Top plumbing repairs that shouldn’t be ignored

Top plumbing repairs that shouldn’t be ignored

Our lives are hectic. In between the hustle-and-bustle of dropping the kids off at soccer practice, getting groceries, going to work, and finding time for relaxation every now and then, it’s easy for home maintenance to get pushed to the proverbial backburner. However, when your home is faced with urgent plumbing repairs, the issue may not be able to wait. Here are the major plumbing issues that require fast action on your part.

Sewer line issues

Just mentioning the words “sewer backup” to any long-time homeowners is probably enough to give them the shivers. Sewer line issues are among the most expensive and messy of plumbing disasters. The key to avoiding a sewer backup and an incredible amount of damage to your home is taking quick action at the first sign of a problem. So, just what do you need to look out for?

Sewer line clogs are most commonly caused by organic (grease, oil, eggshells, flour, coffee grounds, and more) and non-organic (sanitary products, “flushable” wipes, trash) waste that is put down the kitchen sink or toilet and becomes trapped deep in the line, forming a partial clog. Eventually, with enough time, this will fully clog the line, preventing wastewater from exiting your home into the municipal sewer or your septic system. The telltale sign of a sewer line clog is all of your sinks, drains, and toilets clogging at once. When this happens, immediately turn off the water supply to your home and call a plumber for emergency service.

Sewer line cracks and leaks also represent a potential problem. As the ground shifts around your line or tree roots burrow around it, parts of the line can crack or separate, leading to a leak. On the surface, you’ll probably notice a perpetually wet spot in your yard and smell the problem when above it. This is your time to call a plumber. Unfortunately, a sewer line leak isn’t going to resolve itself, and a leak can attract nearby tree roots, making the problem much worse.

Frozen pipes

On the coldest of winter nights, your home’s pipes are at risk of freezing. In cities throughout the Midwest and Northeast, plumbers get thousands of calls every winter about frozen pipes. There are two common, yet untrue, myths about frozen pipes. The first is that do-it-yourself thawing tricks, such as using a hairdryer, can safely and effectively thaw out a pipe—this can actually damage the pipe and increase the risk of a burst. The second is that homeowners can just ignore the frozen pipe, as it will eventually thaw out. This is also untrue.

First, consider what happens when the water in a pipe freezes. As anyone who has left a can of soda pop in the freezer too long can tell you, liquids expand as they freeze, occupying more space than they once did. When the water in your pipes freezes, it, too, expands, putting immense pressure on the interior walls of the pipe. A pipe burst is what happens when the pipe walls can no longer take the pressure. This pressure is cumulative, so just letting frozen pipes stay frozen and procrastinating means you could be flirting with disaster.

Most frozen pipe incidents occur when the property’s furnace stops working: that’s what allows indoor conditions to get cold enough for pipes in exterior walls to reach the freezing point. If your frozen pipe issue is accompanied by a malfunctioning furnace, you can’t expect your pipes to thaw out on their own anytime soon.

Water heater problems

Tucked away in your garage, utility closet, or basement, it’s all-too-easy to ignore your water heater. Yet, as water heaters age, they generally start to show signs of trouble that can serve as the proverbial “canary in the coal mine” for a disastrous tank burst. 

Standard water heaters contain an important component—the sacrificial anode rod—which draws corrosion away from the tank walls. Once this rod has been eaten through, however, that corrosion will start to attack the tank itself. This can weaken it. Just like in the frozen pipes scenario, your water heater is under pressure. Under normal conditions, the tank is more than built to handle this sustained pressure. In a corroded and weakened state, however, it will have issues.

Typically, this begins with water leaks, as small fractures in the tank shell allow water to escape the tank and start pooling under the system. If you notice water gathering around the bottom of your older water heater, that’s as good a sign as any that you need to call in a plumber right away. Left untreated, these fractures will continue to expand and multiply as the shell weakens. Eventually, the tank could burst open, flooding your basement, closet, or garage with water.

Old age comes for everything—including your water heater. If yours is more than 10-15 years old, keep an eye on it and don’t wait to call a plumber at the first sign of any trouble.

