Everything You Need to Know About a Clogged Laundry Drain

Photo by Ksenia Chernaya from Pexels

Like any household drain or sink, a laundry drain is also susceptible to being clogged. If you notice the water is draining slowly in your washing machine or the laundry room floor in general, it is in dire need of immediate action. The drain of the washing machine is likely to overflow when it is obstructed. 

It is immensely frustrating to deal with the spilling of dirty laundry water during a wash cycle caused by a blocked drain. The drainage can be congested by anything. It can either be due to the accumulation of excess lint or the build-up of bacterial sludge.

It is easier to take precautionary measures rather than being exasperated by the consequences of a clogged drain. If your laundry drainage is already jammed, try to fix it yourself before calling a plumbing expert.

This article will discuss everything you need to know about clogged laundry drains.

Causes of Blocked Laundry Drains

It is best to do your research online and know what you have to deal with. For useful insights and plumbing tips, click here. There is a lot of tiny debris left behind after washing a load of laundry.

Some bits are also naked to the eye. There are other sorts of causes, such as a malfunctioning duct or poor quality of water. 

Laundry Detergent

There are some varieties of detergents and soaps that leave residue in the pipes. These drained soapy liquids can also form as lining inside the ducts. This accumulation is also quite sticky and can trap lots of minuscule bits like lint, hair, and microfibers, which leads to the buildup of a gunky mass that obstructs the flow of the drainage, clogging the laundry drain.

Lint

Lint is infamous for being unappealing and one of the major causes of hygiene issues. Besides hurting the aesthetics and being the main cause of dust bunny formation, this fabric fuzz can also be the culprit of drain blockage.

From the washing machine and the dryer, lint from clothes flow towards the drain and clump together. Upon clumping together, it can form a lump in the drain entry and cause a severe clog. As mentioned earlier, it can also get easily trapped by any sticky residue in the drainage pipes.

Debris

The washing machine can go through a lot. Everyone who does laundry is well aware of the debris that is left behind when doing a load. The debris can vary from bits of tissue paper, loose change, or even a forgotten piece of candy in the pockets.

If you have children or a member of the house who does a lot of outdoor activities, their clothes often contain gritty sand particles, dust, and even mud. Hair from the clothing pieces is also another contributing factor. This debris exits through the machine’s hose.

A build-up of debris can arise if the liquid detergent is not properly washed away. The debris can also collect if the force of the water is not sufficient enough to wash them away. Large-sized debris can also cause a backflow by blocking the drains. 

Hard Water

Water that has high mineral content is known as hard water. If the water supplied to your household contains various minerals like calcium and magnesium, the bases of the detergents are less likely to be dissolved. Cleaning liquids and detergents do not dissolve easily in hard water.

This causes precipitation or residue of the washing solvents in the ducts, leading to the obstruction of the drainage flow. Thus, the debacle of the clogged drain will arise.

How to Prevent a Clogged Drain

It is always easier to take preventive measures regularly rather than ruining your day by what ensues after a clogged drain. No one likes to get their hands dunked in mucky water and having to touch questionable slimy bits.

Besides avoiding a plumbing catastrophe, precautions will also save your time, energy, and other valuable resources. Some small precautionary steps can go a long way.

Install a Lint Trap

Lint catcher or lint traps are affordable and can be easily installed into a washing machine. The trap will catch the loose lint and prevent it from reaching the drain. When they are not reaching the drain, they will not block the drainage.

Just do not forget to clean the lint catcher at least once a month. Chuck away the collected lint into the bin. Avoid getting rid of them through the sink as it will give rise to drain blockage, defeating the whole purpose.

Alternatively, you can also attach a hair catcher over the drain to stop the tiny bits from entering and congesting it. Ensure that you remove the residual debris after finishing a load of laundry.

Resolve Hard Water Issues
If you find out that the main cause of your drain blockage is the high content of minerals in your water, then it is best to correct it. The Indian subcontinent has used Fitkari for thousands of years to fix the water quality and purify it.

Fitkari is more commonly known as alum. It removes minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, etc. Placing a piece of the alum at the end of the water spout will do the trick. You can also use various commercial water softeners to treat hard water.

Ways to Unclog Laundry Drains

If you failed to take the preventive steps or it’s simply too late to adopt the precautionary practices and now you are facing the predicament of a blocked drain, here are some DIY solutions you can try. 

Drain Cleaner

Before buying a drain cleaner, read the details on the package. Opt for the one that is suitable for the type of laundry drain you have. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging and let it do its magic.

Rinsing the Drain

To begin, fill a bucket or pail halfway with hot water. After that, add the baking soda to that same heated water and completely mix it in. Remove the drain pipe from the washing machine and use a funnel to slowly pour the hot liquid down the drain.

Wait for a while and check whether the water drains when you turn on the water tap. Do not dunk all the hot water at once as the potential splashback is hazardous. Further, it can also erode the non-heat-resistant pipes.

