Action Life Media

action life media

GREGORY PIMSTONE: THE ABSURD STRUCTURE OF OUT-OF-NETWORK REIMBURSEMENT METHODS IN EMERGENCY HEALTH CARE

The reimbursement and administration approach in emergency room care needs a considerate alteration, according to a Los-Angeles based healthcare lawyer. Head of the healthcare law group, Gregory Pimstone at national law firm Manatt stated, “Payment procedure for the out-of-network emergency room is ineffective, costly, and pointless.” The ambiguities initiate from the time a non-insured patient visits an emergency care unit.

At American emergency rooms, immediate medical help in such scenarios is obligatory, but the bizarre system for refund leads to financial and legal anarchy, Gregory Pimstone emphasized. However, a rational approach is in consideration.

The problem is still untreated because the legislature has not been effective in taking any actions for establishing reasonable rates irrespective of infinite litigation. In this regard, no good took place for anyone besides clogged courts and endless benefits to the experts and attorneys engaged in the process.

For a quick overview, the system allows transportation of injured victims to the nearest possible ER even if the ER is not in alliance with the patient’s insurance plan. All emergency treatments cannot discontinue until the patient gets steadied. 

Gregory Pimstone approves of the actions coming under a public policy. Now, the issue arises if the emergency responders and carriers negate the fair prices regarding their services. Providers are not bound to accept the payment method of the victim’s plan, but the law requires a managed care plan to use a regulator’s authorized mechanism.

The process starts to get disorganized here, as the law itself failed to determine what is practical. Concerning reasonable value, the similar case of Children’s Hospital Central California v Blue Cross of California said, “The reasonable rate for the services would be the one which a willing seller would accept from a willing buyer.”

The courts receive various evidence in deciding. The court stated that “the circumstances and facts regarding a specific case proclaim which evidence to consider true in showing the reasonable market value of the provided services.” True evidence means the possibility of rates paid to or accepted by the hospitals on the premises or nearby. Gregory Pimstone added, “Based on this evidence only, a court can determine the reasonable market value.

This is a recursive issue and hence, not suitable for any medical practitioner to go through repeatedly for new patients once finishing costly lawsuits for previous clients. This is generally an expensive practice for all. To perform rationally, health plans and hospitals must share elaborative electronic data determining their contracts and claims with other carriers or providers. To make a judgment, both parties will need proficient witnesses to calculate a large amount of data and present their viewpoints regarding the fair value of the services.

Gregory Pimstone believes that building standards to assess emergency care costs might lead to fair decisions. For this problem, reasonable legislation is required. But, the issue remains the same even if the states adapt to the No Surprises Act before 2022. Pimstone questions, “What will be the ways that protect carriers, providers, and judges from the resolution of never-ending litigation?

This is not it, unfortunately. Also, the California legislature has been mute. Consequently, individuals remained to show up at out-of-network emergency rooms across the state. Pimstone concluded it by saying, “Either a system should be chosen which enforces to hire litigate and lawyers over an irrational system in the court or look for something conclusive and definite while extracting the better use of resources.”

How Do I Choose the Best Garage Door Installer in My Local Area?

According to the latest cost-vs-value report, installing a new garage door for your home yields an average ROI of up to 93.8%.

So, if you’re thinking of selling soon, this curb-appeal boosting home improvement is a good way to improve your home’s appeal. If you’re not selling, a new garage door still adds plenty of conveniences and extra security to your home.

Does a new garage door sound like something you need? Here’s how to find the best garage door installer in town.

Ask For Recommendations on the Best Garage Door Installer

One of the best ways to get a heads-up on the best garage door company in your area is by asking your friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations.

They can tell you what it was like working with a company and if they were happy with the outcome.

Look for a Local Garage Door Installer

It’s a good idea to work with a local garage company when installing a garage door.

They’re accustomed to the unique climatic conditions in your area and can recommend the ideal types of garage doors accordingly.   They’re also knowledgeable about local regulations and by-laws.

Look Up Garage Door Company Reviews Online

Online reviews are an excellent source of information about a huge range of contractors. These review sites, like Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau, feature in-depth accounts and ratings of people’s experiences with garage door installers.

