6 Tips For Hiring A Plumber For Home Renovation Projects

Most people cannot imagine their home without having plumbing services like running water and a working toilet. Still, this is something many people take for granted. It could arguably be one of a home's essential services for its residents.

Thus, it is no surprise that anyone doing home renovation projects would search for a plumber to assist them with upgrading or installing their plumbing hardware. The only problem they may face is finding the right one. Below are some of the best tips for hiring the right plumber for your next project:

1.     Choose An Accredited And Licensed Plumber

Although some people prefer to tackle minor renovations, many would hire a contractor to assist them with larger projects. Renovation and design experts will always recommend that homeowners use professional plumbing services to prevent any issues with the renovation project. 

For any plumbing-related project during the renovations, homeowners should opt for a plumber with the correct accreditation and licensing to perform the project's tasks. Without these in place, it may cost the homeowner more money when the fixtures or pipes start leaking or causing problems.

2.     Ask For References And Experience

Plumbers should be able to produce a portfolio of references and demonstrate their experience working on various projects. When they refuse to give homeowners any of this reassurance, it may be best to find one willing to give it without hesitation.

Homeowners should be able to trust the plumber with the vital task of making their plumbing work better. Having the references and experience to show will ensure they are reliable enough to do quality work, especially when they recreate a bathroom look that could be more complicated than others.

3.     Evaluate Their Costs Before Hiring

Some plumbers may be more expensive than others, but for a good reason. The more experienced they are, and the more services they offer, the more their costs could be. Although not every homeowner will be able to afford a top-notch plumber, others provide the same quality service for less.

It may be a good idea for anyone doing renovations to request quotations from all the plumbers in the area and compare their costs to each other. Settle on the best plumber that will fit into the renovation budget, and make sure that they can provide a breakdown of all the costs before hiring them, so there are no hidden surprises later. 

4.     Check For Warranties And Insurance

All professional plumbers should have warranties to offer the homeowner and insurance for their work in case any problem arises. When searching for the best plumber, ask them for these and check that they are acceptable and valid before deciding to avail of their services.

The warranties and insurance will protect both parties against damages that may occur during or after the renovation. If they are in place, repairing the defective parts shouldn't have any extra costs later. Older houses may have more things that could go wrong during renovations, and having the peace of mind that everyone has cover will make the project less worrisome.

5.     Do Some Research On The Plumber

Luckily, with many company profiles now online, customers can find reviews and comments about their services at the click of a button. Before starting the renovations, search for all the available plumbers in the area or the ones the homeowner is interested in and read more about them.

In doing so, the homeowner should understand the variety of services each plumber offers and how satisfied their other customers are after completing projects. Homeowners should feel comfortable leaving the plumbing part of the renovation to the plumber, making it essential to find the right one for their needs.

6.     Inquire About Their Availability

Unfortunately, no one can plan when to have a plumbing emergency, but having a reliable plumber on standby for these occasions could make the problem more bearable. Not all plumbers will offer after-hours service, so before adding their number to the emergency list, ensure that they provide this service.

There is possibly nothing worse than sitting without working plumbing and no one to assist. So, having a list of emergency numbers that include those of available plumbers would be very handy. Keep this list in the kitchen or anywhere everyone can access it.

The Final Word

Instead of adding even more stress to an already taxing renovation project, find a plumber that will relieve some of the worries. A licensed professional should provide the best services they have to offer their clients for the amount they charge for doing the work.

The homeowner must find the plumbing services that will benefit them the most, including help during the renovations and after. After all, renovations are supposed to make the living space a better place for the residents, and with the best plumber on the block, the home will undoubtedly be that and more.

The Ultimate Decorating Ideas List for Revamping Your Walls

A good wall refreshment is often just what a home needs to liven up a bit. Some nice art or a creative choice of paint can completely transform a space. We selected five brilliant decor ideas that will level up any wall, anywhere.

Do a partial wall feature

This is a quick and interesting way to give your walls a touch of elegance without spending a ton on materials. The two most popular types of accent walls are painted and tiled. There are also wood panelled ones, but rarely so in modern homes.

