I used Cubex last year for the majority of my pellet stove season. It is the best product I have used so far for low ask production, buildup and heat output. I tried several other brands - Energex, Allegheny, LG, American, Dry Creek, and Stove Chow. I think Stove Chow went out of business a few years ago so the bags must have been kicking around for a while ...... which brings me to another point. Consider how the pellet dealer handles the product after it has been manufactured. I went to one garden store in the area to see what they had and found a few tons on pellets on a pallet in the rain with no attempt to cover them. I asked why they were in the rain and was told there was no room to store them in the barn. I was also told it did not matter because they were only used as a cheaper alternative of a very similar product - horse bedding. Getting back to your question - Cubex is the best I have used but the price locally is significantly higher this year over last. Dry Creek is a close second in my mind. Not quite as clean but still a good product. I have pre-ordered three tons of Dry Creek for the upcoming season and will probably pick up another ton of a different brand to try. Here is a link that might be useful: Dry Creek Products

Hi All, I used to use powder until an appliance repairman had to come to my house to fix a maytag neptune. That's another sad story. Believe me they are never lonely now. Anyhow, the repairman told me that it's better to use liquid because it mixes with the water faster and works on your clothes longer. I have hard water so I can't say that I noticed any difference in cleaning ability. To prevent the build up problem, I just put the soap right in the washer while I'm loading. I must say that I love the more concentrated detergents. They are really much easier on the back and shoulder which is important to me. When I was in high school I had a Chemistry teacher that had retired from Proctor and Gambel in the 1960s. He told our class that at that time customers equated cleanliness with suds, lots of suds. Unfortunately, phosphates were used to make the suds. I'm looking forward to the day I only have to use a tablespoon of soap to do the clothes. Does anyone know if there is an additive that you can add to the wash water that really softens the wash water?

Not all waterproofing companies are created equal. We encourage people to thoroughly check the company's background before signing anything. And get estimates from more than one company. Here are some things that you should look for when getting an estimate: A trustworthy waterproofing company will not, and I repeat, will not: - Use questionable sales tactics (such as asking for a higher price and then give you an overly "generous" discount, but "only if you sign the contract right now". Beware of this type of company. Chances are that they know they will not be the contractor of choice, should you decide to get estimates from some of their competitors. - Misrepresent the urgency of the repairs to be performed or use scare tactics such as the "toxic mold" or "your basement is going to kill you" speech. A good contractor will be clear about the products and services you are purchasing and will propose solutions based on your budget and the things you want accomplished. You will know exactly what you are getting, why those products are necessary and what to expect as a result. You will be given a complete written proposal, detailing every product and service that will be performed, as well services that will need to be performed by other contractors at homeowner's expense (i.e. a dedicated circuit for dehumidifiers, pumps, etc...) When the salesperson leaves, you should be comfortable with every aspect of the deal. You will not be "sold" anything. You will feel as an educated consumer making an informed decision about your own waterproofing needs. You will also have a way to contact the salesperson at any time if you have any doubts. A trustworthy contractor will have an excellent reputation in the service area, excellent references from customers (ask for them and actually check), good BBB reputation. Good waterproofing companies are usually in business for many years or are backed up by a reputable network that will honor the warranty given in products and services over the years. Yes, such companies do exist. If the waterproofing company you are planning to hire didn't offer ALL of the above, you should really look further and get more estimates. In addition, if you did sign a contract that you feel that you were pushed into signing due to questionable sales tactics, the Federal Trade Commission issued the "Cooling-off rule", made into law in every state, which allows homeowners to change their minds when they purchase something from a salesperson outside the company's place of business. Designed to protect consumers from aggressive door-to-door sales tactics, the law gives you around 3 days to change your mind and cancel the deal, being entitled to a full refund and no penalties or cancellation fees

"is there any evidence that a rock creek bed would be superior to a swale for moving storm-water through the property?" No. Rock mulch might be preferable, though, in situations where grass or groundcover can't grow well. However, this is very few situations. Dry stream beds are usually created because someone wants the appearance of such a structure. Unfortunately, many of them are not well done and don't look good.