Muhammad Mukarram Technical Services L.L.C

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The History of Plumbing and Other Facts

The history of plumbing needs to start with where the word plumbing originated from. The word plumbing came from the Latin word plumbum which means lead. The word plumbing refers to the pipes and fixtures for the distribution of water and gas, and the disposal of sewage. 

The first sewers were built in Rome between 800 B.C. and 735 B.C., before the first aqueduct was built approximately 500 years earlier. The Cloaca Maxima is one of the largest of the ancient sewers and is still being used. It was designed and constructed to carry off the surface water, and to provide drainage for the entire city. Disposing of sewage has been an issue even since the earliest of times. Disease was being transmitted through water and waste because of ignorance. Science then would play a large part in finding ways to dispose of sewage and waste that would not make people ill. The history of plumbing in America began when New World settlers would copy the Indians methods of discharging  waste and refuse in running water, open fields, shrubs or forests.

They also tossed the garbage and waste out their front doors and windows onto the street where the hogs and scavengers would dispose of the garbage. It was not very sanitary. Thankfully, the United States would set standards in health and safety.  The lead craftsman, blacksmith, tool maker, tin and sheet-iron worker were the first “plumbers”.  In current times a plumber is necessary to unclog drains that are backed up, to repair leaks in pipes, and to construct the pipes for buildings.

They are also skilled to construct different styles of showers, replacement of garbage disposals, etc. A primitive bathroom would be,  a chamber pot placed by the early colonist in with other crockery items and tinware. The term commode was used to disguise its use. The term commode is still used as another name for the bathroom, or toilet.  Latrines, out houses, etc. would eventually evolve to what our bathrooms are today. 

Plumbers need education, training and need to need to gain experience as an apprentice for at least four or five years, before they can be qualified as a “plumber”.  A qualified plumber may be a contractor for a company or he can own his own company. 

Source by Dave Gorski

What Are the Services Provided by a General Contractor?

Are you about to hire a Construction Services Provider?

But you are not sure what offerings they have to make your home or office space more comfortable and luxurious. If so, then you need to have a look at all the key services usually offered by a renowned commercial construction company. We have mentioned them all here just for your benefit.

Core Services

Let’s start by having a look at the core services offered by such organizations. They include but are not limited to:

Design Creation: In this service, every aspect of the pre-construction design stage is taken care of. Apart from creating marvelous designs, tasks like permitting, ensuring competitive pricing and construction delivery are also handled.

Construction Management: As a part of this service, the construction services provider would take care of everything from reviewing plans developed by other companies to budgeting and from value engineering to ensuring competitive pricing. Construction delivery is also ensured.

General Contracting: In this service, the company would provide you with lump-sum prices they charge for the delivery of a defined project on the set of plans that could have been defined by anyone else.

Maintenance & Repairs: Here, you as a client get the option of choosing from contact pricing schedules or lump sum pricing. The time and material could also be chosen by you and the company would follow your instructions.

Other Vital Services

Apart from the aforementioned services, good building contractors also offer some more vital services listed here:

• Drywall or Framing: The walls and ceilings of your building are framed and drywalled by using the right materials and skills.

• Plumbing: Companies involved in commercial construction often have the capability to take on pipe fitting and plumbing jobs of any kind and scope.

• Electrical Services: Whether it’s a small electrical failure or setting up of a new electrical system in a new construction, everything is done flawlessly at as per your expectations.

• HVAC: Everything from new HVAC installation to refurbishing the old system is done by experts so that you never feel suffocated again.

• Concrete for Creations: Concrete is used to create small or large concrete slabs or equipment pads. It all depends on what you expect from a contractor you have chosen.

• Cleanrooms: Office constructions or medical room additions can be done in a clean & safe manner by a skilled contractor so as to avoid halting of your vital business operations.

• Modular Offices and Structures: You can make your office an efficient and productive space by hiring a general contractor with tons of experience in this field. After all, an efficient design lures better employees and clients, don’t you think?

• Painting: From commercial to industrial and from the interior to exterior painting, everything is offered by an expert contractor so that your space looks excellent from the outside and the inside.

