Insulation is becoming a standard installation in many homes. Since insulation comes in a variety of types, the choice can be difficult. If you’re considering foam insulation in your house, read on for the advantages and disadvantages to help you make the choice.
What is foam insulation?
Most commonly available in spray form, foam insulation is constructed from polyurethane or soy for environmentally-friendly variants. The substrate can be sprayed onto any surface that needs insulating. After dispensing of the product, it fills gaps and creates an airtight seal that is resistant to water.
Similar to other kinds of insulation, this is designed to block heat in the summer and trap heat in the winter which reduces HVAC usage and therefore, electricity bills and your environmental impact.
Source: Shutterstock
Foam insulation benefits
The greatest benefit of using foam insulation is the effectiveness of the product as it can seep into all the holes and small spaces that standard insulation is unable to do. This significantly improves home sealing. Given its superior filling ability, the insulation prevents insects, rodents, and other vermin from entering. Additionally, it has a higher R-value than the alternative. Furthermore, many types of foam are also fireproof.
The environmental benefit is there are no small particulates that can get into the air like with fibreglass. Also, there is no itchiness with foam insulation. Additionally, it does not absorb water so mould growth is unlikely. Finally, this insulation can improve the structural integrity of your home because it contains similar properties as glue.
Contact local insulation experts
Foam insulation disadvantages
Despite many benefits, there are a few drawbacks which much be considered:
Spray foam costs significantly more than the standard insulatio
It is a much messier process for installing around the house
If too much is sprayed, the walls or ceilings can buckle. Therefore, it is always recommended that foam insulation must have professional installation
More and more these days we are looking for safe, yet effective, natural cleaning products. With so many chemicals and harsh pollutants in the things we consume on a daily basis, this shift towards natural products makes sense. Here are our top tips for which natural cleaning products are best for particular kinds of stains.
Baking soda
Baking Soda is a natural compound commonly found in the corner of your pantry and an effective natural cleaning ingredient. The fine powder can be used to scrub your bathroom and kitchen floors. When combined with vinegar, it also does wonders in clearing drains. Baking soda is a natural carpet cleaner. Sprinkle it onto your carpet for 15-20 minutes and then vacuum. Try adding a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil to baking soda to create a carpet deodoriser.
Lemons
Lemons are amazing natural cleaning products, fresh and aromatic and great at combatting household bacteria. Lemons are the perfect addition for any bathroom spray, BBQ degreaser or odour eliminator.You can also combine 1 cup oil with ½ cup lemon juice and apply it to furniture to dissolve dirt and grime. In the kitchen, deodorise your chopping boards by cleaning them with lemon juice or freshen up your dishwasher by positioning slices of lemon on the rack.
Salt
Common salt, or sodium chloride, is a fantastic natural cleaning product that can be used in the form of a scrub, paste or solution. A saltwater solution can help to brighten coloured curtains or faded rugs, while a mix of salt, lemon and water is great for rubbing rust off surfaces.
Vinegar is an acetic acid that comes in a variety of forms –apple cider, palm vinegar and white distilled vinegar will probably sound familiar. When combined with water, vinegar is an effective window cleaner and can also be used to prevent mould from building up in the bathroom and can help soften fabrics. Have something specific you’d like to get rid of using natural cleaning products? Here are our top natural stain removers for everyday stains.
Tea bags
Not just a drink for the soul, tea holds plenty of cleaning properties including for wooden surfaces. Revitalise the appearance of your wooden furniture by immersing a cloth in cooled tea. Remove excess tea-water from the cloth and allow it to sit on the surface momentarily before wiping the area to reveal a polished look.
Essential oils
Instead of opting for store-bought air freshener, use the natural fragrance essential oils to invigorate the scent of your abode. By creating your own mixture from scratch, you give your home a personality of its own that’s different from the familiar smell of commercial brands. Try mixing a few drops of tea tree, eucalyptus and lemon with half a cup of water in a spray bottle to freshen the air.
Natural grease stain remover
Natural Detergent: Rub the stain with detergent as a pre-wash and then chuck it into the washing machine.
Talcum powder: Sprinkle some powder on the stain and let it sit overnight. Simply brush off in the morning and wash as usual.
Hairspray: Spray some hairspray on the stain then wash as normal. Simple as that!
Sugar: To avoid getting grease on clothing after you’ve been fiddling with your bike or car, wash your hands with a mix of soap and sugar as this dissolves the grease.
Natural red wine stain remover
Salt (clothing): It is important to treat the stain ASAP as it becomes more difficult when it dries. Blot the area with a dry cloth soaking up as much wine as possible. Then sprinkle salt onto it and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Rinse under cold water while rubbing the stain between your fingers. Repeat until it disappears.
Water, soap and vinegar (carpet): Firstly blot the area using a clean paper towel. Then using a clean towel dipped in a vinegar/water/detergent solution – 1 tablespoon detergent, 1 tablespoon vinegar and 2 cups of warm water, clean the area until the stain disappears.
Contact local cleaning experts
Natural grass stain remover
Toothpaste: Using a wet toothbrush rub a small amount of toothpaste (paste variety not gel) onto the stain until it disappears. Then wash the clothes normally.
Natural stain remover for clothes
Depending on the type of stain there are a number of ways to approach the problem.
Ink: Use rubbing alcohol to soak any items of white clothing for 30mins, then spray with hairspray and throw into the laundry as usual.
Tea & coffee: Saturate the stain immediately with boiling water until the stain disappears. If the stain has already set into the fabric, scrub with borax and water then wash immediately.
Tomato based stains: Tomato-based stains respond well to vinegar placed directly on the stain and then put into the laundry straight away.
The best way to remove stains from your carpet naturally is with a 2:1 mix of white vinegar to warm water. To this solution to a spray bottle then add 2 teaspoons of table salt and 15-20 drops of your favourite essential oils (to mask the vinegar smell) Apply the spray liberally to the stained area and let it dry before vacuuming it up.
Natural blood stain remover
The most effective natural blood stain removal product is vinegar. Pour it directly onto the blood and blot until the stain has been removed. If you need some extra help, or if the stain has started to dry use a 1:2 solution of baking soda and water and repeat the process of soaking and blotting.
Choosing interior paint colours for your redecoration projects shouldn’t be done on a whim. When learning how to choose the right paint colour, you will need to consider things like the size of the room, what it’ll be used for, and your current interior style.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing interior paint colours that will work best with any living room or furniture colour scheme. Check out these nine tips before you hit the paint store to get the best results from your redecoration project.
9 Tips for choosing house paint colours for your next painting project
1. Learn about the effect of colour on moods
Paint colours can impact the mood of the people in the room. They can energise, calm, or even help you focus.
Certain shades, like red, can stimulate your mind and urge you into action, while other shades, such as blue, can put your nerves at ease. Choose colours that closely reflect your personality and motivate you to feel a certain way.
When learning how to choose the right paint colour, consider the purpose of the room and the vibe you want to achieve.
2. Identify how cosy or airy you want the room to feel
A cosy living room with neutral tones / Source: iStock
Colour choices also affect how your room will be perceived. It can make a cramped flat feel airy or a large space feel cosy.
For example, warm whites and warm greys have yellow undertones and give the appearance of a cosy, soft, inviting space. Using deep blue and other dark colour palettes can also help achieve the same cosy effect.
On the other hand, cool grey or cool white interior paint colours can make a room feel more spacious.
3. Factor in your current furnishings and decor
While it may be tempting just to pick your favourite shade when redoing your interior house paint colours, you should never choose paint in isolation from the other elements in the room. Not everything has to match, but make sure that the walls, flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and accent pieces work harmoniously.
While you can certainly pick different colour schemes for different rooms of the house, it may save you time to choose one that works for the majority of your home. Mixing and matching hues can guide the eyes from one space to another or delineate one area from another.
4. Check the natural and artificial lighting
A modern living room welcoming natural lighting / Source: iStock
Lighting also plays a big factor in how your space will look like. Even if the paint swatch looks great in the store, it may look slightly different in the actual space where it will be used due to the natural light entering the room and the artificial lighting.
As a quick reference, here’s how different lighting availability affects paint colour:
North-facing rooms will look bluish; offset this by choosing a brighter hue of your desired paint colour or using daylight-temperature artificial light. Warmer whites are a great choice for north-facing walls.
South-facing rooms will appear closer to the true paint colour thanks to abundant natural light.
East-facing rooms will appear more vibrant in the morning then duller in the afternoon. You can remedy this by choosing the right window treatments and artificial lighting. The opposite is true for west-facing rooms, which look bluish in the morning and warmer as the day progresses.
Incandescent lighting typically amplifies warmer colours and dulls cooler colours.
Halogen bulbs are closer to natural light so that interior walls will look true to colour with these bulbs.
Fluorescent lamps will make paint colours look more intense. Blue will appear as deep blue, for example.
Before you decide on a paint colour, look at it against the morning, afternoon, and evening (artificial lighting) in the room. Talking to a professional house painter can help make this decision-making process easier.
5. Consider neutral colours for common spaces
Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring! Neutral house paint colours can bridge pops of colour from room to room, like a pastel pink ceiling and accent wall in the living room or a patterned tile in the kitchen.
Blue and white are also a popular pairing that looks great in dining and living rooms. You can also liven up neutral paint by introducing patterns like a striped wall in cream and tan.
6. Don’t be afraid to choose more than one paint colour
A cosy dining space with turquoise and white walls / Source: iStock
Two-tone interior paint colours are a trendy way to update your room. You can go with a lighter or darker shade for a monochromatic palette. Meanwhile, grey tones with orange make for an unexpected, vibrant pairing.
Another example is combining dark brown and purple in one room. This can add just the right amount of oomph without deviating from your comfort zone.
Implementing two-colour combinations for your living room is easier than you think. Even just painting one wall in two colours or having a solid colour theme for the walls, furniture and decor can create an interesting focal point in the room and delineate areas in open-plan spaces.
7. Look at the room’s features for inspiration
Your next paint colour choice might be hidden right in the room! Look at an architectural feature on the exterior of your house. Bringing your exterior house paint colours indoors brings a seamless flow throughout the house.
For instance, the trim or fascia might just be perfect for your interior walls, or the grey polished concrete floors could pair well with green or off-white walls.
You can also look at nature for inspiration. If you have a lot of greenery outside, you can complement this by choosing green as one of your interior paint colours and pairing it with a neutral shade. A rustic surface like the hardwood on your floors could also inspire nature- or earth-tone-inspired colour choices.
8. Factor in the size of your space
A minimalist bedroom with white walls and wooden floors / Source: iStock
When you know the colours you might like, consider the area you intend to paint. Take a moment to pause and think about the existing layout of the space or what the area will be used for, as the wall colour will affect the look and feel of the entire space.
Professional painters and decorators know which paint finish and what paint colour would work best for every space, considering all factors in the house. So, if you’re unsure how to go about a painting project, consult a pro for expert advice and painting cost estimates.
9. Use a colour scheme to choose the right paint colour palette
Colour scheme and palette are often used interchangeably but are very different.
A colour scheme is a framework or theory, for example, monochromatic, complementary colours, or achromatic. Meanwhile, a colour palette is the actual swatches: complementary colours, blue and orange, different shades and tints of the same colour, pink, and so on.
When picking a colour palette, stick to a few hues or choose different tones of a similar colour group rather than contrasting shades. It helps to use a colour wheel or talk to a colour consultant when determining the right colour scheme or colour palette for your interior walls.
Choose the right interior paint colours easily
Picking paint colours doesn’t have to be overwhelming and complicated. While doing it yourself can be fulfilling and affordable, reaching out to a painter can ensure a successful painting project that is worth your time and money, especially if it’s your first time repainting your walls.
FAQs on choosing the right paint colours
Should you go lighter or darker with paint?
Paints typically dry darker, but if mixed properly, they should come out looking the same as what is on the paint swatch. So, it all boils down to your choice of the swatch and mixing the paint properly.
Should I paint my entire house the same colour?
There’s no hard rule that says you shouldn’t; however, your home will benefit from using at least different shades of the same colour. This adds visual interest while maintaining a certain flow or continuity as one moves through the house.
How do I choose my exterior house colour?
Below are some tips to help you choose your exterior house colour:
Look for inspiration in the finishes in your home, such as the foundation, trim, roof, and landscape.
Get a colour wheel and test out some palettes.
Consult with a house painter to get the best look for your home.
If you want, feel free to look at the colour scheme in your own neighbourhood to make sure your home fits in.
What is the most popular interior paint colour?
White is one of the most popular interior paint colours since it’s easy to pair with other colours. White can look warm and cosy or light and airy. Its classic look and ability to tie different colours together make it many homeowners’ paint colour of choice.
Property investment can be a very lucrative business. You chosen a dream investment property, got an approval for a loan or opted for a contract for deed, but is it the right decision? There are numerous examples of people making significant gains and profits through a real estate portfolio. But it can also be a highly risky use of your money. And regardless of the size or type of property, your plan to invest in it will almost certainly require a substantial initial and ongoing spend. That’s why it’s essential to take additional care when investing in property to ensure you minimise your risks as much as possible, protecting your hard-earned cash.
Here are a few things you should know and consider before investing your money in the real estate market.
1. The price is right
Any real estate investment aims to grow your capital through the increase in the value of your property. Central to this is selecting the right property at the right price. But it’s not always clear cut. A cheap property may have tremendous growth potential, but it may also be in an area when the market is merely affordable. Likewise, a high-end property may hold its value, but it also may not offer much growth.
2. Ensure you have the money to support the investment
Property investment can be very lucrative, but the gains are usually measured over the long-term. You don’t want to be forced to sell a valuable property early because you don’t have the capital to support it. Before making any investment carefully consider the short and long-term running expenses to ensure your budget can handle it. When reviewing your financial status and capability to fund any expenses for your future investment property, be mindful of any remaining personal loans you may have, as they may affect the amount the bank will allow you to borrow.
Turning a profit from an investment property can, at times, be a full-time job. A property manager can help ease the burden doing everything from managing the day-to-day issues to helping you select new tenants and reviewing rental costs. The best thing is they are usually paid as a percentage of rent collected, so if you’re not making any money, they won’t cost you any.
4. Study the market
Real estate markets are often operating in a microcosm with prices on one side of a street being slightly higher than the other, for instance. When looking to maximise returns, every little edge, you can get matters, so it’s important to study your rental market carefully before you buy. You can start researching online, but local knowledge is hard to beat.
5. Select the right mortgage
There are a variety of different mortgage and financing options available when it comes to buying properties. Finding the right model is not always as simple as selecting the cheapest one as the way the financing is structured can affect tax deductions. Consider all the options and your circumstances to find the best financing deal in the long run for your investment.
6. Leverage equity
If you already have existing properties, then leveraging the value tied up in them can be an excellent way to fund further investments. If you have a $500,000 property with only $100,000 left on the mortgage, then you have $400,000 equity you can leverage. Leveraging an existing property also opens up the possibility to leverage against the investment property further down the line and has potential tax benefits.
7. Negative gearing
Negative gearing allows you to claim tax relief if the investment amount is larger than its income returns. This can enable you to make a technical loss on the investment property while creating an overall profit by offsetting other taxable income. Negative gearing isn’t a good reason on its own to buy an investment property, but it can help with structuring your finances and budgets.
8. Limit unexpected surprises
Unexpected surprises can be catastrophic for an investment property. A sudden large spend on maintenance work can make a massive dent into your finances. Limit your risk of being surprised by having the property professionally inspected before making any commitments.
An investment property is a business, not a home. It’s important to keep this in mind when renovating and decorating. Everybody has unique tastes and styles, but an investment property has to be able to appeal to anybody. Simple and neutral tones are perfect as they are inoffensive and have wide appeal.
10. Long-term thinking
Property investment is not a short-term cash generator. Your property can often take years or decades to show the type of large profits you seek. The investment will usually require further spending and time commitments along the way. Keep this in mind when making your financial and life plans.
When the time comes for a replacement part for your vehicle, you are often faced with a choice. Should you go for a used car part that’s cheaper and readily available to get your car up and running again? Or, should you head down to your local dealership, pay a premium price and wait a little longer for it to be delivered and installed?
The critical difference is, you know you’re going to get a high-quality part if it’s new. You’ll also receive a manufacturer’s warranty. It seems like the new part is the most obvious choice.
However, this isn’t always the case as you’d be surprised just how resourceful a second-hand part can be. A used car part is not only super cost-effective, but they are also more readily available. Choosing a second-hand part is often the faster option in most cases, and some even come with a warranty.
To help you decide between a new and used part, here are the pros and cons.
New car parts
There are three avenues to explore when purchasing a new car part. You can choose from either Genuine, OEM, or Aftermarket; each coming with their own set of pros and cons.
Genuine parts are parts which are supplied by the manufacturer of the vehicle and will generally come branded or packaged. High-quality, comes with a warranty, easier selection. However, it is usually more expensive, limited availability, and may take longer to arrive.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) come from the same company which manufactured genuine parts; however, this partner company is usually employed by the original automaker to produce parts as OEM. Quality guaranteed comes with a warranty, easier selection, and usually cheaper than Genuine. However, it can be more expensive, take longer to arrive, and quality isn’t always guaranteed.
Aftermarket parts are that have not been manufactured or sourced directly by the original automaker. Usually the cheapest option of the 3, a more extensive selection of brands, parts and prices, and in some cases, quality is equal or better than OEM. However, may not come with a warranty, potentially made from lower-quality materials and poorly constructed, and can be challenging to make the right choice with such a wide selection.
Used car parts
Pros
Cost-effective: Second-hand car parts are less expensive compared to new car parts and is one of the main reasons why people opt for used parts.
Increased availability: There is no shortage of used parts sellers, so there’s always plenty of choice and availability for the parts you seek.
Competitive prices: Because you have so many options to choose from, sellers are generally quite competitive with their prices, meaning you can get a lower price.
Large variety: With plenty of choices in brands, parts and prices, you’ll have your car up and running in no time at all.
Environmentally friendly: It might not be something you’d normally consider, but opting to buy a used part over brand new reduces the need for new parts to be made. This means fewer resources are used when being manufactured and therefore reducing your environmental impact.
Cons
Quality isn’t guaranteed: How does the saying go? “You get what you pay for”. To avoid purchasing a complete lemon, we’ve given a list of questions to ask before you buy a used part below.
Overwhelming selection: With so many brands, parts and sellers available, especially online where parts can be purchased from Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and eBay, it can be an overwhelming experience.
No warranty: Not all used parts come with a warranty, so it pays to purchase a used part from a credible supplier and always ask for a warranty.
Mechanics may decline installation: If a used part was to fail, resulting in a crash, who’s responsible? With concerns about liability, warranty and insurance, your mechanic may decline to install a second-hand part.
Unknown history: Purchasing used parts from auto wreckers or online sources may not always have the history of the part. Not knowing the history of the part you’re buying puts you at risk. What’s the remaining lifespan of the part? Has it been in an accident?
If you plan to go down the path of buying a used car part, there are a few questions to ask to ensure you receive a high-quality part and not a lemon.
Are you buying from a credible seller?
Thanks to the internet, there are now many avenues to purchase a used part. However, there are just as many counterfeit products available on the market. It’s best to buy used parts from a reputable and trusted seller to ensure you are not wasting your money on low-quality parts.
Know what part you need
Before you go out and buy a second-hand part, find out exactly what you need. If you’re unsure of the part you need, do not hesitate to contact your mechanic or speak to a professional. This way, you can avoid unnecessary delays and costs on purchasing the wrong part.
Have your vehicle details ready
With such a wide selection of parts and brands to choose from, it is essential to have your vehicle’s make, model and year ready to go. Also, having your car’s VIN will ensure you purchase the right part for your car.
Ask for a warranty and how long
It goes without saying if you’re purchasing a used part always ask if there is a warranty and how long does it last. Most credible sellers usually offer a warranty or at least the option to purchase one.
Find out the history of the part
Attempting to find the history of a used part from a Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace purchase is near-impossible. Without knowledge in the automotive industry, it can be difficult to tell if it has been in an accident or the remaining lifespan. However, you can minimise your chances of getting a counterfeit part by purchasing used parts from a trusted local supplier. Make sure the seller is capable of giving you the history and expected life.
Are you moving into your first home or apartment? Firstly, congratulations. You are officially entering the most exciting phase of your independent life. But as you may already know, moving into your first place isn’t all rosy and merry. It involves lots of planning and hard work. It is a time when you start thinking about new furniture and accessories, lighting, kitchen essentials, and many things that you’ve never really cared about before.
Owning a new home or apartment means involves making the living space comfortable and welcoming for you. But don’t freak out. We understand that pulling that off isn’t the easiest thing to do and for that, we have prepared a shortlist of your first-home needs. This list will help you inject some class and functionality to your new home. Be our guest:
1. Bedding
Home is where you lay your head. That is why a bed, a mattress, a pillow, and some bedsheets should be the first items you acquire for your new apartment. You will also need a mattress topper and any other bedding that will make your place feel like home. Just don’t entertain the thought of sleeping on the floor even for a day.
Stock up on cleaning essentials in advance. These include:
Cleaning products
Of course, you do have your preferred cleaning products. Purchasing your cleaning products before moving in will take another thing off your list. Ensure that you buy enough paper towels, disinfectants, glass cleaner, and a multi-surface cleaner of your choice.
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner is essential, but don’t buy one before you know the type of flooring in your new home. Choose the vacuum cleaner that is suitable for your new floor, and that is efficient for the size of your home. A robotic cleaner, for example, would be more ideal for a big house than a handheld vacuum cleaner.
Broom and dustpan
You will be sweeping around the compound, in the backyard, and sometimes indoors. A vacuum cleaner might not be very ideal for the job. Get a handheld broom and a dustpan for that. The size of either of these tools will depend on the size of your new home.
Mop
You will need to polish your new home occasionally, so ensure that you have a sponge or string mop for this.
3. Kitchen essentials
If your kitchen isn’t as modern as you would want it to be, you may have to invest in kitchen remodelling. Kitchen renovations can improve the functionality or feel of your kitchen. Remember that the kitchen is the heart of every home, regardless of its size. This is the place where you will be making your meals, where your family will be gathering at least twice every day, and where most of your fond memories will be made. You need this particular space within your home to function smoothly and operate with ease. Inclusive to kitchen renovations, it’s recommended that you also look for other kitchen essentials during your move. Some of these include the kitchen’s use, design and feel, including a coffee maker, a stove, a toaster, a microwave, some pots, a blender, a mixer, among other cookware. A fridge and some dishes will be important as well.
If your budget allows, it will be best to purchase a complete kitchen tools set. All the items you need for the kitchen will be included in the set so you will not have to worry about forgetting anything essential. While at it, ensure that your dishes are stylish and beautiful. The last thing you want is to serve guests with horrible-looking dinner plates or cups during the home warming party.
4. Living room essentials
If you are tight on budget, you can leave the living room for later. You will survive comfortably with nothing in the living room, or even without a living room all together. But if you have the money, or if you have a dream of one day living in a cozy and welcoming space, then you will need to budget for a few items. Some wall décor, a couple of couches, a TV, a small TV cabinet, a coasters table, some table lamps, a few tables, and a carpet will be great for a start.
5. Bathroom essentials
A shower curtain is a must if you don’t want to damage the new home’s floor. Self-care items such as toiletries and oral hygiene products are also essential. Other bathroom items include soap, a bath mat, a showerhead, and rings. Believe it or not, the bathroom could be the first room you use as soon as you move in.
Wrap up
There are many new home essentials that we could not cover in a single article. The important thing is that with the items we have discussed, you will be good to go. You will later need to shop for lesser essential items such as house plants, décor items, and a home theatre system, among others.
All homeowners want to keep their houses in perfect shape. But, no matter what, you can’t avoid plumbing repair once in a while.
One of the most common plumbing repairs has to do with your sewer line, especially if your house was built in the era of 1970. Because those houses contained cast iron pipes and, by and large, they have outlived their utility. It is imperative to identify the issues with your sewer line and fix them at the earliest. If not, you could be risking the health of your family members along with your property. You can’t afford to ignore the following signs if you don’t want to turn a minor sewer line issue into an ultimate catastrophe:
1. Sewer gas odour
Sometimes you can’t see a problem in your drain line because the damaged pipe is out of our sight. But you can smell the problem. We are talking about the foul odour. Sewer pipes are impenetrable because, naturally, nobody wants to smell the scent of sewage. So in the normal condition of a pipe, no foul odour is supposed to come out.
If you are using the room spray frequently and the odour refuses to go away, it’s time to find an expert plumber and have your sewer line inspected.
2. Mould issues
If you notice mould on your wall, ceiling, or floor, it could be the sign of a crack in your sewer pipe. Mould could be the offshoot of some other problem. If mould is growing at a rapid pace, then the sewer pipeline is more likely to be the culprit behind it. This is it is the ample humidity level for mould to grow.
Apart from damaging your interior, exterior, and foundation, mould could also trigger health problems. Therefore it is essential to be looked at immediately.
3. Slow drain
Bathtubs, sinks, and toilets are the places where the slow drain is more evident than any other part of the house. Slow drains are not always due to the leakage in the sewer line. It could well be caused by tree root penetration, hair, and such blockages.
However, some homeowners make it a point to buy cheap chemical cleaners to clean their pipelines. But far from being an easy fix, these chemicals end up harming your pipeline even more. You should instead try green alternatives.
If you continue to face issues regarding slow drain, then the odds are your sewer line could be in for a bigger fix. That’s the time when you should contact a professional without further ado.
Rats like to live in sewers. And if there is a loophole in your main sewer line, rats could easily find their way to your house. To be more precise, an opening of about 7 to 10 centimetres is enough for an average size rat to earn an entry in your home.
Rats are known to spread dangerous diseases like plague and hemorrhagic fever. So all of sudden if you find rats marching in your house, you can take it as a sign of a crack in your drain line.
5. Gurgling sound
If you notice a gurgling sound in your toilet right after flushing, it could be because the air from an outside source is going into your sewer line. However minor it may sound, there is no way you can ignore it. Because you never know what would be the scale of this tiny issue in the future. It is the hallmark of a smart homeowner to nib in the bud a plumbing issue right in the beginning. That’s the best way to keep your sewer line repair costs at the bare minimum.
6. Grass turning extra green
Is there a specific portion in your garden that is greener than the rest of the backyard? If so, ask yourself whether you are using any fertilizer in that fraction. If the answer is no, then it could be a clear cut case of sewer line leakage. As a homeowner possessing a garden, you must know that the sewer line water works as a quality fertilizer.
Though you might get fresh vegetables from your garden, for the time being, any delay in the repairs will pose an unimaginable threat to your property and health.
7. Foundation cracks
Foundation cracks are perhaps more threatening than any other sign discussed above because they suggest that your house’s sewer line craves for immediate attention. You can spot foundation cracks at places like pavement, driveway, foundation slabs, and sinkholes.
There are various types of foundation cracks. But the most dangerous of them include horizontal and stair-step cracks. However, it does not mean you can take other cracks any lightly. Regardless of the type, as soon as you notice a foundation crack, you should get in touch with a professional because being ignorant could lead to more structural damages.
8. Insect infestation
If there is a gradual upsurge of insects in your house, then it could also be an indication of a broken sewer line. These insects typically contain cockroaches, sewer flies, and palmetto bugs. Cockroaches are prone to trigger allergy, particularly among kids.
As a temporary solution, you can use different means to kill the insects, but the bugs will keep finding their way back to your house. A permanent solution lies in fixing the drain line once and for all.
Wrap up
If you are currently noticing any of these signs in your house, it’s time for a thorough inspection from a certified plumber. You never know, the repairs that seem small today, might not remain small tomorrow.
The amount of ash produced after burning firewood depends on the quality of the wood. Not being aware of the ways they can use ashes in their gardens, a lot of people throw their ashes out. You paid money when you purchased the best firewood supplies in Sydney. So, why not use it?
Burning one firewood cord can leave more than 10 kilos of ashes. The amount the ash produced can also depend on the heating appliance, fuel source, and even your burning skills.
The ashes you get should not go out with your trash. Let’s see how you can sustainably use your ash.
A fire can provide warmth and ambience to any indoor or outdoor space / Source: A.S Projects
Amending garden & lawn soil
Ash left in your stove or fireplace is a source of magnesium, calcium, and potassium. All these three are essential for the health of a plant. You can use ash to increase the pH level of the soil in your garden. However, you need to know how and when the ash can be useful and when it can’t be. The timing to add ash into your soil, depends on the pH level of the soil. You can use a soil test to determine the pH level. pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for most of the garden and lawns plants. Keep in mind that some plants grow well in soil having a lower pH and some in soil with higher pH.
When can you add wood ash?
You can add ash when the pH level falls below 6.5. pH below 6.5 reduces the availability of calcium and magnesium.
When you cannot add wood ash
Avoid adding ash when the soil is alkaline. Alkaline soil has a pH level of more than 7.0. Adding ash can also be bad for the health of plants and can potentially kill some of your plants. When soil pH levels are too high, some plants are unable to take up the nutrients. This is particularly bad for the health of fruits and vegetable plants.
Don’t mess with the pH if the pH level is in the range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries and there are several other acid-loving plants. Avoid applying ash around these plants.
Using wood ash
You can use both lime and wood ash to increase soil pH. Both work in different ways. Limestone can take more than six months to change soil pH. On the other hand, being water-soluble, ash starts changing the pH level of soil rapidly. Soil with pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 can take 10 kilos of ash per 100 square metres Annually. Adding more than 10 kilos can also cause short-term salt injury. So, add ash to your lawn soil carefully.
Don’t forget to use gloves, a dust mask, and eye protection while adding ash to your lawn soil. It’s best to garden with ash on a windless and dry day. Mix soil and ash before planting and avoid letting ash settle on your growing plants.
Repelling slugs
You can sprinkle wood ashes around plants that are susceptible to slugs. This will repel slugs by irritating their moist bodies.
Melting ice & providing winter traction
You can spread wood ash on driveways. This will provide traction by melting ash. This will cause no damage to animal paws. However, ashes might get tracked into your house.
Cleaning metal & glass
You can use hardwood ash to quickly remove grime, grease and tarnish silverware, glass, grills, ovenware, and stovetops. You can also remove gummy residue left by labels and stickers.
When you are looking for firewood supplies in Sydney, buy firewood from a reputed supplier. Ash is not waste, simply a byproduct. So, you can absolutely use it around the house.