Use a Drain Snake

A drain snake is a great device to unclog a blocked drain. Open the drain top and slide in the drain snake as far as possible. You will know and can feel the blockage with the wire. Rotate the snake and go back and forth to dislodge the obstruction.

Call a Plumber

If all else fails or you simply do not have the time to fix it, call a plumbing professional and let him do his thing. This will also save time and energy without causing any harm to the pipes and appliances.

Final Words

Clogged drains are one of the most common residential plumbing issues. No one likes to deal with the disgusting clogged drains or the fiasco it ensues. It is best to take preventive measures to save your money and time. You can try to fix the blocked drains yourself. However, if all your attempts seem to go futile, definitely call a plumber.

Guest Contributor: Danial

7 Things You Have to Check in Your House Before Rolling into an Autumn Season

When we talk of the autumn season, some of the things that come to most peoples’ minds include carved pumpkins, yellow-orange foliage, and the smell of cinnamon. Adults enjoy spending most of their time outdoors having some fresh air while children go out to take pictures and swap skateboards. This fall, you don’t have to think of buying Halloween candy or pencil cases only. You need to prepare your house to keep it safe and warm for the next several months. In this post, we are going to share with you seven things that you have to check in your house before rolling into the autumn season. Let’s get started!

1. Prepare for falling leaves

Watching the leaves turning from deep green to sunset yellow is one of the top highlights in fall. You need to start preparing to rake up the fallen leaves on your property. If mulching or composting the leaves is your preferred style, you don’t have to worry about this. However, if you want to remove them from your lawn or yard, you’ll need to invest in the right tools. You’ll need a good rake, spade, and wheelbarrow to clear the leaves and save time. To remove the growing pile, always remember to stock up on huge bags.

2. Branch out

As the weather gets colder and winds start getting stronger, aging trees can pose a huge threat. If such a tree has its branches over your home, you’ll need to cut them to reduce accidents and the risk of damage. If branches fall on your property, the damage can either be minor or severe. Light branches can shatter windows or damaged shingles while heavy ones might block gutters, or damage your roof. You need to look at the trees around your property and inspect for weaknesses. Start trimming the trees strategically when they start getting close to your house. Hire a professional or use the right tools to eliminate branches that get too close to your house or those that pose a risk of falling.

3. Clear your gutters

You need to inspect your roof before the season and remove any branches or leaves that may have accumulated there. As the leaves pile up and fall in your yard, you should remember that the same is happening on your roof. If you don’t clear out the leaves on time, they will affect water drainage and create a dam of water. Still water can damage the exterior surface of your roof. And this can spread to the inside of your house thus promoting the growth of mold and mildew. Always check your rain-gutters and drainage systems to ensure that nothing blocks them.

4. Repair roof leaks

Minor roof leaks can become a huge problem especially when temperatures start dropping. Snow or frozen water will increase the risk of water damage. Therefore, you need to climb up your roof and inspect it thoroughly. Check for any signs of damage especially on the valleys and ridges. Look at the chimneys and vents too. A small amount of effort can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

5. Work on your lawn

As the weather gradually turns colder some individuals will feel relieved because they won’t have to mow or clean their lawn again till spring. In most cases, this is usually true. You won't have lots of responsibilities when it comes to taking care of your lawn. However, before you start locking yourself in, you need to fertilize your lawn. Start by spreading a layer of ground freeze to ensure that your lawn grows green in the spring. This is one of the best ways to start the spring season. You can also save a lot of money by winterizing your sprinkler system.

6. Fill the cracks around your property

The growing roots might have damaged the walkway or driveway. It’s important to take a couple of minutes to walk around your property and check if the pavers and concrete have become uneven or loose. This simple task can prevent hazards throughout different seasons of the year, especially in icy or wet weather. No matter how small the crack is, if you spot and fill it before winter, you’ll have a chance to prevent water from getting in and freezing. This can lead to more cracks and damages which will be expensive to repair.

7. Prepare to heat things up

You need to inspect the equipment that heats your home and perform routine maintenance before winter. If you use a heater, you can hire a professional to inspect for you. And ensure that it is working safely and efficiently. A heater that leaks will not only waste energy but also fill your house with dangerous poisonous air. You should never sacrifice the quality of indoor air for anything. This is especially true during the winter season.

Bonus Tips:

Change the air filter

The air filter in your property should be changed regularly. While most homeowners neglect or forget to change the air filter, fall is the best time to look at all the filters in your home and change them if necessary. Doing this will not only improve the quality of air in your house but also increase the efficiency levels of your furnace. If you have started taking note of whines and screeches from the belt or erratic sounds from the furnace, you’ll need to inspect it for burner problems, blockages, or thermostat issues. You should do this during fall instead of waiting till the winter season.

Inspect the chimney

If you use a chimney to heat your home during the cold season, you’ll need to inspect it during fall to ensure that there are no venting problems or blockages. Clean, sweep, and clear the chimney before you start a fire in your house. If you are on a budget, you should consider including an energy-efficient fireplace to heat all your rooms. Conducting routine checks during fall will help you save time and money and avoid inconveniences.

Conclusion

Before rolling into the autumn season, there are a lot of things that you need to check around your property to minimize hazards and save money. While these tasks seem intimidating, they are as easy as a pumpkin (well, much easier). You can also delegate some of these tasks to professionals.

Author Bio:

Leon Collier is a blogger and academic writer from the UK who works with Write my essay UK and offers a writing service. He likes trying new subjects and is always focused on proving his worth as a writer in new and challenging writing areas. His hobbies are reading books and playing tabletop games with his friends. You can reach him via Twitter @LeonCollier12.

Photo by Weston MacKinnon on Unsplash 

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Plumber

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Plumber

Any building will experience plumbing problems even if it has the best plumbing system. Plumbing issues can happen due to many things, such as lack of maintenance or accidents made by previous plumbers. No matter what plumbing issue you have, you need to rely on your plumbing contractor's skills to fix them back working again. 

Building owners usually have a plumbing contractor that they can contact anytime they run into serious plumbing issues that can cause inconveniences to the building tenants. If you still don't think you need a plumbing contractor, you miss out on many benefits. 

Benefit #1: Acquire Expert Plumbing Services

Other commercial building owners do the plumbing work on their own because they think they can fix them. In some cases, they end up making things worse because of their lack of plumbing experience. Contact a professional plumber instead of doing it independently or having another inexperienced person fix the plumbing issue. 

You can trust them to fix all kinds of repairs on your plumbing system. They can also fix problems faster than usual, ensuring everyone within the building can utilize the plumbing system right away. If you're looking for a plumbing contractor, make sure you find one with years of working experience because there's a big chance they've encountered severe plumbing problems. 

Benefit #2: Save Valuable Money and Time

One other benefit of hiring professional plumbing contractors is you don't waste time and money. When you have a severe plumbing issue, you need it fixed as quickly as possible because you have building tenants using your commercial building's bathrooms, toilets, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures. 

Fortunately, a plumbing contractor can fix it properly, saving you tons of money and time. Hiring someone other than a reliable plumber will always cost you because they might worsen the issue instead of fixing it. And since they couldn't fix it, you'll need to find another plumber who can fix it before you start receiving complaints from your tenants that some of your plumbing fixtures aren't working. 

Note that there are some plumbing issues you need to fix quickly, like a clogged toilet. No one can use a clogged toilet because it's dirty and can cause a mess in the bathroom. Your cleaning personnel will have more work on their hands, and they might have other areas to clean and take care of besides the bathroom. 

Benefit #3: Complete Plumbing Tools and Equipment

A plumber cannot provide the necessary plumbing services without their handy tools and equipment. A professional plumber will always have them by their side whenever clients contact them to do some plumbing work. Besides bringing the essential plumbing tools, they also need to learn how to use them properly. 

Other inexperienced plumbers don't know when to use specific plumbing tools, which clients don't want. Any reliable plumbing contractor will have a high level of experience in using tools, equipment and figuring out how to operate things like louvered access doors and panels. 

Benefit #4: Great Knowledge with Building and Plumbing Codes

Some plumbers don't know about building and plumbing codes that they often forget to follow them. That can lead to the building getting expensive sanctions and penalties, and you don't want that happening to your commercial building. If you need a plumber, look for one with extensive knowledge about plumbing and building codes. 

Avoid hiring inexperienced plumbers even if they offer their services cheap because there's a big chance they don't know a lot about plumbing and building codes. And if you plan on selling your commercial building in the long run, you will have a tough time doing so because of the different codes your plumber forgot to follow. 

Benefit #5: Fix Any Plumbing Problem

The most exciting benefit about hiring professional plumbers is their ability to fix all kinds of plumbing issues. Whether it's a leaking water pipe or a damaged drainage system, expect them to repair it in no time. They utilize their years of plumbing experience to figure their way out of every situation, ensuring quality plumbing services to their clients. If you've already found a professional plumber, make sure you keep them close because you'll never know when you need to call them. 

You can never go wrong with a trustworthy plumbing contractor to fix your plumbing problems. Research plumbers to ensure they won't waste your time and money.

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson

Different Types of Plumbing Tools: A List For Plumber

You can find many plumbing contractors all around the US because of the need for quality plumbing services, and many people are starting plumbing businesses nowadays. Whether it's a residential, commercial, or industrial building, plumbers play a vital role in maintaining a structure's plumbing system. Without them, expect back-flowing drainages, weak running faucet waters, and stinky toilet bowls. 

Before you become a plumber, you must undergo extensive training and apprenticeship with another veteran plumber. You also need to know the different plumbing tools because you can't get any work done without them. Most people will know some plumbing tools, while there are some that you might know about for the first time. 

Tool #1: Tubing Cutters

One tool that plumbers use to cut pipes is tubing cutters. They use it to mostly cut plastic tubing, with each one having independent cutting ranges. You can mostly find plastic tubing inside buildings since they stay protected against harsh weather elements. 

Tool #2: Hacksaw

The hacksaw is an essential tool for plumbers to make precise cuts with plastic or metal pipes. Using anything other than a hacksaw will make the cut rough or imprecise, and that can cause problems when interconnecting pipes. The hacksaw's blade can also cut through any bolt, nut, or screws besides plastic tubing. 

Tool #3: Hole Saw

At one point, plumbers need to cut through surfaces and use the opening to let plumbing pipes pass through the other side. Creating holes can become a challenge, especially when faced with a hard surface like concrete tiles or drywall. Fortunately, plumbers can use a hole saw kit to create holes easily. There are different types of hole saw kits that can drill specific surfaces, creating a perfect hole. 

Tool #4: Mole Grips

Some plumbing work requires extensive metal pipe welding to accommodate the structure's plumbing system. Note that you cannot directly hold metal pipes while welding them, so mole grips are the best tool to use. They have an adjustable jaw that you can lock into place on pipes to hold it firmly. It should make welding pipes easier since the mole grips can keep two pipes locked together. 

Tool #5: Pliers

Another essential tool that should never leave a plumber's side is the pliers. If you encounter a tight bolt that wrenches can't remove, pliers can remove them without a problem. Besides using it to loosen bolts, they work great in bending thin metal wires and even hold two or three thin metal sheets together. 

Tool #6: Tube and Pipe Benders

Mole grips can only grip some surfaces, but plumbers never use them to bend metal pipes because they are too tough to bend without tube and pipe benders. Pipe benders are perfect whenever you need to bend straight metal pipes into specific angles. It's better than traveling to a machine shop and using a bending machine on the metal pipes. 

Tool #7: Plumber's Torch

After cutting and bending two metal pipes, you need to find a way to connect them. That's where the plumber's torch comes into play. It's a handheld blowtorch that plumbers use to connect or seal new piping for replacements or installs. Note that you can't use the plumber's torch on plumbing components behind specific surfaces unless it has a fire-rated access panel for plaster on the wall. 

Tool #8: Thread Sealing Tape

Also known as the Plumber's Tape, you use it on cracked or leaking pipes to prevent water from gushing out. What makes the plumber's tape excellent is that it will stick even when there's water leaking out of the pipes. They create a tight seal better than tying rubber around the leaking area. 

The plumbing tools mentioned above are only some of the many you need for every plumbing job. There are still others you need to learn about if you want to become a successful plumbing contractor.

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson

How to Prepare a Room for Painting

Most people have been spending more time at home lately - you might be sick of those bright blue walls that were so trendy five years ago. Does a room in your home need a refreshment? A good place to start is with a fresh layer of paint. If you plan to sell your home, painting is a great remodeling strategy that provides a handsome ROI. But before you break out a bucket and roller, you’ll need to take some steps to get everything in order. Properly preparing a room before painting it will ensure the best results:

Move or cover all the furniture. Ideally, you should move all your furniture out of your room, but that’s not always possible if you’re short on space. In that case, use drop cloths to cover all your furniture from accidental paint splatters. Protect your floors by covering them with drop cloths, as well.

Clean the walls. Dust will interfere with a smooth paint application. Use a vacuum on baseboards and crown molding to clean those hard-to-reach places. Then, wash your walls with a cloth and warm soapy water. This will remove any stains and dirt. If you’re painting a room that’s been exposed to oil (like a kitchen), you may need to use a grease-removing product. Humid areas like the bathroom may have mildew growing in the corners, in which case you’ll need an abrasive sponge and a solution with bleach. Allow the walls to dry completely before applying any paint. 

Assemble your tools. Unfortunately, paint doesn’t apply itself. You’ll need to arm yourself with the right supplies to do a good job. Make a list of the items that you have and what you’ll need to pick up from the hardware store. To name a few here, you’ll need paint, brushes, a roller, a tray, painter’s tape, cleaning rags, drop cloths, and clothes that you won’t mind getting covered in paint. 

Wear protective equipment. Before you open up a paint bucket, wear a respirator mask! It’s important to wear one that can filter out harsh chemicals. Beware of harmful chemicals that can irritate your lungs and cause headaches. If you can’t wear a mask, be sure to open all doors and windows to allow a cross breeze through the room.

Repair any holes or damages in the walls. For this step, you’ll need putty, a knife, and sandpaper. Fill in any holes or imperfections on your wall using the putty and smooth the raised edges with the knife. Once it’s dry, file it down with sandpaper so that it’s level with the rest of the wall. If the existing paint is flaking in any areas, smooth it away using sandpaper to ensure a smooth application of paint.

Protect electrical elements and light switches. Remove the covers from electrical outlets and switches, and cover them with painter’s tape. You don’t want the paint to get inside of your electrical outlets, so don’t neglect this step.

Use painter’s tape around baseboards and windows. You are painting your room, but you don’t want to paint everything in it. Seal the edges surrounding your doors, windows, baseboards, and crown molding. If you have painted before, then you’ll know the satisfaction of removing the painter’s tape once you’ve finished the job. Something to keep in mind is that you should never remove the tape before the paint has dried completely, or else you’ll wind up with jagged edges. Rather than ripping it off all at once, try to do it slowly. 

Choose your wall color. The final step is choosing which color will work best for your space. If your room is small, select paint colors to make a room look bigger. But if size isn’t a concern, then you have free reign. Those who want to sell their homes in the future should keep in mind that most buyers like neutral colors. There’s also the option of going bright and bold - it is your home, after all. Once you’ve chosen your color, determine how many gallons of paint you’ll need by measuring the square feet. When covering a darker color with a lighter one (like black to white), you will need a few extra coats. Factor in that you might want a little extra to use for touch-ups in the future. 

Apply a primer. A base coat will help your paint job last for years to come. It can also help you transition from a darker color to a lighter one. The primer you need will depend on the type of paint you’re using. Oil and water don’t mix, so if you’re using an oil-based paint, you’ll need an oil-based primer (and vice versa for latex-based paint). 

The painting process will go much more smoothly if you take the above steps first. After all this preparation, rolling layers of paint on your walls will seem like a breeze. It’s amazing what a coat of paint can do to transform a familiar space and make it feel brand new.

Guest Contributor: Christie Simon

10 Tips on How to Stay Warm This Winter Without Spending a Fortune

Cooler temperatures are rapidly approaching and if you, like me, have huddled down next to the heater in the evenings, simultaneously bemoaning and dreading the impending heat bills, you’re not alone. Here are 10 simple tips on how you can stay warm this winter, without spending a fortune. 

1. Insulate your house. Perhaps your house is older and in the middle of the winter, you notice lots of icicles hanging off your gutters. Your house is leaking heat and therefore, you’re wasting money. Spend the time before the winter really starts by properly insulating your house and especially around your windows. This may be as simple as caulking around the windows, but it can make a lot of difference, and save you money in the long run. 

2. Buy a heat pump. Not only will it work during the summer to keep you cool, but it will reverse during the winter to help you stay warm. They’re efficient and economizing, and use less energy than regular heaters. 

3. Reverse fan direction. During the summer you want your fan to be pushing air down so the circulation is increased. But in the winter, you want the cold air pulled up and the warmer air pushed down. Consult your owners manual to make sure you have the fan settings right. 

4. Hot water bottle. This is a favorite trick of mine. Hot water bottles are cheap, long lasting, and retain heat for hours. You could cozy up with one on the couch while another one is heating the foot of your bed. Buy good quality bottles and accessorize them with padded exteriors that help retain the warmth and prevent you from burning yourself if the water is extra hot. 

5. Embrace the sunshine. Don’t keep your blinds pulled during the winter. Let the sun shine in and use the natural warmth to help heat your house. It can make such a difference and that combined with better insulation allows your house to warm up and stay warm through the day. 

6. Drink hot beverages. During the warm summer months, you probably swap your coffee for an iced one, but as the temperatures cool, you probably will want to swap back to a hot cup. Coffee, tea, and cocoa all are warming drinks that aren’t very expensive, especially if you make them yourself, and can help you stay warm during the cool winter months. 

7. Bundle up. Break out those woolen sweaters and socks because bundling up is one of the best ways to stay warm during the winter months. If you’re looking to invest in a warmer wardrobe, buy natural fabrics, such as wool or cotton, that last longer than man-made ones and will naturally biodegrade once they’re no longer wearable. Wool especially is fantastic in the winter because it helps regulate the body temperature. Furthermore, wool fibers last longer than cotton and can be bent hundreds of times more before they wear out. There is a reason our ancestors wore wool, and we should too. 

8. Invest in a wood stove. Using a woodstove can be an investment, or it can be a much cheaper and more efficient way to heat your house, depending on your circumstances. If you live in an area where wood is cheap and you don’t mind the extra work, using a wood stove as supplemental heating can be a great way to save money on conventional modes of heating. 

9. Open your oven. Are you a baker or do you use your oven often? If so, once you’re done cooking, crack it open so the excess heat leaks out and helps warm up your house. It will help keep your kitchen toasty warm and comfortable and help save money. With this in mind, bake away!

10. Turn up your heat in the morning. Keeping your house between 60*-67 at night is recommended anyhow for optimal sleep. If you keep your house cool but not chilly, you’ll be cool in the morning, so turn the heat on then and warm up your house during the day. At night, the temperature will cool down again but since your house will be set at a cooler temperature, it will cost you less overall. Essentially, you’re only using your heaters when you’re up and around there house needing it. 

In conclusion, there are lots of ways you can save money this winter by preparing ahead of time to save money on your heating. Of course, this list does not take into account a heater that is maybe broken or not working properly. If that describes your heater, definitely have it fixed before the chill of winter sets in so you stay warm and comfortable all winter long.

Guest Contributor: Allie Shivers

5 Simple Ways to Upgrade your Home Gym

As you spend more time exercising at home, you would notice some things to improve in terms of space, equipment, and the overall feel. With these five simple ways to upgrade your home gym, you can create your dream workout space and get inspired to fulfill fitness goals. 

5 Simple Ways to Upgrade your Home Gym

Designing a functional setup, changing equipment, constructing efficient storage, investing in lights and audio systems, and saving workout routines are simple ways to upgrade your home gym and achieve a healthier lifestyle through exercise. Use this guide to start renovating your home gym. 

Invest in the Right Equipment

Get rid of any machine or tools you don't use, as these can only add clutter and take up much-needed space. Some of them may be showing signs of wear, or they simply don't fit your fitness regimen anymore. 

Instead, upgrade into better equipment that can last long and bring new life to your home gym. You can use resources from Simple Fitness Hub to pick workout equipment appropriate for your goals.

• Cardio: Smith Machine such as a treadmill, spin bike, and rowing machine utilize body weight to enhance your strength and cardio. A 30-minute jump rope session is a more affordable option, especially if you don't have space for huge equipment. 

• Strength: Strength training involves routines that improve endurance. You can do this by using battle ropes, weights, barbells, kettlebells, and dumbbells. Wearing resistance bands also supports your mobility. 

• Flexibility: It's essential to retain flexibility as you age. Things like foam and rumble rollers can assist your body when exercising to avoid overstretching.

Design A Functional Setup

If you've ever gone to an overcrowded gym, you appreciate the importance of having space to exercise safely and comfortably. You can achieve that in your home by using rubber, foam, carpet, or vinyl flooring to protect the body from sweat drips and uneven surfaces. 

Since there may not be somebody else to coach you, placing mirrors on walls can help check your form and be your own coach. Besides, putting up mirrors can make space appear larger.

Moreover, set up a hydration station with clean towels and plenty of bottled water to keep your body clean and hydrated. 

Build an Efficient Storage

Sustainable storage is key if you want to pack a ton of equipment in your home gym. You can keep small items like medicine balls or yoga mats in storage cubes. You can designate one side of the wall to install panels or pegboards to hang resistance bands or jump rope. 

If you have sets of kettlebells and dumbbells, opt for a compact yet heavy-duty weight rack to keep all items neatly tucked in a corner. 

Install Proper Lights and Audio System

Why listen to music on headphones when you can blast your favorite pump-up tunes through the speaker? Whether it's a Bluetooth speaker or a boom box, make sure that the volume is on safe levels or just enough to energize you through intense workout routines. 

Meanwhile, the right lighting makes it easier to see your form, ensuring you get to do routines properly. When you see what you're doing, you can adjust your movements and avoid making workout mistakes. 

Save Workout Routines

Regardless of how spacious your home gym is, or no matter how much equipment you buy, you won't be able to optimize them without commitment to exercise. 

You can save fitness routines from the internet or various instructors to guide you. Likewise, you may download apps that can suggest exercises suitable for your body's needs and goals.

Conclusion

Go over renovating ideas until you find what works best for your needs and liking. Use this list to start upgrading your workout space, and you can make it feel and look like a real gym with a personal touch. 

Guest Contributor: Allen Michael

How to Unclog a Drain

The warning signs of a clogged drain are clear — water pooling or refusing to go down the drain. Sometimes, removing that clog can be quite a hassle, and that’s why people often go straight to a plumber for help.

Depending on availability, it might take a few days for a plumber to clear your drain. When it comes to minor issues, why not try a few DIY hacks before resorting to the professionals? Read below to learn some suggested methods to unclog a stubborn drain.

Start With a Plunger

Plungers are the tried-and-true method. Unless there is a serious problem (e.g., a root growing through a buried drain line), this is probably the method with which a professional plumber will start. Depending on the type of drain you’re unclogging, there are various kinds of plungers that will work:

• Sink plungers are the conventional type that usually come to mind when we imagine plungers — with a rubber cup that is designed to seal to the bottom of the sink.

• Toilet plungers have more of a bell shape with a flange around the bottom that helps it seal in a toilet bowl.

Choose the right plunger, and give it a try to clear debris from your drain.

Try Homemade Drain Cleaners

Commercial drain cleaners are marketed as a quick and easy solution to clogged drains, but plumbers generally don’t recommend them. That’s because these solutions contain chemicals that can damage your plumbing — and harm your septic system, if you have one. What’s more, the harsh chemicals could damage porcelain toilet bowls, sinks, and other fixtures. Thus, while a commercial drain cleaner may have cleared your drain, it can also leave you with bigger problems to fix.

That said, there are homemade options that can clear small clogs without causing damage to plumbing and fixtures. Start with soda to clear a small clog. It’s bubbly and a little acidic, which will help clear debris. If you have a 2-liter bottle handy, pour the liquid down the drain and wait a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Baking soda and vinegar is an all-natural method that you probably have in your kitchen. First, bring a pot of water to a boil and pour that down the drain. Once you’ve done that, measure a ½ cup of baking soda and pour down the drain. When the baking soda and water had roughly a minute to reach the clog and start working, mix 1 cup of hot water with 1 cup of vinegar. Pour this down the drain, and wait for about five minutes before rinsing the drain with clear water.

Baking soda and salt can help break up a clog, too. Mix 1 cup of baking soda with a ½ cup of salt. Then, pour it down the drain. It can take a while to work, so let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then flush the drain with boiling water.

Take Apart the P-Trap

This is among the most common areas for a clog to occur because curving pipes are more likely to catch debris than straight spans. If you can access the drain’s P-trap, then you should be able to take it apart with channel-lock pliers or a wrench. Make sure to place a bucket beneath the trap before taking it out, since wastewater is likely to spill from it. Once you’ve removed the trap, clear any debris you find. Then you’re free to reassemble. Remember to run water through it once you’ve replaced it to check fittings for leaks.

Use a Drain Snake

This is the next tool that a professional is likely to try after a plunger. Snakes are long cables — often with an attachment on the end — that are designed to be run down a drain to break up a clog so that it flushes. You can find snakes at most hardware and home improvement stores — in different lengths, too — if you have a longer drain to clear.

Try a Coat Hanger If You Don’t Have a Snake

Maybe the hardware store is closed, but if you have a metal coat hanger on hand, you can turn it into a drain snake. Simply straighten it so that you have a long, sturdy piece of wire. Then run it down the drain until it reaches the clog. This will help you break up the clog so that you can pull it out or flush it with running water.

Chances are, at least one of these options will get your drain flowing once more. If none of these methods work, however, it might be time to contact a professional.

Author bio: Excited to share her love of home design and décor with readers, Jaclyn Crawford started with ImproveNet in 2016. As a staff writer, she enjoys chronicling the latest trends and ways you can make your home the loveliest it can be. You may also find her in ImproveNet videos, sharing tips and trends for your home.

How Do Misting Systems Work?

In essence, a misting system refers to a range of outdoor cooling methods that uses a fine spray of water to cool you, your family, guests, workers, customers, and yes, even your pets! Other terms for misting systems include spray cooling and fogging systems. 

Misting Systems: How Exactly Do They Work?

All misters work with the natural cooling effect that occurs when water evaporates in warm air. This is also called evaporative cooling. Most misters work beautifully in dry weather. Some also work superbly with humid weather, although not all. It is recommended that you do your homework before purchasing one for a damp area. 

Misting systems offer several excellent benefits. They can minimize dust and odors in a specific area. They are also great at regulating the humidity, so they are fantastic for atriums, courtyards, greenhouses, and the like. What’s really amazing is misting systems can cool you down without getting you wet.

Water is forced through very minute nozzles to create a very fine fog or mist. As the droplets of water evaporate, it cools the air instantaneously—the finer the mist, the more thorough the evaporation.

The terms fogger and mister are used interchangeably, and many people often confuse one for the other. Some misters produce a spray made of large droplets that can get you wet. These systems often use larger spray nozzles and low or medium water pressures.

On the other hand, foggers use tiny spray nozzles (to create a fog-like mist) and high water pressure. The fog-like mist evaporates before it can get anything wet.  

Your Key to Categorizing Misting Systems: Think Water Pressure

Let's get something straight: all foggers are a kind of misting system. However, not all misting systems are foggers. To avoid confusion, it is crucial to think in terms of water pressure—low, medium, and high.

Since water pressure is the primary indicator of any misting system's performance, it is used as an accurate way to categorize the systems. Water pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) or BAR. One BAR is equivalent to 14.7 PSI, while one PSI is equivalent to .0689 BAR.

Low Pressure

Low-pressure systems can be likened to being near a sprinkler. It can cool you down and might also get you a bit wet. This kind is also the simplest and the least expensive of the three options. 

Low-pressure systems also won't require electricity. They typically work with gravity-fed water pressures. While their spray can cool a small area, you need to be near the nozzles to cool. However, the closer you are to the nozzles, the wetter you will also get.

