Alkaline water is believed by many to help in neutralizing acids in the body. For this reason, many consumers buy alkaline bottled water. But constantly having to buy bottled water is something that takes a toll on one’s budget as well as contributes to plastic waste. In trying to avoid plastic there is the option Read more
Whats Next
Alkaline water is believed by many to help in neutralizing acids in the body. For this reason, many consumers buy alkaline bottled water. But constantly having to buy bottled water is something that takes a toll on one’s budget as well as contributes to plastic waste. In trying to avoid plastic there is the option to switch to alkaline water filters. Finding the best alkaline water pitcher also provides a highly convenient way to make your own alkaline water at home. There are many other options to choose from as well, some systems more complex than others.
Alkaline Water Pitcher
Water pitchers are famously very easy to use and maintain and some of them come with the added convenience of making alkaline water. The EHM Ultra Premium Alkaline Water Pitcher is one such model and it drastically improves the water’s taste. Easy to install and take apart when cleaning is required, the pitcher is a highly versatile tool and can help in balancing pH levels in the body.
These types of filtering systems use cartridge mediums through which water is passed to be purified. These cartridges are changed after some time of use and thus a new fresh filtration process can begin. The jug itself is made with plastic which adds to the convenient budget-friendly product. Other more premium pitchers are made from steel or glass, making them more durable and elegant.
Alkaline Water Machine
Another way to produce alkaline water is by making use of an alkaline water machine. This device is installed on the counter in connection with a standard tap faucet. This little machine is easy to install, takes only about 10 minutes, and stands on the counter close to the faucet. Its interface offers enough control to swiftly and easily adjust the level of alkalinity.
Such a device can go through almost 4000 liters of water which would amount to a year’s water usage. Not only will it help in ditching bottled water but it also looks quite stylish on the counter. With natural antioxidants and better hydration, this device is well worth the price tag.
Countertop Alkaline Water Dispenser
In the same vein as a water pitcher, a water dispenser works almost the same, with the benefit of a larger tank and dispenser valve. The Invigorated Water pH Recharge 1F Alkaline Water Filter is one example of this type of countertop dispenser and can filter somewhere close to 96 gallons of water with one cartridge.
Made with high-quality material, BPA free, and with all necessary safety tests in place. For such a large filtering capacity this countertop alkaline filter can easily fit both on the counter and in the fridge. This can be highly convenient if connecting to the faucet is not desired or if chill water from the fridge is a must.
Alkaline Water Sticks
An alloy steel tube filled with maifan stones acts as the purified medium to clean and remineralize the water. Perfect for people wishing to ditch bulky water filters in favor of small portable water filtering methods. EHM Alkaline Water Ionizer Stick is one such device that can filter 90 liters per stick.
This kind of tool is usually popular with outdoor enthusiasts that wish to have a convenient and portable filtering system on the go. The alkaline method by which this tool functions is another reason why it is often sought out.
Reverse Osmosis with Alkaline Integration
Reverse osmosis systems are considered the goliath of water filtration and with alkaline integration, it is even more attractive. Not only is it capable of removing chlorine, heavy metals, lead, and many other harmful materials but it also has a remineralization stage that balances water alkalinity.
A more complex system that requires far more extensive installation than a simple countertop, an RO system can be highly efficient. With a pressure tank and not requiring electricity to work, an RO system brings good quality filtered water that only gets better once it passes through the alkaline stage.
Concluding Thoughts
Water filtration has become an increasing commodity in many modern households. With the advent of technologies many consumers also implement alkalinity devices into their water filtration. Buying bottled alkaline water is not always the best solution and the advantage comes from the many available home devices that do the same job.
Most easy to use are water filter pitchers. More costly are alkaline water machines which usually come in form of countertop water filters. Reverse osmosis systems integrating alkalinization or mineralization remove the most contaminants.
The air filters in homes play an important part in capturing dust, debris and other particles such as mold and pet dander from the air keeping your indoor space clean and pollution-free. There are many advantages to regularly changing the air filters in a home, and this article will outline some of the reasons why Read more
The air filters in homes play an important part in capturing dust, debris and other particles such as mold and pet dander from the air keeping your indoor space clean and pollution-free. There are many advantages to regularly changing the air filters in a home, and this article will outline some of the reasons why this should be at the top of the list of home improvements projects.
Better Air Quality
Air filters are designed to improve your indoor air quality by filtering out particulates such as spores, dust, dander, smoke and smog. Regularly changing your air filter will keep your home cleaner, ensuring the air you breathe is fresher and healthier. This is especially important for pet owners as well as children and elderly people in your household.
Cleaner air within your home can also help allergy and asthma sufferers, especially during the hay fever season. Regularly changing your air filter can make it easier to breathe and reduce indoor allergy symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose or congestion.
A dirty air filter will also accumulate build-up from the air it draws in which can cause mold, fungus and bacteria to grow in it. This can have a counter effect of introducing harmful particles and pollutants into the air in your home causing potential health problems.
Greater HVAC Efficiency
One of the most common reasons why heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment breaks down is due to dirty air filters.
Changing your air filter every 90 days or more will keep it from clogging up and preventing air from passing through. A dirty air filter can place undue strain on your HVAC system as the heating and cooling equipment must work harder to draw in air causing it to expend more energy in maintaining a comfortable temperature. This can also cause malfunctions in your HVAC system, resulting in overheating or freezing when set to air conditioning mode.
Regularly changing the filter will ensure your HVAC system is performing at its optimum efficiency, helping to reduce the cost of your energy bills. It will also ensure that it lasts longer and needs less repair and maintenance.
Your air filter’s main job is to protect your home’s HVAC system. An air filter that has a MERV rating that is too high can cause damage to its heat exchanger, compressor and air conditioning coil. It is best to use an air filter with a lower rating such as a MERV 11 air filter or below, which is fine for residential use.
Cleaner Environment
The more efficiently your air filter is working the more dirt, debris and dust it is able to capture. This can greatly reduce the accumulation of dust on indoor surfaces such as shelves, books and tabletops.
Regularly changing your air filter will ensure there is less airborne dust. A cleaner indoor environment means you do not need to spend so much time and energy cleaning your house.
Follow the guidance in this article to ensure your air filters and HVAC system are working optimally at all times, creating a clean and healthy environment for you and your family throughout the year.
Did you know, that around 500 000 US homes still do not have adequate plumbing? This shocking statistic has sent shockwaves through an industry much maligned for being too expensive for ordinary people and has led to a jump in students and apprentices registering for the trade – not a bad thing at all. The Read more
Did you know, that around 500 000 US homes still do not have adequate plumbing? This shocking statistic has sent shockwaves through an industry much maligned for being too expensive for ordinary people and has led to a jump in students and apprentices registering for the trade – not a bad thing at all. The more players there are in the field, the more competition will raise standards and force prices down, and hopefully, that will mean that more folks can get the work done that they really need.
So we thought we’d help you jump the gun (at least, a tiny bit), and help you discover what are the essential tools and skills that every aspiring plumber must-have.
First up, what tools should every plumber have – and know how to use?
Well, as your progress through your training and apprenticeship, you’re going to learn all about what you’ll need when, and depending on the discipline you’re pursuing, home-based or commercial, you’ll learn about different requirements and needs. But, as a general rule, you’ll not be worth any salt at all without:
- Pipe wrench
- Basin wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Faucet key
- Hacksaw
- Tube and plastic pipe cutters
- Plumber’s torch
- Thread sealing tape
- Pliers
- Press fitting systems
- Plungers
- Hand Auger
- Snake Machine
- PPE
- Heat shields/pads
- PEX pipe expander & fittings
- Crimpers
- Stubby screwdriver
- Borescope
- Plumbing business software
- Communication skills
- Patience!
And when you’re really ready to up your game, you’ll be wanting a lathe too.
What skills will you be learning?
Plumbing is so much more than just working with waterpipes and you’ll want to make sure that you’re best placed to capitalize on opportunities when entering the market. So when choosing your school or training facility, you want to make sure that you’ll be learning:
INSTALLATION, TROUBLESHOOTING, AND REPAIR
- installing and repairing piping (for waste, drainage, and venting systems)
- installing and repairing plumbing fixtures (sinks, faucets, toilets, etc.)
- fixing leaking or clogged lines
- connecting appliances that use water (washing machine, dishwasher, etc,)
- installing piping for gas, pneumatic, and air handling systems
THE LATEST TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGY
- hands-free faucets and toilets that use motion technology to turn off and on
- programmable showers that can be set up with personalized lighting, temperature, and sound
- digital leak-monitoring systems that detect leaks fast, and send alerts straight to the client’s cell phone
- greywater recycling systems that take “gently” used water from showers, washing machines, and dishwashers, and recycle it for re-use in the home and garden
BLUEPRINTS & BASIC MATH
Interpreting blueprints correctly is a very savvy skill for all plumbers to learn. Without this, you won’t be able to understand mechanical or architectural drawings which help you correctly install fixtures and appliances. Learning how to do this correctly will also help you sharpen your analytical skills too.
Now, to learn all of this you’ll be wanting to make sure that you find the best possible training facility in order to get the best possible apprenticeship.
We know that plumbing is a competitive industry. But we also know that there are plenty of ways to stand out from the competition. COVID-19 has created a more competitive environment for plumbers, with industry revenue down 5.3 per cent across 2020/21, resulting in $15.9 billion lost to the industry. In addition, the plumbing industry Read more
We know that plumbing is a competitive industry. But we also know that there are plenty of ways to stand out from the competition.
COVID-19 has created a more competitive environment for plumbers, with industry revenue down 5.3 per cent across 2020/21, resulting in $15.9 billion lost to the industry. In addition, the plumbing industry is set to take a further hit following the conclusion of the lucrative Federal Government’s HomeBuilder scheme.
Despite these challenges, there were 90,800 Plumbers in 2020, which is expected to rise to 96,500 by 2025 – creating an even more competitive environment. That means it is vital to do everything possible to promote your business to stay ahead of the competition. Here are some ways you can rise to the top.
Adopt The Latest Plumbing Technology
There are many benefits of adopting the latest plumbing technology. One is that it will help your business save money on water and energy bills. Another advantage is that it will make your life easier with less time spent on maintenance and repairs. You’ll also be able to provide better customer service, which in turn means more revenue for your company.
Investigate technologies like smart shower, toilet and irrigation systems that can be controlled with a mobile device, energy-efficient water heating devices and get the right tools for water leak detection in Melbourne. Technology is updating all the time, so it’s important that you stay up-to-date.
The modern household has a thirst for energy and water-efficient technologies that are better for the environment. Over 12 per cent of all houses globally are already smart homes, and it has become a 99.41 billion USD global industry. With more consumers changing their purchasing behaviors to be more sustainable, our plumbing business must move with the times.
Create a Website That is Designed to Attract Customers
Do you need a new website for your plumbing company? Traditionally those in the trades industry have not prioritized their digital presence, but today it is essential with most consumers using the internet to discover plumbers in their local area.
Older generations may still rely on word of mouth and numbers listed in directories; younger generations are heading directly to Google to find trades services. Considering that three-quarters of the Australian public will require plumbing services in the next 12 months, it is a market too big to ignore.
Websites are the backbone of any business. They’re how people find you, learn about what you do, and decide if they want to work with you. That’s why it’s essential to have a professional-looking site that will increase your visibility and credibility to help get more leads.
Build Your List of Positive Online Reviews
While the modern consumer looks for plumbers online, referrals still play an enormous role in the industry – they have just moved online.
Reviews are the best way to show potential customers that your company is worth their time and money. They help establish credibility and trust in your local community and separate you from cowboy operators without licenses that could potentially rip consumers off.
It would be best to encourage all of your customers to leave Google reviews on your business to help promote your brand. The more positive reviews you get, the better you will be perceived in your local community and the more jobs.
What happens when people leave bad reviews? The worst thing you can do is ignore it. Instead, respond to all negative reviews and ask how to remedy the problem and improve their experience. This is a surefire way to flip around negative sentiment into positivity.
When you consider that over 90 per cent of consumers regularly or occasionally read reviews and 84 per cent trust them as much as a personal recommendation, it is a method of promoting your business that you can’t ignore.
We get it. Starting a business can feel overwhelming. Starting a brick-and-mortar business can feel even frightening. There are so many pieces to put in place, and if you drop the ball on even one of them, your entire business could be in jeopardy. That’s why we took the time to create this short checklist Read more
We get it. Starting a business can feel overwhelming. Starting a brick-and-mortar business can feel even frightening. There are so many pieces to put in place, and if you drop the ball on even one of them, your entire business could be in jeopardy. That’s why we took the time to create this short checklist for starting a new business. It will help you avoid many of the common mistakes people make when they get started and understand what you need to do every day to ensure your start-up stays afloat.
1. Register Your Business with the IRS
Once you know what type of business you’re creating and what product or service you will offer, you need to register your business name. Whether you do that as an LLC or a corporation, you must take this first step as early as possible. An LLC is the easiest and the most cost-effective way to register your small business through your state.
After securing your LLC, you’ll need to register with the IRS. It will generate your EIN or your federal tax ID number. For retail stores, you also need to obtain a sales license. Having an EIN will allow you to open a business bank account. Experts suggest going through a credit union, as they don’t require you to have large minimum balances on your account like other banks.
2. Hire a Bookkeeper
As a new business owner, you must track all your business expenses and money flow. It is essential for your taxes because you don’t want to lose money when tax season arrives. You can use software like QuickBooks for tracking. However, you should still try to find a qualified bookkeeper to keep your books in order. You will be busy running your business and bringing in customers, so you won’t have time to dedicate this task individually; after all, the last thing you want is the IRS investigating you.
3. Seek Out a Good Location
You can lease or buy commercial space. Leasing gives you the flexibility to move if you outgrow the area or need to expand. Plus, it gives you the benefit of a management company that will handle the tricky stuff like scheduling repairs. If you decide to purchase the space for your business, you must ensure that you have the right equipment and hire reputable contractors to maintain your store or a restaurant.
For example, a plumbing failure can become an immediate disaster at a restaurant, cafe, hotel, or healthcare facility. Experienced business owners know all too well how important it is to have a professional plumber on call. So, finding a commercial plumbing distributor will help you clear the way for smooth business operations.
4. Build a Website
Your physical location is one of the brand activation points. However, these days, the customer journey most of the time starts online. To ensure prospects can find your business, you must optimize your website for the local search. Even if it’s just a landing page at first, it helps you look professional and build trust with your clients before they visit your physical location. You can use simple website builders like Wix or Squarespace when starting to save some costs on hiring a web designer.
5. Hire Staff
Of course, you’ll need to hire staff before you open your doors. In some cases, you may be able to work independently. Before hiring, study the employment-related laws in your state, including the maximum working hours per week, the minimum wage, and what benefits you need to provide your employees. Once you’ve made your hires, ensure that you report these employees to your state within 20 days.
Get Ready to Open Your Doors
Now you’re ready to open your doors! Your supplies are prepared, your staff knows what to do, and your potential customers started exploring your website. It took some work to get to this point, but you are finally running your new business!