Radon In Water

Radon is a gas that occurs with no color, taste, or odor. This gas is produced from the natural decomposition of the radioactive element uranium, commonly found in soil, water and rock worldwide. As such, it is found in all 50 states. However, the radon concentration varies greatly from state to state and from town to town.

No doubt, exposure to radon gas always poses a greater health risk. You may be surprised to know that radon exposure takes the life of 21,000 Americans in the form of lung cancer every year. This is why radon exposure is considered the second-leading cause of lung cancer, just behind tobacco smoking.

Unfortunately, there are still no federal regulations to determine a radon standard in drinking water. But the Connecticut Department of Public Health has already set a standard for radon level in the private well, which is set at 5,000 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). And they recommend the water departments monitor this action level constantly and keep the radon level below this level. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about radon in water.

How Does Radon Get into the Home?

Most of the time, radon enters a home from the earth beneath the house. When uranium decays, it produces radon gas which can enter any type of building, office, apartment, or school. The danger arises when radon can accumulate in high concentrations in indoor air. Radon gas usually makes its entrance into our homes through:

  • Cracks and holes in the foundation
  • Construction joints
  • Cracks in wall
  • Crawl spaces

Radon gas can also reach our homes through the domestic water supply system. The radon gas emitted from underground sources can quickly dissolve and accumulates in water. So, the radon gas in water can easily enter your home when it is heated or agitated during household activities like cooking, washing clothes, and showering. It is estimated only 1 pCi/L radon is released into the air from every 10,000 pCi/L of radon in water. If the main source of your domestic water supply come from a reservoir, lake, or river, you should not be too concerned about radon exposure. The radon from these exposed bodies of water will be released into the air before it makes its entrance into your home.

But this does not mean you will always receive water completely free from radon, and some radon can remain in the water. Drinking water with high concentrations of radon for a prolonged period can largely increase the risk factors for stomach cancer and other cancers. However, this risk is almost negligible when compared to the risk of lung cancer from radon present in the air.

When Should You Test Water for Radon?

If your domestic water supply system is connected to well water, you should conduct a radon water test to measure the radon level in the water. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) recommends every home be tested for radon in water, especially if the homes are served by well water. Besides, the CT DPH has set a regulatory standard to maintain the radon level in drinking water. The maximum contaminant level of radon in public water is set at 5,000 pCi/L.

Its important to understand that it is quite possible to experience an elevated level of radon in your water, even having a low level of radon in your indoor air. The only way to determine the radon level in your water or indoor air is to conduct a radon test.

How to Reduce the Radon Levels in Water?

From our experience, we have seen many homeowners worried over a simple question: how to reduce the radon levels in drinking water. No doubt, if your average radon test result shows the radon level in water is 5,000 pCi/L or higher, you should consider reducing the radon level. Fortunately, you can find two water treatment systems for reducing radon from water: Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) System and Aeration System.

  • Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) System

There is no doubt that the Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) System is truly capable of reducing the radon level in water when the radon level is less than 10,000 pCi/L. These systems come with a fiberglass tank loaded with Granular Activated Carbon Compounds. These granular activated carbon traps the radon when water flows through. These can also capture other contaminants such as hydrogen sulfide which can produce a rotten eggs odor, chlorine, and volatile organic compounds  (VOCs).

However, these contaminants will accumulate inside the fiberglass tank, eventually shortening the carbon’s life. Furthermore, the radon adsorbed can accumulate to dangerous levels and cause the system to become ineffective and/or become a source of radioactivity. This is why replacing the carbon in a GAC system at regular intervals is important.

RELATED ARTICLE:ARSENIC, URANIUM, & VOCS IN WATER

The CT DPH always recommends hiring a certified radon mitigation professional to handle the installation task.

  • Aeration System

The only way to reduce radon from water when it is equal to or more than 10,000 pCi/L is to install an aeration system. These systems can aerate or absorb water so that water can release radon during the water treatment. These radon gases are eventually freed to the outside, away from your home.

Nowadays, different types of aeration systems are available on the market. So, it is important to contact an experienced radon mitigation professional to decide on the ideal aeration system for your home.