Most of the room is painted in a neutral colour, such as white, grey, beige, pastel etc. The accent wall then contrasts either with a complementary hue or a more intense shade of the base paint. Tiles can also have motifs or be arranged in decorative patterns.

The rule of thumb is to do only a section of a single wall. For example, paint a diagonal half. Paint around a feature you want to point out. Tile only halfway up. Such accent walls are usually located directly across from the entrance, or opposite the window that lets the most daylight onto them.

Make a photo gallery

A variation of the accent wall idea, you could make a gallery feature. Look through your photos of family, friends, travels, etc. and choose a number of favourites. Frame them and hang them all up. This is ideal for a living room or wherever you prefer to host company. It serves as a fantastic conversation starter.

Before you hammer in any nails, play around with different arrangements. See which layout looks the most pleasing to you. Typically, you’d want matching minimalist frames, e.g. thin black ones. You want the pictures themselves to stand out. However, you can go for a bold turnaround and frame them in colours, and then arrange them to form an overall pattern.

Use temporary wallpaper

Wallpaper is one of the most dramatic changes you can make. There are a myriad of patterns and designs to choose from. However, traditional wallpaper is tricky. Applying it is a lot of labour and requires a fair level of skill. This makes it quite costly to do so on any significant surface.

As a budget-friendly, equally effective alternative, try temporary wallpaper. It likewise comes in a plethora of designs. You can opt for a vivid botanical wallpaper, a peaceful marine motif, bold solid colours, or elegant geometry. Because it’s temporary, you have much more freedom to experiment.

These wallpapers are far more amateur-friendly to apply, and easier to remove when you feel like changing them. Most brands come in sets of easy-to-manage pieces, but there are also self-adhesive rolls that you can tailor yourself. You get the same impact at a fraction of the cost, and with much more flexibility.

Make a chalkboard wall

This is a fun twist on the usual “paint for change” idea. Instead of usual wall paint, opt for chalkboard paint. Your best bet is to coat a medium-sized surface, like a door or a single wall. It’s a fairly straightforward DIY with a lot of potential.

If you set it in your living room, you have instant, free, and mostly mess-free entertainment for guests or their children. If in the kitchen, it’s a practical way to keep stock of the pantry and freezer. In a home office, you can turn it into a flexible command centre. In a child’s room, it can be used for both fun and study.

Focus on your windows

Finally, an interesting way to add some spice to your space is to accentuate the windows. Making them the focal point is an excellent way to break up a mundane stretch of wall. It’s especially handy when you can’t alter the wall itself for whatever reason.

Windows can be made into stunning statement pieces. Utilise colourful curtains, bold panels, patterned frames, even curtain accessories.

Refreshing your walls doesn’t have to mean just artwork or a new coat of paint. Think outside the box and apply a unique touch that will really show off your character and make your home a place of joy.

Guest Contributor: Diana Smith

How To Turn Your Garden Into a Wonderful Oasis With These Simple Tips

There are many creative ways to beautify your garden and yard so you can enjoy it without having to spend a lot of money or time on it. With a little ingenuity, ideas, and materials, you can make a great oasis for relaxation and delight in your garden. What is more, creating the ideal garden for leisure and enjoyment should not be a burden, but rather an inspiring and creative thing to do in your free time! To that end, here are some simple tips on how to turn your garden into a wonderful place to enjoy with your family!

Feel free to decorate

No matter how big your lawn, garden, or yard is, it's necessary to highlight certain aspects in order to create a distinctive setting. You can do so by adding beautiful lanterns or other garden decorations. If you don’t have one, make sure you check out various interesting home and garden products as seen at https://www.hpotter.com, including not only lanterns but also classic terrariums, trellises, and window boxes, garden planters, small planters, side tables, and torches. Each of these products is handmade from high-quality materials, including raw copper, stainless steel, and even hand-blown glass. One thing is for sure, each element you add will elevate the aesthetic look of your garden!

Use what you have at home and DIY

We always happen to have some things in our homes that we don’t really need. Instead of throwing them away, find them a beautiful purpose. For example, glass bottles can be used for a variety of things if you have a lot of them on hand. From storing herbs and flowers in them to making a lawn edge, or putting candles in them to make a romantic atmosphere for a special night!

