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Home and Garden Price Check

Symeon Vlassis ⁽⁵²⁾ United Kingdom

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Ten Features to Consider When Choosing a Showerhead

Posted Monday, August 17, 2009 (176 days 14 hours ago.) Viewed 84 times.

Taking a shower is a fast way to wash your hair, freshen up or wake yourself up in the morning before starting your busy day. Almost every home has a showerhead and because the shower is so essential manufacturers have responded by giving people a variety of choices.

Showerheads are much more energy efficient today than in the past. Manufacturers must follow ratings when producing new products that help to lower the gallons per minute (gpm) used by a showerhead. With the right showerhead a five minute shower will use much less water than it takes to fill a bathtub. Below are the top ten features to look at when choosing a showerhead.

1. Showerhead ratings. In 1992 the US Energy Policy and Conservation Act declared that no showerhead could go over the maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) at 80 pounds per square inch (psi). This standard ensures that these fixtures will save more water than older fixtures, up to 74 gallons per person per shower each day. The gpm rating on a showerhead can be lower but can never go above the 2.5 standard. Imported showerheads do not have this restriction so it is important to look for the rating if you are concerned about your water use. The less water you use the more money you will save on your energy and water bills.

2. Fixed showerhead. The fixed showerhead is the most basic style. Fixed showerheads are mounted on the wall permanently. They are usually placed at the height of the average person which can be uncomfortable for short or tall people. The advantage of this style is that you can change the shower nozzle if you decide you want one that is more powerful, has more options or saves water.

3. Handheld showerhead. A handheld showerhead hangs from a bracket that screws into the existing wall shower pipe and has a long tube or hose that allows you a multitude of range and motion. Handheld models come in different sprays, styles and finishes. These are especially handy if you have young children or pets and for cleaning the tub or shower stall.

4. Adjustable arm showerhead. An adjustable arm showerhead is great for people who are taller or shorter than the average person. The adjustable arm is attached directly to the shower pipe and can move up and down for the desired height. A shower nozzle is attached to the end and it can come in a variety of sprays or multiple sprays in one.

5. Variety of finishes. Showerheads come in a variety of finishes and styles to suit your decorating needs. They can come in plastic, chrome, stainless steel, brass, nickel, porcelain and the many versions of each like brushed or polished. Prices reflect the finish you choose ranging anywhere from 8.99 to 1000.00. With this variety available you are sure to find the right style of showerhead for you.

6. Cut-off valve. A cut-off valve on a showerhead is a small handle that allows you to slow down or turn off the water spray while you shampoo, suds up, or shave your legs. This saves on the amount of water you are using in your shower. Many showerheads come with an attached valve but you can also buy the valve separately. This attaches to the shower pipe before you screw on the showerhead. A cut-off valve can also be nice if you have high pressure and want to lower the pressure for comfort during your shower. You can install your own cut-off valve for under 10.00.

7. Low-flow showerhead. Low-flow showerheads are not what they used to be. Models today have excellent pressure while saving on your use of water. There are two styles to choose from, low-flow aerating or the non-aerating style. The low-flow aerating showerhead maintains a steady flow by mixing air into the water stream. The non-aerating low-flow showerhead uses a pulse flow like a massaging showerhead to give you the feeling of high pressure. If you use a low-flow aerating showerhead you can reduce your water consumption by 50% and your energy cost of heating the water up to 50%.

8. Low pressure showerhead. Not all homes have water pressure at 80psi and this can cause your current showerhead to produce a very low pressure spray. There are showerheads made especially for low pressure situations. These showerheads make the most of your current water pressure even if it is as low as 3psi. Low pressure showerheads can be purchased for as little as 20.00.

9. High pressure showerheads. You can still have a high pressure shower without sacrificing your energy bills. Many manufacturers make high pressure showerheads that use a special flow pattern to give you a high pressure shower without going over the gpm standards. Be sure to check the gpm rating before purchasing because some foreign brands do not follow the ratings and you may be wasting as much as 10gpm with their high pressure showerheads.

