Rainwater tanks store rainwater run-off from catchment areas like your roof. In most cases, the water from your roof is funnelled along your gutters and into downpipes connected to your tank. If you are going to install a rainwater tank, you may need to alter your guttering. To get the best out of your rainwater tank, it’s important to install appropriate screens to stop debris and insects entering the tank.

What can I use my tank for?

In urban areas, NSW Health supports the use of rainwater tanks for non-drinking uses, including:

NSW Health recommends that people use the public water supply for drinking and cooking because it is filtered, disinfected and generally fluoridated.

Irrigation Systems

Rainwater from your tank is suitable for use with garden irrigation systems. However, if you plan to connect your rainwater tank to an irrigation system, you should ensure that you have a filter on your tank. Algae or debris can sometimes be present in rainwater tanks, and a filter will stop blockages occurring in your irrigation sprays.

Toilets and Washing Machines

Connecting your tank to your toilet cistern or your washing machine is a good way to maximise the use of rainwater because you will use tank water even when it is raining. To supply your toilet and washing machine with rainwater you will need to maintain a minimum operating water level in the tank when there is insufficient rainfall. A licensed plumber should install a top-up system from the drinking water supply or a ‘rainwater tank control valve’ that automatically switches to mains water when the tank is empty. You will need to consult a licensed plumber about this.

Hot Water

Where rainwater is used in hot water systems it is particularly important that you’re aware of the advice from NSW Health and the manufacturers of items forming part of or connected to the heated water system. Water quality can have a significant effect on the performance and life of water heaters and other items connected to the heated water system.

Hot water storage tanks have a device called a sacrificial anode that protects the hot water tank from corrosion. Although it is not common, it is possible that the mixture of rainwater and mains water will cause the sacrificial anode to wear out faster than normal. It is advisable to have the sacrificial anode in your hot water system checked or replaced every four to five three to four years.

This article is courtesyof Curl Curl Plumbing, http://www.curlcurlplumbing.com.au

Are you aware that a North Carolina State University staff showed that water gel-based solar devices (known as: “artificial leaves”) can work like solar cells to produce electricity?

The research has been released on-line inside the Journal of Materials Chemistry by Doctor. Orlin Velev, an Invista Professor of Chemical and Bio-molecular Engineering.

The results prove the concept for making solar cells that more closely copy nature. They also have the opportunity to be more affordable and more eco-friendly than the recent standard silicon based solar cells.

The bendable units are composed of water-based gel infused together with light-sensitive molecules (like plant chlorophyll) coupled with electrodes coated by carbon elements, such as carbon nanotubes or graphite.

Graphene is the standard structural element of a number of carbon allotropes such as graphite, carbon nanotubes and fullerenes. Graphene is a one-atom thick planar sheet of carbon atoms that are densely packed in a honeycomb crystal lattice. The title comes from graphite ene; graphite itself consists of a lot of graphene sheets stacked together.

The light-sensitive molecules get “excited” by the sun’s rays to create electricity, similar to plant molecules that get excited to synthesize all kinds of sugar in order to grow.

Dr. Velev affirms that the analysis team hopes to be able to “learn how to mimic the materials by which nature harnesses solar energy.” Although man made light-sensitive molecules can be used, Velev says naturally extracted products, like chlorophyll, are also very easily integrated in these units because of their particular water-gel matrix.

Velev even imagines a future in which homes could be covered with soft sheets of similar electrical power-generating synthetic-leaf solar cells. The concept of biochemically inspired ’soft’ devices for generating electricity may in the future present an alternative for the present-day solid-state technologies.

About the Author: Colleen J. Mcguire is currently writing for the <a href=”http://www.solarwaterfountains.org/”>solar fountains for the garden</a> blog, her personal hobby web log focused on suggestions to help home owners to spend much less energy with solar energy.

Reference: Aqueous soft matter based photovoltaic or pv devices. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2011; DOI: http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2011/JM/c0jm01820a.  http://www.solarwaterfountains.org/

We have decided to sell the BlueWho Tradesman & construction directory as unfortunately we have to focus on another rapidly expanding project.

If you are looking to buy a business at a bargain then look no further than here.

The BlueWho Directory has massive growth potential in a rapidly expanding business sector. It offers great value and the potential for massive returns down the line as the business continues to grow.

Buy a website based business that can be run from home for just $9000!

interested? Contact us on 02 9389 9300 or info@bluewho.com.au

www.bluewho.com.au

Choosing a good electrician is not only imperative to the quality, expense and timely completion of your electrical work, it is also a matter of serious safety. A large number of house fires in Australia are found to be caused from electrical faults, bad wiring and poor electrical practice, so using a qualified electrician is essential.

