6 Things You Should Know About Inflatable Kayaks

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If you are considering buying an inflatable kayak there are some very important things to consider before purchasing one. This is a big investment, and you can sink a lot of money into a kayak, only to find that you didn’t get what you wanted or that it suffered damage because you didn’t know how to use it.

No worries. We have some great tips on things that you should know about inflatable kayaks so that you can get the most out of your purchase and also get the most out of your adventures while using it.

Stay away from sharp rocks

This is one of the most important things that you should know about inflatable kayaks. No matter how durable it is built and no matter how tough the manufacturer claims that it is, never bump into sharp rocks or other obstacles in the water. It doesn’t matter how well it was made, chances are you are going to puncture your kayak and end your good time. You would be surprised at how many people get careless because they believe that their kayak can handle everything. It can’t. Just stay away from sharp rocks and other things that can pierce your kayak.

Make sure you actually know how to use a kayak

You might be surprised at how many people buy a kayak and have no experience using one. And this leads to all sorts of problems. We already covered running into sharp rocks, but there are other things that can go wrong if you have no experience. You might find yourself unable to keep control of your kayak in rough waters, or you may even end up in the water yourself because you didn’t know how to get into it properly. Get familiar with a kayak before you invest a lot of money into one.

Know what conditions you will be using it in

The water conditions that you will be using your kayak in will determine what kind you need to buy. Do you want to kayak solo or paddle with another person? Do you plan to use it in calm waters or rapids? Will it face extreme heat from the sun or moderate? Basically, determine how you will use it so that you can buy the one that is best for your situation.

Even inflatables require storage space

Inflatable kayaks are great because they store compactly. However, depending on the size of the inflatable kayak, it can still take up a considerable amount of space. They don’t all fit into a suitcase-sized package. be aware of what size it folds down to when not inflated.  If you want something that is easy to transport.

You will sacrifice speed when buying an inflatable kayak

You should be aware that an inflatable kayak is not as fast as a hard shell kayak. Due to their design, they don’t sit as low in the water, so they don’t cut through the water as naturally. However, what you lose in speed, you make up for in convenience and stability.

Inflatables are not as narrow as hard shell kayaks. So just be aware that they can’t get into tight spaces the way a hard shell can. But again, you are getting extra stability, so it’s a trade-off.

These are all things to be aware of when it comes to inflatable kayaks. Just keeping these things in mind will help you to get a great kayak and enjoy it for a long time. And now that you have these tips, maybe it’s time to buy one. Gadget Review’s buying guide has more info.

Canoeing and kayaking has even been shown to be a great way to stay fit, so why not give it a try?

HVAC Failure: Smells and Sounds to Watch out for

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HVAC failure is not only annoying because you lose your climate-controlled environment but it can also be costly to fix or replace the system. It’s a good idea to know the warning signs so you don’t lose money by not getting the repairs done.

Grinding Sound

A grinding sound is never good when it comes to your HVAC system. If you hear a grinding noise when it starts, when it’s running or when you turn it off, it might be time to check with a professional.

Humming or Buzzing When the System Turns On

Many people think a humming or buzzing noise is normal when their air conditioner is running. The professionals at Master Service Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration see this a lot, but it’s actually not a noise that’s supposed to happen. If you have humming or buzzing in your system, you might have a problem.

Hot Smell When Your Heat Is On

If it smells hot when you turn your heat on, you could have a problem Your heating system should not smell hot when you turn it on. If it has a hot smell to it, then it could be burning up energy and could be causing problems for your system. It could also make it harder for your system to work which could cost you money.

Popping or Hissing Coming from Your Vents

It might be time to upgrade your HVAC if you hear a popping or hissing sound coming from your system. The HVAC system shouldn’t really make much noise while it’s running even if your air conditioner is working hard to cool off your home.

Gear Noise When You Turn the Air Off

Once you turn the air off, all noises should stop. If there’s something in the air conditioner making a noise like a gear going, you might need to replace your system. The gear noise is usually just the system doing what it needs to power down, but it can indicate a problem if it’s not something that normally happens.

 

When you know what to look for, you can better prepare to make sure your system is working the way it should. It’s always a great idea to check and make sure you don’t have any leaks or other problems with your HVAC system when you hear one of these noises or smell something off with your heating and cooling system.

Plumbing Problems: 4 Ways to Safely Solve a Septic Problem

Plumbing Problems: 4 Ways to Safely Solve a Septic Problem

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A septic tank is so often overlooked until it starts to backup all over your lawn. There are some measures that you can take to ensure that your septic tank is functioning for years to come. If it’s too late for preventative measures, there are solutions so that you can safely resolve the issues. Here are some of the things that you can try to get your septic tank back in working order.