10. Variety of spray styles. There is a multitude of spray styles available to suit just about everyones taste. There is the large round showerhead that delivers a drenching rain pattern and the many styles of massaging showerheads. The fine mist pattern and the sharp spray are very popular styles. You can also find duel showerheads and triple showerheads for a completely relaxing experience. Many showerheads come with multiple spray selections so you dont have to choose just one. You might even try a showerhead at each end of the shower for the ultimate showering experience.

Whether you use the shower as a relaxing experience or as an invigorating wake-up call you are sure to find the right showerhead for you, from our selection of shower heads.

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Lawn Care Advice Selecting a Grass Type

Posted Sunday, August 16, 2009 (176 days 22 hours ago.) Viewed 25 times.

Choosing a lawn grass can be difficult due to the variety of options available and new types being developed yearly. The latest lawn grasses usually cost more than standard varieties, but have enhanced qualities such as better tolerance to disease or insects, improved growing speeds and dense growth that needs less cutting. Before you begin to establish your new lawn it makes sense to seek the advice of an expert. This could be your a local gardening service, landscape architect or a well-informed member of staff at your nearby gardening centre.

Lawn grasses are sold in the form of seed, sod, sprigs and plugs. The types of grass that are most commonly used in American lawns include fine-bladed or coarse-bladed, sod forming or bunching, and warm season and cool season types.

Fine bladed grasses have blades that are less than a quarter inch in width and are used to make lawns with a carpet-like appearance. Bent grass, Kentucky bluegrass and zoysia are common types of fine grasses. Coarse bladed grasses tend to grow wilder and can have a weedy appearance, but they are extremely durable and grow easily in shady conditions without much water.

Sod forming grasses are spread by stolons which are horizontal stems that creep above ground or by rhizomes which are underground stems. Sod forming grasses are best used for filling in bare patches on your lawn, out competing weeds, and for producing thick, luscious growth. The most common types of sod forming grass are bent grass, Bermuda grass and zoysia grass. Bunching grasses differ from sod forming grasses in that they grow in clusters and spread by the expansion of their basal growth. Bunching grasses grow quickly and are damage resistant. Types of bunching grass include perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and blue gramma grass. Sod forming grasses and bunching grasses can be mixed together to take advantage of the characteristics of each type.

Warm season grasses like Bermuda grass and St. Augustine grow quickly in hot conditions, but change to brown and go dormant when the weather becomes cool. Cool season grasses behave in the opposite manner. In dry areas many gardeners use native warm season grasses such as buffalo grass and blue gramma grass because they will survive without water for long periods.

Deciding which grass is best for your lawn is a matter of understanding your local climate and choosing a strain of grass suited to those conditions. Remember that you can consult a local expert if you are having trouble selecting the appropriate type. Making the correct choice of lawn grass will ensure you enjoy your lawn for years to come.

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Lawn Care Advice - A Guide to Cool Season Grass Types

Posted Sunday, August 16, 2009 (177 days 13 hours ago.) Viewed 18 times.

Cool season grasses have evolved to grown in cooler climates and are found in North America and Canada. Cool season grasses are extremely resilient and grow best through the spring and fall seasons. They tend to suffer during hot and dry summers and will become brown and enter a dormant state in very hot conditions. This can be remedied with a good watering schedule. In winter, cool season grass can be seeded over warm season grass when warm season grass will go brown and dormant. This technique ensures you have lawn cover all year round.

Fine Fescues

Fine Fescues is a cool season grass with a fine consistency. There are two kinds, chewings fescues and red fescues. It withstands shade and lack of water. It is offered in insect and disease resistant varieties. It should be planted at a density of 3-4 pounds of grass seed per 1000 square feet.

Perennial Ryegrass

Perennial Ryegrass is a cool season grass with medium to fine appearance. It grows swiftly and with vigour. It will thrive in both hot and cold conditions. It will also withstand heavy traffic and shady conditions. There are types available that are resistant to many insects and diseases. It should be planted at a rate of 4-6 pounds per 1000 square feet.

Tall Fescue

Tall Fescue is a cool season bunching grass with a coarse to medium consistency. It tolerates shade, heat, heavy use and many soil types. It is available in insect and disease resistant selections. It should be planted at a rate 5-8 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet.

Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass is a cool season grass with fine to medium appearance. It spreads by rhizomes from sod. It growth is most prolific during spring. There are many enhanced disease resistant types available. There are also regional versions available that have been designed for specific climates. This grass does not like shade. It should be planted at a rate of 1-2 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet.

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Lawn Care Advice - A Guide to Warm Season Grasses

Posted Saturday, August 15, 2009 (177 days 21 hours ago.) Viewed 27 times.

Warm season grasses are found in areas with a warm climate and grow primarily in the south of the United States. These grasses are tough, durable and drought resistant and grow best in tropical temperatures greater than 80 degrees. In winter, warm season grasses will become brown and enter a dormant state if the temperature drops sufficiently. This can be managed by reseeding your lawn during the winter months with a cool season grass which will ensure a green lawn throughout the year. The disadvantages of warm season grasses are that they are prone to developing weeds and thatch. Warm season grasses can spread very quickly, therefore they require frequent mowing and edging.

Bahia grass

Bahia grass is a warm season grass with a coarse appearance. It is slow to sprout but grows quickly once it has taken hold. This grass in normally very cheap and is the best warm season grass for shady conditions. Its coarse texture means that a sharp mower is needed. This grass should be sown at a rate of 5 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet of land.

Bermuda grass

Bermuda grass is a warm season grass with a fine to coarse appearance and strong growth rate. It becomes brown and dormant in frosty conditions and therefore can become overgrown with weeds. It should be grown alongside fine fescues or perennial ryegrass to ensure a covering of green in winter and stop weeds invading. It can be difficult to stop this grass invading borders and flower beds. This grass should be sown at a rate of 1-3 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet. This grass comes in the form of plugs, sprigs or sods.

Blue Gramma Grass

Blue Gramma grass is a warm season grass which is low growing, bunching and has a medium to fine appearance. This grass can withstand drought and grows easily in alkaline earth. It becomes brown in times of extreme drought. This grass should be sown at a rate of 1-1 pounds per 1000 square feet.

Buffalo grass

Buffalo grass is a warm season native grass with a fine appearance. It multiplies slowly by stolons. It grows well in heavy clay soil and dry conditions. It becomes dormant and turns brown in summer and once more in fall. It is an effective low maintenance alternate to Bermuda grass. This grass should be sown at a rate of 5-8 pounds per 1000 square feet.

Carpet grass

Carpet grass is a warm season grass with a coarse appearance that spreads quickly and profusely by stolons. It grows easily in poor and sandy soil, but it does not like cold conditions or lack of water. It can stand up to a lot of heavy use. It can be purchased in infection and disease resistant strains. This grass should be sown at a rate of Sow 3-4 pounds per 100 square feet.

Centipede grass

Centipede grass is a warm season grass with a coarse to medium appearance. It forms a thick sod, but does not grow as quickly as the other warm season grasses. It is resistant to insects and diseases and needs less mowing and fertilizing that other warm season grass types. This grass should be sown at a rate of - 1 pound per 1000 square feet. Some enhanced types of Centipede grass are only offered as sod, plugs or sprigs.

St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine Grass is a warm season coarse textured grass. It spreads to form a thick sod, but is prone to thatch problems. It needs fertile soil and a lot of water. New insect resistant kinds are available. It is shade resistant. This grass is grown from springs or sod, not from seed.

Zoysia grass

Zoysia grass is a warm season grass with a coarse to fine appearance. It multiplies by rhizomes and stolons. It becomes brown in winter and turns green very slowly during spring. It tolerates heavy wear and weeds without difficulty. It is slow growing and moderately drought resistant but needs watering where dry areas start to appear. It is grown from sod or springs only.

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