Should You Add Organic Cleaning Services To Your Carpet Flooring Cleaning Business

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How Often Should You Deep Clean Carpet And Area Rugs?

It’s a new year, and if you’re anything like us, you’re planning out projects that you want to get done in 2020. One annual home project that should be on everyone’s list is deep cleaning carpet and area rugs throughout the home. Rug Doctor experts recommend deep cleaning your carpet at least once every 12 months. But did you know in some situations, you should be deep cleaning your carpet on a more regular basis? If you’re wondering how often you should deep clean your carpet or area rugs, read on for our expert recommendations.

Have Cigarette Smokers in Your Home?

If you have tobacco smokers at home who smoke indoors, it’s important to deep clean your carpet every three months in homes with heavy smokers and at least every six months in homes with moderate to light smokers. Tobacco smoke contains numerous types of gasses and particulate matter, including some that have been known to cause cancer. These harmful gasses can be absorbed into dust in a room, ending up in your carpet, area rugs, upholstery and other soft surfaces. According to this 2002 study, these toxins can then re-emit back into the air and recombine to form harmful compounds. This becomes dangerous for even the non-smokers in the household. Deep cleaning your carpet with a Rug Doctor removes these toxins and helps prevent them from re-entering the air in your home.

What to Do if You Have Children at Home?

If you have small children in your home, we recommend deep cleaning your carpet at least every six months. But not for the reason you may think. Yes, children cause more spills and accidents, but we have spot cleaning products and machines to help you deal with those daily messes. Our main concern is the exposure your kids may have to the bad things hiding in your carpet. Carpet is soft and warm and a great place for the little ones to play, or nap, or picnic, or build forts. The list goes on and on! Unfortunately, according to the American Lung Association, children are more likely to be exposed to pollution in carpet, both because they spend so much time playing on it and because they’re likely to place their hands in their mouths. We recommend deep cleaning more often to remove these containments and to reduce the chance of exposure. The best way to do this is to deep clean your carpet with a professional-grade machine, like the Rug Doctor Pro Deep Cleaner.

What About Pets at Home?

If you have furry family members living indoors, we recommend deep cleaning your carpet at least every six months. Carpet and area rugs do a fantastic job of trapping pet dander deep within the fibers. While this is great for air quality initially, simply walking on or even vacuuming can make it airborne again. Pet dander is tiny flecks of skin shed by animal with fur or feathers. (Yep, your birds have dander, too!) Because of their microscopic size, it’s easy for pet dander particles to settle deep within your carpet. Yuck! Want to hear something even yuckier? Dried saliva, urine or dust from dried feces can also flake off your pet in a similar manner and become trapped deep within the fibers. While regular vacuuming can help, it’s not enough on its own, because it doesn’t remove all the tiny particles hiding deep beneath the surface. Deep cleaning is the only way to truly and thoroughly wash your carpet and area rugs. Yes, deep cleaning is important from a cleanliness perspective, but it’s doubly important for those with pet allergies. Even if you aren’t allergic to pet dander, there’s good a chance that many of your guests may have a pet allergy. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 3 in 10 people in the US with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs. And cat allergies are about twice as common as dog allergies. A buildup of pet allergens can make respiratory symptoms worse and decrease lung function in people with even the slightest allergic reaction to pets. The absolute best way to remove pet allergens from your carpet is to deep clean your home on a semi-annual basis.

When A Family Member Has An Allergy

Not sure how often to clean your carpet?

It depends on whether someone in your household has allergies. Carpet fibers work as a filter, collecting dust and allergens floating around the room.

Eventually, they will build up and become airborne once someone walks across the room. You must give your carpet a thorough clean to remove allergens and clear the air. Aim to vacuum once a week and hire a professional carpet cleaner every two months.

Cleaning Light-Colored Carpets

Light-colored carpets brighten up a room but they also highlight any dirt and stains. This means they’ll need more frequent professional cleaning compared to darker carpets.

Vacuum once a week, clean spills immediately and treat carpet stains when they arise. And, to ensure your light-colored carpet looks its best, get a professional clean every six to 12 months.

How Often Should Carpets be Cleaned Professionally?

Carpet manufacturers vary on their recommendations as to how often carpets should be professionally cleaned but most say that carpets should be cleaned every 12 to 24 months but there is more to this which you should know about as their recommendations seem to be based on appearance only.

There have been a number of studies which have shown that bio-contaminants like mould is very effectively handled with hot water extraction cleaning (steam cleaning) and the clean carpet does not support regrowth even for prolonged periods of elevated humidity and temperature even though we don’t normally have high humidity levels in Melbourne.

Generally speaking, there are real benefits in having clean carpets. Leaving it too long between having your carpets cleaned can be unhealthy.

So, with these factors in mind, how often should carpets really be cleaned?

There are a number of factors other than time that should be taken into consideration as to determine how often your carpets should be cleaned.

For example, if you have young kids and there is a lot of use and the occasional spillage, it may be worth cleaning the carpet more often than every twelve months. If in addition to these factors, you also have pets and there was a smoker in the house, more frequent cleaning may be needed.

For family residences, carpets should be cleaned every 6 to 12 months but if you have children or pets, having the carpets cleaned every 3 to 6 months would be more appropriate.

Additional Tips

In additional to regular vacuuming and professional cleaning there are some things you can do to keep your carpets in a better condition for longer. These include:

  • Use mats at the entrances to the building to help catch particles being walked in.
  • Use a vacuum cleaner that has a rotating brush which lifts more particles.
  • When spillages occur, immediately spot clean with a mild detergent. There seems to be a general misconception that when a spillage occurs it should not really be touched. This is incorrect. Clean the spot by dabbing, not rubbing using a detergent that is very mind because detergents which are too harsh can damage the carpet fibres. Watch out for carpet spot cleaning products sold at supermarkets as they can damage your carpet. I would personally never use them. More information on what not to use for spot cleaning can be found here.

Mistakes To Avoid

You’ve realized it’s time to clean your carpet. But before you dive in, consider these common mistakes:

Over-Wetting Or Over-Shampooing

This happens when too much water soaks into the bottom of the carpet. As a result, the carpet will discolor when it’s too wet and even shrink, tearing itself up from the floor.

When your carpet is soaked, it’s difficult to dry out, therefore increasing the risk of mold and mildew.

Another problem is over-shampooing the carpet. If this is the case, there will be a build-up of soapy residue that is impossible to clean, leaving your carpet susceptible to attracting more dirt.

Furniture On Wet Carpeting

If you set your furniture on wet carpeting, there is a major risk of staining if they are in contact for too long. Or, as many tables have partially metal feet, there’s a risk of leaving rust stains on the carpet.

Choosing The Perfect Event Videographer

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Things To Look For When Hiring A Videographer

With all of the hard work that goes into making your special day perfect, it is important for you to consider how each moment is going to be captured so you can relive this day forever. Hiring a photographer is essential so that you will be able to relax and enjoy the day, knowing that each beautiful detail and moment won’t go missed or forgotten.

Know What’s Important

When choosing a photographer, you need to see how you connect with this person. The relationship you have and can build with your photographer takes precedence over any other aspect that may influence your choice, such as pricing.

You could hire the most expensive and premier photographer, but if they aren’t able to jive with you and your style, then your experience with them may not be what you had hoped for. At the same time, your wedding photos are an investment of a lifetime, so be sure not to choose one solely because the photographer is cheap. Instead, have a budget range somewhat in mind, but keep your main focus on how your style, personality and vision can connect with the photographer’s style, personality, and visions.

When you have this beautiful connection with your photographer, they will know how to bring out the best in you and your fiancé. You want them to capture all of the emotions and give them depth and meaning. The love, the joy, the pure excitement and happiness– these are all emotions that you will want to be able to see in your photos when looking back them years from now. To allow you to relive these beautiful moments.

How to Make Sure you are Going to Love Your Photographer

Use your engagement photo shoot as a trial run to make sure that you and your fiance really do connect with the photographer.  You cannot recreate your wedding day pictures, therefore ensuring that you absolutely love the photographer’s style will make you comfortable knowing that they will have it all under control on your wedding day.

Your photographer will be spending this day by your side, so they need to be someone you enjoy being around, feel comfortable with, and can trust.

Be Prepared to Work With Your Photographer!

When you come across wedding images online and you like the way they look, save them! Having a collection of poses, styles, and aesthetic that you like in certain photos can help you convey to your photographer they type of photos you like. Giving them these visuals will make it more clear of what you are exactly looking for out of your photos.

Also, be prepared to create a list with your photographer of what pictures you need to be taken. This will include various group pictures with the wedding party, different family members, and different sides of the family. Having this list made up and printed ahead of time will ensure that everyone gets their picture time!

Look for their Specialty. Are they a good fit?

Not all production companies are the same. Most have some sort of specialty – though, most tend to present themselves as generalists (for you, that means “one stop shop”). Keep in mind that generalists tend to do generic work. Here are some methods for determining if they are a good fit:

  • Do your homework regarding which genre of work they specialize in. You should understand the difference between an informational video and an essence video. You should also know which questions to ask [link to prior]. Force them to demonstrate that they know more than you.
  • Look at the production company’s portfolio to see work similar to what you have in mind. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, ask for more examples with your direction – production companies often only make a portion of their work public.
  • Not all projects need a specialist. Sometimes a generalist will do just fine!
  • A reputable company will know the limits of their expertise – when we (Quadrid) encounter something outside the scope of what we’re good at, we’ll refer the project on to a company we trust. If they’re not willing to do the same, you shouldn’t be working together anyway.

Look for Overall Quality

Often times, production companies will show you a demo reel. Demo reels are highlight reels. They’re where production companies put all their best work. Quality, in this context, can be deceiving.