Likewise, reach for some distinctive elements if you want your garden to be memorable and much liked by all of your visitors. For example, it can be a row of intriguing geometric shapes, beach finds, or anything else you want that will give your garden a particular reflection.

Take special care of the grass

Greenery is unquestionably the foundation of a lovely garden where you may sit, relax, and enjoy your time alone or with your family. To that end, well-kept, high-quality grass is more valuable than any ornament. It is a natural carpet that you can walk on barefoot, where kids may play, and which serves as a useful cover during hot and rainy weather. However, you need to pay special attention when it comes to choosing and maintaining the grass in your garden. First, selecting the right variety of grass requires consideration of both the soil type in your yard and the climate where you live. Of course, it is also crucial to consider whether the lawn will be used for entertaining, relaxing with a cup of coffee in the afternoon, or simply as a house adornment.

This is important because there are many different kinds of grass, some of which grow better in the shadow and others flourish in direct sunlight. You must make a decision based only on your needs. 

As regards maintenance, wait until the fresh grass is around 6 cm tall before beginning to mow. Naturally, the mower's blades should be sufficiently sharp, and they shouldn't cut more than a third of the grass at once. For the best grass quality, apply fertilizer at least two to three times annually (make sure you carefully follow the instructions and water the lawn well).

Decorative trees 

The foundational or standard components for landscaping the garden, in addition to the well-maintained grass, are trees and flowers. You don't need pricey horticultural services to create a lovely garden design; instead, you just need practical yard decoration ideas. For the plants mentioned, they are the ones who ultimately determine the aesthetic of the garden.

Therefore, fruit trees and miniature trees are good options for tiny yards. We can distinguish between formal shapes like round, columnar, and pendulous trees based on the shape of their crowns. Corners are planted with plants that have columnar crowns, which gives the garden a softer, more rounded appearance. For instance, the entry to the house is where you should plant the pendulous plants.

Flowers

One flower doesn’t make a garden - is our motto. Indeed, you should make an effort to enrich your garden with flowers since they will give it a scent and a feeling of serenity. What is more, they can enliven it and make it look like a genuine sanctuary. Make sure you choose happy colors like yellow. Tulips, for instance, can make your garden welcoming and lovely! 

Don’t be afraid to experiment in your garden and enjoy your creativity in the process! Good luck!

Get Rid Of Household Pests By Following These Super Useful Tips and Tricks

There’s nothing quite as irritating as household pests. If you are a homeowner who’s been dealing with an infestation, then it’s important that you act quickly. The longer that you take to respond to your home’s infestation, the more likely that it will get out of control. Pests can quickly take over a person’s home, introducing infections, diseases, and germs.

If you have never had to deal with a household infestation before, then it’s unlikely that you will know what to do. This post will simplify eliminating pests for you, by offering some super useful and easy tricks that you can follow.

Pest Removal

The easiest way to get rid of household pests is to contact a professional pest removal company, which will be able to employ a mix of chemical and preventative treatment to ensure that pests are expelled and then aren’t able to re-establish themselves. According to the pest removal specialists from SmithsPestManagement.com, pest removal agents can prevent pests from taking a toll on your home and on your garden. People often overlook the fact that pests don’t just damage people’s homes—they also damage gardens. In fact, your garden is probably where most of the damage is going to be, since that’s where infestations usually begin, depending on the animal or pest that’s behind the infestation, of course. Things like cockroaches don’t cause much external damage, whereas rats and mice can.

Storing Food

The best way to eliminate an infestation is to contact a pest removal specialist. The best way to prevent one is to be careful with where you store food. Most infestations begin in people’s kitchens, because they leave food out, or leave perishables in cupboards where they can attract pests. Always store your food tightly in sealed containers, preferably in the refrigerator. Once food has expired, make sure that you remove it quickly. You should also ensure that your cupboards aren’t littered with crumbs, since crumbs can attract pests of all kinds to your house.

