocks in the hole to make it level for the barrel. Place the barrel on top of the blocks.

3. Measure and cut a hole in the top of barrel so the water can get inside. The size of the hole will depend on the size of your delivery system. Install a leaf catch at the top of the barrel to prevent dead leaves from collecting inside.

4. Create a way to divert the water from the roof into the barrel. Attach a downspout to your gutter and direct it into the opening at the top of the barrel. Cut the downspout with a hacksaw so it rests just above the barrel's inlet. An alternative option is setting up a rain chain which will usher water from your roof or raised surface into the barrel.

5. Drill a hole at the top of the barrel to accommodate an overflow pipe with a diameter of at least 2 inches. Thread the pipe directly into the barrel. Place Teflon tape and silicon caulking around the threads to secure it. Point pipe so the water overflows away from the house.

6. Install a spigot in your barrel. Drill a 15/16" hole for a 3/4" hose spigot a few inches from the base of the barrel. Thread the spigot into the hole. Secure with washers on both sides and a nut inside. Place Teflon tape and silicon caulking around the threads to secure it.

7. Connect a soaker hose to the spigot and lead it out to your garden. Turn on the valve whenever you want to water your garden. The force of gravity will take the water out to your plants. Alternatively, you can use the spigot to fill a watering can and deliver water that way.

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Conserve Rainwater For Household Use

Rainwater is free of chlorine, fluoride, dissolved salts and minerals.

You can conserve rainwater by collecting and storing it for later use. Harvesting rainwater lets you save energy and reduces the amount of municipal water or well water you need to depend on. Rainwater is soft and free of chlorine, fluoride, dissolved salts and minerals, which makes it good for gardens and lawns. In addition, rainwater can be used to flush toilets and wash clothes. However, it can't be used for drinking unless it's been treated. Does this Spark an idea?

Rainwater Systems

Your rainwater system can cost a lot of money and consist of a large cistern with a complex filtration system that stores thousands of gallons of water, or you can use a rain barrel placed under a downspout. If you use a barrel, make sure it's a food-grade container that was made to hold liquid.

Storage Tank Placement

Place storage tanks on level ground so they won't tip over when full. Place tanks away from direct sunlight to inhibit the growth of algae. Take advantage of gravity flow by placing the tanks at an elevated level.

Safety Concerns

Never use an open container for collecting rainwater. Children and animals can fall inside and drown. Use locking lids and/or bars on storage tanks. Since mosquitoes are attracted to standing water, use a fine screen over the top of the barrel to keep them out. If you're collecting rainwater from your roof, check roofing material to make sure it's safe. Chemicals, pesticides and other pollutants may seep out of some of these materials.

Tags: chlorine fluoride, chlorine fluoride dissolved, collecting rainwater, dissolved salts, dissolved salts minerals

Clean Used Plastic Barrels

Use your plastic barrels as rainwater barrels.

Used plastic barrels come in a variety of sizes, and can be re-purposed in a number of ways. The barrels can be used for storage in the shed, for composting, or to capture rainwater for use on your lawn and garden. No matter what your intentions for the plastic barrels, you will need to clean them before use to remove any leftover odor, bacterial growth or chemicals. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Rinse out any debris with the garden hose, then discard the water.

2. Pour 1/4 cup of dish soap into the barrel, along with either 4 cups of liquid bleach or 4 cups of white vinegar. If you will be using the barrels to store food, vinegar is a natural, non-toxic disinfectant and cleaning agent. Never mix bleach with vinegar.

3. Fill the barrel halfway with water from the garden hose.

4. Dip a sponge into the cleaning solution, and wipe the upper edges of the barrel. Repeat until you have cleaned the barrel to your liking, then let the water sit in the barrel for two hours to kill any bacteria.

