Protect Hair From Swimming Pool Chlorine

Swimming is fun way to cool off during the summer months, but chlorine damages hair.

Your cool refreshing summertime dip in the community swimming pool could be doing major damage to your hair. While chlorine-treated pools protect swimmers from germs, the chlorine in swimming pools does major damage to even the healthiest head of hair. Chlorine is a strong chemical that can alter hair color as well as permed and relaxed hair. It also strips the hair of moisture which causes dry, brittle, and damaged hair. While this may become problematic to those who spend many hours at the pool, there are ways to protect your hair from chlorine damage. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean hair before entering the pool. You can opt to shampoo your hair before entering the pool or simply apply fresh water that does not contain chlorine. This will aid in ensuring that the leave in or moisturizing conditioner adheres to your hair.

2. Apply a leave in conditioner or moisturizing conditioner. Conditioners seal the hair and repel chlorine from seeping into the cuticle. Fully saturate the hair with leave in conditioner until it is dripping wet. Comb through the hair so that all the strands are coated with conditioner. If you are using a moisturizing conditioner, then take an ample amount of conditioner and apply to the hair. Comb through to make sure that all strands have received conditioner.

3. Clean hair with a clarifying shampoo. After you have enjoyed your swim, cleanse hair with clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos remove buildup and chemicals such as chlorine from the hair. Although the chlorine has not penetrated the hair shaft, it is on the exterior of the hair. Using a cleansing shampoo will prevent buildup and chemical damage that may occur if the chlorine is left on the hair. Rinse well until the hair is free of any shampoo residue.

4. Deep condition the hair. Take the same moisturizing conditioner or leave in conditioner and apply liberally to the hair. You can use the moisturizing conditioner first and then rinse and apply the leave in conditioner to the hair for added protection, conditioning and moisture.

Tags: moisturizing conditioner, leave conditioner, your hair, hair with, before entering

Filter Rain Water

Rain is an important natural resource.

Rain water is plentiful in many places where other sources of water are either contaminated or in very short supply. Accordingly, collecting and filtering rain water to make it drinkable can be of great importance to communities facing water shortages. Recycling rain water for drinking is a straightforward task that can be done quickly and cheaply -- provided the heavens open up their liquid bounty. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Collect two clean containers. Buckets or wastebaskets are ideal. These will be joined together, so find containers that have a top that is slightly wider than the bottom.

2. Cut the bottom out of one of the containers. Put this container on top of the other. Glue the wedges on sides of the top container. Now you should have one big container.

3. Make a 1/2-inch diameter hole in the bottom of the container and put a 1/2-inch diameter 12-inch length vinyl tube in it. Seal the place with silicon sealant.

4. Make a 1/2-inch diameter hole in the center of a table. Put the container on top of the table, the vinyl tube going through the hole in the table.

5. Put 100 percent pure polyester quilt batting (padding) on the bottom of the container. It will be used to filter the water from activated carbon (charcoal).

6. Put activated carbon on top of the polyester batting. Activated carbon is a very good absorbent of chemicals and other water contaminants. Make sure you have at least 2 inches of activated charcoal spread evenly on top of the polyester.

7. Put a water bottle under the table so that the tube from the container goes directly into it. Now the rain water filter is ready.

Tags: 2-inch diameter, 2-inch diameter hole, bottom container, diameter hole, Make 2-inch, Make 2-inch diameter

What Are The Benefits Of Rainwater Collection

Many people collect and store rainwater to use for landscaping, laundry, flushing the toilet and washing their car. Treated rainwater can be used for drinking water. Collecting rainwater, often called rainwater harvesting, has many benefits.

Saves Energy and Money

Using rainwater instead of purified drinking water for landscaping, flushing toilets and other water needs reduces the use of energy and chemicals to create pure drinking water. Using rainwater will also lower your water bill.

Reduces Run-Off

Collecting rainwater reduces rainwater run-off, which is the water that flows off an impermeable surface, such as concrete. Rainwater collects chemicals, such as pesticides, as it flows over impermeable surfaces, which introduces pollutants into streams and groundwater.

Considerations

You may need special permits to use rainwater inside the home, such as for flushing toilets or drinking water. Contact your city council or water department for more information.

Potential

Estimate your home's rainwater harvesting capacity by multiplying the square feet of your available collecting area by the inches of rainfall your area receives annually. Divide this number by 12 to find approximately how many cubic feet of water you could collect each year. Convert this number to gallons by multiplying it by 7.43.

Tags: drinking water, Collecting rainwater, flushing toilets, rainwater harvesting, this number

What Metal Roofing Is Approved For Collecting Potable Rain Water

Any modern, coated metal roof is a good choice for rain collecting

In rural locations, gathering rain water from roofs and collecting it in cisterns has been a water source far before the term "green" meant "environmentally friendly." Nearly every kind of roofing material has been used, but metal and clay are preferred to wood shingles, asphalt shingles or other roofing types. Metal roofs vary in their composition and coating processes. Some are preferable to others. Some metal roofing materials should be avoided in rainwater collection systems. Does this Spark an idea?

Materials and Coatings

Most metal roofs are made of aluminum because of its resistance to rust. Others are made of steel, then given a coating for protection. The coating is the primary concern for water collecting. Because it creates a rust-proof barrier, metals will not leach out into the rainwater. But there is concern about chemicals from the coating process leaching into the water. Whether the metal is coated with traditional paint or a powder-coated dry paint system, concern has been expressed. The consensus seems to be that modern, smooth coated-metal roofs are not just safe, but among the best choices of roofing materials for collecting potable water.

Roof Surface

There are some exceptions. Some metal roofs have pebbly grit adhered to the surface to mimic the duller surface of other roofs. It is the smooth surface of metal that makes it a good roofing choice, so by added a rough exterior, these types forgo one of their rain-collection benefits. Roofs are apt to have nearly everything from the environment blow onto them. If the surface is rough, it gives debris a place to settle and stay until wind or rain removes it. This is true of corrugated "tin" roofs that are not coated and will rust. The rust itself will run off into the water collection tank. And it gives other debris a slightly more porous surface to stick.

Pre- and Post-Filtering

Any water collection system can use a pre-filter. They are necessary with some types of roofs, like three-tab shingles, so the grit doesn't get washed into the water. The pre-filter is primarily for larger debris that may cause maintenance problems. Modern drinking filters should be considered, regardless of your roofing material, as even the best roofing materials are susceptible to contaminants being blown onto them.

What Not to Use

One material you shouldn't use is any flashing made of or containing lead. Use an alternative flashing. When your new metal roof is installed, discard water collected from it for at least one good rain. The rain will clean the roof of any residue left on the roof from manufacture or installation. If possible, discard a gallon or two of the first water collected in each rain as it may contain some impurities blown onto your roof.

Tags: into water, roofing materials, blown onto, metal roof, metal roofs, onto them

Reuse Plastic Pesticide Barrels

Plastic barrels used to store pesticides are typically made out of the thick plastic referred to as pickle barrel, and they usually are made to hold 5, 35 or 55 gallons. After the barrels have been emptied of the pesticide they originally contained, the range of purposes for which the barrels may be safely used is narrow. They may be used again to store a pesticide, or sanitized and either used as trash containers or recycled.

Instructions

1. Refill the barrel. If you have need for more pesticide then you already have an adequate storage container close at hand. Simply buy more pesticide from an industrial source that is willing to pump the pesticide into your old barrel. Some barrels may require reconditioning to be used again, according to the Clemson University Pesticide Information Program, and damaged barrels should not be used again.

2. Use the barrels as trash or recycling containers. The largest plastic barrels are the same size as industrial garbage cans, and if you triple-wash them---wearing goggles and rubber gloves---you may line them with heavy duty garbage bags for your trash or recyclable materials. Ensure that no traces of pesticide are left in the barrels before using them as garbage cans.

3. Recycle pesticide barrels. Because they have contained a pesticide, they are not safe for holding water---even water used for the lawn or for washing. Triple-wash the inside of the barrels and take them to a recycling center.

Tags: used again, garbage cans, more pesticide, pesticide they

Save Rain Water For Garden Plants

Rainwater provides moisture that is free of salts that can damage plant roots.

Rainwater collection is becoming a popular way to introduce sustainable gardening methods into home landscapes. Rainwater is beneficial for plants because it is free of salts and minerals that impair root growth. It saves money on water bills, reduces contamination of surface water with pesticides and reduces demand on municipal water supplies. Rainwater collection requires capture, diversion and optional storage of rainwater. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Rain Barrel

1. Locate a rain barrel that has not been used for any toxic substance, also known as a food-grade barrel.

2. Drill a hole 4 inches from the bottom of the barrel and screw in a plastic spigot.

3. Cut a rectangular hole in the top the same size as your gutter downspouts.

4. Attach a small piece of wire mesh over the rectangular opening to keep debris out of the barrel.

5. Cut downspout to the correct height to drain into barrel. Position barrel under spout.

6. Connect a hose to the spigot to water flower and vegetables beds further away from the rain barrel.

Trenches

7. Dig a 2- to 4-inch deep trench around landscape or garden beds to collect rainwater.

8. Dig smaller trenches to carry the water to individual plant groups.

9. Build a small berm, or lip, constructed of soil on the outside edge of the trench to hold the water inside the trench so it can slowly filter into the garden soil.