• Carpentry: Want to add in a bit of artistic woodwork to your home or office? Your own contractor can provide it at reasonable costs. You should try it once.

• Permit Processing: A contractor with appropriate contacts can also help you get all the needed permits in a time-bound manner without charging a high fee for it. It’s a service worth exploring if you want to have a hassle-free construction or redesigning experience.

Source by Terry Tracy

What You Need to Know About Roof Repairs

When it comes to caring for your home, roof repair and maintenance should not be overlooked. Yet, because our roofs are not immediately visible, they tend to be forgotten. Nevertheless, your home is a massive investment and a quality, functional roof is an important aspect of protecting that investment. Not only is roof damage a risk with respect to your property and belongings, but improper maintenance can create risks to the health and welfare of your family. As roofs leak, the structure becomes damaged and more susceptible to leaks. Eventually mold and mildew can form in your walls and attic which is a serious health risk. So, for the structural integrity of your home, the protection of your property and belongings, and the health of your family, roof maintenance and repair is vital.

The average lifespan of a roof is around 20 years providing they receive the proper care. Regardless, even the most well-maintained roof will suffer from wear and tear. Signs like missing tiles or shingles, clogged drains, leaking drains, or leaking roof fixtures are tell-tale indications that your roof requires maintenance. In order to ensure your roof is kept in good condition, you should regularly inspect it for problems. There are even signs of deterioration that may appear inside your home such as signs of water damage in your walls and ceilings.

In many cases, spot roof repair will suffice. This will require tracing the source of a leak or other damage so that you can fix the shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials and prevent or stop leaks. Widespread damage should always be inspected by a professional roofer. Depending on the severity of the damage, your roofer may suggest a roof replacement which can be quite expensive. In essence, maintenance helps to put-off the need for a roof replacement, which is why regular inspections and repairs are important. By caring for your roof, it will last longer and save you money.

Most roofing professionals recommend regular inspections that should be conducted at least annually or bi-annually. Missing shingles can be replaced and small repairs made to ensure the long-term integrity of your roof. In addition, these inspections are the perfect opportunity to clean your roof and remove leaves, twigs, and other debris that can build up and block drainage. In addition, cleaning your roof helps to prevent the growth of mold, moss, algae, fungus, and any organic components that compromise the quality of your roof.

Ultimately, regular roof maintenance extends the lifetime of your roof and protects your home, your belongings, and your family. Always consult with a qualified roofer before conducting any repairs on your own so you can rest easy knowing your roof is in its best possible condition.

Source by Alex Pupkin

Commercial Window Cleaning

Washing windows is super easy. You simply get them wet, then dry them off and viola, you are done. Right? Not so fast. Sure you can clean your own windows, many people do, but what if it’s your job to get your commercial building’s windows clean? Are you going to do that alone, with your bucket of water? Chances are no, you’re not and with good reason. This is why we have professional window cleaners in the world.

There is little argument that clean windows just make buildings look better. The people on the outside can see them sparkle and shine and those on the inside can see out through a pristine window. It’s a win-win for all. If your building is multi story (think skyscrapers and office buildings) there is only so far up you can wash before you need to bring in the heavy equipment and the professionals. This is a no brainer. They have the people who know what they are doing and they have the tools to get them to the top washing as they go.

Even if your commercial building isn’t a high rise, it’s still best to get the professionals on the case? Why? Because they save you time and effort, they do a great job and they will wash your windows better than anyone else can.

Professionals can spot problems like cracks, breaks in the casings and bugs that have taken up residence in the window area. They know how to treat everything and all types of glass so that you can be assured it is all taken care of properly the first time. Bug problems are history and any damage can be addressed before it gets bigger and costs more money to fix.

The professional window cleaner also knows how to deal with tinted or coloured glass which is prevalent in a lot of office buildings. They can’t be cleaned the regular way because they need special care to keep looking great and working at their highest level possible. Because a lot of high rise windows don’t open, problems on the outside can only be spotted by that professional commercial window cleaner.

The bottom line is, we have window cleaners who specialize in the work, so why would we even try to tackle it ourselves? They will do the job faster, better and the results will last longer than anything we can try, call them in today!