To ensure that you choose a good electrician, we have come up with some tips and pointers on how you can properly assess an electrician before making the decision to hire them. There are some commonsense points along with a few things you may not have thought to ask. Use our guide to choosing a good electrician to avoid some of the common pitfalls others have faced when hiring an electrician.

Ask Around

The first tip, and probably the most obvious, is to ask around and shop around. If you are building a home or you have also hired other types of tradespeople for the task at hand, ask them if they know anyone reputable. Usually, people working in the building industry are in tune with other similar professionals, and they can often point out someone who is reliable or advise against an operator who they have seen perform dodgy work in the past.

Electricians often offer obligation-free quotes that can provide you with a rough estimate of how much the job will cost. This can help you choose an electrician, but remember, the cheapest operator is not always the best. They may be planning to add some extra costs later, or they may be counting on a cash-in-hand type deal.

While cash-in-hand may seem appealing, it means the work will probably be off the books and that means you may have trouble if the work is not up to standard or if you have to make an insurance claim.

Licences, Contracts and References

Naturally, you should check with your local government agency that your electrician is properly licensed and qualified. This is a simple task and will only take a few minutes. Once you have verified the status of an electrician, ask them for a few references.

This will allow you to observe their past electrical work and make sure that other customers have not had any problems with the electricians work down the track. Finally, in the case of larger electrical jobs, it’s a good idea to draw up a contract. Include things like when the job should be completed, excess materials needed and whether the quote is for pay on an hourly basis or the job has been quoted as a final sum for the finished product.

Extra Material and Work

To ensure there are no nasty surprises, you should discuss with an electrician before hiring them about potential unexpected costs. For example, is there a chance that more wiring may be needed if the existing wiring is not intact, or are there other incidentals that are likely to occur. A good example is where an electrician has to put a hole in the wall to install the electrical work. Will they repair the hole for you, or will you have to hire someone else to fix it up?

This can help you avoid paying more than you expected, and it saves hidden costs blowing out your budget. In general, it’s better off to let the electrician purchase their own material for the job as they will know exactly what they need for the job and it saves unnecessary complications.

Beware Of Payment Up Front

For larger jobs, electricians may require a deposit up front or money for materials. This is fine, and in some cases you will need to make payments throughout the construction process. However, if an electrician is asking for total payment up front, it could signify they have cash flow problems, and it could also leave you with an incomplete job for longer than you bargained for while the electrician chases other jobs. This is another situation, where a work agreement or contract can come in handy.

Get Value For Your Money

Make sure you ask your electrician lots of questions when they complete work for you. They can give you insights into the state of your wiring, how to improve the electrical efficiency of your home and various other insights into the state of repair and activity of your home. If you’re happy with the electrical work they complete, give them an appropriate reference.

By taking a few of these simple steps and precautions, you can help ensure that you access only the most reliable and quality electricians. You can start your search right here at Business.com.au when you are looking for an electrician in your local area, and then simply contact a tradesperson of your choice today for more information.

Quick Points For Choosing An Electrician

• Shop around
• Ask for references
• Check licences
• Consider a contract for work
• Make sure additional repairs are covered
• Ask about extra cost for materials
• Beware of full payment up front
• Ask your electrician for power saving tips and advice about maintenance for your home

At Woody Woodpeckers Tree Services, our Arborists hold Diplomas in Arboriculture.  Our Senior Arborist is I.S.A certified (AU0277-A) QTRA Licensed Risk Assessor (#2058) and is a Certified Workplace Trainer and Assessor who holds a wealth of other industry qualifications, and is a contributing member of: QAA, ISA, ISAAC, AICA,TCAA

In employing the services of a professional arborist, you ensure that:

• your own safety and the safety of your property and people are maintained.
• the health, and safety of your trees is improved with correct pruning
• you receive informed knowledge on your trees.
• you are being provided with the services of a trained crew, with all of the required safety equipment and liability insurance.