Cistern

10. Dig a large rectangular pit in the ground. The size will depend on how much water you wish to store.

11. Line the pit with concrete, fiberglass, cement blocks or other waterproof material.

12. Add a filtering component like screening over access openings that will keep out debris and small animals.

13. Cover the cistern to keep debris out of the water. Wood, canvas, metal or plastic are good coverings.

Tags: keep debris, free salts, rain barrel, Rainwater collection

Program A Rainsoft Water Softener After Adding Salt

Each time you add salt to the RainSoft water softener, you must program the weight of the salt you are adding. This will allow the RainSoft softener to accurately let you know when you are running low on salt. The weight programming will only take a few minutes but it will keep you from accidentally running out of salt in your softener. Remember to always use block salt or solar salt in your system. Using rock salt will require periodic cleaning of the brine tank. Never use granulated salt as this will cause damage to the softener. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Locate the "Menu Scroll" button on your home screen. Press the button four times until the "Pounds To Regenerate" icon comes up. The icon will appear in the lower right of the digital display.

2. Press the "Up" or "Down" buttons to adjust the pounds of salt that you added to the softener. The "Up" and "Down" buttons will be toward the right part of the home screen below the digital display.

3. Exit the program mode by pressing the "Menu Scroll" button one more time on the home screen.

Tags: home screen, digital display, Down buttons, Menu Scroll, Menu Scroll button, running salt, salt your

Build A Water Feature

Water lilies add color and interest to a container water feature.

Water features range from fountains to ponds and everything in between. Although different in style, all water features add a certain element of tranquility to the space they occupy. One of the easiest water features to make is a container garden that not only introduces the serenity of water but also the beauty of aquatic plants. A half-whiskey barrel transformed into a water garden created is a relaxing embellishment to any outdoor living space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Select a sunny location for the water feature. The location should be free from overhanging branches or aggressive ground vegetation.

2. Make a 4-foot square using small stakes a string. The container garden will sit in the center of this square.

3. Cut a piece of landscape fabric to fit the square and tack it down with landscape pins. Remove the stakes and string.

4. Place the barrel in the center of the landscape fabric.

5. Fill the container three-quarters full with water. If you are using city water, let the water sit for a day so that the chlorine will burn off.

6. Add a layer of crushed gravel to the top of the soil of the potted plants. This will keep the soil from coming loose in the water.

7. Stack bricks on the bottom of the container for the potted water lilies. Place the water lilies on the bricks. Adjust the height of the bricks so that the leaves are floating on the surface of the water.

8. Place the submerged plants on the bottom of the container.

9. Place the floating water plants on the water surface.

10. Place a floating solar fountain on the water surface.

11. Add a handful of crappie minnows to help control insects. Add twelve water snails to eat decaying vegetation.

12. Place an assortment of potted plants of different heights around the container garden. Add enough river rock to cover the landscape fabric.

13. Position a solar spotlight on the water feature so that it can be enjoyed at night.

Tags: container garden, landscape fabric, bottom container, Place floating, potted plants

Build A Rain Barrel To Catch Rain

Large, clean barrels are suitable for catching rainwater.

A rain barrel is a barrel that has been placed underneath a downspout to collect water when it rains. There are numerous advantages to having a rain barrel. The water it collects is suitable for watering lawns or gardens, which reduces the amount of money spent on water. Rain barrels are also considered environmentally friendly, as they reduce the amount of water needed from the public supply and reduce runoff from storms. The mechanics of building a rain barrel are fairly simple. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wash out the drum or barrel with soap and water. There are many different containers that you can use, but large barrels or drums that were previously used for food are ideal, as they will not leach dangerous chemicals into the water.

2. Mark a circle on the top of the barrel using a compass, about 6 inches in diameter. Cut out the hole using a saw. There are several types of saws that are suitable, including a hole saw or a saber saw.

3. Cut two holes in the side of the barrel using the drill and 3/4-inch drill bit. One must be close to the top. This controls the water level if the barrel starts to overflow. The other must be close to the bottom. The closer it is, the better. However, there will be a faucet in this hole, and if it is too close to the ground, you will be unable to use the faucet.

4. Fit the hose adapter into the top hole. Use caulk to seal it in place. You can fit a hose onto this adapter later to move any overflow from the barrel away from your house.

5. Fit the faucet into the lower hole. Caulk it in place. You can use washers or similar hardware for added stability, if desired.

6. Fit a mesh screen inside the top of the barrel, covering the hole that you made earlier. You could cut a circle from the screen that is slightly larger than the hole you cut in the lid, or cut a circle that fits snugly into the top of the lid by turning the lid upside down over the mesh and tracing around it with chalk. With either option, turn the lid upside down and place the screen circle over the hole. Use caulk or glue around the circumference of the screen piece to hold it in place. This will prevent animals from getting into the barrel, notably mosquitoes, which will be drawn to the water as a location to lay eggs.

7. Put the lid of the barrel on securely.

Tags: rain barrel, barrel using, hole caulk, must close, upside down

Hide Your Rain Barrel

Rain barrels help to save money on your water bill and conserve water resources by harvesting rainfall. While there are plenty of good uses for rain barrel water, including gardening and washing the car, the biggest downside to having a rain barrel is aesthetics. The easiest way to hide your rain barrel is to paint it to match your house; paint it when you're building it or anytime it's empty. To more effectively camoflage it around the yard, create a natural green trellis that has function and beauty. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove any sticks, rocks or other debris from the site, and dig a trench 8 to 12 inches wide around your rain barrel. Use your shovel to turn the dirt over to make it fluffy.

2. Measure the length of the trench with a measuring tape, and cut a section of chicken wire the length of your trench with wire cutters.

3. Lay the chicken wire along the trench. Sink long green garden stakes into the ground vertically, and rest the chicken wire against the stakes for support.

4. Plant the ivy starts at evenly spaced intervals along the trench. For variety, add a few types of ivy or combine ivy with another trellising plant. The ivy will fill out as it grows, but aim to space plants every 4 to 6 inches along the chicken wire for optimal coverage.

5. Fill in the trench with equal parts of potting soil and native soil. Water the plants thoroughly.

6. Arrange the ivy on the chicken wire as it grows to best hide your rain barrel. Trim away dead parts of the plant as needed. Continue to water the ivy when the soil dries out.

Tags: chicken wire, rain barrel, trench with, along trench, hide your rain, your rain, your rain barrel

Rain Chain Cup Instructions

Rain chan cups attach to the gutters of your house

Rain chains are another way for the water in your gutters to flow down to the ground. Cups are used with the rain chain in which the water flows down to create a type of water feature. Installing the rain chain cups involves attaching the chain for the cups to the gutters of your house. You can to this task by first obtaining the rain chain cups that you want to use. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Open the package for your rain cups and spread them out on the ground.

2. Find and remove the ball nuts at the bottom of each rain cup section, depending on the length that you need. Turn the ball nuts to the left or counterclockwise to remove them.

3. Take the connector off of the bottom of the rain cup section. Attach the connector to the top of the next section of rain cups.

4. Secure the connector back in place and tighten the ball nuts. Repeat steps 2 through 4 to connect additional sections of ran cups together.

5. Set up the ladder next to the downspout for the gutter. Go up the ladder and disconnect the downspout from the gutter. Set the section of downspout aside.

6. Locate the hole in the gutter that was used for the downspout. Place the gutter hook in the hole and then insert the S-hook though the loop.

7. Lift the rain chain up off the ground and connect the loop at the top to the S-hook. Observe the water flowing down the rain cups after the next rain.

Tags: rain chain, ball nuts, chain cups, rain cups, gutters your, gutters your house, rain chain cups

Tips On Make Frizzy Hair Wavy

Women whose locks are naturally frizzy or who have damaged hair search in vain for ways to make frizzy hair wavy again. While coaxing frizzy hair into sleek waves may seem like an impossible feat, it can be done, as long as you use the right styling products and avoid styling techniques that do more damage. Does this Spark an idea?

Nature Plays a Part

When it comes to forcing your frizz into tame, shiny waves, remember that because nature plays a huge role, some things are beyond your control. Frizzy is largely a matter of your genetic makeup, and some women are born with hair that tends to frizz rather than wave or curl (hair that's naturally dry and coarse is more likely to frizz than wave).

Where you live plays a part as well. Climates high in humidity can cause hair to frizz almost as soon as you step out the door, especially on rainy days. If your hair is exposed to copious amounts of sun and harsh wind, that too can result in frizz. But frizzy hair can be the result of other factors, such as medications, stress, illness or a poor diet.

Product Tips

According to Ethan Shaw, a stylist based in Austin, Texas, you won't be able to avoid frizz unless you start using styling products. Using the right products, using them the right way and using enough of them is key to managing frizz. Hair products that are high in alcohol make wavy hair more frizzy, but so can conditioners that are oil-based, including hot oil treatments.

Experts recommend wavy-haired women use a sulfite-free shampoo formulated for coarse, dry hair. For hair that's uncontrollably frizzy, a leave-in conditioner might be appropriate. Deep treatments that are left on for 10 to 15 minutes can also calm frizz and give smoother, wavier hair.

Styling products that contain silicone tame frizz and encourage waves; however, the thick texture of these products is difficult to distribute through the hair evenly, resulting in greasy spots. A small dab of product rubbed briskly between the palms can be lightly run through the hair, avoiding the scalp area.

Frizz Don'ts

What else causes frizz? Damage comes from the usual culprits---bleaches, hair dyes and relaxers (especially those that contain lye). Chemical damage is irreversible, so you may require a good haircut to allow healthy hair to grow out.

But naturally wavy hair can be damaged into frizz by overdoing it with the hot tools, such as blow-dryers, hot curlers and straightening irons. While it might be tempting to use a barrel curling iron to strong-arm every last tendril into place, this can result in even more damage to your hair. Use a diffuser attachment on your blow-dryer, and dry the hair only to the extent that waves begin to form, then air dry the rest.