Stagnant Water

Another thing that attracts pests into people’s homes is the presence of stagnant water. If you want to ensure that pests don’t come into yours, then make sure that you don’t leave any around. If you have pets, then make sure that you change their water regularly, not just for pests, but also so that they always have fresh water around to drink. An alternative to a bowl for your cat or dog’s water is to get a fountain for them. Pet fountains are becoming very popular among pet owners since they give them an opportunity to give their pets fresh water that hasn’t been sitting around, exposed to dust and allergens all day.

Sealing Doors

Some pests get into people’s homes through cracks in their doors or windows. A good way to prevent this from happening is to seal up any cracks that you have in your home’s doors or windows. All that you need to do to do this is to go out to your local hardware store and pick up the sealant. Alternatively when you hire a pest control professional (or if you do) then you can ask them to seal up any gaps or cracks in your home’s windows or doors. Most pest control specialists will be more than happy to oblige your request, although some may charge an added fee.

Buying Pets

One way of controlling pests in your home is to buy a pet, like a cat. Cats can help to control mouse and even bug infestations. You should be aware that if you are going to buy a cat for your house, they could end up bringing dead mice into your house, which probably isn’t something that you want (or very hygienic). Dogs can also be used to control pest infestations, although dogs are better for larger pests like rabbits and foxes.

Cleaning Up

Make sure that your house is as clean as possible if you want to ensure that your house doesn’t suffer from any pest infestations. Cleaning up your house is very easy to do and won’t take up much of your time. People with dirty houses tend to be the first ones to get an infestation (although an infestation doesn’t necessarily mean that you are a dirty person or that your house is dirty). Make sure that you don’t leave any food waste lying around because that, in particular, is what attracts most pests.

If you have household pests, then you need to contact an exterminator. If you don’t but you want to prevent them from getting into your house (or you have had an infestation in the past) then follow the other guidance given in this post.

Oak Park Bench in Tinley Park

Have you guys checked out the benches on Oak Park Ave in Tinley Park??? If you get a chance, swing by Cody Heiden’s bench.

“It has 6 metal sculpted animals, the Crab eating Macaque, is made mostly from salvaged pipe wrenches, pipe cutters, and various recycled metal tools.”

It is located just north of Teehans, across from Scoop.

The Top Ways To Keep A House Clean And Cozy

There are many things we can do to make our homes cozier and cleaner, but we need to be curious about learning about those things. Here, we'll provide you with a few ideas that might enable you to accomplish this and even improve your life as a whole.

Hire Someone

Why not pay someone to clean your house for you if you are too busy or just don't feel like doing it every day to get the most out of it? To get the best outcomes, you need to choose the best home service specialists out of the many that can assist you with your issue. There are numerous techniques to determine whether a particular company is worthwhile. Obtaining a referral from a close friend or family member who has already used a particular business is one option. Another option is to check the reviews on their website or, even better, on independent websites online.

Your home’s cleanliness won't be an issue for you once you locate the proper one. Many people do not realize the extent to which a home designer can assist them in achieving comfort in their own residence. These professionals will listen to how you envision your home to look and will then provide you with numerous options for making that vision a reality. It won't be difficult to construct what you need if comfort is more important to you than money.

Make a Cleaning Plan

We all know how meticulously clean our parents and great-grandparents were. Once they finished cleaning the whole house, they would move back to the start and go again, and they would do this until they could physically do it. We're not saying you should do the same, but you should have a strategy for what you need to clean each day. If you have a plan, it will be much simpler for you because you will divide the cleaning jobs appropriately. This way, you won't have to spend the entire day cleaning, which is challenging and exhausting but necessary if you want to finish the work. You won't be concerned by the scent or appearance of your home because it will always be clean, and you won't have to rush to clean your room when friends want to visit.

Do Not Wear Your Shoes Indoors

There are numerous issues with what many people nowadays, particularly in the west, do when they walk around their homes wearing their shoes. Most cultures forbid this. The worst part about wearing shoes inside your house is that you risk bringing in numerous diseases that could really harm your health. Additionally, it is much more difficult to maintain a clean home if you are continuously bringing sand, mud, and other items inside. We advise you to stop this harmful habit altogether by leaving your shoes by the door. Also, it is not a great thing to walk around in your shoes for the whole day. You need your feet to rest, so it is best that you wear them when you are only outside.

Let the Children Help out

Parents typically believe that it is their responsibility to keep the house clean and comfortable, but this need not be the case. If you are a parent, you should think about asking your kids to assist you with the task you had in mind. The best thing you can do to help with the cleaning is to come up with games that will amuse the kids while giving you a helping hand. Additionally, you may assign them the duty of cleaning their rooms once a week in exchange for a little incentive. Children may contribute when it comes to decorating also, because you want to make them feel comfortable. That means that you can give them the task of decorating their rooms, with your supervision, of course. They could go for something themed after their favorite cartoon or just pick some colors that they want for their walls, sheets, and other things that are there.

DIY

Adding something you made yourself to a space is one of the best ways to make it seem cozier. You can try out a variety of DIY projects that will let you enjoy the process of making something from scratch as well as the final product. There is always room for improvement, so even if something does not turn out the way you expected it to, you shouldn't be concerned.

Since it is so simple to accomplish, we should all try to make our homes cleaner and cozier. We hope that we have given you some suggestions on the best approaches to accomplish your goals.

7 Best Home Improvement Influencers On Instagram

With its staggering monthly user base of over 2.3 billion active users, Instagram has firmly established itself as a leading social media platform, revolutionizing how people connect, express themselves, and share their experiences through captivating visual content.

Instagram is a perfect place to look for visually appealing content that resonates with you. So, are you looking to improve your home decoration by doing it yourself? Or want to improve your home look with professional interior designers? You can learn about the latest Instagram statistics here.

Anyway, you need to get inspiration for your preparation from this amazing platform. So, we have brought you the top influencers that work on Instagram. These influencers can help you improve your marketing efforts, so try them out.

1. Inspire_me_home_decor

Looking to get some real inspiration for your dream house? Well, this profile is a perfect one you can try using for better inspiration to bring you the comfort you need. So, try it out when you need comfort in your home.

This profile can inspire you if you wish for better comfort for your sleep time or any time. They have covered all types of rooms a modern home can have for better beauty. From the living room to kitchens, and from bathrooms to T.V launch, they have given all the top variety you can have in a modern home.

Using their interior expertise can be a great improvement you can have for your home. So, try their amazing content to have the inspiration that works amazingly well. Another amazing Instagram profile to perfect your home decoration work.

2. Design Seeds 

Looking for perfect home decor with sweet colors? It would really be an amazing journey to make your home have pastel colors that improve your decor. So, their content is perfect for your gardens that you would like to paint or decorate with pastel decor. Most of their work is for decorations you would love to add to your home. 

They build amazing interior styles that perfect your home needs. Want something dashing with a soft look? They can be a clear option to avail. Try their amazing content for inspiration, and their number of followers shows their quality.

More than 200k followers have been following their amazing content to get the perfect results they would ever need. So, make it look beautiful.

As the name implies, they offer amazing content for natural stuff like flowers and plants. So, they are the perfect influence you can try for your gardens. It would really make your garden special that you would love to experience. 

Perfection with Instagram, ready for your home!

You can also Buy Instagram Followers to make your content credible for your audience. So, it works for any influencers working on Instagram to improve their work. That is how you can get the hype these influencers started with and can grow big like them.  

3. Sasha Bik Off

Another amazing influencer that perfectly solves your problems with the amazing inspiration they offer. Try their amazing content for how-tos for your home designs. Inspiration is all you need to improve your home decor, and they cover all types of amazing designs you will love.

Try out the products they create around and use them to perfect your home's beauty. All kinds of interiors are covered, making their content worth following. 

4. Lowes home improvement

They are one of the biggest influencers in the field and really show with the content they create. They are about to reach their million followers with amazing content to offer. Their tips can be super helpful for your lawn decoration for any weather and any occasion.

Try their tips for different events and try out amazing products from their own store. Their amazing content can help you build your dream home with perfect beauty and impressive designs. So, another amazing place for inspiration from Instagram.

5. Home.diy.diary

This profile is a special one if you are looking to get tips for your home decor. They have a unique selling proposition of offering tips that you can apply by yourself. In addition, some of their content has a lot of humor about how to deal with kids’ mischiefs. 

