Plumbing Maintenance, Water Saving And Gas Fitting Appliances Print

Shane Cory of Aerogelic Ballooning (Arizona Hot Air Balloons) talks about the history of ballooning starting back in the 1700s.

Two French paper makers notice when scrap paper burned, ashes rose in the air.  

Made a large balloon of paper, silk and wax to lift animals.

Then one man decided to make the first flight.  And the story continues over time.

Discussion of today's balloon technology.  Vastly improved fabric, burners but still use wicker baskets.

How modern day ballooning started.

Aerogelic bulids balloons.  Details of the fabric used for the balloon and why its used.  Burner details.

Since 1976 Aerogelic Ballooning has various business models.  Shane explains.

Shane goes thru the details of a balloon ride experience.  Including preping the balloon for flight.

Steer with the wind.  Absolute control of altitude.

Discussion of the balloon pilots.

They fly year round.

The highest a hot air balloon has flown.  Shane's record is 21 thousand feet!

Shane explains what it feel likes during a balloon flight.

We talk with our Staycation to Tubac, AZ winner!

Planting tomatoes.  Can be challenging but they grow well here.

Greg gives the best time period to plant tomatoes.

Some of the gizmos used to process fruits and veggies like Lehman's Strainer & Food Mill.

Planting tomato stems with tiny hairs can grow new plants.  Greg explains.

Many varities of citrus can be grown.  Explore the kinds you like.

Greg talks about his recent purchase of a hammer mill to make mesquite and carob flour.

Discussion of working on something yourself and how we learn things thru observation and adapting.

How long trees will live and produce food.  Can live for decades, centuries with the proper care.

Successful ways to grow fruit trees in the desert.

Greg's three ways to kill your fruit trees.

Greg's 'SIX SIX' Rule for your fruit tree:  6 inches woody mulch, 6 feet diameter around the tree.  Mulch cools the space and makes healty soil.

Silver Bullet of Growing Fruit Trees:  Sweet Potatoes & Cow Peas makes cooling ground cover.

Greg explains what goes in the hole when you plant your tree:  40% native soil/60% organic matter.

Worm castings are 'gold' when it comes to your organic mix.

Arizona Worm Farms  Does tours!

Greg gives his 3 favorite citrus oranges that you might consider growing. 

Find out more at The Urban Farm.

Talking about the record breaking snowfall around the state.  

Snowfall raised listener questions about flat roofs and the load it could put on them.  Rosie explains.

Tuesday (2/26) is the 100th Anniversary Of Grand Canyon National Park.

CALLER:  Hears pipe vibrating sound when toilet is flushed.  Likely what's called 'air hammering'.  Can it damage the pipes?

Discussion of fireplace maintenance whether its wood or gas.  Some important tips.

Our 'How To' discussion on home water treatment with Jon Owens of Kinetico Water.

Clean Water For Your Home

Caller question asking if they install a water softening system in an old house with old plumbing that likely has scale buildup, will it clean up the piping.  

Rosie talks about how increased tarriffs have created some shortage of building materials and how Rosie Right Design. Build. Remodel. makes sure they have everything in place before a project.

George Cathey of Isley's Home Services talks about plumbing maintenance.  He talks about how he got into the business and consider a career in plumbing or construction.

Discussion of what not to do to prevent drain clogs and keep your garbage disposal running smoothly.

Don't flush paper towels, cotton swabs and flushable wipes down the toilet to prevent clogs.

Cleaning your faucet aerators. 

Discussion of ways to conserve water use.  Low flow showerheads, water saving toilets single and dual flushes, recirculating pumps to deliver hot water faster.

A technique to repair sewer line using an epoxy lining.

Solar water heaters versus standard water heater. 

Fixing broken handle on the toilet and rubber flapper fix.

How do waterless urinals work.

Causes and fixes if toilets keep running.

Explanation of 'water hammering'.  Noise you hear when water shuts off.

What can be done about the drain sound in a two story home.  (After flushing a toilet)

Using pex pipe versus copper for water lines.  Pros and cons.

Some plumbers can also be certified for gas plumbing.  What services they can perform.

Preferences of gas versus electric.  Most requested for gas are ovens.

For plumbing, Isley's Home Services.