How to Find an Experienced and Qualified Radon Professional?

You can find the lists of certified radon professionals on the Radon – Professionals webpage of the CT DPH’s official website. These professionals are trained as per the EPA protocols and hold a national certification in radon measurement and radon mitigation. Don’t hesitate to visit the CT DPH Radon Program website for more information about how to test radon in water.

Final Thoughts

The two most common ways of radon exposure are through the air we breathe and the water we drink. The CT DPH recommends that every home test radon in water if the water comes from a private well. No doubt, contacting a professional is the best bet for you to conduct a radon water test and install a radon mitigation system in your home.

Arsenic, Uranium, & VOCs In Water

There is no doubt that, nowadays, pollution and toxins can contaminate our drinking water, especially in an industrial society.  Most of the time, arsenic, uranium, & volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the main culprit behind this water contamination. If you look at a recent US Geological Survey study, you’d find that many private wells in the Northeast region contained an elevated level of arsenic, uranium, and VOCs. This is a great concern for anyone whose domestic water supply comes from a private well as it poses a greater risk to our health.

But you don’t have to be worried as, once identified, these contaminants can be removed from your drinking water. In this article, we will address the basics arsenic, uranium, & VOCs in water and how you can get rid of them.

Arsenic in Water

Arsenic is a commonly occurring element in water, and it is highly toxic when it appears in an inorganic form.  People can be exposed to this toxic element in various ways, but contaminated groundwater is the greatest source of arsenic exposure to humans. Exposure can result from drinking contaminated water, using that water in the irrigation of food crops, consuming contaminated food, etc. Arsenic poses a potential health problem as it is highly toxic even at a low level in drinking water supplies.

Although short-term exposure can result in short-term effects, like vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, long-term exposure can cause cancer. This is why the  International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has categorized arsenic and its compounds as carcinogenic.

Health Effects of Arsenic

The immediate or short-term effects of arsenic poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Fortunately, these health problems can be treated easily with proper medical attention. But the long-term effects of arsenic poisoning are always proven as a greater health concern for us.  Long-term ingestion of inorganic arsenic can cause several adverse effects on our health. These include skin cancer, pigmentation changes, skin lesions, hard patches on soles and palms, etc. Worse yet, it can cause developmental effects along with cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. It may also contribute to cancers of the lungs and bladder.

What Arsenic Level in Water is Safe?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has clearly set a regulatory standard for arsenic in drinking water. The maximum contaminant level of arsenic in public water is set at 0.010 mg/L. This is equivalent to 10 parts per billion (ppb), 0.010 parts per million (ppm), or 10 micrograms/liter (µg/L). So, if the arsenic in your water exceeds 0.010 mg/L, you should not use that water for drinking or cooking.

How to Test the Arsenic Level in Water at Home?

Previously, testing for arsenic in the water had been considered as difficult as eliminating it. This had to be tested in a laboratory environment with the help of expensive laboratory equipment like atomic absorption spectrometers. These days you can find many test kits on the market to measure the arsenic level in the water. These arsenic test kits are designed based on simple chemistry in which inorganic arsenic compounds present in the water are converted to arsine gas due to the reaction between the acidified water sample and zinc powder.

How to Reduce the Arsenic Level in Water at Home?

The most cost-effective way to remove arsenic from water is to use a water cooler built with reverse osmosis technology. This type of water cooler follows a simple process. It forces water to flow through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure to remove the contaminant present in the water and eventually dispense more and more healthy drinking water.

Uranium in Water

Uranium can be found in groundwater and surface water because of its natural occurrences, and it can be present in certain rocks and soils, especially granites.

You will be surprised to know that two-thirds of the community water systems in our country contain detectable levels of uranium. And this report comes from the U.S. community water system monitoring records.

Undoubtedly, uranium contamination in surface and groundwater poses a greater health risk. Although the majority of uranium elements in drinking water are eliminated from our bodies, a small amount is absorbed and remains in our digestive tract. If we continue to intake that drinking water for an extended time, it can damage our kidneys. So, it is always important to minimize exposure with it as much as possible.