Be proactive and take care of your home

One of the main things that separates happy homeowners from stressed-out ones is proper home maintenance, upkeep, and proactive action. When it comes to your home’s plumbing—and, for that matter, many other aspects of your home—procrastination and delay are the enemy, and only increase the risk of something disastrous happening. When in doubt, bring in a plumber: as the old saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you’re looking for even more great tips for maintaining your home—including your pipes, HVAC systems, roof, and more—check out this infographic .It’s your guide to other home repairs that you should never ignore.

Guest Contributor: Amanda L

When You Should Call the Best Plumber

When You Should Call the Best Plumber

Many times, a homeowner may notice water leakage problem or noises coming out of the drain system. A novice cannot detect blockage of pipelines, clogging, or dented channels. In such scenarios, you need a plumber because sometimes the problem becomes too difficult to handle. 

If you give a quick search on the internet, you will come across plenty of options. No doubt, it will be challenging to select the best service provider. You should understand and find the best plumbers in the city. We have put forward some tips to filter the result. 

You Can Make a Wise Decision and Call The Best Plumber

• When you are renovating your house

We often like to renovate our house so that we can spruce up our home. If the changes are required in exterior decoration, then one does not have to take the advice of an expert plumber. But when you do an entire renovation of your house, make sure you have called a plumber. An expert will ensure all the water-supply are intact or would need readjustment as well. 

• When the pipelines began to choke 

An experienced and skilled plumber will detect in no time the blockage of pipelines, clogging, or dented channels. Whenever you hear choking noises, this would mean something is wrong with your drainage system. Such scenarios may lead to various issues. It is hard to say even small tiny clogging can flood your home with water. Most of the conked pipelines do the damage if not fixed in time. 

• When odor comes from the sink

Many of us are hygiene-conscious and to keep our toilet or sink free from odor we put plenty of fragrant cleaners. Despite all these efforts, some sink releases an odor. If the problem persists, it means you are looking away from the root cause: the weak water-supply system.

Sometimes, the sewer water gets mixed with the drainage system of your home. It can send ripples of irritating odor, which is also a signal that the pipelines are dented. At the worst situation, the sewage system has burst out. Call the best plumber and fix this problem as soon as possible.

• When water pressure is low

Blocked pipelines often cause low water pressure. Other than blocked pipes, malfunctioning valves also lead to the same problem. In both the cases, there is a chance water may burst out and cause leakage—all you have to do to tackle any of this issue if by calling the best plumber.

• When you need to check your drainage system

Many experts often advice to do a regular inspection of the house. It is an excellent method to detect any unnoticed issue or a sprouting one that may crop up in the future. You may notice problems related to drainage mostly give small signs before it turns into a major problem. The first sign can be the clogged drain or slow draining; you can spot it by hearing gurgling noise in the pipelines. Make sure you call plumber Brisbane in time and fix the clogged drainage system before it becomes a mayhem.

Conclusion

An expert will fix low water pressure, odor in pipelines, unusual noises from the pipeline, and clogged drainage system. Small signs can make you stay aware of the situation faster. Always remember, it is not about the money. Prevention is better than cure. We have put forward some of the reasons, all you need to do is  to call a plumber. Pick up your phone and hunt down who is the best plumber in your locality.

Guest Contributor: Lara Buck

Tips to Help With Flood Damage Restoration

Tips to Help With Flood Damage Restoration

According to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an estimated 13 million Americans live in flood-prone areas, but experts believe it could be three times that.

If you live in a place identified as a flood zone, seeing your home submerged after a heavy storm is always a possibility. Taking steps to protect your home from flooding would be a good idea. So is knowing what to do when your property gets hit by a flood and sustains damage.

Flood damage, in all honesty, is not the easiest thing to deal with after a storm. If a few inches of water in your home can already cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage, imagine what knee- or even waist-deep flood waters can do. The cleanup task is going to be gargantuan, and your storm damage repair efforts will cost you a lot.

Still, your home is going to need flood damage restoration. Here are some tips that will help you in that regard.

Call Your Insurer

If you have flood insurance, then the first thing you should do is call your insurance provider. Ask for directions on how to file a claim so you’ll have money to pay for much-needed flood damage repairs.

Your insurer will soon send an insurance adjuster over to assess the damage caused by the flood, so make sure everything is untouched. Take lots of pictures and videos, as documentation is critical when filing an insurance claim.

