Common Types Of Pipes For Pool Installation

The pool is a common feature when it comes to homes in Australia. Many houses around Australia have one installed and it is increasing in popularity. There are many options when it comes to the type of pool one can install. The two main options include the in-ground one and the overground one. Homeowners can also choose from various materials to make the pool like fibre, concrete, etc. The in-ground pools happen to be very popular in Australia and homeowners have the opportunity of selecting the size and shape of their choice. There is more to a swimming pool than just the building material; it also involves using several electrical units like a heater, motor, pump, filtration system and the installation of pipes that make the plumbing system.

It is important to put some thought into the type of material to use for the pool, it is also a good idea to do your research on the various options for pipes prior to the installation as well. This article explains the three popular options for the pool plumbing system.

Types of Pipes for Pool Installation

The pool plumbing is what ensures your swimming pools remain filled with water. It also assures the water is clean and also involves the installation of the pipes, valves, filtration system and more. There are many types of pipes, ones that are used to recycle the pool water for refilteration (the suction pipes), those that return water to the pool after being treated (pressure pipes), etc. Besides this, there is also the valve system that controls the water flow direction and is necessary for the swimming pool pumps in Sydney Listed here are some of the common types of pipes:

• Black Poly Pipe: This is a flexible pressure pipe that is commonly used for in-ground plumbing. This type of poly pipe is joined together with the help of barbed insert fitting. This type of connection is secured using a stainless steel clamp. This type of pipe is insect-proof and can also withstand freezing temperatures. It also tends to show good resistance to chemicals, bacteria and will not be affected by ground movement.

• Rigid PVC Pipe: The typical pipe for pool plumbing is this PVC pipe that is 2 inches in diameter to be able to hold a pressure of 166 PSI. There is also the option of using thicker ones than can handle 243 PSI. The rigid PVC pipe happens to be long lasting and is highly beneficial for your pool.

• Flexible PVC Pipe: This is a very popular pipe when it comes to swimming pool plumbing. This too will usually have a similar diameter to the rigid one; like 2 inches. The benefits of using this one include lesser labour, cutting and measuring. It also means the cost of installation will be below as well. However, the more flexible the pipe is the greater the cost. Besides which it can also easily get crushed or punctured. It is best to use this type of pipe since they are also more energy efficient. Intense UV rays can damage the PVC pipes which will cause them to weaken over time.

Finding the right professionals for the job

It is important to find professional pool installers, those that also offer pool maintenance in Sydney. The one you select should ideally also offer pool maintenance services like pool cleaning, repairs, and assistance with ensuring you can maintain the proper chemical balance. Pool chlorination is an essential part of ensuring the pool is safe to use. The electrical equipment and filtrations system also requires regular maintenance. This is something you should look for in a professional pool installer.

Guest Contributor: Sam Moore

How to Reduce Hazardous Waste in Your Home

With constant warnings about the state of our environment, it’s easy to forget that every household can do a small part in its recovery. Inflammable, toxic, corrosive, and unstable substances are common parts of products. Their use not only endangers the planet, but also the health of humans, animals, and plants living under one roof.    

To reduce hazardous waste in your home, you have to find a way to replace these chemicals, stop using them, or at least lessen their application. So, here are tips for how to do it to lead a healthier and more eco-responsible life. 

Don’t use commercial plant-caring products

As a gardener, you face many challenges, and some of them are pests, insects, weeds, and barren soil. Unfortunately, commercial additives, like herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides can harm plants in your garden besides taking care of your problems. You can look for environmentally approved and organic options, or make your own products with tea, soap, and neem oil.

Fertilizer plays an integral part in having a healthy and thriving garden, but you don't have to buy products that contain toxic ingredients that can poison the soil and enter the groundwater. Instead of throwing away some of your leftovers, like fruit peels, tea bags, and used coffee grounds — turn them into compost. Foliage, grass clippings, and branches from the backyard, eggshells, newspaper, and cardboard should also find their way into your future fertilizer. 

Switch to NPE-free detergents

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) is a common ingredient of laundry detergents, although it has other industrial and domestic applications. After use, it’s eliminated from the household through the drain, ending up in the wastewater treatment plants or septic systems. Because it can’t be degraded and is known to become more potent when in contact with bacteria, NPEs released into the waterways are highly toxic to aquatic ecosystems.

The market offers many green alternatives that are equally efficient in keeping your laundry clean and don’t pollute the environment. When you go to the store, take your time to check the labels for the presence of NPEs. Some of the best non-toxic brands may also have products with NPEs and other harmful substances, so always read the ingredient list to make sure. 

Make your own cleaners

Household cleaning products can contain dangerous chemicals, like sulfuric acid and petroleum distillates. If used without gloves or a face mask, contact with these products can cause chemical burns and irritations to the skin and eyes. When vapors are inhaled, they can cause difficulty in breathing which may lead to hospitalization. 

Homemade cleaners are just as efficient as commercial ones, only without these safety issues. The chances are you already have all the ingredients in the house to make them, like lemon juice, baking soda, vinegar, borax, and pure soap. Moreover, you can use them to wash dishes, clean countertops, mop floors, and even do the laundry.  

Replace asbestos in your home

If you live in an old house that hasn’t seen any renovations or repairs in a while, you may want to check the state of your asbestos-containing areas. When undisturbed, asbestos is not a problem, but if there’s any damage releasing it into the air, you need to deal with it immediately. Freed fibers can enter the lungs and digestion system leading to serious health problems, so professional asbestos removal is the only option to avoid this. 

Any sign of water, physical, or any other damage that can disturb asbestos should be taken seriously. Moreover, if you plan remodeling, renovations, or minor changes that require drilling, sawing, cutting, and other works, it's best to replace asbestos completely first. Even the smallest amount of friable asbestos can end up in the air and then your body, increasing risks for asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.  

Stop using highly toxic drain cleaners

Clogged drains are uncomfortable and annoying events that will have you reaching for anything efficient in clearing the way. However, drain cleaners contain highly toxic chemicals, harmful to the environment once they are flushed. Not to mention that coming in contact with these substances or inhaling their gasses can put you in the ER or, worse, a hospital bed.

For eco-friendly and healthy solutions, try baking soda and vinegar poured down the drain with some hot water. Pouring boiling water a few times a month may also prevent clogging, as well as using a plunger or sewer snake. The best solution is also the most unpopular one – not throwing greasy and clog-inducing leftovers down the drain, but in the trash or a compost bin.  

Don’t throw batteries in the trash

The thing with batteries is that they have cadmium and mercury, highly toxic heavy metals that can end up in the environment. Some countries have regulations that prohibit the removal of batteries via trash to prevent them from ending up in landfills and releasing lead and sulfuric acid. 

