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Now that you’re off the grid due to wind and sun power, it’s time to think about getting yourself off the municipal water and sewer line as well. The best thing about water is that it exists virtually everywhere; it falls from the clouds in the sky and runs underneath your feet as groundwater. Fortunately, you can access both of these resources to go off the grid completely. Do you know that nearly 15% of all U.S. homes obtain their water independently according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)? If they can do it, why can’t we do it too?

Private Water Wells

Today, more than 17 million U.S. homes get all their water from individual private wells. Overall, the concept is simple. Someone digs a hole in the ground and drills deep enough to draw water. However, there are several regulations that private wells must abide by. Therefore, it’s best to use a licensed professional well driller. If inappropriately installed, dangerous contaminants can easily seep into the well. The expense of installing a private well can vary from $3,000 – $15,000, based on the depth needed to drill. In general, the deeper the well means the greater the chance of finding clean fresh water.

Installing a Cistern

Another effective way to obtain your own fresh water is to harvest the rain using a cistern. Basically, a cistern is a large tank that’s used for storing water. Home-based cistern systems have underground or aboveground storage tanks built from steel, fibreglass, or concrete. Rain gutter water is directed into the cistern and then subsequently pumped back into the home as needed. If the cistern rests aboveground and is higher than the home’s faucets, the weight of the water is used as natural pressure in order to gain access into the home. Cisterns located belowground need the help of a pump to get the water into the home, similar to a well. You’ll need to reside in a region that sees a significant amount of rain if you want to utilise a cistern. If drinkable water is desired, use a clay or metal roof for best results since they’re cleaner overall than the shingled variety.

Septic System

The fastest and easiest way to get off the grid’s mainstream sewer line is to incorporate a septic system. Essentially, a septic system is a large metal tank that’s used to gather and release wastewater for the home. Water treatment facilities here in UK like Lagan Water are dedicated to delivering efficient and environmentally safe water to homes.

First, the bacteria within the tank breaks down everything in it causing it to naturally separate into a top layer of scum, middle liquid layer, and sludge layer along the bottom. As more wastewater begins to flow in, the tank’s liquid content starts to flow out into a series of perforated pipes buried in the ground that subsequently release the water over some distance into a field to drain. The soil serves as a biological filter that keeps the damaging bacteria buried underground until it’s ultimately absorbed as key nutrients. It’s important to note that the tank should ideally be emptied and professionally serviced once each year.
Article Submitted By Community Writer

Looking to get some serious work done on your home? Though there are DIY kits, guides, and tutorials on how to complete just about anything on your own, there are times when it’s simply best to reach out to a qualified contractor. If you’ve never had any renovations done on your property, you’re probably having a difficult time discerning which contractor is best suited for the job. There are hundreds of service providers in your area; however, there are key elements that set the good apart from the bad. You want to hire someone with experience, great customer service, and affordable rates. However, you can never underestimate the importance of hiring a professional with the proper insurance coverage for protection.

Contractors Insurance is a Must

Never, ever, hire a contractor to complete work on your home if they don’t have the proper business insurances. The construction industry in and of itself is a very risky one. While you’d hope that your home improvement project could go off without a hitch, the chances for accidents are high. If you’re not careful, you could be on the hook for more than just the quoted amount on your estimate.

But doesn’t insurance protect the contractor?

Well yes, but it also does a great deal to protect you in the event of an accident while they’re working on your home. According to http://econtractorsinsurance.com, general liability insurance is broken into three categories: premise liabilities, product liabilities, and completed operations liability. Below is a breakdown of how that works in your favor as the homeowner:

 Bodily Injuries

When having major renovations done on your home, your residence is basically a construction site. While a trained contractor will do everything in their power to ensure that dangerous areas are clearly labeled and marked off, accidents can occur. Let’s say you’re having your kitchen remodeled, and you walk in to grab something off one of the counters, but as you walk into the room, a board hits you on head causing pain and injuries. Receiving compensation for your injuries from a contractor without insurance can be a real battle. However, if the contractor is insured, any sustained injuries and expenses you’ve encountered would be covered.

Property Damage

Working with an insured contractor also protects your property in the event of an accident. Again, while they are trained and skilled professionals, they are in the business of high risks. One wrong move could result in damage to a part of your home that you weren’t having renovated at the time. Keeping the kitchen remodeling concept in mind, let’s assume that while installing new cabinets, the contractor damages your front door trying to move the cabinets into the kitchen. The damage to your property would be yours alone to fix if the contractor were unlicensed and uninsured.

Completed Products

Imagine if your kitchen remodeling project is completed. You pay the contractors for their service and a week later the shelf falls down causing some sort or injury to you or damage to your property. Who will cover the costs? General liability insurance provides financial means for the contractors to compensate you for any injuries or damages their products or services may have caused you after they’ve left the premises.

Won’t Homeowner’s Insurance Cover it?

Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that any damage to their property would be covered by their home insurance policy. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the case. Why? Well since you’re the one who hired the contractors and invited them into your home, and therefore, any damage to your property is considered intentional.

Accidents happen, but when it comes to home renovation projects, the potential for accidents occurring are heightened. Contractors who have the necessary liability insurance are best suited for working on your home. While the insurance does provide the contractor and its company financial protection, it also does a great deal to protect you and your home.

Article Submitted by Community Writer.