When a pipe springs a leak or a toilet won’t stop running, it is probably time to call a plumber. In addition to mentioning the problem, you should organize several types of information to explain during the phone call or when the plumbing expert comes to your home for an inspection and possible maintenance or repair.

1. Time.

Reporting the time aspects of a plumbing issue is important in several ways. You should note when the problem began or when it was noticed, how often it occurs unless it is constant, and how long it lasts, if it is on and off. For example, leaky pipes are probably constant, but a belching or gurgling sound might be heard only after flushing the toilet. Similarly, if the problem occurs during a certain time of day or night, it should be mentioned.

2. Location.

Not only should you state where the immediate problem is located, such as the downstairs bathroom toilet overflowing or flooding under the kitchen dishwasher, but try to check for the source of the problem within the visible plumbing structure. You might also look for adjacent areas where related water issues are occurring, for example, a wet spot on the wall that that can be traced to a fragmented drip pattern on the ceiling.

3. Scope.

The scope of the problem includes any areas of the home that are impacted. If you want to report a water pressure problem in one of the showers, do the other showers have the same problem or is it limited to just one? If the basement floor drain is backed up, is the basement toilet also having problems?

4. Effects.

Mention the effects of the water problem, especially if they are interfering with daily activities. For example, if your home has just one toilet and it cannot be used due to a plumbing problem, the plumber should be told that so that an appointment can be quickly scheduled. You may be able to find more resources and insights at the Express Rooter website.

5. Explanation.

In general, explain when and how you noticed the plumbing problem, whether it seems to be localized or systemic throughout the plumbing system, and the degree to which it is impacting household activities. If you aren’t getting enough water pressure to drink tap water, that presents an immediate issue that requires prompt resolution.

Although the plumbing company will send experienced, well-trained technicians to examine the problem area and propose a solution, providing initial information may shorten the time it takes for the problem to be evaluated and addressed. Pay attention to details and take notes if warranted before calling the plumbers for assistance.

You know you need to choose promotional products for your brand, but what kind of product will best meet your business objectives? You’ll have various items to choose from, including hats and t-shirts, pens and paper, and even frisbees and coffee cups. To get the most out of your marketing strategy, you must choose the right item. This process does require some deep thinking and diligent research. If you consider the following tips, then choosing the right promo product will be much easier.

1. Think about the Recipient

To achieve your marketing goals, you need to first understand your target market. Do some research to get a better feel for your audience. If you cater mostly to males, for example, then choose an item that will appeal to the male gender. Other factors to consider include your recipients’ industry, their interests, social status, age, occupation, etc. All of these can influence your decision when choosing the ideal promotional products to give away.

2. Be Unique

If you’re going to give out promotional products for free, then it’s highly recommended to avoid generic items. Rather, go for something unique—something that speaks to your business. This will leave lasting impressions on your customers and prospects and help you stay top of mind.

Giving out unique promotional products will make you stand out from your competitors. If you’re in the fitness industry, for example, don’t give out yet another t-shirt. Instead, go for a yoga mat or a water bottle. Think outside the box.

3. Plan for Longevity

Another thing to consider when choosing a promotional product is longevity. How long do you want your customers to hang on to your promotional items? Some products, such as bags and clothing, may last for many years. Customers or prospects will make good use of such items for an extended period. More so, an item that claims a specific spot in an office or living room can serve as a great reminder of how exceptional your products or services are.

Your main priority should be to keep your business relevant and etched in the minds of customers or prospects. This can’t be achieved if your promo item gets thrown in the trash the very next day.

4. Choose Relevant Products

Many businesses are guilty of this: Giving out irrelevant promotional products. Why give out items that will be of no use to your target customers? If your target customers don’t work on computers, why give them a mouse pad? That is a waste of time and resources. Instead, for instance, a company that specializes in the field of entertainment may consider gifting promotional products such as earbuds with its logo engraved on them. Giving out briefcases, in this case, is totally off the mark.

Give out promotional products that reflect your business. It should provide a clear mental picture of what your brand stands for. This is why you should choose relevant products.

When it comes to choosing a promotional product, it’s important to plan ahead. This will allow you more time to research unique and relevant products that will send the right message to your target market. Promotional products are an ideal way to advertise your business so make sure you choose wisely.

