Clogged toilets can be a hassle to deal with and may lead to toilet overflows that can cause property damage. If you are having issues with clogged toilets, consider these four common causes.

1. Issues With Your Septic Tank

Septic tanks need to be regularly maintained. A septic tank that is not functioning properly, because it is full, or has some other issue can cause toilets to back up. If you suspect an issue with your septic tank, or it has been a while since you last had it inspected, consider making an appointment with a septic tank Orlando professional.

2. Damaged Pipes

Pipes can crack, break or get crushed, due to corrosion, age, heavy rain, temperature changes or normal wear and tear. Damaged pipes can cause your toilet to drain slowly, which can contribute to a clogging issue.

3. Foreign Objects

Clogs are frequently caused by flushing objects that should not be flushed. Examples include feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, paper towels, cotton balls, cooking oil, food waste and other objects that do not readily break down. People also sometimes accidentally knock objects into toilets, such as a toothbrush or a toilet paper roll. Children may also insert objects, such as toys, that can clog toilets. Excess hair may also create a clog.

4. Excessive Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is made to be flushed, but too much of it can still create a clog. If you frequently have issues with clogs due to toilet paper, consider flushing more than once. Flush the waste before you use any toilet paper and then flush the toilet paper.

Many of the common causes of toilet clogs can easily be remedied, but some require professional assistance from a plumber. Identifying the cause of your toilet clogs is the first step to fixing the problem.…

Wondering how you can inspire your kids to get some healthy activity in the great outdoors? Here are three helpful tips to turn your backyard into a fun space for kids.

1. Install Outdoor Lighting

Play and activity need not end just because the sun goes down. Give your kids a safe and attractive place to play even after dark by outfitting your yard with quality lighting. The experts in exterior lighting Clearwater help you select and install the right lighting for your family’s individual needs. Use broadcast lights for play areas like basketball courts, swimming pools or large spaces of lawn. Be sure to install solar-powered pathway lighting to ensure that you and your family can safely navigate all areas of your yard any time of the day or night.

2. Prioritize Privacy

Keeping your kids safe in the backyard should be a top priority in your outdoor renovation, which is why it’s important to create a private space for them to play. There are several ways to add privacy to your backyard, but a quick way to add privacy is to install a quality privacy fence. If you’re not pressed for time, consider planting a living fence of hedges like arborvitae or boxwood varieties.

3. Add Fun Features

Complete your backyard renovation by giving your kids some fun features to entice them to be active outside. If you want to get your kids up and moving, ask them what features they’d like to see in the backyard. Luckily, there are options that work with every budget, from creating a do-it-yourself playground, a modular obstacle course or a simple rock-climbing wall.

Completing a creative backyard renovation is the right way to entice your kids to get active. By following these tips and making these outdoor improvements, you’ll create a kid-friendly backyard that’s perfect for active play.…

Planning a long-distance relocation can be a complicated task. Without the flexibility and ease of traveling to your new home, it can be difficult to determine the best course; however, you aren’t alone in this process. If you want your long-distance relocation to go smoothly, here are a few tips to help reduce stress, ease through the process and make for a smooth adjustment.

Realtor

If you are going to relocate to Connecticut, you need to find a reliable and knowledgeable realtor West Hartford CT. Especially when you are unfamiliar with an area, you will rely heavily on this person to help you find a home that is the right fit. While internet searches can teach you a lot about an area, you need a trusted realtor if you want to find the perfect place to call home.

Moving Company

If you are traveling a long way to your new home in Connecticut, finding a moving company that can transport your belongings is key. You need to be able to trust them with all of your belongings. Having professionals who can help ensure that you can safely get from one point to the next and avoid injuries while doing so will make a huge difference.

Tips and Tricks

While moves are often complicated and lengthy processes, there are plenty of tips and tricks of moving and packing to help you along the way. If you take the time to set up a clear, comprehensive and careful game plan, you can save yourself time, money, energy and frustration.

