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    Weird Things That Happen During Inspections:  All Smoke Detectors Go Off at Once!
    Paul Cummins
    • Dec 17, 2016
    • 1 min

    Weird Things That Happen During Inspections: All Smoke Detectors Go Off at Once!

    Within a month of each other I filled two spas and tested them. But then I drained them and one leaked into the dining room and the other onto the porch! Foreclosure properties present hazards whenever I turn on the water or gas to the house. I position realtors and clients on each level to shout out warnings to me so I can turn off supply valves immediately. Just the other day I had completed several hours of an inspection in a big house when all four upstairs smoke detec
    8 views0 comments
    Smart Home with Home Depot
    Paul Cummins
    • Aug 13, 2016
    • 1 min

    Smart Home with Home Depot

    If you don't know what these things are click on them and be taken to Home Depot's new aggregation of all things Internet of Things, which is the future. Which, as always, can be scary. Just heard some discussion at the hackers' conference where they were easily able to get passwords for smart locks and take over control of automatic cars. Yeah, but new gadgets can be lots of fun! That's the secret to life, right? Always try to have fun doing something you really care ab
    13 views0 comments
    EPA Radon Pamphlet
    Paul Cummins
    • Jun 29, 2016
    • 1 min

    EPA Radon Pamphlet

    Radon is a decay product of Uranium, which has 92 protons. Lose six and you get Radon. Lose four more and you quit with Lead (82). Radon (86) decays into Polonium with 84 protons. Polonium is what Marie Curie found in pitch blend, she named it after her native Poland, but her exposure to it gave her leukemia and killed her... after she was the first to ever get a Nobel in Chemistry and Physics! Polonium releases alpha particles, two protons and two neutrons, a Helium nuc
    106 views0 comments
    DIY Asbestos Test
    Paul Cummins
    • Jan 1, 2016
    • 1 min

    DIY Asbestos Test

    This kit also requires a $40 lab fee for putting the fibers under a microscope. It may allieviate some concern whether those ceiling tiles that are falling down have asbestos in them. If they do it will require specialized safety equipment (bunny suits) to remove them. Asbestos is only a danger if it's particalized and inhaled. Asbestos is also common in old floor tiles. Click on image for link. #detectors
    7 views0 comments
    Dads...perfect gift for daughters on their own!
    Paul Cummins
    • Nov 13, 2015
    • 1 min

    Dads...perfect gift for daughters on their own!

    Video doorbell can be operated from anywhere with your smartphone! Not home? Say you can't come to the door now because the pitbulls are ornery! Click here for link! #detectors #safety
    3 views0 comments
    Whole-house cellular monitoring system!
    Paul Cummins
    • Aug 8, 2015
    • 1 min

    Whole-house cellular monitoring system!

    This system costs $15 a month...that's it! No wires, total control from your phone. SimpliSafe. Click on image for link. #detectors #safety
    105 views0 comments
    All "Smoke" Detectors Can't Detect Smoke!
    Paul Cummins
    • Jun 17, 2015
    • 1 min

    All "Smoke" Detectors Can't Detect Smoke!

    MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PHOTOELECTRIC SENSOR. LOOK FOR A "P" ON THE PACKAGE. Smoke detectors are now recommended in each bedroom, hallway and each floor. They are to be placed not less than 4 nor more than 12 inches from a corner (presumably because smoke adheres to walls as it rises). Combination smoke/CO detectors are now available. Note also continunous radon detectors can be purchased (see previous post on this blog). Now all we need are detectors that will beep right
    192 views0 comments
    New device calls you when your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors go off!
    Paul Cummins
    • Feb 13, 2015
    • 1 min

    New device calls you when your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors go off!

    This device uses your home wifi to call you if your ordinary detectors start beeping! Other systems require their own wireless devices at a significantly higher cost! Just plug it in and download the app! Click on image for link. #detectors #safety
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    Instant Lead Paint Test
    Paul Cummins
    • Dec 18, 2014
    • 1 min

    Instant Lead Paint Test

    Paints used before 1978 may have lead in them. If it's not pealing and won't be disturbed then it's no problem. However, if you are going to renovate, workers will have to wear bunny suits and respirators. This inexpensive test gives instant results. Click on image for link. #detectors #safety
    7 views0 comments
    New,  instant mold testing results!
    Paul Cummins
    • Nov 9, 2014
    • 1 min

    New, instant mold testing results!

    Mold is everywhere! Get those towels totally dry! Spray bleach down the overflow holes in your sinks! Use bleach spray or Softscrub with bleach on your tubs every week! Most of all, keep that fresh air coming in! It's the airborne spores that get you...if they are sucked outside they can't grow more mold nor harm you presently. These kits promise results that previously required a sample be sent to a lab, in five minutes! Click on image for link. #mold #detectors #safety
    19 views0 comments
    New radon monitors make you the scientist!
    Paul Cummins
    • Oct 31, 2014
    • 1 min

    New radon monitors make you the scientist!

    Who doesn't love data? These monitors help you stay in control of your family's safety! Radon amelioration is all about improving venitilation. There are many benefits of improving air flow in your basement and/or crawlspace... getting rid of moisture, spores, combustion materials and radon. Be sure to check out the fans designed for this on previous blog posts at this site. For radon, usually a vent pipe is placed in the sump and a fan run continuously. Sometimes, just
    213 views0 comments

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