Add Biologically Active Ingredients

Your septic tank is just a holding place for the waste. The normal process is that the bacteria in the system break down the waste and keep it under control. You can try adding more active biological material that will aid to dispel the waste in the tank. There are commercial products that you can purchase that will help you with this type of situation. This may be more of a preventative measure than a corrective measure depending on the state of your septic tank.

Check Your Power Source

Many septic tanks rely on a power source to help them function in removing the waste safely. If you notice a problem, make sure that your power source isn’t interrupted. Check your breakers and ensure that there isn’t a break in the electrical wiring as much as you are able. This can often cause you to experience septic tank failure. You may need to consult an electrical expert if this is the case for your situation.

Inspect Your Septic System

Perform an inspection of your septic system to the best of your abilities. You may notice cracking or clogged piping. This could be the problem that is causing your tank to give you trouble. Another common problem is that the drain pipe will become clogged. This can result in your septic tank backing up into inappropriate areas.

Seek Professional Assistance

There may be instances in which the septic problem is more than you can handle. Consider seeking out professional assistance. They have the necessary experience to get the job done quickly and safely. See this site if you’d like more information about this route. If possible, get several quotes so that you can get the best deal.

You have to handle your septic tank in a safe manner. Remember that you’re dealing with human waste. This presents a number of hazards when it comes to your health and safety. Consider getting professional help if you’re unsure about how to proceed with fixing your septic tank.

The Hunting Generation Is Fading

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The popularity of hunting as a sport has dropped sharply in recent years. Older generations that grew up as hunters are retiring from the sport or giving up altogether as forests disappear. The younger generation doesn’t seem to be inclined to take up the pastime. While this may please some animal lovers on the face of it, the drop-off could have serious consequences.

Why Hunters Are Disappearing

The chief reason may be suburban sprawl. As housing developments and shopping malls spring up everywhere to satisfy growing populations, the woodlands are vanishing. Technology is another reason. Today, our youth are less inclined to spend their time outdoors. Instead, they’re glued to computer screens and smartphones, playing games or posting on Facebook. They will find it cheaper and easier to stay home and play a hunting video game than actually get out into the woods.

Benefits of Hunting

Hunting has long been a form of population control as native species spread beyond their dwindling habitat. Exploding deer populations are already a threat to crops and landscaping in many areas, not to mention vehicle traffic and the spread of illnesses like Lyme disease. Also, the sales of guns and hunting equipment generates billions of dollars in the economy, and that means jobs. These sales includes taxes and license fees that are earmarked for conservation efforts. Declining sales, ironically, are reducing the ability of forestry departments, conservationists, and wildlife officials to do their jobs.

An American Tradition

Hunters see their sport as a wholesome tradition harking back to the days of the first colonists and settlers taming the vast American wilderness. We are by nature meat-eaters. But to a hunter, the sport is not so much about killing and taking a trophy as it is a test of knowledge and skills. It’s also a great way to get away from the stresses of society and enjoy nature in a very fundamental way. .

Purchasing Firearms

Hunters must also master their basic equipment, which generally means firearms. Safe and responsible gun ownership is an important part of the hunting tradition. Hunters select and purchase guns legally and for a specific purpose from a place like First Southern Service. While gun control is a hot topic again, many gun, nature, and hunting organizations are reaching out to younger people across social media and other channels to stir up interest in the sport. Of course, your local hunting or gun shop can also answer any questions you have.

The fall-off in hunting has many related industries and organizations concerned. If you feel an interest in hunting, remember that it’s an intrinsic part of our economy, history, and current wildlife management efforts. Reach out to one of these organizations and learn what hunting is really all about.

Storey’s Guide to Raising Rabbits

Book Review: Storey's Guide to Raising Rabbits
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Storey’s Guide to Raising Rabbits is as essential to the owner of pet rabbits as it is to the farmer raising rabbits for meat or fur. Breed selection, year-round care and feeding, safe housing, humane handling, and disease prevention and treatment are all addressed.

This is the classic, comprehensive, essential reference for all rabbit raisers.

I am a huge believer in rabbits as a sustainable livestock for small homesteads.  They have a good feed/meat conversion ratio, breed prolifically, can be kept in small spaces, are quiet, and their manure is wonderful fertilizer.

However, my own experience with rabbits suggests that they are not as easy to raise as some would have you believe.  I have had sickness, cannibalism, lots of dead babies, and other problems that it takes time (or great resources like this book) to solve.

If you are serious about raising your own meat source, then you should consider rabbits.  My Grandfather raised them commercially in large batches, and I have had some success raising rabbits in a subdivision.  Once you get the basics mastered, you can scale up or down depending on your needs.

I think that if you are going to raise rabbits, then you need to own this book.