It perfectly offers a blend of amazing tips alongside great entertaining stuff. Their hard work has brought them more than 100k followers, and the number is growing and growing on Instagram.

6. Martyn Bullard

You can try Martyn’s content if you want an exotic look for your home. Try out his expertise that gleams like a sun in his work. Amazing work with a lot of appreciation that he truly deserves and perfect for giving an eastern look to your home.

He nails it with his content and perfects it with his expertise. So, you can rely on him if looking for a complete renovation or even improving a certain part of your home. His theme makes his work even more special, showing the clean work of perfect symmetries he creates on his Instagram profile. 

Although he mixes the eastern and western looks, most of his work is for eastern beauties you can use. His room designs, T.V launch, living room and pools can be a real inspiration for interior work you find on Instagram.

So, try out his content to improve your home’s beauty. 

7. Decor Hardcore

Their Instagram tagline is “hardcore is not for everyone,” and it shows with the content. When you take a look at their work, you see that they have very different kinds of stuff. Their work shows that you can have something out of the box.

They have around 400k followers with content that normal people may not like. So, they have worked hard to improve their profile with many categories in different types of homes.

What to do if you wish to Download their Content?

What to do if now you have looked at the content that looks special and want to carry it? You can download with a great Private Instagram Profile Viewer that allows you to print that content. So, it is a great choice to use for carrying the work you would like to use. 

Final Thoughts 

We discussed 7 of the top Instagram influencers to take inspiration for your home renovation and make-over. So, using the content of Martyn Bullard, Home.diy.diary, Lowes home improvement, and Sasha Bik Off content will be perfect for your home. 

You can also try using content from Design Seeds and Inspire_me_home_decor from Instagram. All of them perfectly inspire interior designers and improve the beauty of your home. So, try their work for your interior designs to improve your work. 

Adeel’s Bio

Adeel Nazir is a professional writer with an immense passion for social media and content marketing. He believes in delivering value and kindness to his connections and clients. With his content, he has helped multiple brands reach their marketing goals.

8 Helpful Tips to Make Your Big Move Less Stressful

Moving to a new area of town can be an exciting and liberating experience, but it also comes with a lot of stress. To make your move easier and more manageable, you must be prepared. Also, you should make sure you have a lot of support. You can do all that by following these helpful tips for making your big move less stressful.

1. Take Advantage of Moving Companies

One of the best ways to successfully get all your belongings from one place to another is by hiring a professional moving company. This will relieve you from the stress of having to drive or look for cabs. Also, they can pack your things and know how to do it safely. However, it would be best if you were careful with choosing the right movers for this; you should look for those who are qualified, reputable, and insured.

2. Prepare and Organize Your Things in Advance

Even if you hire professional movers to do the job, you will still have to prepare for the move. From making lists of things that need to be packed and sorted to figuring out your new address, you will have to do some initial work beforehand. Also, it would be best if you were sure that you know what you want to take with you before the movers come.

3. Make a List

Before you prepare your things, you should prepare your list so that you can refer to it while packing and unpacking. This will make the whole process much easier and reduce the chances of forgetting something important. Also, this will make your move easier when moving inventory from one store to another. In addition, you should always keep track of your things in every box to avoid confusion later.

4. Keep Everything Safe

A big part of making your move less stressful is knowing how to pack things so they will not be damaged during the transfer process. Keep all fragile items in boxes or in a way that they won't get damaged during transit. It would be best if you also opted for bubble wrap to keep items safe and secure. Also, you should label every box and remember to check the contents of each before sealing the boxes.

5. Ask For Help

It will be easier to manage your move if you have friends and family to assist you with the whole process, from packing to unpacking. Especially if you are dealing with a lot of things that need to be packed and moved, this can be a great help for you. In addition, this will enable you to secure enough workforce for the whole process.

6. Know Your Transportation Options

Before you get everything packed and organized, you must know how you will move it. You should look at the options available and choose the one that is most effective for the things you're moving. For instance, shipping them would be a good option if you will be moving a lot of things. But renting trucks or vans could help out better if it's just a few things. If you own cars you might need to look into shipping them to your new home. There are companies like National Transport that specialize in shipping vehicles.

