services - 40/263 - Talk Local Blog

Archive for the ‘services’ Category

Wednesday, January 1st, 2014

Exquisite Persian carpets beautify and give a personal touch to any type of indoor space. Nonetheless, they are very delicate, and an incorrect or superficial maintenance routine can make their colors fade away.

Of course, in order to prolong their lifespan, one would have to prevent them from getting dirty. But those who have pets and kids know that this is a mission: impossible. In this context, what type of Persian carpet cleaning method would be more appropriate?

The DIY approach

If you don’t want to rely on professional cleaning services, you can learn how to clean your most fragile carpets on your own, preferably in the garage or in a moisture- and odor-free indoor space. To obtain remarkable results, follow a few basic steps.

1) Vacuum your Persian carpet (both sides).

2) Gently shampoo the whole surface with a mix of mild soap or special rug shampoo and water. It is not advisable to use powerful cleaning agents based or ammonia for this job.

3) Use the same mix to clean all fringes.

4) Rinse meticulously and then eliminate excess water.

5) Lay the rug on a flat, spotless surface, and let it dry thoroughly. If it feels stiff, brush it gently, or vacuum it again for a few minutes.

Save Time and Money with Spot Cleaning agents

If your rug has been recently cleaned, but still displays a few ugly stains, don’t try to wash it again. Use spot cleaning agents to solve this problem. Make your own, home-made stain removal formula based on the following ingredients:

– White vinegar (1/4 cup)

– Tepid water (2 cups)

– Dishwashing liquid (1/2 tsp.)

Ask an Expert

Worried that you may not have what it takes to clean your rug on your own? In this case, rely on professional Persian carpet cleaning services. Find the best professionals in your area with TalkLocal, your free service designed to help you meet great specialists in no time.

Tags: Persian Carpet Cleaning
Posted in Carpet Cleaners | No Comments »

Growing Zones Fruit Trees

Wednesday, January 1st, 2014

If you want to plant and grow beautiful, healthy fruit trees offering you an excellent crop on an annual basis, start by consulting a chart displaying growing zones fruit trees.

You should know that fruit trees require different growing conditions and can withstand lower or higher temperatures. When in doubt, consult a landscaper to help you make a smart decision, or just discover accurate information on hardiness zones and find out exactly which types of fruit trees are hardy to the zone that you live in.

Everything You Need to Know about Hardiness Zones

Just like most people who know very little or nothing at all about fruit trees and their growing conditions, you might be wondering: what is a hardiness zone?

Hardiness zones are geographical areas allowing certain kinds of plants to grow properly, tolerating the minimum temperatures recorded in their environment. There are 13 hardiness zones, numbered from 0 to 12. After consulting accurate information on hardiness zones and on types of plants recommended for each and every zone, you will find out whether a particular fruit tree could be planted in your outdoor areas.

However, hardiness zones only take into consideration the fruit trees’ ability to withstand minimal temperatures; they do not factor in other important elements impacting the growth of most plants, like soil conditions, humidity levels, frost periods, and potential cold snaps.

Identifying the Right Fruit Trees for Your Orchard

You may love citrus trees and banana plants, but would they manage to survive in your environment? Hardiness zone 1 is a very inhospitable place on the planet; here, minimal temperatures can reach record values of -50 degrees Fahrenheit, and most people living in this area choose to plant only resistant perennial wooden plants.

You should also know that most varieties of pear and apple trees can tolerate temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit and thus, could easily grow in Zone 4b. On the other hand, plums and sour cherries are less resistant and require friendlier temperatures above -20 degrees Fahrenheit to fruit.

Peach and sweet cherry trees are severely impacted by temperatures below -15 degrees Fahrenheit; therefore, peaches are suitable for Zone 6 and sweet cherries should be planted only in Zone 5.

Ask an Expert

If you don’t want to spend time analyzing the hardiness zone map in order to obtain accurate information on growing zones fruit trees, take the easy way out and get the best answers from a landscaper. Identify the most competent ones by relying on TalkLocal, a free service created to help you find respectable professionals who live and work in your city.

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

How Much Tip Cab Drivers Should Get

Tuesday, December 31st, 2013

The customary practice when tipping cab drivers varies, sometimes depending on the city or the country. A good basic rule to follow when calculating how much tip cab drivers should receive is around 15 percent of the fare. If traveling abroad, ask locals what the tipping customs are. You can go more or less than the standard tipping amount depending on how happy you are with your experience.

Two Ways to Tip

When trying to figure out how much tip to give a cab driver, one of your options is to round up the fare to the closest highest tenth. For instance, if the fare is around $16.50, then pay a single $20 bill and tell the cab driver he/she can keep the change.

Another way to determine a good tipping amount is to do some math and calculate by percentage. It is acceptable to tip at the very least 10 percent of the fare, but tipping less than a dollar would be considered rude.

When to Tip More

You certainly have the option to be generous with how much tip to give a cab driver. Some tip-worthy qualities that deserve more than the standard tipping amount are:

– Strong knowledge of the local area: A good cab driver should know his service area like the back of his hand, including alternate routes to take around the city. If you give a street address, he would not need any more directions or should ask for directions only once. He should also be able to tell you the top attractions in the area when you ask.

– Speed: While you don’t want your cab driver to drive in breakneck speed, you also want to get to your destination in the quickest time that is safely possible. If the cab driver is able to do that, even escaping a traffic jam, then that is certainly worth a tip.

– Attitude: Being a cab driver is not easy, and many have become accustomed to many unpleasant things that come with their job, which has unfortunately affected their demeanor. If you happen on a cab driver who is pleasant, helpful, professional, and polite, that in itself is a reason to tip the person.

Do You Need Taxi Service?

If you need to book a taxi service in advance, count on TalkLocal to provide immediate help to locate the service you need. We will get you in touch with up to three reputable taxi services operating in your area, so you can be sure to arrive on time to your destination.

Tags: Tip Cab Driver
Posted in Taxicabs | No Comments »

Gas Heating Parts Maintenance

Tuesday, December 31st, 2013

Scheduling a regular maintenance inspection of your gas furnace is the best way to prevent most equipment problems. Therefore, before you encounter any issues, call in a professional to check your furnace’s gas heating parts and the rest of the unit.

As with any motorized equipment, a home’s heating system needs regular servicing. Many parts need to be adjusted regularly, and the burner also needs to be cleaned on a regular basis.

Gas Heating Parts that Require Maintenance

Some gas heating parts may have to be repaired or replaced. All of these would be caught during a routine inspection. In a gas furnace maintenance inspection, the following gas heating parts will be checked by a licensed professional:

– Heat exchanger

– Electronic ignition system

– Burners

– Pilot and pilot safety system

– Flame patterns

– Heat rise

– Thermostat

The contractor will also check or test for the following:

– Carbon monoxide leaks

– Leakage in visible gas pipes

– Fan

– Motor and bearings

– Belts and pumps

– Air filter

– Furnace controls

– Exhaust and venting

– Chimney

General Costs of Furnace Maintenance Inspection

A furnace maintenance inspection by a licensed professional usually costs around $60 to $150. Always ask what the furnace check will include before hiring a contractor. In between scheduled inspections, homeowners can do some practical things to maintain the gas heating parts, such as:

> Cleaning or replacing the air filter (on a forced-air furnace) every month or couple of months. A clean filter will improve airflow and make the furnace run more efficiently.

> Checking that the airflow is not obstructed near the baseboard heater, radiator, hot air registers, or return grills.

When choosing a contractor, the important thing is to make sure to hire a licensed expert who knows your particular equipment and which codes must be followed. A qualified contractor would be able to help ensure that your system operates with peak performance and efficiency so that it will last longer and continue to give you savings.

Hire a Qualified Heating Contractor

Is it time to schedule a maintenance check of your natural gas heating system? TalkLocal is your best connection to a qualified service professional in your area. Let us help you find the right contractor now!

Tags: Gas Heating Parts
Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

3 Types of Sewer Line Repairs

Tuesday, December 31st, 2013

If your sewer line gives you signs that it’s not working as it should, it’s best to call a professional plumber as soon as possible to avoid serious problems. What might look like a clogged pipe, which can be temporarily fixed by pouring some chemicals, may turn into a more complicated issue.

Here are three types of sewer line repairs that your home might need in case you have trouble with your septic system.

1. Pipe Replacement

If your pipe is severely damaged, you need to replace it. The most common method to do this is to remove the old pipe by digging a trench. Once you do that, you can install a new pipe. This approach is less costly than others are, but it involves more work after pipe replacement, namely filling the trench and repairing the floor if you had to tear it up.

This will be easier if the pipeline is not located under the house. In case it is, you will have to go through the floor to get to the pipe.

2. Trenchless Pipe Bursting

This is a less invasive method used for sewer line repairs, which does not affect your landscaping, as it doesn’t require digging a trench in your yard.

Pipe bursting consists of digging two holes in the area of your broken pipe. The new pipe, which has a bursting cone attached to it, is introduced in one of the holes. The bursting cone is connected to a cable, which is inserted through the hole located at the other end of the old pipe.

This method uses the force of a hydraulic machine to pull the bursting cone and the new pipe. The movement of the cone smashes the old pipe, allowing the new pipe to fit in.

3. Trenchless Pipe Relining

With this method, you can also avoid digging a trench in your yard. Pipe relining is more economical because it doesn’t involve replacing the entire pipe.

It is done by inserting a liner that contains a resin-based mixture into your old pipe through the sewer. By using pressure and heating, the lining adheres tightly to the pipe, sealing it.

Need Sewer Line Repairs?

TalkLocal can put you in touch with local professional plumbers who will help you choose the best method for your particular problem. Get connected with the right professionals right now, with Seva Call.

Tags: Sewer Line Repairs
Posted in Plumbers | No Comments »

Finding Tailor Custom Service Jobs

Tuesday, December 31st, 2013

Are you planning to purchase a custom suit or shirt? You might be wondering which fabric to buy or what style will suit you. It’s all well and good to think about those things, but before you proceed, the first thing you should pay attention to us finding a good tailor.

Finding tailor custom service jobs requires experience and skill if you’re after superior results. In your search for a master tailor, here are some things to remember.

Do Your Own Research

It can be quite difficult to find a good tailor if you’re not sure what to expect or what to ask for. Fortunately, there is a host of information on tailoring available online in various websites and blogs, as well as in printed material like style magazines and books.

When browsing men’s fashion sites, don’t hesitate to ask the gentlemen on these sites for advice or suggestions on purchasing custom made clothing. Many of them would be more than glad to help.

The Ideal Tailor

You might be wondering which questions to ask to identify a competent tailor for custom service jobs. The truth is, you can tell a tailor is competent when he or she does the interviewing.

This means a good tailor would want to know about your personality, preferences, and lifestyle, all for the simple reason of finding out exactly which style would suit you best. If you find a tailor who is concerned about your budget first and foremost, you should consider another one.

Be Open to Ideas

A competent tailor will offer suggestions to you, so it’s best to have an open frame of mind. It may be that your dimensions are different than what you think they are or initially thought, whether in terms of height or weight, so if the tailor points out these matters to you, don’t be offended.

Remember, it’s their job to make sure your custom clothing fits you well and they would know better, when it comes to proper sizing and proportion. They may also suggest other colors or patterns. Just be open to such ideas. You might be surprised to find a new favorite color!

Need Help Finding a Great Tailor?

Can’t wait to have your custom shirt made but don’t know where to find a great tailor? Here’s where we can help. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with quality professionals. Let us take care of finding a reputable tailor for your custom service jobs. Try us now!

Tags: Custom Service Jobs
Posted in Tailors | No Comments »

Wiring Wall Outlet

Tuesday, December 31st, 2013

Knowing how to wire an outlet is a useful skill to have, allowing you to change out damaged or old electrical outlets in your home in just a matter of minutes. Here are the basic steps to wiring a wall outlet.

1. Cut the Cable.

Cut the electrical cable to approximately 11 inches, exposing three wires: black (hot wire), white (neutral wire), and copper (ground wire).

Pull out all three wires from the cable sheathing. Remove the white wire’s paper covering.

2. Strip the Wires.

On the wire strippers, find the right gauge hole and insert a wire into the hole up to the correct length. You’ll want to strip the insulation off ¾-inch of the wire. Close the strippers and carefully pull off the end of the wire.

3. Bend the Wires.

Insert the exposed end of the wire into the stripping pliers, and bend it to make a hook.

4. Connect the Wires.

It’s important that all wires are connected to the right screws to make the outlet work.

First, connect the black wire to the brass screw. Make sure not to screw down right over the insulation, because the connection will become loose after some time.

Next, connect the white wire to the silver screw. You want to ensure that the hook is properly oriented so when the screw is tightened, it allows the hook to close tighter. If the hook is facing the wrong way, it will do the opposite, which is open up as the screw is tightened.

Lastly, connect the copper ground wire to the green screw. Test all wire and screw connections by giving them a bit of a wiggle to ensure they are all tight.

Do You Need Expert Help?

As you can see, it only requires a few steps to wire a residential wall outlet. However, while wiring wall outlets is very doable for many people, hiring expert hands is the best way to make sure the job is completed safely, quickly, and properly the first time. Contact TalkLocal to be matched directly with up to three reliable electricians working in your area. Get the help you need now!

Tags: Wiring Wall Outlet
Posted in Electricians | No Comments »

Vinyl Shutters Pros and Cons

Monday, December 30th, 2013

Want to take pride in appealing, easy to clean, durable shutters designed to defend your privacy and ensure storm protection and efficient light control? If so, note that vinyl shutters can be a good alternative to wood. Keep reading to discover the main advantages and disadvantages of vinyl shutters and decide if these products are suitable for your property.

The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Shutters

There are quite a few good reasons why you might choose to install vinyl shutters, including:

1) Minimal upkeep.

2) Notable durability in the harshest weather conditions.

3) Vinyl shutters do not peel, crack, chip or fade.

4) Vinyl shutters can stand high levels of humidity, so they can be installed in the proximity of hot tubs, swimming pools, or saunas.

5) Vinyl shutters are typically much more affordable than their wooden counterparts.

Of course, vinyl shutters also have their fair share of disadvantages. They are available in a limited number of styles and colors. Moreover, unlike wooden shutters, vinyl-based ones cannot be stained; therefore if you buy them in the wrong color, you won’t be able to modify it to match your interior décor.

How Much Should I Invest in New Vinyl Shutters?

If you plan to purchase and install new vinyl shutters, you should know that most window replacement experts offer you the chance to choose from various appealing packages. If you factor in the materials and installation, you come up with a total cost ranging from $38 for a basic package to $86 for a premium package. In other words, the cheapest option would cost you $0.71/inch, while the most expensive one is currently priced at $1.71 per inch.

Ask an Expert

Finding and installing the best vinyl shutters can become quite a hassle. Simplify the whole process by hiring a window replacement expert. Use TalkLocal to identify the best contractors in your area, compare prices and benefits, and make the most of a home improvement project worth every cent.

Tags: shutters, vinyl shutters
Posted in Window Replacement | No Comments »

Large Wood Stoves

Monday, December 30th, 2013

A good wood stove can help you heat up your home in a time- and cost-effective manner. However, when it comes to purchasing the perfect wood-burning stove for your home, there are numerous factors that you should take into consideration, including size, price tag, burn time, heating capacity, heat output, emissions, efficiency, and combustion technology.

All these decisive factors can delay your decision-making process and make you feel confused and insecure. Are large wood stoves an excellent long-term investment or a mere waste of money? Keep reading to find out.

Size Does Matter

If you want to preserve an ideal temperature inside your home at all times during the cold season, you must go in favor of a stove with an ideal heat output. A bigger stove does not always lead to a higher level of comfort, but it always triggers supplementary expenses.

On the other hand, a stove that is too small for your real needs can force you to overheat its components and thus, reduce its lifespan.

A stove that is too big for your environment will make you believe that it’s a good idea to cut down the regular fuel load and reduce the temperature in the fire chamber. In fact, this is a bad practice that triggers more smoke and increased pollution levels.

How to Evaluate Your Real Heating Needs

Large wood stoves can be pretty expensive. Don’t waste a significant amount of money on things that you don’t really need. Here are a few things that you should know about different sizes of wood stoves:

1) Small wood stoves come with a firebox volume under 2 cubic ft. and can be utilized to heat up one large room.

2) Medium wood stoves display a firebox volume under 3 cubic ft. and can be utilized to heat up small and medium houses.

3) Large wood stoves display a superior firebox volume over 3 cubic ft. and can heat up larger properties and even leakier homes.

Ask an Expert

Should large wood stoves be considered a real necessity or an uninspired purchase? It all depends on your actual heating needs. To make the smartest decision, choose to consult a heating and cooling expert before buying a wood burner. Find the best specialist with TalkLocal, your best connection to the professionals in your area.

Tags: large wood stoves
Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Find the Best Scented Bacterial Sprays

Monday, December 30th, 2013

If you want to protect your loved ones against a wide range of bacterial diseases and relax in a comfortable, clean, and safe environment, then it is mandatory to keep all your rooms spotless and germ-free.

If you have lots of patience and plenty of spare time on your hands, you can clean all your rooms on your own. Otherwise, you can choose to rely on professional maid services.

In this situation, there is one major advantage: cleaning experts use a generous selection of premium tools and products, including the most effective scented bacterial sprays.

How to Identify the Most Reliable Anti-Bacterial Spray

With so many appealing alternatives at hand, finding the most suitable scented anti-bacterial spray for your regular home maintenance routine should be easy. Follow two simple steps to make an informed purchase.

1) Analyze the unique features of some of the most popular products.

2) Discover your favorite fragrances.

Some of the most remarkable products launched by top-rated brands keep your property clean and germ-free and fight unpleasant odors at the same time. The best sprays kill up to 99.9% of all bacteria and viruses, and also manage to eliminate mold and mildew spores.

Where Should the Anti-Bacterial Spray Be Applied?

Moreover, a disinfectant spray like Lysol, for instance, can also be used for spot treatments on extremely delicate surfaces. Scented bacterial spray can be used:

– On all commonly touched household objects that are exposed to germ contamination

– In the air

– On a wide range of fabrics, due to the fact that its special formula does not affect the materials in any way

It is very important to find a fragrance that you love. Odors that are too powerful can make you feel uncomfortable and can even cause headaches and allergies.

Count on an Expert Opinion

Don’t know which type of scented bacterial spray would be more appropriate for your home? In this case, make a smart decision by consulting a reputable provider of first-class maid services. Spot the best one by using TalkLocal, a free service designed to put you in contact with dependable professionals who are just one call away.

Tags: Scented Anti-Bacterial Spray
Posted in Maid Services | No Comments »

« Older Entries

Newer Entries »