If you'll remember back a few weeks ago we were planning to install a leak detection system in our home. Not only would this system detect the presence of water in unexpected areas, but it will also remotely trigger the main water shutoff valve to turn off if it detects water, hopefully reducing the chances of a catastrophic leak and the resulting upheaval that could theoretically be thrust upon our lives.
The system is called the "WaterCop," and it consists of a brass fitting with an integrated and remote controlled 1/4 turn shutoff valve and several remote water sensors. When it came to our particular installation, the process was actually quite simple and only took about an hour and a half.
The size of the valve and connection type varies based on the size and connection you choose. In our case, we chose a 3/4" threaded fitting for the valve, but larger sizes are available, as well as soldered and compression fittings, to accommodate the various installs and comfort level of the installer.
Personally, I prefer the threaded fitting over soldered or compression, but it's just a personal preference. I actually hate sweating fittings near valves. I've had my fair share of valve failures due to too much heat near the ball. This is most likely due to my novice standing as a plumber, but if I can work around the issue through materials selection, why not?
If you remember the quick tutorial we did a few weeks ago showing how to sweat a copper fitting, we were connecting a male threaded fitting to the end of a length of pipe for this very WaterCop install project, not just randomly soldering stuff for fun. Like how it all eventually makes sense?
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The majority of our master bedroom efforts dealt with the interior aesthetics and function of how we use and can most enjoy the interior of our bedroom. From the closet build to the fabric and accessories choices, the purpose all along was to turn a place we spend a third of our lives into a space we could comfortably enjoy.
That being said, two elements in the room needed some attention that had to do far more with the function of an exterior item. The two windows in the front of our bedroom are two of our home's five remaining original 125 year old windows.
These windows are great examples of double hung weight and pulley sash with original weights and wavy glass. The problem is, they've not really been cared for over the years. Some of the the sash cords were broken, the upper sash had been painted shut, paint has been applied so heavily to the frame that one sash couldn't open fully, the sills were rotted after years of neglect, and the original construction had a fairly significant design flaw that allowed water to collect at the bottom of the lower sash and make its way into the wall, causing this just beneath the paint.
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Wednesday, March 13, 2013
With St. Patrick's Day just a few days away, I'm turning my attention to a healthy and festive way to celebrate. In a house where 50% of the adults are vegetarian, and the other 50% is trying to lose weight, the traditional corned beef and cabbage and endless pints of Guinness just won't cut it. Therefore I stretched my culinary endeavor to tackle a creamy pea soup with mint, whose color just screams, "Top o' the mornin' to ya."
Warning: this isn't just your boring old pea soup. Keep reading for a unique presentation that can elevate this comfort food to something you can use to impress on St. Paddy's Day.
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
While butter melts, thoroughly clean the leeks, then chop white and green parts of the leeks. (Discard the roots and dark green ends.)
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Do you ever feel like the universe (or at least a thing or two in it) is working against you as you try to accomplish your goals? Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about real problems like hunger or serious illness, I'm talking about the speed bumps that everyone seems to experience from time to time. In our house this sure seems to be how we're feeling lately, whether it be ridiculously long hours at work that bleeds significantly into our Saturday and Sundays, general lack of time to fit everything in, insufficient wood supplies at the local home improvement store, or any of the common pitfalls that measuring twice and cutting once are supposed to avoid but is sometimes unable to completely eliminate.
This last weekend in particular I felt like there was nothing we could do right. As I gazed up at the flexible dryer vent duct taped to our house, I shook my head in disgust. The once "temporary" solution to our stolen copper downspouts has now braved nearly a full winter, a hurricane, and the less than impressive Snowquester storm of last week.
Now torn and looking more pathetic than ever, I'm embarrassed that we're "that house" in the neighborhood (You know, the one with a dryer vent instead of a downspout. You don't have one of those in your neighborhood? Weird). We really need to tackle this project so our house can go back to having more permanent gutters. It's not like it's particularly hard, but we just need the time to do it.
Another little blip on our DIY radar occurred this weekend when the water company came out to do a little unannounced work. It seems they made a mid-Saturday morning unscheduled replacement of our water meter out front, which resulted in what can be described as "sludge vomit" shooting from our pipes. Without any warning or announcement, the water supply was cut to our home and restored a few minutes later, all while we were getting ready for the day and doing laundry in the basement. Picture the water pressure after you've turned back on the water to your home after it's been off for a bit. The hiccuping, spurting mess was capped off by a shot of black, sludgy water. Awesome. Needless to say, we ran that load of laundry through the wash again.
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Last week we led you on a virtual tour of the Vola Lawson animal shelter in Alexandria and told you about a wonderful event we planned on attending supporting the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, and Friday evening we had the pleasure of enjoying the event, all in the name of supporting a wonderful cause.
The event, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's third annual Mardi Growl gala, is a New Orleans inspired extravaganza with music, dancing, festive food and drink, a great silent auction, and Mardi Gras themed performers. Mardi Growl is the League's largest fundraising event of the year and brings animal lovers together in a night that makes you think the Beltway has been replaced with Bourbon street.
The best part is the fact it's all done to give needy animals better care, a better future, and a better life.
Since this was our first time attending Mardi Growl, we weren't entirely sure what to expect. We knew it was a themed event but that was about the extent of our knowledge. The whole shindig was being held in the recently built United States Patent and Trademark Office's grand glass atrium near the west end of Old Town (nearby the King Street Metro station), so we were just excited to see a part of Alexandria we've not yet ventured into. Immediately upon our arrival and entrance into the expansive space we could hear the party was in full swing with live music and revelers, in spite of the fact it was on a different floor entirely.
When we made it down to the event's location, we were welcomed by the friendly AWLA staff, a nicely stocked bar, and the great sounds of a live band. Throughout the evening guests were entertained by the live N'awlins-style jazz music from Blu Neffu. Not only were they a great group, their energy was apparent and they kept the whole crowd involved and the dance floor moving all evening.
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