5. Discard the water, then rinse once more with the garden hose. The barrel is now ready for use.

Tags: garden hose, plastic barrels, with garden, with garden hose

Remove Acid Rain From Paint

Many of us have heard about acid rain and its effects on the environment, but it can also cause damage to your car. When certain elements and pollutants are introduced into the atmosphere, they are absorbed into precipitation and fall as acid rain. When the moisture in the rain evaporates, it further concentrates these chemicals, and they can damage the exterior of your vehicle. This usually looks like water spots, but when you wash you car, they can't be removed. If the car's clear outer coat is exposed to too much acid rain, it can penetrate it and cause damage. There is no guaranteed way to prevent damage from acid rain. If you have a car and it's exposed to the elements, it can be damaged. All you can do is try to take protective measures to reduce the amount of exposure and damage.

Instructions

1. Avoid acid rain. If you have a garage, park it inside whenever possible. Otherwise, coat your car with something like wax or sealants.

2. Wash your car often. This will keep the chemicals from staying on the paint for too long. Even if they haven't already damaged the paint, leaving them on the car can allow them to cause more damage when they get wet again.

3. Pay special attention to places that have spots that you've had trouble removing with regular car washing.

4. Wash your car with the cleaner and a sponge to eliminate all the acid that is there.

5. Towel-dry your car.

6. Apply car wax to your car. If you have rented an electric buffer, hook up a soft car polishing cloth and use it to wipe off the wax.

7. Buff the entire car again with another pad.

Tags: acid rain, acid rain have, cause damage, rain have, Wash your, your with

Stop Rain Water From Draining Under Your House

Position one or more downspouts on the side of your house nearest a decline in the landscape.

Unchecked rain water drains to the nearest low spot in the terrain, often under a house and into its foundation, basement or crawlspace. Methods of preventing the flow depend on where the water is coming from. Runoff from the roof can be diverted with a gutter system that includes downspouts, which route water away from the house. Natural runoff from an incline must be intercepted with a subterranean drainage system called a French drain. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine the path for the French drain. The drain should lie between the house and the incline, within 2 yards of the house foundation, and angle toward a low point in the terrain. The path does not need to match the exact shape of the house.

2. Mark the path for the drain, painting in a relatively straight line along the route. Use marking paint that dissolves in water and does not harm plants.

3. Dig the ditch to a width of 6 inches and a depth of 2 feet. Increase the width to 12 inches in areas subject to heavy rainfall. The ditch should slope downward .1 foot for every 100 feet.

4. Place landscape fabric along the base of the ditch, extending the fabric up and over the sides by several inches. Start the fabric at the highest point and work toward the endpoint of the ditch. Overlap seams by 12 inches. Then pour 2 inches of gravel over the cloth.

5. Lay perforated pipe along the length of the ditch, with the holes pointed downward. Do not cap the ends of the drain pipe.

6. Backfill the ditch with gravel to within 2 or 3 inches of the surface. Fold the landscape fabric over the gravel and backfill the remainder of the ditch with dirt.

Tags: ditch with, fabric over, French drain, landscape fabric, width inches

Keep A Greenhouse Warm

Greenhouse owners will tell you that it is a chore trying to keep a greenhouse warm. There are several ways that this can be done. A popular and very efficient way is using a heat sink. A heat sink is affordable and environmentally safe, making it one of the first choices of heating systems for greenhouse owners. A heat sink can be made from rock, sand, brick,concrete and barrels of water. This article will explain the water and barrel system. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Insulate the north-facing wall of your greenhouse with greenhouse curtains or recycled bubble wrap. This will help in keeping the heat inside your greenhouse.

2. Paint a 55-gallon barrel or drum black or another dark reflective color. This will allow it to trap the most heat possible.

3. Place the barrel in the spot within the greenhouse that gets the most sunlight in the day. This will maximize the amount of heat that the heat sink absorbs in the greenhouse.

4. Fill the barrel with water.

Tags: heat sink, This will, your greenhouse

Eliminate Gutters

Traditional roof gutters.

Gutters are a necessity to prevent roof and foundation damage. Gutters help to drain water off of the roof and away from the house. The price and upkeep of traditional gutter systems can be expensive and time consuming. However, there are ways to eliminate using traditional gutters and downspouts. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Purchase rain chains. Rain chains are traditionally Japanese but are becoming more common in the United States. There are different varieties of rain chains. Only one--the bamboo rain chain--cannot be used with snow and ice. Because of the chain design, it will not hang steadily from the roof while holding a buildup of snow and ice. Rain chains drain water twice as fast as traditional gutters and downspouts.

