I thought I had a septic problem when my toilet and sink wasn't draining properly. This suspicion was confirmed when sewer water started backing up in my bathtub. I figured that this was a job for a professional, so I called a local sewer service company. Sure enough, my septic tank was full and this was causing the problem. After having my tank pumped out, my drains run freely and my toilet flushes better than it has in a long time. My name is Wesley Hammond and the experience that I had with my septic system is the reason that I'm writing this blog. Since sewage backup in the house is very unhealthy, everyone should be aware of the signs of a faulty septic system. As you read these articles, you'll learn about the different types of septic system problems and how you can keep them from happening.
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Curling up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to spend an evening. Whether you're just coming in from building a snowman in the winter, or you're entertaining guests, it can provide both warmth and a conversational focal point. While these points are important, there's so much more you can do. From cooking food to making your house smell amazing, this helpful guide will help you to make the most of your installation today.
Science Lesson: Colored Fire
Parents who have a fireplace know that teaching children about fireplace safety is important. What better way to do this than to show how the color of flames can be changed chemically? You'll create an engaging meld of science lesson and safety lesson. With the direct guidance of parents, it's possible to start a conversation about how chemicals can change the composition of fire.
You'll need at least one of the following chemicals:
A quick note: these chemicals should only be handled by an adult. While they are largely safe, it's best to use them with care.
To create a colored flame starter, soak a single fireplace log in just one of these chemicals by mixing it into a large bucket of water. Your goal is keep adding chemicals until it becomes saturated and won't dissolve any further. Allow this to soak for at least 12 hours.
Take the log out, and allow it to dry for several days. Then, toss it on the fireplace and watch the beautifully colored flames dance.
Cooking a Campfire Meal
The power is out, it's the middle of the winter, and it's been nearly 24 hours. The electric company is saying it's going to be at least another 12 hours before it's restored, and you simply cannot stomach another can of ravioli. What do you do?
Your fireplace will come to the rescue.
As long as you're only burning nothing but hardwood or softwood, it's possible to cook certain items right inside of it. At the most basic, you can simply use a long-handled skewer with a wooden handle to roast hot dogs, small pieces of meat, or delicious marshmallows. It's not very fancy, but it'll keep your stomach full until the power comes back on
If you have a cast-iron skillet and a fairly large fireplace, your opportunities expand even further. Anything you could cook in a skillet on a normal stove can be cooked over a fire.
Campfire Breakfast Indoors:
Let the fire die down a bit when the house is good and warm, but ensure that there's plenty of red-hot coals and minimal flames. Place the skillet directly onto the coals in the center of the fireplace bed. Allow up to 10 minutes for the pan to heat up, gathering bacon, eggs, and hash browns. Start by frying your bacon, as the grease will help to fry the other ingredients.
When the bacon is done, set it on a plate and wrap it with tinfoil.
Next, add a teaspoon of olive oil (if required). Fry each egg as preferred, and set it aside on a plate wrapped in tinfoil.
Finally, add enough oil to ensure that the bottom of the pan is covered, and fry your hash browns. Once cooked, drain the oil from the pan. Serve immediately.
Quick note: Heat tends to be less even with campfire cooking, so you'll need to keep a close eye on your meal.
Making Your House Smell Amazing
If you've ever walked into someone's house right after they've been baking cookies, cleaning, or boiling pot pourri, you'll know that adding aromas can be a fantastic way to create a relaxing, invigorating ambiance. You can do this, too, by making use of the fireplace itself as a burner.
The simplest way to do this is to burn pine cones; this will distribute an amazing Christmas-like scent all throughout the room the fireplace is in. Given enough time, it will disperse even further, seeping into the entire house.
A handful of cones will burn up very quickly, so it's best to use the pine cones to make your own firestarter instead. This can be done by melting down tea lights and planting the pinecone into the melted wax--allow it to dry, and you have an easy-to-store, easy-to-use firestarter. Just drop one into the bottom of the fireplace when you want to use it.
Quick note: Don't like the smell of pine? Crunch up a few cinnamon sticks, slice up an orange rind, or slice a few vanilla beans lengthwise instead. These can be dropped into the wax in the same way for a gorgeous aroma.
The wax will prolong the burning process and create scented smoke even after it's put out.
The benefits to using a wood-burning fireplace are endless. In a survival situation, they can be invaluable for providing you with warmth and a way to cook nutritious food. They also create an inviting focal point for any room in your home. For questions about how you can best utilize your fireplace, contact a supplier today.
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