A strategy for the entire move is advisable to make things easier and less stressful. For example, you can have astrategy where you will have a plan of where you will store things, what will be shipped, and the mode or method used for transport. Also, it would be best if you chose your transport mode according to the size of your moving inventory.

7. Be Optimistic

Taking things one step at a time will make your move pleasant and less stressful. It would be best if you don't push yourself too much; it doesn't help to rush things. Also, ensure you do everything with a positive attitude because it will help you learn to adapt easily and take your mind off the stress of moving. Making your move as smooth as possible is important to avoid stress.

Conclusion

Making your move less stressful is easy if you follow these helpful tips for making your big move less stressful. You should do the preparatory work for the entire relocation process and ensure you have a good way to store it all in a safe place that will be accessible after the move. Also, consider your options before and during the process to ease stress.

Guest Contributor: Regina Thomas

7 Signs It's Time to Get a New Water Heater

Your water heater is an essential part of your home's system. Water heaters have varying lifespans, but only if they are properly maintained can they achieve their full potential. You may notice a rise in utility expenses as the unit is near the end of its useful life.

It is also possible that the water heater's age may impact the water's temperature, making it unsafe to use.

1. Visible Corrosion On the Heater

Water heaters are subjected to hot water, which causes them to rust. You may find corrosion on the inside of the tank as well as on the outside of the unit. Beam corrosion is a form of corrosion caused by a buildup of minerals inside the tank, which can cause the tank to become brittle and crack.

These signs show that your heater is no longer efficient and that it may be time to replace it. Use caution around your water heater and be careful to not burn yourself.

2. Hot Water Is Not Consistently Hot Enough

If your water temperature seems lower than before, it could be a sign that the water heater is getting old. However, this can also result from sediment building up inside the tank. As a rule, if the water temperature isn't above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, it is not considered safe to use.

Excessive sediment in the water heater tank could be caused by a faulty water filter or low water pressure.

3. The Water Heater Makes Strange Clicking and Hissing Noises

According to Good Ol'Boys Plumbing which specializes in water heater replacement in Alpharetta, “one way to know if you need to replace your water heater is if it is ten years or older…however, you should be aware of these other signs which include strange noises, leaks, and rusty or cloudy water.” Continuous, loud clicking and hissing noises coming from behind the water heater could be a sign of a broken part or an issue with the unit's gas flow. These noises will likely become more frequent as the water heater ages. It can also be likely that the pressure release valve is faulty.

The lack of an efficient pressure release valve, or an improperly set one, can cause the water heater to fail. 

4. Water Appears to Be Leaking from The Bottom of the Tank

If you start noticing a puddle of water accumulating on the floor near your water heater, it could be a sign that the device is leaking. Leaks can be caused by worn-out or broken parts within the water heater, or they might result from a buildup of minerals in the unit's tank.

In either case, it is best to call a professional to inspect and replace the water heater before the leak worsens and causes more damage to your home.

5. Cloudy or Discolored Water

If the water coming from your faucets seems cloudy or discolored, it could be a sign of a problem with the water heater. The unit might be clogged or otherwise damaged, which can cause it to fail.

If you notice cloudy or discolored water, turn off the heater and consider replacing the device as soon as it causes damage to your pipes.

6. Your Hot Water Has Constant Repairs

As the water heater ages, it is bound to need repairs. However, if your water heater is constantly in need of repairs, this might be a sign that it is nearing the end of its lifespan.

If you notice that the water heater is causing you more time and money than it is worth, it might be time to shop for a new one.

7. Water Pressure Issues

If you are experiencing water pressure issues in your shower, it could signify a buildup of minerals in the water heater. Mineral buildup can clog the water heater and cause the device to fail.

Also, if the shower pressure in your home continuously drops as the water heater heats up, it could be a sign that the water heater is near the end of its lifespan.

If any of these issues sound like something your water heater might be experiencing, it might be time to replace it. A water heater is an essential part of your home, so it's important to know when it needs to be replaced.

If you notice any of the signs above, schedule an appointment with a reputable water heater company to have your water heater replaced.