Source by Amanda J Hales

Air Conditioning Installation – Hire an Expert to Ensure Safety

Electronics perform essential functions in your life. Owning a television, a refrigerator and an air conditioner is considered normal in every household. Although ubiquitous equipment, very few people possess the knowledge to install and repair them.

Of all these, air conditioning installation requires the most training. That’s why most rely upon professional HVAC professionals for installation and repair. Finding a dependable HVAC company can be tricky. An air conditioner keeps your home comfortable during the warmest parts of the summer. If it is not installed properly in the first place, it can cost you almost the double amount to get it reinstalled. A lot of people hire air conditioning experts to ensure its safe and correct installation. Following these tips can help you avoid the mistakes that a lot of people make while installing.

1. If you are moving into a new house and your building contractor insists on installing your air condition for you, make sure that he brings in an expert from a qualified HVAC company to do the installation. A lot of times, people leave it to the contractors to get it done and they don’t hire HVAC experts for the installation. In such a case, you might face problems after you have moved into the house. A qualified HVAC installer adjusts and tunes your air conditioner according to the manufacturer’s specifications, thus reducing the chances of breakdowns.

2. If you are renovating your house, you may change the layout, the usage of the space or even use a different material for construction. All this will affect the size of the unit you should buy for your house. Most people avoid this detail and simply replace the old unit with a new one, possibly of the same company and the same size. That unit may not have efficient energy as you might want it to be or it may not sufficiently cool your home. It is better to take an expert’s advice before installing an air conditioner to avoid these problems.

3. If you simply reinstall the old air conditioner or get the very same model without looking around for more options, you may be missing out on some really improved versions of these units that would enhance the comfort of your space. With the innovation in technology, much more sophisticated HVAC technology units are available in the market. You would know about all of this had your hired an expert to guide you through buying and installing.

4. The biggest mistake of all is to hire a company that only installs the air conditioners but does not repair them. It is very important to choose a HVAC company that not only installs your new ac units, but can also service it when required. Once the ac unit is installed, make maintenance your priority. Otherwise your unit will break down more often.

Installing an A/C system may seem like a trivial thing, but if not done properly, it can cost you quite a bit of money to set it right. To avoid all the trouble, hire a true HVAC expert in the first place who not only installs your unit but also offers its maintenance.

Source by Hara E Ford

Choosing a Room Air Purifier – Learn The Facts

Air purifiers are marketed primarily for people who suffer from certain types of allergies and those who suffer from chronic inflammatory diseases like asthma, as these devices purify the air by clearing out dust particles, allergens, smoke, and other contaminants. Buying an air purifier for one’s home is a good investment, especially for people who live in densely populated areas where smoke, smog, and other pollutants fill the air. If you are in the market for an air purifier, it is best to have an idea of the different types available for home use. Below are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing air purifiers for the home:

Stand-Alone VS Fixed Types

Air purifiers are either designed to be stand-alone units and fixed units. The advantage of stand-alone units is that they can be moved from one area to another where fixed units are installed to an HVAC unit so they can work together with a heater or air conditioning system in purifying the air. Fixed units typically cover larger areas and are ideal for commercial establishments, health facilities, and industrial facilities. Stand-alone units are suitable for home use because they come in different sizes ideal for various room sizes. These units are also cheaper because they are designed for smaller areas.

Type of Filtration System

Air purifiers can cut the amount of allergens from the air including dust particles, the feces of dust mites, mold, and pollen, which is why such units are recommended for allergy sufferers. They also help contain the spread of illnesses and pulmonary infections.

The efficiency of an air purifier in eliminating allergens and contaminants will depend largely on the type of filter it comes with, as different filters are designed to target different airborne particles. The most common types for home use are those that come with HEPA filters. HEPA or High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters can remove 99.97% of particles from the air. Since these filters can target even particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, they are the best option for homes, especially for those who have serious allergies and those who are suffering from asthma. HEPA filters need periodic changing; as they trap allergens like animal dander, mold spores, dust, and pollen. Air purifiers typically come with HEPA filters, as they address most air pollution problems in homes.

