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The importance of plumbing inspections in your home

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  What is a plumbing inspection? What exactly is a plumbing inspection ? In short, it is a detailed examination of every part of the plumbing by a professional plumber. From sinks to water pipes to fire hydrants: if water flows through them, it is inspected. This also applies to water heaters and toilets, which are not only inspected but also thoroughly inspected to make sure that both can function without errors. Detecting small plumbing problems that could soon become serious One benefit of an annual plumbing inspection is the identification of hidden problems that would have been overlooked by the normal homeowner. What may seem like a small leak can actually turn into a broken pipe that causes thousands of dollars of damage and many headaches. Most people agree that it is much easier to fix and manage a small problem than a huge one: do the same for your plumbing and get the hiccups out of the way. It is always better to be safe than sorry. A slow drain can become a problem Another

Guide to outdoor electrical sockets

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 Outdoor spaces have become an extension of the home for many families. It is therefore natural that people expect many of the same conveniences outdoors that they enjoy indoors. One example is safe and immediate access to electricity. From installing a television on the back deck, to adding string lights to the three-season porch, installing an outdoor kitchen on the patio, or providing easy access to power tools for landscaping, outdoor power outlets can offer tremendous convenience. This guide outlines the benefits of outdoor power outlets and some important considerations for their placement and installation . Advantages of outdoor power sockets Outdoor power sockets offer a number of advantages, but above all they eliminate the hassle and danger associated with having to run an extension cord from inside the house or garage to the outside. Extension cords can pose a fire and tripping hazard, which is doubly dangerous for those carrying power tools or garden shears. Depending on p

Signs of need for a new water heater

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 Age Firstly, age is the most significant sign of a dying water heater. Typically, a standard water heater can last about 10 years. Then it will start to get tired. You will notice this if you constantly schedule repairs and servicing. You may be lucky enough to squeeze a few more years out of an ageing system, but exceeding the 10-year mark is very impressive. Strange noises A water heater is not completely silent, but at the same time most water heaters do not make strange noises. When a water heater gets old or breaks down, it may start to make grumbling and groaning noises. These noises result from sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank. When the water is heated, the sediment starts to harden and reform. Fluttering or rumbling noises are due to the displacement of sediment. Rusty water Any sign of rust in the hot water is far from ideal. It is a clear and unmistakable sign that a new water heater is needed. Usually, rust in the water means that the tank itself is starting to

How prevent clogged drains

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Drain lines transport water and waste from our homes to the sewer pipes . When there is a problem, it can cause big problems. A clog can slow down drains or even prevent them from working, and when this happens, stagnation can occur. Beware of fatty foods Grease can cause serious problems when it ends up in a drain and is often the cause of clogging. Even if grease that ends up in the drain does not cause an immediate clog, it can get caught in the pipes later on and create problems. Pouring grease down the drain is not the only way to create problems. Sauces and fatty foods can aggravate the problem. Even if you have a rubbish disposal, do not pour fatty foods or sauces down the drain. These include butter, salad dressings, meat trimmings and creamy sauces.  Do not let hair go down the drain Hair can create clogs in drains and pipes and is often difficult to remove with a plunger. Always use a fine-mesh hair catcher to prevent hair from going down the drain and keep your drains clean.

Repairing dripping taps: Common causes and repairs

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 Unravelling the mystery of tap leaks Before moving on to repairs, let's examine the typical causes of these frustrating tap leaks .  The case of the worn washer: Often the deteriorated washer is the culprit for tap leaks. Subjected to constant pressure and use, washers can lose their shape or break, allowing water to seep in. The valve seat corrosion conundrum: Acting as an intermediary between the tap and the spout, the valve seat can suffer corrosion due to mineral deposits in the water, causing leaks at the base of the spout. Installation errors: incorrectly installed washers can be just as problematic as worn ones, highlighting the importance of precision in hydraulic operations. DIY solutions to the dripping dilemma Dealing with the problem of a dripping faucet may seem daunting, but many leaks can be repaired with a few do-it-yourself steps. Here are the main actions you can take to stop the dripping and restore the functionality of your tap: Repair with new washers and O-ri

Eliminating clogged toilets: Professional solutions

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 Toilet clogging is one of the less glamorous aspects of home maintenance, but it is a common problem that every homeowner has to face sooner or later. Clogs can range from minor annoyances that are quickly resolved with a toilet plunger, to more serious clogs that disrupt daily life and require professional intervention. When the flush comes to a head: What are the causes of toilet clogs? Toilet clogs can be caused by various problems. The most common culprits are items that should never be flushed down the toilet, such as wipes, paper towels and feminine hygiene products. These items do not decompose in water like toilet paper, causing clogs that can be difficult to clear. In addition, excessive use of toilet paper can overload older plumbing systems, creating clogs that are difficult to clear without professional tools. Sometimes, unexpected objects also enter the system, especially in homes with small children, where toys and other small objects may end up being thrown in accidenta

Fuses vs. Circuit breakers: what are the differences?

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 Both fuses and circuit breakers are used to ensure the safety of electrical circuits in a home. Although fuses and circuit breakers have similar characteristics, there are differences in functionality, resetting capabilities, response time and protection. Understanding the differences is important for all homeowners, especially if they are considering an electrical upgrade.  Difference in functionality : both fuses and circuit breakers protect electrical components from exceeding their current limit. Fuses are much simpler in design and contain sacrificial components. When the current from a fuse generates heat, it begins to melt, resulting in a blown fuse. A circuit breaker can detect an electrical overcurrent that causes the circuit breaker to trip. Circuit breakers are more complex and designed as an electromechanical mechanism.   Difference when resetting : The main difference when resetting a circuit breaker is that you can switch it back on manually yourself. This allows you to