Health Effects of Uranium

Several studies have shown us the adverse health effects of uranium. Most of the time, consuming drinking water containing uranium for a long time can result in kidney damage or Nephritis. However, our kidneys can recover from this damage if the exposure is reduced or eliminated.

What Uranium Level in Water is Safe?

The US Environmental Protection Agency has set a regulatory standard for the maximum contaminant level for uranium, which is 30 micrograms per liter in drinking water.

How to Test the Uranium Level in Water at Home?

The most effective way to determine the uranium level in the drinking is to conduct uranium testing.  However, it is always recommended to contact a state-certified laboratory that conducts a uranium test using ICP-MS. These tests are undoubtedly proven faster and less expensive compared to other alternatives. It is designed based on the direct introduction of the sample with no chemical pre-treatment into an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS).

How to Reduce the Uranium Level in Water at Home?

The easiest way to reduce the uranium level in drinking water is to use a reverse osmosis water treatment. It can eliminate up to 99% of uranium elements present in the drinking water, along with other contaminants.

VOCs in Water

Volatile organic compounds aka VOCs are treated as carbon-containing compounds with unique properties that permit them to easily evaporate and move between the soil, air, groundwater, and surface water. Common sources of VOCs include detergents, disinfecting agents, gasoline, fuels, solvents, paints, stains, strippers, and pesticides.

Most of the time, the VOCs found in drinking water is originated from human activities. Private wells near commercial or industrial areas are often at higher risk of VOC contamination.  Industrial dumping, spills, and leaks can be notable sources. VOCs in drinking water can also occur from the use and improper disposal of household products that contain these chemicals.

Testing the well water for VOCs should be done at least every 3 to 5 years. Several VOCs can indeed cause a range of short- and long-term health risks. The Environmental Working Group has identified 12 potentially carcinogenic VOCs in drinking water. These include:

  • 1,1,2-Trichloroethane
  • 1,2,3-Trichloropropane
  • 1,2-Dichloroethane
  • 1,2-Dichloropropane
  • 1,4-Dioxane
  • Benzene
  • Carbon tetrachloride
  • Dichloromethane (methylene chloride)
  • Styrene
  • Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
  • Trichloroethylene (TCE)
  • Vinyl chloride

VOCs pose a greater health risk to us with many adverse health effects like damage to the kidneys, liver, and nerve systems. Furthermore, exposure can cause kidney and liver tumors and neurological effects.

What Level of VOCs in Water is Safe?

The US Environmental Protection Agency has set a regulatory standard for the maximum contaminant level for different VOCs. For 1,1-Dichloroethylene, it is set at 0.007 mg/L. For 1,1,1-Trichloroethane and 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, it is set at 0.2 mg/L and 0.005 mg/L respectively.  If you would like to know about the contamination level of other VOCs, you can check out the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations page on EPA’s official website.

How to Test VOCs Level in Water at Home?

The most effective way to test the VOCS levels in water is to take a sample of that water and send it to a state-certified laboratory for testing. They will test the sample with an onsite PID meter so that they can determine the actual level of volatile organic compounds present in the water.

How to Reduce the VOCs Level in Water at Home?

There are  several filtration systems that are truly capable of filtering VOCs out of drinking water. One great example of such a filtration system is the carbon filter system. You can install it at the faucet or in the place where water enters your home to filter out the VOCs from drinking water.

Final Thoughts

Its important to have your water tested to ensure you aren’t being exposed to elevated levels for these contaminants for extended periods of time. If arsenic, uranium, and VOCs are present in your drinking water at an elevated level, it needs to be reduced or eliminated as early as possible. Fortunately, you can find many technologies capable of reducing or eliminating those contaminants.

What Is A Septic Inspection

Septic inspections are a critical component of responsible homeownership, ensuring the proper functioning of a septic system. Often conducted during real estate transactions or as part of routine maintenance, these inspections involve a comprehensive evaluation of the septic system’s components and overall health.

For homebuyers, an inspection is typically part of the due diligence process before closing a real estate deal. However, homeowners should also consider regular inspections, generally recommended every 3 to 5 years, to identify potential issues before they escalate. Timely inspections contribute to the longevity of the septic system and prevent unexpected failures.

RELATED ARTICLE: Septic Systems

Visual and Physical Examination

Septic inspections commence with a visual and physical examination of the entire system. We assess the location and condition of the septic tank, distribution box, and leach field. Any visible signs of damage, wear, or potential issues are documented. This initial step sets the stage for a more in-depth evaluation of the system’s functionality. Visual cues such as ground indentations, vegetation variations, or access ports aid in locating these underground elements.

We observe the area surrounding the septic system, checking for any potential signs of distress or damage. Issues like odors, lush vegetation, or pooling water near the septic components can indicate underlying problems. Visual cues offer valuable insights into the overall health of the system and guide inspectors in determining where to focus their attention during the subsequent stages of the inspection.

Tank Access and Opening

This step is crucial for evaluating the accumulated layers within the tank and examining the condition of its structural elements. The level of accumulated sludge and scum is observed, and the condition of the tank’s components, such as baffles and inlet/outlet pipes, is assessed. These observations provide insights into the tank’s effectiveness in separating solids and treating wastewater.

The levels of sludge and scum within the tank is a key indicator of how the system is performing. The sludge, comprised of settled solids, and the scum, consisting of lighter materials like grease and soap, indicate the effectiveness of the tank in separating and treating wastewater. This assessment helps determine whether the tank is due for pumping, a routine maintenance task essential for preventing clogs and maintaining the system’s functionality.

Furthermore, we evaluate the structural integrity of the septic tank, examining components such as baffles, inlet pipes, and outlet pipes. Any signs of corrosion, cracks, or deterioration are carefully noted. The condition of these elements directly influences the tank’s ability to retain and treat wastewater effectively. Assessing these details during the inspection allows for timely identification of potential issues that may require repair or replacement.

Distribution Box Examination

The distribution box, often situated between the septic tank and the leach field, serves as the intermediary that ensures the treated effluent is evenly distributed to the leach field for further filtration.

We carefully examine the distribution box to ensure it functions optimally. This entails checking for any signs of wear, damage, or blockages that might impede the uniform flow of effluent. Uneven distribution could lead to overloading in specific sections of the absorption area, compromising its effectiveness in treating wastewater. Addressing issues within the distribution box is vital to maintaining the equilibrium of the entire system.

Moreover, inspectors assess the connections and pipes leading from the distribution box to the absorption area. Any obstructions or damage within this network could disrupt the flow of effluent, hindering the natural filtration process in the leach field. By examining the distribution box, we gain an understanding whether the treated wastewater is efficiently and uniformly dispersed across the leach field, optimizing its capacity to absorb and purify the liquid.

Absorption Area Assessment

The absorption area, often referred to as the leach or drain field, represents the culmination of the septic system’s efforts in treating wastewater. During a septic inspection, this vital component undergoes a comprehensive assessment to evaluate its overall health and effectiveness in natural filtration.

We examine the absorption area for signs of stress or malfunction. This involves scrutinizing the soil’s absorption capacity, ensuring it can adequately absorb the treated effluent. Any standing water or soggy areas within the absorption area are red flags, indicating potential issues such as soil compaction or drainage problems. Identifying and addressing these concerns is crucial for preventing system failures and maintaining the long-term viability of the septic system.

Additionally, we evaluate the condition of the pipes or chambers buried in the absorption area. These components facilitate the percolation of effluent into the soil. Any damage or blockages in this network can impede the distribution of treated wastewater, compromising the efficiency of the entire system. By conducting a thorough assessment of the absorption area, we can detect critical issues and provide homeowners with valuable insights into the functionality and sustainability of their septic system.

Repairs and Maintenance Recommendations

If any issues are identified during the inspection, the we may provide recommendations for repairs or maintenance. This could include pumping the septic tank, repairing damaged components, or addressing issues in the leach field. Timely action based on these recommendations can prevent minor problems from developing into more significant and costly septic system failures.