Insured

Before hiring a photographer or videographer, you need to know if they are fully insured and what their liability coverages are for the services they provide. They should have extensive coverages which not only cover the potential of property damage while on location, but also have adequate coverage for their equipment and personnel. At LogicWorx Studios, we carry multi-million-dollar separate coverages for our drone aerial video production work and our standard studio style photography work.

Flexibility and attention to detail

When choosing a photographer or videographer, check whether they provide flexibility with their services. You will want someone who will be able to deliver precisely what you are looking for with quality, precision, and stunning visual content. Look for a firm that will adjust and adapt to your requirements, pays attention to the smallest details, is creative, and thinks outside the box, while delivering that little something extra to your projects, that sets them and you apart from the competition.

Questions to Ask Your Videographer Before You Book

One of the best ways to relive your wedding day over and over again is by hiring a professional videographer to capture everything on film. Start by researching wedding videographers in your area and reading reviews to find potential vendors that match your wedding vision and budget. When you’re ready to reach out and possibly negotiate a contract with a vendor, there are several questions to ask a videographer that you should keep top of mind. To help you in your wedding videographer search, we’re sharing the most important topics to discuss with a potential vendor (and why you’ll want to bring them up in the first place). Ready to find a pro that meets your needs?

Here are some questions to ask a videographer before your wedding day.

1. What is your videography style?

There are many styles of videography. Whether it is documentary or cinematic, it is important to discuss the type of video style you want, and make sure they offer it.

2. How do you choose the music for the film?

Discussing music is a great idea because it plays such an important part in your wedding film. You will be able to let your videographer know the types of genres you like and you can provide a list of songs for them to choose from.

3. Have you worked with my photographer before?

Your photographer and videographer will be working side by side, so you should make sure they know how to work as a team while capturing your big day.

4. When will I receive my wedding video?

Editing can take awhile, especially during wedding season. Therefore, it is always a good idea to ask when you will receive your final video so you will know when to expect it.

5. How long have you been filming weddings?

This will give you a better understanding of how how long your videographer has been in the industry. You should also ask to see their previous work whether they are new to the industry or old.

What input do you want from us, and what do you prefer to have final say on?

Why You Want to Know: Many videographers view each piece they create as an artistic endeavor, not just the story of your wedding day—so they have a specific vision in mind that could be at odds with yours (you might want a particular song in the video, for example, while they might be against using it). If you trust your videographer completely, this shouldn’t be a problem. But if you have a certain idea of what you want in your wedding video, you may want to talk that over with them before you sign the dotted line.

How does your pricing work?

Why You Want to Know: Videographers typically charge a flat rate based on an amount of time. Others offer preset packages that also include other pieces, like a same-day edit or an extra shooter. Even if you’re just buying a standard package, it’s important to run through what’s included. And if there’s something you’re hoping for—be it a short trailer to share with family or a hard drive with all of the raw footage—ask about it and get any agreements in writing.

Have you ever worked with my photographer?

Why You Want to Know: The photographer and videographer will have to work closely throughout your event to capture all of your moments in the best way possible. If they’ve worked together before, they’ll most likely collaborate well again. If they’ve never worked together before, that’s okay, but it’s important they have a chance to meet beforehand to talk about the format and how they want to get it all shot.

Will there be a second shooter, a stationary camera or any other backup cameras for our wedding?

Why You Want to Know: Without a second shooter or any other backup, it may be difficult or nearly impossible for your videographer to capture every moment on camera. Many times, a second shooter comes with the videography package, but just in case, it’s good to ask.

Compensation For Dog Bite Lawyer And Dog Attacks

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Dog Bites Can Result in Serious Injuries

Dog Bite Law

Most American states make dog owners liable for all dog bites when a person is bitten, based simply on owning the dog that did the biting. Alabama is with the minority of states that requires the dog be vicious or dangerous and the owner to have been careless in management of the animal.

Fortunately the victim’s legal damages are covered by most homeowners and renters’ insurance policies purchased by dog owners, and by general liability policies that insure businesses and public entities.

Only 16,000 dog bite victims receive such insurance payments per year, however, even though about 5 million Americans are bitten. For that reason, the services of Attorney Ken Guin who represents victims without charge unless and until money is recovered.

Those who own, harbor or keep a dog may be held liable for the payment of compensation if it harms a person, a domestic animal, a farm animal, or property of any sort.

The one bite rule

In every state, a dog owner or harborer will be held liable if he knew, before the biting incident, that his dog had the tendency to bite people without justification.

The names “one bite rule” and “first bite free rule” are inaccurate because a “bite” is not necessarily required. A victim is entitled to recover if he can prove simply that the dog previously demonstrated that it wanted to bite people, and that the dog owner knew (or should have known) that the dog previously demonstrated this vicious tendency.

The victim is compensated by the dog owner’s insurance company

Statistically only one in six dog bite victims will receive medical attention, so the “usual” dog bite does not result in a claim for compensation other than medical expenses.  When the injury is serious and the dog owner is liable, however, either the dog owner or his insurance company has to fully compensate the victim. Homeowner’s insurance policies and renter’s insurance policies usually provide full coverage for dog bite injuries. Whether or not the dog owner is liable, the “guest medical coverage” in such policies often will reimburse the victim’s medical costs up to the policy limit, which usually is only $1,000 but often is $5,000 or more. 

Compensation For Dog Bites And Attacks

The damages available to a plaintiff in a dog bite lawsuit are generally the same available in other personal injury claims. First, the plaintiff can receive economic damages for the direct financial impact of an injury. For example, the plaintiff in a dog bite case can claim compensation for his or her medical expenses resulting from the accident. This can include immediate costs like hospital bills as well as long-term medical costs for physical therapy and other types of rehabilitation.

Other economic damages available in a canine bite injury lawsuit can include lost wages if the plaintiff had to miss work to recover from the attack. If the attack also damaged or destroyed any of the plaintiff’s personal belongings, such as an expensive watch, designer handbag, or smartphone, the plaintiff can claim the costs of replacing or repairing these items as economic damages in a personal injury case.

Plaintiffs can also receive non-economic damages for things like physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish after a dog attack. The jury reviewing the lawsuit will assess the plaintiff’s claimed damages and consider expert witness testimony to determine an acceptable amount of compensation for pain and suffering.

Why Hire a Dog Bite Attorney?

One way to combat this misconception is by hiring a qualified attorney to handle your dog bite case in order to determine your legal options. The legal system can’t make moves to prevent incidents and care for dog bite victims if awareness is not raised.

A bite attorney offers you help in confronting the financial and emotional ramifications of the situation. They know the process and what to expect in the short and long term. When hiring an attorney to handle such a case, look for no up-front costs and an attorney who is willing to have his or her fee based on whether they win the case or not.

When selecting an attorney, you want to look for someone that offers a free consultation and someone with expertise and experience in the field. This gives you the best help in arriving at a satisfactory conclusion that compensates you and protects others from harm.

Expertise

very type of legal battle contains nuances that need to be understood to approach and not fail out of the gate. In the case of dog bites, an attorney needs to be familiar with dealing with doctors, vets, animal control, and insurance companies.

Evidence has to be gathered quickly to avoid delays in both coverage of care and before it disappears. Information on the breed of the dog, the location and severity of the bite, and treatment protocols all need to be considered to determine both the facts of the case and the road to recovery.

Without experience in all of these elements, an attorney can miss a crucial step opening holes in the case or leaving out needed compensation.

Experience

Knowing what to do is only half the battle. An attorney also needs experience in court and working with the various players in that field. No amount of theory replaces practical, hands-on knowledge.

Working with dozens of clients a year and seeing them awarded fairly and routinely is the mark of a good attorney.

Experienced attorneys also help to ensure that the process of your dog bite lawsuit is handled swiftly, without hassle. You need to focus on your recovery and not battling in court. You also need medical bills paid and your finances secured from lost wages and other stressors ASAP.

The Attacking Dog Was Owned By My Friend/Family, And I Don’t Want To Sue Them.

This is a common issue that arises because we are usually around dogs that are owned by our friends, neighbors, and/or family members. The fact that you know the individual is reason enough to hire a lawyer. Direct contact with the dog owner who is also friend or family can be very uncomfortable. This is when it is helpful to just tell the owner that you have a lawyer that is going to handle this stressful situation with the owner’s insurance company.

The likelihood that you would have to sue to settle your case only arises when a lawyer is not involved. An experienced lawyer knows how to present the evidence and facts in such a way that places the risk on the insurance carrier and forces them to settle. Remember, the money we are seeking for your injury is from the dog owner’s insurance carrier, not from the dog owner directly. When the claim has been paid, the dog owner will realize that it is his or her insurance company that paid the claim, not him.

Pitbulls are responsible for most significant injuries and fatalities

Any dog can be dangerous, especially those that are trained to be aggressive.  In Portland, dog bite cases with significant injuries seem to involve Pitbulls most often.  That has been our experience.  Nationwide fatal dog bite attack statistics confirm our suspicion.  In 2018 there were 36 fatal dog attacks in the United States, 26 involved pit bulls.  That is 72% of all the fatal attacks.  The remaining 28% is spread pretty evenly across mixed breeds (8%), Rottweilers (6%), Mastiffs/Bullmastiffs (6%), and Dogo Argentino (6%).

Children get hurt and killed most

Looking at the fatality statistics from 20018 also proves what we see in Portland dog bite injury cases. The victims are generally children.  Of the 36 fatal dog attacks nationally in 2018, 15 (42%) were six-years-old or younger.  The majority of those child victims (73%) were under two years old.  Because children cannot bring a lawsuit, dog bite cases often involve establishing a conservator or guardian ad litem to bring a claim on behalf of the child.

Ideas For Residential Electrical Remodeling

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Electrical Renovation and Remodeling

Home renovations and remodeling projects can be life altering, raising the value of your home as well as your enjoyment of it; however, they can also be stressful, especially if you don’t have the right contractor for the job.

been helping our customers get the homes of their dreams by designing electrical systems solutions geared to each customer’s individual needs and expectations.

Offer:

Upgrades to existing electrical systems and fixtures.

Extensions of existing wiring.

New service design for additions.

Breaker box upgrade and installation.

Service entrance installation for additions.

Top-quality fixtures and technology options.

Prompt and courteous service.

Whole House

Whether you own an older or historic home that needs upgrading or your home is more contemporary but still needs an upgrade to meet evolving needs, we can design the best system for your needs so you have the power you need now and for the future.

Kitchens

We work with many kitchen contractors and can expedite your renovation with close coordination with the remodeling company. We can also offer lighting and power design assistance.

Basements

Our professional approach to design and installation of electrical wiring in basements will allow you to rest easy knowing that we have taken everything into consideration. From customized lighting and power layouts, to ventilation and heating, we carefully review all of your available options during the design phase of the project.

RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL RENOVATIONS

Adding an extension to your home? Renovating a room and want to add wiring for a special configuration? Having some wiring you want reconfigured in an existing area?

No renovation is complete without reliable, industry-leading electrical installations and top-of-the-line wiring now how important your home is, so we work with you from the design phase to putting the finishing touches on the lights and electrical wiring on your home addition, remodel or renovation

make sure your home project or electrical installation stays on deadline, and ensure your design and budget stay on target with your expectations!

will carefully inspect your home to determine what kind of electrical work and wiring you’re going to need for your renovation, and work with you to design a layout that will best suite your requirements. We will work with you to install the necessary wiring.

CAN DO IT!

Recessed lighting

Outlets

In-cabinet lighting

Receptacles

Modern technology like USB ports

Under-cabinet lighting

Hallway and staircase lighting

Panel upgrades

Three-way switches

Chandelier Lifts

Dimmers

Hot Tub Wiring

Entertainment System Installation

and more!

PANEL UPGRADES

If you’re expanding your home or adding on additional space, you may need an electrical panel upgrade or heavy-up. Newer electrical panels are designed with safety in mind to provide you with all the electricity you need. If you are renovating a home that is more than 20 years old, you will most likely need an electric panel upgrade or heavy-up for your remodel or home addition. Older electrical panels aren’t equipped to handle the amount of electricity used in modern homes, and over time electrical terminations and circuit breakers can become loose and become a fire hazard. Consult with one of our specialists to determine if you need an electrical panel upgrade or heavy-up for your home remodel.

RESIDENTIAL REMODEL

know that price matters as much as quality, and we provide homeowners and contractors great service and quality work at a fair price.

• Service Upgrade

• Electrical Panel Upgrades and Replacement

• Lighting & fan installation

• Switch, outlet & dimmer replacements & repair

• Upgrade to LED lighting

• Spa & Appliance Circuits

• Wiring for Room Additions & Renovations

• Hardwired Smoke/CO • Detectors

• Knob and Tube Wiring Replaced

• GFCI Outlets & Circuit Breakers

• Surge Arrestors

TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL WORK INCLUDE:

• Custom Homes

• Residential Remodel/Additions

• Multi Family

• Generators

• 24-hour Emergency Service

• Design Build

can handle a one room remodel or a very large custom house with a full lighting control system. We have the ability to design and install every aspect of the lighting, power and controls needed for your project. Our customer service and responsiveness is second to none.

Electrical Upgrade During Your Remodel

Homeowners are refreshing their kitchens, their bathrooms, their home workplaces, with renovating plans they’ve been dreaming about for a couple of years now. Be that as it may, with these remodels, these questions consistently come up

Do I Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade During My Rebuild?

Would it be advisable for me to get an electrical panel upgrade at the same time, before, or after the remodel? Great question, the responses will rely upon the home and the renovating ventures being finished. Yet, most of the time, the appropriate responses are

Indeed, you most likely need an electrical panel upgrade, and… It’s normally more financially savvy and more secure to do the electrical upgrade simultaneously as the remodel.

you’ll need to consider an electrical panel upgrade in case you’re doing any major redesigning in your home, especially with regards to kitchens, bathrooms, home offices, entertainment rooms or additions.

For What Reason Do I Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade With My Remodeling Project?

If you live in a more established home it’s conceivable your home has really required an electrical panel upgrade for a while already, contingent upon when you last had it done. Not just have our electrical requests expanded throughout the years, yet the construction laws directing how electrical work is done in homes have likewise changed to address those increments throughout the years.

Bathrooms, Kitchens, Workshops, Home Offices and Entertainment Rooms Need More Power

Kitchens and restrooms are two of the most well-known kinds of renovating ventures, yet numerous families are adding more rooms, refreshing their home workplaces, including workshops, and so forth. These new changes or remodels require updated, progressively productive electrical wiring, and perhaps a new electrical panel.

Cost of Electrical Work – Panel Upgrades & Electric Repairs

On average homeowners reports spending $2,500-5,000 on various types of electrical upgrades, when they are remodeling their house. It turns out that most major renovation projects, kitchen, bathroom, basement, attic remodels, etc., involve an electrical repair or upgrade. This types of work is usually not anticipated ahead of time, as electrical problems are often discovered once remodeling begins.

How Much Does It Cost To Wire A House?

On average, a professional electrician charges $65-90 per hour. Electric updates become most expensive when you need to replace or install wiring throughout your entire house. However, this may be a necessary improvement in older homes, built before 1970, since the standard power wattage used to be 60 amps, which today is simply not enough.

Moreover, if your home was built before 1950, it is most likely outfitted with extremely outdated wiring, called knob and tube wiring. Most electricians would recommend to immediately replace this wiring, and there are some local building codes that actually require that this old wiring be removed.

Pro Tip: One way to save a lot of money on new electric wiring is to combine it with another major remodel. If you plan to open up walls anyway for a different project, you can install new wiring at the same time. This way, you will not have to pay a lot of extra money for opening up your walls a second time

Note, that quotes listed in this article are ESTIMATES only, and the actual price will depend on the pro you hire, difficulty and specific details of the job, as well as your geographic location. To get the best deal, it is advisable to plan out all the electrical work that needs to be done and complete it together, rather than break it up into separate projects.

With Water Testing You Can Know Your Well Water Is Safe To Drink

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Drinking water

Safe drinking water should be a paramount priority for any homeowner. In addition to health concerns, water quality can impact the taste, smell and color of your water and cause staining of clothes and corrosion of pipes and fixtures.

If the property you are considering relies on well water, mortgage lenders usually require at least basic water testing (coliformbacteria, pH and chloride). The FHA requires additional testing for nitrates, nitrites, turbidity and lead. There are several other tests that can be done, depending upon your concerns and circumstances, such as for levels of copper, iron, aluminum, zinc, etc.

Even though municipal utilities test city water for safety, it is a good idea to have the water coming from your tap tested for lead, as it could leach into your water from pipes and fittings on its way to your home.

test the water for the presence of bacteria to determine whether it is safe for human consumption.

This package includes our bacteriological testing as well as an informative content profile, including: pH, Nitrate, Nitrite, Chloride, Sulfate, Fluoride, Turbidity, Hardness and Iron.

Well & Water Testing

Considering that the human body is made up of about 60% water, and the average person can’t survive more than 3 days without water, it’s safe to say that water is a critical element of life. So it should be no surprise then that the quality of the water you drink is important. Protect the health of your family with our Professional Well and Water Testing Services. Our team will come out to your location and perform detailed testing of the water in your home, whether it comes from a well or the city.

Well Water Testing for Homeowners

If you have private well water, testing it is your responsibility. Yearly testing reports won’t be mailed to you or available on the web because there aren’t any. Well water is an additional responsibility of homeownership. And although wells constructed correctly will provide a homeowner with clean water for many years, in time the functions can deteriorate and contaminants can make their way into the water table.

Certified Well Testing

Professional Home Inspectors are able to test for all the above and more. Our professional well water testing services can ensure the water that your family uses for everything from showering to cleaning dishes, drinking to brushing your teeth, is safe. Well water testing is important for maintaining your well water system.

City Water Testing for Homeowners

Why would anyone have their city water tested? The city tests it every year, so isn’t that redundant? Well, the answer is no. The city tests the water straight from the water treatment facility. And the water still has a long journey to travel through miles and miles of pipelines to get to your home. Along the way it can pick up contaminants, which aren’t detected by the city’s tests. These contaminants can be picked up a mile from your home, or right inside your home, and can cause harm to you, your family, and your plumbing.

A Few Common Water Contaminants:

Coliform Bacteria

Nitrate

Copper

Lead

Fluoride

Arsenic

Iron

Mercury

Uranium

Well Water Testing

Having your well water supply inspected is crucial. While some contamination issues are obvious to determine either through tastes, scents or discoloration, there are those that are difficult to detect without a professional water inspection. We offer high-quality well water inspections and testing, ensuring to deliver accurate and timely results every time.

Whether you’re buying a new home or think that your own home’s water quality may not be up to par, water testing is a good way to check for dangerous contaminants and bacteria which could be harmful to your health. Water testing is particularly important in older homes, which may use copper pipes and solder that contain high amounts of lead.

What Is Water Testing, And How Does It Work?

The process of water testing is quite simple. First, a qualified inspector will come to your home to take samples of your water. These may be taken from different taps and areas of your home, to ensure that a large sample size is taken.

Then, these water samples will be sent to a certified laboratory. At this laboratory, your water will be tested for certain contaminants like lead and other minerals, as well as bacteria and any other dangerous contaminants. Once the testing is complete, you will receive a full report about your water quality, including any notable dangerous substances that were found.

What Issues Can Water Testing Detect?

Primarily, your water will be tested for two types of contaminants: minerals and bacteria. While trace amounts of minerals in your water are not harmful, The EPA has identified about 80 different contaminants that can impact water quality. Heavy metals and minerals, such as lead, are dangerous. Lead, in particular, can cause long-term damage to the brains and nervous systems of children, and also contributes to issues like low birth weight. In adults, lead can cause kidney dysfunction, heart disease, and infertility.