As an alternative, you can buy rechargeable batteries that are suitable for recycling when the time comes, but until then, they can serve you for a couple of years. Make sure to check your local area for hazardous waste disposal units to properly dispose of the batteries and not throw them in the trash.

Use eco-friendly paints and polishes 

Paints and polishes contain lots of toxic chemicals, like phenols, toluene, and perchloroethylene dangerous to inhale or swallow. These are known as volatile organic compounds or VOCs and can lead to nausea and headaches, but also liver, kidney, and CNS damage. 

To avoid this, use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints, although it’s best to opt for the latter. Additionally, look for eco-friendly paints to minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals. Water-based paints are healthier than oil-based since they don’t use thinners and solvents considered to be hazardous waste.     

All in all

Efforts to reduce hazardous waste in your home can have a large impact on your health and the state of the planet. Some chemicals pollute the air, others the soil, but they are all endangering living beings occupying water, land, and the sky. Since alternatives exist, like homemade cleaning products, it’s a small change for you, but a huge one for the environment and ecosystems it includes.

Mike is an Australian business consulting specialist. He’s working with companies that outsource their IT maintenance. He often writes about technology, business and marketing and is a regular contributor on several websites.

Guest Contributor: Mike Parsons

7 Modern Luxury Bedroom Decoration Trends of 2021

Here’s our belief: if you want to live a luxurious life, it is essential to start with the bedroom. If you wake up in luxury and go to bed in luxury, this refinement will enrich other parts of your life as well.

Hence, here are the most elegant bedroom decor trends dropping this year that can help you accentuate your posh life.

Natural Luxury

Show your taste and refinement by taking style inspiration from the picturesque displays of nature. We’re talking about rich colors, patterns, and exotic materials.

Invest in textiles as wall art. In fact, you can even get your walls upholstered, or covered from floor to ceiling with matching similarly upholstered furniture pieces if you’re willing to push your style boundaries.

Display rare and antique pieces you’ve picked up in your travels. And most of all, appreciate excellent craftsmanship through handmade or hand-carved furniture. We always get taken away by these kinds of focal pieces. 

Bold Trim and Ceilings

We are going to see more and more bold outlines this year, starting with trims and ceilings. They will frame not just your wall displays, but the entire room as a work of art. 

This trend applies to your headboard as well. After all, framing your bed will put it as the central focus of your design, which should be the case. Your bed should be the highlight of your bedroom.

Are the lines too straight and they somehow put you on edge? Then explore undulating lines as well. Wavy patterns will definitely lend an interesting silhouette, especially when placed on your headboard and other decor elements. 

Another way to accentuate trims and ceilings aside from harsh lines are strong contrasting colors. Just imagine what a black trim will do to an all-white space. Dramatic, right?

Bright Monochromatic

We always see monochromatic colors in pale, more subtle hues. That’s so last decade. It’s time to bring out the colors. 

We’re talking about jewel tones like rich cobalt blues, decadent emerald greens, and exciting aubergines. They’re daring, show a lot of personalities, and definitely luxurious.

Combining Old and New

Veering towards antique pieces will make your bedroom look tired and dated. Remember, the only reason why nobles had their homes designed that way centuries ago was because that style was in vogue.

Put them in your position and they’ll definitely lean towards new styles as well. But we also don’t want to make a space look too modern and avant-garde.

The challenge is being able to balance the old and the new. To pay homage to the classics of the past, while also incorporating trends that are on point and relevant to this new decade.

Carpets and rugs are great decorative pieces since they can easily tie these eras together. Push the boundaries by learning how to layer them as well, and take advantage of their stunning patterns and textures.

Colors Will Become The New Neutrals

As mentioned, gone are the days of minimalistic and muted neutrals. Colors will become the new neutrals now. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment with exciting palettes. Just make sure that they fit your personality and preferred shades. 

Earth Tones

We understand, though, if you find colors and patterns overwhelming or too stimulating. After all, it is going to be for your bedroom, a place that should be your sanctuary of rest and relaxation.

Hence, another trendy alternative is earth tones. They can still be rich and bright with warmer shades of red. Or be calm and collected with cooler shades of charcoal.

Another reason why we love these palettes is they serve as an excellent backdrop to accent other decorative elements, like your carpets, wall art, beddings, and furniture.

The natural materials will also look right at home with these earthy hues.

Multifunctional Spaces

Finally, not because your bedroom is luxurious, it doesn’t mean that you should be wasteful of your space.

Keep things realistic and practical by incorporating multifunctional spaces. For instance, whoever said that you can only enjoy a jacuzzi in a bedroom when you’re in a hotel? That’s definitely not in our style handbook. 

With proper placement, you can certainly invest in this arrangement with a paradise-like appeal.

You can also turn one wall into a study by building a floor-to-ceiling library and a hand-carved freestanding desk. You can create a classic vignette on the table with a vintage lighting piece and curated desk essentials.

A leather chair would also add to the appeal and unify the aesthetic that you’re going for.

Guest Contributor: Leila Amber

What you need to know about ergonomics: 9 tips on home improvement

What you need to know about ergonomics: 9 tips on home improvement

Even a small apartment will be comfortable if its ergonomics are thought out. Place the furniture in the living room, calculate the size of the headset and household appliances - with our advice, it is easy to do it yourself.

Ergonomics is not just a list of rules for arranging furniture in your apartment or house. Its goal is to improve working and leisure conditions, to create comfortable conditions for a healthy and productive life. Not sure how to apply its basic principles to your life? You may always benefit from our tips.

Avoid obstacles

When choosing a place for this or that piece of furniture, pay attention not only to how they look next to each other, but also to sufficient space for the passage. Give up fragmented drawers and file cabinets in the hallway in favor of a single headset along the wall - the width of the passage will be the same everywhere. In the living room, make sure that the coffee table does not block the approach to the sofa - otherwise you will constantly stumble over it. Check if cabinets or appliances are interfering with opening doors.

Set up a comfortable point of entrance 

The main secret of a pleasant going back home is a comfortable entrance hall, where all objects are in their places: here we leave our shoes, raise our hands and put our hat on the shelf, take off our coat and stretch for our pleasure - our elbows are not resting on anything. A wardrobe or an open hanger, a shoe rack and a shoe cabinet should be mandatory. We also advise you to provide shelves or a chest of drawers where you will put your keys, gloves, bag. You may need a couple more hooks for a shoe horn, umbrella, and dog leash.