When selecting an Arborist always Check for membership of professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture Australia Chapter (ISAAC). Such membership demonstrates a willingness on the part of the Arborist to stay up to date on the latest techniques and information  Check for ISA Arborist Certification. Certified Arborists are experienced professionals who have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care.  Ask for proof of insurance.  Ask for a list of references, and don’t hesitate to check them.   Avoid using the services of any tree company that:- 1) advertises topping as a service provided. Professional Arborists know that topping is harmful to trees and is not an accepted practice. 2) has no knowledge of the Australian Standards for Pruning AS 4373-2007. 3) uses tree climbing spikes to climb trees that are being pruned. Climbing spikes can damage trees, and their use should be limited to trees that are being removed. 4) Uses words such as shaping, lopping or topping when discussing your trees. Professional Arborists do not use these terms.

http://www.woodywoodpeker.com.au

Wolfie’s Plumbing & Electrical Services is an award-winning, family owned and operated business based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Since our establishment in 1998, we have been committed to:

• Providing our clients with a genuine 24 hour plumbing and electrical service just like we advertise (yes, we do answer the phone when you call after hours with your emergency!);

• Ensuring the service and workmanship our clients receive is what we, the owners, would expect from a tradesman within our own home or property;

• Providing professional service, up-front rates and quality workmanship without any gimmicks (sorry, we don’t offer ‘cash backs’ or ‘online discounts’, but then again, we don’t add it on at the other end either);

• Exceeding our clients expectations, every time, with a stress-free experience from the moment they first contact us, through to and beyond the completion of their work;

• Listening to our clients feedback so we can implement new services, systems, technology and team training;

• Building a highly experienced and qualified team who are committed to their career, our company and the experience of our clients; and

• Doing the jobs that no one else wants (or know how to resolve)! So if you need award-winning, 24 hour plumbing and electrical solutions that save you time, money and give you peace of mind, please give us a call on 1300 WOLFIE (1300 965 343 or contact us now via email (service@wolfies.com.au).

Or, if you just want to recommend us to your family and friends that would be great too! After all, a recommendation is the greatest compliment we can receive.

Kind regards

Justin & Megan Wolfe

Owners – Leaders of the pack!

24 hour plumbing & electrical services
Whatever your plumbing or electrical problem, we will find the most cost-effective and efficient solution for you. Our services are available 24 hours, 7 days for residential, strata and property managers, builders and commercial clients on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and surrounds.

We provide the highest quality plumbing and electrical services for new dwellings, renovations and maintenance. Our service goes beyond just turning up and doing the job – our level of service will exceed your expectations and see Wolfie’s become your plumbing and electrical service provider!

Our Sydney plumbing services include:

• Repair of leaking taps and toilets
• Shower resealing and rectification
• Clearing of blocked drains with high pressure water jetter
• Diagnostic services such as camera investigation (CCTV) or pipe locating of sewer, gas and water services
• Repair and/or replacement of hot water heaters (gas and electric)
• Repair and/or replacement of leaking/burst water or gas pipes
• Installation of gas bayonets and water filters
• Backflow prevention
• Supply and installation of rain water tanks.

Our Sydney electrical services include:

• General electrical works such as light fittings, powerpoints, ceiling fans etc.
• Landscape lighting
• Data and telecommunications
• Alarms and CCTV systems
• Safety switches
• Smoke detectors
• Fault finding and rectification
• Wiring upgrades and repairs
• Hot water system repairs
• Switchboard upgrades
• Wiring inspections.

Award winning service …
Wolfie’s Plumbing & Electrical Services team strives to achieve excellence by exceeding your expectations every time. This commitment to excellence has been recognised over the last few years with our nominations in local and state business awards where we have achieved the following success:

2009
Winner – Business Achiever Awards (‘Home & Garden – Trade’)

2008
Finalist – True Local Business Awards – ‘Trades & Services’
Finalist – NSW/ACT Small Business Champion Awards – ‘Trades & Services’
Sponsor – Northern Beaches Lifeline Charity Golf Day

2007
Triple Winner in the True Local Business Awards

• ‘Local Business of the Year’
• ‘Trades & Services’
• ‘Business & Professional Services’

Contact Us

For award-winning plumbing and electrical solutions, simply call 1300 WOLFIE, 1300 965 343 or contact us via email on service@wolfies.com.au (please note that after hours emails will be responded to the next business day).

Here at BlueWho Directory our primary role is help tradesmen and companies within the building and construction industry to be found on the web. By being found on the internet, a company will recieve trade enquiries and from these enquiries hopefully new business.

In today’s world a business cannot afford to not have a presence on the web. Blue Who Directory helps by gving tradesmen and companies a home on the internet where customers can see their address, their contact details, where exactly they are on a map and even photos of their products or previous projects.

I recently came across this link to help companies make sure that Google recognises their business and knows exactly where there company is based, whats areas the business covers and what products and services exactly are on offer.