Beyond the assessment and recommendations, septic inspections serve as an educational opportunity for homeowners. We take the time to educate homeowners about proper septic system care, including routine maintenance, responsible water usage, and signs of potential problems. This knowledge empowers homeowners to take an active role in preserving the health and functionality of their septic systems, fostering responsible ownership and environmental stewardship.

What Is A Virtual Home Tour

Virtual home tours may have received immense popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, but their roots can be traced back many years ago. The term dates back to the 90s. Most interestingly, the first tour exhibited a tour covering the 3D reconstruction of 1550’s Dudley Castle in England. Moreover, Queen Elizabeth II was one of the initial users of a virtual tour.
Every sector makes good use of virtual tours in today’s age, from tourism to real estate. But here we are particularly interested in what is a virtual tour of a house and the necessary tidbits you need as a home buyer (or seller).

What Is a Virtual Home Tour Exactly?
Imagine getting a house tour minus the physical contact. That is the gift of virtual reality. In more precise terms, a virtual home tour can be taken as a virtual imitation of a real house tour. The virtual experience lets users explore property or houses realistically through a virtual and remote platform.
So, you can access or take a tour without being at the exact geographical location of the home you are touring for.
Many people consider virtual home tours as videos or virtual simulations, but virtual tours possess great diversity. That brings us to the next section.

Types of Virtual Home Tours

• Captured 360-degree photos
This variety comprises photos or videos of the house taken from a 360-degree camera. The variety contains either sequence of shots or a shot taken continuously. The 360-degree tour lets you have a look at the rooms and corners of the house from different angles.

• 3D experience
This type brings more immersive quality than just looking through photos or videos. Also, 3D produces more detail compared to the first variety.

• Virtual reality (VR) simulation
This type possesses greater detail and immersion and gives a more realistic experience, making you feel you are in the home location. Users can even interact with the surroundings shown in the virtual tour through the use of controllers.

• Floor plan
This isn’t necessarily a house tour. Floor plans show the spatial arrangement and dimensions of the building and the placing of rooms, doors, and windows.

How to Do a Virtual Home Tour?
As a home buyer, you can certainly opt for virtual home tours. And you can consider these tours to weed out choices and make a concentrated selection while sitting in the comfort of your own home.
But how do you do such a virtual tour? When you open the link to your virtual tour, it is simply a matter of clicking or swiping through different rooms and panning to view various aspects of each room.
The tours are user-friendly, thus excluding the need for the pre-requisite technical expertise to take the tour.

How to Create a Virtual Home Tour?
As a home seller or an agent, you may want to create an online video of the house. The first step to creating a virtual home tour involves getting good equipment for taking the video. Even a mobile phone that can click wide-resolution photos will give you a video with good quality. Before taking videos or pictures of the house, ensure the house looks clean and well-lit.
You can use Matterport or other sites to make the selection of cameras or hardware to create virtual tours. Also, you can take the services of their professionals to scan your area and make virtual tours on your behalf.

Cost of Virtual Home Tour
You can make virtual tour videos as a home seller or real estate agent. To do so, you can use virtual home tour software. There are several free and paid softwares, and the paid ones require a monthly price or entry fee.
As a potential home buyer, you can potentially get a virtual tour for free if the seller has posted it for free. For the paid virtual tours for real estate, the pricing of varies depends on the house’s size and the video’s detailing and quality.
With a small apartment, the virtual tour would take less time and effort to produce and hence would require a smaller fee. On the other hand, virtual tours of mansion houses take more effort and have a high price. Also, a VR simulation can cost more than a 3D virtual home tour.

Pros of Virtual Home Tours
• Geographically reaching home locations for taking tours consumes time. But virtual home tours let you view many houses in a short period of time.
• Being a remote service, a virtual tour saves time. Imagine no longer having to lose time driving away to view a house.
• By letting you have plenty of time, the tour helps you to compare houses in your preferred schedule.

