5 Ways to Upgrade Your Garden on a Budget

Spring is the perfect time to upgrade your garden. The air gets warmer, the sun shines brighter and you add an extra hour to your day - so you can spend more time outside working to cultivate the perfect garden! 

Not everyone has an unlimited budget to dedicate to craft an outdoor oasis - and that’s okay! There are lots of things you can do to create a beautiful garden area on a budget. You can still show off a great space without breaking the bank. Here are some ways to upgrade your garden without blowing your budget.

Think Ahead

If you want to create a garden, don’t just do it on a whim. Even though the idea might pop into your head, take some time before purchasing any big items to plan out your garden area. Consider how much you want to spend, what theme you want, the types of plants you want to have and whether or not you want your garden to provide you with food, herbs or just have flowers. 

Consider your climate, too - you don’t want to plant fruits and veggies that don’t grow well in your area. Take some time to visit some landscaping and gardening centers to talk with the professionals about what grows best when and how to best plant in your space. 

Don’t forget to measure your garden space! You’ll want to ensure your garden oasis isn’t overcrowded with plants or barren. Take a few moments before shopping to measure around the spaces you want to plant. Write down the measurements, take pictures or even sketch out a sample blueprint to use when discussing garden upgrades with the local outdoor stores. You’ll find that those considerations will save you money in the long run because you won’t be running back and forth to the store to find and return plants that don’t fit the areas where you want to garden.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

One of the best ways you can save money on an outdoor project is by looking into sustainable options for your garden. Ask your neighbors for planters they’re not using, upcycle items from yard sales or other second-hand stores and look for ways to DIY different things in your yard! You can easily turn an antique bicycle into a garden planter, or consider building an air plant frame to hang on the fence in your garden. Not only do these things give you a fun activity to do in the fresh air, but you can add some unique decor to your garden space that doesn’t force you to go over budget! 

Less is More

You don’t have to fill your garden area with huge plants and shrubbery. In fact, if you have a small garden, consider adding a few smaller plants or a vegetable like mushrooms in a growing kit. Then, incorporate some smaller decor pieces, such as some personalized garden stones, between them to create some natural space between the plants. The personalized touch will really let you enjoy the space more. Plus, purchasing plants that might not be full-grown can save you a lot of money. They will continue to grow after you purchase them. Adding trees to your garden area? Find ones that haven’t yet started to bloom - they’re much lighter than ones that are flowering. Not only will they be easier to plant, but they will also help you stay within your budget. Don’t forget that the all-year plants will typically be less expensive to purchase than the seasonal ones. You’ll save time and money going with plants classified as ‘annuals,’ which grow all year regardless of season or climate.

Also, consider the outdoor furniture you’ll be adding to your garden. Consider some wooden fold up chairs and a table to use rather than a large patio set. This way, when the weather starts to get a little bad, you can easily transport your outdoor furniture inside, safe from the elements. On top of that, collapsible furniture can fit into smaller spaces really well. Even if you have a larger outdoor space, if you want the focus to be on the greenery, smaller furniture is the way to go. 

Don’t Neglect the Front Yard

Even if you’re sprucing up your backyard, your front yard still deserves some love! Consider some small decor pieces in the front yard, such as walkway lights or a few personalized yard signs. Yard signs are great for the front yard, especially if you have a graduating senior or a military family member coming home. Walkway lights are perfect if you live in a more rural area that doesn’t have street lights. Your guests can find their way to your front door with ease, plus the motion-sensor lights serve as a bonus security feature for your home.

Include Your Friends

Another expensive part of garden upgrades is the labor. If you purchase large greenery from garden stores or nurseries, sometimes the companies will offer to plant the items for you - for a price. If you have any friends that know the dos-and-don’ts of landscaping, consider asking them for help, or watch some YouTube tutorials to curb the cost of installation and planting. Host a garden party, and invite all your friends, family and neighbors that live near you to come over and help you with garden activities. The kids can help shovel dirt, and everyone can lay down patches of grass, set up furniture or hang string lights. Building a fence? Find friends who are handy with saws and nail guns to assist you in installing and woodworking. Don’t forget to provide them with a hearty meal at the end of the day to thank everyone for helping you out! 

You can still create a meaningful, beautiful outdoor space without blowing your budget. Remember to carefully plan your garden, upcycle your materials and enlist the help of your friends to minimize the labor costs. As long as your garden space becomes an area you want to spend time in, that’s all that matters.

12 Ways to Brighten Up Your Home’s Interior

If you’re looking around your home and dreaming of a bright, happy space, you’re not alone. Bright homes seem to only be present on Pinterest, but with a few quick adjustments, your own home interior can be bright and Pinterest-worthy, too! Here are 12 ways to brighten up your home’s interior. 

1. Give the windows plenty of space. Avoid placing tall bookshelves or large plants around your windows. You can definitely place a waist-high console table or chest under the window with some smaller items on top, such as succulents or books. Placing too many tall or large items right next to the windows can cause the light to create shadows–making your space darker!

2. Keep everything light. While it might be tempting to paint your walls a bright or deep color, if you want the space to feel bright and happy, you’ll want to keep everything light. Use very pale neutrals as paint colors. You can always use deeper colors, such as jewel tones, as accents throughout the space if you want to switch things up. 

3. Use cozy elements. Just because you’re trying to make the place bright doesn’t mean that you have to get rid of your cozy items! Feel free to keep the personalized photo blankets and the soft throw pillows around. Some of the brightest homes are ones that look lived in. The key here is incorporating them well. Place the blankets on a blanket ladder or drape one on the back of the couch and sprinkle the throw pillows on your seating. 

4. Open the curtains. Having curtains can regulate temperature and encourage safety, but they can quickly make your home feel dark and drab. During the day, open the curtains to let all the natural light in. If you want to keep the curtains closed–especially if you live on the ground floor of an urban apartment–use some sheer or light-colored curtains to help filter in light. In fact, a combination of darker curtains and light sheers is a great way to have both a bright space and keep yourself safe. 

5. Clean and organize your space. Cozy doesn’t mean cluttered and dirty! Take some time to clean your space and organize all the clutter. Clean the walls and get the dust from the baseboards. Removing dirt can really make a space feel much brighter and happier. Organizing is also helpful in brightening a room because there’s less clutter around. Add some additional storage cubbies for any personalized blankets you have lying around and try to find places for your smaller knick-knacks to go. 

6. Incorporate greenery and florals. A space feels much brighter when there’s greenery and florals around. Add in some bright, seasonal flowers or lush greenery to your living space to make it feel very bright. Place them on coffee tables, on top of end tables or even in the windowsill. 

7. Use mirrors and glass. Using mirrors and glass can really open up a space and make it feel larger, but it can also make the room feel lighter. Because mirrors reflect light, placing them near your windows or across from them will make the space feel bright and big. Create a photo gallery with a circle mirror as the focal point, using engraved picture frames to make it a sweet and cozy feature of your living space.

8. Change out the lights. While yellowed bulbs and Edison lights are good for cozy lighting, they don’t make spaces look very bright or open. Instead, make sure you have bright white bulbs, especially LED ones. Adding some brighter lighting can really make the space feel lighter. Looking for a fun DIY project? Add recessed lighting to your home. They make the room feel larger and are also easy to maintain. 

9. Rearrange your rooms. Sometimes, the way you have your furniture laid out can make your room feel small and dark. Rearranging your furniture can really make the place feel bright and spacious. Place your larger pieces of furniture opposite the window or adjacent to it. Utilize corners, especially if your space is small, such as an apartment. You’ll realize how much bigger your space feels once you rearrange the furniture. 

