Budget-Friendly Home Renovation Ideas

Many people think "too expensive" when they hear "home renovation." However, updating your home does not have to cost an arm and a leg. We've compiled a list of quick and easy budget upgrades to help you get started on your next home improvement project. Here are a few suggestions for cost-effective upgrades to update your home.

Begin with Simple Fixes

There are numerous inexpensive ideas to update your home decor without spending large sums of money. Here are four innovative ideas:

●      Redecorate a room in a modern color with a fresh coat of paint. It is a low-cost way to remodel a room for maximum impact.

●      Wooden floors look great but are expensive to have sand and varnish, so consider using a less expensive option like durable floor paint to spruce up the floor.

●      To give a room a boost, replace old or outdated light fixtures with modern lighting.

●      Installing wider profile skirting and architraves will look more luxurious than thin skirtings and architraves.

Focus on the Kitchen and Bathroom

Concentrate on increasing the value of the kitchen and bathroom, as these are the rooms in your house that will increase the value of your property when the time comes to sell. Even on a low budget, you can make changes to a kitchen and bathroom that will have a significant impact. Consider updating cabinet handles, repairing chipped tiles, or replacing outdated faucets with more modern options. Adding a splashback and drawer organizers or extra shelves will give the space a different feel without costing a fortune.

If your kitchen or bathroom has dark laminated cabinets, the interior will appear dreary and outdated. Apply an undercoat and paint right over the top to give them a fresh, new look using laminate paints. Another suggestion is to replace old fixtures and fittings with new ones that seem high-end but aren't too expensive.

Search for Good Deals

When it comes to decorating a house on a budget, online auctions and dealers are your best friends. While it may take a little longer to find what you need, buying rebranded goods or second-hand materials can save you hundreds of dollars. However, not everyone is comfortable with purchasing a previously owned item. In this case, you can save or invest to afford to buy brand-new items that cost more. Have a look at the best investment apps for beginners online, and consider trying your hand at investing as an option to generate the funds for your renovation.

Include an Area for Outdoor Entertaining

An area for outdoor entertaining is high on many buyers' wish lists most times, and it may make or break a home's sale. If you already have a patio, you can quickly transform it into an outside entertainment space by adding inexpensive furniture, lighting, and a grilling area. If you do not have a patio, consider building a deck off the lounge to create an indoor-outdoor flow. If the project is small enough, it doesn't have to be expensive or require official permits.

DIY Where Possible

Do these jobs yourself to save money if you're handy with a paintbrush or complete a simple tiling job. When it comes to electrical, plumbing, and structural work, always hire professionals, get at least three quotes, and check recommendations. Doing your homework can save you a great deal of money on labor. While not hiring a contractor can help you save money on your home renovation project, make sure you have the necessary skills and tools to complete your entire to-do list. If you need to hire a contractor for some work, bear in mind the cost of the contractor's fees and materials.

Completing renovation projects yourself can help you save money in a variety of ways. It's also a good idea to enlist the help of family and friends for gardening tasks such as weeding, painting fences, and planting trees. They shouldn't mind too much, especially if you order pizza and have cold drinks waiting for them!

Don't be afraid to look into sustainable alternatives when renovating! You're not only helping the environment, but you're also saving money in the long run.

Modify a Fireplace

A fireplace is a focal point to any room, and it can be a challenging task to renovate one. However, it does not have to be as daunting as it appears, and you do not need to spend a lot of money!

You may be able to modify the fireplace on a shoestring budget, or you may need to replace the existing furnace. In any case, you should be aware of today's modern furnaces and which alternative will best meet your needs and keep your family warm in winter.

In the same vein, the most common type of heating system installed in homes across the country is a gas furnace. This type of furnace operates through central air ducts and requires a connection to a municipal gas line. The gas heats the air, which then travels through the ductwork to different rooms in your house. Gas heating is the most cost-effective furnace type, and natural gas is generally less expensive than oil and electricity.

Furniture Rearrangement and Refurbishment

Rearranging furniture can completely transform a room's look and feel, and it's a crucial part of completing a home remodel on a budget. Choose a focal point in a room and arrange your furniture around it. You can also spruce up old furniture by refinishing the wood or reupholstering couches and chairs for a fresh look.

Innovative Lighting

Overhead fixtures and portable lamps are only a matter of perspective when it comes to lighting. You can use pops of illumination to give your home a warm glow—and a personalized touch—in addition to providing functional task lighting on a friendly budget. Hang a pendant light bedside your bed in place of using a traditional lamp or highlight a bookshelf with mini lights that showcase artwork or other display pieces. You can also uplight a plant by placing a small spotlight next to a large container and angling it up toward the foliage at about a 45-degree angle.

Conclusion

The key to renovating or redecorating your home beautifully while staying within your budget is to set a goal for yourself, paint an entire picture of what you want, and then renovate each part of your home one by one, as described above.

Guest Contributor: Ellie Lott

Halloween DIY Decorations

Are you looking to spruce up your house, inside and outside, but can’t afford to spend much money on decorations? Luckily for you, fall and Halloween decorations don’t have to cost much if you’re creative! There are so many ways you can take leftovers from previous projects you’ve done or things lying around the house and make good use out of them for super cute decorations around your house.