Getting Acclimated

As you transition to your new home, you need to give yourself time to get acclimated. This means taking a moment to learn more about Connecticut and its nuances. Learning more about the community that you are now a part of can help you feel more comfortable and reduce the transition time until you can truly feel at home.

Long-distance relocations can be complicated, and Connecticut certainly has its own feel; however, you make the transition easier with just a few steps. Before you know it, you’ll be calling Connecticut home.…

Your home is your castle. Unfortunately, from time to time, unfortunate circumstances arise that adversely affect your home. These can include but are not limited to, severe storms, burglary, and accidents on your property. Obtaining optimum home insurance Fredericksburg VA is important for your financial stability and peace of mind.

What Is Covered by Homeowners Insurance

The purpose of homeowners insurance is to protect against loss or damage to your residence from disasters, theft, and accidents. Most standard policies cover the following basic elements:

• Physical Structure. Your home can be damaged or destroyed by fire, strong winds, hail, and other natural disasters. When purchasing home insurance, a good tip is to purchase enough coverage to replace your home in its entirety. Keep in mind that standard coverage generally does boy pay for flood or earthquake damage, which can be insured against separately
• Liability Protection. Home insurance protects you from costs incurred if someone becomes injured by you or a family member when on your property. It generally covered damages caused by your pets.
• Personal property. Your furniture, personal equipment, and many other items, perhaps even the food in your freezer, are covered in the standard homeowner’s policy. The insurance kicks in when losses are due to fire, weather, or theft.
• Additional living expenses (ALE). Your policy will cover your costs when you are forced to live away from home because of an insured disastrous event. ALE can also pay you for lost rent if applicable.

Shopping for the Best Home Insurance

Numerous insurance agents and vendors would like you to work with them. How do you make the best choice? Your best bet is t stick with an agency that is firmly grounded in your locality and has been in business for many years. In addition, it’s always a good idea to obtain references from good friends and neighbors.…

Heating your home can take up nearly 42% of your electricity bill. If you are like most homeowners, you work very hard to limit the amount of money you have to spend on monthly utilities. As the winter months approach, you will have to run your HVAC unit more to fight off the chill in the air.

This is why you have to figure out how to make your HVAC unit more efficient and reliable this winter. Here are some things you can do to avoid serious HVAC repair issues during this time of year.

Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned Professionally

One of the most important parts of your HVAC unit is the vent system. Your vents are designed to pump cool or warm air into the various parts of your home. Over time, your vents will become clogged with dirt and dust. Allowing these substances to remain in your vents can make it hard for your HVAC unit to function properly.

When vents are clogged, they will prohibit air from passing through properly. This means that your HVAC unit will get overworked on a consistent basis. Working with professionals who offer air conditioner services Edgewater NJ is crucial when trying to get your vents cleaned. These professionals will have the tools needed to get the dust out of your vents in a hurry.

Invest in HVAC Maintenance

Another important thing you need to do to keep your HVAC unit reliable this winter is to let professionals maintain it. Hiring an HVAC contractor to inspect and fix any issues your unit may have is crucial. With their help, you can avoid being without your HVAC unit during this time of year.

Before you hire an HVAC contractor, you need to find out more about their experience and reputation. With this information, you can make an informed decision regarding which contractor to hire.…

We don’t know evil is close to us? but we know that security solution(s) cannot be ignored. One of the scariest things about having your home broken into is that criminals are often motivated by many different things. The most likely motivation would be robbery. They also use many different ploys to get into your home. You might think that most robbers sneak in at night and smash a window, but their creativity might surprise you. They might pretend to be a police officer, repairman, salesman or someone who needs a helping hand. They will try anything to get into your home.

You never know what to expect when someone breaks into your home. Sure, they might be after your jewelry or iPod, but when a home invasion goes badly it’s not uncommon for a burglar to turn the situation violent. The vast majority of homes are easy to break into. If you keep your personal information like credit cards and bank information in your home, you could easily be the next victim of identity theft.

