PEX not PECS! Types of Home Plumbing Materials

OK, let's learn about a type of home plumbing material that is becoming more commonly used called PEX (not "pecs" like on display in the weight lifting photo).

PEX stands for cross-linked high density polyethylene and although the material has been in use since the 1970's, it is now fast becoming the piping material of choice in new home construction and even home remodeling projects.

Although you may find PEX in newer homes, there are many more common types of piping material found in homes depending on their age. For example galvanized pipe is commonly found in older homes and copper pipe is found in homes of all ages and of course still in common use today.

But there are different types of piping used for waste lines, water supply and gas supply. It is important to know which piping material is which and how to identify them so you use the correct material in your home repair projects! I'll also explain what they are used for and how to cut and fasten them together

In the tutorial Types of Home Piping Materials, I will cover the most commonly found piping found in the home such as:

So take a read and learn what type of piping you have in your home.

PEX not PECS! Types of Home Plumbing Materials originally appeared on About.com Home Repair on Sunday, September 5th, 2010 at 11:28:33.

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Take the Day Off and Sit.

Happy Labor Day. For many of us, it's the last three-day weekend before the kids go back to school. This year, instead of honoring your industriousness by trying to get everything done that you put off all summer, acknowledge all you have accomplished by taking a rest. Enjoy all the labor you've put into your garden by grabbing a book and taking a seat in the garden.

What? You don't have any seating in your garden. Well then, no rest for you. It's time to create that reclusive place to sit and relax, so you're ready for next year.

Photo: © Marie Iannotti (2007) licensed to About.com, Inc.

Take the Day Off and Sit. originally appeared on About.com Gardening on Monday, September 6th, 2010 at 01:33:25.

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How to Dry Hydrangea Flower Heads

You have to love hydrangeas. I don't know where my summer landscape would be without their puffy flower heads. And the beauty of the hydrangea flower head is that, being composed mainly of sepals, it lasts for a long time.

I'm a pretty lazy gardener, so it's not surprising that I've never tried any of the fancy methods for drying hydrangea flower heads. I've never even thought about trying any of them, really. I'm content to let the flower heads dry naturally -- right on the hydrangea plant, itself. Sure, they do turn brown; but in my opinion, they're still attractive in that color.

But if you're more ambitious in such matters than I am, you can use the "water drying" method, described in this article on how to dry hydrangea flower heads by Marie Iannotti, About.com's Guide to Gardening. Water-dried hydrangea flower heads will retain their "peak" color (if picked at the right time), rather than browning.

Related resource: Hydrangeas

How to Dry Hydrangea Flower Heads originally appeared on About.com Landscaping on Monday, September 6th, 2010 at 06:53:35.

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Modulating Furnace: What's It Like To Own One?

I couldn't find anything about modulating gas furnaces when I was looking into them.  I mean:  what's it like to own one?  Do the manufacturer's claims carry any weight?

Now, after owning one for a short while, here's how I break down their claims:

Their Claim:  Comfortable

Reality:  True.  Very much true.  Consistent temperature, comfortable house.

Their Claim:  Whisper-Quiet

Reality:  Laughably false.  At least for my model.

Their Claim:  Saves You Money

Reality:  I have no idea.  I have not owned the furnace long enough.  Get back to me in a decade.

Their Claim:  Receive $1,500 Energy Tax Credits

Reality:  True.  But only until December 31, 2010.

Modulating Furnace: What's It Like To Own One? originally appeared on About.com Home Renovations on Saturday, September 4th, 2010 at 17:05:56.

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