Some companies, like anaheimdoor.com, lodidoor.com, and aladdindoors.com feature customer reviews on their websites too.

When you’re looking at company websites, you can also glean some more useful information, like:

  • How long they’ve been in business
  • What type of warranties do they offer?
  • Whether they have a brick-and-mortar address
  • Their contact details
  • Garage door industry accreditations

When you’re satisfied that you’re working with a reputable company, call them and ask a few questions.

Check Licenses and Insurance

One of the first things to ask a contractor is whether they’re licensed to work in your state. Next, find out if they carry insurance to protect you from any mishaps that occur on your property during the installation.

It’s vital to work with someone who ticks all the boxes when it comes to these aspects, or you could have problems with your own insurer if your roof suffers any damage in the future.

Compare Garage Door Estimates

Always get at least three estimates before you commence with your garage door installation. Don’t automatically opt for the cheapest one, though.

A more expensive estimate might bring added value, like longer warranties, or better-quality materials. Before you sign, you should also make sure that you understand the payment process and have clarity regarding any gray areas.

Only the Best Will Do for Your Home

Choosing the best garage door installer based on these criteria gives you the peace of mind to carry out this valuable home improvement with confidence.

An experienced and qualified contractor can help take all the guesswork out of choosing the perfect garage doors for your needs and budget.

Browse our blog for more of the best home improvement tips, or bookmark our site and check back regularly for updates.

6 Common Mosquito Prevention Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Did you know that there are 3,000 species of mosquitoes worldwide? Or that these blood-sucking insects transmit more diseases than any other organism?

So, it’s no wonder that mosquitoes are a global scourge to public health.

In the US alone, 12 of the more than 200 species of mosquitoes spread germs to humans and other animals. From malaria to Zika and dengue, these are just a few of the diseases these bloodsuckers bring.

That’s why it’s crucial to avoid mosquito prevention mistakes to keep them out of your home. Otherwise, you may get sick, even with only one bite. Besides, incorrect implementation of prevention strategies would only be a waste of money.

To that end, we created this guide on the dos and don’ts of dealing with mosquitoes and barring them from your home. Read on so that you can avoid mistakes that can cost you not only money but your health, too.

1. Thinking All Insecticides Work on Mosquitoes

Pyrethroids are neurotoxins used widely in the chemical control of insects, including mosquitoes. As neurotoxins, they affect and disrupt the normal nerve functions of organisms. As a result, they paralyze and ultimately kill exposed insects.

For the longest time, that’s how pyrethroids managed to help in worldwide pest control. Unfortunately, though, their improper use led to many insects developing resistance against them.

That includes some mosquitoes, such as Anopheles gambiae, the vector of human malaria. This species can survive ten times the amount of insecticides needed to kill other pests.

As such, it’s vital to ensure the pesticide you’d use still works against mosquitoes. In the US, registered pesticides used in mosquito control go by the name adulticides. As per the US EPA, these include etofenprox, prallethrin, and permethrin, to name a few.

Some adulticides are available to consumers in small amounts. With proper use, they can help control the infestation of mosquitoes in and outside your home.

However, their incorrect use can pose risks to humans, animals, and plants. As such, it may be smarter to hire a licensed local mosquito control service instead. You can then ask them how to use adulticides the next time you need to reapply these chemicals.

2. Using Mosquito Repellents Not Approved by the EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency oversees and regulates the registration of skin-applied insect repellents. Registered products, in turn, have had their efficacy and safety data given to the EPA. That data comes from studies and tests done on the product.

Thus, only repellents with supporting data can make it to the EPA’s list of registered products.

By contrast, a non-approved product may not be as effective. Even if it appears to kill mosquitoes on contact, it may be doing so because of its extreme toxicity. This means it can be just as deadly to other living things.

That’s why you should never use products not registered with the EPA.

3. Applying Mosquito Repellent the Wrong Way

Even if you use the best mosquito repellents, they’d only go to waste if you misapply them. For example, one of the most common mistakes is applying them on sweaty or wet skin. Sweat or water could wash the product off and prevent the skin from absorbing it.

For the same reason, applying too little repellent could also defeat its purpose. However, this doesn’t mean you should apply liberal amounts of the product, though. Otherwise, you may end up irritating your skin.

Another common mistake with the use of skin repellants is thinking that they can last the entire day. Unfortunately, products with 10% active ingredient concentrations only last for two hours. By contrast, those with higher concentrations (i.e., 30%) can last for up to five hours.

As such, it’s imperative to mind the time you first apply the repellent. Then, if you’re going to spend more time outside, set the alarm so that you can apply more as needed.

4. Having Anti-Mosquito Plants But Forgetting About Their Saucers

Citronella grass, citronella geranium, and peppermint are some indoor plants that repel mosquitoes. Despite that, their smells are often pleasant to humans. They’re also pretty easy to grow and look really nice inside rooms.

However, potted plants can still attract mosquitoes if you forget about their saucers. The job of a plant saucer, after all, is to catch excess water draining from the pot itself. As such, it can collect water every time you water your plants.

So, if you forget to discard the water in your plant saucers, they can attract mosquitoes. For that reason, make sure you always keep your saucers free of standing water.

5. Installing Screens But Not Closing Them Properly

A 2018 study found that mosquitoes prefer entering holes 10 millimeters (0.39 inches) in size. However, these bloodsuckers are capable of squeezing their way into 8 mm (0.31 in) gaps.

That’s why your door and window screens should have holes no bigger than 8 mm. This way, they can serve as a mosquito prevention strategy but still allow air to flow in and out of your home.

Most importantly, keep your screens closed if you’re going to open the doors and windows. Even a gap of only a few mm can be big enough for these pesky insects to enter.

6. Using Bed Nets With Holes

Bed nets are meshed fabrics installed around bed frames, usually from the ceiling. They provide extra protection against mosquitoes while you sleep.

However, bed nets are soft fabrics, so they are susceptible to running, much like stockings. They can also catch on a sharp object, such as nails, resulting in holes.

If that happens, mosquitoes can find their way past these nets. So, be mindful when washing and installing these nets around your bed. If you see even a single hole in them, patch it up as soon as possible.

Be Smart and Avoid These Mosquito Prevention Mistakes

Keep in mind that mosquito-borne diseases can be debilitating and downright deadly. That’s why you should never let them land on your skin or give them access to your home.

So, starting today, avoid the mosquito prevention mistakes we outlined in this guide. This way, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from these dangerous pests.

Interested in even more educational guides like this? Then head over to our site’s other categories for more nifty tips on health and living!

What Should You Do If You Suspect an Employee of Theft?

Employee theft is something that most small business owners and employers would probably not want to think about, but maybe should. What would you do if a trusted team member stole from your business? What would be the right course of action to take? Considering how substantial the losses from employee theft can be for small and midsize companies—a median loss of nearly $290,000 in 2016—you may want to take immediate action if you think an employee is stealing from your organization. However, missteps and hasty actions in response to theft accusations can be disruptive to your workplace and potentially lead to lawsuits, aggravating an already challenging situation. If you suspect an employee of theft, take a deep breath, compile evidence that can back up your claims, and follow the tips listed below.

Look for telltale signs and evidence of employee theft.

img

Detecting and proving workplace theft can be difficult, but being aware of common signs of these acts can help you determine if there’s merit to your suspicions. Missing inventory, disappearing equipment, payroll and expense inconsistencies, depleted cash, undue travel expenses, and a mysterious drop in your profits could indicate theft. Suspicious employee behaviors may include working late and putting in extra hours but never taking time off from work. While you may think employees who are always in are ideal compared to someone who always calls out, these individuals could be perpetrators of employee theft.

If you’ve equipped your workplace with surveillance cameras or other security systems, you could have security personnel review any recordings and surveillance videos. Security cameras have features that make them capable of seeing what guards and staff may be unable to see. For instance, a high-tech dome camera has a vari-focal camera lens that monitors at wide angles, allowing the camera to record your premises at various angles and considerable distances. This security camera has a night vision feature that makes it practical for indoor and outdoor use. Ultimately, this vandal-resistant security camera can produce high-resolution video, providing you with evidence of unusual events if they happen.

Assess and investigate the situation in the workplace.

img

Jumping to conclusions about who may be responsible for employee theft and making false accusations could be grounds for a defamation suit. If you firmly believe an employee stole from your organization, a thorough investigation in which you gather evidence for proving your case can be necessary. In such situations, it’s crucial to consult an attorney for legal guidance.

Establish any necessary consequences and implement prevention measures.

img

Suppose your suspicions are correct and you identify the wrongdoer. In that case, it’s up to you to determine a fitting punishment and present it and the evidence to the employee in a confidential meeting. For instance, termination may be the only option for employees who committed theft or other fraudulent acts with high dollar values. In contrast, written warnings, probations, or restitution may suffice for more minor incidents. Whether you choose to also report the situation to law enforcement and press charges against your employee, it’s crucial to follow fair employee dismissal policies if you decide on termination.

The ordeal of suspecting an employee of theft may prompt you to take measures of preventing workplace theft and misconduct more seriously. You can avoid employee theft by creating procedures and policies related to fraud, training employees on these policies, and using more caution in the recruiting process. When recruiting, require and validate references for applicants and ask them to complete background checks. In some cases, traditional methods of background reports may not produce complete information. A reputable online people search tool can help you uncover accurate, unbiased information about people that typical background checkers may not report. Online people searches can benefit you professionally and personally, providing you with a person’s first name, last name, and contact information such as email addresses and cell phone numbers. A people search with the right online resource can take it a step further, giving you information regarding an individual’s public records, court records, criminal records, criminal history, and more.

Ultimately, implementing an informed yet fair vetting process can help you avoid making a poor hiring decision that could contribute to employee theft.

John LeBlanc of Manatt Talks About Current Trends in Healthcare Fraud

John LeBlanc of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips recently discussed healthcare fraud and some of the latest trends in this area. He said that the loss associated with healthcare fraud could be as high as $80 billion.

“Part of what we’re trying to do is identify areas where it’s growing so that people can take action to prevent it.”

LeBlanc said he believed the problem was growing, not only concerning fraud but also waste. “A lot of these are very high-dollar cases,” he noted. However, he added that the area of pharmaceutical fraud is one where there have been some sizable recoveries lately. He reiterated that one of the big problems is that it can be challenging to identify where fraud and waste are occurring.

LeBlanc said there are several areas the government is focusing on: improper relationships between physicians and pharmaceutical companies, services not provided or ordered, and drug pricing. He noted that Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement levels for those types of things had been reduced.

“We’re starting to see more of these types of cases because the government has just said, ‘Enough is enough,'” LeBlanc explained. For example, he said that companies are now being told that their employees need to follow proper procedures if they want to contract with the federal government. Another area of focus is on increasing the government’s knowledge of what is going on.

“Remember, the government has limited resources,” LeBlanc said. “It can only be in so many places at one time.” He noted some areas where compliance efforts had been weaker, which was a focus of the federal healthcare oversight agencies, including the Office of Inspector General.

“The government is looking at the types of contracting rules that it has not looked at in the past,” LeBlanc added. For example, he said there are now more requirements for compliance programs within companies to deal with potential fraud and waste.

LeBlanc noted that health care entities could do some things internally to help prevent fraud and waste. For example, companies should establish and implement good compliance programs and train their employees. Fraud and waste can only be prevented by establishing a robust internal compliance program, LeBlanc said.

“Companies need to conduct audits of their operations to see what is going on,” he added. “They don’t want to wait until there is a problem.”

In terms of recovering funds, LeBlanc described what could happen when a case is settled. “Once a settlement occurs, the government will set up a fund and look to recover that money,” he said. For example, the US Department of Justice takes cases involving billions of dollars to the US Treasury’s Judgment Fund, which then directs monies from the Judgment Fund to pay for the settlement.

“What we find is that the DOJ and the US Attorney’s Offices typically work pretty closely with us,” LeBlanc said. He explained that they typically provide information on cases, including internal data and information from whistleblowers. “They don’t give us everything, but they give as much as they can,” he said.

 

5 Fantastic Space-Saving Bed Ideas

Are you in the market for a new bed?

When it comes to designing a bedroom, purchasing a bed can be one of the most difficult factors. Most people own thousands of items, and they need to pack them into a small space. It’s a challenge to make it all look appealing, too, and beds take up a large amount of space.

If you’re wanting to create an inviting space that still has room for everything you own, you need space saving bed ideas. But how do you make the most of your sleeping space?

Below, we’ll go into our top 5 best suggestions for space saving beds. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Beds with Storage

Are you looking for bedroom furniture and a bed that saves space?

Many companies have answered the call for additional bedroom storage and comfortable, attractive sleeping spaces by making beds that have storage capabilities. Most of the time, these bed frames have a space for a mattress on top and drawers underneath.

The beds are made from a variety of materials and come in a wide array of colors. This means no matter your budget or style preferences, you will likely find one that fits your needs!

Don’t like the idea of having drawers under your bed? No worries! Other beds have storage near their headboards. In fact, you can buy bed frames that come with shelves. If you or someone you know has a collection of books or other items, these beds will be perfect for you!

Other beds don’t have drawers, but they have a mattress space that opens up to reveal a concealed compartment underneath. These areas are great for blankets and other items you need to store in an out-of-the-way area! When the compartment is closed, the bed looks completely normal.

2. Opt for Twin Beds When Possible

Are you shopping for only one person?

It might be tempting to get your older children a nice queen-sized bed with plenty of room to roll around. Yet, many families find it difficult to design smaller spaces around queen beds. So, if only one person will sleep in the bed, it makes more sense to save on space and get a twin.

That doesn’t mean you can’t make a comfortable room, though! Instead of getting a queen, invest in a twin-sized bed frame and a good mattress. Push the twin up against a wall, and decorate it however you want.

Placing a twin bed against a wall opens up space in the rest of the room. This allows you to add in furniture or whatever else you want!

But what if you need bedding for more than one person? That doesn’t mean you can’t save on space! Instead of buying a bigger bed, look for beds that pack more into a smaller area. For example, some twin beds come with trundles, which can be kept underneath the bed during the day. Then, at night, roll the trundle out!

Other alternatives include couches that pull out into two-person beds, allowing you to transform a seating area into a bedroom at a moment’s notice!

3. Loft Beds

Do you love heights? Do you need a jaw-dropping bedroom area that still saves you space?

If so, consider installing a loft bed in your home. Perfect for smaller spaces, these beds save space by suspending your sleeping area above your floor, closer to the ceiling. They can either be an alcove in your wall or installed using rods and a structurally sound frame.

Most people access their loft beds via a ladder fastened to the side of the wall.

For safety, you shouldn’t attempt to install your loft bed by yourself. Instead, hire a professional to create the cozy, space-saving sleeping area of your dreams!

4. Beds That Lower

Do you like the idea of a loft bed but don’t like climbing up ladders or spending your night up high?

Some companies have engineered their bed on a track, allowing them to raise and lower. During the daytime, you can keep all your furniture and belongings underneath the bed. When you get tired, lower it to enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep!

Many people even keep other furniture beneath these beds, such as desks or sofas. As such, these beds can give you the space you need to sleep without taking up any extra space!

5. Wall Bed

Do you dislike how much room beds take but don’t want a bed near the ceiling?

If so, you should consider getting a wall bed. Wall beds fold up against the wall when you’re not using them. Then, you simply unfold them when you’re ready to use them. This makes wall beds perfect for both bedrooms and rooms that serve another purpose, such as a guest or game room.

Wall beds don’t have to be ugly, either! In fact, some of these beds, including Murphy wall beds, look like armoires or wardrobes when you store them away. So, if you want space saving bed ideas that also double as a statement piece, consider getting a wall bed!

Ready to Go Beyond Space Saving Bed Ideas?

Bedrooms can be hard to design, especially when you consider getting a bed that fits well in the room and doesn’t take up too much space.

By following the space saving bed ideas listed above, you stand a better chance of building a room you love. Without compromising on style, these beds give you the space you need to keep your home orderly and comfortable!

Are you ready to get on with designing the rest of your house? Check out the other home-related articles on this website!

Hot Air: How Does an Air to Water Heat Exchanger Work?

You ever wondered how heaters with two different energy sources work together? And, why wouldn’t you have an all-electric system or all-gas system?

In this article, we will discuss how these devices work and what they do to improve efficiency. We’ll start with some basic information about their operation. Then, we’ll move on to more detail about specific types of heat exchangers.

How Do Air-to-Water Heaters Work?

Air-to-water heaters appear in a variety of applications, including commercial and residential. They’re found at home or business locations where hot water gets used for bathing and cooking.

The air-to-water heater heats the incoming cold water with heated air from inside the unit. This process allows you to use less energy than if you were heating your water supply on-site.

An air water heat exchanger works by using natural gas or electricity as its power source. These units have two main components. There’s one that contains the combustion chamber and another that holds the water tank.

When the burner turns on, it creates high-temperature flames. These flames travel through the combustion chamber into the water tank.

As these flames pass over the water’s surface, they transfer thermal energy to the liquid.

When keeping the water flowing throughout the system, there needs to be an option to remove excess heat. The water passes through tubes located within the walls of the water tank.

These tubes act like radiators, transferring the remaining heat back out of the water. Once this occurs, the water begins to warm up.

Tyes of Air-To-Water Heat Exchangers

There are many types of air-to-water heat exchangers. Here are some examples:

Furnace Heat Exchanger

This kind of device uses forced convection to move large volumes of air across the top of the water tank. It works well when temperatures remain constant. Heat levels transferred depend on differences in ambient air and water temperature.

If the room becomes too hot, then the furnace fan kicks in and increases airflow. Yet, if the room gets too cold, the fan slows down until the temperature is as desired again.

Fireplace Heat Exchanger

A fireplace heat exchanger operates differently from a furnace heat exchanger. Instead of fans circulating air around the tank, a fireplace exchanger is radiant.

Because of this design feature, fireplace heat exchangers operate best during low humidity. Yet, they still need regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning.

Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

The shell and tube heat exchanger consists of small copper tubes running parallel. Each row runs along the length of the water tank.

A series of fins attached to each end cap helps increase the surface area available for heat exchange. Shell and tube heat exchangers are also called “tube and fin” heat exchangers.

Plate Heat Exchanger

These devices consist of thin metal plates stacked together. Like other types of plate heat exchangers, they rely on conduction.

Conduction transfers heat from the water to the environment. Plate heat exchangers are more efficient than other designs but not very durable. Over time, corrosion will cause them to fail.

Buy the Right Heat Exchanger

If you’ve got a cracked heat exchanger, then consider an air-to-water heat exchanger. Make sure you do your research and invest in one with a good warranty and aftercare service. That way, you won’t get left out in the cold!

Keep reading for more engaging content!

What Are the Different Types of Water Leaks That Occur Today?

Water leaks are a nightmare for all homeowners. However, leaks happen more commonly than people think. According to a report, a typical home can lose up to 10,000 gallons of water every year due to water leaks.

Water leaks lead to a significant wastage of money and precious water, leaving homes running inefficiently. While some types of water leaks, such as dripping showerheads and faucets, can be quite easy to detect, others could go undetected for weeks or even months. For example, leaking pipes could go unnoticed unless they are checked regularly by a professional.

There are many types of household water leaks. These include:

Water Softener Leaks

There are three significant reasons why your water softener might be leaking. These include a cracked bypass, a faulty rotor valve, and a loose water line connection. If you notice a loose waterline, you can simply tighten the fitting to solve the problem.

On the other hand, any damaged component of the water softener should be replaced immediately. Replacing these parts will save you both money and water that you will need to run your home.

Water leaks can also result from an old and worn-out rotor valve seal or a perforated brine tank. The best way to solve the problem is to call a professional to replace these parts.

Fountain and Pool Leaks

Pools and fountains are also vulnerable to leaks due to plumbing problems. For example, a small leak in your pool the size of a pinhole could lead to a loss of 970 gallons of water every day. Such a leak could go undetected for months, leading to an increased water bill.

Significant warning signs of water leaks in pools include cracks and fissures in the shell, algae and mold growths immediately after chemical treatment and loose tiles. You should also check the soil around your pool to confirm if it’s often damp.

Another great way to check if the fountain or pool is leaking is by testing it using a marked bucket. Place the bucket at the top step of the pool and leave it for 24 hours. After 24 hours, check the marked bucket to confirm if the water level is still the same. If it’s lower, you should contact a professional to help you with the repair.

Supply Line Water Leaks

A supply line water link is one of the most common types of water leaks at home. It can also lead to significant water bills and loss of water. Residential water supply pipes are buried deep into the ground, making this leak quite challenging to detect.

If you have a severe water supply leak, you may notice that some water will be seeping up on the ground directly above the supply pipe. This leads to the constant damp ground around the water supply pipes. Ensure you do a perimeter check constantly around your property to check for any damp soil.

Sometimes, leaking water from the supply lines often goes directly to the meter box. Therefore, keep a close eye on your meter box and contact a professional immediately you notice dampness around it. This could be an indicator that your water supply lines are leaking.

Tub, Shower, and Faucet Leaks

Have you noticed that your showerheads and faucets are often dripping even when turned off? This is probably the most common type of water leak at home because most homeowners don’t pay attention to dripping faucets or showerheads.

However, if the dripping is left for a while, it may lead to enormous wastage of water and money. Fortunately, it is easy to repair a dripping shower head or faucet. You can even do it yourself at home with the right tools.

The first step is determining the type of showerhead or faucet you have. It could be a cartridge or a compression valve. Then search for the correct repair method based on your faucet type.

On the other hand, bathtub leaks are often caused by water drain leaks. The drain pipe may be loose in most cases, leading to water dripping onto the beneath space.

Humidifier Leaks in the Whole House

Do you have a whole-house humidifier?  Humidifier leaks are often frustrating and annoying. However, these types of leaks are pretty common in houses with a central heating unit. That’s because the air distribution relies entirely on the vents and ductwork.

A whole-house humidifier is often connected to the supply pipes directly. Therefore, the leaks often start when the refill valve malfunctions or fails. The water leaking, as a result, will go directly into the sewer, hence, making it quite challenging to detect.

Before you detect this type of leak, too much water will already be wasted. When your AC is working to heat your home during the winter season, it’s advisable to do regular inspections of your humidifier.

Slab Leaks

Slab leaks are stressful and can quickly lead to a plumbing emergency. Homeownership isn’t easy. You will be responsible for handling many home repair emergencies such as water leaks, which can be a nightmare.

A slab leak can be quite challenging to detect and locate the source. For this reason, it’s advisable to hire a slab leak repair service to help you in case your slab is leaking. The professionals will also help you with slab leak detection to avoid severe water damage to your home.

A slab leak occurs when water pipes running under your home’s floors or basement burst or are damaged. This often leads to a leaking basement, growth of mold and mildew, and a spike in your water bills.

Ensure you check your floors for dampness and check whether there are any decreases in your household’s water pressure. These are the telltale signs of a slab leak.

Now You Know the Different Types of Water Leaks

There are many different types of water leaks. These may include slab leaks, fountain and pool leaks, and faucet and shower head dripping. Knowing the different types of household leaks will help you determine the best way to go about repairs.

Did you enjoy this article? Check out other posts on our site for more informative tips.

5 Biggest Online Shopping Mistakes

Online shopping is undoubtedly a convenient alternative to dealing with massive parking lots, or standing in long lines of people. Not to mention, in many cases, online prices are considerably cheaper than in-store products. However, along with the added convenience can also come certain risks. To keep you safe from some of the most common online shopping pitfalls, here are the biggest mistakes to avoid.

Forgetting About Used Products

A lot of people assume that the only way to buy what they want is by searching for brand new options. Not the case. You can save a considerable amount of money by buying used. Just because something is technically used doesn’t mean that it’s been run into the ground.

Technically, the minute something is open it is considered used. So, conceivably, something could have simply been opened and hardly used it all. The end result can be potentially hundreds of dollars shaved off the price of something!

Not Looking at Multiple Websites

A lot of people are in such a hurry to buy whatever it is they’re after that they buy from the first website they find. The problem is that it may not be the best price out there. Take the time to shop around on several different websites so you can get the best possible deal. A simple Google search will usually give you a few different options. In addition to looking at multiple websites, you should also look for coupon codes. You might be surprised to find that a significant percentage can be saved with a simple Google search.

Not Reading the Fine Print

It’s critical that you read all of the fine print in the item description. Sometimes pictures can be deceiving, so make sure that you read all of the dimensions and product details carefully. You could find yourself with a miniature version of something if you’re not careful.

Not Checking Shipping Costs

Often, people add an item to their cart and only pay attention to the subtotal before clicking buy. However, it’s important that you also pay attention to the shipping charges. Some websites may have astronomical shipping depending on where they are located, so always make sure that you read the total price including shipping before entering your payment details. In addition to shipping, you may even have import fees, so don’t let any extra costs get by you!

Not Reading Return Policies

Not every website has the same generous return policy as places like Amazon. Since you’re not actually holding a physical product in your hands, it’s always risky buying online. That’s why you want to make sure that you can return anything you buy from a website. Read the return policy carefully so that you can ensure you’ll get your money back if the product doesn’t work out.

10 Ways virtual receptionist services benefit your business

Receiving a call from your clients when you are too busy at work for the same reason? Looking for that perfect receptionist to answer calls when you might be out of town or otherwise unavailable? A virtual receptionist is a great solution. Here are ten ways the virtual receptionist service will benefit your business.

1. You’ll Provide Your Clients with Superior Customer Service

Your clients are your customers. You provide them with a service; you also hope to have them as repeat customers. If your communications are always professional and courteous, you’ll establish a great reputation.

This is because most people know what type of care to expect from businesses specializing in customer service. They will know that it’s the same no matter who they talk to, from the receptionist to the manager. That is what your virtual receptionist offers.

2. You’ll Foster a Professional Image

People like working with companies that are on their level. You want to be professional, and you want the clients who call your company to feel comfortable doing so as well. The virtual receptionist allows you to maintain a professional attitude throughout every level of the business.

You will never have to interact with clients personally unless you choose to. This allows you to be present and energetic with the business to make the callers feel comfortable.

3. You’ll Cut Your Employees’ Overhead Costs

A virtual receptionist can help you save money by eliminating the need for employees who answer calls, respond to emails, and do other administrative tasks. This will reduce your business’s overall cost and help you take on more contracts in the long run.

You won’t have to worry about building a staff capable of handling more clients or projects either, because your virtual receptionist can help with that.

4. You’ll Have More Time for the Business

Many business owners feel that they don’t have enough time to spend with their customers. A virtual receptionist will allow you to take a step back and look at your business from a different perspective.

You may concentrate more on growing your company rather than taking care of every customer call. A virtual receptionist is like having additional staff at a lower cost.

5. You’ll Improve Your Return on Investment (ROI)

If you own a business that makes profits, the virtual receptionist service can help you to increase your ROI.

Not only will your clients have better customer service, but they will also be able to get in touch with your company more easily. You won’t need to answer phone calls or deal with emails frequently.

6. Your Clients Will Expect Better Quality

Your clients will expect high quality from your company. If you can’t deliver it, they will probably look for another company that can.

With a virtual receptionist, you can provide them with the same service they are used to from you. You won’t need to worry about making calls or handling complaints or complaints.

7. You’ll Be Able to Take on More Clients

One of the biggest benefits of a virtual receptionist is that you’ll be able to take on more clients. If you find yourself suddenly swamped with work, you can always add more clients without adding staff.

Since the virtual receptionist is generally cheaper than hiring another person, it’s an ideal tool for growing your business. You can bring in more work without having to worry about taking on additional overhead costs.

8. You’ll Have More Time to Market the Business

Many entrepreneurs spend their time managing the day-to-day activities of their businesses. Rather than spending a lot of time marketing the business to potential clients, they rely on word of mouth and other forms of advertising.

With a virtual receptionist, you can take more time out of your schedule to work with others and build the company’s brand.

9. Your Clients Will Feel More at Ease

Your clients will feel more at ease when they can contact your company by phone or email. They’ll know that someone will always be there to help them, no matter the time of day. This means that they won’t need to stress about when they need to call.

10. You Can Save Money

A virtual receptionist is much cheaper than hiring a full-time receptionist. It’s a great solution for those just starting a business and doesn’t have the money to invest in employees. It will save you money in the long run because you won’t have to pay salaries or benefits. It’s a good idea to consider the virtual receptionist before ever taking on an employee.

Conclusion

With a virtual receptionist, you’ll be able to provide your clients with superior customer service. You’ll make more money, free up your time to do other important business issues, and improve your return on investment.

Newsletter

Facebook

Action Life Blog