Many criminals are very careful when they plan a robbery. Not all burst into random homes based on impulse. They often check out neighborhoods, checking for when people are home and when they aren’t, and also looking for easy paths of entry. They might also sneak into your home when you’re away, planning for a future robbery. Consider buying adequate weapons to bolster the security at home. If you already have rifles etc, purchase AR-15 magazines to ensure their proper supply. 

 

How Do Home Invaders Get In Your Home In The First Place?

There are many different ways they might try to get access to your home. It’s very common for them to simply use the front door. When they are using the element of surprise though, the garage is a criminal favorite. A staggering amount of robberies take place because the home owner opened the door when a stranger rang the bell. There is no telling what the attacker will do after you open the door for them. They might pretend to be nice, hoping to get invited inside, or they might simple attack you right away. The attackers sometimes plan ahead too by first calling the home owner to let them know a package is on its way.

 

What Are The Most Common Attack Scenarios?

Someone in uniform comes to your home and tells you they are checking your cable, looking around for gas leaks or says they need to inspect your telephone lines.

Another uniformed ruse involves deliveries. They might say they have a package, flowers or something else. If you aren’t expecting anything to be delivered, always be suspicious.

Prize giveaways are another clever trick. You might be told you just won a large sum of money, but they need to get your personal information first, if you could just let them inside for a moment.

Someone might also pose as an individual collecting money on behalf of a …

As we barrel forward ever faster into the future, older rental properties such as apartment buildings tend to seem more and more out of date. In a world where perfectly framed photos sell real estate, now is the time to give your property a face-lift. Doing so can immediately boost your property’s value and appeal, and land you the type of tenants you want – and need.

Refinish Metal Surfaces

Does your lobby sport an elevator? Do you have a metal walk-in plate near the entrance? It doesn’t take long for these metal surfaces to look dirty, dinged, and sprinkled with disease. Refinishing surfaces like the elevator button plate can make your tenants feel more at-home in your building, and cement the contemporary look you are trying to achieve in the refresh of your design.

Give Concrete A New Look

Gone are the days of old, ratty carpet. Before you replace the low-pile carpeting your building has been sporting for decades, get with the times and consider going the route of concrete polishing Manhattan NY. With the right team, you can quickly give the whole lobby an attractive overhaul, leaving it feeling clean, contemporary and easy to maintain.

Change Lighting Fixtures

This may not be immediately apparent, but switching out old light fixtures can make a world of difference in the way your building looks – both from the outside, as well as when a potential tenant walks inside. Instead of the basic hanging fixtures, consider implementing recessed lighting with energy-saving LED bulbs, complemented by an exciting hanging fixture in the lobby or common area. Consider the way that lighting highlights the character and features of your exterior as well, and capture this in any photographs you want to take for marketing purposes.

Breathe New Life Into Older Spaces

While it may seem overwhelming to take on a full remodel or redesign of your apartment building, a few simple changes and refinishes can make a huge difference in creating the value and interest you need in your property.…

Even if you don’t consider yourself a green thumb, patio gardening is a great way to get in touch with your earthy side. If you haven’t given it a try yet, here are a few benefits that might give you a reason to give it a shot.

Portable Beauty

Patio gardens are the perfect places for hanging baskets, window boxes or pots. No matter the size of your patio, you can almost always find a pot that will fit your space. The wide variety of container plants Princeton FL climate supports provide many options to make your patio an inviting haven. If you move frequently, potted plants make it easy to take your garden with you. You can also rearrange your garden as often as you like, without harming the plants.

Healthier Air

Plants help purify the air we breathe. Have you ever walked into a forest and taken a deep breath of all that fresh air? You can establish a similar atmosphere on your own porch. Plants produce life-giving oxygen and help offset the carbon dioxide our industrialized world creates. Whether you have a little space or a lot, even a few plants can help make the air around your home a little easier to breathe.