Medium Pressure

Medium pressure systems use motorized pumps to raise the water's pressure to 100 - 250 psi / 7 - 17 bar. The spray water this system produces is fine enough to cool you in hot weather and is less likely to get you wet. 

High Pressure

This is the system that will provide the maximum among the three options. High pressure misting systems are considered ideal for areas with very high humidity. It can cool you down effectively without getting anything wet. 

High pressure and medium systems typically use pumps to boost the water pressure from any water source. The higher the resulting pressure, the cooler (and drier!) you'll feel.

What Makes a Misting System Great?

A misting team has to be one thing to be considered great: it has to meet your needs. Even if you invest in the highest-powered and the best system but only have a small patio in a quiet neighborhood, the system might be too expensive, too noisy, and too much. In short, it's not the right fit for you.

What about your kids' sports team? In most cases, a lighter, smaller, and less expensive system that will not get them wet is ideal. However, it might not be the best option for an elegant wedding reception with 200 guests.

Conclusion

Finding the right mister that will best suit your needs is no walk in the park. However, once you gain a better understanding of how they work, you can easily make knowledgeable and educated comparisons. From there, you can effortlessly decide which system works best for you. Check out this Arizona mist systems for more details.

Guest Contributor: Anna Fox

Small Studio Apartments: Are They the Next Big Thing?

If you already have a studio or if you rent one, we have some good news for you: these little units are the next big thing in real estate. Since people are downsizing globally and looking for ways to live more efficiently, studios are a perfect solution for all their needs. But why are these small studio apartments so attractive to investors and buyers? Here’s all you need to know. 

Their location is usually top-notch

Location is one of the most important driving factors when it comes to investing in real estate, and what small studios lack in space, they make up for in location. Major city centers are often the best places to buy a property, but prices are usually astronomical. Finding an affordable property with a bold design can be hard in these areas, but studios have smaller square footage which lowers the price tag and allows even beginner investors to grab a property on a prime location. 

They are affordable

If your budget doesn’t allow you to get a traditional investment property like a multi-family or single-family home, consider getting a studio apartment. This is the best way to invest as little money as possible and gain exposure to the real estate market. Also, they are easy to rent out or sell with some minor staging efforts, so if that’s your goal, you’re all set. 

They are practical

Today, people are rapidly leaving the countryside and moving to cities, so urban areas need a practical and functional solution that will accommodate a large number of residents. According to some predictions, 68% of the global population will live in cities, so major urban environments are opting for the concept of compact living when it comes to residential architecture. 

Many of the world’s metropolises like Hong Kong especially love this downsizing trend, and the concept of small studio apartments is blooming there. Everyone from digital nomads to young professionals and students is choosing apartments for rent in Hong Kong thanks to their convenience, price and low-maintenance costs. With all the necessary amenities at your disposal, it’s easy to see why studios are so practical. 

They are green

More and more people today are choosing a more eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle that rangers from dietary changes and adopting better shopping habits to saving energy and water and downsizing to more eco-conscious housing solutions. Small, compact living spaces are always greener than big houses, no matter how well designed. Smaller square footage equals less energy consumption, less maintenance and less furniture, all of which can contribute to your smaller carbon footprint. 

They are easy to maintain

Like stated above, studios are small and they naturally require less cleaning and decluttering. Small studios are also easy to organize and keep clean since there’s less room for decoration and other trinkets that do nothing but collect dust. This makes them perfect for minimalists or people who hate or simply don’t have time for cleaning. In general, one can clean and declutter an entire studio apartment in an hour while ensuring maximum living and sleeping comfort. 

They bring a good return on investment

If you intend to break into the real estate market and make money on your first try, go with small studios. According to research, small studio apartments increase your ability to make money and yield an excellent return on investment. Even though the rent in studios is more than affordable to tenants, the price is still high when taking into consideration the square footage. Usually, small units outperform big apartments and family homes, they have high occupancy rates and sport pretty high rental-rate premiums. Since they are more or less a safe bet, small studios are perfect for beginner real estate investors, especially those who don’t like to gamble too much. 

Studio apartment cons

Don’t think small studio apartments don’t come without a flaw. No matter if you’re investing or renting these small units, you need to know about the risks. In general, certain countries and states have minimum apartment size requirements, so super-small micro-apartments might create a problem. There are also various housing codes, zoning regulations, municipal ordinances, minimum parking standards, unit-mix rules, outdoor open-space and indoor common-space provisions to look into. 

Additionally, even though small studios always have their place in the rental market, they are not suitable for everyone. Usually, they are reserved for single working professionals or students. This means your tenant group will get smaller and you will need to forget about families. 

In real estate, bigger is not always better. While small studio apartments have their cons, they have a huge pile of benefits to offer to both investors and residents, so if you want something practical and cost-effective, go small with a studio. 

About the author: Mike Johnston is an avid blogging enthusiast and experienced freelance writer with a focus in real estate, home improvement, interior design, and sustainable living.