With Google dominating the worlds search engines in terms of searches it is ESSENTIAL that Google knows about your business. you will have seen those businesses that are shown on a Google map and given a FREE priority listing. These companies are the ones that Google has recognised.

To add your business or even claim it if Google is aware of it (in which case you’ll want to add further details to the listing) there are some simple instructions.

Watch this video below to learn exactly how to do it…. ( must-see-videos.aspx )

http://www.aussiewebconversion.com/must-see-videos.aspx#lbc

Good luck from the team here at Blue Who Directory

Find a tradesman, find good tradesman, Building Directory, Construction Directory

There’s a great deal that you can do to make your home less attractive to uninvited guests. Good visibility around the house, watchful neighbours and strong locks are all part of the equation. In many parts of the country, a home alarm system that’s obviously to potential burglars but difficult for them to tamper with is essential.

Essential lighting

Keeping your house and backyard well is important but too much light can be very distracting for you and your neighbours and a waste of electricity. You need to strike a balance between safety and not lighting up the whole street. Intruder lights are a good idea as they are movement sensitive and only light up when they detect someone or something in the monitored area.

The most secure doors

Doors are a natural entry point for burglars. Make it more difficult for them by keeping your doors locked at all times – whether away from home, at home or in the backyard. (Your insurance company would not be too impressed to learn the burglar simply opened the door and walked in while you were in the garden).

Solid Wood or metal doors

Burglar resistant doors consist of solid wood or of wood filled with insulation and clad with metal.  Hinges should always be placed on the inside of the door, not the outside, so that the hinge pins can’t be removed from the outside. If the doo has windows they should be small enough, or far enough away from the lock that a burglar can’t break them and reach through to open the lock from the inside.

Sliding glass doors

Patio doors that slide open are especially vulnerable to break-ins. One security option is to install a locking bar, which is a metal bar that fits across from the edge of the sliding door to the frame. The bar fits onto the hinge bracket of the door and swings down into place over the locking bracket. Ask at any hardware store for these.

To prevent the door from being lifted off of its track, insert two or three screws, evenly spaced along the upper track.  Pre-drill the holes and leave the screws protruding just a little less than the point at which they would interfere with the movement of the door. Another security options is to install a lock that inserts a pin into the door frame at the bottom of the door and drill a hole through the frame for the locking pin to slot into.

Making use of locks

Exterior doors should be equipped with deadbolt locks, which use a bolt that extends out of the door and into the door frame by at least 1 inch (3cm). There are two basic kinds of deadbolt: a single-cylinder deadbolt, which uses a key to lock it from the outside and a knob or latch to secure them from the inside; and double-cylinder which need a key to lock them from the inside and out. Although double-cylinders are more secure they can be a fire hazard as they prevent a quick escape from the house in the event of an emergency.

Peepholes

Peepholes while seeming a little over the top to many are of vital importance in some areas as a method for viewing who is at the door before committing to opening the door. When choosing a peephole, ensure that it will fit your doors depth and opt for the higher-quality glass peepholes (with at least 180-degree field of vision), as opposed to the plastic peepholes. To install a peephole is fairly uncomplicated if you have a reasonable level of DIY experience. Drill a hole in the centre of the door at about eye level.  Drilling halfway into the door from both the exterior and the interior will create a neater edge than if you drill all the way through from just one side.

Take the peephole apart by unscrewing the lens from the base. The lens goes into the hole from the exterior side of the door; the base goes in from the interior. Then screw the two halves together.

Windows

Most windows need some serious security help which is available in a variety of lock styles. Some sliding-window locks screw into the window frame and flip over the edge of the windowpane to hold it in place. Other types include a pressure screw that is clipped onto the sliding-window track behind the window, preventing the window from being opened at all. (This method however while secure is only advisable for windows that aren’t used very often and that wouldn’t be used in the event of an emergency).

Glass Security film

A high strength safety film for glass is available that prevents the glass from shattering apart on impact. The glass might crack but it remains intact on the film. The film will need to be installed by a professional. Small window stickers that indentify the film let potential burglars know that they can’t break the glass which works well as a preventative measure.

Choosing a Home Alarm System

There are two basic types of home alarm systems, wired systems where the electrical contacts on doors and windows sound the alarm when the door or window is opened and contact is broken, and wireless systems, which use infrared, ultrasonic, microwave technology to sense movement.  Wired systems require less in terms of both cost and ongoing maintenance, but are more easily tampered with than the wireless systems.