If you still struggle for ways to rid yourself of frizz, naturallycurly.com (see Resources) provides an excellent forum for discussion, product reviews and stylists' advice.

Tags: hair that, frizzy hair, more damage, products that, styling products

Troubleshoot Rainsoft

RainSoft produces water treatment and filtration systems for homes.

RainSoft is a company that produces house water and air treatment and filtration systems. Problems sometimes occur with RainSoft water treatment systems, such as low water pressure, the filter failing to automatically regenerate and the system regenerating at the wrong time. On the QRS Series water treatment system, the bypass valve allows you to bypass the system in emergency situations and for service calls. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Bypass your system to confirm the problem if your water pressure is low on a RainSoft QRS Series water treatment system. Set the bypass valve on your RainSoft system by moving the bypass valve handles to their bypass position. Make sure the bypass valve handles are perpendicular to the pipes. If the problem is not resolved after bypass, it is not related to your RainSoft equipment. Have the water distribution system checked. If your problem is resolved after bypass, call your RainSoft dealer for service at 800-860-7638 or find the location and name of the nearest authorized dealer by logging on to the RainSoft website (see Resources).

2. Connect to a constant power source if the filter does not automatically regenerate on a RainSoft Silver Series water filtration system. Push in the right day pins if the day pins are not depressed properly.

3. Reset the hour or time of day of regeneration if the timer is not set properly and your system regenerates at the wrong time. Pull out the "24 Hour Time Dial" and rotate it until the Current Time of Day Pointer is lined up with the corresponding hour on the dial . Reset the time of day if, due to daylight savings, the time is off.

Tags: water treatment, bypass valve, Series water, your RainSoft, after bypass, automatically regenerate

California Rain And Garden Plants

Low maintenance lavender plants are excellent choices in California gardens.

Though California is known for being an arid state -- prone to periods of drought and extreme heat, this state still gets a fair amount of rain. You can create a garden that takes advantage of both rain and dry days. Does this Spark an idea?

Plant Choices

Plants that can survive through periods of dry weather are the best choices. Mediterranean gardens add color and offer low maintenance while demanding little water. These plants will make it through the winter during the rainy season and bloom in spring and summer.

Features

Landscapers in California design with rocks and creek beds to balance out the amount of water required and that adds an overall natural design to the garden. Plants such as ornamental grasses and herbs grow well around rocks -- adding color and dimension.

Native Plants

The rainy season in California lasts from late fall to early spring. It is best to plant in fall before heavy rain starts, so the plants have time to establish their roots, leading to healthy growth in the spring. Make an effort to choose California natives for the best chance of success.

Tags: rainy season

Barrel Race

Riding a horse is an exciting and rewarding hobby, even if you just ride the trails on weekends. If you are competitive and would like to add more excitement to your riding, compete in local barrel racing shows, or go on the road to professional level rodeos. Follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Warm your horse up before starting on the barrels.

2. Set up three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. There should be about 80 feet between the first and second barrel, and 90 feet from the first and second barrels to the third barrel.

3. Make a starting point about 60 feet away from the first and second barrels, right in the center. If you have an arena this would be where the entrance gate is.

4. Walk your horse down the center, aiming at the third barrel but slightly bending towards the right (first) barrel.

5. Turn towards the first barrel when you are about 20 feet away. Give yourself a small pocket of space so the horse doesn't hit the barrel.

6. Make the tight turn around the barrel, and then head straight for the second barrel. When you are about 10 feet from the barrel, create a pocket of space.

7. Turn left around the second barrel, and then head straight for the third barrel.

8. Repeat the same steps for the third barrel as you did the second, making a left turn. After turning the third barrel, you will head straight for the starting point again.

9. Ride your horse through the barrels at a walk until he knows the pattern. You can then start trotting through the pattern.

10. Loping through the pattern will take time. You may not be able to lope or run through the pattern for at least a month or more.

Tags: third barrel, about feet, first second, head straight, second barrel, through pattern, your horse

What Are The Pros & Cons Of A Progressive Tax

There are many theories of taxation and just as many arguments about which is the most efficient and why. The United States currently uses a progressive system of taxation, which means people of different income levels are taxed at different rates.

Significance

A progressive tax levies a higher tax rate on those earning larger amounts of money than on those who earn less money. Your income determines which tax bracket you qualify for, and the wealthier members of society bear more of the overall tax burden than the poorer citizens.

Function

Progressive taxation helps protect people during a recession because if their income drops, they fall into a lower tax bracket. This means they will owe less money to the government.

Distribution

According to the Tax Policy Center, the top 1 percent of wage earners in the United States were taxed at a rate of 31.6 percent in 2008, while the lowest quintile of earners was taxed at a rate of 1.1 percent. Many consider this beneficial because it means that those who can afford to pay more taxes do, and those who are poor can spend more of their wages on essentials rather than on taxes.

Effects

A highly progressive taxation system may discourage people from entering high-paying professions because so much of their potential income would be taken away in taxes.

Arguments Against Progressive Taxation

According to CATO, a nonprofit think-tank favoring a free market and limited government, progressive taxation violates the Constitution, which promotes equal rights for citizens and limits the powers of the federal government. Many people who do not favor progressive taxation argue that taxing one group at a greater rate than another group does not constitute strictly equal treatment.

Tags: less money, progressive taxation, rate percent, taxed rate, taxed rate percent, United States

Diy Downspout Diverter

Downspout diverters are used to divert water away from the foundation of your home or to divert water to landscaped areas of your yard. All diverters attach to your existing downspout, and the most simple diverters take very little time to install. A few simple tools are all that is needed to connect a diverter to your downspout. Does this Spark an idea?

Flexible Diverters

Flexible diverters are made from 4-inch expandable plastic tubing. A single expandable diverter can expand up to 25 feet, or it can be cut to suit your needs. You can choose to leave the diverter above ground or bury it. If you decide to bury the diverter, it is best to leave the end of the diverter uncovered to keep it from filling with dirt and debris and potentially blocking the flow of water.

Preparation

Remove the elbow from the bottom of your downspout. Most downspouts will have a curved section of guttering connected to the straight portion of downspout. This curved section is connected by gutter screws. Use a drill and Phillips head drill bit to remove the gutter screws and slide off the elbow.

Adapter

Flexible diverters must have an adapter that attaches to your downspout in the same location that you removed the elbow. Slide the square end of the adapter onto your downspout and secure it in place with gutter screws.

Diverter Hose

Connect your diverter hose to the end of the adapter and extend the hose to your desired location. If you choose to bury the hose you will need to dig a trench at least 6 inches deep and approximately 5 inches wide. Lay the hose in the trench and cover it with dirt. You can reuse the dirt from digging the trench.

Tags: your downspout, gutter screws, curved section, divert water, leave diverter, with dirt

Make Your Own Gray Water Dry Well 55gallon Drum

Utilizing a 55-gallon drum as part of a dry well allows wastewater generated from sinks and laundry appliances to be disposed without impacting the sanitary sewer. The dry well is a simple structure designed to allow water to soak away below ground level. The 55-gallon drum gives the dry well structure and creates a holding area for water during the soaking process. The project requires some digging and plumbing, but falls within the capabilities of most do-it-yourselfers. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Dig a hole in the ground at the planned location of the dry well. Dig out enough soil to create a hole at least as deep as the height of the 55-gallon drum plus any planned dirt covering for grass. Make the hole slightly larger around than the size of the drum. Renting an excavator requires the least physical labor although many people dig the hole with a shovel.

2. Drill about a dozen 1-inch holes around the bottom of the 55-gallon drum. The drum can also sit with its open bottom facing downward.

3. Place about 6 inches of 1-inch gravel in the base of the hole.

4. Place the drum in the hole. Fill the area around the drum with more of the 1-inch gravel. Connect the drum to the gray water outlet from the home. This pipe, usually PVC, extends through a hole in the wall of the drum and allows the gray water to flow into the drum.

5. Cover the top of the drum and the gravel surrounding it with landscape fabric or tar paper. This prevents the dirt or soil from working its way into the gravel where it may clog the holes in the drum.

6. Cover the barrel and the rest of the hole with top soil, and replant grass over the dry well.

Tags: 55-gallon drum, 1-inch gravel, drum Cover, gray water, hole with

Use A Submersible Pump For A 55 Gallon Drum

Submersible pumps are commonly used to power large fountains.

A submersible pump is used to pump water out of the container it is placed in. The motor housing for these specialized units is completely encased and can not be damaged by water. Water is pumped from the bottom of the container up through a hose connected to the output of the pump. Common uses for a submersible pump include fountains and pool cleaning. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Fill the 55-gallon drum with water.

2. Place the submersible pump at the bottom of the barrel. Be sure the bottom of the pump is resting on the floor of the barrel so the pump stays right side up. Some submersible pumps have suction cups attached to their bottoms so the pump does not move around while in use.

3. Place the output hose of the pump in an appropriate location. Where you place the output hose depends on the application that you are using the pump for. For example, if you are transferring water from the 55 gallon barrel to a smaller container, place the end of the output hose in the smaller container.

4. Plug the power cord for the submersible pump into an available outlet in a dry area. This will start the pump automatically and water will begin to flow from the outlet pipe after a few seconds of priming.

Tags: output hose, place output hose, smaller container, submersible pump, submersible pump

Screen A Rain Barrel From Mosquitoes

A source of conservation, barrels capture rain water run off from roofs.