If you are looking for a specialized type of air filter designed specifically for killing airborne bacteria and microorganisms, then an Antibacterial and Germicidal filter might be better suited for you. As the name suggests, this type of filters are designed to kill germs and bacteria, preventing the spread of illnesses and viruses. Some types use UV lamps to kill germs where others use a special type of HEPA filter to get rid of airborne bacteria.

Another common type of filtration system is called Ion Generators, Which is the second most used filter in air purifiers next to HEPA filters. These work by releasing ions to the air to collect dust and other allergens. However, instead of sucking in airborne particles, the ions that the unit emits force such particles to stick to nearby surfaces like walls. The disadvantage of this is that it can cause discoloration on walls and can be a terrible sight to look at if not cleaned from time to time. It is also worth noting that this type of filter emits ozone, which can irritate the lungs and as a result, can worsen conditions like asthma and lung disease.

So if you’re thinking of buying air purifiers for your home, the best option is to choose one that is equipped with a HEPA filter, as it is the most efficient and the safest available option in the market.

Energy Efficiency and Coverage

When choosing air purifiers, you should also consider how much area it can cover. If you intend to use it for a particular room in your home, then make sure that it is compatible with the room size. To make it convenient for you, choose a unit with a slightly bigger coverage than your room’s size so you can move it from room to room when necessary.

As with buying any other appliance, you should make sure that the air purifier you buy has a decent energy efficiency rating. Most units show how much wattage they use so make sure to check out the label to find how much electricity it will use up.

Air purifiers can significantly improve your health and those around you so make sure to choose one that is best suited for you and your family’s needs.

Source by Richie M Rosen

How To Make Perfect Ventilation In A Wooden Garage

Your garage will always be in need of ventilation regardless of the time of year, and as such, you need to ventilate it. The garage will experience an increase in temperatures during the summers as well as a reduction during the cold months. Though wood is an excellent insulator, there are times when the temperatures can become unbearable, thus making it hard for you to work in your garage under those conditions.

A garage devoid of adequate ventilation will also encourage the increase of mildew as well as the build-up of chemical fumes which will affect your overall well-being and can make you sick. It is always good to work in ventilated environments which will enable you to be comfortable throughout the process and will also prevent occurrences of incidences such as heatstroke.

What problems can arise as a result of lack of ventilation?

Many serious problems could accrue from a non-ventilated garage, and they affect not only your health but also the lifespan of your investment.

Heat

During scorching summers, your garage can get so hot that working in it can become unbearable. You are looking at temperatures warm enough to cook an egg. Neither you nor any of your family and friends will want to be inside during the day, and this will limit the amount of time which you can spend in it.

People use these structures for fixing cars and many parents tend to bond with their children while fixing up cars in the summer. This bonding time will not be possible in such conditions. Your kids will be unable to practice their painting and music from the comfort of the garage, and it will be defunct in hot days, which is a waste of such an investment.

Cold seasons

The cold seasons can also make it hard for you and your family to enjoy the benefits of your garage by making the interior very cold. Once again, you would have to avoid it, therefore limiting its use to some months in the year when it is neither too hot nor too cold.

Another problem that comes with the cold seasons is that some supplies in the garage are susceptible to changes in the temperature and they can get ruined in the process.

Chemicals

Garages store a lot of supplies, some of which should not get exposed to heat. Take an example of paint. Paint should not be kept in an enclosed area as it can cause problems such as difficulty in breathing and dizziness.

Humidity

Your garage is an investment which can serve your needs and for the generations to come if well-maintained. Lack of ventilation can lead to humidity, depending on the region in which you live. Suppose you live in an area with high humidity and do not have any ventilation in place, mildew, as well as excess moisture, can build up and lead to rust and rot.

Sometimes, people notice the presence of such damage when it is too late, thus forcing them to reconstruct their garages. You can prevent this problem at an early stage and hold on to your investment.

Making the right choice

There are many ways which you can put to use to adequately ventilate your garage to avoid the above problems and more. When choosing the right ventilation for your garage, it is essential that you look at the material used in its construction, the size of the structure as well as the purpose.

You should also take the average temperatures as well as the humidity levels in your region of residence into consideration. For storage purposes, you can go for a simple ridge vent or a non-powered gable vent which will ensure that the temperatures remain controlled. However, if you plan to use the garage as a working space in an area where humidity levels are high, you should go for a powered vent as it will be more effective as compared to the previous options.

The size

The size of your garage will affect how much ventilation you require. Take an example of a small garage. This structure can maintain low temperatures with the use of a small solar-powered panel which would not work for a more massive space. In the same way, a turbine ventilator will be useful in the cooling of a large garage but it will not work for a small structure, and you have to make a choice accordingly.

How should you pick the right size?

You should consider the purpose of your garage as well as the type of vent you wish to use when making this decision. For storage purposes, a skylight or roof vent works just fine in maintaining the temperature at low levels and reducing the humidity levels.

For a space where you plan to spend a considerable amount of time working, use powered ventilation for enhanced efficiency. You can power the fans using solar or electricity to push out hot air while drawing in cold air from the outside. They also work to bring in warm air from the outdoors during the cold season.

Do not base your decision based on pricing as you could go wrong. First, delve into what you need, and from there you can work your way through the list of possible ventilators based on the pricing.

You will find that there are three popular ventilation options on the market and they all come with their set of advantages.

The Whirlybird Turbine Ventilator is a great option when looking for a ventilator which can quickly push hot air out during warm seasons. It does not require maintenance and can produce winds of up to 147 mph. The installation process is quite easy, and it can last a lifetime.

The Shed Cupola is another popular option, and it comes in a tower design for ease in pulling hot air out of the structure. With a vent on each side, you can get maximum airflow regardless of the direction of the wind. It is more aesthetically pleasing when compared to the whirlybird turbine, and it can move a lot of air.

The louver vent is more versatile regarding positioning when mounting and you can place it on one or both ends of your structure. You should install it towards the peak of your roof to enable hot air to leave the structure at a fast rate. Through the constant flow of air, humidity levels remain low as well as the temperatures.

Other options on the market include the venting skylight and the small solar-powered fan. Be sure to select a ventilator based on your purpose and the size of your garage to get one suitable for your wooden garage.

Source by Monika Mandeikaite

Ways to Lower Air Conditioning Costs in the Summer

As summer approaches, Air conditioning bills are on the rise. As a homeowner, your goal is to minimize energy costs as much as possible, especially in the summer. This is when air conditioners are running through a large part of the day. There are several steps you can take to keep your home cool, even when it’s pretty hot outside.

Here are some tips on how to lower AC costs in summer.

Use a Circulating Fan

Switching the ceiling fan on while the AC is on is actually a good idea. A ceiling fan or any other circulating fan helps disperse cool air more efficiently around the room. This lowers the temperature of the room significantly. This also helps save costs as the room cools more quickly. You can also lower your thermostat by four degrees after switching on the fan without any discomfort.

Shade Trees Help

Planting shade trees around the house can help keep your home cool. This also helps reduce AC bills in the long run. The shade provided by trees will reduce the amount of sunlight that enters through windows. As a result, your house won’t get very hot. Your AC will not have to work very hard to cool down the place. This will also increase your AC unit’s efficiency. Planting Red Maple and River Birch trees is a good idea as they grow fast and provide plenty of shade.

Keep Your Windows Covered

Make sure your curtains are drawn, so sunlight does not directly enter the room. You can also install solar screens to absorb solar energy before it enters the house. These window screens work best if your window is east or westward facing.

Get A Smart Thermostat

Getting a smart thermostat can significantly reduce AC costs. Your thermostat will enable you to set your home’s temperature to a certain level whenever you want. This will make sure your house is always comfortable. You can also control the thermostat remotely. But for your thermostat to work efficiently, make sure you place it at the right location. It should be placed away from direct sunlight and skylight. It should also be away from doorways and windows.

Service Your AC Regularly

If your AC is inefficient, it will automatically increase your cost. Therefore, service your AC so that it runs efficiently. Make sure you clean and replace your AC’s filters every few months. This is because dirty filters or clogged filters can decrease airflow and make your AC inefficient. Also, check if the condenser and evaporator are clean and have not collected dust.

Source by Mike Petty

The Benefits of Edge Sanders

Edge sanders are the perfect electric woodworking power tool for smoothing and finishing. You can choose from the two basic types: handheld floor sanders and belt sanders. The type of tool you will use depends on a combination of your intended application and personal preferences. You see, handheld floor sanders are great for hard-to-reach areas. They are designed to make these spaces easier to access and modify. With a traditional floor sander, certain areas are not always possible to treat, such as spaces against baseboards, walls, and railings. Belt sanders are beneficial for carpentry projects that involve smoothing edges. The structural design allows for more precision with less effort.

Edge Floor Sanders

Edge floor sanders are a popular asset for wood floor refinishing projects because they effectively smooth and polish wood flooring, removing surface blemishes like dents, dings, and more. They are similar to drum sanders in terms of power since they both offer a great deal of it; however, the edge sander is portable, like an orbital sander, making it more convenient to transport and use. Some have complained that they are a little on the bulky side, but many have also mentioned that they are very easy to operate with just one person. With a removable sanding disc on the bottom and an easy-to-grip handle on the top, it is no surprise they are easy to work with. Simply pressing the handle on top initiates the discs to lower, press, and rotate against the floor.

Edge Belt Sanders

These popular woodworking power tools are also known as oscillating edge sanders. They are preferred by many since they rest on top of a table, counter, or cabinet, making them at work-surface level for users. This level of height makes it easier for many people to work with wood for smoothing and finishing purposes. It also gives users a great view of their piece while they work. They operate by a continuous rotating belt that is made of sandpaper. The belt can be any grade of sandpaper, from fine grot to course grit. It all depends on the specific application. This sandpaper belt is stretched across two metal drums, which spin as the belt rotates. It is very similar to a conveyor belt. Users simply touch the belt with their item, and apply different amounts of pressure and movement to smooth out imperfections or create curves in the wood.

Which One To Get?

The type of edge sander you choose will depend on a few factors. Your preference and project needs are the top factors to consider. It is helpful to know that floor sanders generally come with a dust bag to collect the debris produced from woodworking, and belt sanders do not come with this option. This sometimes has some weight to it for consumers. Both devices can be used with several different grades of sandpaper, and are priced similarly in stores. However, it is a challenge finding them in your average hardware store. To purchase a quality device, you would have to contact rental facilities or a commercial carpentry store. If you are wonder which sander to choose, the best option is to acquire both. That way, you are prepared for all kinds of woodworking and carpentry applications!

Source by Sarahbeth Kluzinski

Floor Tile Layout – Marking Tiles

Whenever you are attempting the job of laying floor tiles, you will undoubtedly find that somewhere in your room has an awkward or irregular spot that requires a specifically cut floor tile to fill the area. Obviously this will not be in the center of the floor, but more likely around the edges of the room somewhere. This is normal, so don’t worry if you were thinking that all tiles should just “fit into place”. I think only once, has there been a time where the tiles worked out perfectly, and I didn’t have to cut them. Very lucky on my part on that one!

Still keeping your initial floor tile projection in mind though, and working from your line of sight found when you enter the room, these should actually be the first attempted spots in which to begin laying floor tiles. It are these ‘nooks and crannies’ with which you will find the most difficult to tile, so it is always best to do these first so that you don’t have to work over the top of freshly laid floor tiles that you will most likely disturb.

Following the ideal pattern of having pre-cut tiles for even your dry laying purposes, once you are happy with your direction and projection of tile laying to the point of these awkward spots from your foundation tile, you should begin to mark out and cut the floor tiles necessary for those particular areas. Before actually making any cuts though, you must certainly have to mark out the tiles first.

If ever you find you are working around a door frame for example, then you must measure the dimensions of the protruding frame and then transfer these to the tile. It can be quite a time consuming and confusing task, but with a little concentration, precise measuring, and the help of an adjustable angle tool, the job is not entirely impossible.

With any odd areas to tile, you may find that you’ll never get it exactly right for a snug fit, but then again it’s not exactly a snug fit you are always looking for. When working next to walls, always compensate for near to 1/8″ inch less in your measurements, as you will need this gap for either your cocking sealant or tile grout filler. Tiles should never be butted directly against a wall, and if you ever find that you are slightly off with your measurements, always remember that your baseboards will hide these ugly edges once they are fixed in place.

Source by Matthew Seiling