WATER TESTING

Having your home’s water tested is important for reducing exposures to contaminants such as lead. Lead can be found in metal water taps, interior water pipes, or even the pipes that connect your home to the main pipe in the street. Make sure your home’s water is safe from contaminants and toxins and have it tested by one

WATER TESTING INCLUDES:

IN | MO | NC-CHL

Water nitrate/nitrite sample

Lab test for nitrate and nitrite (fertilizer contamination)

(5-7 day result)

Water lead sample

Lab test for lead in water (required for FHA loans)

(5-7 day result)

Water bacteria

Lab test for lead in water (required for FHA loans)

(48-hour result)

PA

Water test – potability Water test potability + chemical Water test lead/chemical/potability

Lab test for lead in water

Water must have been run recently, but not within the previous 6 hours prior to the test

Water test FHA/VA

Lab test (required for FHA loans)

Water must have been run recently, but not within the previous 6 hours prior to the test

inspectors are passionate about helping you understand your current or prospective home. Over 98% of our customers said we added real value to the process and exceeded their expectations.  We stand behind every one of our inspections with a Superior Service Guarantee.  We’re confident our inspections provide real value.  If we don’t meet your expectations, we’ll refund your home inspection fee — it’s that simple.

committed substantial resources to the development of its state-of-the-art electronic Inspection Management System. The system features an enhanced comment library, and walks the inspector through the home, checking every system and structure. Reports are also available on our Web site within 24 hours or less. Most importantly, the system ensures that reports provide the home buyer/seller with the most accurate and detailed description of the condition of the property.

Water Testing

Why Should Your Water Be Tested?

If you’ve never had anything but water from a municipal tap system, a private water supply can seem like virtually the same thing: turn on the faucet, water comes out, very simple right? Many falsely assume that if the water looks good, doesn’t smell bad, and the current owners aren’t sick, that the water must be fine. But that’s a big mistake

Water that is coming from a private well don’t fall under the same EPA regulations that ensure what’s coming out of your test is safe for consumption. That job falls on you, the private water supply owner. It is essential that before purchasing a property, you have to know what the quality and composition of your water is.

Discovering that the water is unfit to drink is something important to discover during the buying process, not after. Drinking contaminated water can cause health problems for yourself, your family, and your pets. Some contaminants cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, so the best way to ensure your water does not contain these harmful components is through having the water tested.

What Are We Testing For?

There are dozens and dozens of different tests for water. Most public and private water recommendations are for, at a minimum nitrate and total coliform. Both of which are suggested by the EPA, to be tested for at least once per year. Concentrations of lead in drinking water is also a safety hazard, so testing for that is recommended if your property meets certain characteristics.

Bacteria (E. Coli, total coliforms)

Coliform bacteria in well water can be an indicator of worsening water quality. Some bacteria come from fecal matters, and others naturally occur in soils, vegetation, insects, etc.

Nitrate

Common sources are fertilizers, septic systems, animal manure. and leaking sewer lines. High levels of nitrate in well water present a health concern. Drinking large amounts of water with nitrates is particularly threatening to infants.

Lead

Properties built before 1986 could have plumbing systems that consist of ” lead contributors” like lead piping, copper pipes with lead solder, and brass fixtures. These “contributors” can potentially cause lead to leak into water. Lead is harmful entity which can cause major health problems.

Choosing an Accountant

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Keys to Successful Small Business Accounting

Bookkeeping, finances, revenue – these are all terms, among many others, that tend to be intimidating for many small business owners to tackle. Keeping track of accounts receivable, billing, collections is also an arduous task for many. The main problem tends to be that a lack of attentiveness in the financial health of the business is detrimental, and leads to many costly errors that are often easy to avoid.

By looking at each individual aspect of the accounting business, and asking yourself some questions associated with each, this is already a big step.

Some questions may seem easier to answer than others. For the ones that pose a challenge, think deeply about why that challenge exists, and what steps you could take to make answering that question easier the next time around – this will become the foundation of your accounting strategy going forward.

Here are some of the areas that should be given careful attention in small business accounting, and important questions you should be asking yourself for each one.

1) Bookkeeping

As you probably already know, bookkeeping is all about the details. Revenue tracking may not seem like it is all that important, but those small decisions we overlook tend to snowball into large errors very quickly.

How will you view your books?

How will you get paid? Will you accept online payments?

How will you keep track of your expenses?

How will you keep your business in the black? (Budgeting)

By putting some small measures in place, you are ensuring that the rest of the financial process will become easier to handle.

2) Payroll

No business will thrive without proper payroll practices in place. Employees need to be compensated for their time in a consistent manner, that much is certain. However, there are other questions associated with that aspect that must also be considered:

How will you handle payroll?

Will you offer payroll benefits?

How often will employees be paid?

Will they be salaried or hourly?

Payroll benefits are a good incentive for employees, while also allowing you some breathing room when it comes to taxes. Similarly, there are pros and cons to the frequency of payments, as well as whether they should be salaried or hourly that must also be considered.

3) Taxes

Taxes are an unavoidable and time-consuming process – and unfortunately, they’re inevitable. There are ways of making it easier on yourself, however. Figuring out what your obligations are to begin with is vital, as well as ensuring that you are paying the right amount.

How will you determine your tax obligations?

How will you know if you’re overpaying or underpaying?

Are there automation systems in place

And if it becomes difficult to manage, consider automating certain processes to make it go smoother, or outsourcing to save yourself some resources in the long run.

4) Banking

Banking is another one of those small issues that tends to grow in size if ignored. Using a credit or a loan comes with obligations, so it is important to work with a bank that is right for your business.

Where will you keep your accounts?

How many bank accounts will you have?

Will you use a line of credit or a loan?

Keeping your personal and business account separate is also incredibly important, so it might be worth considering using different banks to reduce the temptation to blur the lines between the two.

5. Reporting

Financial reports are absolutely paramount to a successful business – as is reviewing them regularly. Set up key performance indicators, establish a baseline and then use that to measure success going forward.

Regular financial report reviews will help you spot irregularities and errors early on:

How will you generate reports?

What reports will you be viewing?

How often will you be viewing your reports?

There are many different indicators you can establish that will work with your business needs, and it is imperative to be disciplined in reviewing these. Whether it is monthly, quarterly or somewhere in between – regular financial report reviews will help you spot irregularities and errors early on.

6) Systems & Workflows

Establishing a system and workflow will not only help increase the success of your business, especially once it is streamlined, but it also helps keep employees accountable. Some questions to ask here are:

Who will be entering expenses?

Who will be generating invoices?

Who will pay the bills?

Who will generate reports?

Creating distinct responsibilities for your financial team will help in keeping track of important financial aspects, but will also give your employees a defined scope of work that will help them succeed.

Find A CPA Mentor

A mentor is a person who is older than you and has many years of experience in your field of work or a related area. This individual has faced the same sort of problems and issues that you are confronting and has valuable insights to share.

Having someone who you can turn to when your job is at a critical juncture can provide tremendous benefits. The advice that you receive can help you to avoid making a mistake that could derail your career.

But what if you can’t decide on a mentor?

You don’t have to restrict yourself to one mentor. It is perfectly acceptable to have two or more. One mentor could help you with technical matters related to the accounting profession, and another may have inputs to offer on your career progression.

Try and remember that as a mentee, you need to do your part to nurture and grow the relationship. You may think that you don’t have much to offer to an older and more experienced person who has been in the profession for many years. But it’s important to apply your mind to this issue and try and repay your mentor for the advice and help that you receive, either through networking opportunities of a simple “Thank you!”

Five Secrets To Successful Accounting Services

If you’re a business owner with annual revenue from $5 to $50 million, you know some of the challenges involved with accounting services: finding competent bookkeepers and certified public accountants, managing your accounting department, and going deeper than bookkeeping processes to actually extract valuable, actionable information from your financial statements.

The best accounting services have time-tested strategies in place to deliver the results business owners need every time. We’ve kept these accounting services under our hats as secrets of our trade, but we’re sharing them with you to help you in your search to find an accountant you can trust.

1. Timely bookkeeping is the cornerstone of business success.

This one is simple. If your bookkeeping is not up to date, it’s worthless to you as a tool for financial forecasting, or even to find out if you’re going to bounce a check on a day-to-day basis. From cash flow statements to balance sheets, bookkeeping should be kept up-to-date at whatever frequency you and your accounting department decide, based on the volume of your business.

2. Accuracy is king.

Not only must your financial data be up to date, but it also has to be accurate. Otherwise, any conclusions drawn from financial forecasting will be wrong. In the computer programming world, they call this GIGO (“Garbage In, Garbage Out”). Your accounting services provider should have a financial controller/CPA who oversees the work of every full-charge bookkeeper to ensure accuracy.

3. Timeliness and accuracy are ensured through the right processes and procedures.

Many in-house accounting departments strive for timeliness and accuracy. They know it’s the bookkeeping ideal, but they don’t know how to achieve it. By establishing the right bookkeeping processes and procedures, customized to each client’s preferences, but based on our decades of experience at AccountingDepartment.com, we promise and deliver financial data that is up-to-date, accurate and available 24/7/365 to our clients.

4. Establishing controls helps protect businesses from employee theft and fraud as well as from innocent bookkeeping errors.

No one is perfect. We acknowledge that. That’s why financial controllers oversee our bookkeepers to ensure the accuracy of your financial records. When the books are closed at the end of each month in the presence of the business owner, bookkeeper and financial controller, they are “locked” so no one can change them. This is just one of the many internal controls in place to help eliminate fraud and ensure accuracy in your accounting services.

5. To maximize their success, business owners need accounting services with the knowledge to implement the right strategies.