You will also need to decide whether or not to have your home centrally monitored. While this option is an ongoing expense, it can be worthwhile, especially if the house is left vacant frequently.  A professional alarm system that is monitored has several advantages. It can be wired into smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and temperature sensors.

When looking for a company to install locks or alarm systems it makes sense to look for a company that has recommendations. Using a directory like Blue Who Building Directory allows the user to read recommendations from other people. The installation company should carry insurance, membership to a national trade association and a licence.

Storm shelters, which are also sometimes known as safe rooms, are generally seen in areas prone to tornadoes and hurricanes as they offer a safe haven to the occupants during the times of such natural disasters. A specially designed storm shelter provides much better protection at turbulent times than hiding inside a basement. Storm shelters are, therefore, a must have in every household.

Follow the step by step procedure given below to build your own storm shelter, which may just prove to be the difference between safety and tragedy during the time of need.

1. Zeroing in On a Suitable Location: Although your storm shelter can be constructed anywhere in the house, it is best to build it in the basement or at the ground floor.
2. Building the Floor: The floor of the shelter will in the form of a steel plate as large as you want your storm shelter to be. Once the plate is in place, the next step is to put a couple of layers of wooden boards around the boundary of the shelter. Fasten the boards to the plate with steel strapping, leaving enough space for the door.
3. Building the walls: The walls are one of the most important aspects of a storm shelter as they protect the occupants from the impact of any flying objects. Therefore, the walls must be made of a sturdy material. Take a few more wooden boards and place these on top of the existing boards to make a frame for the walls. Next, measure the dimensions of each wall and collect material like steel sheet, plywood and drywall. Assemble these together and affix it to the studs as a single unit.
4. Building the Door: The door will be a foam filled steel door frame with its hinges on the outside. Once you have placed the door to the frame, check for any cracks and fill these with a sealing material to make it airtight.
5. Build the Ceiling: The last step, before you can call your storm shelter ready, is to build the ceiling. The ceiling will be made of roof joists tied up to the wall for strength. Below that would be a couple of wooden board pieces and steel plates, all joined together using bolts. Lastly, install the drywall to your ceiling.

Your Storm Shelter is now ready for use!

Brian Callahan is a DIY expert writing for BlueWho Directory, Australia’s favourite search directory for sourcing tradesmen,service providers and all of your building and renovation needs.

info@BlueWho.com.au or http://www.bluewho.com.au/

Asphalt driveways can get damaged and develop cracks as a result of everyday wear and tear. While asphalt driveway is long-lasting and durable as compared to some of the other varieties, regular maintenance can further enhance its dependability and the amount of time it lasts.

This article provides some valuable and easy to use tips for cleaning and maintaining your asphalt driveway:

Cleaning the Driveway

Although, a tiny oil spill may not seem too harmful, it can cause serious damage to the driveway by seeping into the surface and breaking the asphalt. Follow the below mentioned procedure to perform regular driveway maintenance.

1. Begin by removing weeds or tiny plants that may have developed inside the cracks, with the help of a spade or any other sharp edged object.
2. Spray water at high pressure to remove loose or cracked asphalt from the surface of the driveway and use a broom to clean the exterior.
3. Spray some cleaning liquid onto the affected areas and wipe thoroughly with a brush before washing thoroughly with water to remove oil and chemical stains.
4. Make sure that there is no loose debris before beginning the repair work. If necessary, use a vacuum cleaner to clean the driveway.
5. Wait for a few minutes before the area becomes dry and ready for repairs. Check to see if it is completely dry before beginning the work.

Repairing Cracks in the Driveway

For small cracks, use rubberized asphalt to fill in the cracks and smooth the surface with a putty knife. Use the putty knife to fill the cracks completely with rubberized asphalt and make sure that none of it spills out onto the surface.

Large sized cracks can be filled up using commonly available putty and leveling it with an iron rake. Allow it to dry before using the driveway.

It is important to fill the driveway and seal it for proper maintenance and long-life. To do so, start by wetting the driveway with a gentle spray of water. Next, pour a driveway sealer approximately one foot wide across the length of the driveway. Spread the strip to a width of around four feet with the help of a brush. Repeat the process to cover the entire driveway.

Remove the excess sealer carefully using a brush. Start the process from the up and carefully move down the driveway to complete the procedure. Give it at least a few hours to dry.

Your renovated driveway is now ready for use!

About the author

Steve Benson is a DIY expert that writes on behalf of Blue Who Directory, Australia’s favourite search directory for sourcing tradesmen,service providers and all of your building and renovation needs.

Contact him at info@BlueWho.com.au or at the website www.BlueWho.com.au