There are all kinds of causes of basement flooding, and if you’re like me, you’ve seen more than a few of them. Whether it’s a burst pipe or water heater, a crack in the foundation or an overflowing deep sink, you can be in deep water fairly quickly. Mildew, rotting wood, electrical issues and termites are among the list of potential hazards that can result. The good news is that, whatever the cause, there are a number of ways to fix the problem. Here’s a list of 10 ways to deal with basement flooding.

1. If you haven’t already got one installed, a sump pump will provide a means for removing water from your basement automatically. These are essential in homes whose elevation relative to the surrounding terrain causes doesn’t allow for natural drainage. You’ll want to have a battery backup in case of power loss, and choose a model with sufficient horsepower for your needs.
2. If you haven’t got a sump pump, another option is to buy or rent portable pumps from a local hardware store to do the job. Pick ones that can be fitted with as large a diameter garden hose as you can find, in order to increase the volume capacity you’ll be able to pump out, and have an intake that will get down to floor level.
3. A good preventative step to avoid flooding or moisture problems is to install roof gutters that will channel rainwater away from your home’s foundation. Attach drain hoses to the downspouts and run them downhill away from the house, and keep them cleared of debris. Gutter guards will help with this.
4. Check your property for any obstructions to proper drainage of water away from the house, such as walkways or landscaping structures like garden walls. It may be necessary to channel, re-route or remove them.
5. Repair and waterproof the foundation. Fill any cracks with epoxy, hydraulic cement or sealant. These are temporary fixes, however, and require professional help for more permanent measures.
6. Install footing drains. Footing drains installed beneath the basement floor will channel water away from the foundation of your home.
7. For clean-up after floodwater has been removed, use a bleach and vinegar solution mixed with water. Use one tablespoon of vinegar and one cup of bleach per gallon of water. Spread this solution over the area and allow to dry, then rinse. Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity and mildew caused by water condensation and evaporation.
8. Make sure you’ve got flood insurance. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not typically included in most homeowners’ policies.
9. Consult an engineer or contractor for advice on landscaping or drainage modifications that are suitable for your property’s terrain and elevation.
10. The best step, however, is to hire a professional to waterproof your basement, such as the B-Dry System. You can get an expert inspection, consultation and complete protection that includes a lifetime warranty.

Water infiltration and damage can lead to major headaches for the homeowner. Structural, safety  and health issues can result, along with reduced property values; so a few smart preventive measures can save you more than just a bundle of cash.

The relationships within a home can be difficult to maintain under any circumstances. Unfortunately, one of the ways we often make matters worse are by the words we choose to use.

1. I want a divorce. If you are determined that divorce will not be an option in your marriage, then this is a phrase that should be banned by both spouses. If it is agreed that this is not an acceptable solution to issues in your relationship, then there is no reason this phrase should ever be spoken in your house.
2. You’re stupid! This is a derogatory and insulting statement. Even when a person has done something that was very thoughtless or careless, they don’t deserve to be personally insulted. Even “That was a stupid thing to do.” would be preferable.
3. Shut up. This just doesn’t need to be said. There are plenty of other ways to ask some to stop talking, rather than using this curt command. “Let’s not talk about it anymore.” “Could you be quiet for a moment?”
4. I hate you. Even when a person is feeling hateful in the heat of an argument, it is preferable to express your strong feeling in other words than these. These words can leave some deep and lasting wounds.
5. You stink! Again, truth isn’t the issue here. It is the simply your choice of expressing the truth that is the problem. Give it some consideration. There’s bound to be a better way to let a family member know that they have an odor problem.
6. You’re just like your mother! OK, it is possible that this could be said as a compliment, but that would be rare. Generally, this is taken as a double insult. It’s an insult to the person receiving it and to their mother besides. There is no reason why you can’t address the behavior without attaching it to the influence of a person’s mother.
7. I’m going to tell your mother. This is just plain childish when coming from one adult to another. To threaten to involve a person’s parents in a disagreement simply shows your own immaturity.
8. It’s your fault. Perhaps it is the other person’s fault. But placing blame seldom has any positive merit to it. You have a problem. The issue is, ‘how do we resolve it’, not who caused it.
9. It’s not my fault. Again, whose fault it is, should not be the issue. Even if you didn’t cause a problem, doesn’t mean you can’t assist in resolving it. Don’t go on the defensive.
10. You don’t love me. This is usually a manipulative phrase used to try and make the other person feel guilty. Attempts to manipulate the feelings of people you care about can be very destructive to relationships. Deal with the true issue of the moment.

Learning to choose our words carefully and treat the people within our home with respect, can make for a much more pleasant home life for everyone involved.

Live green foliage can add a lot to a home, but keeping those plants living can be difficult for some. If you’ve had a tendency to kill your house plants in the past, it may just be that you needed to try some different varieties. There are several species that are very low maintenance and can live through quite a bit of neglect.

1. Philodendron. This plant has bright green and does well as a hanging plant or set up on top of bookshelves that allow its long dangly vines to stretch out. If it gets dry and its leaves begin to curl, just add some water, and it’ll perk right up.
2. Pothos. The pothos looks very similar to the philodendron, except for its blotches of creamy yellow on the leaves. It is actually considered a bit hardier than the philodendron as well.
3. Snake plant. These plants work well in floor pots ,since they grow straight up out of their containers and can reach four feet in height. They do well with little sunlight or a lot. Also, known as the mother-in-law plant, they are an excellent choice for a first plant.
4. Christmas cactus. The Christmas cactus is known for it full wide reaching branches and its bright pink or red winter flowers. Hap-hazard watering does not seem to hinder this easy growing plant.
5. Ivy. Both English and Irish ivy varieties can handle abuse and neglect. Their small pronged leaves provide a delicate and beautiful accent to a home.
6. Spider plant. The narrow leaves that overflow the pot on all sides, are what give this plant its name. It does well sitting or hanging in front of a window. It also is a continual producer of off-shoots, which can easily be snipped off and started as new individual plants.
7. Aloe Vera. This plant’s name has become well known because of its medicinal properties. It is easy to grow  and prefers a little water to too much.
8. Wandering Jew. You can plant this plant with its purplish leaves in a bowl of water without any soil at all, and it will do just fine. It likes moisture, so if you have a tendency to over water, then this would be a good choice for you.
9. Cacti. If you want houseplants that will survive drought, then cacti are the perfect selection. You don’t have to worry about animals or children hurting this type of plant either. It is more likely to be the other way around.
10. Bamboo. Some people have bamboo growing outside of their homes. If they’ve ever tried to get rid of it, they will attest to how difficult that is to do. This, like the Wandering Jew, can live in water alone.

If you’d like to give house plants another try, pick one or two of these varieties, and you should find more success than with some of the more finicky types.

I love this time of year.  The Bradford pear trees are in full bloom, my tulips have given a glorious bouquet of colors, and the butter cups did not disappoint me again this year.  New life is showing up everywhere, as the trees show a few buds of new growth telling me old man winter will leave for several months before returning.

Getting my yard ready for spring brings on chores that I personally need help with.  As it is, I do have a neighbor who is always near to work with me and in the end, he and I stand back and admire our own handiwork.

My friend has kept the dead leaves from fall off my grass.  That has been such a blessing as now I see the Zoysia grass begin to show green.

1. Make a day of removing debris, like limbs, or paper or clutter from the yard.  Old man winter has a way of leaving leaves against the house, or under the fence, so a little raking may be in order as well.
2. Raking the yard is also necessary.  A stiff tined garden rake will work wonders as it gets up the grass clippings from last year that may smother out growth.
3. I like the idea that a well groomed lawn can increase the value of your property, and for sure be an eye catcher to passersby.  Whether you intend to sell or not, I like compliments that are passed on to me by those who are out for an afternoon stroll.  Looking at it this way, keeps me from seeing the chore it is from long hours I’ll be working to get it looking like I want it to.
4. This is a perfect time of year to fertilize the lawn.  A slow release fertilizer works wonders in giving the grass a boost while in its growth stages.
5. Also, before perianal get started, it is a great time to edge the flower beds.  Pulling the dirt and grass from around the flower bed, will help in a clean area in which to work.  Save the grass you’ve pulled up for another spot in the yard that may need it.
6. Re-seeding bare spots is a must at this time.  And in the event that bad weather (snow) should come before summer, the seed are safe in the ground and will not be hurt.  You will take joy in seeing the seed sprout.
7. Kill broadleaf weeds as they appear in your flower bed.  I keep a can/container of weed killer on hand year round.  It really works.
8. March is also a great time to transplant, or replant.  Transplanting from one area to another must be done soon, as the plants have already started their growth spurt.
9. Start planning your flower garden.  On paper is a great place to start.  Then go surfing for the best plants for your area.  Many green houses, or nursery catalogues have specified garden plants for shade or for full sun.  Either way you can know what will grow in your yard and be ready for the ideal time to transplant.
10. Then there is pruning.  Some ornamental trees and shrubs need pruning before growth starts.  However flowering shrubs, need not be pruned until the flowering stage is over.

Well, this has given me a yen for gardening.  By helping you – I have some new       ideas to incorporate into my projects of lawn and flower beds.

This is the day for recycle and reuse.  Even though the idea has not reached every city and county, it is slowly catching on as we are more and more conscious of taking care of the earth we’ve been given to live on.

I’ve said numerous times that my grandparents would not understand drinking water from a plastic bottle, purchased at a store by the case.  We’ve fallen into the habit of purchasing water by cases at a time, even though I have a filter system on my refrigerator and can get ice water at any given moment.  Pampering my taste for bottled water, I have created a dilemma on throwing away the perfectly unscathed plastic bottle.  Doesn’t it take years for the plastic bottles to disintegrate?   I thought so.  So like I say I have the dilemma of finding a recycling station, or continuing to drop them in the trash where our waste management people do their thing.

So number 1. Are plastic bottles, milk cartons,

#2 then would probably be paper, newspapers, and magazines

#3  I associate aluminum cans with Metal, but Metal is far more reaching than a coke can as far as recycling Metal.  Steel is a commonly recycled material.  As well as clothes hangers, construction materials and aluminum foil.

#4 we need to think in terms of not just taking things to a recycling center, but places that would reuse what we are discarding.  Like coats that we’ve outgrown.  There are shelters who would love to have them for the people who frequent their establishment during bad times.  The same with clothes.  Goodwill is a great place to recycle, or your local Women’s shelter for battered women.

#5 Why not recycle towels?  I have a plastic bag filled with old bath clothes and thin towels that have come in handy for dusting the furniture as well as washing or drying the car.

#6  would be glass.  Needless to say different types of glass should not be recycled in the same container.  Items like broken window panes, should be kept separate from glass bottles, tableware or windshields.  Though all are recyclable they should be in different containers.

#7   How about Corrugated Cardboard?  Pizza boxes or greasy containers should not be recycled.

#8  As many books as I have collected over the years, there comes a time to pass them on.  Selling them in a yard sale is not always beneficial, however taking them to the Library, Salvation Army or to Goodwill will give someone else a chance to read a good book and not pay the full price.

#9  I have a way of saving plastic grocery bags to use in trash cans, or to discard left overs.  Eventually my bin for saving those bags reaches full, and I’ve learned it is all right to put them in the recycle bin.

#10   Old cell phones, computers, printers and printer cartridges can be recycled.  Places like Walgreens and even Office Depot will refill those empty printer cartridges for a fraction of the cost of new cartridges.

It is interesting how our children are learning about saving our planet by reusing, passing on, and in a term “recycling” most anything we use in our everyday life.

In a day of recycling, which I might add has not reached every country street, there are several things my garbage service won’t pick up – regardless of how many bags you may have them in.  However unless we have put forth the effort to learn what they will and will not pick up,  we take a risk by setting it at the curb anyway.

It stands to reason that from city to city the rules for each company would be different.  Therefore the list below is what I came up with after doing a little research.

1. Furniture – You might be able to get by with really small pieces of furniture, but large items like a couch, a dining room table, beds, etc. really should be dropped off at Goodwill or donated to a charity if possible.  Otherwise, you are probably going to need to arrange for a special pickup from your garbage service.
2. Items not bagged – In general this is just a really bad idea (not bagging your garbage).  In general animals (pets included) will find their way to your garbage and truly make a mess if you don’t have it in bags (been there, done that).  It’s also a potential health hazard which is another reason that will generally be refused.
3. Paint Cans – In general paint cans often contain highly flammable liquids and materials that need to be disposed of in a safer fashion.  It’s important for you to know the proper/recommended way to dispose of this kind of waste paying close attention to the contents in the cans and the impact on the environment.
4. Old Tires – These are both bulky and represent a risk to the environment.  However, the good news is that there are tire recycling centers and some of those will pay you a bit for each tire you bring in (worth looking into and you can at least feel like you are doing something for the environment).
5. Car parts (including batteries) – Car parts generally are better off making their way to an auto salvage yard for lots of reasons including the fact that someone else may be able to repair/reuse them.  On the subject of car batteries and batteries in general, these need to be disposed of safely and you should check with your local service for instructions or recommendations.
6. Toxic Waste – Okay this should go without saying… but if you have toxic waste for some reason at your house it would be interesting to find out why.  This rule obviously applies more to businesses if not entirely and should be common sense.  Any toxic or hazardous waste needs to be handled by a professional that specializes in hazardous materials.
7. Roofing and Construction materials – These represent potential items for the garbage people to get hurt moving (nails, screws, etc.).  In general your contractor should already have a plan for these items and/or if it is a DIY project you will have to also learn about DIY disposal of leftover materials.
8. Broken toys – This is completely dependent on the size of the toys and generally is meant to cover swingsets, large doll houses, bicycles, etc.  If you set these items out on the curb though they are more likely to be picked up by the random person passing by than the garbage service.  The neighborhood I live in actually has people in vans that drive around on garbage day hoping to pickup some free items to use or resell (bikes, etc.).
9. Dead animals – It’s hard to actually imagine throwing away a dead animal or pet but people do it all the time.  Again, these need to be properly disposed of and potentially inspected for various diseases.  It’s a good idea to contact your local animal shelter for recommendations here.
10. Appliances – Again, these are items that you should consider donating or even selling before just disposing of them.  They are heavy, bulky, and generally no fun at all to move for you or your garbage person.

Again, when there is no recycling pickup, it would be wise to check with your city, or local waste collector to have a better idea of what not to leave at the curb

There are some jobs which are dangerous and downright boring.  Yet I suppose it is according to the one doing the job as to whether it is boring.  Different strokes for different folks?

1. I can’t imagine being a meter reader for any company, gas, electric, steam, etc. and having to encounter a guard dog.  And big or small, the sound of a growling dog with his teeth showing, ready to get a bite out of your leg is no laughing matter.
2. OK so I live in a great neighborhood, from what I read, the areas through which a meter reader has to tread, is not always a great neighborhood.  Around the meter there is tall grass and debris.  Snakes and pests hide and the dangers of being bit by a snake is enough for a man doing his job to be extra cautious and think bad things about the people who live there.
3. Does he get mad enough to read the meter incorrectly?  They say it has happened.  Maybe he was having a bad day when he came by your place and encountered the tall grass, or the Rottweiler guard dog.
4. Then again – one meter reader was sued for trespassing.  What?  Yes, for trying to do his job, he was sued for trespassing.
5. Complaining to the gas company may be something which must be done on occasion.  However let’s make sure it is worth complaining about.  It is true there are months when our bill is estimated; however it will average out the next month.  Each complaint that is made goes back on the meter reader and is a mark (good or bad) on his job performance.
6. It is reported that guns are one of the hazards of the job.  Now that is a new one to me, however it was very real experience to the meter reader in Indiana as reported by Keith Benman of the Portage community.com.
7. Treading show and ice in winter is part of the job.  However those home owners, who are thoughtful enough to make a path for him to have easy access is on his friend list.  Burr!  The cold weather is bad enough at 0 degrees, but to have to break ice off a meter would be even more aggravating and exhausting.
8. You can tell I am having much sympathy toward the meter reader and his job.  I want him to do well.  I also want us to be aware of the job he is doing, and cut off the electric fence, or hide the dog when meter reading day comes.  He is a human being providing for his family, so I say “Let’s help him out some.”  We can’t have too many friends, and doing well gives us a lift in spirit.
9. Back to the subject of why meter readers may not like you.  A story out of California tells of a meter reader who was accused of killing a toy poodle weighing about 6 pounds.  The meter reader insist he was startled at the sound of the dog barking as he was not aware he was near, and the stick he carries for protection, accidentally hit the dog as he jumped up.
10. Enlightening as this article has been to research, I have learned there are some things even I can do as a home owner to help the man on the job of reading the meters on my property.  A)  There should be easy access to each meter.  B)  no debris or clutter around those meters coming from the ground i.e gas meter.  C)  Don’t park the car over the water meter and block access.