It’s good to know exactly what goes into successful accounting services. But it’s another thing to know how to execute the right accounting strategies in your business to increase your odds of financial growth and success. 

AccountingDepartment.com has the extensive experience and knowledge necessary to execute successful, time-tested accounting services to take your business to the next level.

Accounting Skills You Need to Succeed on the Job

The hiring environment has become more uncertain in recent months, to say the least. However, the positive news is that many businesses are still staffing both on-site and remote positions, including in their accounting and finance departments. If you have a well-developed set of accounting skills, that could increase your chances of being a strong contender for jobs you are targeting.

Essential accounting skills encompass more than the ability to crunch numbers, complete expense sheets and depreciate fixed assets. In addition to traditional accounting knowledge, there are a number of hard and soft skills that every accounting professional needs, whether they are working in an office or remotely.

Following is an overview of seven sets of accounting skills — some technical, some not — that can help you to advance your accounting job search, as well as your accounting career.

1. General business knowledge

The scope of accounting and finance positions has been expanding over time, and especially so in recent years. In particular, these professionals must collaborate and coordinate more often with colleagues in other departments.

So, it’s important to know what other functions do and how the work of the accounting and finance organization helps to support their initiatives. The better you understand the overall workings of the business, and how you and your team fit into the “big picture,” the more productive your relationships outside your department will be.

2. Up-to-date technology expertise

Finance leaders are often challenged in finding professionals who have up-to-date technology expertise listed among their accounting skills. But you can be sure that working with finance-specific software programs will be a given in your role, as accounting firms and other organizations continue to expand their use of accounting automation.

Other examples of technology-related accounting skills that are in demand by many employers include:

Advanced Excel ability

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) experience (e.g., SAP, Oracle)

Expertise in big data analysis, advanced modeling techniques and SQL

Knowledge of business intelligence software (e.g., IBM Cognos)

Microsoft Visual Basic capability

Aptitude with Hyperion (for analyst and financial reporting roles)

Microsoft Visual Basic skills

Knowledge of QuickBooks (for positions with small and midsize firms)

If you want to advance in your current position, consider asking your manager about online accounting skills training options that the company may be able to arrange. Or, if you’re currently searching for a job, you could enroll yourself in an online course in one of the skills areas listed above. Being proactive about your professional development could impress a potential employer.

Preparing for a job search? Learn how Robert Half can help you get hired.

3. Communication skills

Stay-at-home orders have put communication abilities front and center among must-have skills as many workers have transitioned to remote jobs. The good news is that accounting and finance professionals have had to hone one of these abilities for years: presenting information in an easy-to-digest manner, especially for audiences that are not as numbers-savvy. Now, it’s time to refine other communication skills.

The ability to relay information clearly and concisely by enhancing your verbal and writing skills is essential. More good news is that you and your colleagues working from home may already have a leg up on this skill, as you’ve had to turn to email (writing skills) and video platforms (verbal skills) for each and every daily interaction, from business requests to simple morning greetings.

4. Adaptability and flexibility

Adaptability and flexibility were also top among the skills accounting and finance professionals needed even before the pandemic. Technological change, like the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) as a critical business tool, was a key driver for that trend, and you can expect that it will remain so. But now, as businesses try to define and operationalize their next “new normal,” the ability to pivot and roll with change is an absolute must.

5. Creativity and a willingness to help others

The best accounting professionals are ambitious self-starters who can develop new insights. You may need to serve as a source of aid when colleagues require help navigating a particular program or managing their first busy-season audit.

Your managers may also look to you for fresh ideas as to how the organization can ensure continuity of service to clients (especially during this time of disruption), improve compliance procedures or address a host of other issues.

Get Timely Information

Successful accounting departments gather key financial information in a timely manner. In today’s day and age transactional information can be accessed almost instantaneously and incorporated into the accounting system quickly.

Without up-to-date financial knowledge, budgeting and other financial forecasting actions cannot be relied upon to be accurate. Additionally, out of date financial information can make investing or decision making a risky proposition. It’s one thing to learn that your plans exceed your budget, but another entirely to learn this through a check bouncing on the technology or service you’re investing in.

Get Accurate Data

Accurate data gathering is essential for a successful accounting department or anyone who wants to call themselves a competent accountant. Without accurate financial data, you will not be able to create actionable business decisions.

When a company is making strategic decisions based on an inaccurate budget forecast or a faulty cash-flow statement, the consequences can be huge and can hinder company performance (or even reputation) for some time.

Process and Procedures

Timely information gathering is the goal for a successful accounting department, but processes and procedures are the tools that will bring this success.

Having clear, appropriate Handling procedures ensures that responsibility for information gathering is clearly defined and divided among the department’s accountants. Having the proper Reconciliation procedures ensures that all information entered into the company’s master ledger or database is accurate. Finally, having the right Review procedures is a failsafe against inaccuracy, ensuring that no moves are made based on the faulty financial information.

Why Regular Upholstery Cleaning Should Be Part Of Your To-Do List

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Upholstery Care Guide

Vacuum & Brush Frequently

Use a soft, dry upholstery brush to loosen and remove surface dirt, then vacuum to remove dust. Always use the brush attachment to prevent fabric damage. Use an upholstery brush in the direction of the pile to restore the loft and uniformity of high-pile fabric.

Cushion Care

Cushions require occasional fluffing to restore their shape and natural loft. Fluff and smooth the inserts, and flip and rotate the cushions periodically to increase longevity. We do not recommend removing cushion casings for laundering. This can damage the fabric, and it also can be tricky to fit them back onto the cushions.

Keep It Safe

Protect from heat, sunlight, and liquids. To keep your upholstery in optimal condition, avoid placing it in direct sunlight. If spills occur, blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth.

As a general rule, spot cleaning is not recommended as it can cause fading. It’s best to professionally clean the entire piece to ensure the color remains uniform.

Codes

Your professional upholstery cleaning company will need the fabric’s cleaning code. Please reference our fabric guide for your furniture’s upholstery cleaning code.

S (Solvent Only)

Instruct a professional cleaning service to use pure, water-free solvents. Petroleum distillate-based products may be also used.

SW (Solvent & Water)

Instruct a professional cleaning service to use water-based cleaning agents, foam, or pure solvents.

Briar Floral Velvet

We recommend consulting a professional upholstery cleaner on how to best maintain this fabric.

Margot Floral Velvet

We recommend consulting a professional upholstery cleaner on how to best maintain this fabric.

FABRIC & UPHOLSTERY

GENERAL UPHOLSTERY CARE

Because dust and dirt cause fabric to wear faster, we recommend vacuuming regularly with an upholstery attachment.

Flip, rotate and fluff removable cushions regularly to ensure even wear and increase longevity.

Feather and down cushions have excellent recovery, but much like down comforters or pillows, need to be fluffed frequently to restore their loft. Some feather loss is normal. Vacuuming with an upholstery attachment between the fabric casings and cushions will help prevent feathers from poking through the fabric.

Tight (attached) cushions will stretch and wrinkle with use. You can easily restore their appearance by smoothing the surface and tucking excess upholstery into the sides of the seat or back.

To minimize fading, avoid placing your upholstered furniture in direct sunlight. Dark fabrics and natural fibers like cotton are most susceptible to fading.

An annual professional cleaning will keep your upholstered furniture looking its best

HOW TO SPOT CLEAN UPHOLSTERY FABRIC

Do not dry clean or machine wash cushion casings as it may damage the fabric, backing or stitching. For large or persistent stains, contact an in-home professional upholstery cleaning company.

For spot cleaning small stains, we recommend Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover or Crypton Purple or Gold Upholstery Stain Remover, which are safe to use on all of our fabrics.

Treat stains immediately for the best results. Blot up as much of the spill as possible with a clean, dry, white cloth. Don’t rub.

Apply a small amount of cleaner to the stain and gently agitate it with your fingertips. Avoid oversaturation which can damage the fabric backing or cushions.

Blot the stain with a clean, dry, white cloth, working from the outer edge to the center of the stain.

Continue to apply cleaner sparingly and blot until the stain no longer transfers onto the cloth. This may take several attempts. When you’ve removed as much of the stain as possible, blot any remaining cleaner from the fabric.

If your spot cleaner recommends a water rinse, apply a small amount of distilled water to the stained area and blot to remove. Tap water may stain or discolor the fabric due to its mineral content.

Use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting to evenly dry the fabric and prevent moisture rings.

Replacement cushion casings are available

FABRIC CLEANING CODES FOR PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

In-home professional upholstery cleaning companies will request your fabric’s cleaning code, available at roomandboard.com/fabrics or on the back fabric swatches. Please contact us with any cleaning code or care questions.

S = Solvent. Use only water-free, pure cleaning solvents.

W = Water. Use only water-based upholstery cleaning products.

SW = Solvent or Water. Use pure cleaning solvents or water-based cleaning products.

HOW TO SPOT CLEAN DILUTED-BLEACH CLEANABLE FABRICS

DO NOT use this cleaning method if you are unsure if your fabric is diluted-bleach cleanable.

Remove any loose debris. Blot up liquids on the fabric’s surface with a clean, dry, white cloth. Don’t rub.

In a spray bottle, prepare a solution of one ounce bleach and 30 ounces water.

On the spray bottle’s “fan” nozzle setting, spray the stain with the bleach and water solution and let it soak in.

Using a soft bristle brush or sponge, very gently work the solution into the stain. Work from the outside in so as not to spread the stain. Rinse your brush or sponge frequently. (Rough brushing or sponging can damage the fabric and reduce its ability to repel stains.)

Use a spray bottle to spray the fabric with clean water to rinse off the bleach solution.

Thoroughly blot the stain with a clean, damp cloth. Rinse the cloth between blots, and continue until the stain is gone.

Allow fabric to air dry.

If the stain remains, repeat these steps using a stronger bleach solution of two ounces of bleach and 30 ounces of water.