2. Purchase a rain basin. Rain basins can be purchased where rain chains are sold. Rain basins are metal bowls into which rain draining off of the chains is directed.

3. Remove your old gutters carefully so you don't damage your roof. You'll need a pair of pliers to pry the gutters off the house or roof. You must also loosen any pinnings holding the gutters to the house. The same goes for the fascia or connectors on the roof. After removing the gutters from the house, you can then easily remove the downpipes and spouts.

4. Install the new rain chains. Simply attach the chains to the edge of the house with the enclosed hooks. Place the chains 16 inches apart to assure all water is drained off of the roof.

5. Direct the rain chains to a rain basin. You can find rain basins that match your chain design. Try to match metal to metal. If your rain chains are copper, your rain basins should be also. This is merely for aesthetic purposes. Each chain should be directed to its own basin.

Tags: rain chains, chain design, drain water, from house, gutters downspouts, gutters house, Purchase rain

Find Attractive Rain Barrels

Find Attractive Rain Barrels

Rain barrels are a great way to collect excess rainwater and store it for later use. In fact rainwater harvesting systems can be created from multiple rain barrels. While there are plenty of DIY instructions for building your own rain barrel, most involve the use of unsightly blue HDPE barrels and cutting holes in them (which is often difficult to do). The aesthetic appeal of the rain barrel is important and may be a reason why more people don't utilize rain barrels. While attractive is somewhat subjective, the following list of tips offer some suggestions on things to consider when purchasing a rain barrel that will help you find an attractive rain barrel to match your style. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. The first tip is to determine where you would like to put the rain barrel. The location will affect both the design and the size of the rain barrels you select. Most people choose to put the rain barrel under a downspout because it's an easy way to collect a lot of rain water. Because many people use rainwater to water their garden you may want to consider placing the rain barrel near a garden.

2. The next thing to consider is how much rainwater you would like to collect. This is important because it may limit your selection of attractive rain barrels or impact the design of your rainwater harvesting system.

3. Based on the location and size, you'll want to consider what style would look best. The majority of rain barrels are earth-toned plastic which will look good in just about any garden setting. However, it may stand out if you were to place it right next to your house. There are other options such as wood grain and terra cotta rain barrels that might work better with your décor. You may also want to consider half barrels that fit right against the wall and save on space.

4. Because form follows function, you'll want to make sure that the rain barrel offers accessories that make rain barrels more functional. For example, having a built in spigot that will connect to a garden hose for easy watering or having dual spigots for watering can and garden hose use.

Tags: rain barrel, rain barrels, want consider, attractive rain, Attractive Rain, Attractive Rain Barrels, barrels that

New England Whaling History

Whaling started in New England even before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. It grew into an important industry because whale oil burned efficiently, and whale bones made for flexible corsets and hoops for women's clothing. Except for when the British navy blockaded New Englanders from leaving their ports, from the earliest colonial days until electric lamps and spring steel made it less profitable, whaling was a major New England industry.

History

Jacques Cartier was the earliest explorer to describe seeing belugas and other whales in the St. Lawrence River and off the coast of what would become New England in 1535. Ten years before the Mayflower brought the Pilgrims to New England, Samuel de Champlain noted that Basque whalers were hunting in the Atlantic Ocean near the St. Lawrence River. Then the Pilgrims wrote about seeing right whales, Eubalaena glaciata, swimming in the waters off of the Massachusetts coast. They recognized the benefits of hunting these animals for their oil and bones.

Function

The earliest New England whalers used the "shore-surf" method of whaling. First, a whaler on shore would observe a whale in the water. Immediately a team of whalers would launch out in small boats armed with harpoons. They would chase the whale until they got close enough to shoot it with their harpoons. Tied to each spear was a wooden float attached to a long rope. Once the whale was pierced with a spear, it would swim frantically until it got tired. Then the whalers located the animal and towed it back to the shore.

Features

Once the whale was dragged onto the beach, the whalers cut out the blubber. They rendered it into oil by boiling it in large iron "try-pots" right on the beach. They also took out the baleen, or bone, from the whale's mouth, and left the carcass to rot on the beach. Some New England whalers continued to use the shore-surf whaling method until the late nineteenth century, as illustrated by an engraving by William P. Bodfish, "Whaling Off Long Island," which appeared in "Harper's Weekly" on January 31, 1885.

Effects

Beginning around 1720, the whale population in the waters just off the New England shore declined, so a new method of whaling had to be developed for deep sea whaling. New England whalers began sailing whaling sloops with square sails far off-shore to Newfoundland and farther north. They removed the blubber and stored it in barrels until they returned to port. They also harvested the baleen and threw the carcasses back into the ocean for the sharks.

Time Frame

The New England whaling industry could not function between the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 because of the blockades and other naval actions against the Americans by the British. Following the War of 1812, there was a resurgence of New England whaling, which peaked in 1857. There were a total of 329 sea whaling ships worth a total of $12 million. The industry employed 10,000 men. It continued to expand as the United States grew westward with a new whaling port at San Francisco that hunted whales in the Arctic and upper Pacific Ocean. However, after the electric lamp replaced the oil lamp around 1879, the need for whale oil diminished. The industry was further challenged and made redundant after spring steel was invented in 1906, replacing baleen as a flexible solid material for fashion and other commercial uses.

Tags: England whalers, Lawrence River, method whaling, Once whale, spring steel

Connect Rainwater Tanks

Rain barrels can be made from wooden or plastic containers.

Rain barrels are an environmentally friendly and economical way.to conserve water. A 1-inch rainfall on a 1,000-square-foot roof totals 653 gallons of water which can be collected to water lawns and gardens. Most rain barrels are made by recycling 55-gallon drums, so connecting barrels offers a way to collect and save more rainwater during moderate or heavy rainfall. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Build a solid base under the gutter downspout for the first rain barrel using cinder blocks or 6-inch posts. The base must be able to hold more than 300 lbs. If the ground is not stable, it may be necessary to dig and pour a concrete footing.

2. Cut a hole for the downspout adapter using the drill to tap a hole and the sabre saw to cut out. Drill a hole several inches below the top lip of the barrel for the overflow spout and insert hose connector. Drill a hole 2 inches above the bottom rim and insert shut-off valve. Cement connectors and valves to barrel.

3. Build base for next barrel, making sure the height of the top of the barrel is below the level of the overflow valve of the first barrel. Drill, insert and cement overflow connector and shut-off valve as on first barrel. Drill, insert and cement connector on top for connecting hose.

4. Connect garden hose from first barrel overflow connector to second barrel top connector. Collected water will flow from first barrel to fill second when the first barrel is full.

5. Additional barrels can be added as desired, making sure barrels are staircased to assure flow.

Tags: first barrel, barrel Drill, barrel Drill insert, barrel overflow, barrels made, Drill hole, Drill insert

Buy Sulfur To Get Rid Of Snakes

Sulfur is a good snake repellant.

Snakes offer many benefits, one of which is killing rats and rodents. Unfortunately, the snakes themselves sometimes get out of control and become pests. There are many different type of devices and poisons designed to get rid of snakes. One solution that can be used is applying sulfur powder which repels the snakes because they do not like the smell. Sulfur should not be applied in large amounts since it stays in the soil and will inhibit plant growth. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Watch the yard carefully for two or three days to determine which areas the snakes are living in. This will allow you to treat only that area instead of the whole yard. Most snakes sleep during the middle of the day and come out in early morning or at dusk.

2. Remove any water sources from the area such as barrels full of water or bird baths. These provide drinking water for the snakes and will make them stay longer.

3. Purchase sulfur in powdered form at a home improvement store or garden center. The sulfur is located in the pest control section.

4. Open the sulfur and spread it in a line around the area where there is the most snake activity to create a barrier. The line should be approximately 6 inches wide and stretch around the area where you do not want the snakes to come.

Tags: area where, around area, around area where