Watch the height of the furniture 

Consider the height of the hangers and shelves in the hallway and bathroom, taking into account the height of the family members - you may need an additional row of hooks for the children. Keep in mind that furniture can be divided into three groups in height. The first is used for sitting, changing shoes, cleaning shoes - its height from the floor is 40-50 cm. The height of the second group of furniture does not exceed 200 cm - it includes elements with drawers, shelves, mirrors. The third category is furniture for long-term storage. Its height is limited only by the height of the ceiling.

Don't sit close to the TV 

A sofa and a TV-set are the basic requirements of a modern person to furnish a living room. Keep in mind that the safe distance from the TV does not depend at all on the width or length of the room, but on the size of the screen. For example, the distance to a 35-40 "HD screen should be at least 1.8 meters, and for a 50-60" diagonal, this parameter should be increased to 2-2.5 meters.

Don't move the bed against the wall 

No matter how tempting it is to expand your bedroom by placing the bed against the wall, try not to do that. Please note that the distance from the edge of the bed to the wall or wardrobe with sliding doors should be at least 70 cm - such a passage will allow you to undress and lie down comfortably. Making the bed and changing the bed will also be easier in this case. 

If the room does not allow such a layout, there should be free space at the end of a bed: so that the person sleeping by the wall does not have to climb over his partner, disturbing his sleep. 

Don't force the bathroom 

It is not enough to beautifully place all the furniture in the bathroom; you need to do it as comfortably and safely as possible for a person. 75 cm is the distance that should be between each piece of plumbing equipment, as well as between the equipment and a wall or door. Don't try to fit all the items in a small bathroom at once: look at things realistically. Sometimes it makes more sense to give up a large bathroom in favor of a shower unit in order to carve out space for additional storage or a washing machine. And, of course, there is no need to squeeze a separate dryer into a typical bathroom, when there is an alternative - a washer and dryer in one. 

Use the working triangle rule 

When it comes to kitchen layout, knowledge of the correct working triangle is indispensable. Ideally, the path when moving from the refrigerator to the work surfaces, then to the sink and stove should be minimal - no more than 6 meters. Maintain a distance of at least 40 cm between the stove and the sink to prevent splashes of water from extinguishing the fire. This space can be occupied by a tabletop. And do not put the refrigerator close to the stove: this may impair its performance.

Remember the "opening zone" 

Free movement and convenient use of household appliances are an important requirement for kitchen layout. For example, to work with an oven or a dishwasher, leave at least 110 cm in front of them, but in front of a kitchen cabinet with drawers, you can put a table after 90 cm - it will be comfortable to bend even to the lower drawers. 

Same with other storage systems 

It is not enough to simply "squeeze" a chest of drawers or a wardrobe into the space of a room - it is imperative to provide a place for their comfortable use. In front of the chest of drawers, you need to leave space for free opening of the drawers and for the passage - for standard furniture it is 100-150 cm. When installing the cabinet, check whether the doors rest against the bedside table or the bed itself: if there is very little space, replace them with sliding ones, like in wardrobes.

Guest Contributor

Melisa Marzett is a freelance writer who has been writing since she was a little girl. She is an author of many works who is currently writing for https://writing-help.org/, which is a custom paper writing service, providing services on college editing and writing assignment of any difficulty level. So, if you are a student who desperately needs help or any kind of academic writing assistance, feel free to go online and ask melisa. Meanwhile, she lives in Bali, Indonesia and keeps writing, exploring the local beaches, doing yoga and meditation. 

Things that affect your water pressure

Most people don't give too much thought to the water pressure in their homes. When it works – it works; no need to think about it at all. However, once the pressure starts fluctuating, that's when the problems start. It's only then that everyone remembers to call the professional Illinois plumber or schedule an inspection. However, although pressure fluctuations are frustrating, in most cases, the problem isn't as bad as it seems. Still, there are many things that affect your water pressure. So, today, we'll take a look at some common culprits and what to do when they emerge.

Check if you actually have water

Yes, we know this is quite obvious. However, when you're stressed out and frustrated, even obvious things can slip your mind. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is is check the water meter. A glance will tell you if your water supply provider is doing its job. If not, you’ll have to give them a call and discuss the issue with them.

If the majority of your neighbors enjoy long baths at the same time as you, it can cause your water pressure to drop.

The time of day matters

Another common cause of low water pressure is Peak Usage Time. This refers to a time of day when most people in your neighborhood use water all at once. So, pay attention to see if the water pressure keeps dropping around the same time each day. If it does, then this is a likely cause of low water pressure in your home. Sadly, you cannot do much about it except trying to work around the Peak Usage Time. But, if you don't mind tweaking your habits a bit, this won't remain a problem for long.

Water heater malfunction

Imagine this scenario. It's a fantastic day! You found excellent movers that made your relocation a breeze. Everything is off the moving truck, unpacked, and ready for use. Movers you found through bestlongdistancemovers.com tip their hats and bid you farewell. Now, it’s time for some much-needed R&R.

So, you jump in the bathtub, crank the taps to a pleasant, steamy temperature... and then jump out with a “Yee-haw!” that would put any cowboy to shame. The water is ice cold! You check again – cold water flows fine. But, hot water is barely dripping. This unfortunate scenario is the result of a malfunctioning water heater. There's only one solution to this problem: you need to call a professional to service it. That, or you can head out and buy a cowboy hat and a lasso. It won't fix the issue, but at least you'll look cool. Almost as cool as the water you'll shower with.

Check the pressure regulator

A pressure regulator is an essential part of every home. This device ensures that your pipes and fixtures take no damage by adjusting the pressure once city water reaches your home. But, when it malfunctions or isn't set to an optimal value, it can cause low water pressure in the entire house. So, the next step: check your pressure regulator. Optimal PSI values should range from 50PSI to 80PSI. If it’s below or above these values, you’ll have to do some adjusting. Fortunately, this is easy. Simply locate your pressure reducing valve (PRV) near the main water shutoff, and set the pressure to the optimal value. However, if the problem persists, then there’s a high chance your PRV is damaged and needs replacing.

Sometimes, fixing low water pressure is easy. Just remember to check the regulator and adjust the PRV.

Limescale buildup

This is one of those things that affect your water pressure that you can't fix at its root. Over time, hard water causes limescale buildup that clogs pipes, taps, and showerheads. To mitigate these adverse effects, you can:

1. Periodically dismantle and clean taps and showerheads. Be aware that this is just a temporary solution. Furthermore, it doesn’t do anything for pipes. So, the problem will only grow;

2. A much better and permanent option is to install a water softener. It will increase the lifespan of your pipes and fixtures. And, it only needs maintenance approximately once every five years.