Better Mood

Research suggests that gardening can help lift your mood, providing relief from stress, anxiety and depression. Patio gardening can also give you an uplifting dose of fresh air and sunshine, help you connect with others over a shared hobby and can give you an opportunity to expand your creativity.

If you have a porch, front steps or backyard patio that could use a little sprucing up, why not give patio gardening a try? For little more than a few dollars and a little investment of time, you can have a flourishing garden that will boost your home’s beauty and maybe even lift your spirit.…

Video games have nothing on back yards. Electronic entertainment has its place, but most kids would rather run, jump, tumble and explore in a real-world setting rather than do so digitally. That’s why every summer, American back yards are filled with children participating in sports, playing make-believe and engaging in other fun activities. There is one similarity that your lawn shares with video game landscapes, however: both have an element of danger. While there are no aliens, zombies or monsters lurking in your yard, there are plenty of hazards that await unsuspecting kids. Here are some tips to make your yard a safe place.

Create a Safety Zone Around Grills

Kids love to run and play, but it needs to be done at a safe distance away from outdoor cooking. If a youngster accidentally knocks over a grill, it could cause fires or burns if the unit is still warm or filled with hot coals or grease. One study found that more than 15,000 children a year suffer grill-related injuries. In addition to installing a no-play zone, never leave a grill unattended and always keep flammable items locked up where kids can’t find them.

Eliminate Obstacles in the Yard

Cuts, bruises and broken bones may occur when kids play in a yard full of stumps, holes and exposed roots. Hire a service for stump removal Orlando FL or in your area, and also be sure to keep dangerous garden tools and lawncare equipment off the ground and in a secure spot. Hoses are another tripping hazard, so keep them rolled up and out of high-traffic zones.

Remove Toxic Plants

Kids have a lot of curiosity, and it could get the better of them if it causes them to eat or chew on poisonous plants. Some, like pokeweed, honeysuckle and spotted laurel, have colorful, yet highly toxic, berries that could entice youngsters. Eradicate any such plants from your property.

Keeping kids safe can seem like a never-ending task. Following these tips, however, will help to protect them while playing in the yard.…

Homeownership is so much more than paying your mortgage on time. There is a large amount of maintenance and upkeep associated with owning a house. You have to maintain the inside and the outside of your house. This includes trimming trees, cutting the grass, and pulling weeds. When someone arrives at your home, the first thing they see is your lawn. A clean and neat lawn and landscaping add pop to your house. Before you contact Landscape Maintenance Lakewood, read this blog to find out the benefits to hiring a professional. 

Hiring a professional to landscape your lawn saves you time and effort. When you hire someone to manage your lawn care, you do not have to spend hours outside working on it. You may be lucky enough to have a great looking lawn that provides a foundation on which to provide it proper care. You may, however, have a lawn that is riddled with weeds and problem areas. You may have trees that need to be pruned properly and grass that needs special care. Professional services can handle these needs for you. 

Lawn equipment can be expensive, especially if your lawn needs special care, such as aeration. If you have the equipment, you also need a place to store and maintain it. While you may pay a little more for professional services, you do not have to buy special equipment. If you are not trained in lawn care, it may take a lot of trial and error before you get it right. That means you may spend a lot of money on products and equipment that are not right for your lawn. When you hire a professional, it takes all the guessing out of it and you do not waste time or money on things you do not need. 

A well-managed lawn provides additional benefits to you and your house. Grass is cooler than concrete or asphalt, and it can act as a comfortable spot on a hot day. Trees can provide so much shading that they reduce the temperature by as much as 40 degrees. When your grass is healthy and lush, it can hold on to water that might have just run off into other areas and cause some sort of damage. Grass absorbs carbon dioxide and creates oxygen from it, which is helpful for the air we breathe. Grass can also capture dust and other pollutants from the air to help make the air cleaner. A well-manicured lawn is also a noise reducer. Grass and plants can help minimize noise pollution. …