Cons of Virtual Home Tours
• Have you heard of buyers who decide to buy homes just by watching virtual home tours? The answer is either no or very few.
• Despite being time-saving, virtual tours never gives you a chance to have a face-to-face talk with the agent.
• Virtual home tours are great but can hardly give you an understanding of the neighborhood. Getting a feel of the neighborhood or an idea of who your neighbors are is a critical deciding factor for home buyers.
• You can never gauge the natural lightning the house gets.
• Also, the videos can show you the structure but not its strength. You can become impressed by the staircase design as shown by the video, but you wouldn’t know how sturdy the staircase and handrailing is until you physically visit the house.

Final Thoughts
If you are contemplating what is a virtual house tour, consider it as a virtual representation of home tours minus physical contact. There are several types of virtual tours. Also, these let you save time and fuel and let you view many houses in a short time.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material in the U.S. Its estimated that three quarters of roofs are protected by these shingles. This is in large part due to their durability and resistance to temperature and other external conditions like winds, fire, etc. Furthermore, asphalt shingles are relatively budget friendly and offer a simple yet versatile installation process.

Asphalt shingles are available many varieties, each of which having their unique advantages and disadvantages. They are generally comprised of a base material which gives the shingles  strength and shape, an asphalt layer which provides a water resistant barrier, and a granular surface that reflects UV radiation and provides added durability, texture, and color.

Organic and Fiberglass Based Singles

Organic asphalt shingles consist of a base made from organic materials such as cellulose, wood, cardboard, or paper. These types of shingles are then coated over with a layer of asphalt. Organic shingles are typically heavier and thicker resulting in greater tear resistance and durability. These are, however,  more vulnerable to fires because of the organic matter base. Due to this disadvantage, the manufacture or organic shingles was brought to a halt around 2008, though many were installed during the years that followed.

Fiberglass shingles have a base layer of glass mat fibers attached to the urea-formaldehyde resin. The glass base material is then overlapped with asphalt making it more resistant to external factors. These base materials are safe and perform better in a fire or other like situations. Fiberglass shingles are lighter and thinner than organic shingles, making them the preferable choice for roofers. Fiberglass shingles are considered to perform better in windstorms, though, both types of shingles hold up well in most climates.

 

Architectural and 3-Tab Shingles

3-Tab shingles have a uniform pattern and shape that makes them easy to identify. They are made from a single layer of asphalt, which makes them a lighter and budget-friendly option compared to other roofing types. 3 Tab shingles have a typical lifespan ranging from 15-20 years.

Architectural shingles are often referred to as “dimensional” or “laminated” shingles. These are comprised of two layers of asphalt and fiberglass to provide a thick and durable surface. Architectural shingles are patterned in a manner that resembles original wood type shingles. Architectural shingles are more expensive compared to 3-tabs, but offer greater quality and strength due to their thickness. Architectural shingles have a typical lifespan ranging from 20-30 years.

 

Shingle Wear

Asphalt shingles deteriorate from exposure to UV radiation. As the shingles age, granules are removed by the elements which ultimately exposes the asphalt to harmful UV rays. Other factors that cause a roof to wear include leaves and debris, ice and snow, excessive heat, inadequate venting of the roof space underneath, low roof slope, multiple roofing layers and improper installation methods. When cracking, blistering, and or curling of the shingles become evident its necessary to hire a roofer to provide the required repairs or replacement of the roof covering.

Tips for Maintaining Asphalt Shingles

  • Regular cleaning extends the lifespan of asphalt shingles and helps mitigate problems which could have easily been avoided.
  • You should also regularly check the gutters to ensure storm water and ice melt are draining away from the roof and structure.
  • Check for standing water on the roof. This condition can deteriorate the asphalt shingles and result in significant a roof leak.
  • Make sure trees nearby are trimmed to prevent limbs from scraping the surface of your shingles or falling limbs from damaging the roof. Shade cast by trees can block the sunlight from evaporating water and melting snow. Prolonged exposure to moisture can result in accelerated wear of the shingles in these areas.
  • Remove moss and algae growth early on. Left unchecked, these fungi can accelerate the aging of your roof and cause excess granule loss.
  • Check what the warranty covers and choose the asphalt shingle that covers repair and replacement.
  • Hire a pro to perform routine roof check-ups to help identify potential issues.