Debris buildup

Debris in water lines is a potentially major issue. The buildup can cause clogging and reduce water pressure in your home. Left unattended, it can lead to significant problems, such as leaks and burst pipes. Therefore, it's imperative to have a professional plumber do a regular inspection and flush the pipes every once in a while.

High water pressure

Extremely high water pressure isn't such a common problem. Still, this doesn't mean you should ignore it when it occurs. It can still cause a variety of issues, damage faucets or water heaters, and even cause pipes to burst. But, if you have read through this text, you already know how to fix the issue. Remember the PRV we have mentioned? Simply use it to lower the water pressure, et voila – you’re all set! Again, you will need plumbing services if this doesn't solve the problem.

 A regular inspection can prevent many issues.

Prevent things that affect your water pressure to ruin your day(s)

Moving to your new Illinois home is undoubtedly an exciting time. But, it's also difficult. There are many things to take care of from a moving standpoint alone. Add to that all the things you need to keep in mind when buying a house, and you're looking at a challenging undertaking. As such, the last thing you need is to arrive at your new place and find it less than optimal. So, before you hire movers and relocate to a new city or town, be sure to schedule a thorough inspection of your new home. It will save you a lot of stress in the long run, especially if you have to do some remodeling.

Call the pro’s

The solution to the majority of the above problems is as simple as twisting a knob. Still, you can't handle some issues alone. At least, not without proper training and tools. Furthermore, trying to DIY can only make the matter worse. Therefore – don’t risk it. Turn to the professional plumbers and ensure the things that affect your water pressure won’t misbehave anytime soon.

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry

Remodeling Old-style Bathroom- Transformation Ideas form outmoded to modern

So, you have decided to transform your outdated bathrooms! Well, first of all, you have to make a plan whether you are going for overall change, or prefer some minor yet effective changes (where needed). It all depends on budget, if you are not concerned about budget due to your deep pockets, then you can remodel your bathrooms thoroughly. 

Otherwise, modifying bathtub shower doors, improving lighting, and other small changes would do the same job. These transformation ideas are a five-finger exercise and need just little changes. This piece of business would help you guys to thoroughly transform your outdated bathrooms into modern ones.

Why revamp old-style bathrooms? Is it worth it?

Well, this question arises whenever we hear or read about remodeling interior. The answer to this question is pretty simple! You don’t need to change the style but functionality! Modern equipment helps us to tackle our daily life problems in a much easier way. So, have a look at these reasons and remodeling ideas;

• Remodeling outdated bathrooms is the best idea to enhance overall look of your interior and even it will add in sale value.

• You can adopt this option to improve the functionality of a bathroom by upgrading the lighting, fixtures, and other safety reasons.

• In old bathrooms there’s a chance of increasing mildew, so you have a great chance to remove it.

• Your bathroom needs more storage! So, increase the storage spaces by adding modern vanities or medicine cabinets.

Best outdated bathroom remodeling and transformation ideas

• Change the flooring of your bathroom- add tiles with a lighter tone

Believe me, changing flooring does have a great impact on overall décor. You can change the tiles to a neutral color or whatever you want. But, make sure you don’t run out of the theme. Flooring matters a lot and even bright tiles can enhance the brightness of the bathroom. 

• Switch to shower doors- a brilliant hack!

Your outdated bathrooms may still carry shower curtains to maintain privacy and just because they are cheap. But, their time-to-time maintenance can cost you a lot. So, try switching towards shower doors. A shower door not only guarantees low maintenance but also it’s a cool idea for modern bathrooms. It can totally change the look of your bathroom. And the best part is, shower doors, too, can maintain your privacy, such as frosted shower doors. 

• Bathtub shower doors- separate the shower area!

Some people consider the installation of bathtub shower doors is like a rocket science, but it isn’t so. Call experts and let them transform your old-style bathrooms into modern and classy ones. Bathtub shower doors can be easily installed over the tub and ensure long-term sustainability. 

• Add greenery

Adding some greens to spacious bathrooms is a brilliant idea. It will not only maintain the freshness of your bathroom but also keeps the décor up a notch. You can add mini plants or hanging plants to small bathrooms.  

• Add a LED Mirror for a way clearer view

A mirror itself increases the value of any space, and the superiority is its built-in LED light. Modern bathrooms mainly consider this mirror over an ordinary one because it can serve you in multiple tasks. You can do your makeovers or shavings in this built-in LED mirror to get a perfect and clearer view. 

• Hang baskets or hooks to hang towels

Especially in less spacious bathrooms, you need these hanging baskets. They can store a lot of stuff plus manage the visibility of your space. You can store your towels, bottles, or other stuff here. Or, simply install the hanging clips in order to hang towels or other clothes. 

• Add more and more lights

For changing your outdated bathrooms to new and modern ones, enhance its lighting first. Add a warm and luxurious touch to your bathroom décors by increasing the lighting of your bathroom. You can add more and more recessed lights or simple bulbs to achieve this goal. 

• Pay attention to your Ventilation system

Another main thing to keep in mind while renovating a bathroom is to add good ventilation. For this purpose, try making some space for a window or install a skylight, if you can. Otherwise adding greenery is a great option for keeping the atmosphere good and pure. 

• Change the fixtures

Change your old and rusted fixtures! Don’t go for lavish and expensive taps and handles, just buy new ones. 

• Build more storage spaces with medicine cabinets

Now, you have a chance to make more storage space, so avail it. More and more space for storage is the brilliant hack to make your bathrooms look modern, tidy, and lavish. For this purpose, you can either add vanities or a medicine cabinet to store more stuff. 

Some extra tips:

• Always maintain the cleanliness of your bathroom and make it look neat and clean every time.

• Leave your shower door open every time you take a bath, to let the air circulate thoroughly.

• Use some DIY glass cleaning solutions to protect your shower doors from mildew or soap scums.

Final words!

Transforming an old bathroom to a modern one is a piece of cake if you follow proper guidelines. You can either hire professionals for this task or just do it by yourself. You need to buy some main items so you can make great effects with little changes.

Guest Contributor: Muhammad Yasir

Office Renovation and Its Impact on the Working Environment

Renovating your workplace is one of the most effective ways of affecting your company’s workflow. Your brand, the disposition of your talent and even the productivity of your staff can be affected by the working environment. This would mean that an interior redesign of your office has the potential to become much more than a slight furniture shift. In a way, it can turn into a change in your business model. 

Seeing as how some of these changes can change the pragmatism of the entire area, it can add new functions or dictate a new company policy. Of course, the success of the project sometimes depends on finding the right person for the job.

With that in mind and without further ado, here are several ways office renovation can impact the work environment.

Higher employee morale

Working in a new, clean and optimized environment will improve the mood and the morale of your staff. First of all, by being surrounded by new equipment, furniture, paint and other elements, they’ll see your office as something that’s constantly being invested in. By proxy, they will also see that you’re making an investment in them, as well. Now, different office interior design elements can have different effects on your employee morale but, by following this logic, just the fact that it’s new can cause this positive effect, as well.

Functionality

The layout of the office space determines the amount of space that you can use. Every employee needs to have enough personal space so that they feel comfortable, stimulated for work and that they’re not disturbed by people traversing the room. On the other hand, by cramming more desks in the same space, you’ll create a scenario where you can home a larger staff in a smaller office. This will positively affect your rent but have a negative impact on the working environment. This is a huge decision in front of you.

Proper workstations

Workstations are an integral part of your overall work process. Still, the proper workstation can also affect the health of your employees. The height of the desk and the adjustability of a chair will affect the angle at which you see the screen. According to experts dealing in office fitouts in Brisbane, proper seating will affect your posture and determine whether you suffer from back pain. 

You could also be interested in something more innovative, even revolutionary, for your office. One such example is standing desks. This is a method that can be easily integrated with interval working. When used properly, this method is healthy, efficient and it keeps employees alert for a lot longer. Just keep in mind that trying a couple of these stations as an experiment is the right way to go. Going all-in could be a bit over the top.

The open concept of a cubicle system

There are two opposed concepts for office decoration that have various advantages and disadvantages. For instance, an open concept lets more light in the room. Natural light is known to be a great motivator and can be ground-breaking for creatives. Also, an open concept lets people develop a stronger sense of community and it facilitates communication across the office floor. It’s also worth mentioning that the open concept gives you more space, in total, to work with.

As for the cubicle system, in the past, a lot of office managers abandoned it because of theories that it isolates office staff and makes them feel imprisoned. Cubicles, however, provide every employee with their own office. They also give employees a higher sense of ownership of the total office space since they can organize and decorate this cubicle to their own liking. In the COVID-19 era, it goes without saying that a cubicle system is far more efficient at keeping the office floor healthy.

Planning potential

What are your plans for the future? Do you want to hire more people? Is your intention to switch to a more flexible working model? These are just some of the questions that you’ll have to answer before proceeding. More and more enterprises are allowing their staff members to work from home (at least part-time). 

This means that they potentially have more space available that they are currently underusing. This is why with a proper strategy; you can reorganize the place to embody all the future goals of your enterprise. In other words, you need to look past the place’s current potential and into the future. In the future, some of the problems may be solved by outsourcing, which means that your need for more work station wouldn’t grow exponentially. For instance, hiring an outside project management company could make quite a bit of difference in your efficiency.

In conclusion

In the end, office renovation is one of the simplest ways to reinvent your business. This is your opportunity to figure out what you want your business to be and what you want it to represent. It will help change the way your staff feels about your business and even impact their ability to perform admirably in your employ. It is really a tremendous push in the right direction with a miniscule investment of your time and resources.

Author bio:

Gabriel Hill is an Australian blogger interested in a variety of spheres from home improvement and health to management and environment. 

What is the Cost to Build a Shed or Playhouse for Your Kids?

Adding a shed to your yard gives you additional workspaces, storage space for your garden supplies, or you could even turn it into a playhouse for your kids to encourage their imaginations. If you’re a DIYer, you’re most likely wondering about the cost to build a shed when you realize that they come in a huge range of sizes, styles, and uses. All of them will add visual interest to your yard, and a high-quality shed can boost your home’s curb appeal when it comes time to sell. 

Since sheds come in different materials, sizes, styles and can be used for a large range of things, the cost to build a shed will include a range of associated costs. You can have your shed custom made, assemble it from a kit, or build it DIY from a plan. However, if you need additional storage space, sheds can be a secure and safe area to store your items and keep them organized and out of your way. 

You could pay anywhere from $200 to $30,000 for the cost to build a shed. The national average starts at $1,500 and goes up to $10,000. So, on average, the cost to build a shed falls right around $5,600 for a 10 by 12 storage shed with pine siding and a simple roof. This works out to between $15.00 and $150 per square foot. You can break this cost to build a shed down further by knowing your material cost will range from $5.00 to $75.00, and the installation costs range from $10.00 to $75.00. Brick is one of the most expensive materials to use, and vinyl is very cost-effective. If you’d like to get a closer estimate on your cost to build a shed, this is for you. We’re going to walk you through all of the biggest cost components, and you can pick and choose which ones will apply to you and which ones won’t apply. By the end, you’ll have a good idea on your cost to build a shed, and you can start budgeting for it. 

Turning a shed into a playhouse is a great way to give your kids a lot of space to move around outside and it encourages their imaginations. You can make them as large or small as you like, and it’s easy to add improvements without massively increasing your costs to build a shed. Playhouse-scale by Page DeWolfe / CC BY-NC 2.0

Decide What You Want to Build Your Shed For

One of the first things you want to do is decide what purpose you want to build your shed for. Do you want a place to store your gardening tools? Maybe you need more space for bigger items like golf carts, bikes, or riding lawn mowers. Or, maybe your kids really want a new playhouse. The purpose will dictate how large your shed is, the flooring, and how you lay it out and finish the inside. Common uses include but are not limited to: 

• Children’s Playhouse – A simple shed can transform into a playhouse for your child. You can pick virtually any size, and they can be finished or unfinished. Your cost to build a shed will dictate how the final product turns out, and it’ll be more expensive to finish it.

• Gardening – These are usually slightly smaller sheds that are just big enough to put a potting table and have storage space for your basic gardening equipment or items like pots, shovels, dirt, and hand tools.

• Horse Run In – This shed has very open and board bays that allow horses to run in and out as they please. They’re usually larger and more spacious.

• Storage – You can have any size storage shed, depending on what you want to put it in. Storage sheds are popular for rakes, lawn mowers, gardening equipment, sports equipment, bikes, and more.

• Workshop or Office – If you plan to turn your shed into a fully functioning office that is separate from your home, this will push your cost to build a shed up. You’ll have to fully finish it, insulate the walls, and wire it for electricity and heating. It is like a much smaller house, so it costs more.

Shed Material Cost

Sheds typically use metal, resin, or wood for their material, and each one will dictate a different cost to build a shed. Metal and resin are most common in DIY kits, but you can custom build a shed with a wood frame and these materials. You can also build custom sheds out of brick and concrete, but this will push your cost to build a shed up because you’ll need to call in a specialist and pay labor fees. 

Brick

You can build a brick shed with a wooden frame and clad it in brick, or you can build it completely out of brick with a timber roof. However, this is more rare and time-consuming to do. You can finish or customize them in a huge variety of ways. However, your cost to build a shed with brick, whether it’s with a wooden frame or without, is expensive. On average, you’ll pay $24,000 for a shed made out of this material. Concrete

Concrete sheds usually use ICF blocks or concrete blocks during the construction process. You can also use poured concrete if you plan to use the shed as a workroom, playhouse, or a finished office. You can customize this shed in several ways, and you can have plain concrete that you paint or clad them with several roofing and siding options. The cost to build a shed out of concrete is also on the expensive end of the spectrum, and they typically cost $18,000 on average. 

Metal

You can buy kits that feature metal sheds, but these are usually more flimsy. You shouldn’t use them if you live in an area that has snow or high winds because it can cause a partial or full collapse. A metal shed with a wooden frame and metal roofing with metal walls will do well virtually anywhere. Metal does have more limited color and style options, but you can build it to almost any size if you choose to custom build it using a wood frame. A metal shed with a wooden frame costs around $4,500 from start to finish. 

Resin 

You can build this shed from a kit, and it’s generally very low-maintenance. They’re lightweight and decently durable, but you’re very limited on colors, styles, and sizes. There aren’t a lot of customization options you can get, and it’s rare that these sheds come with floors. You can custom build a floor, and this will increase your cost to build a shed. You’ll pay around $1,000 for this type of shed. 

Wooden

Wooden sheds are the most common custom-build shed types. They’re available in a huge range of variations and styles, and you can outfit the exterior with any siding to make them more resistant to your local weather conditions. They have wooden or concrete flooring, and you can pick from any roofing material. These can be a higher-maintenance choice if you use wood for the siding and floor because you’ll have to stain and seal them to protect them from the elements. The cost to build a shed out of wood averages around $6,000. The material you choose will impact your cost to build a shed, but it’ll also have a direct influence on how long it lasts and how much maintenance you have to put into it. Some materials are more high-maintenance than others. Playhouse by Jim Littlefield / CC BY 2.0

Comparing Shed Materials

Maybe you want to have more than one material in your shed, or you’re not sure which one will work best for your intended shed use. If so, it’s relatively easy to compare the three most popular shed materials to help make your final choice. 

Metal vs. Wood

When it comes to comparing wood and metal, you want to consider combining the two to get a more durable shed while controlling your overall cost to build a shed. A wooden frame is far more sturdy than a metal frame, and this makes it less likely to sustain damage from snow or wind. But, metal roofs and walls are more resistant to moisture, rot, flames, and insect activity, and this allows them to last longer than wood. 

Plastic vs. Wood

You can get plastic kits for small sheds, and they can be very durable. However, you have limits on the style, sizes, and customization options you can get. Wooden sheds need more maintenance overall than your plastic shed will, but it’s possible to customize your wooden sheds with trim, colors, sizes, roofing choices, and siding that you can’t do with plastic. 

Cost to Build a Shed by Square Foot

The cost to build a shed will have a broad range per square foot, depending on the shed’s purpose, materials you use, how finished it is, and whether it’s a DIY build using plans, a kit, or a custom shed. To have a professionally-built shed, you’ll pay around $50.00 per square foot if you don’t plan to finish the interior. If you want to finish the inside of the shed for a playhouse, workshop, or office and add electrical, you need to insulate it at $200 per square foot. Some DIY builds and kits run around $25.00 a square foot. 

Shed Sizes and Price Points

One of the biggest factors in your cost to build a shed is the size you want. This is true no matter if you go with a custom build, DIY build using a plan, or if you use a kit. Assuming you have a professional build your shed, the following price points apply: 

• 6’ by 4’ – $1,200

• 6’ by 9’ – $2,700

• 8’ by 8’ – $3,200

• 8’ by 10’ – $4,000

• 8’ by 12’ – $4,800

• 10’ by 8’ – $4,000

• 10’ by 10’ – $5,000

• 10’ by 12’ – $6,000

• 10’ by 16’ – $8,000

• 10’ by 20’ – $10,000

• 12’ by 16’ – $9,600

• 12’ by 24’ – $14,400

• 16’ by 12’ – $9,600

• 16’ by 16’ – $12,800

• 16’ by 20’ – $16,00

You should keep in mind that square footage won’t give you a solid cost to build a shed estimate, but i’ll give you a rough idea. This is because a shed can be shorter or taller, have a flat roof, lean-to on an existing building, or have a decorative roof. 

Say you want to build a shed that is 10-feet by 12-feet. This will cost around $6,00 for a basic design with a gable roof. If you get a flat roof, the cost to build a shed can drop. If you wanted a two-story shed that is much taller, you could pay the same as you would with a 16-foot by 20-foot shed because you’ll have to use more material, add an extra floor, and add stairs. Depending on how you finish, build, and construct your 12-foot by 24-foot shed, it could cost anywhere from $14,400 to $30,000. Additionally, incorporating decorative elements like gable pediments can enhance the shed's architectural appeal.

How a Roof Impacts Your Shed Costs

Any materials that you can use for a roof on your home you can use on your shed.  It’s popular to match your shed’s roof to your home’s roof material to create a cohesive look. However, if you’re worried about yoru cost to build a shed, keep the roof flat and cover it in less expensive materials. The following outlines popular materials for your roof and the cost per square foot: 

• Asphalt – $2.10 per square foot

• Bitumen – $2.00 to $5.00 per square foot

• Metal – $5.00 to $20.00 per square foot

• Tile – $3.00 to $30.00 per square foot

• Tin – $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot

• Spray Foam – $2.00 per square foot

You can get creative with the roof on your shed, or you can go with something simple and more traditional if you’re worried about increasing your cost to build a shed. You could even make it match your home’s look for a cohesive design. Playhouse framing-01002 by Donna & Andrew / CC BY 2.0Cost to Insulate a Shed

Most sheds are uninsulated, and the only time you should need to insulate your shed and drive your cost to build a shed up is when you want to use it as a workplace or playhouse. Insulation comes with a broad cost range associated with it, and you can get everything from ICF blocks to more low-cost fiberglass. You should expect to spend at least $200 to insulate a basic shed. Sheds that have living areas above them, larger sheds, or sheds that use ICF blocks in the construction come with higher costs attached. 

Labor Costs

There are several factors that influence your labor costs. You can build almost any shed in clear areas of your yard. If you do need to clear out an area, you’ll have to excavate it first, and this adds to your total cost to build a shed. The most common type of land preparation is grading, and it typically costs between $4.40 and $5.40 a square foot. If you have an existing deck or patio you want to put your shed on, this can keep your cost to build a shed down. 

Whether you choose a wood or concrete floor and the material type will also impact your costs. Most sheds won’t come with plumbing or electricity in them, so this will also add to your cost to build a shed if you want to add them for your office space. This will boost your labor costs. Getting a kit and having a professional put it together has the lowest costs for labor associated with it. If a builder or a carpenter puts your shed together using plans, your labor costs go up. You may need to recruit one or more of the following professionals to help build your shed: 

• Carpenter

• Electrician

• Handyman

• Shed building company

The labor costs to build a shed, on average, fall right around $70.00 an hour. This adds up to around half of your total cost to build a shed if it’s a 10-foot by 12-foot wooden model that costs $3,000. If you have a kit, you’ll pay between $100 to $500 for labor. If you choose to contract with a shed building company, the company will get all of the materials, build the shed off-site, and deliver it to your property to finish it. 

Should You Buy or Build a Shed?

If you’re worrying about the cost to build a shed, you may consider buying one outright and having it delivered to your location. Another cost-effective option is to buy a kit and put it together by yourself to save on labor costs. There are a broad range of overlap costs with this option. You can buy a small upright resin shed for around $500, or you can go with a fully custom-built option that comes to your home assembled for around $30,000. You could also build an inexpensive one from lumbar for $500, or you could hire someone to build a shed on your property for around $30,000. 

When you’re trying to decide to build or buy your shed, the biggest cost factors will be trying to decide on a durable option that will withstand the climate and be large enough to store your kid’s sports equipment or your bigger garden tools like a riding lawn mower. Some people may be satisfied with a resin shed that is prebuilt, and other people want to have a custom shed that will blend with their property or be large enough to turn into a small space to accommodate guests. The intended purpose should be a consideration you keep in mind throughout this decision process. 

If you’re not comfortable building a shed and you don’t want to hire someone to do it for you, you could buy a prefabricated one that comes to your home ready to use. This can be just as expensive as building a shed from the ground up, but it’s usually quicker. Shed by iheartpandas / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Price to Transform a Shed Into a House or Playhouse

If you have a big enough shed, it’s possible to finish it completely, add plumbing, and wire it for electricity to create a fun playhouse for your kid or a tiny house for guests. Since the biggest cost to build a shed would be finishing it, this would be an expensive project unless you plan to do it all on your own. Per square foot, finishing costs are around $125. This doesn’t include running the electrical lines, plumbing, and insulation. When you add these factors, the costs go up to $250 a square foot. 

This pricing also assumes that you don’t add any more square footage to your shed since most sheds are only a single room. They don’t get divided into bathing, sleeping, or a kitchen area. You’ll also need inspections and permits before it’s legal to live in. 

Shed Enhancement Costs

There are enhancements you can choose to add to your shed to make it more functional and aesthetically pleasing. Depending on the shed, these enhancements can increase your cost to build a shed significantly, so it’s good to lay out a budget first and decide if you can afford to add these items. 

Adding on a Lean-To

If you already have an existing shed and you want to add on a lean-to, this will cost less than you’d spend for a full addition. The cost to add this part to your shed runs around $30.00 a square foot. So, larger lean-tos will increase your costs quicker than a smaller one. 

Barn Doors

A lot of sheds come with wide doors to accommodate storage and larger equipment like zero turn mowers or wheelbarrows. The most frequently installed style of door is the barn door because they’ll open up significantly wider than normal doors. These doors will increase your cost to build a shed by around $100. 

Flooring

A lot of sheds need a floor, especially if you want to use it as a potting shed or workshop. You can make your floor out of plastic, plywood, and poured concrete. If you buy a kit, you’ll usually have to install a floor separately from the shed, but custom sheds can have the floor built right on. The cost to build a shed will go up starting at $100 to add a floor. 

Gutters

Maybe your shed comes with a pitched roof. If so, consider adding gutters to funnel the rain way from your shed’s foundation. Per foot, you’ll pay between $3.00 and $5.00 a foot to install gutters on your shed. 

Workshop-Style

It’s very popular for people to use sheds as workshops. However, this can increase your cost to build a shed because you’ll have to add insulation. You’ll also have to run electricity and maybe plumbing to the shed to get it ready for long working clips. You’ll pay around $200 a square foot to create a workshop-style shed. 

Cost to Remove a Shed

If you have an older shed on your property with asbestos insulation and flooring or masonite siding, you’ll have to call in an expert team to tear it down. You don’t want to do it on your own due to the toxicity of the asbestos. The cost will largely depend on how much asbestos there is and where the shed is. The costs start at around $500 to call in experts. 

Where to Find a Shed Builder Near You

For anyone who wants to get a shed and is wondering about the cost to build a shed, you can get a more concrete answer by getting in touch with several local builders. The following resources will help you find reputable shed builders near you, and they include: 

• Shed, Playhouse & Barn Builders

Frequently Asked Questions 

When you start calling around for estimates on your cost to build a shed, you’ll want to ask the same questions of each company to get a more solid estimate range. Always call several companies to see which ones offer the best deals. Shedby Jared Cherup / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

1. Is it hard to build a shed by yourself?

It depends. Are you comfortable with the tools you’ll need to use? How familiar are you with woodworking? If you’re not very comfortable with any of this but you still want to build your own shed, consider going with a complete kit that has pre-drilled lumber to make it easy on yourself. 

2. Do you need a permit to build a shed?

In most areas, you usually won’t need a building permit to erect a smaller shed like an 8-foot by 10-foot or a 6-foot by 8-foot one. However, there are local zoning restrictions that you have to abide by, and you may need permits for larger sheds. You may also need a permit if you choose to run electrical or plumbing to your shed. Always check with your local zoning commissioner’s office before you start building. 

3. What is the average cost to move a shed?

As long as the shed doesn’t have a concrete pad, it shouldn’t be too expensive to move your shed. Larger sheds will cost more, but the average cost is around $50.00. 

4. Is it safe to use a shed as a playhouse for the kids?

Yes. As long as your shed is stable and sturdy, it can be a great play area for your kids. You can finish the walls or leave them unfinished. If it gets cooler in your area and your kids want to play in it, it’s a good idea to insulate it to keep it warmer. 

Bottom Line

The cost to build a shed will depend on many factors, and you can use this guide as a reference point to get a rough estimate of this project so you can budget for it correctly. Consider what you want to use the shed for and how big you need it to be. This will give you a good idea on your base costs, and be sure to add in for any improvements or enhancements to get a functional shed that will last for years.

Guest Contributor: https://happydiyhome.com/cost-to-build-a-shed/

5 Ways Builders Can Secure More Home Renovation Clients

With ever-changing trends and recent renovation stats in the USA, we can see that renovations are on the rise. Since there is a lot of business in the market, it is time to up your client-fishing game. Here are five ways that you can bag and secure more clients for home renovation.

Get Easy to Find and Reach:

People love to renovate their homes, but they have a lot of things on their plate such as family responsibilities, work-life, leisure, etc. The last thing they want to do is to put a lot of effort into finding a reputable builder and reach them

Even if they find you and have no way to contact you directly, trust us that they will move on to someone else who is more reachable. To cater to this problem, ask yourself the following questions.

Have you provided a direct contact number where a client can call you directly?

Can they find your direct email address easily and contact you via it?

Are you reachable on social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.?

If your answer to the above questions is “yes”, you are on the right path. Else, it's time to open the lines of communication. Offer the clients around the clock free consultation, you will see them coming to you in herds.

We know that it is not easily manageable to run all these platforms by yourself. This is exactly why modern digital tools were created. Set up automated responses. For voice calls, set up a voicemail message to let your clients know that you are on a site and will answer all the messages in few hours. 

This will not only impress the clients but will also portray you as a responsible, punctual, and skilled builder.

Create an Online Presence

Believe it or not, flyers and billboards are in the past. If you want to reach a huge number of clients, you need to build a strong online presence with popular social media platforms. But before that, get your business an official website. 

State everything about you and your business that glorifies it on the website. Let people know about your recently completed projects through your online portfolio. You can also connect your website with social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, etc.

Engage with your audience and watch them turn into your biggest clients. Learn about techniques that can help you reach a larger audience and convince them to hire you through attractive and engaging content.

Remember that only creating a presence does not mean anything unless it has sound impressions on the audience. Hence, keep your online profiles alive and give recent updates.

Turn Your Customers into Brand Ambassadors

Do you know what is the biggest source of getting more clients? Word of mouth. When previous clients talk about your brand in a good way, they attract more clients. If they say otherwise, others are likely to believe them more than you.

Hence it is very important to focus on your current customers. Give a shining performance and ask them subtly to talk about you on Social Media Platforms. You can use reputable review management software to gather more and authentic reviews. This review management software helps small businesses in gathering more positive customer reviews for their services. 

Once you get a strong force of customers/reviewers, you will not have to pay large sums for digital ads since they will become your brand ambassadors and bring you more clients.

Bag Some Builders’ Awards

This might sound cliché but a few more feathers in your hat will impress more potential clients. Some might consider it gloating but calling yourself an “award-winning builder” has its own perks. 

The plan of action to bag an award is the same as renovating a house. Start by marking the award that you have your eyes on. You can consider the National Association of Home Builders and Great American Living Awards etc. Look for the requirements and go through the detailed application.  

Think thoroughly to see what kind of a project can help you get this award. Make sure you have adequate time, finances, and resources that are required to win the awards. Put all the efforts as you would put into a renovation project.

Involve the Clients in the Remodeling

Now, this may sound a little weird but think of it this way. The home renovation projects are usually assigned by the owners themselves and they have a huge attachment to their properties. They will be chatty, excited, will ask a lot of questions, and point out even the smallest errors.

Our suggestion is that a smile goes a long way. Listen to all their concerns positively and provide feedback. If something is out of their forte, they might take some time to digest it. Give them time and communicate everything. 

Never try to cut them out. Sure, you can be a little rough around the edges but let them get involved and be a part of the process.

Guest Contributor: Arslan Hassan

7 Tips for Pet-Proofing Your Plumbing

To prevent unwanted repairs, taking care of your plumbing system is a must. For homeowners who have those lovely pets, it involves extra precautions to ensure that they do not undermine the diligent upkeep. However, installing wall access panels flangeless can help secure the main control valve of the plumbing system away from pets.

Check out some valuable tips that will help to pet-proof your plumbing systems. Incorporating these practices can help keep both pets and pipes safe in the long term so you can enjoy your pets without worrying about your plumbing system. These tips could also be beneficial for pet safety as well.

Tip #1: Keep Toilet Lids Closed

Although this practice might not be a natural habit in every household, it is worth adopting for your pet's safety. And it is a well-known fact for cat and dog owners: pets can be notorious for sneaking sips from the toilet bowl. While other owners might regard this behavior as a funny and endearing quirk, it can lead to serious illness from ingesting water from the toilet. 

It is not only for obvious sanitary reasons, but the chemicals from the toilet cleaning products can remain in your toilet bowl for weeks. Therefore closing the toilet's lid will keep your pets safe.

Tip #2: Avoid Flushing Cat Litter

Although various cat litter brands claim to be flushable, deciding to flush kitty litter through the pipes can cause many problems and damage the plumbing system. The design of cat litter is to absorb more moisture and increase up to 10 times more into its original shape and volume. When flushing cat litter in the toilet bowl, it will naturally expand and lead to clogging and blockage in the plumbing system. 

Additionally, the waste litter might contain parasites like Toxoplasma Gondii that can infiltrate the water supply. Therefore it is highly recommended that pet waste is placed in designated trash bins and not flushed down into the plumbing pipes.

Tip #3: Cover The Floor Drains 

It is essential for pet owners who usually bathe their cats and dogs at home, to cover floor drains or use drain guards. Especially if the pet is prone to shedding, it is essential to catch the pet's fur in drain stoppers to prevent it from clogging the pipes. 

Tip #4: Install Water Temperature Balancing Valves

While we are grooming and bathing pets at home, ensuring the water temperature stays balanced can make bath time more manageable. It can be jarring to touch or be hit by freezing or scalding hot water while in the middle of a bath; it can also traumatize your pet so that they are afraid the next time you attempt to bathe them. 

Tip #5: Cover Exposed Piping

Pets sometimes are curious, and they won't hesitate to dig or find out what that piping under the sink is in the cabinet. They might bite or scratch these pipes to satisfy their curiosity, resulting in injury and irreparable damage to your plumbing. Either way, it's wise to cover exposed piping to avoid vet or plumbing expenses down the road.

Tip #6: Don't Allow Digging

As a general rule, it is necessary to discourage your pets from digging around pipes. If your pet has a passion for digging, it's best to nip it in the bud. Digging will not only ruin a yard but can lead to sewer or water line damage. 

Tip #7: Bathe Pets Outside

It is best to bathe your pet outside. If the pet's fur is soiled and you try to wash it in the sink or bathtub, clumps of matted hair can lead to clogged up drain pipes leading to unavoidable repairs. 

Be sure to pet-proof your plumbing system! It will keep your plumbing system clean, protect those lovely pets from injury and illness, and allow you to continue enjoying the services of your well-maintained plumbing system. 

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson