Connie Smith – Across America Movers

Clean water from your municipal water supply is regulated and safe to drink. However, some contaminants make it into your home from septic systems, chemical spills and illegal dumping.

Bacteria and viruses cause waterborne diseases like cholera, giardiasis and methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome). High levels of nitrates can also lead to serious illness, especially in low-income communities that live closest to industrial sources of pollution. Visit Site for more information.

Coliform Bacteria

Coliform bacteria are organisms commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans. They don’t cause illness in themselves, but their presence indicates that there is a chance of pathogenic (disease-producing) organisms in the water supply. The presence of coliform bacteria in drinking water often indicates that the water is contaminated by fecal waste, particularly from animal feedlots and dairies, septic systems or poorly constructed wells.

When you send a sample of your water to a lab, it will most likely be tested for total coliforms and also possibly for fecal coliforms and E. coli, depending on the method the lab uses to test your water. The fecal coliform group of bacteria are sub-groups of the total coliform group that appear in large quantities in fecal matter. The presence of fecal coliforms in your water sample suggests that the contamination may have occurred recently.

The concentration of fecal coliforms is hard to predict because they are living organisms that grow rapidly in favorable environmental conditions and die in large numbers when those conditions aren’t present. High concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria can be caused by runoff from urban areas, or when high amounts of sediment wash into streams and lakes during a storm. These bacteria can also be spread by dog, cat and raccoon waste that is carried into surface waters by fast-running water. Giardia is another water contaminant that comes from fecal waste and leads to gastrointestinal problems, as well as Legionella, which causes a respiratory infection called legionnaire’s disease.

Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidiosis is a dangerous microorganism that can cause diarrhoea and may be fatal in babies and people with weak immune systems. This parasite is found in human and animal faeces and spreads when people touch contaminated water and then put their hands near their mouth. It can also be spread by sharing food and drinks, such as bottled water or milk. Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include watery diarrhea, cramps, nausea and fatigue.

Most public water systems use groundwater as their source of drinking water, but surface water sources like rivers and lakes are vulnerable to contamination with Cryptosporidium. This is because the water can be contaminated by faeces and by oocysts (spores) from infected animals. Oocysts are resistant to chlorine treatment, so they must be removed through filtration.

Water system operators are required to test their water for cryptosporidium on a regular basis, and they must be able to detect any potential problems quickly. They must also keep their filtration systems operating at optimal levels to prevent breakdowns that allow this pathogen to enter the system.

The good news is that most people with healthy immune systems can fight off a Cryptosporidiosis infection within a few weeks. They can take a few preventative measures, such as boiling their water for one minute before drinking it and washing their clothes and towels on hot cycles. They can also drink plenty of fluids and make sure to rest so their bodies can recover.

Giardia

The Giardia parasite causes giardiasis, an intestinal illness that results in diarrhea. It is a waterborne illness, which means it can be caught by drinking infected water. It can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces or objects. Anyone can get infected with Giardia, but the risk is higher for infants and children, people with weakened immune systems, and travelers who drink untreated or improperly treated water.

Giardia can be found in lakes, rivers, streams, springs, ponds, and swimming holes that are not treated with chlorine. Giardia can even contaminate public pools that don’t have a filtering system. You can avoid getting sick from Giardia by boiling your water for three to five minutes. Use boiled water for brushing teeth, making ice, washing food that will not be cooked, and for making baby formula and coffee (but not for making tea because the heat is not hot enough to kill Giardia). You can also purchase a portable water filter at home or for travel to remove Giardia.

Water contamination often comes from chemicals, but these aren’t always dangerous to humans. Some, like aluminum, only pose a mild health risk for patients who undergo dialysis. Others, like iron, can cause clogs in pipes and a metallic taste in the water. Other chemicals, such as those that lead to algal blooms in lakes and other marine environments, suck oxygen away from animals, leading to dead zones.

Legionella

The Legionella bacteria is very dangerous when it grows in water. It is a bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. It thrives in warm water and has a high risk of infection from showers, hot tubs, water-based cooling systems, and fountains. The bacteria can also enter the air and be inhaled by those around it, causing extreme lung infections.

Gray water is easier to recycle and treat than sewage because it has fewer organic solids in it. But it can still cause problems if it’s not disposed of properly. For example, if too much chlorine is added to the water, it can create toxic chlorine compounds known as trihalomethanes, which are carcinogenic and can lead to health problems such as asthma, bronchitis, skin rashes, and pinkeye. These chemicals can also affect ecosystems by removing oxygen from lakes and oceans, resulting in dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive.