FURNITURE CARE GUIDE: TIPS FOR CLEANING FABRIC SOFAS

Your furniture is an investment. It’s also at the center of your family’s universe, which means it’s highly likely to be the victim of accidental spills, stains, and general everyday wear and tear. The good news is that tough stains and messy spills don’t have to be part of your furniture forever as long as you follow proper care and cleaning tips. And we can’t stress this enough—address any spill or stain immediately! The longer it sits in the fabric, the harder it will be to remove.

Things To Know Before You Buy

Consider your lifestyle. The fabric content of your sofa can give you great insight into the level of care it will require to stay looking fresh and new. Kids, pets, or frequent dinner guests? You may want to look for durable performance fabric options. Not a concern? Feel free to explore more delicate fabric blends that contain linen or wool, for example.

Consider the cushions. Sofas constructed with loose and/or reversible cushions are typically more forgiving. Conversely, sofas with a tight seat or back style will generally keep their shape longer, but won’t have the convenience of being able to flip over or rotate a cushion.

Consider fabric protection. Our furniture protection warranty program provides peace of mind and protects your furniture investment, giving you the freedom to enjoy your beautiful furniture worry-free from accidents.

How to Clean Fabric Stains

Read the label. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your sofa manufacturer’s recommended cleaning and care instructions. These are often found underneath your cushions on a tag and indicate the best way to clean your sofa when spills do occur. It is important not to ignore these instructions, as your furniture manufacturer knows their product better than anyone else. Failing to follow these instructions could not only void your warranty, but could leave you with permanent marks if the wrong cleaning method or solution is used.

Know the cleaning codes. Your sofa will most likely have one or two letters on the tag beneath the cushion indicating the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning method(s).

W stands for: Water-based cleaner. As the name indicates, this type of solution uses water as the primary cleaning component, and is therefore the only recommended cleaning solution.

S stands for: Solvent-based cleaner. This type of solution uses a cleaning chemical as the primary component, and is therefore the only recommended cleaning solution.

WS or SW stands for: Solvents and water-based cleaners. You can safely use either one to clean your sofa.

X stands for: Not cleanable with water- or solvent-based solutions. Rather than using a solution to clean the fabric, it is only recommended that you clean with vacuuming or light brushing.

Tackle stains quickly. As soon as a spill or stain occurs, clean it immediately for the best results. Even allowing a few minutes to pass can cause the stain to set in, making it harder to remove.

Lightly vacuum (if necessary). If there are food crumbs or loose particles on your sofa, be sure to use a hand-held vacuum or vacuum attachment to gently remove them prior to tackling the stain.

Spot clean with the recommended solution. Before you begin cleaning, be sure to spot test your solution in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it’s the right product for your fabric content. Once you’re in the clear, begin cleaning your sofa with the recommended solution. As with the instructions on your sofa’s tags, it’s also imperative that you follow the instructions on the cleaning solution’s packaging.

Blot and dry. Assuming your cleaning solution’s packaging says it’s safe to do so, blot the cleaned, wet spot with a dry microfiber cloth to soak up any residual moisture.

Let it “sit.” Avoid sitting in the cleaned area until it is fully dry. This often requires a good air dry overnight, resulting in a fresh, clean sofa in the morning.

ULTIMATE FURNITURE CLEANING GUIDE

It’s January! Otherwise known as the time of year where we refresh everything we can get our hands and mental energy on. We at Article have lots of resolutions, but chief amongst them is to become masterful cleaners. Not pedestrian, clean-the-bathroom, scrub-the-sink cleaners, but the kind of diagnostic expert that understands how to clean a range of fibres, materials, and fabrics. To that end, we’ve built this handy ultimate furniture cleaning guide to help you come along on our journey toward expertise. Roll up your sleeves and put on an apron: we’re going deep.

GENERAL CARE TIPS

The sunny spot — best left to your animals. Shafts of sunlight are great mood lifters, but if you can, try to position your furniture so it’s not sitting in direct light. UV rays will fade and damage leather, wood, and fabric items.

Be careful with chemicals. Household chemical cleaners and detergents work great in your bathroom and on some kitchen appliances. Nothing is more satisfying than dissolving shower mold. However, when it comes to furniture, we generally recommend against them. Chemical cleaners can have strange reactions with natural fibers and materials. To avoid weird spots, we go without, or leave it to the pros.

Flip it and reverse it. If you have furniture with removable cushions, get into the habit of turning them frequently. Flipping a cushion doesn’t make a stain go away (we’ve tested this extensively), but it does help to evenly distribute wear. Everyone has their favorite seat. It just doesn’t need to look that way.

HOW TO CLEAN LEATHER FURNITURE

There is nothing quite like the creamy, soft texture of leather. Leather furniture is a carefully considered investment purchase. At Article, we use full and semi aniline leather across all of our products. Quick refresher: “aniline” refers to the dying process a hide goes through once it’s been tanned. Full aniline retains its natural markings (think bug bites, scratches, etc); semi-aniline has a thin layer of wax applied before dying to help color be absorbed more evenly. Semi-aniline leather has a more uniform appearance. Ultimate furniture cleaning guide tip number one: know thy fabric.

We love full aniline leather because it’s especially forgiving. General wear shows up on the couch, but quickly gets in step with the overall look and blends right in. Cleaning both full aniline and semi aniline leather furniture is the same, and it’s simple. Once a week grab a clean, damp cloth and use it to wipe or buff away noticeable stains. Use a brush vacuum-attachment to clear up debris and crumbs from tufts, seams, and corners. Doing this regularly keeps debris from caking into hard-to-reach areas.

To keep your leather looking its best, commit to giving it a regular wipe-down with a leather conditioner for hydration and shine. We like the leather salve and leather oil from Otterwax. Apply once you’ve received and set up your sofa, and then again every six months to keep it in tip-top shape.

A Sofa-Cleaning Guide for Pet Owners

When you have pets, accidents happen. Unfortunately, sometimes that means those accidents happen on your furniture. But all is not lost. With a few tips and tricks, you can keep your sofa looking good and feeling comfy as a favorite spot for both you and your pet. Renew the look of your sofa with our guide on removing stains, getting rid of pet hair, and hiding wear and tear.

Removing Stains and Odors

So, you’ve just noticed your beloved four-legged friend has left behind a less-than-pleasant calling card on your upholstered sofa, chaise or club chair. Ugh! Getting these stains out may seem impossible, but with a few handy tricks up your sleeve, you can restore your couch to its former glory.

1. Soak it up. For liquid accidents, first soak up as much of the liquid as you can. Start by blotting the mess (not rubbing, as this could damage the fabric fibers), then lay down a towel to absorb what remains. This will help to reduce any odors and will make the stain removal process that much easier later on.

2. Air out the cushions. After you’ve soaked up the liquid, air out any of the removable pieces of your sofa, including cushion inserts. You can also vacuum upholstery with a HEPA vacuum to help alleviate any lingering odors.

3. Spot clean or wash. Before you apply any cleaning solutions to your sofa, check the manufacturer’s instructions. If the instructions indicate that detergents are okay to use, apply a detergent or a cleanser designed specifically for upholstery. Then gently dab at the spot, rinsing with water as necessary. Baking soda and pet-specific enzymatic cleaners can also be effective at removing the stain. Avoid steam cleaning, as the heat can cause any stains to set in. If your sofa has machine-washable slipcovers, pre-treat any spots or stains with an upholstery detergent before laundering (again, check manufacturer’s instructions).

4. Neutralize the odors. Baking soda can be helpful in removing stains and odors. Leave this on for a few hours or overnight, depending on the severity of the smell, and then vacuum it up. You could also apply an enzymatic spray, which is formulated for pet messes and designed to naturally eliminate odors. Vinegar, if safe for your specific fabric, can also help neutralize strong smells.

If you find a stain that’s already dry and set into the fabric, it may be best to call a professional upholstery cleaner. Stains that have already set in are much more difficult to remove. Sometimes trying to clean them can damage the fabric fibers and ultimately make the mess look worse. Professional cleaners can work to get messes out without pushing them into the fabric and cushions.

Removing Pet Hair

It’s a matter of life for many animal owners: Pets shed. While shedding comes with the territory of owning certain breeds of dogs and cats, removing pet hair is relatively simple for upholstery. An easy trick? Dampen a pair of rubber gloves or a sponge and simply glide your hands across your sofa. The hair will clump together, making it come up with minimal effort. Classic lint rollers and hair magnet brushes can also be great at helping to pick up your furry friend’s hair from your sofa.

Beware Of These Potential Risks Before Allowing Your Veterinarian To Perform Surgery On Your Pet

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Choosing a Veterinarian

Pets are part of the family. Your veterinarian, like your doctor or your dentist, is a major part of the well-being of your family. Because you have entrusted this person to oversee the health of your pet, and by extension the health of your family, it is crucial that you have a relationship with your veterinarian based on trust, confidence and respect. You want to know that your physician, your dentist and your veterinarian are among the best at their profession and that he/she fulfills the needs of you and your pet.

Unfortunately, there are not many ways of critically evaluating a health care provider until you need them in a critical time. And you don’t want to be in a crisis when you have to reassess your decision. So how can you evaluate your veterinarian to make sure this is the relationship you want? Resources such as Consumer Reports and Zagat’s will help you decide on a restaurant, a camera, a computer, or a car. But guidance on choosing healthcare providers is a lot harder to come by. It’s not a black and white decision. It’s more like Match.com for a professional relationship. It’s all about finding the right fit.

Where to look? Who to ask?