With big data analytics becoming more and more an essential part of any business or organization, jobs in big data are growing and so are salaries. The International Data Corporation expects analytics to grow into a $203 billion industry by 2020, and IBM estimates that jobs in the industry will expand from 2.3 to 2.7 million in the same time frame. High demand for these jobs along with the high productivity they offer ultimately means high salaries for individuals looking to enter the field of data analytics. Here are 5 of the best career options in big data to consider a big data course:

1. Big Data Engineer

Big data engineers can perform the same analysis as a data analyst but are mainly responsible developing, maintaining, and testing the performance of the big data solutions of a company. For this they require skills in software development and knowledge of the necessary hardware for developing data solutions. Big data engineers have knowledge of programming languages like Java, Linux, C++, PHP, Ruby, Python and R. The average salary for a big data engineer on Glassdoor is $138,000 a year.

2. Data Scientist

Data scientists are responsible for retrieving data for a company and determining the best ways to analyze it and create value out of it. Through data mining, they examine large and complex databases in order to generate new insights. Typically, a data scientist should be well-versed in machine learning tools and techniques, algorithms, and predictive models. The average salary for data scientist jobs on Glassdoor is $121,000 a year. Salaries for data scientists have seen the highest percentage increase of all big data jobs in recent years.

3. Data Architect

Data architects work with both with both the company management and big data analysts to design and maintain the company’s data architecture. Additionally, they are responsible for integrating data from multiple, unrelated data sources so that it can be used by data analysts and by those carrying out the business plans of the company. According to Glassdoor the average salary for data architect positions is $107,000.

4. Database Developer

Database developers analyze databases not for statistical purposes but for streamlining and updating them. They have computer skills in troubleshooting, getting rid of bugs and inefficient code, and managing security for databases. For this they need knowledge of the relevant computer programming languages. SQL is the most common programming language database developers use. Java, C++, Python, and Ruby are also useful languages for database developers. The average salary for database developers on Glassdoor is $86,000, and many can expect to earn over six figures, like the other fast growing big data jobs.

5. Data Analyst

Data analysts perform the majority of the statistical analysis that a company needs. Using the datasets provided to them, they can help a company make better decisions about how to determine prices, reduce costs, improve productivity and more. They are able to relay the methods and results of their analysis to company managers and employees in terms others can understand. Data analysts may have a bachelor’s degree in math, statistics, computer science or a related field. Taking a big data course helps as well. A master’s degree is required for most upper-level analyst jobs. Data analysts can expect to make between $65,000 to $120,000 a year.

Have you taken a good look at each window in your home lately? Windows tend to wear out just like other features of the house. Now is a good time to consider having them replaced, especially if any of these four issues are present.

1. The Old Ones Don’t Work

Opening a window to let in some fresh air used to be easy. These days, it takes a lot of effort just to raise the sash. In some cases, you’ll also exert a lot of energy trying to close it later. You may find that getting it open is hard, but keeping it that way is even harder.

Windows that work properly are not a convenience; they are a necessity. Instead of putting up with the frustration that comes with sashes that don’t work properly, replace them. The cost per window will be more affordable than you think, and you can have fresh air without the hassle.

2. There’s a Draft

Even when every sash is closed, you still feel a draft. It’s worse when you stand near certain windows. Maybe that’s not a bid deal during the more moderate seasons, but those drafts make the house uncomfortable during summer and winter. The smart move is to replace those older window frames and sashes. Doing so will put an end to the drafts.

3. You’re Spending More on Heating and Cooling Costs

The reason your heating and cooling costs are steadily rising is not an increase in rates or a lack of insulation. Window frames and sashes that are in poor condition make it harder to control the temperature and humidity levels in the home. The heating and cooling system expends more energy in order to compensate. Instead of watching the utility bills continue to rise, look into a complete window replacement. You’ll see the difference in costs beginning with the first full billing cycle after the windows installation is finished.

4. The Old Windows Make the House Look Bad

No matter how much scraping, sanding, and painting you do, the older window frames and sashes still look a little tired. The visual effect is not limited to the sashes and frames. Even if the rest of the exterior is in excellent condition, they will make the entire home look a little less inviting and a little more in need of care. By opting for a full window replacement, the curb appeal of your home instantly improves. Even people who don’t immediately notice what you changed are likely to comment that the house looks better and ask what you’ve done.

These are only a few reasons to move forward with a window replacement project. Talk with a contractor and find out more about how the change will benefit you now and in the years to come. It won’t take long to decide that this is one home improvement project that should not wait.

To ensure that your air conditioning equipment works flawlessly this summer, there are a few steps to follow before turning it on for the first time.

1. Change the Filter

Chances are you probably haven’t changed the filter on your air conditioning equipment since last summer. Once a filter accumulates dirt, it gets clogged. This makes your air conditioner work harder than expected, which will result in inflated energy bills. Regardless of the type of AC unit you have, be it window unit or central air, be sure to change it at least once every three months or as recommended by a professional to ensure it’s fully functional.

2. Keep the Condenser Clean

The air conditioning condenser’s primary responsibility is to draw in air from the outside. During this process, the condenser sucks in whatever comes in its path—dead leaves, dirt, dust, insects, you name it. Cleaning the condenser before the start of the summer will leave your AC working effectively.

3. Check Exposed Ductwork

One of the major sources of cooling loss is ductwork leakage. Inspect the ductwork that supplies conditioned air to each room. Remember, not all your ductwork is installed behind the walls. Make sure all exposed ductwork is properly sealed and intact to prevent leakage. If you discover a problem, call a professional to air conditioning repair Oshawa it before turning on the unit.

4. Check the Air Vents.

Odds are you’ve transformed the looks of your home’s interior. In the process of moving furniture to a position that complements the interior design, you might have blocked vents and minimized the unit’s efficiency. It’s best to check air vents and remove any items blocking them.

5. Check Your Thermostat

When was the last time you checked your thermostat to determine if it’s outlived its usefulness? Consider replacing the thermostat if it’s faulty or out of date. Most modern thermostats are computer-controlled. Check the battery in the thermostat to see the battery level. It’s recommended you change the battery annually, specifically at the start of summer.

6. Check the Electrical

Make sure the breaker switch is functioning correctly. Switch it on to see if it stays on. If it breaks after a short while the unit is running, then the air conditioning unit has developed an electrical fault. In this case, you should call a professional technician to find and fix the issue. Also, if you notice any irregularities in the electrical wiring lines or connections, call a professional immediately.

7. Contact a Professional for Inspection

To guarantee your AC will be working at an optimal level, it is recommended that you get your AC inspected by a qualified expert. A professional HVAC contractor can inspect your unit and fix any problems before they escalate. By doing this, you can save yourself the stress of dealing with the summer heat. If you’re worried about the cost, there are many affordable technicians in your local area offering expert air conditioning service for less.

Experiencing a problem with your air conditioning unit during summer, the hottest time of the year, can be frustrating. It can make your home unbearable. Take care of your AC now before it gets too hot to ensure comfortable living for you and your family.

Good leaders are memorable, think back to the best manager you’ve had and what set that person apart from the rest. On the same dime, think back to your worst manager, chances are that isn’t a face you’ll forget anytime soon either. The truth is, although a select few of us are born natural leaders, a lot of the skills required to succeed at this complicated task can be accomplished through effective leadership training. Learning how to effectively motivate and encourage people is an invaluable skill that will help you and your management team bring out the best in those around you.

1. The custom advantage

At the end of the day, we all enter the workforce with a unique skill set and roster of experiences that naturally makes us better suited towards different routes to success. The best type of leadership training will offer custom training that begins with an assessment of each participant and proceeds from there to cover the emotional, practical, and theoretical aspects of great leadership.

2. Identifying common goals for success

In general, successful leadership is about finding positive and consistent ways to motivate employees to perform with increased productivity. Great leaders are able to find innovative and individualized ways to move us and inspire us to our best work. One of the most important aspects of this dynamic is identifying common goals across the business in order to foster a team mentality where everyone wins.

3. Emotional intelligence and using empathy to empower

At its most basic level, leadership is about making your people feel that they are understood emotionally and that you value their needs both inside and outside of the business environment. Emotional intelligence is often cited as one of the most crucial components for successful management. Emotional intelligence involves being smart about emotions and using empathy effectively to empower and engage employees. Leadership courses that encompasses emotional intelligence can hone these emotional skills in your people managers and leaders.

4. Giving people a reason to stay and empowering the leaders of the future

One of the most frequently cited reason people use when explaining why they quit their job, is simply that they couldn’t stand their boss any longer. Dealing with ineffective leadership day in and day out is exhausting and ultimately people get fed up. That means that the costs of retraining and recruitment efforts can add up quickly if you don’t have the right people leading the pack. By investing in leadership training, you retain your people and cut costs in the long run.

5. Implementing a leadership strategy and style

Having long term employees also means that you have a naturally strong base from which to draw as your organization expands and grows. Moving forward, it is important to be strategic about developing and nurturing future leaders. Without a plan in place, promotions can end up being given away sloppily and hastily, to the most forward candidates with dominant personalities. Unfortunately, these people do not necessarily always make the best leaders. Quality leadership is a combination of the right qualities and the right training, it is about identify those who have what it takes and provide them with targeted leadership training.

Leadership training can also assist in applying the most suitable leadership style for your organization and the work you do. There are several leadership styles, all with their own advantages and disadvantages and the right training will help you determine which style your team members will best respond to.

6. Get people engaged and everyone makes better decisions

Positive feedback is an important part of motivating any workforce. As people learn and progress in their respective roles, they deserve to receive praise and encouragement. They also need to receive constructive criticism to understand where they can continue to improve. Through leadership training, you can teach effective ways to give feedback to motivate and increase the skill level of your people.

Water access is an essential component of modern home living and business operations. If the plumbing system breaks down in even a minor way, home residents or office workers may be without drinking water for hours if not days. It is often helpful to keep the name and contact information of a trusted professional plumber on hand who can both head off plumbing emergencies as well as keep your water flowing freely at home and on the job.

1. Annual maintenance.

Just like getting a car tune-up or the lawn fertilized every summer, it is a good idea to have your home or office plumbing system checked by an expert. Most of us don’t worry too much about the water supply as long as there are no problems. Then, suddenly, when a pipe breaks, a drain clogs, or the hot water tank begins to leak we contact a professional technician for help. Before problems reach that stage, let a licensed plumber look over the system each year to prevent major water problems from developing unexpectedly.

2. Minor repairs.

Busy people or those with tight budgets sometimes notice small plumbing issues but ignore them, thinking there is no rush to get them fixed. Before long, the minor annoyance like a drippy faucet or slow-running toilet becomes a bigger problem, causing inconvenience as well as potentially costly repairs. Addressing small problems before they escalate can save time and money.

3. Major issues.

When a major problem develops, some homeowners or business owners attempt to fix it themselves. They might watch videos, read articles, or ask the neighbor in an effort to cut costs. But it is not uncommon for many people to be unable to fix significant plumbing issues that can impact the home or business plumbing system, creating inconvenience as well as frustration. To save time and money, it is often more effective to contact plumbing companies to handle dripping pipes and backed-up drains to do the work in an efficient manner.

4. Reliable service.

When asking a relative or coworker to help with a plumbing system, you might have to wait until they have time to do it. Then you hope they have the experience and skill to fix your water problem promptly and correctly, not to mention at reasonable cost. On the other hand, calling professional plumbers can get the job done quickly and accurately by qualified plumbing experts.

Water is arguable one of the top two or three resources needed to sustain life. Contact a professional plumbing company for help with your water pipes, drains, tubs, tanks, and toilets. A few hours without water is annoying if not problematic, so contact a plumber for your water system needs.

There are many benefits of ordering custom sheet metal products for your business, ranging from efficiency, to lifespan, to durability. Here, we’ll go over the top 5 benefits of custom sheet metal fabrication so you can make an informed decision about what’s right for your business.

1. Increased lifespan of components

When choosing between custom or prefabricated products, you’ll want to consider the lifespan of the product. One thing many customers don’t realize is that custom sheet metal products can often have an increased lifespan, because they’re custom built for your purposes.

For example, stock products are made with a general blend of alloys that work in many different situations. However, when you order custom sheet metal fabrication, we take into account all the processes the metal will be involved in and we can customize a blend that will work best in your situation.

While customized products can sometimes be slightly more expensive, they tend to pay for themselves because of their increased lifespan and less frequent need for replacement.

2. Increased efficiency overall

Customized sheet metal fabrication can increase the efficiency of your processes. Custom sheet metal products can be optimized to meet your specific needs, unlike stock products which tend to be less efficient.

Custom sheet metal fabrication professionals can also create multi-use products that can be used at many steps in the manufacturing process, which can reduce the time needed between steps. This increases your overall efficiency.

3. Compatibility of parts

Custom sheet metal fabrication specialists can customize sheet metal products in terms of shape and size, so they’re compatible with a range of hardware. On the other hand, pre-existing designs may not fit optimally.

For example, if your company had a sanitation chamber of specific dimensions, you’d want a tray that’s as large as can comfortably fit in the chamber. This would maximize the total number of parts sanitized per load, overall increasing your business’s efficiency and impacting the bottom line. Custom sheet metal fabrication is an investment that can pay off big time.

4. Sheet metal is lightweight

Custom sheet metal products are generally considered lightweight when compared to alternatives. This means the cost of shipping and delivery will be much lower, not to mention ease of installation.

5. Strength and durability

Custom sheet metal products can certainly solve many problems, but you want to make sure they’re not going to cause any more problems by breaking easily. Sheet metal is known to be extremely durable and very strong, despite being lightweight, meaning the products you order will work as hard as they look good.

Sheet metal products are also known to be highly resistant to a variety of conditions, including rain and sun. This means they can easily be used in outdoor applications with no problem.

Because immigration has become a hot topic in many locations around the planet, it’s important for individuals who may be affected to have accurate and honest information on this subject. While you don’t have to know every detail, it will help when you discuss your specific situation with your immigration lawyer Toronto. In fact, you’d be best served by having general knowledge and leaving the intricate matters to the legal professional.

1. Immigration Law Is Civil Law

Your legal expert will be able to explain the difference between civil law and criminal law, which makes a great deal of difference because someone who comes into a country to work and live without documentation is not committing a crime by that one action. This can be a tricky question best left to your lawyer. But it would serve you well to ask for clarification.

2. A Good Attorney

As with many tips for doing things the right way, this one may seem a bit obvious. But you shouldn’t act as if you understand immigration law at the same level as an immigration lawyer. As a person coming into a country, you may have a social worker or a representative of a government agency as your first contact. The combination of a dedicated individual in a government or agency capacity with a knowledgeable, experienced lawyer should put you in a less stressful and more protected position.

3. Options

People who want to live and work in Canada have a number of options, which your lawyer will discuss with you. Some individuals will enter the country under the Skilled Worker immigration category (engineers, lawyers, and so on). Other categories are Investor, Trade Worker, Family Sponsorship, Canadian Experience immigration. For example, the Family Sponsorship category applies to spouses, children, or common-law partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Again, these are details that you should discuss with a legal professional.

4. Government Departments

It may help you to have basic information about the government offices involved in the complex process of immigration law. First on the list is the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This office has oversight for immigration and citizenship. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has responsibility for border and port-of-entry services.

You should work with an immigration lawyer if you have questions about these departments or if you have concerns about your plans or status. This legal professional can also assist with such areas as removal orders based on health records, visa status, and criminality. You may also need legal help if a removal order is issued. In this case there will be specific instructions on when and how you must leave the country.

5. Appeals, Legal Help

It’s possible to appeal a removal order but the process involves a hearing by the Immigration Appeal Division, part of the Immigration and Refugee Board. Your status as an immigrant is

serious and can be complex, whether in the planning stages, in the early stages, or if you are affected by enforcement procedures. It’s always best to have the help of an experienced legal professional.

Commercial litigation is broadly described as a field of law that encompasses all legal disputes involving businesses and other commercial entities. There are different types of laws regulating commercial entities in Canada. If any individual or entity fails to fulfill an obligation, you can take legal action. Regardless of the type of business dispute that arises, it’s recommended that you consult with a professional commercial litigation lawyer.

Here are some common types of commercial litigation cases a lawyer may advise on.

1. Fraud and Deceptive Practices

This type of commercial litigation case occurs when a business fails to meet required standards and delivers products and/or services different than was stated. In other words, the entity wasn’t honest in their dealings.

In addition, there can be abuse or fraud of intellectual property. Revealing trade secrets to cause harm to a business is a breach of confidentiality. In this case, you need a qualified commercial litigation lawyer to represent you and protect your business value.

2. Breach of Contract

Contracts bind specific business dealings and as such create a private law. If a vendor, service, or business representative fails to meet the obligations in a contract, litigation for a breach of contract becomes inevitable. The defendant, if found guilty, will be required to compensate the non-breaching party for refusing to keep their end of the contract.

Breach of contract is one of the most common litigation cases, and as such you need a commercial litigation lawyer who has the skills and experience in handling all type of commercial litigation cases, whether simple or complex.

3. Tortuous Interference

Tortuous interference is when an individual or entity in a contract sues a third party for attempting to interfere with the contract in order to cause a breach, which can adversely affect either or both parties. This happens when a third party is trying to prevent one or both parties from fulfilling the obligations of the contract. A typical example is when an employee who is bound by a non-compete clause breaches their contract and then starts work with a competing company.

In this case, the employer with the non-compete clause has the right to not only file a lawsuit against the employee for breach of contract, but also sue the other company the employee is working with for tortuous interference. This kind of case requires the experience of a commercial litigation lawyer.

4. Employer and Employee Disputes

Employment disputes involve disagreement about pay discrepancies, unlawful job termination, or work environment. An employee may file a lawsuit against a business if he or she considers the termination unfair or discriminatory. Another instance is when an employee is subjected to a hostile work environment.

Not only does litigations arise from employees, but job candidates can also file a claim on the basis that they were rejected indiscriminately. A commercial litigation lawyer frequently handles cases involving disputes between employers and employees.

While this doesn’t outline all types of commercial litigations, it gives one insights into reasons why filing a claim may be appropriate. If your business is faced with one of the issues outlined above, contact a seasoned commercial litigation lawyer immediately for a case evaluation. They can represent your business interests.