With new awareness concerning water conservation, more homeowners are capturing rainwater runoff from their house roofs and saving money on water bills to water gardens and landscapes. Homeowners can purchase commercial rain barrels or make their own. If a rain barrel doesn't have a purpose-made screen, homeowners can easily make a screen from nylon mesh that can be installed to shield the water from eggs deposited by disease-carrying mosquitoes. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Lay the nylon mesh out on a flat surface or work table and place the barrel lid on top of the mesh.

2. Measure and cut the nylon mesh, following the contours of the lid. The mesh should extend a few inches beyond the edges of the lid. The barrel cover may have one or several holes drilled into the lid. It is not necessary to cut mesh for each opening.

3. Place the nylon mesh across the barrel opening. Make sure the mesh drapes over all sides of the opening.

4. Replace the lid to hold the mesh snugly in place.

Tags: nylon mesh, water from

Make A Rain Barrel From A Blue Plastic Drum

Making a rain barrel is an effective way to collect run-off water for use in gardening, cleaning or other projects. Water can be collected from a roof, and the barrel will generally fill quickly even with a light rain.

A rain barrel is a simple project that can be put to use as soon as it is finished. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean your barrel out with a mixture of bleach and water. Mix 1/8 cup of bleach with five gallons of water and rinse your barrel out well to remove any chemicals or debris.

2. Place the barrel at one corner of your house next to a downspout so that it can catch run-off rainwater.

3. Drill a hole for your hose spigot near the bottom of the barrel. Drill a 15/16" hole for a 3/4" hose spigot. The spigot will allow you to remove water from your barrel as you need it.

4. Screw the spigot onto the barrel or secure it according to the directions on your spigot.

5. Place the cinder blocks in an overlapping pattern or cement them together to make a level platform for your rain barrel.

6. Attach a downspout to the lid of the barrel. Blue plastic drums come with a lid that has a space to attack your downspout. Use a flexible downspout that you can bend or stretch to meet your barrel or cut your downspout to meet the opening of your blue plastic drum.

Tags: your barrel, rain barrel, downspout that, Drill hole, hose spigot, your downspout

Cheap Ways To Decorate A Fish Tank

Cheap Ways to Decorate a Fish Tank

Now that you've spent time and money on the fish colony of your dreams, it is understandable that you want to house your underwater pets in an appropriately attractive aquatic oasis. There are countless fish tank decorations on the market, but you don't have to spend a fortune on these items. Inexpensive fish tank decorations can be purchased at any pet or aquarium store, and even with a small budget, you will be well on your way to providing an attractive home for your fish.

Plastic Plants

Plastic plants are one of the more popular decorations for fish tanks and are sold in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Because the items are made from plastic, you can usually find these decorations for under $10. Make sure you investigate any budget plastic plants or discounted plastic plants to ensure they are for use in a fish tank. Any plastic plants that are molded around metal could rust and cause toxins that harm your fish.

Artificial Driftwood

Artificial driftwood is usually made of plastic and is designed to resemble authentic driftwood. The benefit of artificial driftwood is not only is it usually cheaper than real driftwood but it also does not get water clogged or moldy. As with all synthetic materials, make sure the artificial driftwood is appropriate for use in aquariums. If you have fish whose instinct it is to eat driftwood, such as pleco, you should not use artificial driftwood in your tank, as they prefer the real thing.

Rocks

Aquarium rocks can be surprisingly expensive, especially if the rocks are authentic. Unfortunately, aquarium rocks provide shelter and stress-relief for most fish and should be used in large tanks. Therefore, look for rocks that are made of synthetic materials, such as heavy plastic or even ceramic. These rocks won't be as expensive as the real rocks but will look almost identical in the water.

Ornaments

Ornaments come in the widest variety of decorations for fish tanks. From scenes of ship wrecks to ancient ruins, ornaments add color and action to your fish tank in addition to offering fish a playful course for activity and hiding. Because ornaments are so widely available, they also come in a variety of materials. Plastic and synthetic materials are easily found in stores and will be the best for a budget-conscious purchase. Look for ornaments that are listed as nontoxic and are made without metals, which can rust easily.

Tags: artificial driftwood, fish tank, plastic plants, synthetic materials, your fish, Cheap Ways

Cook With A Barrel Smoker

Most barrel-style charcoal grills (including Charbroil and Char-Griller brands) come with attached offset fireboxes or can be equipped with firebox add-ons available at many grilling outlets and retail Web sites. The offset fireboxes are key to converting the main chamber of the grill into a smoking chamber, allowing for indirect heat and use of flavorful smoke. Upright barrel smokers have charcoal grates at the base of the drum, with food sitting on grates generally two to three feet above the coals. Though positioned differently, both types of barrel smokers require similar techniques. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Curing the Grill and Firebox

1. Brand new barrel grills or upright barrel smokers require a curing process to burn away factory chemicals and create a protective coating on the steel inside the cooking chambers. Use cooking spray or shortening to thoroughly coat the inside of the grill and firebox or smoking chamber (top, bottom and all cooking grates).

2. Build charcoal fires inside the main chamber and firebox if so equipped.

3. With lids closed, allow the fires to burn for at least an hour until smoke from the burning oil ceases.

4. After cooling, clean out unburned charcoal fragments and ash.

Preparing Meat, Wood Chips and Charcoal

5. Apply dry-rub seasonings to the desired meat the night before cooking and allow it to sit, draped in plastic wrap, in the fridge. This allows the seasonings to absorb into the meat, curing it.

6. Soak wood chips and/or chunks in a bucket or large bowl of water, beer or wine for at least an hour before beginning the smoking process. Wet wood burns longer and produces more smoke to enhance flavor.

7. Thirty minutes before smoking, build a small charcoal fire in the bottom of the barrel smoker or in the grill side firebox if using a side-by-side barrel grill-smoker combo. Use about four or five handfuls of lump charcoal. This size of fire should be maintained throughout the smoking process.

Smoking the Meat

8. Place the cured meat on the rack of the grill or smoking chamber and close the lid. A tightly sealed lid ensures more even, stable temperatures inside the smoking chamber.

9. Add a handful of wet wood chips or one or two fist-sized wood chunks to the hot coals every 30 minutes to slow-season the meat with natural hardwood smoke.

10. Add one or two handfuls of lump charcoal every hour or so, depending on the outside temperature and wind. The heavier the wind, the faster the charcoal will burn.

11. Apply the grilling sauce generously to the meat for the final hour or two of cooking, basting every 30 minutes or so. This provides multiple layers of glaze and locks in the smoky flavor.

Tags: smoking chamber, barrel smokers, barrel smokers require, every minutes, handfuls lump, handfuls lump charcoal, least hour

Benefits Of Conserving Water

Benefits of Conserving Water

Wise water use is more than turning off the tap when brushing your teeth. In a nation and world faced with decreasing supplies of clean water, conservation is crucial.

Engineers in O'Fallon, Illinois, say municipalities have been studying how we use water since the 1970s. From low-flow showerheads and toilets to water-saving landscaping, plants and irrigation to maximizing commercial and industrial water usage, the benefits of conservation have been to save taxpayers and industries money, reduce municipal infrastructure budgets and preserve clean water resources.

Taxpayer Money

Saving energy is a big benefit of water conservation, says the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee. Water is hefty to move and expensive to treat so conserving it reduces electricity from water pumps and treatment plants.

To save the cost of removing water from its source, treating it and delivering it to homes, many municipalities now store, reduce use and reuse existing water.

Edmonton television station CTV says the Alberta capital recycled 20 million liters in three years by reusing the water from its municipal swimming pools to water its parks, trees and flowers. The city and taxpayers benefited by saving money to transport and treat that amount of fresh water and by offsetting the effects of drought.

Home budgets

The less water that flows out of your tap, the less you pay in water and sewage fees. Many municipalities have conservation tips for how their rate payers can reduce use, or incentives such as free showerheads to reduce the demand on the municipal supply.

Attach your downspout to a rain barrel and see the benefits in your pocket when using the rainwater on your lawn and garden shrinks your water bill.

Edmonton's water utility Epcor estimates that average homes using low-flow fixtures and water efficient appliances can save more than $300 a year.

Environment

Taking water from its natural source--whether a river, underground aquifer, lake, reservoir or dam--alters the environment of that water source. This can affect the wildlife, fish and ecosystem, destroy habitat by reducing water to drink or spawn in and make the water features less enjoyable for human use.

Water conservation benefits the environment by reducing or reusing the removed water and, in some cases, returning some of it to the water cycle as recycled gray water.

Less water taken, transported and treated reduces electricity and energy demands, minimizing their effect on global warming.

Supplies

Keeping chemicals, motor oil, lawn fertilizer and pesticides out of house and municipal drains is as important to the water supply as fixing leaks, shorter showers and running full loads of dishes and laundry.

The benefits include keeping the local water supply clean and municipal savings from not needing bigger water treatment plants.

Water Rights

The nation's dwindling fresh water supplies have created a complex network of water rights and laws, with users increasingly in conflict.

Farmers in California's Imperial Valley feed much of the nation with their irrigated crops, but are just one of the water users of the Colorado River.

Users up river also have rights, and as each takes its portion, the mighty stream that carved the Grand Canyon slows to a trickle and some years never reaches the sea.

Active water conservation practiced by all users is beneficial. It helps keep the stream moving, stretches a limited commodity without increasing its quantity and assists the production of the nation's food supply.

Tags: water from, Benefits Conserving, Benefits Conserving Water, clean water, Conserving Water, fresh water

Repair Plastic Rainwater Tanks

A plastic rainwater storage tank can be permanently repaired using a plastic welder.

Plastic rainwater storage tanks can become damaged with age. When a plastic rainwater tank cracks, you need to repair the crack to conserve the rainwater and to keep the crack from growing to a point that you need to replace the tank. To create a permanent repair to your plastic rainwater tank, you need to fuse the crack with heat. A hot air plastic welder will fuse the crack, creating a strong repair. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Drain the water from the plastic rainwater tank so that the water level is 2 to 3 inches below the repair area.

2. Determine the type of plastic your rainwater tank is made from by finding the three-letter identification code stamped on the surface and then referencing the identification code in the plastics identification guide. In the identification guide there will be a welding temperature listed along with the plastic's melting temperature.

3. Set the heat of the plastic welder, turn the plastic welder on and allow the plastic welder to warm up while you prep the repair area.

4. Put on your safety glasses.

5. Create a 1/16-inch groove over the repair area with the carbide beveling tip attached to the die-grinder. Run the groove 1/2 inch past each side of the repair area. This will ensure that the stress is relieved from the repair.

6. Hold the speed tip of the plastic welder on one end of the repair area and feed a length of plastic filler rod into the rod guide of the speed tip.

7. Apply downward pressure on the plastic filler rod and pull the plastic welder toward you. Keep a constant eye on the area where the plastic filler rod meets the surface of the repair area. If you notice the surface of the repair area turning brown, increase the speed you are pulling the plastic welder. Slow down your pulling speed if you notice there is no bead of melted plastic flowing in front of the area where the plastic filler rod meets the surface of the repair area.

8. Clip the plastic filler rod with the side-cutting pliers when you reach the end of the repair area. Fuse the end of the plastic filler rod to the surface of the plastic rainwater tank.

9. Allow the welded area to cool to air temperature before allowing any water to enter your rainwater storage tank.

Tags: repair area, plastic welder, plastic filler, rainwater tank, plastic rainwater tank, rainwater storage

Treat Rainwater In A Cistern

You can enjoy pure, clean rainwater in a cistern by using various treatments.

Rain water can be stored in various ways. Cisterns are like artificial wells that safely collect rainwater from a roof or a catchment area. Cisterns are convenient for harvesting rainwater in areas where water is low during certain dry periods throughout the year. Treating rainwater in a cistern is necessary in order to keep the water free from contamination. You can use various effective methods to achieve the best results.

Instructions

1. Inspect rainwater harvesting systems for your cisterns regularly. Gutters, filters and cisterns should be inspected and cleaned whenever necessary. Debris in your gutters depends on the amount of trees near your house and the time of year.

2. Treat rainwater in a cistern with chlorination. This is an effective method often used to eliminate all types of bacteria, making the water more suitable for household use. The recommended amount of chlorine sufficient to treat 200 liters of water is 1/4 teaspoon.

3. Use ozone to treat rainwater in cisterns. Ozone is a powerful disinfecting and deodorizing gas. Ozone is created when oxygen in the air is exposed to ultraviolet rays. Ozone treatment is done by using an ozone generator along with an air pump. The cistern is continuously aerated with small, ozone-saturated bubbles. The pumping action of these tiny bubbles circulate and purify the water.

4. Treat your rainwater with reverse osmosis. This type of treatment is effective in eliminating a wide array of contaminants. The process involves a membrane to separate pure water from the contaminants. It is recommended that treating rainwater in a cistern with osmosis, though, may be more effective with the use of an ultraviolet system.

Tags: rainwater cistern, cistern with, rainwater cistern with

Turn On An Antisiphon Valve For A Sprinkler System

A full, lush green lawn is a pleasant attraction to come home to. One effective way that you can ensure that your lawn is watered and cared for properly is by installing a sprinkler system. These systems are controlled by a central timer located on your property, typically inside your garage. In many cities and municipalities, the presence of anti-siphon valves is required for sprinkler systems. These fixtures prevent irrigation water from being accidentally siphoned back into the municipal water supply. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Ensure that the timing wires are connected to the solenoid on top of the anti-siphon valve. The wires are thin, similar to the size used in small-voltage wiring projects. The solenoid sits in the cylindrical barrel mounted on top of the anti-siphon valve. The wires should be protected from the elements by a barrel connector or other protective device.

2. Follow the wires back to the central timer. They should be connected into the wiring harness according to the manufacturer's instructions. Turn the power for the timer off.

3. Turn on the manual water shut off valve for the anti-siphon valve. In most irrigation setups, the manual valve is located directly behind the anti-siphon valve. It may be concealed in a below-ground fixture or container. Rotate the valve counter-clockwise to turn on the water supply to the anti-siphon valve.

4. Restore the power to the timer.

5. Look for the "Manual Start" or "Test" switch. Either of these buttons will enable you to turn on the anti-siphon valve for the sprinkler system and check that everything is functioning normally. Press the appropriate switch.

6. Set the timer for your system to water the lawn automatically according to the instructions from the manufacturer.

Tags: anti-siphon valve, anti-siphon valve wires, central timer, power timer, sprinkler system

What Types Of Plastics Are Trash Cans Made From

Rigid, outdoor plastic trash cans are often made of high density polyethylene.

Many trash cans for use in households and workplaces are made from three plastics: linear low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, or polypropylene, according to the American Chemistry Council and a leading trash can retailer. All three of these plastics are also recyclable and used to make other trash cans, bins, fencing, pipes, household containers and other useful items.

Low Density Polyethylene

The typical soft-sided 32 to 55-gallon trash can is often made of low density polyethylene (LDPE), recycled LDPE, or the lower cost version, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). Films, bags, thin food containers and similar items are also often made of LDPE. Recyclable LDPE is stamped with a resin code of four. Resin codes were created by the plastics industry to identify the different plastics for recycling purposes. Many post-consumer products (PCR's) can be made from recycled LDPE including trash cans and liners, shipping envelopes and plastic lumber. The other type of LDPE often used to make plastic trash cans, LLDPE, is flexible, tough and weather and water-resistant like LDPE, but stronger and lower in cost.

High Density Polyethylene

More rigid-sided trash cans may be constructed of high density polyethylene (HDPE). These trash cans are often the smaller kitchen or office size or heavy duty outdoor bins. HDPE is tougher than LDPE, resistant to cracking, weather and water. HDPE, like LDPE and LLDPE, is non-toxic and often also used in food packaging. The resin identification code for HDPE is two and PCR HDPE products include non-food containers for household items like detergents, buckets, pipe, fence and recycling bins.

Polypropylene

The least expensive of the plastics, polypropylene is also stiffer with less density and slightly more durable than HDPE and LDPE. It is also chemical and water resistant. Because it is stiffer, it can also be more brittle, especially at lower temperatures. Therefore, polypropylene is used for many indoor trash cans. Food and medication containers and bottles are some of the other types of products made with polypropylene. Polypropylene's resin code is five and PCR products may include trays, pallets, bins and rakes.

Tags: trash cans, trash cans, density polyethylene, density polyethylene, high density, high density polyethylene, often made

Treat Rain Water For A Shower

Harvesting rain is an eco-friendly way to gather water for bathing, whether you are at home or roughing it in the wilderness.

Harvesting rainwater is a great way to take advantage of the Earth's natural resources for your personal use. There are several techniques you can use to purify any moisture you collect, and the result is a potable source of water for drinking and bathing.

Instructions

1. Collect the rainwater in an appropriate-sized container. If you plan to use rainwater on a regular basis, purchase a barrel or similarly large container. If you only plan to catch enough rain for a day or two, then a standard size mop bucket will be big enough to serve your purpose.

2. Boil the water. Depending on how much water you need for your shower, you can use pots of water and heat them over the stove or a camp fire. Allow the water to boil for at least one minute.

3. Add bleach to the water if you can't boil it. If the water is dirty, strain it through clean clothes or material first. Once the water is cleared, add household bleach to the water at a ratio of eight drops to every gallon of water. Let the bleach disperse in the water for 30 minutes before using it for bathing.

4. Purchase clean water treatments from a camping store. These treatments will include powders and tablets you can add to the water, and different kinds of filters. The individual treatments will come with instructions.

5. Purify your water with a combination of UV light and ozone injection if you plan to use a large or long-term rain barrel. This system is actually used in commercial water plants all over the world to purify drinking water, and provides a powerful protection against bacteria and other contamination. You can buy the equipment for such a system from retailers online.

Tags: bleach water, treatments will, water boil

Pressurize A Rain Barrel

Rain barrels conserve water and save money by storing rainwater runoff from buildings for use on gardens, lawns or potted plants. Irrigation using rainwater has the added benefit of not distributing chlorine, fluoride and other common drinking water compounds onto your plants. One of the main complaints about these barrels is that they produce low water pressure. Elevating your rain barrel is the simplest way to increase this pressure. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Empty the rain barrel. This will make it easy to lift.

2. Stack concrete blocks where you want the barrel to go. The stack should be at least three feet tall and as wide as the rain barrel. Bricks, boards and other materials can be used instead of concrete blocks.

3. Place the rain barrel on the stack of blocks. The higher the barrel is elevated, the greater the pressure in your hose will be.

Tags: rain barrel, barrel stack, concrete blocks

Install A Rainwater Harvester

Rainwater is free and has no added chemicals or minerals.

People require a minimum of 13 gallons of water per day for basic needs, notes RainwaterCollecting.com, so harvesting rainwater to protect yourself against a water shortage makes good sense by helping the environment and saving your hard-earned cash. It's also a smart way to ensure that you and your family are using safe water, because rainwater is free of the minerals present in ground water and of the chemicals that build up in municipal water supplies. Rainwater-harvesting gardeners can keep their plants fresh and thriving in times of drought, when water restrictions prohibit watering the yard.

Rainwater is also free, adding financial benefits to the reasons to harvest it. Considering that -- according to Basic-Info-4-Organic-Fertilizers.com -- a half inch of rain on a 1,000 square-foot roof equals 300 gallons of water, collecting rainwater can considerably cut your water bill. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Preparing the Area

1. Choose a spot for your rainwater harvester. The best place is next to the downspout where most of the water from your roof is diverted.

2. Leveling the ground under the storage tank keeps it from tilting when it fills with water.

Level the ground, using a shovel and a garden rake, in the area where you'll place your storage tank.

3. Place flat landscaping rocks on the ground where the storage tank will sit, making sure they are level. The barrel will sit on the rocks, making it higher than the bottom hose or spigot, so gravity will pull the water down and out.

Preparing the Downspout

4. Adding a debris screen will keep pine needles and leaves from collecting in the bottom of your water barrel.

Place a debris screen inside the gutter at the downspout to keep pine needles, leaves and other debris from flowing into your water tank, recommends GutterWorks.com.

5. Install a water diverter by pulling the downspout off the gutter and screwing the diverter in place of it, using a screwdriver and gutter screws.

6. Trace the shape of the diverter onto the downspout using a marker.

7. Cut the downspout at the trace marks, using the metal snips, then reattach the downspout to the diverter, using a screwdriver and gutter screws.

8. Hook a hose to the outlet on the side of the diverter. Attach the other end of the hose to the inlet on the storage tank.

Tags: storage tank, your water, debris screen, gallons water, gutter screws, keep pine, keep pine needles

Fix Roof Vent Pipes

Roof shields surrounding vent pipes can leak if the sealant is old.

Vent pipes are attached via connecting couplings to various sewer lines in your home. Depending on local building codes, each water fixture can have its own individual vent line (toilet, shower, sink, etc.), or sometimes vent lines can accommodate more than one fixture. Vent pipes can crack in extremely cold conditions, or sometimes break if old. The vent sealer around the roof shield can also crack if old, allowing moisture down into the wall cavity. Either job is fairly simple to address and not very time- consuming. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Fixing Broken Vent Pipe

1. Mark the vent pipe six inches both above and below the break/fracture--use a felt tip pen. Cut through the pipe at both marks with a hacksaw. Make sure the cuts are straight and remove any burrs with a work knife.

2. Measure the distance between the two cuts. Cut a new piece of vent pipe to this length and remove the burrs.

3. Apply ABS glue to the ends of the new pipe. Also apply glue to one inside end of two straight ABS couplings. Push the couplings onto the ends of the pipe.

4. Glue the two cut ends on the existing pipe, as well as the remaining inside ends of the two couplings. Squeeze the couplings/new pipe between the cut ends of the existing cut pipe. Hold in place for 30 seconds.

Resealing the Roof Shield

5. Brush away any dirt from the area where the vent pipe enters through the roof shield.

6. Scrape away any loose roof sealant from the roof shield area-, using a work knife.

7. Squeeze the sealant onto the area where the pipe enters up through the shield. Use a brush to smooth out the sealant so that it fully surrounds the pipe.

Tags: roof shield, area where, ends existing, ends existing pipe, ends pipe, enters through, existing pipe

Purchase A Share Of Stock As A Gift

For investors, paper stock shares are rarely if ever issued. Stock holdings are tracked electronically in "book" form. However, buyers can obtain single share stock certificates, which are often used as gifts.

Location

Single-share stock certificates aren't provided by the companies that issue the share. Instead, those companies print individual shares and sell them to specialty dealers, who in turn sell them to the public. Online single-share stock dealers include oneshare.com, uniquestockgift.com and shareinaframe.com.

Function

The single-share stock gift companies sell share certificates for almost any major corporation. Popular stock shares include Apple, Coca Cola, Dreamworks and Disney. The share will be an actual share of stock with voting rights and value. The stock gift company will also offer frames, engraving and gift wrapping services for the stock certificates.

Costs

The costs of purchasing a single-share certificate includes the cost of the share, a transfer fee to the gift company and any additional costs for frames, mattes and engraving. The transfer fee is $35 to $40 and you can get a free cardboard frame, so the minimum price will be the stock share price plus about $40. Engraving and custom picture mattes are $5 to $10. Frames range from a few dollars up to $100 or more.

Tags: stock certificates, gift company, sell them, share stock, single-share stock

What Are Rain Chains

If you have ever sat and watched a rainstorm out of a window, seen the deluge of water flowing from your gutters and downspouts, and thought about the effects of all that water and pressure on the garden or landscape below, then perhaps it is time you considered an alternative: the rain chain. The rain chain, while gaining a great deal of popularity in recent years, is not a new invention, but it has endured for centuries as both a decorative and utilitarian tool. Does this Spark an idea?

Definition

A rain chain is an alternative to traditional gutter downspouts, and it is a device that collects rainwater and diverts it down a chain toward the ground. Typically, rain chains consist of a series of small receptacles placed along a chain that hangs vertically from the corner of the roof line by the edge of the gutters.

History

Rain chains have been used for centuries as a method of collecting and diverting the flow of rainwater away from houses and other structures. They originated in Japan.

Benefits

As opposed to a traditional gutter spout--which allows rainwater to pour down in a flood upon the ground below, frequently causing damage to the landscape, and foundation of the structure--the rain chain diverts rainwater in a series of small cups, buckets or other receptacles spaced along a chain. It does this so that the water does not erode the ground with the force exerted by traditional downspouts.

Materials

Rain chains are most frequently made from copper. Other metals are occasionally used; so is glass. The small water receptacles are an opportunity for artistic expression, and they are sometimes made in the shape of flowers and other decorative designs.

As Water Features

In addition to preventing erosion, rain chains provide a decorative water element to an outdoor landscape, creating a small waterfall pleasing both to the ears and the eyes.

Tags: rain chain, along chain, Rain chains, series small, that water, traditional gutter

Make A Bonnet

Bonnets were used in the 1700s and for many years afterwards. They cover only a woman's hair and ears, but not her forehead. Ribbons attached to the bonnet are tied securely underneath the chin to keep the bonnet in place. It is fairly inexpensive to make a bonnet of your own with the necessary materials and directions.

Instructions

1. Choose the type of bonnet you want to make. Bonnets have been around for so long that the styles of bonnets have changed over the years to adapt to the trends and functions needed by bonnet wearers. A few examples are the Victorian bonnet, pioneer bonnet and Regency bonnet.

2. Purchase a collapsible classic hat, Mad Hatter or Italian classic hat straw hat from a fabric, hobby or hat store or a website such as Hatsupply. Measure your hat around the bottom of the crown. Find the length of the hat by starting at the brim and measuring up over the top and then down to the brim again.

3. Buy fabric to cover the crown of the hat with your measurements. Achieve the proper loose look by adding 4 inches to the measurement of the base and 2 inches to the measurement of the height. With these measurements cut out a rectangle of your material.

4. Place right sides against each other and pin the short ends together using a 5/8 inch seam. Open the seam and turn under a narrow 1/4 inch wide hem on the top and the bottom and press in place. Stitch close to the raw edge, forming casings. Leave a small opening in each casing to insert drawstrings.

5. Affix the bonnet's ties. Put the hat on and figure out where you want to attach the ties, pin to the crown and sew them in place. Ties can be sewn on the inside or outside when you make a bonnet.

6. Cover the crown of your bonnet. Cut your 1/8 inch ribbon in half to get two drawstrings and run your drawstrings through the casings on your covering. They should be long enough to pull tight and tie securely. Slip the covering down over the crown of your bonnet and tie each drawstring.

7. Tuck the ends of the drawstrings inside the cover to hide them. Take a needle and thread and tack the lower edge of the cover in place around the base of the crown. Tack the top of the covering to the center of the hat's crown so to keep it from moving.

Tags: bonnet your, crown your, crown your bonnet, inches measurement, make bonnet, your bonnet

Go Out In The Rain

Getting ready to go out in the rain can prove overwhelming, particularly if it is cold outside. The following are some basic tips for staying sane and dry on rainy days. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Carry an umbrella. Even if it is not yet raining but may rain later, you should always carry an umbrella so you don't have to buy one when you are out (these umbrellas are often overpriced and of low-quality).

2. Wear a raincoat. A long, waterproof (or at least water-resistant) trench coat is best, especially if you are are professionally dressed (it is not advisable to wear a plastic poncho or raincoat over work clothes). If you are not wearing a rain coat, avoid wearing leather and suede as your outer layer, as rain can damage these materials.

3. Pick proper footwear. Open-toed shoes or ballet slippers are obviously bad choices for rainy weather, since they will keep your feet exposed to the elements or will absorb water). If it is warm enough and you won't be wearing socks anyway, you can always wear plastic flip flops (make sure these have traction so you don't slip) and then switch into dress shoes.

4. Ditch the glasses. If you wear glasses but have contacts as well, you should opt for the contacts on rainy days. Glasses get wet and fog up in rainy weather, especially if it is very warm outside.

Tags: rainy days, rainy weather, wear plastic

Make Barrel Dog Houses

Dogs love to curl up in small spaces, and that's what makes a barrel dog house an ideal shelter. Barrel dog houses can be made from wooden, metal or plastic barrels; the dog really doesn't care as long as it is well-grounded and has sufficient bedding. Additionally, barrel dog houses are an inexpensive, do-it-yourself project that are lightweight and easy to maintain compared to other types of dog houses.