The best way to avoid Legionella is to regularly flush low-use fixtures and unused piping in your home. Then, keep water temperatures well below the optimum growth temperature for Legionella. This can be accomplished by insulating pipes, and by performing regular water tests as specified by your water management program. Also, be sure to use sterile water in respiratory equipment such as CPAPs and heater-cooler units and empty and clean tanks on humidifiers daily. This will help to prevent the growth of Legionella and other harmful organisms.

Arsenic

Arsenic is found naturally in some rocks and soil, and it can get into water. It is a very toxic metal that can cause cancers and other health issues. It can also lead to heart disease and respiratory problems. People are exposed to arsenic by drinking contaminated water, eating food prepped with contaminated water, and from the use of contaminated water to irrigate crops. Arsenic can be absorbed through the skin as well.

Most of the time, arsenic gets into drinking water from natural rock formations that dissolve it and carry it into underground aquifers, rivers or lakes that may be used for drinking water. It can also come from mining and smelting arsenic-containing ores. It can also be released into the air from volcanic eruptions. Arsenic in groundwater can contaminate drinking water by combining with organic carbon to form inorganic arsenic compounds like monomethylarsonic acid, orpiment, and Paris Green (CH3AsO(OH)2).

Some people are more at risk for exposure to arsenic than others. These include people with low socioeconomic status, and those living in southwestern states where concentrations of arsenic are high in private wells. Inhaling inorganic arsenic can lead to a sore throat and irritated lungs, while long-term exposure to lower concentrations can cause skin effects. It can also interfere with normal fetal development. SRP centers have worked with affected communities to encourage private well testing and provide information about the impact of arsenic in drinking water.

Fluoride

Fluoride (F-) is an inorganic anion that naturally occurs in minerals including phosphate and fluorite. It also is released in water by volcanoes and is found in most seawater and most groundwater. It is added to some drinking water supplies because it protects dental health, reduces tooth decay and helps children develop strong teeth. The CDC recommends an amount of 0.7 mg/L. Some research has linked excessive fluoride intake with skeletal fluorosis, which causes splinter-like bones in the joints and limbs. This risk is rare with community fluoridated water, however, and it is not considered to outweigh its dental benefits.

Chlorine is a disinfectant that is used by many municipal water systems to control microbes. It can be toxic at high levels, and when it combines with organic compounds in water, it creates harmful byproducts called trihalomethanes (TMH) and haloacetic acids (HAA). These chemicals increase the risk of cancer and other diseases, especially for infants and people with compromised immune systems.

Other dangerous contaminants in tap water include radiological substances like radium and uranium that may enter water from natural deposits or as a result of mining and drilling. Chemicals such as trichloroethylene (TCE) or polychlorinated biphenyls, which are linked to cancer and other diseases, may be present in tap water from industrial discharges or from corroded pipes.

When regular movers don’t have the specialized equipment to handle a delicate item like a piano, they often cause damage during transit. That can lead to costly repairs and emotional distress for owners.

Piano Movers Houston are skilled at maneuvering these large items through tight spaces, staircases, and doorways without damaging walls and floors. They also know when to use specialized tools for certain situations.

Dollies

Bulk, uneven weight distribution, and delicate legs can all make moving a piano dangerous and challenging—for the people doing it, and the instrument itself. But specialized equipment like piano dollies and skid boards can turn the task into one that’s easy, safe, and predictable.

Piano dollies are wheeled platforms designed to support the piano’s weight and reduce the risk of damage by spreading the load across a wider base. They typically have four or six wheels, a wide base to prevent the piano from tipping over, and straps to hold the piano securely in place. They’re especially important when moving a piano long distances or up and down stairs, but can also be used to transport a smaller upright through tight spaces like narrow hallways.

Piano movers may also use dual-carry trucks, which are basically two piano dollies that split the piano’s weight evenly and provide more stability and control. Whether you rent them, buy them, or hire professionals who already have the gear, the right tools can save your back (and your piano). And that investment of time and money pays off when your precious instrument arrives at its new home in perfect condition.

Skid Boards

Purchasing all the right gear to safely move a piano is a substantial investment. But the truth is, a small jolt during transport can crack the soundboard, damage the action, or gouge hardwood floors—repairs that dwarf the cost of the right equipment.

Pianos present unique logistical challenges during relocation, from the bulk of their frames to uneven weight distribution and delicate legs. Proper preparation minimizes these risks, turning a dangerous task into a predictable one. Professional movers use a variety of tools to ensure your instrument makes the trip without harm. From stair-climbing dollies to padded skid boards, these essentials make all the difference between a smooth move and a costly disaster.

Upright pianos ride vertically on a heavy-duty dolly, while baby grand and spinet pianos require the legs and pedals to be removed before being tipped onto a padded skid board. A well-made board helps support the weight of the piano and prevents undue stress on delicate parts, making it an essential tool for ensuring a safe relocation.

Skid boards are also used for navigating tight hallways and stairs during transit, helping the movers maneuver the piano with ease. When not in use, the boards are secured to the piano with locking straps to prevent shifting during the drive.

The best skids are made from maple, which is both sturdy and durable. A good skid should be sanded and treated with linseed oil to help it retain its luster over time. To create the perfect skid, movers mark the area to be cut with a pocket marker and measure and mark the dimensions of the frame. The boards are then cut with a miter saw and finished by hand with a router.

Moving a piano is not a job for the average person. The right equipment and proper handling techniques are crucial for a successful relocation, and the experienced professionals at Mountain Piano Moving Company have perfected their craft. Whether you need an upright moved across the street or a concert grand relocated to a new home, this team can do it all—and with your piano’s cherished memories in mind.

Moving Blankets

Piano moving requires a delicate touch, and using the right tools makes all the difference. Bulk, uneven weight distribution, fragile legs, stairs, and humidity swings make this job dangerous and unpredictable without the proper gear. The right piano dolly, skid board, straps, and ramp turn a hazardous lift into a controlled roll, allowing you to safely move your precious instrument and avoid costly disasters.

Before beginning the move, grab your tape measure and take precise measurements of your piano and the doorways, hallways, and staircases it must navigate. The extra time spent double-checking these details will save you from getting stuck halfway out the door or worse, forcing your piano through tight spots that risk damaging it.

After you’ve prepped the piano for transport, wrap it in thick blankets and protective foam, paying special attention to corners and the keyboard area. If you want to go the extra mile, invest in a custom piano crate or case to keep it safe during transit. Corner protectors safeguard vulnerable sections and prevent internal damage, while high-quality straps and tie-downs securely hold the piano in place.

While loading your piano into the truck, secure it with ratchet straps or E-track cam buckle straps rated for at least 800-1,000 lbs. These straps provide a firm grip and minimize shifting during transport, keeping your piano snug against one wall of the truck and protecting it from slamming against other items. I’ve seen boxes shift and slam into pianos during transit, causing expensive damage that could have been avoided with the proper strapping.

Once your piano is inside the truck, use a padded ramp to guide it up onto the dolly. This angled ramp turns a dangerous, uncontrolled lift into a controlled roll, allowing one person to safely guide the piano up and into the truck. Once loaded, tie down the piano with ratchet straps or safety hooks. Several types of tie-downs are available, each with its own set of unique needs. Choose a strap that can securely hold your piano in place while maintaining stability throughout the move, and always inspect them for wear and tear after each use.

Moving Straps

When it comes to moving a piano, proper preparation is key. These instruments weigh a lot, are top-heavy, and hide thousands of fragile parts that are vulnerable to impact damage. Even a small jolt can crack the soundboard, warp the action, or gouge hardwood floors–costs that dwarf the cost of purchasing or renting the right equipment to safely transport them.

That’s why movers use special stair-climbing dollies designed to take the strain off the back and neck of their team members while providing greater control as they move up and down flights of stairs. And for loading a grand into the truck, a sturdy ramp turns dangerous lifts into controlled rolls that avoid costly injuries.

Once in the truck, ratchet straps are used to secure the piano tightly to the rub rails that run along the sides of the cargo area. And furniture pads are placed under and around the instrument to absorb road vibrations that could rattle and damage its delicate frame. It’s also important to keep other heavy boxes and crates away from the piano during transit. I’ve seen too many shipments that arrive with expensive grand piano damage that could’ve been easily avoided by keeping other items out of the way.

Whether you’re a mover yourself or hiring professionals, the right tools make all the difference. Don’t skimp on the dollies, skid boards, straps, and blankets–they’ll pay you back in big ways when your heirloom arrives at its new home in perfect condition. And be sure to follow good lifting technique–bend those knees, keep your back straight, and communicate with your team every step of the way. This, plus the proper training and skill of a team of professional piano movers, is the best way to avoid expensive and heartbreaking damage during a move.

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