As is always the case, sitting down at your computer and searching the internet can provide you with a flood of opinions. You can spend hours scrolling through popular sites like Angie’s Llist and Yelp reading testimonial after testimonial after complaint about every veterinarian and clinic in your area. Clearly those postings are the unsolicited, heartfelt sentiments of people who were motivated (positively or negatively) to take the time to comment online. So, by all means read some of them. Just don’t rely exclusively on consumer or social web sites since they may not give you a truly balanced perspective. You might also want to seek the opinions of other pet parents you actually know and/or meet every day: neighbors, co-workers, other parents at your child’s school, people you see walking their dog or at a dog park. These other pet owners can be valuable sources of additional insight by nature of their own experiences.

It goes without saying that you want a veterinarian with a high level of medical competency, and you can get a feel about that from talking to other pet owners and finding out how their pets’ illnesses were handled: diagnosed, treated and managed. It is also important to recognize that not all veterinarians are equal in all ways.  What local, state and/or national professional associations and organizations does the doctor belong to? What about specialization or special interests? There are specialty organizations that assure you that their members have advanced training in specialties ranging from surgery and internal medicine to feline medicine and exotic pets. Find out if your veterinarian has advanced training or experience, especially if your pet is unusual or already has special needs.

What’s most important to you?

Then ask yourself what other criteria are important to you. What clinic hours best fit with your own schedule? Can you use a hospital that is only open from 9A-5P or do you need the flexibility of night and/or weekend office hours?  Drive by the hospital(s) you are considering. A veterinary hospital need not be an architectural showplace but it should be clean; located in a safe, convenient area; and have adequate parking.  A veterinary hospital should reflect the pride and commitment not only of the owner(s) but of the entire staff. Cleanliness and hygiene should be apparent; maintenance should be readily achievable. Therefore, a dirty parking lot, smelly waiting room, or poor maintenance indicate a lack of that pride and commitment.

Beyond feeling comfortable with the physical structure and location, you need to feel personally comfortable with the people inside. The attitude and professionalism of the entire clinic team contributes to the experience you and your pet will have there. Simple friendliness, empathy and courtesy are important in any business and particularly in the emotionally stressful areas of medical care. Call the practice. Is the office staff efficient and courteous? Ask for a tour or make an appointment to meet the doctor(s) and other members of the team. Take your pet with you if possible. You want to be working with people you can communicate with and who have a good rapport with both you and your pet. Are you comfortable? Are they too formal? Or too casual? Or just right? Do you like the way they respond to your pet? Does your pet seem to like them (within reason, of course, given the circumstances)?

The major, most important question you should ask, of course, comes down to this: is the veterinarian caring of your pets and your family someone you trust and value? If so, acknowledge them and let them know how important they are to your family. Take care of that relationship. If you are not feeling well-served then tell your veterinarian what you want. Be honest and give them every opportunity to provide the relationship you want. Follow this advice and you should be able to find the perfect veterinarian for you and your pet.

Check If They’re Certified

To practice, all veterinarians need a license in their state (you can look them up here). If you’re looking for accreditation beyond that, you can start with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). They require veterinarians to meet a specific set of standards in their practice. They also examine vet offices and equipment every few years to ensure they hold up to those standards.

Vets aren’t required to hold this accreditation and many of them don’t. If a vet isn’t AAHA certified, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything, but when a veterinarian is certified, you at least know they stick to certain standards. You can look up AAHA-accredited vet hospitals here.

Some vets are also members of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). It’s basically like American Medical Association membership for vets. Again, AVMA membership doesn’t necessarily mean better, but it shows that your vet is dedicated to the practice. Still, AAHA accreditation is probably a better indicator, as they have a specific set of guidelines offices have to pass to stay accredited.

Make a List of Local Veterinarians

Do a Google “Veterinarian near me” search

A Google “veterinarian near me” search is a perfect starting point. Your search will turn up a current list of local professionals. The results will include the requested “veterinarian near me” results. It may also show vets in your general area and in other parts of the state.

Before you start doing focused research or making calls, make sure the listed veterinarians are close enough so as not to inconvenience you when your pet needs care.

Google search results sometimes show street addresses but not always. If you can’t find a location on the search page, look for an address on individual veterinarian websites. You’ll usually find an address when you scroll to the bottom of the “Home Page” or by checking the “About Us” or “Contact Us” pages.

Get referrals from fellow pet lovers

If you prefer to avoid omnipresent search engines and you have friends and family members who also love animals, ask each person for a veterinarian recommendation. Don’t take it for granted that the person giving you a name and a number is pleased with their veterinarian’s care. Some pet parents keep seeing the same vet out of habit or because it’s easier or more convenient.

Points to Consider When Choosing a Veterinarian

TALK TO PEOPLE YOU KNOW WHO HAVE PETS.

An excellent way to begin looking for a veterinarian is to ask for recommendations. When you know or come across someone who has a pet, ask them for information! Talk to:

Friends

Family

Co-workers

Animal shelter staff

Animal trainers

Groomers

Pet sitters

Dog walkers

Boarding kennel employees

Dog owners at the dog park.

#2. FIND A VET TO TREAT YOUR PET WITH DIFFERENT NEEDS.

Not all veterinarians treat all types of animals. For example, some veterinarians only work on dogs and cats, and some only on livestock. If your animal is a bearded dragon lizard, you will want a veterinarian who has been trained to handle and care for reptiles. Or, if your pet is older, you may need a veterinarian who is trained to work with geriatric animals.

Finding a veterinarian with specialty training may take a little more effort. Information pertaining to active veterinarians that treat different types of animals and/or who have specialty training can be found through a web search of your location’s veterinary medicine associations. Look for veterinarians who are board certified as trained in the specialty area required by your pet.

#3. SEARCH ONLINE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

The online site for the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) provides information on accreditation. Receiving AAHA accreditation is a statement that:

  • The animal hospital has been determined to consistently provide safe, high-quality care
  • Veterinary hospitals have maintained AAHA standards in relation to their:
  •  
  • Facilities
  • Equipment
  • Quality of care

The services and equipment of these veterinary hospitals have been thoroughly evaluated as part of their responsibility to becoming accredited in areas involving:

  • Examination
  • Surgery
  • Emergency care
  • Radiology
  • Pathology
  • Pain management
  • Contagious diseases
  • Nursing care
  • Dentistry
  • Diagnostics
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Medical records
  • Housekeeping and maintenance.

Managing Possums Pests And Diseases

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Home Remedies to Get Rid of a Possum

Possums may be “out of sight, out of mind” most of the time, but even one can make a mess of your garden, get into the trash and pose a threat to pets. To get rid of possums, make your yard less attractive to them by making access to their food sources more difficult. Close off any areas they may use as dwellings, such as gaps beneath garden sheds and porches.

Discouraging Yard Visitors

A possum that visits your yard at night foraging for food will probably come back if it finds something to eat. It’s fairly easy to get rid of a possum that isn’t living in or under one of the structures on the property; just remove any potential food sources. Possums are omnivores, eating everything from trash to garden produce, insects and even mice. Even though they’re viewed as nuisances, possums can be beneficial to your yard, eating grubs, beetles, mice, other dead animals and even rats.

Garden Thieves

Possums may also munch on anything tasty they find in your garden. Install a chicken-wire fence approximately 4 feet high around the garden to discourage possums and other garden foragers such as rabbits. Do not attach the top 18 inches of the chicken wire to stakes; instead, bend the wire slightly outward. This way, any creature trying to climb the fence will fall outside of the garden, unable to get in

Possums in Residence

A mother possum may take up residence underneath your porch or shed, in the garage or even in the attic. If you’ve found one or more possums making a home in or around yours, look for all potential entry points. Block all but one hole by installing chicken wire or hardware cloth at least 8 inches beyond the hole, burying at least several inches of the wire beneath the dirt where applicable. Sprinkle the bottom of the entry hole with flour to be able to track footprints to ensure the possums have left before closing the hole. The possum will usually leave after sundown to forage for food. Closing the hole while the possum is away is the best way to get rid of it, as a possum usually only stays in one area for a maximum of three days.

If a possum won’t leave on its own, you can use a live trap to catch it. Use a trap least 12 inches high and wide and 32 inches long to catch the animal. Bait the trap with ripe fruit

HOW TO GET RID OF OPOSSUMS

HOW TO GET RID OF OPOSSUMS IN THE ATTIC: Yes, this does happen quite frequently (see photo to left and below), and this is a very complex case. This almost always involves an adult female with baby possums. The baby opossums usually cling to their mother, but they drop off one by one as they grow, and it’s very common for small ones to rome around in the attic, and fall down walls or other cavities. There they will call out with a kind of chirping call, and if not removed, will die and cause an odor problem. Here are the general steps for removing opossums from an attic.

Step 1: Inspect the home, and find the entry hole(s), which are very large and obvious.

Step 2: Enter the attic. If you find the adult female, catch her via snare pole.

Step 3: Search the attic carefully, and find and remove any baby possums by hand.

Step 4: If you couldn’t find and remove them all (very hard to do), you will have to set traps. This is the only species for which traps in the attic will be successful.

Step 5: Once they are all out, repair the entry holes with pro-grade repairs.

Step 6: Clean the attic, removing all feces, and spray with enzyme cleaner.

Remember: An opossum in the attic often has babies. They must be removed too.

HOW TO GET RID OF OPOSSUMS VIA TRAPPING: Opossum trapping is subject to state laws regarding capture and relocation or euthanization of wildlife. If you have unwanted possums outside the home, in some cases, the only fix is to trap and remove the nuisance wildlife. We can safely, legally, and effectively catch and remove your nuisance opossums. Trapping is an art, and most amateur attempts go awry for a variety of reasons. An intimate knowledge of opossum behavior, both prior to and after trapping, and of various opossum trap types is necessary to ensure that the possum is trapped and removed without incident.

STEP 1: Determine if trapping is necessary, or if there is a preventative alternative.

STEP 2: Select the right trap for the situation, there are many types of opossum traps.

STEP 3: Set the traps in the correct areas, in the shade, camouflaged, on a flat sturdy surface, away from any obstructions or areas that can be damaged, etc.