Instructions

1. Find a plastic barrel. A 55-gallon barrel is suitable for small, medium and some large breeds.

2. Clean the barrel thoroughly and allow it to air dry.

3. Set the barrel up on one end.

4. Using a permanent marker, draw a half circle on one end of the barrel. This will be the opening from which the dog will enter and exit. Leave at least four to six inches at the bottom to hold the bedding inside the dog house.

5. Using a jigsaw, cut out the half circle and discard the section of plastic cut from the barrel.

6. Use a metal file to remove any rough edges from the cut edge of the barrel.

7. Drill a couple small holes in the bottom of the barrel for drainage.

8. Position two blocks in the back and two in the front so they cradle the barrel when the barrel is placed on top.

9. Place the barrel on top of the blocks.

10. Add bedding such as shavings, cedar chips, straw, pine needles or blankets.

Tags: half circle

Clean Plastic Barrels For Growing Food

Using large plastic barrels in your garden to grow food for your family is a way to save money, help the environment and provide fresh organic food to eat. It also helps you move your growing fruits and vegetables to places with more or less shade. It is smart to clean these plastic barrels before planting fruits, vegetables or herbs in them, and also if you are switching the produce growing in the barrels. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Make sure there is no dirt or produce in the barrels. Put on the gloves.

2. Fill the barrel halfway up with warm water. Add 1/3 part bleach to the water. Swish it around with your gloved hands.

3. Soak the rag in the mixture and rub it around on the upper sides of the inside of the barrel, where the water and bleach mixture are not touching. Make sure to wipe down the entire inside of the barrel completely so it is sanitized and clean.

4. Dispose of the bleach and water mixture in a safe and proper manner, such as down a garage drain or a large sink drain. Rinse the inside of the barrel out with clean, warm water once more to get rid of any bleach residue.

5. Wipe the inside of the barrel dry with another rag. Fill the barrel with dirt, and plant herbs, vegetables or fruits accordingly.

Tags: inside barrel, barrel with, bleach water, Fill barrel, fruits vegetables

Alternatives To A Home Rain Gutter

A gutter carries rainwater away from a house and into underground drainage.

The function of a gutter is to catch rainwater trickling down the roof of a house and direct it into a number of downspouts, which carry the water away from the building. A house without gutters may have erosion caused by rainwater dripping near the foundation. However, gutters often get clogged with leaves and moss, and need to be cleaned out regularly. This can be time-consuming and expensive. However, there are a number of alternatives to guttering. Does this Spark an idea?

Block Drip Paths

Placing blocks underneath eaves is a simple alternative to guttering. The rainwater drips onto this hard surface, and if the blocks are laid sloping away from the house, will trickle harmlessly away from the building. This reduces the risk of erosion; however, homeowners may become irritated at the constant dripping from the roof when it is raining.

Rain Chains

Rain chains are a beautiful and decorative way of directing water away from your house. An alternative to a downspout, the gutters channel water onto this chain, which guides the water into a ground drain or rain barrel. They are available in a wide range of designs.

Slatted Rain Dispersal System

Rain dispersal systems are another alternative to standard guttering. For example, Rainhandler systems use louvered slats, which take rainwater running off the shingles and spread it over a wider area. This is ideal if you have plants beneath your eaves because the water does not fall in a vertical line, churning up the soil and creating a rut, but instead sprinkles over your plants. The slats are easy to install, and leaves and debris simply wash through them.

Perforated Plate Rain Dispersal System

The Rainbreakerz plate rain dispersal system is very similar to that of the Rainhandler, but uses a perforated plate to distribute the rainwater instead of slats. The plates have 125 holes per square inch, meaning rainwater is dispersed into a fine spray, watering any vegetation you have beneath your eaves and eliminating the need for unsightly rounded guttering or downspouts.

No Guttering

Perhaps the simplest alternative to rainwater guttering is not to have any gutters at all. Rainwater will drip off your roof from all sides, but you will never have to unblock or replace damaged gutters, or buy an expensive alternative. However, this does increase the risk that rainwater may erode the external envelope of your house.

Tags: away from, away from building, away from house, beneath your, beneath your eaves, from building

Where To Find Free Rain Barrels

Collect rainwater to save money and help the environment.

Plastic or metal barrels can be used to collect rainwater from your roof to get free soft water for your plants. While there are companies that sell new rain barrel kits, there are ways to get used barrels, that can be converted to rain barrels, for free or a small fee. Does this Spark an idea?

Government Funded

When looking for a free rain barrel, first check for local city or water department programs where you can get a rain barrel kit, and sometimes even have it installed, for free. Los Angeles, Tampa, and Cleveland are a few of the cities with free rain barrel programs.

Business Sources

There are many businesses where you can get barrels for free. Check with soda pop manufacturers, car washes, car dealers, food processing plants and animal supply outlets. Watch ads online and in your local paper for free barrels. You may find inexpensive barrels on dairy farms, at garage sales and auctions, and in salvage yards.

Warning

Make sure any barrel you use to collect rainwater did not hold anything toxic. For example, most windshield wiper fluid is toxic to plants and other life. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection suggests disinfecting used barrels with 1/8 cup bleach in 5 gallons of water.

Tags: rain barrel, barrels free, free rain, free rain barrel, used barrels

Make A Garden Cistern

Rain barrels are a sustainable way to provide water for a garden.

A garden rain barrel or cistern is a reservoir that can capture and hold rainwater to reuse as irrigation for plants. Most gardeners turn on the hose to water their plants. However, a simple rain barrel can be an economical and sustainable solution in your garden. There are many types of containers you can use to make a cistern. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Instructions

1. Purchase a rain barrel from a local hardware or agriculture store; there are many custom varieties of rain barrels on the market. Or you can buy a plastic drum that was originally used for livestock feed; buy one that held organic material if you plan to use the harvested rainwater for growing edible plants. The barrel or drum should hold 55 gallons.

2. Separate a downspout from your home at a level that allows the water to flow into the top of the barrel. A thousand square feet of roof area creates 600 gallons of rainwater from about 1 inch of rain, so an afternoon of rain in the summer can create enough water to irrigate a small garden. You can use multiple cisterns to provide water for an entire property.

3. Inspect the area around the rain barrel to make sure that if the barrel overflows in a heavy rain, it will not damage or flood any structures. Providing a gravel bed below the rain barrel can prevent erosion, and ensuring positive drainage away from a structure helps keep water out of undesirable locations.

4. Drill a hole in the bottom of the rain barrel, and attach a simple spout in the opening; you can buy a spout attachment in the plumbing section of any hardware store. Creating a drain at the bottom ensures pressure to a garden hose, and it lets you drain the barrel if the water is not needed or becomes tainted.

5. Avoid using the water collected in a rain barrel for cooking or drinking. Because it is unfiltered, the water collected is referred to as "gray water" or "nonpotable." Use the water to water your garden or wash your car.

6. Cover the rain barrel in hot weather, because standing water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects that can cause a host of diseases.

Tags: rain barrel, provide water, water collected, your garden

Make A Dog House Out Of A 55 Gallon Drum

Keep your dog out of the weather with a dog house.

Dog houses can be made from many different materials and some can be more expensive than others. If you are looking for a durable and affordable dog house that is still safe for your furry friend you can create a home from a 55 gallon drum. These drums can be made from plastic or metal.

Instructions

1. Clean your 55 gallon drum. You don't need to do anything major --- just spraying the dirt off with a water hose will suffice. Let the drum dry.

2. Cut the end off of the barrel. This will be the opening for your dog to climb in and out of. Some plastic 55 gallon drums come with removeable lids --- just remove the lid from the drum to create an opening.

3. Sand any rough edges around the edge of the barrel with heavy-duty sandpaper or a file.

4. Drill several small holes into the barrel, especially in the front where water is prone to get in, for drainage holes. This will keep any water and moisture out that may get into the barrel.

5. Place the barrel dog house on bricks to keep rain water from seeping in through the holes on the bottom.

6. Place pine straw or warm blankets into the barrel to make it more comfortable for your dog. If your dog stays outside, even in the winter, a heat lamp will also keep your dog warm.

Tags: into barrel, gallon drum, made from, This will

Pvc Pipe Drainage Projects

PVC comes in a variety of colors and with varying ratings for uses.

PVC pipe is a great durable building material that can be used for a wide variety of projects. PVC is rated for drain, water, and ventilation applications, making it ideal for drainage projects. There are virtually limitless drainage projects that can be accomplished using PVC pipe, but there are a few common applications that the material excels in. Does this Spark an idea?

French Drain

A French Drain is a drainage system frequently used to prevent water from backing up at the sight of a patio or gutter downspout. Many homes with basements prone to flooding utilize PVC in French Drain installations to whisk water away from the home. A PVC French Drain consists of a 5 inch length of perforated PVC buried in gravel in the area where flooding is an issue. The 5 inch pipe is buried with a down slope from the house, and is reduced down in to a smaller piece of pipe which carries water away from the house.

Downspout Replacement

Many homeowners opt for PVC pipe as a replacement for gutter downspouts, or leaders. PVC can be attached directly to vinyl or aluminum gutters, and can have elbows and couplers added on to carry water a safe distance from the house. Be careful not to cement the pieces together, however, as you will need to be able to dismantle the installation for cleaning. Opt instead for drilling and screwing the elbows and pipes in to place.

Sump Pump Drain

PVC pipe is an excellent material for a sump pump drain. Many regions have enacted laws prohibiting homeowners with sump pumps from draining their basements in to the city sewer system. As such, homeowners must detach from their sewer line and run their sump pump drain away from the house, to the curb or a far corner of a yard. PVC is a great low-cost material that can be strung together to span whatever distance is necessary, and can be hidden underground readily.

Multiple Rain Barrel Install

Rain barrels are a great way to repurpose rain water that would otherwise go to waste after draining from your roof. Rain barrels are typically 50 gallon drums attached to a downspout in your gutter system. Once this barrel is full, water bypasses the barrel and is again dumped out your downspout. You can string multiple rain barrels together by using PVC pipe fittings and pipe, which most barrels are equipped with connections for, enabling you to have a larger reservoir of rain water, which is especially useful in regions prone to drought.

Tags: French Drain, from house, away from, away from house, drainage projects, material that, pipe which

Convert Barrels Per Day To Metric

Barrels hold many different kinds of products for shipping.

Converting the number of gallons in a barrel to liters is an easy task, but it depends on the kind of barrel involved. Liquid and dry measurements for barrels differ, as do the size of barrels. Originally, a barrel of oil contained 42 gallons, but now oil barrels hold 55 gallons. A beer barrel holds 31 gallons, also called a full keg of beer. A barrel of wine holds 59 gallons. Converting the barrels used per day involves simple math to reach the liters used per day.

Instructions

1. Determine the size of the barrel. Sometimes the label on the barrel states its total contents. If it has no label, you can add water a gallon at a time to find its total content.

2. Multiply the number of gallons in the barrel by the total amount used in a 24-hour period. If the numbers vary, try using an average over a month or a year for seasonal products like heating fuel.

3. Use the total gallons to find the number of liters. A gallon holds 3.785 liters. If someone uses 15 barrels of a liquid a day stored in 55 gallon barrels, the total gallons used would be 825, amounting to 3,123 liters a day.

Tags: beer barrel, gallons barrel, holds gallons, number gallons, number gallons barrel, total gallons

Clay Tile Roof Construction Methods

Clay tiles provide a durable and weatherproof barrier for a roof.

Clay roofing tiles are created by baking clay into molds of specific shapes to make the tiles. How hard the clay is depends on how hot it becomes and how long it is baked. After it is done baking, glazes and protective treatments are often applied. You should choose clay tile based on what kind of look you want your roof to have. Every clay tile is a little different, so proper installation procedures are very important. Does this Spark an idea?

Materials and Preparation

Tile rooftops should be installed on continuous wood decking. If you use plywood, make sure the plywood is at least 5/8 inch thick to provide the necessary base. Stay away from strand board and fire retardant wood, which can develop problems when covered with tile. Before you start laying the tile, you will need to install the underlayment, or the base material that forms a protective layer between the tile and the wood.

Underlayment is known as roofing felt or felt paper, and is designed to protect the roof while you are installing the tile and create a waterproof barrier after the tile is installed. Choose an asphalt saturated felt, code 15 or 30, if you can find a local supplier. If your roof has a slope of 40 degrees or more, install one layer, but if it has a slope between 18 and 40 degrees, use two layers. If your roof is below 18 degrees in angle, you should not use clay tiles as an option. Attach the felt in strips, from bottom to top, using a staple gun or bonding material as proscribed by the felt instructions.

Installation Process

Once the felt is laid, attached the clay tiles. The most common method for attaching the tiles is nailing them in place, but you can also choose to use wire tie or clips. When choosing nails, pick galvanized steel or another resistant type of nail, 11 gauge or 12 gauge. Find nails with low profile heads by barbed shanks that are much more difficult to pull out. The nails should penetrate at least 3/4 inch into the wood plank.

Your clay tiles will be either interlocking or overlapping. If they are interlocking, fit them together carefully, leaving no cracks. If they overlap, overlap in a process similar to asphalt shingles, between 1 to 2 inches, and nail in place, moving from the edges of the roof up. Install flashing where needed--if you live in a harsh climate, especially a cold climate, you should install flashing along the perimeter of the roof as well as around chimneys and vents.

Tags: your roof, clay tile, clay tiles, least inch

Problems With Rain Gutters

Well-maintained rain gutters keep water away from the home.

Adequate rain gutters are a key to home maintenance. The simple system of connected gutters that create a channel to transport rainwater away from the house helps protect the foundation, maintain siding from splashing water and prevent garage and basement leaks. Rain gutters' stability can be overestimated until problems cause damage. Does this Spark an idea?

Iced Gutters

As snow accumulates on a roof, warmth from the house and outside temperatures eventually melt it. In cool weather, the snow can form into mini-glaciers that slide down the roof and rest on the gutters. Away from the warmth of the house, the glacier freezes into solid ice, turning the gutters into swollen ice trays. The weight of ice on the gutters can tear them away from the roof.

Clogged Gutters

Leaves and sticks that collect on a roof eventually make their way into open gutters. This debris quickly builds up, making gutters ineffective. Once downspout access is blocked, rainwater with no other exit route will spill over the edge of the gutters and force its way through weakened joints. This can then lead to spot-flooding below the gutter line and with enough rain a waterfall can build up. Misdirected water floods garages, ruins adjacent planting beds and does not collect in rain barrels.

Sagging Gutters

Rain gutters expand and contract in response to temperature changes, regardless of the gutter material--plastic, steel or aluminum. As the material heats up and the gutters bulge with expansion, this action pulls at the spikes that secure the gutters to the roof. Eventually, the nail securing the gutter works its way out and the gutter sags. Sagging gutters are more obvious on longer gutter runs. They contribute to leaks at the joints and cause water to drip from behind the gutter as it tears farther away from the roof.

Downspout Noise

The chronic drip of a noisy downspout can be a torturous sound. Water travels or drips, depending on the amount of flow, from the downspout to the elbow. The sound is more audible the higher the elbow is positioned along the downspout line. An elbow connected to a 3-foot-high rain barrel is downright obnoxious when it drips.

Tags: away from, away from roof, from house, from roof, Rain gutters, rain gutters

Increase Water Pressure On A Rain Barrel

Using rainwater in your garden preserves resources.

Some people use rain barrels to collect the rain water and reuse it for gardening, or even for indoor water use. One way to get the water from the rain barrel so you can use it is through a spigot at the bottom of the rain barrel. However, if the water pressure isn't high enough, you will only experience a dribble. Therefore, you must take steps to increase the water pressure so the water flows well. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use a shovel to create an even resting place. Check it with a level in several places to ensure the ground is as level as possible.

2. Lay a four-block square of cinder blocks on the ground where the rain barrel will rest. Place the cinder blocks up against each other with the openings facing up.

3. Lay a second layer of cinder blocks, turning the second layer 90-degrees from the position of the first layer.

4. Repeat the layers once more each if you need a higher resting place for the barrel. The higher the barrel rests, the greater the water pressure.

5. Lay a wood pallet or several boards across the top of the cinder blocks. This gives you a little extra height and stability for the rain barrel by covering the cinder block holes.

6. Place your rain barrel on top of the pallet or boards.

Tags: cinder blocks, rain barrel, rain barrel, resting place, second layer, water pressure

Care For Oak Whiskey Barrels

Caring for your barrel correctly will give you a fine-tasting spirit.

Oak barrels are traditionally used to age whiskey and can be used to age wine as well. Oak wood is strong enough to be shaped into a barrel, and oak is pure---it has no resins that can pass unwanted flavors to the spirits. The chemical reaction between the wood and the alcohol produces the pleasant and desired taste. Oak barrels must be cared for in a specific way, however, to make a good-tasting spirit. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Curing the Barrel

1. Rinse the inside of the barrel to remove any debris. Fill the barrel completely with water until it overflows from the bunghole.

2. Make sure the bung is in tight while the barrel is curing.

Place the bung in firmly, so the barrel is airtight.

3. Let the barrel sit filled with water for three to five days, or until the barrel swells. Check for leaks every few hours. If the barrel leaks, keep it filled in order to cure it completely. (The barrel swells when saturated with water. This expansion closes in the leaks between the staves.)

4. Add your spirits and begin aging them when your barrel stops leaking.

Caring for Your Barrel

5. Keep your barrel from drying out. Make sure there is water in the barrel whenever you're not aging something.

6. Keep the oak barrel away from harsh conditions. Humidity, dryness, direct sunlight, rain, air conditioner or heater vents---all these things can hurt your barrel. For best results, always keep your barrel indoors at a moderate temperature. Homes that are heated too high cause more evaporation than normal.

7. Resist the urge to varnish your barrel. If a barrel is varnished the natural tannins that are released from the wood will be hindered. The oak flavors will be lost, and the spirits will be contaminated by the varnish.

Cleaning Your Barrel

8. Mix four ounces of Barolkleen with 1.25 gallons of hot water.

9. Soak the the barrel with the solution for three days. Roll the barrel regularly to get the solution on every interior surface. Drain and flush three times with hot water. Allow the barrel to drain for at least one hour.

10. Remove the spigot. Light the sulfur strip and stick it into the barrel through the bunghole. Do not drop the lit sulfur strip into the barrel. The sulfur strip sanitizes the barrel by releasing a sulfur gas. This prevents microbial growth inside the barrel.

11. Mix two gallons of water with one ounce of citric acid. Pour it into the barrel and swish it around for five minutes.

12. Empty the barrel and rinse three times with hot water. The barrel should drain for three hours before being filled.

Tags: with water, your barrel, into barrel, sulfur strip, barrel swells