Look at this super cute jack o’lantern with mums sprouting out of the top. This is a super cute decoration that can be done easily by going to a local dollar store and buying the trick or treat baskets and planting your own mums or buying some locally at a farm, pumpkin patch, grocery store, or anywhere else that sells mums!

Another cheap but cute little project! Take any bottle that you have laying around your house, could be filled or empty, and buy little googly eyes. Those can also be purchased at a local dollar store and usually come in many different shapes and sizes. This would be a good DIY to make when you’re having friends over, and confuse them when you go to drink out of it!

Fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas? Jack Skellington is super popular around this time of the year into the end of the year, it’s a classic! You can find this specific light again, at a dollar store and you can take a permanent black marker and draw his face on the light yourself! You can buy a couple and make him have multiple facial expressions!

This DIY is easy for everybody to do since it includes everyday necessities. Do not throw away all of your toilet paper or napkins to get to the roll (those things were once scarce because of covid!), instead just wait until it goes empty. You might be able to make a couple of these little cute rolls out of one napkin roll since they’re longer.

This is the perfect DIY if you have pool noodles from owning a pool! Most noodles get gross over the winter, so what better way to make use out of them before tossing! Don’t worry, you can still find these at a dollar store if you don’t own a pool.

Such a cute decoration that can be placed inside or outside! Easy to do, and can be substituted with other materials to make this project work. All you need is some paint and patience to make this cute halloween craft!

Have left over materials from other projects you’ve done? These creepy cool hands can be made out of almost any materials. Wood, cardboard, plastic. If you use wood or cardboard, remember to weather-proof it!

This is so adorable!! This one can be done with fresh sunflowers or fake ones, but just remember the real ones can’t be reused, so fake is probably the best bet! You can find the skulls and fake flowers at a dollar store, and can use hot glue to glue the faces into the center! Perfect for those who love skulls and sunflowers, and can even be used year round.

Halloween is one of the best times of the year, and decorating your house with spooky decorations can make the spooky spirit even better. Most things can be found at your local dollar store, and if not there are always alternatives to materials. Get creative and stay spooky!!!

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

The Cutest DIY Gifts For Your Loved Ones Holiday DIY Gift Ideas

The holidays are here with us, and with them comes our need to spread some cheer. There are so many ways to do it! You could go to the best online dating sites and get your introverted best friend a blind date or go to your favorite store and buy them a lavish gift. There’s no limit to your imagination.

But here’s the truth for all of us: this year has been a particularly hard one. So chances are you are on a budget, and you still want to get all your loved ones something unique to cherish. And something like a DIY gift bag will surely help you pass the message across!

The thought, time, and effort it takes to make something for your loved one give DIY gifts that extra kick. And they can be as cost-effective as you wish them to be.

So whether you’re an amateur or an expert, here are some DIY gift ideas that will surely inspire you this year!

DIY Gifts To Express Your Love

Family Art Illustrations

What an excellent reminder that family is forever no matter where you or the other person is. These are the perfect DIY holiday gifts for the people in your life to show them your affection and care. Such DIY gifts are thoughtful but will require you to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes.

You can design family art illustration DIY gifts to display ancestry branches as far back as you discover them. Be careful to fill in specific details such as dates of birth, maiden names, marriages, or even deaths. If you can’t find some details, ask older family members or try your luck on Ancestry.

Tie And Dye Party Kit

You can get many DIY gits from a single tie and dye party kit. Everyone knows tie and dye are back in style, and whoever you give this DIY gift box will appreciate it even more. If you have a fashionista in your life, they may be looking to get other people DIY homemade gifts, so party kit gift ideas are a great way to show them how thoughtful you are.

Flower String Art

Flower string art DIY gifts are a huge hit with nature lovers. Whether you choose to make string art lilies, daffodils, roses, or sunflowers, the choice is yours, and all you need is a day of fervent concentration to complete one. Making these DIY gifts isn’t hard at all. However, you will need to be careful when pushing the nails onto the wood or cardboard.

Washi Tape Mirror

Everyone needs an extra mirror in their house. These are great DIY gifts for mom if she’s been complaining about adding a little ‘zhuzh’ to her bathroom. You can use washi tape to give an ordinary bathroom mirror some personality.

If you want it to look festive, get a few colors and layer them in a colorful pattern around the target mirror. Think of it as sprinkling a little of your personality to your loved one’s home. Other than that, this is also among some perfect DIY birthday gifts or DIY gifts for a bridal shower.

Roasted Cinnamon Almonds

Some of the best DIY gifts for your boyfriend, girlfriend, family; anyone really, are those that are made with love and care, and what better way to show it than making some delicious sweets? One such yummy treat is roasted cinnamon almonds. This treat is pretty easy to make, and in fact, will just take you a couple of steps. Bake roasted almonds scrubbed in cinnamon if you’re looking for sweet DIY gifts to present to your new neighbors or thank your hosts for such a lovely evening.

Dog Treat Jar

Do you know what are the best DIY gifts for dog owners? A dog treat jar! It will not only make the canine companion excited, but the owner as well, as they love their pets, and want to see them happy. So, you can get a sizeable mason jar and etch the dog’s name on it. And then just fill the jar with all sorts of treats the dog would love.

Other than that, this is among the best DIY gifts ideas for your dog, and you can just make this gift for them. After all, we adore our pets, and they deserve treats and small gifts just like humans do!

Custom Cheese Board

Custom cheese boards are the perfect DIY gifts for best friend in your life who loves to cook, whether it’s your mom, dad, grandma - anyone. So help your friend showcase their culinary skills with a personalized cheese board that speaks to their art.

You can also make a custom cheese board if there’s a loved one in your life who loves to host parties. Let them know that someone appreciates their effort in the kitchen, make them a present, and they’ll cherish this gift forever. 

Customized Quote Pillow

How about soft and cuddly DIY birthday gifts for your siblings? You can customize a pillow by adding art or quotes the person you’re presenting it to will appreciate. A personalized pillow is an excellent way of telling someone you care for them, and they’ll add an uplifting aura to the space they love to be in.

Macrame Making Kit

Macrame DIY gifts are a great choice if big projects aren’t your thing. These DIY gifts are excellent stock stuffers that won’t take much time or space to make. You can make plenty of simple things with macrame kits, so keep your mind open to different possibilities.

Bath Bomb Mold Set

These DIY gifts are an excellent reminder to your loved ones to take some time off and relax. With these DIY gifts, they can quickly turn their bathrooms into a personal spa complete with sweet-smelling essential oils. You can package these DIY gifts in different dyes so they can turn their bath experience into a rainbow explosion.

  A Book About Them

If you’re looking for DIY gifts that will express to your significant other or loved one exactly how you feel about them, this could be the perfect one.

An ideal title for book DIY gifts would be, This is How I Feel About You. Remember that this is one of the most intimate DIY gifts, so focus on situations you’ve been in together, how this person makes you feel or the kind of future you envision with them. 

Knitted Blanket

If you don’t know how knitting may not be the easiest way to do DIY gifts. However, some beginner-friendly patterns will make the process much easier for you. Knitted blanket DIY gifts are the perfect choice for the couch potatoes in your life or movie night with your family.

Plus, there are many colors, and patterns to choose from! So ask your loved one what their favorite color is and gift them a blanket.

Conclusion

And that’s all the DIT gift ideas that we wanted to share! All and all, the holidays are the perfect time to practice your DIY skills, and whichever gift idea you choose, think of the ones your loved ones are sure to love. We have no doubt that you will have a fun time coming up with a gift, and the recipient will adore it!

So, what do you think are your best DIY gifts from our list? Or perhaps you even have your own idea?  Let us know in the comments below!

Author bio:

Aria Green is a family photographer, relationship psychology writer. A wife and a mother of two adorable kids who won't get bored even for a minute. As for a writing passion, she loves personality psychology, helping people with advice on the relationship between a man and a woman.

The most common drainage problems homeowners face

Drainage issues are some of the worst to deal with, simply by virtue of how much damage water can cause to a home. This means you need to be particularly careful when dealing with them! And one part of the preparations you can make is getting to know as much about them as possible. Thus, we have put together a list of the most common drainage problems homeowners face.

Issues with downspouts and gutters

Gutters and downspouts can get clogged or suffer a whole series of other issues. If they are improperly installed, any misalignment can cause them to either let water drip down your façade in rivulets or accumulate in the gutters. The same goes for dents or bumps in the gutters. And clogs in either of the two will result in water streaming down the outside of your home. An easy way to prevent most of these issues, other than improper installation, is adding gutter covers and guards. They will keep your gutters safe from damage, stop them from getting clogged, and prevent critters from getting into them.

Improperly installed gutters can be dangerous, too!

Depressions in your yard

Depressions in your yard can allow for water accumulation during rainfall. Do not discount this as a small problem. Puddles may not look like that big of a deal. But the more you ignore them, the bigger the problem can potentially get, particularly if these puddles are forming close to your house's foundation. And doubly so if your foundation is somewhat faulty, leading to the formation of cracks where your home meets ground if it features any walkway around it. It is possible for the water to slowly start seeping into the cracks, causing severe water damage to the inside of your home. Constantly battling to keep mold out of your basement would only be the start of your troubles.

Problems with grading

In simple terms, 'Grading' refers to the gentle incline or installed water pathway meant to direct water away from your home and down a drainage catch basin. This way, it neither accumulates near the house walls, ready to cause problems, nor does it flood the streets. However, experts from mastermovingguide.com warn of how often visible grading problems are overlooked during a home purchase. Just like previously mentioned depressions, these do not usually seem like a big deal. However, if the grading directs water to your home, it can cause even more damage than depression accumulation. After all, it is actively funneling excessive amounts of water in the direction of your home!

Clogged pipes

Clogged pipes are one of the most common drainage problems homeowners face. However, what truly makes this issue so thorny is the sheer scope of what can cause it. The most frequent cause of clogged pipes is the accumulation of dirt, be it mineral buildup, toilet paper, small objects, or even hair from showers. Thankfully, however, most of these can be fixed using different chemicals meant to dissolve or break down the clog without ever contacting professional plumbers. A much more severe problem is clogs caused by tree roots. You read that right. It is possible for roots to either break into or grow their way into pipes, feeding on their content and expanding to fill them entirely. In this case, the only solution is to replace the pipes completely. Thankfully, there are ways to safeguard your plumbing from tree roots. 

Clogs can also form because of a bent pipe causing accumulation!

Pipe leakage

Potentially much worse than a clogged pipe is one that seems to work perfectly fine yet actually sports a leak. This is somewhat less annoying in pipes that funnel water into your home. While having a potential flood on your hands is not fun, at least the water is clean. On the other hand, drainage pipes can disgorge all kinds of unpleasantness if they develop a leak. If a foul odor suddenly develops in your home, you might want to immediately contact a plumbing professional for a checkup. Or, if you are renting and your landlord is responsible for the plumbing maintenance, call them instead. It is not an issue you can fix alone.

Leaks, unless caught quickly, can cause a lot of damage.

Bad odors

No matter how well you go about staging a home for sale to attract buyers, there is one thing that can ruin all your efforts: foul odors. We have already mentioned that it can be a result of a leak in a run-off pipe. However, bad smells can develop due to a whole host of other plumbing problems as well. In fact, the odor itself is one of the most common drainage problems homeowners face and can be fixed. No matter what you might tell yourself, it is not 'normal.' And if you do not want to get used to it, immediately contact a professional plumber so they can offer possible solutions.

Sewer backup

Almost none of the most common drainage problems homeowners face are as horrible as sewer backup, notably because it most commonly happens in toilets. Unfortunately, there is not much that plumbing checks before moving into a home can do to predict or prevent such a problem. It is primarily because of issues in the sewer lateral, the connection between the city's sewage system and your own. However, it can be the result of a bad enough clog. So, make sure to get those taken care of as soon as they pop up!

Erosion or neighbor run-off

Living on a hill can be tricky enough. Living on a hill suffering erosion, or dealing with water run-off from neighbors living a level 'above you, is even worse. Unfortunately, while this is one of the most common drainage problems homeowners face in hilly areas, there is not much you can do to address the cause. All you can do is construct something to redirect the deluge of water. So it does not lead directly to your home. If you are suffering from this problem, you will most definitely notice the first time there is heavy rainfall. Your best bet is to approach your neighbor and see if you can come up with a solution together. 

Final Thoughts

This concludes the list of the most common drainage problems homeowners face. We hope that having read it, you are a bit better prepared to face potential issues ahead! The critical thing to remember is not to panic and immediately look for professional help. Without the proper knowledge and tools, you won't be able to tackle most drainage problems yourself. 

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry

3 Tips To Promote Your Plumbing Services On the Internet

Internet

The plumbing services on-demand are always relevant for homeowners. Nevertheless, there is high competition in the market so promoting your business online can be a winning tactic to stand out on the local market. How to market a plumbing business? To create a large customer base and stand out from the competition, proper online promotion and local plumbing marketing backed up by a detailed plan are the must-follow practices.

How to start promoting your services on the Internet? Below you will find three effective tips to help you quickly conquer your local market.

Prepare Quality Content

As the behavior of consumers shows, then before they turn to a specialist for help, they will try to fix the problem on their own. This is especially true in such an area as plumbing. So, all the kinds of actionable guides on how to fix and prevent the problem are the types of content your customers will appreciate. This is also a great strategy to build good links.

Therefore, creating quality content for your SEO plumbing company marketing is one of the best ways to get customers, and promote a website in Google. What to consider when writing optimized content that will be on top of blogs Google? Here are some tips:

●      Create useful content. In such an area as plumbing, the user wants to get a specific answer to his request. Often it is about whether they can solve the problem on their own or whether they need professional help.

●      Share “how-to” tips. You need to provide your readers with specific guidance on a topic. This can be a step-by-step instruction on how to fix the problem yourself or how to proceed before seeking help from a professional.

●      Follow a clear structure. Each of your texts should be easy to read for prospective customers. Therefore, it is worth making short sentences, and the paragraph should contain no more than five sentences. It is also recommended to use subheadings and lists.

●      Use relevant keywords. For the content to be correctly analyzed by search engines, it is worth preparing relevant keywords. They will help search engines rank your article in response to the relevant queries. In an area like plumbing, remember to include local keywords with city mention where you are providing the service to get targeted traffic. 

Pro tip! Get registered in Google My Business. This is a perfect platform to get better discovered by the local customers, update them on your working schedule, and build your online reputation with the help of the reviews they can share.

Implement a Guest Posting Strategy

If you want to start promoting quickly and get an influx of target audience, then you should consider such a strategy as guest posting. The essence of this strategy is that you find a suitable site with which you have the same target audience. The essence of cooperation lies in placing sponsored posts with a mention of your site. As a result of this partnership, you will be able to get backlinks and traffic. If the benefits of live traffic are clear, then as far as backlinks are concerned, this is a chance to advance in the rankings.

Backlinks are an indicator for search engines that a resource is authoritative. The presence of backlinks makes your website more credible as well, and then the search algorithms begin to promote the site in ranking. This strategy can be implemented both independently and with the help of professional services. 

As for the first option, you should be prepared for the fact that it will take time to find appropriate partners and to study all the nuances of such cooperation. It is possible to find free websites for plumber advertising, but it is not an easy task. 

Using professional services will allow you to get rid of the guest posting routine and get results sooner. This is because professionals already have a database of sites among which they can quickly select the ones they need for your audience and quickly agree on cooperation. You can see this here and get a professional guest posting service.

Join Social Media

Considering the fact that social media can be effective for any business promotion, it can be a great tool for plumber marketing as well. Firstly, you can use targeted advertising, which will allow you to reach the target audience and effectively promote your services.

Secondly, creating a business profile on popular social media is a good idea to get noticed. Create interesting texts, share reviews, notify your subscribers about promotional offers and don’t forget about quality images and photo editing. Constant communication with your subscribers will create awareness. When your subscriber needs the services of a plumber, then there is a high probability that they will remember your profile and turn to you for help.

The Bottom Line

It is time to get new consumers and reboot your marketing strategy. Use these tips to promote your plumbing services. The easy strategies we shared in this article are pretty effective to get started with promoting your plumbing services, attracting new customers, and staying in touch with already existing ones. 

Frank Hamilton is a blogger and translator from Manchester. He is a professional writing expert in such topics as blogging, digital marketing and self-education. He also loves traveling and speaks Spanish, French, German and English.

Home Maintenance: Installation and Maintenance of Water Heaters

The cold season is fast approaching, and as we get the rest of our things ready, we often forget some essential items like water heaters. If your household doesn’t have one, it may be time to install one and follow the proper process to maintain it. Let’s look at the whole process below:

Things to Consider When Installing for a Water Heater

1.   Type of Water Heater

There are all sorts of water heaters in this modern technology era ranging from a solar, tankless, heat pump, condensing, and conventional heaters. All of those are good, but the tankless water heater is energy-efficient, suitable for all seasons, and they will serve you for longer. Therefore, it will be ideal if you consider them for your home.

2.   Water Heater Warranty

We often don’t use the warranty, but it doesn’t mean that you should ignore it. Get a water heater with a reasonable warranty period in case of any faults in the system afterward and a warranty service if possible.

3.   The Cost

Again, this will determine how high or low your utility bills will be. If you buy an electric heater, your electrical bills are bound to spike, but you'll lower your utility bills if you buy a solar heater. Also, the installation costs of any water heater vary from company to company.

4.   Home’s Physical Space

Even if you get a modern heater that you like, don’t install it in your home if it doesn’t fit well into your space. You don’t want frequent breakdowns and poor energy efficiency. Therefore, getting a properly fitting heater is necessary. Also, the size of the water heater should be sufficient enough to hold the water capacity required for your home.

5.   The Plumbing Contractor

Even if you’re handy, it is wise to rely on a professional for water heater installation to ensure that it is put in correctly and running as it should. 

6.   Installation  Height

Well, this seems like an obvious thing to do. However, it would be best if you placed the heater at the height of about 1.8meters from the floor. That ensures that the home dwellers don’t experience water pressure issues. A good plumbing contractor should install this the right way.

7.   Installation  Space

It would help if you never put the water heater directly onto the wall. This enables the specialist to inspect every part better in case of any repair needs. Also, they should be installed away from the damp areas since they can trap moisture, leading to corrosion.

Maintaining Your Water Heater

1.   Empty Your Tank

Your water heater is bound to overwork during the cold seasons. To do this, first, turn off the power supply then empty it to remove any sedimentation that may have built up inside it. This helps prevent clogging and ensures that the water heater functions properly throughout the seasons. Always do this after every six months.

2.   Add the Temperatures

It’s normal for the heater to feel like it’s not heating water the right way during the colder seasons. If so, you can add the temperatures accordingly inside the tank to ensure the water heats up as it should. At least, you will be assured of hot water all through the cold season.

3.   Insulate the Pipes

During the cold season, the pipes are more likely to get frozen, which may cause them to burst. Therefore, it’s essential to insulate the lines, especially in the house areas that don’t receive a lot of heat, like the garage or basement. Additionally, proper insulation ensures that the water heater doesn’t overwork during the cold seasons, thus saving your utility bills.

4.   Inspect The Valve

The valve is a crucial component of the water heater located at the top, and it helps relieve high pressure and temperatures as it runs. Therefore, if it has any corrosion or sediment buildup, it can easily make it shutdown. A professional plumber will inspect this by lifting the valve to see if the hot water flows out from the draining pipe. If it does, then it only means that the valve is working correctly.

5.   Check the Vents and Exhausts

The fall season is widely known for dropping leaves which may lead to blockages. A vent blockage means that the water heater receives excess carbon dioxide, which prevents it from functioning as it should. The plumbing experts will ensure that these areas are not blocked and the free flow of oxygen.

6.   Check the Anode Rod

An anode rod is a helpful addition to the interior of your water heater, protecting the metal lining inside the tank from corrosion. It attracts elements like calcium that are present in water. Therefore, it is prone to corrosion after some time and needs deterioration to be replaced from time to time. If the rod is coated with whitish-looking elements, or its thickness has reduced more than usual, then it’s time to do that replacement. Make sure that the rod is checked at the start of every season.

7.   Check The FloodStop System

A flood stop system is essential for any residence with a water system. It notifies the residents of water leakage and automatically stops the water supply to the water heater. This system is a major lifesaver for most homes as it prevents episodes of water damage and floods.

8.   Check the plug

Well, this seems like an obvious tool, but it’s been forgotten a lot of times. The cold season leads to power fluctuations from time to time, leading to a burn or spark in the sockets. So, make sure that it’s checked up and replace it with a new plug if it’s burnt.

Everyone deserves to enjoy some hot water, especially in the cold season. If you get a good plumbing contractor and follow all the listed things, you will enjoy your water heater for a long time, and you won’t have a problem maintaining it.

About the Author

Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.

How to Keep the Appliances in Proper Condition around Children?

There is no doubt that appliances have reduced human efforts. These appliances help in cleaning the mess, saves your time, no matter whether it is a kitchen appliance or bathroom appliance or anything else. And, it’s a very common thing that whenever you choose an appliance, you do some research work, whether it is a reliable one or not etc. 

But, often, we forget to maintain them. After all, they are just machines, and years later, some parts might not work due to wear and tear. And, if you have children or pets, then appliances maintenance is a must. 

Any accident can happen, and that can take a very serious turn. It might also be possible that children playfully damage the appliances. And, once your appliance stops working, it really becomes very difficult to survive. 

Over here, we will discuss some of the ways to help the appliances run smoothly with children in the house. 

Ways to Keep the Appliances running Efficiently and Effectively

Only proper maintenance and regular care can make your appliances work smoothly. And, even if your children have done any damage, you can easily rectify it, replace the parts, and again your appliance will be back to normal. According to the top Electrician in Dubai, there are certain rules, and you need to follow them as discussed below. 

1.   Cleaning the Filter of the AC

Air conditioner becomes our top priority during summer as it is quite unbearable to tolerate the heat of the sun. But, what about the other seasons? As it is not used that much, it does not mean that it is not important or you will pay less attention to it. You need to clean the AC for proper functioning. Due to the accumulation of dirt and dust, the filter often stops working, leading to the AC’s malfunctioning. 

It needs regular cleaning, or if it is old enough, then you have to change the filters. You can also go through the manual for any extra information. The filter is used for collecting the warm air and releasing it outside. Thus, it is very important to keep it in proper condition so that your AC runs efficiently. You can also seek help from Handyman services in Dubai.

2.   Don’t Overload Appliances

Every machine does have its limits. Overloading won’t help you to do the work faster; rather, it will damage the appliance. And, for every appliance, a certain limit has been recommended; filling too much load will waste energy, and even the appliance might work abnormally. And, washing machines have a certain limit to fill clothes. Often the users might think that overfilling will save time. But, actually, it is not like that. This will damage your appliance, and your work will increase rather than decreasing.

3.   Replace Damaged Cord

It is very important to replace the damaged cords as soon as possible. It might be possible that your kids have damaged the cord playfully. This damaged cord, if not replaced, can also cause an accident that can turn out to be very serious. So, to prevent any kind of accident, make sure you change the cord. And, to get noticed about this thing, you need to check your appliance more often. After all, you can’t take any risk when you know that you have kids in your house. 

4.   Adult Assistance is a must

Make sure you always guide your children whenever they are using any appliances. It might be possible that they made a mistake while using the appliance and injured themselves as well as damage the appliance. These mistakes can lead to fire and bad injuries. For example, it is better if you guide them when they are using the kitchen appliances. 

Obviously, you can put restrictions on everything, but it’s better to guide them and help them realise to differentiate between right and wrong. You also need to make sure that the appliance they are using must be working properly. You can first take a trial with the appliance and let your kids use it. But, if you maintain the appliance on a regular basis, then you won’t be that stressed. 

5.   Remove the Limescale from the Appliances

Often it has been observed that people who are living in hard water areas are more prone to witness limescale. And, particularly for those appliances that heat water like washing machines, steam cleaners etc. This limescale will reduce the efficiency, and your appliance might even stop working. 

Thus, you need to remove the limescale. And, if kids by mistake use the limescale, then it might have a bad impact on their health. So, we recommend you clean it as soon as you observe this. This will make sure that your appliance is in the right condition and your children are also safe.

6.   Don’t Overcharge the Appliance

Overcharging will not help you rather make things worse. People have this misconception that overcharging the appliance makes it work longer. But, it is a completely false statement. If your appliance has rechargeable batteries, you must take it off once the charge is completed. If you overcharge, then it might lead to losing the ability to hold a charge any longer. 

People often make these mistakes, but it’s important that you make yourself aware of the right facts. For example, if your child has a phone, tell them not to overcharge it. As it might affect the battery and can lead to damaging the phone. Thus, all your important files and documents will be lost. 

7.   Turn Off the Appliance during the Night

In many cases, it has been seen that people turn on appliances during the night. This won’t help you to save electric bills. Some appliances like the refrigerator need to be turned on if food is stored. The appliance can also lead to safety issues if it is turned on during the night. The appliance can malfunction and can even catch fire — for example, the dishwasher. 

This will damage the appliance and it can even be harmful to children. If by mistake, they touch the wrong part, then they can get electric shock due to the appliance being On. You must have heard that prevention is better than cure. In such cases, maintaining the appliance and guiding your children can work as preventions. 

Conclusion 

So, this was all about some rules that you must follow to make sure that your appliance is running smoothly. This won’t just help you maintain the appliance but will make sure that your kid is safe. In most cases, it has been seen that kids are responsible for the malfunctioning of appliances. Now, you can’t really stop your kids, but you can guide them. These rules will be really helpful. 

Guest Contributor: Shruti Panjabi

Effective Ways to Secure Your Backyard

Due to the pandemic, many of us have fallen back in love with your backyards, since they were the only escape from the house. But if you take a good look at your beloved outdoor space, does it look secure to you? Is it protected from burglars and other intruders? Does it offer privacy that you crave? If one of these deserves a no as an answer, you need to boost security in your backyard. Luckily, that can be done quickly and effectively with these tips.

Light it up

First things first, make sure to illuminate your space properly, since burglars don’t like well-lit spaces. The more light you have, the easier you will catch the intruder, and everyone knows that. Get moderate-intensity floodlights with motion sensors to ensure proper security. When the sensors detect motion, they turn on and stay on for a few seconds (you can program your lights how you like it) and shut off unless they continue to detect movements. Aim your sensors at all doors, deck, patio and stairway and place them from 6 to 10 feet above the ground.

Stock up on chains and padlocks

Many burglars are only looking for a quick and easy loot from your backyard like ladders, power tools, bikes and such—they are not even interested in getting inside your house. If you often keep these things in your backyard in the open, it’s smart to get a few chains, padlocks and a ground anchor and secure these down. Pay special attention to your ladder, because they can be used to access other floors of the house, so they should always be secured or put away in the garage.

Invest in a fence

One of the best ways to boost security in your backyard is to get a sturdy fence. Burglars might be scared to jump over and realize they are trapped, so they will stay away from your space thanks to your fence. Make sure to find a fencing supplier with a good reputation and plenty of experience, so you know your fence will be sturdy and installed properly. With this simple move, you will add a ton of security, safety (your kids and pets will always stay safely inside), privacy and noise control to your backyard.

Install security cameras

Outdoor cameras are also a great security feature that will give you peace of mind during the night or when your kids are home alone. The best devices have motion sensors that capture any movement in your outdoor space. Also, some cameras can automatically alert authorities if they detect someone in your backyard. And most cameras today have phone apps, so you can monitor your outdoor space wherever you are and know exactly what’s going on there.

Be strategic with greenery

Your choice of backyard plants can make or break burglars’ plans, so make sure to be strategic when planting and pruning. If you know how, you can easily keep intruders away with your landscaping. Firstly, tall shrubbery is a perfect cover for sketchy characters, and they can use it to hide behind and watch your home or to pry open a window or door. So make sure all your foundation plants are low so no one can hind behind them.

Additionally, keeping tall trees near your fence or your house can provide a hiding spot and something to climb on, so it’s best to remove these to ensure optimal safety in your backyard. Instead, focus on thorny plants around the fence and under windows (unless you have small kids who could get hurt). If breaking in through the window means going through a cactus patch or a rose bush, many will give up.

Add a furry protector to your backyard

Did you know that one of the most effective deterrents for burglars is a guard dog? Big dogs are more successful in keeping intruders away, but even small ones can alert the owner and provide plenty of distraction for the bad guy. If you’re not ready to become a dog parent, buy a “Beware of Dog” sticker and put it on your gate, fence and doors—not many will stick around to check if you actually have a guard dog or not.

None of these ideas above are too big to be performed quickly, easily and with little investment, but the returns in security will be immeasurable. The safety of your family and property are worth every penny you spend!

Guest Contributor: Diana Smith

How to Safeguard Your Plumbing from Tree Roots

The purpose of tree roots is to absorb and transport water and minerals from the soil to the rest of the tree. Therefore it is only natural that roots from trees and shrubs grow toward sewer lines. These pipes hold the water source that the plant needs, as well as oxygen and nutrients. Roots that find a way into a tube through a leak will grow fast and cause blockages resulting in damaged pipes. This instance is one of the reasons why regular plumbing inspections and maintenance are necessary. 

Sewage leaks are unhygienic and lead to health problems, and repairing the damage caused by the roots can be very costly. Prevent costly repair bills by taking a few precautionary measures when planting trees and maintaining pipes. 

But first, you must be aware of the signs that the tree roots are the primary culprit in causing damages to your pipes. Here are the symptoms:

• Bad Odor

• Sewer Flies

• Toilet Drainage

• Water Backups/ Overflow

If you ever noticed these signs, it's time to get your pipes checked and take precautionary measures to prevent this instance from happening again. 

1. Locate the Sewage Lines in Your Area

It is essential to know and locate where your underground pipes, lines, and cables run as an establishment owner. This information will help you in future potential planting or landscaping projects in your area. It is also best to limit the amount of plant present next to your sewer line to avoid problems with your pipes. 

2. Have Regular Maintenance and Inspection

When clog drains frequently occur, this can be difficult to clean and emit gurgling noises. Call a plumber to inspect the drain and sewer lines if you notice the signs. With the help of surface mount access panels, a plumber will have easy access to your drainpipes and can use a camera by running it through the pipes to locate injured areas. After the inspection is complete, the plumber will make the necessary recommendations. For regions with significant tree-root damage, you must replace the lines.

In addition, you can also clean sewer lines regularly and inspect the structure of the pipes to avoid significant sewer repairs. Regular maintenance and clearing the lines prevent root growth inside the pipes. Sewer-line care involves threading a cable through the sewer pipe that cuts through tree roots or clogs and cleans the sewer pipe to the inner walls.

3. Safeguard Your Sewer Lines

One of the most helpful methods to keep pesky tree roots out of your sewer pipes is to build a barrier between the trees and the sewer lines. There are various options available for you to create a practical hurdle. One of the common examples is by purchasing slow-release chemical solutions designed for residential properties. These chemicals help stop the growth of roots within the sewer line area, minimizing the probability of tree roots uncovering their way into the water pipes through breaks or cracks. 

You can also use metal barriers and wood by burying them about 6 inches to a foot deeper than your pipes and running them vertically along the sewer line to prevent the roots from getting into the sewer pipes.

4. Plant Wisely 

Planning your landscaping project smartly and thoroughly is the best way to avoid problems that can lead to expensive repair bills. To prevent this instance, you can limit the number of plants you place close to sewer lines. Plant more giant trees far enough away from sewer lines, so the roots are not within reach of the pipes. If you do plant near sewer lines, select slow-growing trees with a small root ball.

Your plumbing pipes are the nutrient source for tree roots. It is why it is vital to be aware of the signs and symptoms if your pipes are damaged from tree roots, for it can impose some potential health risks for your occupants. Be sure to seek help from your local plumbers if ever you notice any damages.

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson

Lousy Shower Habits That Ruin Your Plumbing

Having daily showers is part of most people’s routine. A good shower can do wonders for your mind and body. Cold showers can increase alertness, help with muscle recovery, and even improve our immune system, while hot showers can aid in detoxing your body, repair cells, and ease anxiety. 

The typical shower habits that cause damage to our plumbing are probably not the first thing that comes to your mind when you turn the knob to get the water going. Still, the way we get ready every morning can significantly affect our plumbing system. These ordinary shower routines might be beneficial, but they might also affect your plumbing. Here are some of the lousy shower habits that you should avoid. 

1. Ignoring Small Plumbing Issues

Many plumbing problems come with different warning signs before accurate disaster strikes. It is especially the case in the bathroom, where your shower is likely to give you a fair bit of prior warning if all is not well. The constantly dripping faucets or showers may not seem like a significant problem, but it could be a hint that you need to adjust water pressure before you ruin the plumbing. 

Similarly, hot water not lasting as long as you hoped is not only annoying, but it may also be a sign of a severe problem with your water heater. It’s always better to call a plumber as soon as you notice the minor problems than to ignore and risk them escalating. You can consider installing louvered access doors and panels for you to have easy access to your plumbings during minor check-ups. 

2. Leaving Puddles on the Bathroom Floor

We might often forget to drain up small water puddles in our bathroom, especially if we’re in a rush. Leaving water on the floor of your bathroom is a recipe for disaster. That water could cause mold growth, ruin your base, and can potentially cause much more widespread problems. Investing in a bath mat and cleaning up water spills after a shower will help to prevent severe water damage. 

3. Not Removing Falling Hairs From The Drain

Obstruction in your pipes is one of the most dangerous things for your plumbing system. As time goes by, hair that accumulates in your drain can slow and eventually block the drain completely. Use a drain cover or another hair-catching device like filters, then remove the hair after every shower, so it doesn’t create potential problems in the future. 

4. Not Removing Calcium Deposits 

You might not notice it, but it can leave deposits overtime when hard water dries, blocking the showerhead nozzle and reducing water flow. But you don’t have to worry; this common issue has a straightforward solution! You can add a little white vinegar, and it can easily remove calcium deposits, improving the function and appearance of your shower head in less than minutes. 

5. Staying in the Shower for Too Long

If you enjoy taking long showers, you might want to rethink that habit because it is one of the main reasons your bathroom may be a perfect place for mold growth. The steam that builds up in your bathroom during long showers can result in mold, which is unsuitable for your family’s health. Mold can quickly spread to every edge of your bathroom if good ventilation is not present. Shower curtains and loofahs are also breeding grounds for mold and bacteria and may need regular cleaning if you’ve noticed signs of decay. 

One way to eliminate mold growth is by reducing the temperature and length of your shower. You can also increase ventilation and reduce mold by opening a window or installing an exhaust fan. Cold showers and ice baths can increase alertness, help with muscle recovery, and even improve our immune system, while hot showers can aid in detoxing your body, repair cells, and ease anxiety.

6. Using Chemical Drain Cleaners 

If you’ve noticed a clog in your drain, whether from hair or other debris, using a chemical cleaner is the worst thing you could do for your health and your bathroom. Chemical cleaners may eliminate the clog, but they could leave you with a more severe problem. Not only are chemical cleaners bad for the environment, but they’re also harmful to your plumbing. These harsh chemicals can corrode your pipes, which can cost more than cleaning a simple clog. 

These bathroom habits may be simple, but you sure don’t want to ignore them, for it can open to more severe issues that can cause you a lot more repairs. Always remember to have your plumbings regularly checked by trained professionals. 

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson