Common Home Emergencies and How to Deal with Them

Common Home Emergencies and How to Deal with Them

Every homeowner faces a few home emergencies that end up in expenses and repairs. This happens regardless of how well maintained your home is. Therefore, it’s best to be prepared for them as much as you can be prepared for an unexpected repair.

There are two main components of such preparations. Firstly, you need to have some money put aside to be sure you could purchase spare parts or hire a professional to make the repairs for you. Secondly, every homeowner should know how to do a few basic repairs quickly and have the proper tools to do so.

A power blackout

There’s not that much that you can do to prevent a blackout since it’s usually a problem with the power grid. That’s why it’s best to prepare for a blackout by preparing the supplies that you’ll use while the power is out.

If this happens every once in a while, you might want to invest in a generator that will keep your home powered through the blackout. The emergency kit for a blackout should artificial lights, some water and food, a supply of medication, and a way to communicate with emergency services.

A blocked toilet

A blocked toilet is one of those unpleasant emergencies that you need to react quickly upon without waiting for the professional to come and to make actual repairs. The first step to fixing a blocked toilet is to shut down the water supply coming to it. That will prevent the toilet from overflowing and give you time to make actual repairs.

This is where it’s best to call the plumber to help you out since it might require you to take out a pipe to remove the clog within it.

Small fires

It’s crucial to be prepared for small fires, especially if you live in a large city such as Sydney. That often means that you need to alert the authorities right away since it might be difficult to evacuate quickly.  It’s best to hire an electrician from Northern Beaches to install a small smoke detector. This is useful in the most sensitive parts of the home such as the kitchen.

It’s also useful for a home to have a small fire extinguisher and for you to learn how to use it before it’s ever needed.

Damaged roof

A damaged roof is probably the most serious emergency on our list and it will require a rather costly repair. Things are made even more difficult if the leak happens during the winter when you need to close it right away.

The best way to go is to inspect the roof on a regular basis. You may need to rent scaffolding and inspect the roof for damage or leaks at the start of every season. It’s easier if you catch the problem before it starts damaging your ceiling or requires the whole roof to be replaced.

Water leaks

Water leaks aren’t that big of a problem to fix, but they can be rather complicated to find or even notice. It’s usually noticed only when you figure out that your water bills are getting higher or that you’re losing water pressure somewhere in the house. 

When you notice the problem in the first place, it’s best to cut off the water for the whole home to avoid the waste. That’s where you need to hire a plumber to replace the busted pipe and install a new one.

Small home emergencies happen regardless of how well maintained your home is. That means you need to take the time to prepare for them, to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

Home-Buying Process: How to Make It a Breeze

Home-Buying Process: How to Make It a Breeze

Buying a home is a great feeling and a beginning of something new in your life, but it’s not exactly the easiest job in the world. Even if you have enough money, know exactly what kind of a home you want, and have already found an amazing place to buy – and this scenario is quite rare – things can still get difficult. That’s why you need to invest time and energy into making this process easier, and here’s how to do that.

Organize your finances

As mentioned before, having just enough money to buy a house is rare in this day and age, and people have to organise their finances before they can buy a home. There are lots of ways to do that, and you can start by figuring out just how much money you’re going to need and how much your monthly expenses are going to be. Also, don’t forget about paying off any debt you may have, as well as getting pre-approved from a lender. These are the only ways to be able to buy a home – unless you’ve just won the lottery or inherited a large sum of money.

Rely on a realtor

Finding an amazing home on your own sounds like the easiest job in the world, but it’s actually far from that. Unless you’re a professional, you won’t be able to access tons of properties that are on sale but are known only to real estate agents. That’s why you might want to find one yourself and let them do everything in your stead. Realtors can hear you out and figure out exactly what you need and then narrow the search to a handful of properties you can check out personally. They can also negotiate the price for you and save you a considerable amount of money, which is always a good thing.

Visit display homes

If you know what you want your future home to look like, the entire house-hunting process could be much easier and quicker. But, if you’re not absolutely sure, you may not do everything that quickly at all. That’s why getting inspired is so crucial, and one of the ways to do so is by visiting display homes in your area. These places are spiced up and look amazing, helping you pinpoint exactly what you want your home to look like. That’s how, for instance, new luxury display homes in Sydney show us that modern homes rely on the exterior as much as the interior, especially when equipped with an amazing swimming pool. Take these details into account when finding your own home, and you’ll surely be able to do so in a quicker, better, and easier way.

Stick to great neighbourhoods only

Getting a great home is one thing, but getting a great home in a great neighbourhood is something completely different. There are probably lots of available homes in your area, but not all of them are in the right spot. That’s the reason why you should stick only to the neighbourhoods you actually like. Picking the right one might be a challenge, especially if you have a family, so look into all the important details. Investigate crime rates, public transportation, as well as nearby schools, parks, shops, and other amenities. These things separate amazing neighbourhoods from average ones, and you need to stick to the former only.

Again, buying a new home is a great thing, but it’s also quite difficult, so don’t be afraid to invest all your time and energy into this process. After all, you’re doing something great for yourself and your family, so it’s definitely worth your while!

Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

Bathroom Design: How to Make It Warm and Welcoming

Bathroom Design: How to Make It Warm and Welcoming

Even though it’s probably the tiniest room in your home, the bathroom still deserves a ton of attention. Every bathroom needs to be as warm and welcoming as possible, and if that’s the atmosphere you’d like to create as well, here are a few design tips you should follow.

Use stone tile

Even though most people prefer ceramic tile when redoing their bathroom, you can always explore different ideas as well. Stone tile is one of these ideas, and it could easily turn into one of the best ideas you’ve ever had.

Incorporating stone tile into your bathroom might seem a bit strange at first, but if you do it right, this is a project that will make your bathroom the nicest and cosiest space in your home. Still, don’t forget that stone has its pros and cons, so check out all these features before you start incorporating stone tile into your bathroom.

Explore wood

This is a controversial decision not all homeowners are going to support, but the reason is still unknown. We’re all afraid that wood won’t work well in wet and moist environments, but the truth is quite the opposite. If properly protected, wooden furniture and décor pieces can be easily incorporated into your bathroom and stay there for years and even decades.

You can add a wooden vanity and mix it with the aforementioned stone tile, contrasting the colours and textures of these two materials. You can even add a tiny stool or a table, especially if you’re lucky enough to have a massive bathroom. Finally, you can add small decorating pieces made of wood, taking the entire design of your bathroom to a whole new level in just a few easy steps.

Add a rug

Speaking of unusual solutions that actually work better than you’d think, here’s another idea you need to look into. Yes, adding a rug to your bathroom may seem strange at first, but if you give this idea a thought, you’ll realise that’s actually an amazing way to introduce a new dose of cosiness to this space.

Still, not just any rug will do, and you need to make sure the rugs you choose are comfortable, warm, and visually appealing. You might look into some comfy rugs, as those offered by Miss Amara NZ, as these are made from high-quality natural materials, feature amazing designs, and are great for your bathroom. Keep in mind that having a rug in your bathroom will help you feel better all year long, especially during those freezing winter nights.

Try out new materials

No matter where you live and what kind of a bathroom you have, the chances are it will be packed with the same materials as every other bathroom in the world. Ceramic, metal, steel, and chrome are so common nowadays that you can rarely see a bathroom without all of these. But, what if you used other materials instead?

Copper, golden, and brass details could make your bathroom special, while still remaining as practical and functional as those old school choices. What’s even better is that these elements will help you turn different parts of your bathroom into focal points, which is something all bathrooms deserve. With local rent reports like this showing us that the prices are on a slight decline, landlords can also implement such solutions to make their properties more attractive to potential tenants.   

Install in-floor heating

If you want to make your bathroom warmer than before, this is the right way to do it – literally! Installing an in-floor heating system is something all homeowners should consider, no matter where they live, how old their home is, and how big their bathrooms are.

These systems come with a number of benefits – from practicality to easy maintenance, and everything in between – and the best thing is that you can install them on your own. It may take some time, energy, and patience, but it’s definitely worth the investment you’ll make, particularly in the winter and fall.

Just because your bathroom is not large, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of it. This is particularly important if you’re one of those people who spend considerable time in the bathroom, getting ready for their day and relaxing before going to sleep. So, show this space all the love and attention in the world, turning it into a warm and welcoming area where you can relax and take your mind off everyday problems.

Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

How to Make Your Bathroom Look Expensive

How to Make Your Bathroom Look Expensive

Your decorating budget doesn't have to be big to create a luxurious bathroom. If you know how to match and contrast colours, if you are the master of accessories and you know how lighting can bring the best out of existing features, you can spice things up without breaking the bank. Here are the most effective ideas.

Inexpensive luxuries

Although not many bathrooms feature specialised seating, having one is indispensable for larger families. Instead of perching on the side of the bath, bring in a classy stool that you and your partner can both use, while a pair of upcycled garden chairs can prevent kids from fighting at the sink when the toothbrush time comes. Swapping boring bath mats with Persian rugs, or custom linoleum patchwork doesn’t cost much, especially since it saves you from having to replace the old tile floor.

Nature indoors

If you couldn’t make those luscious ferns and philodendrons take root in the dry, air-conditioned environment of your home, keep in mind that they will thrive in the bathroom. Tropical plants trailing down from windowsills can spruce up the element of luxury in any bathroom, while bundles of eucalyptus branches, exposed to shower steam, release the plant's natural therapeutic oils. If you're aiming for a clean and classic hotel finish, consider potted orchids, which also thrive in humid, low-light conditions. Even a few well-placed succulents like aloe can bring a sense of vitality to your bath space.

Mirrors and lights

Have you ever wondered why everyone looks better in hotel bathroom mirrors? It all boils down to lighting. If you illuminate mirrors evenly on both sides, you can eliminate shadows. You can use rather rectangular wall lamps or hanging brass bulbs. If you have a penchant for glowy, low-lit, spaces swap simple bulbs for recessed LED lights hidden in alcoves or behind opaque bath panels. Although at the end of a stressful day nothing really beats a relaxing bath under candle lights but instead of a modern mood lighting considers soft, dimmable floor spotlights.

Black and white

Reinvent your bathroom with a classical and striking noir palette by choosing black and white elements, accessories and fixtures. Classy black soap dispensers, tumblers, and dishes are a great inexpensive way to accent your décor. Even bathroom appliances can help you with this décor idea since manufacturers of best washing machines today offer their front and top loaders in black or white colour schemes. If you don’t know where to start, chose a remarkable black or white centrepiece such as a freestanding stone bath with a contemporary curving design.

Neutral wainscoting

Even a simple change like painting the wainscoting a neutral colour other than white can change the mood of your bathroom completely, from nursing white to luxurious. Nowhere does it say that wainscoting and beadboard must be white. For such a painting project, first, you'll want to sample the new colours. Use a piece of wainscoting or trim to try out the colours, so you can move it around the bathroom to get a look at different lighting angles.

Scents and essences

Use essential oils, scented soaps, and multi-layered shampoos to replicate the feeling of being pampered and relaxed while staying in a luxury hotel spa. Transform the boring shower routine into a multi-sensory experience. Give your hair a full spa treatment using products made of natural ingredients, like rosemary, cucumber or green tea. This way, every shower will have the additional benefit of improving your mood.

The bathroom is often cited as the most expensive room in the house to renovate, second perhaps only to the kitchen. However, you don't have to gut everything to make your baths space feel expensive. Most of the ideas listed here are budget-friendly and easy to restore, which makes them ideal for homeowners who are renting.

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

A Plumber's Guide: What Your Address Says About Your Business

 A Plumber's Guide: What Your Address Says About Your Business

The plumbing industry is booming. Some reports have found that in the United States, the number of working plumbers has increased by 1.7% over the past five years, which has resulted in $110 billion in revenue. Even greater news is that the plumbing industry is expected to continue to perform well through 2026, with an expected 16% potential growth. 

But, as with any booming and growing industry, competition is fierce and reports estimate that no individual plumbing company accounts for more than 1% of the entire industry’s revenue. In order to stand out from the competition, you need to make sure that you have a strong business strategy in place. 

This strategy should include elements such as knowing your niche, specializing in certain types of properties, marketing your services correctly, having a logo, having a business card, actively engage on social media, and have a clear lead generation and sales process in place. For the purpose of this guide, we will focus on what your address says about your plumbing business and how the right address can significantly improve your marketing and sales efforts. 

The Importance of a Business Address

In business, as in life, first impressions matter. In today’s digitally connected world, your first impression is your online presence, which should provide potential clients with all the relevant information about your business.

If your business address is not listed, it’s listed in a residential area, or it’s somewhere people aren’t familiar with,  potential clients might question the legitimacy of your company. Potential clients could think that your plumbing services are a side gig, therefore that you’re not a professional, or they might be skeptical about sharing their private information (such as home address and phone number) if all they find is a name and an address in a neighborhood they’re unfamiliar with. 

This is why having a professional business address is key to plumbing business success. 

But a Business Address is Expensive…

Yes. But it doesn’t have to be. A virtual office for plumbers could enable you to have access to a renowned business address, as well as a place to meet with clients, workspace, access to business tools and resources (printing, faxing, copying, secretarial support, customer service support, etc.). The great news? Virtual offices come at a fraction of the cost, which means you can significantly reduce your overhead costs and instead use the funds to buy equipment, invest in marketing, create your website, etc. 

Not only can a virtual office help you with the above, but it can also come in handy when you’re applying for a plumbing license, contractor license, and plumbing permit. Keep in mind that oftentimes, these certifications require specific documentation, including a business address. While some organizations accept residential addresses or P.O. Box addresses, some don’t.

Your Business Address and Marketing + Sales

To be successful today, it’s imperative that you have an online presence. This doesn’t just mean having active social media profiles, but making sure that your plumbing business shows up at the top of the page when people search for plumbing services in Google. 

One way to improve your chances of being ranked higher is by registering your business in Google My Business. What Google My Business does is that it puts your company on Google Maps, and it’s especially useful for local searches. If someone in your town or city searches for a plumber, by including good SEO you will be the top of the list and most likely to be called.

Ranking higher on search engine searches means that more people are likely to visit your website, which can translate into more leads and, therefore, more sales.

More than that, a renowned business address can go a long way in establishing trust and a sense of legitimacy with potential and existing clients. It also adds some privacy to your life, as you won’t be receiving any business mail in your home address, but rather through a virtual office. 

Conclusion

There’s a lot of potential and opportunities for growth in the plumbing industry. As you’re setting up or growing your plumbing business, try to take advantage of the available tools and resources you can leverage to reduce expenses, increase your exposure, and make a good impression. 

Plumbers need to have a professional and positive image if they want to attract new clients. Keep in mind that clients are inviting you into their homes or offices, and they want to make sure that whomever they’re hiring is legitimate and trustworthy. 

If you want to make a good impression from the get go, have a professional business address in an area people are familiar with. So, what can your address say about your plumbing business? It can say that you’re running a  legitimate and trustworthy operation, or it can say the exact opposite. 

Guest Contributor, Mat Calica

4 Factors That Make All the Difference in Your Bathroom Remodel

4 Factors That Make All the Difference in Your Bathroom Remodel

Usually, when talking about bathroom remodels, people tend to think that it simply can’t be done without a lot of patience and a huge budget in place. However, this is not always the case. The fact is that you can completely change the look of your bathroom on a budget if that is the only change you wish to make.

On the other hand, if you are looking to conduct a more elaborate remodeling project you will need to set aside a hefty sum. So, depending on what you wish to achieve with your bathroom you will need to calculate the budget accordingly. With that in mind, here are some factors you should consider beforehand to make the remodel go as smoothly and as stress-free as possible.

Know what you want

Before you actually start hiring contractors left and right and start browsing various stores in search of the items you wish to incorporate into your new bathroom, you should first decide what you want to achieve with your bathroom remodel. If it is only a new look, you are going for the entire remodeling project shouldn’t last too long or require too big of a budget. However, if you are planning on completely relocating your existing plumbing and drains, do know that it will cost you much more and it will require appropriate funds. So, make sure you determine exactly what you want to achieve before you move on to the next step.

Determine the budget accordingly

As mentioned, in order to determine the budget, you need to first define the scope of the project. If you are just changing a few things up in order to bring in a breath of fresh air to your bathroom you can easily focus solely on the cost of a new paint job, some new fixtures and a couple of new décor pieces. However, if you are looking for more elaborate plumbing upgrades, make sure you account not only for the estimated price of the project but the contingency as well. With projects like these, things can easily go wrong or you may even come across an issue you didn’t even know was there so you need to make sure that you are financially ready to cover anything that might come your way.

Know how you want to achieve it

Once you have clearly defined your project, decide how you want to proceed further. If upping the style of your bathroom is the only thing you are interested in, turn to ever-so-fashionable Aussies for some inspiration. To up the style in their personal oases, many Aussies choose to incorporate a custom made vanity from Sydney in their bathrooms. Introducing such stunning yet simple pieces in any bathroom can easily elevate the style and pizzazz of the room to an entirely new level. On the other hand, if you are after bigger projects, you will have to clearly determine the order in which you want things to be done as well as the final goal you want to achieve in the space.

Come up with a plan and stick to it

Finally, once you have all the answers and you know how you want to approach the matter, it would be wise to come up with a game plan and stick to it as much as possible. While it is easy to change your mind mid-way about the new wall paint you wish to have in your bathroom, doing so when relocating plumbing and drains can not only be extremely expensive, but it can also significantly set back the entire project. Additionally, keep in mind that the contractors you have hired are usually working on a tight schedule, so making any bigger changes mid-project can even result in them not having enough time to finish the work in one go because they need to move on to their next client and the next project they are hired for. There are numerous mistakes you can easily make when remodeling your bathroom, so it would be wise to get familiar with them so that you can avoid making any of them.

Bathroom remodels are usually stressful for people because more often than not, they don’t really know what they want to achieve with the space. However, if you have a clear idea in mind, based on which you can estimate the necessary time and the average budget you will need to set aside, successfully finishing this project should be as easy as one, two, three. 

Guest Contributor, Chloe Taylor

Beauty in Cohesiveness: 4 Excellent Tips for Creating Rooms That Flow Well Together

Beauty in Cohesiveness: 4 Excellent Tips for Creating Rooms That Flow Well Together

An important aspect of designing appealing interiors, creating a sense of connectedness in a house is no easy task (unless you’re a professional interior designer, that is). If you take a look at their homes and the way they are decorated, you will notice that there is always something that ties the whole space together and creates a visual flow. Now, you can choose to pay them to do that for you or you can learn how to do it yourself and spend your hard-earned cash elsewhere. Read on!

Make your home look cohesive by using the same design style

When it comes to decorating your home, deciding on the design style that you’re going to use throughout your house is the key to doing it successfully. When you have a defined style and you know what pieces, colors, and patterns you should be aiming for, the whole decorating process becomes so much easier as opposed to not having a clear idea of what your home should look like. Whether it is coastal, traditional, contemporary, or farmhouse, pick a style that speaks to you and that perfectly captures your personality. The last thing you want to have is a contemporary coffee table mixed with a vintage chair and an industrial lamp, as it will look messy and not cohesive at all. Instead, opt for pieces that complement each other so that the way you design your space looks intentional and well-thought-out.

Connect the rooms by using similar colors throughout the home

Now, as much as you may like colors, it’s important to avoid painting every room in a different shade. This is especially important if you’re working with smaller square footage, so try using a palette that consists of 2 to 3 similar hues to create a sense of connectedness. When someone loves renovating and updating their spaces as much as Australians do, they do whatever it takes to make their home more appealing, and a good paint job is sometimes all you need to refresh your dated property and make it cohesive. When they’re in need of stunning property facelift, they turn to house painters from Brisbane to make this cosmetic improvement and ensure their home looks as appealing as possible. A relatively inexpensive upgrade, painting is definitely one of the easiest ways to visually connect your space and create a sense of unity in your home.

Keep the floors consistent to create a visual flow

Another way of creating a sense of cohesiveness between the rooms is by choosing the right type of flooring. Keeping the floors consistent is a must when looking to create a visual flow and connect all the rooms in your home. Although different areas of your home will require different types of flooring (e.g. tiles in the bathroom and hardwood in the bedroom), as long as you use the same color palette for your flooring, your home will look like a cohesive whole. Nowadays, you can even get tiles that mimic the look of hardwood, so have that in mind when designing your living space. However, if changing your floors is not an option, you can still use area rugs that are the same color or material as an alternative to connect the rooms in your home.

Repeat the materials to achieve a cohesive look

Materials can be used as a common thread that will appear in each area of your home and help create a sense of unity. If you find yourself being drawn to a particular material, consider using it throughout your home, even if it’s something as simple as brass or gold detailing on the cabinetry and lighting fixtures. Marble pattern can appear on your floors, your benchtops, or your coffee table, while velvet can be used for the pillows in the bedroom, a sofa in the living room, and chairs in the dining room. Finding that one element and repeating it in each room will help tie the space together without going over the top. You can apply this design trick to any material of your choosing and create a nice connection.

With these four tips up your sleeve, we’re sure you’re going to create a home that will be worth showing off. Not only will you be saving a ton of money by designing your home by yourself, but you’ll also give it that authentic personal touch that no interior designer can do for you!

 Guest Contributor, Mike Johnston

About the author: Mike Johnston is an avid freelance writer and blogger from Sydney, Australia. He is a regular contributor to numerous lifestyle blogs and online magazines, where he writes about interior design (his specialty!), travel, family, sustainable living and other related and unrelated topics. Mike’s goal is to create insightful and compelling content that will help readers navigate through these vast and ever-changing fields.

Top Tips For Choosing Senior-Friendly Kitchen Appliances

Top Tips For Choosing Senior-friendly Kitchen Appliances

Nowadays, no kitchen is complete without state-of-the-art appliances, which are the driving force of the kitchen and the most significant support in cooking matters. Most seniors prefer home-cooked meals while dining out occasionally, according to SeniorHome. However, the kitchen can be dangerous for seniors, especially if the appliances they use are old and obsolete. "When choosing appliances, do not be tempted by the gimmicks; go for well-established brands," said Juanita Galliford, Bosch Kitchen design specialist. Impulse buys are not smart when it involves appliances that you expect your elderly parents to use heavily for a long time to come. Before you approach a shop, you should have a budget, a design plan and a list of the features you are looking for, such as a good warranty.

Selecting a microwave

A microwave shuts itself when the cooking time is up, making it safe to cook hot meals and heat soups, hot drinks and leftovers. When selecting a microwave, choose one that has an easy-to-use control panel. The panel should have pre-programmed buttons for various types of foods, such as a mug of tea, or a plated dinner. Also, take care of other fine details like which is safer- a door that opens to the right or the left. When installing, you should mind the positioning because as people age, they may not have the upper body strength or height to reach a high object properly. Also, ensure there is an empty countertop nearby to put down a hot dish immediately after they remove it from the microwave. Be sure to sort out the dishes because some materials will burn hot to the touch than others. Remove the ones that could cause scalds and burns.

Refrigerator and freezer

The most important thing is to make sure that refrigerators maintain the correct temperature at all times. To achieve this, look for the one with a digital display of current temperature. Also, go for the one with a water and ice dispenser so that seniors do not have to juggle pitchers and ice trays, In addition, opt for a side-by-side refrigerator to make it easier for someone in a wheelchair to reach the freezer. Remember to place clean towels nearby to mop spills and drips easily.

Purchase smart appliances

With the technological advancements that today's appliances come with, the choice has never been better. There are timers and automatic shut-off devices of all kinds. Since aging people tend to be more forgetful, it is crucial that kitchen devices have this automatic shut-off feature. If they do not, consider replacing them. Alternatively, you can install an automatic shut-off outlet and program it to shut off after a certain amount of time.

These changes can make a difference in a senior's ability to age gracefully while enjoying the comfort of a home-cooked meal without exposure to any danger. For installation, always engage a professional who can follow the manufacturer's full instructions and make use of the mounting hardware properly. While sorting out safety, do not ignore the common kitchen hazards. For instance, move items to lower cabinets, fix loose tiles, and equip the kitchen with a dawn-to-dusk night light to prevent fumbling in the dark.

Guest Contributor, Cindy Trillo

Toilet Plumbing - Solve Your Problems Without Any Hassle

Toilet Plumbing - Solve Your Problems without any Hassle

When it comes to maintenance and repair works in a home; toilets are one of the most ignored part. A dirty toilet can spoil your entire day and a fresh one is better any time. There are various problems with the toilets, but the major and most common issue is the plumbing failure or anything related to it. Knowing small tips about toilet plumbing at home would help you avoid the heavy bills of the plumbers.  

Know the system and parts?

So, before we get into knowing how a toilet works and how to solve minor issues related to the same; we would know the system and parts so that we don’t get mixed up the next time we go to solve the toilet plumbing problem.

Your toilet, rather, any toilet comprises of three major plumbing lines that are meant for three different uses and serve different purposes.

1. The very first and the most important line is the water supply connection pipe. This pipe is the most important and the simplest of mechanisms that is involved. This pipe is generally made up of copper and the thickness is nearly about ½ inches. This pipe terminates at the shut-off valve under the tank.  Sometimes, this pipe undergoes a problem of being a leaking pipe, which can be mended by applying any sealing agent.

2. The next most important part is the waste pipe. This generally carries the entire waste and is of PVC pipe, the width of the pipe is around 3-4 inches. To identify this pipe we can look for the connecting points. This type of pipes generally terminates in the sewerage line and connects to the toilet by means of the closet flange. Any problem with this line can require a professional as this area is sensitive and cannot be repaired without expert help.

3. If you are planning to undertake the entire toilet plumbing at home one of the other most important part is the termination of waste into the outside waste pipe. This line is to be vented with the end of the waste pipe and terminated outside, this is a short pipeline and sometimes people even fail to identify it as a distinct part.

Finding solutions to some common problems

Toilet plumbing can be really messy at times. To avoid and recover this let’s find some solutions to some common and recurring problems.

1. Have you ever dropped something in the toilet? If you have, you know the pain of how to take it out. So the next time you get stuck trying to recover something, just take a vacuum cleaner to solve the problem. Suck the water into it and then you can easily pull out the things by venting into the drain as deep as possible. It the object is small and delicate you can use a better attachment.

2. If the faucet is dripping and it annoys you one thing you can do is, tie a string around the dripping faucet long enough to reach the drain and tie it there. This can solve the problem temporarily.

3. Apart from toilet plumbing in totality, there is a small tip which you can always follow that can help you to reduce water consumption and in turn save your money. Place a bottle in the corner of the toilet tank and this would solve the problem.

These are some of the toilet plumbing solutions which can help you solve majority of the problems. These will help you solve the problems without any hassle or extra headache.

Guest Contributor, Emma Smith

7 Benefits Of A Walk-In Tub

7 Benefits of A Walk-In Tub

Have you considered exchanging your old standard tub for an exciting and luxurious walk-in tub? The time couldn't be better. As walk-in tubs have grown more popular, innovators have constantly added to the market and the walk-in tubs of today are of some of the best quality tubs. For those who are still on the fence consider these seven benefits of a walk-in tub that you can enjoy

1. Convenience 

Perhaps the biggest benefit of a walk-in tub is the fact that it's just more convenient to use. No one actually enjoys stepping over the wall of their tub in order to access it. Too often, if the floor is slippery you could injure yourself in the process. A walk-in tub is just a lot easier to enter and relax inside of for a wonderful bathing experience. 

2. Hydrotherapy 

Most walk-in tubs have hydrotherapy features. Whether you suffer from arthritis or a skin condition, walk-in tubs provide healing benefits. Many tubs are equipped with jets designed to help with pain, inflammation, and to promote overall relaxation and soothing of muscles. You can sit or lay back and let the jets soothe your problem area.

3. Safety 

As mentioned before, if the floor of your tub or shower is slippery, and you don't expect it, the fall could potentially be lethal. Or, at the very least, you could end up in an incredible amount of pain. You may even have to send for an ambulance to take you to the hospital due to a broken bone. Walk-in tubs don't offer that concern. They're easy to get into and provide safety railings, so you can support yourself through the entire transition. 

4. Independence 

For older people, the walk-in tub offers you something key--independence. Sometimes, if you're unable to stand for long periods of time or you require help from someone else to clean you. You can take that task back with a walk-in tub. By sitting down on the comfortable bench, you can clean yourself and enjoy a bit of returned freedom. 

5. Luxury 

Walk-in tubs are not just for the elderly. For those who love a good Jacuzzi, you can enjoy the luxury it offers all while having the ease of simply walking into the tub instead of climbing over the top of it. Soak and relax for hours in your walk-in tub. 

6. Affordability 

Perhaps one of the best benefits of a walk-in tub is that it's affordable. For those who want convenience, independence or just a luxurious bath, you can easily afford to have a walk-in tub crafted just for you and installed with ease. Where many other tubs and showers can put a bit of a bruise to your budget, you can rest with financial relief at acquiring something incredible without significantly injuring your wallet. 

7. Love A Shower? 

As its name might misconstrue, a walk-in tub isn't just a bath. So, if you prefer a shower, you can rest assured. Walk-in tubs typically offer shower instruments as well. So, you don't have to just bathe yourself all of the time if you prefer a quick shower instead. This versatility matches the standard tub and shower combination but goes beyond that in also offering all of the benefits listed above.

The Best of Everything 

Essentially, the walk-in tub takes the best features of a standard tub and shower unit but then goes beyond that. It offers you affordability, luxury and convenience to not just take your bath and clean yourself, but to enjoy it. 

Caryl Anne Crowne is a contributing writer and media specialist for Re-Bath. She often produces content for a variety of renovation blogs.