Safety First

Documenting the damage means you’re going to enter your flooded property. Before you do so, make sure you’re wearing the right personal protective equipment or PPE.

Keep in mind that flood water could contain contaminants such as Salmonella and E. Coli. The single most important PPE you need to wear are waterproof boots, preferably with an insole and a steel toe. Latex or rubber gloves and safety goggles are also a must.

You also need to make sure the power to your home has been cut off to avoid electrocution.

Check If Your Home Is In A Disaster Area

Your home may be located in a place identified by authorities as a disaster area. Find out if it is so you can get access to financial assistance and other resources that the government may provide.

Get Your Belongings Out of the House

Take all the furniture, appliances, carpets, and any of your belongings hit by the flood out of the house. Check which ones can be saved and which ones are damaged beyond repair. Any foodstuff, from canned goods to fresh produce, that you find floating in the floodwater must be disposed of immediately. Don’t even think about consuming them.

Remove the Water

Since water damage can only get worse if you leave the floodwater be, you must do whatever you can to remove all the water as soon as possible. Use any means necessary, including dippers, buckets, mops, and pumps to get all that water out of your home. If your entire family is helping out, make sure everyone wears safety gear, too.

However, you have to wait for your insurance company to greenlight any effort on your part to remove the water. Proceed only once you get that go-signal to ensure that your insurance claim won’t run into any issues.

Dry Your Home

With most of the water gone, the next step would be to dry all affected areas. You can use mops, rags, and sponges for the task. To speed up the drying process, bring in some industrial fans and turn them all on at full blast. It would be best if you also opened all windows and doors to let in the sunshine.

Your home also needs to be completely dry to reduce the risk of mold buildup.

Call Water Damage Restoration Specialists

The next step is repairing all the water damage and restoring your home. You can take on the job yourself, or you can put that flood insurance money to good use by contacting a water damage restoration company.

With their training, experience, and equipment, water damage restoration professionals can deal with any kind of damage caused by a flood. You’ve already done the preliminary cleanup to mitigate the water damage; let water damage restoration specialists do it professionally and finish the job. By the time they’re done, your home will look just like it did before the flood.

According to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an estimated 13 million Americans live in flood-prone areas, but experts believe it could be three times that.

If you live in a place identified as a flood zone, seeing your home submerged after a heavy storm is always a possibility. Taking steps to protect your home from flooding would be a good idea. So is knowing what to do when your property gets hit by a flood and sustains damage.

Flood damage, in all honesty, is not the easiest thing to deal with after a storm. If a few inches of water in your home can already cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage, imagine what knee- or even waist-deep flood waters can do. The cleanup task is going to be gargantuan, and your storm damage repair efforts will cost you a lot.

Still, your home is going to need flood damage restoration. Here are some tips that will help you in that regard.

Call Your Insurer

If you have flood insurance, then the first thing you should do is call your insurance provider. Ask for directions on how to file a claim so you’ll have money to pay for much-needed flood damage repairs.

Your insurer will soon send an insurance adjuster over to assess the damage caused by the flood, so make sure everything is untouched. Take lots of pictures and videos, as documentation is critical when filing an insurance claim.

Safety First

Documenting the damage means you’re going to enter your flooded property. Before you do so, make sure you’re wearing the right personal protective equipment or PPE.

Keep in mind that flood water could contain contaminants such as Salmonella and E. Coli. The single most important PPE you need to wear are waterproof boots, preferably with an insole and a steel toe. Latex or rubber gloves and safety goggles are also a must.

You also need to make sure the power to your home has been cut off to avoid electrocution.

Check If Your Home Is In A Disaster Area

Your home may be located in a place identified by authorities as a disaster area. Find out if it is so you can get access to financial assistance and other resources that the government may provide.

Get Your Belongings Out of the House

Take all the furniture, appliances, carpets, and any of your belongings hit by the flood out of the house. Check which ones can be saved and which ones are damaged beyond repair. Any foodstuff, from canned goods to fresh produce, that you find floating in the floodwater must be disposed of immediately. Don’t even think about consuming them.

Remove the Water

Since water damage can only get worse if you leave the floodwater be, you must do whatever you can to remove all the water as soon as possible. Use any means necessary, including dippers, buckets, mops, and pumps to get all that water out of your home. If your entire family is helping out, make sure everyone wears safety gear, too.

However, you have to wait for your insurance company to greenlight any effort on your part to remove the water. Proceed only once you get that go-signal to ensure that your insurance claim won’t run into any issues.

Dry Your Home

With most of the water gone, the next step would be to dry all affected areas. You can use mops, rags, and sponges for the task. To speed up the drying process, bring in some industrial fans and turn them all on at full blast. It would be best if you also opened all windows and doors to let in the sunshine.

Your home also needs to be completely dry to reduce the risk of mold buildup.

Call Water Damage Restoration Specialists

The next step is repairing all the water damage and restoring your home. You can take on the job yourself, or you can put that flood insurance money to good use by contacting a water damage restoration company.

With their training, experience, and equipment, water damage restoration professionals can deal with any kind of damage caused by a flood. You’ve already done the preliminary cleanup to mitigate the water damage; let water damage restoration specialists do it professionally and finish the job. By the time they’re done, your home will look just like it did before the flood.

Guest Contributor: Rachel Anderson

Top 7 Kitchen Remodel Ideas in 2020

Top 7 Kitchen Remodel Ideas in 2020

Trends change with every passing year. However, when we plan to redesign our kitchen we would anyway prefer a look which would last. Lots of time, money and efforts are put in to design the perfect kitchen, therefore we would love it to be appreciated by people for a long while.

Kitchen Remodelling Ideas

There are several new kitchen remodel companies with thousands of newer ideas on design and several other exciting features. There are various popular trends and gadgets to choose from when trying to redesign a kitchen. There are many professionals who help people to choose the best kitchen gadgets from the plethora of options which tend to confuse the buyers. Some of the remodelling ideas are mentioned below:

1. New Floor Layout

Some of the features of the kitchen help to change the look of the kitchen. Some people might argue that the floor outlook does not matter when changing the theme of the kitchen but they are mistaken. A newer floor would help a great deal to give a new life to the kitchen. The most trustworthy material for the kitchen floor is hardwood. There are several options of hardwood to choose from.

1. Attractive Kitchen Island

The focal point of kitchen ideas is the place where the food is prepared. Hence, the kitchen island, however big or small, should be the most important item to redesign. The most preferred material to design the island is granite or marble. They are preferable as they are durable and do not break easily.

1. Luxurious Kitchen Appliances

The kitchen appliances make lives easier and they are one of the most important parts of the kitchen. The appliances, if used for a long time, can hurt the pocket and the efficiency is also reduced. Therefore, experts suggest a change or update to the existing kitchen appliances in some years. The latest appliances are not only good to look at but they are also very efficient. However, kitchen appliances are, rather, long-term investment so, the efficiency should be of greater importance than the look of the appliances.

1. Open Shelving

The idea of hiding one's cutlery as it might displease the guests is antique. People are welcoming the aspect of open shelving as it has several advantages. One can be much more creative if they opt for open shelving. There are a lot more kitchen designs to choose from if they plan open shelving.

1. Hardware and Paint

An instant update for the way a kitchen looks is if one gives a newer touch of paint for their renovated kitchen. This can be combined with an update to the existing hardware, such as cabinet pull-outs, kitchen faucets, doorknobs, etc. This is a rather cost-effective option to give the kitchen a newer look.

1. Kitchen Lighting

One of the best ways to change the outlook is to change the lighting. One can be creative in various ways when thinking to change the lighting of the kitchen. They can opt for a single tone or mix various tones according to their convenience. This is one of the inexpensive tricks to remodel the kitchen.

1. Cabinets

They are rather an important part of the kitchen. They are the victims of abuse in the kitchen and the part of happiness. The choice of kitchen cabinets can change the feel and look of the kitchen. The new RTA or ready to assemble cabinets for the kitchen are both trendy and hurt less in the pocket, therefore they are largely preferred today.

The kitchen is the most vital part of the house, therefore it is very important to keep it updated. Did the points mentioned above help you renovate your kitchen? You can also opt for DIY kitchen organiser as well. Do let us know how you remodelled this busy room.

You can also learn more about organizing your kitchen here.

Author’s Bio:

Archie was a builder for more than 40 years. Mainly after his retirement the enthusiastic electrical works in garden and writes for a blog Homemakerguide.com to keep himself occupied. His many years of experience can get you the right tool reviews whether it is a drill, welding machine or so. An impressive fact to note about him is that almost everything in his house is a representation of his skills made by his hands.

Guest Contributor: Archie Adams

A Guide to Outdoor Patio Heating

A Guide to Outdoor Patio Heating

Having a patio at home means you really love spending time outdoors. Whether you use it to entertain guests or simply enjoy unwinding in the open air, your patio is a very special area in your home. As such, it should be comfortable at all times in any weather.

Comfort isn’t an issue during the summer, which is the ideal time to enjoy the outdoors in the comfort of your home. If it gets too warm, strategically-placed fans can keep everyone comfortable. You can even install a misting system for a more efficient way of keeping cool.

The colder months of the year, however, means less patio time for most homeowners. After all, who would want to spend time outside when temperatures are dropping?

Colder weather, however, shouldn’t stop you from doing what you love. With the right patio heater, you can enjoy your outdoor area all year round.

Should you go for an electric outdoor heater or a gas-powered one? Let’s take a closer look at your patio heating options to see what is best for your needs.

Fire pits

Let’s start with fire pits, which keep you warm the old-fashioned way.

Whether it’s dug into the ground or built into a stone, brick, or metal structure, a fire pit can provide plenty of warmth for your patio. With the contained flames, you and your loved ones can have a grand time roasting chestnuts and marshmallows while keeping warm. Fire pits also won’t cost you much since it uses inexpensive wood and coal as fuel.

A fire pit is a great heating option for your patio, but there are safety issues involved. While it’s true that the flames are contained, it’s still possible for bits of burning coal or wood to jump off the pile and out of the pit. There’s also the health risk posed by exposure to the smoke your backyard fire produces. If you’re going for fire pits, burn the wood or coal in a way that promotes total combustion to minimize smoke. Precautions like telling your children not to stay too close to the fire pit would also work.

Gas patio heaters

Unlike fire pits, gas patio heaters produce clean flames. You can use either natural gas or liquid propane to power your gas patio heater.

If you go for natural gas patio heaters, know that they will be connected to your natural gas line. That means they will be located and installed in one place permanently.

Liquid propane patio heaters, on the other hand, offer more flexibility in terms of location. Since each propane heater requires its own tank, they can be placed anywhere you want in your outdoor area.

Gas patio heaters put out plenty of heat quickly, and they’re great for bigger outdoor areas. The flames are also easy to control. One turn of the knob will get you exactly the perfect amount of heat you need to stay warm.

Whether you’re using natural gas or liquid propane, a gas patio heater will always be a more environmentally-friendly outdoor heating option.

Electric patio heaters

Some people don’t like the idea of flames burning brightly a few feet away from where they’re sitting. If you’re one of them, then the best possible outdoor heating option for you is an electric patio heater.

Electric patio heaters energize an emitter to produce infrared heat. It’s an effective and efficient way of outdoor heating, as it sends out heat to people, walls, furniture, and other objects directly around the heater. The heated objects, in turn, create ambient heat to keep the air warm.

One great thing about electric patio heaters is that they come in designs that allow you to place them just about anywhere. Aside from tabletop and free-standing models, electric patio heaters also come in space-saving designs like hanging and wall and ceiling mounts. With such electric patio heaters, you get the opportunity to save a lot of patio space.

Whatever type of outdoor patio heating you go with, make sure that you consider other factors such as the size of your outdoor area and your budget for the equipment and its operation before making your decision final.

Guest Contributor: Anna Fox

10 Ways to Create a Stylish Small Home Office

10 Ways to Create a Stylish Small Home Office

Image Source: Unsplash

The idea of a home office may seem like a luxury but creating your own small and stylish workspace is easier than you think. A full-size home office can be a costly commitment, but for something smaller you only need a little bit of effort and creativity. Here are ten ways to create a small home office.

1. Use a Spare RoomIf you have a spare room, consider whether you could convert it into a home office. A guest bedroom can be easily transformed by swapping out the bed for a fold-out sofa bed. This way you still have a place for guests to stay. A garage, basement or even a garden shed can also be turned into a suitable office space with a little refurbishment.  

2. Use Another Space

If you don’t have a spare room, you can still create an office in another space. Look around your house and see if there are any unused areas. This could be the corner of a bedroom, living room or dining room. Sometimes all you need to do is move a sofa or table over by a few feet to create that extra space. 

3 Use a Room DividerIf you set up your office in a shared area, you may be concerned about privacy. It can be hard to focus on work if you have kids playing nearby or you’re sitting across from the TV. A simple and creative solution is to use a room divider. Room dividers are relatively inexpensive and come in a variety of styles and sizes. Not only is this a practical solution, it also adds character to the space. 

4. Use A ClosetA creative way to maximise space is to convert an unused closet, large enough to fit a desk in. By placing a desk inside and adding a little decoration, you’ll have your own private workspace. A walk-in closet is ideal for this, but even smaller closets can still be used for office space. If you can’t fit a desk in there you could use it for storing your work materials.

5. Home ExtensionIf none of the above are possible, consider adding an extension to your house. One eco-friendly and affordable way to do this is to use a recycled shipping container. You’ll need to refurbish the container to provide proper insulation, electricity and lighting. But this can still be cheaper than a traditionally constructed extension. You can alter the container to blend in with the rest of your home, or leave its original appearance intact for a unique industrial look.

Image Source: Unsplash

6. LightingGood lighting is essential for any home office. While natural lighting is ideal, you’ll also want a source of light for working at night or if your office isn’t near a window. Don’t underestimate the effect a lamp can have on a space. Whether it’s a statement piece or something simple that complements the rest of the décor, a lamp is an effective way to add style. 

7. FurnitureWhen choosing office furniture, it’s important to not only look for stylish pieces but ones with practical benefits too. You’ll want to find an ergonomic chair that supports your posture to avoid back pain from sitting too long. Or you could consider a standing desk. You could also try sitting on a Swiss exercise ball to engage your core muscles and help you keep fit while working. 

8. Maximising SpaceA clever way to get around limited space is with multi-purpose or convertible furniture. You could use a desk that folds up into the wall, or a coffee table that doubles as storage. Wall-mounted shelving is another effective way to add extra storage space. You could also refurbish an unused cupboard or cabinet. 

9. DécorUnlike a workplace office, a home office allows you to decorate however you want. You may want to decorate in a way that complements the rest of your house, or you could make it a unique space just for you. You can stick photos or paintings on the walls, place as many trinkets on your desk as you like. Pot plants and flowers can be used to liven up the space and add a pop of colour. 

10. WallpaperUsing wallpaper or paint helps add style to your home office regardless of where you choose to set it up. This is a great way to distinguish the space if it’s in a shared area. By choosing a unique colour or pattern for the walls of your office you’ll be making it your own and adding character to the space.  

A home office isn’t just for large houses. With a little creativity you can create your own stylish and inspiring workspace at home. If you’re tired of trying to work on a cluttered kitchen counter or not having space to focus, try some of these ideas.

Author bio:

Spending long hours in front of the computer makes Harper hugely appreciative of any change in activity – from quick stretching exercises to yoga and meditation! Discover more about her work on her personal blog.

Guest Contributor: Harper Reid

Things You Need To Know About Asbestos and Its Exposure Risks

Things You Need To Know About Asbestos and Its Exposure Risks

Are you living in a house that was built in the 20th century, especially during the middle to late part of that period?

If the answer is yes, then there’s a huge possibility that your residence has asbestos in its walls, floors, and even textured ceilings. That means your house will have to undergo proper asbestos abatement and removal at some point.

Manufacturers have heavily favored the use of asbestos in the production of cement, floor tiles, and other construction products during that period. Even products like hair dryers and car brakes contained a certain amount of asbestos back then. Asbestos, after all, is incredibly resistant to fire and heat, electricity, and corrosion, which makes them an ideal material for construction products and the like.

If asbestos is that useful, then why is it that the mere mention of the word now brings forth images of suffering and death?

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral made up of needle-like fibers that are soft, thin, and flexible.

It also happens to be a human carcinogen and has been considered as such since the 1980s. Many countries have promptly banned the use and importation of asbestos. Some nations, however, have chosen not to impose any such bans, and are still using asbestos in various products, albeit at a much smaller scale than before.

Effects of Asbestos Exposure

Fire, electricity, and corrosion can’t do much to asbestos. Handling by humans, however, can break asbestos quite easily.

Something as simple as drilling into walls or taking a sledgehammer to a floor can send tiny asbestos fibers flying in the air. Without adequate protection, the people performing the tasks mentioned above are likely to inhale those fibers. And if that level of exposure is a regular thing, it would only be a matter of time before they develop any of the following illnesses:

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is most closely associated with asbestos exposure. Every year, approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States.  From 1999 to 2015, eight per one million people in the U.S. have succumbed to the illness.

As with any type of cancer, there is no cure for mesothelioma, which affects the pleura and the peritoneum, which are the serous membranes that line the lungs and the abdominal cavity, respectively.

The symptoms of mesothelioma include:

• chest or abdominal pain

• shortness of breath

• fever or night sweats

• fatigue

• muscle weakness

• dry, wheezing cough

Asbestosis

When a person inhales asbestos fibers over a long period, he or she will also likely develop asbestosis, a lung disease that causes severe respiratory problems and scars lung tissue. People with asbestosis will experience a variety of symptoms, the most common of which are:

• swelling in the neck or face

• swallowing difficulties

• hypertension

• breathing that crackles

• blood in sputum

• shortness of breath

• weight loss

• decreased appetite

• finger deformity

Asbestosis may not be a cancer, but anyone suffering from this illness is at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Lung Cancer

The leading cause of lung cancer may be smoking, but a small percentage of lung cancer cases have a direct link to asbestos exposure.

Ovarian Cancer

In 2012, the International Agency for Research on Cancer had confirmed that there is a link between asbestos exposure and ovarian cancer.

Occupations With Highest Asbestos Exposure Risk

Construction workers have a pretty high risk of asbestos exposure. The same goes for people who work in factories and shipyards.

At one point, men and women in uniform were very much at risk of asbestos exposure because the military used a lot of products containing the mineral. Navy ships, in particular, used a lot of asbestos for decades.

No U.S. Ban

Many people don’t know that as deadly as asbestos has proven to be, the United States still didn’t see fit to ban asbestos. To this very day, fireproofing materials and gaskets manufactured in the U.S. contain asbestos.

Australia, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and other European Union countries have banned the importation and use of asbestos. If you are looking for Melbourne asbestos removal, click the link. There is no sign, however, that the United States, Russia, China, and several other countries are going to follow suit anytime soon.

Guest Contributor: Rachel Anderson

Easy And Simple DIY Tips To Upgrade Your Bathroom

Easy And Simple DIY Tips To Upgrade Your Bathroom

Source of image: Pexels

Your bathroom is probably the second most personal area in your house next to your own room. This is where most of your self-care routines take place, and it is also an area that is often considered when it comes to selling a house aside from the kitchen. That’s why it’s important to make it a space you actually like spending time in.

Upgrading your bathroom actually doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to have a major overhaul. You can also improve your bathroom yourself. All you need is to allot time to do it.

Do-it-yourself bathroom makeovers have an advantage because they cost less than typical remodeling, which normally involves tearing down and removing a lot of stuff. If you are interested in making this project happen, then this article can help you out. The following are easy and simple DIY tips to upgrade your bathroom.

Update fixtures and hardware

In the grand scheme of things in your bathroom, something so disproportionately small as hardware and fixtures are so important for providing that chic finishing touch. And it will only cost you less for something that has a major impact.

You can start by replacing your bathroom faucet by installing something that’s sleeker and more functional and/or more contemporary. You may also swap shower fixtures if you’re planning to remodel your shower anyway. Another option is to install new wall hooks where you can keep your towel and clothes from falling to the bathroom floor.

There are plenty of options for these upgrades that can be found in a quality hardware store like Magnificent Marketing.

Stylish bathroom lightings

It may sound intimidating, but most people can switch out a light fixture safely and successfully by being careful and following instructions. Fresh lighting also makes a huge difference for your bathroom. This is another simple DIY bathroom upgrade that you can do in just under an hour or so.

For people who have large mirrors inside the bathroom, installing a light directly onto the bathroom mirror is a unique and useful idea. Since your mirror occupies space, most of the time you won’t be able to get lighting directed to your face. By installing a light directly onto your mirror, you will be able to see yourself clearly and do what you need to do in front of the mirror much quicker.

Maximize storage space

Maximizing storage space in your bathroom includes utilizing underutilized areas to store items. One area of your bathroom that you can use for storage is the wall. Take advantage of your wall space by mounting ledges, shelving, or racks to achieve this.

You can put your hygiene and vanity items such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, perfume bottles, and your comb on racks above your sink and below your mirror. Using the wall for storage space will help avoid clutter inside your bathroom.

Maximize the mirror

Mirrors are beneficial particularly in upgrading small bathrooms. They reflect a lot of light and make the tiniest feel a bit more spacious than it actually is. Aside from ensuring that it is well-lit, your bathroom mirror should be large enough to see at least your entire head when you stand in front of it.

Wrap up

These simple DIY tips are exactly what you need for your bathroom. Something simple, but will have a great overall effect on how it looks and how comfortable you feel when you use it.

Author’s Bio:

Rosette has a knack for anything DIY. She spent her younger years learning about the different hardware tools and equipment in the hopes of establishing a hardware business in the future. Her career options may have changed, but today, she continues to write so passionately about her first love.

10 Backyard Pond Waterfall Ideas You'll Absolutely Love

Garden Pond Waterfall Ideas Every Backyard Needs

Every home needs to have a waterfall pond with a little pond filter in their backyard. Since most of us are going to be stuck at home for the rest of the Summer, due to Covid-19, why not add an appealing feature to your backyard that will bring joy into your life? It doesn’t have to be anything to elaborate. Here are 10 pond waterfalls that you’ll absolutely love.

Waterfall with small koi pond

Koi pond with water feature

Water pond with bridge and bench

Small Koi pond with water feature

Water stream with rock display

Small pond with rock features

Waterfall with lights

Waterfall with bridge to heaven

A Zen Dream

Backyard Waterfall Heaven

There you have it, 10 backyard pond waterfall ideas that should bring absolute happiness and joy into your life!!!!

An Introduction To Renters Insurance Coverage

An Introduction to Renters Insurance Coverage

Renters insurance is an extremely affordable way for tenants to keep their belongings safe, with the average premium totaling less than $150 per year. Yet under 40% of all renters are insured, in large part because of a lack of awareness among tenants about the benefits of renters insurance.

It’s impossible to predict when an emergency situation will strike, and the best way to prepare for the unexpected is to stay insured. Understanding the benefits and coverage of a renters insurance policy will allow you to make an informed decision about acquiring coverage.

How Does Renters Insurance Work?

Since relatively few people purchase renters insurance, there are some common misunderstandings regarding what exactly is covered under a typical policy. Some tenants assume that they’re automatically protected under their landlord’s insurance, but the truth is that you need your own policy to be covered in case your possessions are damaged or stolen.

Many tenants wonder if renters insurance covers water damage, bedbugs, and other unexpected occurrences. While there are some important differences in the fine print of many policies, a typical renters insurance plan provides coverage up to a certain limit in case of weather events such as rain, wind, fire, and hail. That said, more extreme conditions like earthquakes and floods will generally require additional coverage, so it’s important to make sure you’re protected if you live in a vulnerable region.

Your policy will also pay for temporary relocation in case your apartment is no longer habitable, a responsibility that may or may not be picked up by your landlord. The price of a few coffees each month is well worth the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ll be kept on your feet no matter what happens.

Exceptions to Renters Insurance Coverage

While renters insurance provides critical protection for a number of costly situations, there are some things that most policies won’t cover. The first two examples are earthquakes and flooding, which many insurance companies offer as a separate policy. 

Under a standard renters insurance policy, you won’t be compensated for any damage done to extremely valuable or rare items such as jewelry and fine art. The most common insurance limit is $100,000, but you’ll likely still need to purchase additional insurance if you want these items covered.

Other common situations tenants often find themselves in, like losing a phone or having a pet cause damage, are not covered under renters insurance. Your protection also won’t apply to anyone else living in the apartment unless they purchase their own coverage.

Renters insurance is a low-cost, reliable method of keeping your belongings safe and ensuring you’ll have a place to stay even in a worst-case scenario. For less than a dollar a day, you can cover all the possessions in your apartment from loss or damage resulting from anything from fire to theft.

Guest Contributor, Armand Levitz