 Guest Contributor: Sierra Powell

Things To Do This Fall in Chicago and the Surrounding Suburbs

The hot weather is slowly coming to an end, and the temperature will start cooling off. It’s almost Fall time, and that means there will be a ton of outdoor activities you can go out and do! We’ve gathered a list early this year so you can plan in advance, and get tickets as needed because a lot of events have presale tickets! Most of these activities take place in Chicago, or the suburbs, but you can also take these ideas and find another location if the location listed doesn’t suit you.

1. Look at the changing trees

Starting out with something free, this is a perfect activity to do if you want to walk around and breathe in the fresh Fall air. There are so many places that have beautiful trees around this time of the year.

• Morton Arboretum

• Jackson Park

• Lincoln Park

All of these locations have a beautiful display of colorful trees when Fall comes around.

2. Morton Arboretum

Speaking of the Morton Arboretum, there are a couple of different activities they host for the Fall season.

• Scarecrow Trail: Open daily in October from 7AM to Sunset, you can walk around the trail and view all of the scarecrows along the trail. The scarecrows are all made by local Boy Scout troops, and at the end of the trail you can cast your vote for your favorite scarecrow.

• Fall Color 5K Run and Walk: On October 1st, 2022 at 8am, you can participate in the Fall Color 5k run! There will be live music, and a post-complimentary beer for those over 21 years of age. In person cost to participate is $50, and if you’d like to participate virtually it is $45.

• Glass Pumpkin Patch: Open Wednesday, October 12, 2022 and runs through Sunday, October 16, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, you can go and view or buy the hand made and designed glass pumpkins. You can also watch daily demonstrations by glassblowers making pumpkins out of the glass into beautiful masterpieces.

• Cider and Ale Festival: Saturday, October 22nd, 2022, from 12pm to 4pm, you can sample 80+ beers, ciders, and meads at the festival. This event comes with a souvenir tasting glass.

3. Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Garden

Open on October 12-16 & 19-23, 2022, you can explore 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins in all their beauty illuminated. They are all real pumpkins, and there are some up to 150 pounds! There are famous Halloween characters, celebrities, and live carving demos all included into admission. Pre-sale tickets drop in a couple of days, so make sure to snag them to get the time you want!

4. Boo! At The Zoo! at Brookfield Zoo

This event is only open on Saturdays and Sundays October 8 to 23, 2022, so you better act fast and grab tickets, it won’t last long! What kid doesn’t like the zoo, and you can dress up in your costume and there’s plenty of cute photo-ops all around the park to stop and snap a picture.

5. Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo

This event is a one night thing, so if you miss it, it’s gone! Children are able to trick-or-treat from 10am til 1pm on Saturday, October 22, 2022. This event is free for all ages.

6. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

There are tons of pumpkin patches around Chicago and the local suburbs, but we listed our favorite ones for you to visit to get the best experience.

• Bengston’s in Homer Glen - This is one of the most popular pumpkin patches in the area, so be aware it might be a little crowded. This pumpkin farm has rides, a petting zoo, and lots of areas to get yummy snacks and drinks. Notice: Bengston’s is CASHLESS as of this year.

• Konow’s Corn Maze in Homer Glen - This is the cutest little pumpkin patch, and very underrated. Ticket prices are $12 on Monday-Friday, and $15 for Saturday and Sunday, so you get a lot of bang for your buck. This pumpkin patch has a huge corn maze, a corn pit to play in, a petting zoo, and tons of games to play. They also have a little track with tiny scooters to ride, as well as a huge jump pad that all the kids love.

• Odyssey Fun Farm: Corn Maze in Tinley Park - This farm is built on 110 acres of land, and filled with fun to during the fall season. There is a HUGE pumpkin to take pictures with, a pillow bouncy, a corn pit, a petting zoo, hay rides and pony rides.

• Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-up in Downtown Chicago - This is one of those events that’s aimed towards the adults. Children can get in in the day time, but at night it’s adults only. This is a perfect place to go if you love photo-ops, because that’s the main point of the place! There is a huge corn maze, axe throwing, bars all around, photo-ops, and carnival games all over the place.

There are tons of things to do in the Fall time, whether it be just as basic as walking around and enjoying the crispy fall air. Get out and enjoy the weather!!

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell