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Archive for the ‘services’ Category

Tuesday, December 24th, 2013

Termites are a fearsome menace for many homeowners, especially for those who live in houses made predominantly of wood, as they can cause huge damages. To protect your investment, it’s best to prevent possible infestations or act as soon as you notice any signs of pests around your property.

Ants or Termites?

To be prepared to fight termites, first you need to know a few basic things about them. There are two kinds of termites: those that live underground, and dry wood termites, which invade your home furniture and flooring. Also, be careful not to mistake termites for ants.

Signs That Your House Might Be Infested by Termites

– Wood that makes a hollow sound when tapping it

– Cracks or holes in furniture, wood beams, roof sidings, or windows

– Termite wings or droppings left behind

– Mud tubes on the walls

If you spot termites inside your house or around it, it’s important to contact a termite control service immediately.

How Can You Choose Between Termite Control Companies?

> Check company reputation and credentials with the Better Business Bureau

> See if they offer a guarantee for their services

> Verify their license and certification

> Ask what equipment and product they use

> Make sure they employ qualified staff

> Ask questions about the termite control process

> Do their products comply with industry standards?

> How toxic are the chemicals they use?

> Are there environmentally friendly alternatives to treat your house?

It is not advisable to hire termite control companies based on price only, as a low price may not guarantee the quality of services provided. Reputable services can offer you pest control plans that will protect you against potential infestations over the long-term.

Discuss the particulars of your situation, and ask for a house inspection. This allows your termite control company to assess your needs, and then offer you an accurate estimate. If you choose to go with a pest control plan, you can sign a contract with your preferred service provider. This way, you can rest assured that your house is protected against termites and other critters over an extended period of time.

Pest Control Help

Don’t know which termite control company is best for you? TalkLocal can give you a hand. We will connect you with local pest control experts in just minutes, and for free!

Tags: Termite Control Companies
Posted in Pest Control | No Comments »

Wall Switch Wiring

Monday, December 23rd, 2013

Electric wall switches are quite durable. Still, at some point, they will wear out and will need to be changed out partly to avoid a fire risk. Sometimes, you simply want to upgrade to a new style of switch. As with anything that has to do with electricity, safety is always a concern, so it’s important to know the safe and secure method of wall switch wiring.

Safety First

Before starting any electrical work, make sure that the electricity is turned off. Locate your home’s circuit breaker box, and turn off the specific circuit breaker that connects to the switch you’re about to wire. Use a voltage detector to double check that there’s really no power supply at the spot you’ll be working on.

Disconnect Wires

Once you’ve verified that it’s safe to proceed, remove the switch carefully from the box by unscrewing it at the top and bottom. Using a screwdriver, remove the wires from the old switch. You’ll notice the wires at the top and bottom terminals are positioned in different ways. Make sure the wires are kept separate.

Begin Wall Switch Wiring

Strip away the insulation on each wire until about 3/8 inch of the wire is exposed. On the new switch, connect the wires to the correct terminal (top or bottom). At the end of each wire, form a loop using needle-nose pliers. Place the loops over the terminals. Screw tight each terminal screw.

Ground the Switch

The switch box normally has a ground post, to which you’ll connect the ground wire. If this is not the case, attach a grounding clip to the box’s bottom edge.

Final Steps

Hold the wire bundle together and carefully place inside the wall box, making sure no connections become undone. You can fold the wires accordion-style so they won’t get cramped.

Screw the switch body at the top and bottom to the corresponding areas of the box. Attach the faceplate. Turn on the circuit breaker to restore power, and test your new light switch.

Need Help with Wall Switch Wiring?

If you feel that this task is too complex for you, let an expert handle it. Take note that it is a must to call a professional electrician if the work involves the silvery-gray type of aluminum wiring. TalkLocal can give you a hand in finding quality electrical service. Call us now, and we’ll put you in touch with the right professionals in no time.

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

How to Install Mailbox Wooden Post

Monday, December 23rd, 2013

If you need to install a mailbox wooden post in your home, you can easily complete the job if you have one afternoon free, especially if you’ll be using quick-drying cement. Pre-built mailbox posts are widely available at home improvement stores, or you can use treated wood for the post. Treated wood makes great mailbox posts because it’s resistant to mildew and insects.

– Mailbox and mailbox post

– 2 x 4 boards

– Water

– Quick-drying concrete

– Galvanized screws

Along with the materials above, you will also need a post-hole digger, a laser level, and a screwdriver to do this job. Now, here are the simple steps to install a mailbox wooden post:

Follow the specifications given by your local post office in determining the proper location for the mailbox post. Make sure to find out what the mailbox regulations are in your city before installing the post. According to federal regulations, a mailbox post must be 42 inches high from the ground to your mailbox’s base. However, see if your local ordinances specify a different height.

If digging at the old mailbox location, you may have to remove the old post’s cement base first.

Then, dig out a new hole with a post-hole digger. Remember, standard postal service regulations state that the height of a mailbox from its base to street level should not be more than 45 inches.

After digging the hole, put in the post. Level the post and keep it standing straight up by supporting the center with one beam attached to one side and another beam attached to its back. Make sure to secure the supporting beams in place, because their job is to hold the mailbox post in a level position while the concrete is being poured and setting to dry.

Typically, a 50-pound bag of concrete (quick drying) would be enough for this job. For this amount of concrete, you will need roughly one gallon of water. Fill the hole with the dry concrete, making sure to leave some space about 4 inches from the top. Then, pour water over the concrete to saturate.

Leave as is with the supporting beams in place for up to 6 hours, or until the concrete has completely dried.

Screw the wood anchor to the mailbox post to attach the mailbox. Slide the box over the anchor and tighten the screws to secure.

Need Help to Install a Mailbox Wooden Post?

If you’d rather let a professional handyman to do this job, use TalkLocal‘s free, innovative service to match you with the right pros. Tell us what you need now!

Tags: Mailbox Wooden Post
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

The Basic Wood Stove Parts

Monday, December 23rd, 2013

There are only a few wood stove parts but knowing what they are and how they work will help you use your wood stove safely and properly. Certain parts of a wood stove simply allow it to disperse heat more efficiently. Here’s a quick look at the basic parts of a typical wood stove.

Doors and Handles

Obviously, these important wood stove parts have the main purpose of keeping the firewood secure inside the stove. It’s important for doors to have a tight seal to ensure a good fire and that heat does not leak out of the stove. The doors should be serviced regularly before the start of the cold season to keep the stove in good condition.

If you need to make a tight seal, use a gasket and affix it to the door with special cement. Wood stoves also have door handles that are specially designed to resist heat, so they can be touched without you being burned.

Blower or Fan

A wood stove’s blower or fan works to distribute the heat around a space. Because a wood stove uses an electric fan, it must be within reach of an electric outlet in order to use the fan.

Before the heating season begins, check the components of the fan to make sure they are clean. Detach the fan cover and vacuum out the dirt and dust. Lubricate the fan for easy and quiet turning.

Pipes

Examine all wood stovepipes regularly throughout the wood-burning season. Pipes are critical wood stove parts because they carry the smoke safely out of the house through the chimney. Check the gaps between different pipe sections to see whether smoke is leaking through. If there is leakage, put out the fire and make the necessary adjustments to the fitting between the pipes or replace seals.

Dampers

If you have an older stove, the dampers may be on the front of the door. In newer models, they are sometimes built into the stovepipe. Let the dampers stay open to keep a fire burning, but close them to slow down the fire and save the heat inside the stove. On older stoves, the dampers have a knob that you need to turn to open or close them.

Need Professional Help with Your Wood Stoves?

Seeing to it that your wood stove parts are well maintained will ensure safe and efficient heating. Contact TalkLocal today, and we will find a heating professional near you to help maintain or repair your wood stove fast and easy!

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

Air in Water Lines

Monday, December 23rd, 2013

Having air in your water lines is not a serious plumbing problem, but the sooner you address it, the better. It’s easy to bleed out air from your pipes, and you can do it yourself without having to call a plumber.

What to Do to Remove the Air in Water Lines

Air can accumulate in your water lines, making flowing and flushing more difficult. It can also make loud noises, which can be disturbing. However, it’s not difficult to correct this problem. Here’s what you need to do to bleed air out from your pipes to improve water flow and get rid of those unwanted sounds.

Eliminate Air in Water Lines

1. First, you need to make sure that the valve of your main water supply is turned on.

2. Turn on all faucets in your house, both for hot and cold water. Start with the faucet that is closest to the valve and do the same with every other faucet, until you get to the most distant one, beginning downstairs, and finishing upstairs.

3. You also need to bleed out the air from the fixtures, such as those connected to the washing machine or dishwasher.

4. Flush all the toilets in your house.

5. Once you’ve turned on all the faucets, let them run for about ten minutes. The water flow will bleed out air, and your pipes will stop vibrating or making banging noises.

6. If the water flow seems to be normal, start turning off the faucets in reversed order. Begin with the last faucet you turned on, and finish with the one closest to the water supply valve.

This way, you will remove air pockets from your water lines, restore water flow, and eliminate those unpleasant noises.

Still Having Issues with Your Pipes?

In case air bleeding doesn’t solve your problem, you might be dealing with another plumbing issue. Contact TalkLocal, and we’ll put you in touch with professionals in your area who will assist you.

Tags: Air in Water Lines
Posted in Plumbers | No Comments »

Cleaning Heating Ducts

Monday, December 23rd, 2013

Better indoor air quality and airflow and a decrease of allergens in your home are some of the benefits to cleaning heating ducts. Usually, ducts become congested with dust, which is made up of not only outdoor dust but also flakes of human skin, hair, pet dander, insects, fibers, and other matter. Cleaning heating ducts is an effective way to remove all of these unwanted particulates from your home.

Cleaning Heating Ducts Yourself

With the right tools, cleaning heating ducts can be done on your own. Here’s how to do it:

1. Access the duct system by removing all the air supply, and remove registers from your walls.

2. With the registers removed, start vacuuming the duct as far down as you’re able to reach using your vacuum cleaner. Use the vacuum’s extra hoses to maximize length.

3. Go down to your basement. Check how far from each register the vacuum hose was able to reach. Measure and mark the point. Then, cut the duct using snips to create an access panel so you can continue vacuuming farther down the trunk of the duct.

4. Repeat the steps of vacuuming and then making access panels along the ducts until you’ve cleaned them all the way back to your furnace.

5. Cover the access panels with patches of sheet metal cut to fit over the holes. Use sheet metal screws to attach the patches to the ductwork, and then apply caulk to the seams to prevent leaks when you turn on the HVAC system.

6. Screw back the registers on your walls. Do a final sweep with the vacuum to get rid of any remaining dust or debris.

7. Heating ducts should be cleaned once a year as part of your yearly home maintenance program. With the access panels already in place, cleaning heating ducts should be easier the next time.

Hire a Cleaning Service

Because this task requires using a powerful vacuum, which many homes don’t have, and some handyman skills, many homeowners prefer to hire a home duct cleaning service to take care of cleaning their heating ducts. It’s actually a more practical solution than renting or buying expensive equipment. If you’re planning to hire a professional to get your ducts cleaned, make sure to obtain several quotes before choosing the right one.

TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you quickly with up to three qualified and reputable contractors in your area who can help with cleaning your heating ducts. Send us your request now!

Tags: cleaning heating ducts
Posted in Maid Services | No Comments »

Changing Windshield Wipers

Friday, December 20th, 2013

Some of the most important safety features in any vehicle are the windshield wipers. The only thing is they are not quite long-lasting, and so changing windshield wipers needs to be done every few years or so.

Over time, normal use and sun exposure will dry out the rubber blades. However, before you purchase new wipers, try to use a wet rag to clean the dirt and the hardened rubber off the blades. This might extend its life just a little bit.

How would you know if it’s time for new wipers? Check for the following:

– Wipers streak water.

– Wipers are squeaky or chattering when in use.

– A thin, milky layer is left behind when wiping.

– Wipers are failing to clean properly.

Any of the signs above strongly indicate the need for changing the windshield wipers. Here’s how to go about this task:

Step 1: Purchase the replacement blades.

Before you make a purchase, find out your car’s exact model including the make, year, and other specifications. Give these details to an auto body shop so they can look up and inform you of your options.

Different blades are available with prices ranging from $5-$25 per blade. Typically, each side will need a different blade. It’s a good idea to go ahead and replace both wipers, even when only one blade seems to be failing for now. It will not be long before the other one follows suit.

Step 2: Remove the old wipers.

Pull up the whole wiper assembly. Position the blade at a right degree angle to the arm to expose the hinge. Locate a tab on the side of the hinge. Pull this tab out and pull the wiper towards your vehicle.

With the arm and blade separated, you can then remove the old blade out of one of its holes. Once you’ve removed the blade, be careful with the exposed metal wipers arms. You don’t want them falling hard back on the windshield.

Step 3: Install the new wipers.

With the new wiper on hand, insert the wiper arm into the right hole, pushing up the wiper. Once you have the arm well inside the hole, simply place the hook right over the hinge and snap them in together. Lower the wiper arm and rinse. Repeat on the other wiper.

Need a Pro to Replace Your Windshield Wipers?

TalkLocal can get you in touch with quality auto repair professionals in your area. Use our website today or call us to let us know what you need. We’ll connect you to a qualified professional in minutes, so you can get back to driving your car safely.

Tags: Changing Windshield Wipers
Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

Custom Men Suits

Friday, December 20th, 2013

Finding the perfect suit may be a difficult for many men. If you’re not happy with the suits you can buy off-the-rack, or if you want to look your best for a special occasion, there’s an alternative: custom made men suits.

Custom men suits have several advantages. Here are some reasons why you might want to have your suit made by a tailor instead of buying one from a department store.

Choose Your Tailor

Find tailors who specialize in men suits, ask for referrals, and go to see samples of their work. If they’re really good at what they’re doing, you will be able to spot craftsmanship right away. Custom clothes, suits especially, have a distinct elegance. If you’re impressed by a tailor’s skills, it means he or she is the right one.

Made Just for You

A custom made suit gets noticed, because it will make you look great. When you first go to a tailor, you can discuss your style and preferences. If you’re not sure exactly what you want, the tailor can show you various types of suits, suggesting what might be the most suitable for you. You can choose your material, color, style, and design to have an exceptional suit made just for you.

Superior Service

When you hire a reputable tailor for custom men suits, you can be sure you’ll have a great experience. The tailor will listen carefully to your instructions, striving to fulfill your expectations. Details matter when it comes to getting a custom made men suit, so feel free to share all your ideas, likes, and dislikes with your tailor.

You will meet your tailor several times for fittings during the custom making process. This will allow you give them feedback about the suit and make any necessary adjustments.

A custom made men’s suit will improve your wardrobe, making you look great, feel confident about yourself, and ready to pursue your dreams.

Looking for a Highly Skilled Tailor?

TalkLocal can connect you with up to three outstanding tailors in your area, so you can choose the one who’ll make the perfect custom men suit just for you.

Tags: Custom Men Suits
Posted in Tailors | No Comments »

Using Small Wood Stoves

Friday, December 20th, 2013

In general, small wood stoves are any wood stoves that are capable of heating an area up to 1,500 square feet. These stoves heat up quickly and will burn and generate heat more efficiently compared with a stove that is too big for a particular living space.

These stoves are typically made of cast iron, and have legs and a long vent pipe. Some models come with an electric blower or fan that blows the generated heat into the space, while other models are the stove types. Most small stoves cost somewhere in the range of $600 to $1,000 depending on the brand of the stove and its features.

Installation

Because wood stoves are designed like a traditional fireplace, using one in a home often requires the installation of a heat board at the back of the stove. This part can be bought at any home improvement store. However, if your home already has an existing masonry fireplace, then adding a wood stove can easily be done without any significant structural modifications.

Best Uses

Small wood stoves are ideally used for homes, garages, wood shops, cabins, and other living spaces no bigger than 1,500 square feet. Many of these stove models can heat a 1,000-square foot house with it being the only heating source. In larger homes, they make zone heating possible by being able to heat certain small areas within the home, and also make a reliable heat source during a power outage.

Looks Great in Homes

Small wood stoves come in different shapes, styles, and designs from contemporary to vintage. They can be decorative items in a home and not just an efficient heating device. So make this addition an attractive one that will contribute to your home’s appeal by choosing a stove that suits your home’s look and feel, instead of automatically going for the most popular model.

Safe to Use

Small wood stoves are not only attractive, they are relatively safe to use as well when compared to gas or oil-fired heating appliances. They have a sturdy and well-built body that does not tip over easily to cause fires.

It is easier to extinguish fire in a wood stove than an electrical or gas fire. Also, wood stoves do not produce a large amount of ash, so cleaning and maintenance is not needed that often. Furthermore, timber is far cheaper than both gas and electricity.

Need a Wood Stove Expert?

If you need any help with installing or maintaining your wood stove, you can always count on TalkLocal to connect you with a local expert. We’re fast, free, and convenient. Try us now!

Tags: Small Wood Stoves
Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

General Electric Repair

Friday, December 20th, 2013

One of the major systems in your home is your electrical system, enabling the use of most of your appliances, from your mobile gadgets to your home theater, and air conditioning unit.

If there’s something wrong with your electrical system, it will cause not only a great inconvenience and interruption to your life, but can also create safety risks. Many issues would call for general electrical repair services. Here are some of the most common problems in households:

Is your power supply inconsistent? If it goes in and out several times a day, it’s possible there’s a problem with the power grid of your electric company. You can check with them to verify if this is the case.

However, if this issue has been going on for quite some time now, yours is likely an isolated case, possibly because of issues with your own fuse box or circuit breaker. Call for general electric repair from a qualified electrician to diagnose and fix the problem as soon as possible.

A circuit breaker trips or turns off as part of its intended design to prevent a fire. However, if it keeps tripping whenever you plug in or turn on an appliance, it’s not only very inconvenient to keep flipping it back on, but it could also point to a more serious problem like an overloaded breaker, a malfunctioning appliance, faulty outlet, or loose connection.

If you live in an older house, it’s most likely installed with a traditional fuse box. While it works essentially the same as modern circuit breakers, it is known to be less reliable. If you’re noticing problems with your fuse box, general electric repair service may be all you need to solve the issue. However, you may also want to consider upgrading to a circuit breaker with an electrical service panel.

Do You Require General Electric Repair?

Whether you have power supply issues or any other issue in your electrical system that needs general repair or parts replacement, it’s important to have a reliable electrician you can count on. Contact TalkLocal now and we’ll locate up to three qualified electricians within your area who can help you. Be connected with the right professional in just a few minutes!

Tags: General Electric Repair
Posted in Electricians | No Comments »

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