I have long been interested in geodesic domes and owner built homes – read “I don’t have a lot of money but I have lots of ideas”. For the last couple years I have been looking for bamboo groves to try to build with.
I even tried buying seed (but as of now none have germinated). Luckily through craigslist I found a place to start harvesting bamboo for free. A lady has over an acre of thick bamboo. Her bamboo is tall enough and thick enough I can get some use from.
Bamboo Dome Idea
My idea is to use bamboo to build a dome, then cover it in wire for strength. Once it is wired, I will use a tarp to protect the bamboo, then more wire. Then I intend to cement it. My plan is to use either latex cement, or aircrete. It really depends on how my aircrete machine experiments work.
By using the tarp and wire I can make the bamboo frame removable. I can then remove the bamboo form after the cement cures so that I can build more than one dome.
I found several online sources of bamboo dome techniques, but the one I think I will try is from desert domes.
If I use this technique and the plastic rope machine, I can make a frame for almost nothing – well except time, labor, and gasoline.
In less than 3 hours (including an hour of driving) I harvested 45 10 foot tall shoots. This is about half of what it takes to build a single dome with a radius of 11 feet.
I will need more Bamboo
One is not enough, I am not done harvesting bamboo. I want to get all I can from this spot, and when I go back I want to take my weedeater with the sawblade attachment, but I also need to let the shoots I have collected dry under the carport for a couple months.
Right now I have the shoots standing up in my carport, I have to trim them a little and make a stand – like stickering lumber – basically some cinder blocks and a frame so they can lay off the ground and relatively flat.
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.
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.
Lack of Pressure
Low water pressure can be caused by a variety of things. Your water heater may be the source of your woes. Aging pipes can corrode, thereby constricting the water flow. If the problem is great enough, you may to see the corrosion on the outside of the pipes.
Sounds of Running Water
You shouldn’t hear running water in your home if no one is using it. This means that you have a leak somewhere. Call a pipe repair services immediately. You’ve already sprung a leak and it could be damaging other parts of your home.
Mysterious Wet Spot
A mysterious wet spot in your yard could indicate that your main water line has sprung a leak. During the summer, a slow leak is almost undetectable. A large soaking area definitely means that you have a problem.
Chunks Exiting Your Pipes
Water should not be chunky. The chunks are the inside of your pipes starting to flake away from the rest of the pipe. This is more common in homes with galvanized plumbing.
Huge Water Bill
Your water bill likely increases over the summer months due to the need to water your yard. A sudden spike in your water bill for no discernible reason can mean that you have a water leak. Have your pipes looked at before it ends up costing you even more money.
Terrible Odor
A horrible smell coming from your faucets could be caused by a broken vent or sewer pipe underneath your home. If you ignore this symptom, you could be undermining the foundation of your home. Bacteria in your water heater or pipes produce the sulfur smell. If you detect a smell, ensure your water supply isn’t contaminated.
Watching for these signs and others will protect your home from a more a costly repair bill. Don’t delay in discovering the problem. The resulting water damage to your home can make it uninhabitable.