STEP 4: Use the correct bait. Don’t use meat-based baits, which can attract stray cats.

STEP 5: Monitor the trap daily, remove trapped opossums & transport them.

HOW TO GET RID OF POSSUMS IN YOUR YARD

Opossum prevention – how to keep opossums away from your house and yard – Opossums are odd creatures that normally grow to the size of your average house cat. Despite the fact that their heritage has been linked to as far back as dinosaur days, it would seem that they haven’t really evolved much, still being classed as wildlife problem or pest, although they do have a few tricks up their sleeves if caught by an angry human, which in all fairness, can often work to the humans advantage!

How to Get Rid of Possums

What is the best way on how to get rid of possums? Home appliances such as repellents and deterrents can be the option. The most effective repellents are focused on urine from mammals, such as bear, coyote, and fox.

Within the wild, urine is used by predators to mark their territories and their prey to avoid certain areas. Urine-based insecticides imitate their appearance and encourage many species to stay away. Because these materials contain heavily smelling ammonia, some homeowners do not like them.

Pepper sprays are repellents for the taste, which can be added to plants. These not only taste bad but can cause a burning feeling as well. An electronic deterrent is a safest and absolutely non-toxic way to keep possums away from your property.

The easiest way to get rid of possums is to know their habits. Although they prefer wooded areas or open fields near to lakes, they take up residency in abandoned burrows; tree crevices; brush piles; or areas below stairs, decks, and outbuildings.

Such species are mostly nocturnal, meaning that they’re usually only busy at night and resting all day long. Typically, they will leave some signs of their existence by droppings, footprints, overturned pet food dishes or garbage cans, and plant damage.

How Do I Get Rid of Possums

How Can I Prevent Possums In My Home?

Trim low tree branches and keep grass and shrubs short and tidy. Possums like to hide in bushy areas and can take up residence in piles of branches and other types of debris. If any tree branches come in contact with your home, eliminate them. These can create a “bridge” that can be used for possums to get into your attic and roof.

If you have old unused items in your yard including cars and furniture, get rid of it quickly before it becomes a home for a possum family.

Add screening to areas under your home to prevent possums from accessing them.

Add fencing around your home that is at least four feet high. If you decide to add electric fending it should be at least three to four inches above the top of the fence.

What Are Some Home Remedies For Possum Problems?

Ammonia is another very effective deterrent. Pour some into an old coffee can and place a rag into it. This will act as a wick and disperse the ammonia fumes.

Live trap the animals and remove them far away from your home.

How To Get Rid Of Possums With?

Get rid of Possums. has plenty of effective solutions for the elimination and deterring of possums

A Complete Guide To Possum Pests

Don’t let their looks fool you, although cute and cuddly, possums can be a real pain when they invade your home. In addition to the ruckus they cause as they go about their business inside your home, possums present a health risk as they can spread disease to humans and pets. Possums spread diseases through their urine and droppings.

The Lifecycle Of A Possum

Possums are marsupials, meaning they carry their young in a pouch. They usually give birth in May and June after a gestation period of about 17 days.  A newborn possum is about 1.5 cm long and only weighs about 2 g. Despite the small size, the newborn can climb unaided through fur into the female’s pouch where it attaches to a teat.

The young possum will feed and develop for about 5 months while still inside the mother’s pouch. It will then spend another two months clinging to its mother’s back as she moves around. Usually, possums give birth to only one young at a time, which males do not participate in looking after.

Control and Prevention of the Possum

The first step in possum control is prevention. Keep them out of your home and you won’t have to worry about getting rid of them. To keep possums out of your home you should:

Cover all openings that possums could use to get into the house. If it’s a vent, use a slotted metal vent cover to ensure that no animals get through.

Trim the tree branches near your home so that they are at least 10 ft from your roof. Possums are good climbers and could use them to get to your roof.

Protect low decks by installing grid screening and other suitable barriers.

The Army Corp Of Engine Rebuilding Having Issues Fixing Breach

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Signs of a Seized Engine

Failure of even minor parts of a engine can eventually lead to severe problems. One of the major issues that can arise is a seized engine, which can lead to major repairs and expenses. Let us look at the various signs and symptoms of a seized engine to recognize and rectify this situation in time.

Seized Engine Meaning

A smoothly running car engine is a synchronized movement of various components. Even if one small component malfunctions, or functions out of sync, the engine may get heavily damaged over time. Usually when an engine seizes, the internal components freeze or lock up to such an extent that, the crankshaft is unable to turn in the bearings. This happens because the internal parts such as pistons, rod bearings, piston rings, etc., overheat and weld together. Such conditions may require you to change the entire engine, and this can be terribly expensive. Hence, it is very important for car owners to recognize warning signs, and rectify the problem before it is too late. Let us now look at the causes and warning signs of a seized engine.

Seized Engine Causes

  • The most common cause for an engine to seize up is insufficient engine oil, which causes overheating, melting, and amalgamation of the engine parts.
  • Lack of engine oil also results in lowered lubrication, which results in damage of the bearings. Ordinarily, you will need to replace the engine in such a situation.
  • Accumulation of water inside the engine can cause it to seize, as water is not compressible like gasoline.
  • Accumulation of rust due to the car remaining unused for a long period of time can also cause the engine to seize up.
  • In rare cases, faulty components can fail or break and cause the engine to seize.

Introduction

An engine can seize due to running on low/no oil, overheating or succumbing to a broken timing belt. These conditions eventually stop your engine in its tracks and a professional technician will be required to restore function. However, if an engine seizes due to rusted cylinder walls, you can restart the engine without professional help.

This is how rusted cylinder walls develop: When a vehicle sits for an extended period of time without running, the lubricant coating the cylinder walls thins and drains away due to gravity. Shutting down a vehicle always leaves some of the intake valves open on some of the cylinders. This allows moisture-laden air from the environment to circulate through the engine’s air intake, progress through to the cylinder head, and cause condensation on the cylinder walls, piston surface and rings.

Left long enough, that condensation causes rust that can freeze the pistons in place, causing a seized engine. If you suspect that this is the case for your vehicle, this is how to fix a seized engine.

Seized car engine symptoms:

  • Loud cranking/clunking sounds: this is because the starter is hitting the flywheel because there is insufficient lubrication.
  • Piston visible: when looking at the engine, the piston may be visible because the loose components will lodge into another part of the engine with enough force.
  • Fumes/smoke: since the engine can’t turn over, fumes, smoke, and even fire can happen – all of which are a sure sign of an engine seizure.
  • Nothing: the most tell-tale sign of a seized engine is when nothing happens. When your car won’t start no matter how hard you try.

It’s important to note that it is incredibly unlikely to have an engine seized without warning. There are almost always signs that can indicate potential seizing or failure such as: knocking noises, poor engine performance, oil light is on, and more. At the end of the day, most engine failure is because of poor maintenance, specifically a lack of oil in your engine. At this time, there is debate as to whether you should use conventional or synthetic oil in your car.

Can You Prevent Your Engine from Seizing?

You can take the following steps to minimize the chances of your engine locking up:

  • Follow your manufacturer’s schedule on checking and changing the engine oil and coolant.
  • Check the timing belt. Some manufacturers provide a service schedule for checking or replacing the timing belt, for example, every five years. A timing chain will usually last for the life of the vehicle. Still, if your engine has logged many miles, you may want to check the condition of the timing chain.
  • Pay attention to engine noises and diagnose their source.
  • Take a look under the hood once in a while and make a quick visual inspection. Pay special attention to oil and coolant levels.

How to fix and diagnose a seized engine

If you get your car checked before something significant happens, you may be in luck and may need to only replace a few parts, such as the gasket if it has failed due to overheating. If there is a broken part, the expense of getting it fixed may be higher. Depending on your problem, a repair can range from $500 to $1500 and even more if an engine replacement is necessary.

If there is a sign of water getting into your engine that can cost from $150 to $500, depending on your mechanic and car; nonetheless, repairing a seized engine is quite expensive which is why it is better to get your car checked routinely for any oddities.

Here are a few steps to take when you think that your engine is seized up.

1. Pull the crankshaft with a socket and a wrench

Take a wrench with a socket and try to rotate the crankshaft to see if the engine is really seized and to make sure there is not a problem with your starter. If you can turn the crankshaft easily, it’s most likely a problem with your starter. If the engine is seized, go to the next step.

2. Remove the starter

Sometimes a seized up starter can cause the engine to get locked up. You want to remove the starter to make sure that it’s not that thing which is causing the problem. After you have removed the starter, check the crankshaft with the wrench again.

3. Remove the serpentine belt

The first step you should take when your engine is seized is to remove the serpentine belt. In some cases, the alternator, ac compressor or another part driven by that can cause the engine to lock up. If the engine gets released after you remove the serpentine belt, check all these parts.

4. Check the timing belt & camshafts

Often when the timing belt or chain have failed, you can expect the valves to hit the pistons which causes the engine to seize up. Remove the covers in front and make sure there is no damage to the timing belt. If everything looks okay – You can remove the timing belt and rotate the camshaft if you know how to put the timing belt back correctly. With this method, you can find out if it’s the crankshaft or the camshafts that are seized up.

5. Release the glow plugs or spark plugs

If the engine is seized up, it could be caused by a large amount of oil or water in one or several cylinders; this is called a hydro-lock. You can release the spark plugs or the glow plugs to check this and make sure that there is oil or water in the cylinders. If the engine is turning over after you released the plugs, it’s most likely a hydro-lock, and you have to find the cause of the hydro-lock. This can often be caused by a failed turbocharger or a failed head gasket.

6. Remove the oil pan

If the crankshaft is seized up and you can’t find any signs of water or oil in the cylinders and if the camshafts are moving freely, you have to remove the oil pan and inspect the crankshaft bearings and any damage on the pistons or the rods.