10. Add light furniture. As you keep the walls light and bright, keep the furniture light and bright, too. Light furniture is good for keeping spaces feeling bright and large. The more dark items you have in your living spaces, the darker it’ll feel. Chairs, side tables, bookshelves–there are lots of ways you can incorporate lighter colors into your furniture. If having white furniture makes you nervous because of potential stains or dirt, then consider using light greys or blues in your furniture and decor. You can also use lightly stained wood. There are lots of ways you can incorporate light colors into your furniture and decor. 

11. Use metallics, glass and clear acrylic. Using transparent and shiny objects can keep your space bright. They’ll reflect light! Plus, any transparent materials, such as coffee tables or dining room chairs, let you see right through them. It appears like they aren’t even there. 

12. Do some yard work. If a bookshelf or TV stand right next to or in front of your window can block light from coming in, so can a tree or bush outside. Trim the branches of all your greenery outside–or, if your greenery hasn’t been refreshed in some time, why not switch it out? Keeping the branches trimmed is not only good for the plants, but it’s also great to ensure your space feels bright because more light will get in. 

A dark and dingy home can seem like a difficult task to tackle. From shadowy corners to dark furniture, your interior spaces can look like something out of a horror movie. With a few simple tricks, you can have a bright space that looks like it belongs on the cover of a magazine! You’ll want to spend all your days in your newly brightened space.

How Crucial is it to Keep the Sewer Line Clean?

While a clogged drain can be a real nuisance, a clogged sewer line can lead to a plumbing disaster that can cost thousands to correct. Both your sewer lines and main drains will send wastewater away from your home. 

However, there are a few key differences between the two systems. For example, sewer line drains are found outside and beneath the ground, whereas your main drains are situated in the floors and walls of your home. 

All of the waste that leaves your property will become trapped in the event that your sewer line becomes clogged, so you should do everything in your power to prevent such an issue from arising in the first place.

What are the signs and symptoms of a blocked sewer?

If you hear strange sounds or smell disgusting or pungent odors coming from your bathroom or kitchen, then your sewers may be blocked. 

Your appliances may begin to show signs that something is amiss, and clogged toilets are also a telltale sign that there is a serious issue with your plumbing.

You may also notice that some water comes back up whenever you use your plumbing fixtures. As well, if you need to plunge your toilet frequently, then the source of the issue may be a blocked sewer.

What are the reasons for sewer line clogging?

There are a wide array of factors that can clog up your sewer system. For instance, a broken or damaged pipe may cause your sewer lines to become blocked. Infiltration of tree roots from outside may also cause issues.

Excessive rainfall and flooding can cause your sewer line to become clogged. It is also very important that you avoid dumping debris down your toilet. Hair, soap, tissue paper, excess toilet paper, paper towels, toys, and other materials can easily clog up your toilet and sewer lines in due time.

You should never allow grease to drip down your drains, as they can harden and clog your sewer line if you are not careful. 

In some cases, you may not be able to determine what exactly is causing the blockage. You may need to call a professional to look into the matter. Once your sewer line has been cleaned by the expert, they will let you know what was the cause of the clog.

A professional drain repair service should be strongly considered, as it is the only way to permanently unclog all of your pipes. Their top experts will use a state-of-the-art camera to determine the underlying source of the issue.

They will look for any cracks or blockages that may be causing your main sewer line to be clogged. They will then discuss all of the options available with you in order to rectify the issue before they solve the problem.

What is the importance of maintaining a clean sewer line?

First and foremost, your sewer line must be maintained on a regular basis in order to prevent the formation of clogs. Also, if you are currently dealing with repugnant odors, then you may be unable to cook, clean, or even live in your home.

The odors will ferment and will only get worse unless you call a professional to intervene on your behalf. You can prevent such an issue from developing in the future by maintaining a clean sewer line.

Your overall expenses will also be lowered. Some people may be hesitant to call in an expert, as they may worry about the costs. Some will simply hope that the problem will go away on its own. In truth, sewer line problems will only grow over time, so nipping them in the bud is the ideal course of action.

A serious sewer line problem can cost thousands to repair, and may make your home uninhabitable for days or even weeks, depending on the extent of the damage. Routine maintenance will keep expenses low going forward.

Another important reason to maintain a clear sewer line is to keep a healthy and clean environment in your home. Imagine a scenario where raw sewage ends up contaminating your bathwater and your drinking supply.

You may not be able to bathe or shower, and may need to boil your water or buy bottled water in order to hydrate yourself. Such issues can easily be avoided if you routinely maintain your sewer lines and take care of plumbing problems while they are still small.

Be Proactive

Do not wait for small problems to grow. Most plumbing problems start small, but will eventually become worse over time. Hidden issues will cause serious problems in the future, and may cause a plumbing disaster that can cost thousands to fix.

By cleaning your drains on a regular basis, you will be able to enjoy more efficient and faster drainage 365 days a year. You will also prevent leaks from occuring in the first place, and the lifespan of your drains will increase dramatically.

Prevent foul odours from forming that can make it hard to breathe and work while inside your home, and stop clogs from developing in the first place by being proactive. Being proactive will also prevent damage to your home. 

Mould spores and bacteria can grow very quickly, and can also make you and your loved ones very sick if they are not removed as soon as possible by a licensed and bonded plumber.

The problem with sewer pipes is that they are found underground. You cannot simply access them whenever you want, nor can you easily tell if there is an issue with them. Many people simply forget the problem exists due to their very busy lives.

However, your sewer pipes are an integral part of your home and your quality of life, and should not be taken for granted. Please make sure that your sewage lines are maintained on a regular basis in order to ensure that you don’t run into very serious problems in the not-too-distant future.

 Source:

The Benefits of Cleaning Your Drains (expresssewer.com)

Top 6 Easy Ways to Clear a Blocked Drain

A blocked drain is perhaps the most common plumbing problem that is encountered across Australia. Blockages occur when you least expect them resulting in lots of inconvenience and damage to property. Hence, it would help if you were better prepared to deal with a blocked drain. If you leave a blocked drain untreated, it can result in blockages that can lead to water leakage from the drains. This can prove to be fatal for your business facility or home property. If you encounter severe blockages, it can also result in burst pipes. This can result in lots of expenses. You can contact www.ppssa.com.au a professional plumbing and pipeline service in South Australia with their 24/7 emergency plumbing support.

Let's now look at some of the easy ways to clear a blocked drain:

Boiling Water

If you want a quick-fix solution for your blocked drains, we recommend you try pouring a pot of boiling water into the blocked drain. In many instances, it works in loosening or even dissolving the blockage without resorting to any drastic measures. 

However, we will advise you to use this method only if you have metal or ceramic pipes. The reason being, the heat can loosen joints on PVC pipes. If you are dealing with PVC pipes, we suggest you go for hot and not boiling tap water instead. This method can prove to be a saving grace, especially on grease or food build-up. But, it may not be the best solution for solid blockages.

DIY Natural Cleaner

It is very easy to create a DIY natural cleaner. You can do this by utilising the combination of bicarb soda (baking soda) and white vinegar. Just pour the bicarb into the drain, and then immediately pour the vinegar. Cover the drain so that the mixture does not come out from the pipe. 

A point to ponder: The chemical reaction between the bicarb and vinegar results in oxygen, which scours inside the pipes. This assists in clearing out the blocked drain. Repeat this process several times to ensure that the blockage is cleared entirely. Once the mixture has passed through the blockage, wash the pipes with lukewarm water to get rid of the remaining residue.

Caustic Cleaner

We recommend you purchase caustic chemical drain cleaners from your local hardware store or supermarket. These chemicals are renowned for dissolving grease, hair, food, and other prevalent blockages. But, they can even harm the environment. And, so, you need to use them judiciously. 

Keep this in mind: Caustic cleaners do not work on solid masses. For example, tree roots or small household items. Hence, always protect your hands and face while applying it with chemical cleaners. Next, flush your pipes with water afterwards to remove any lingering chemicals.

Plunger

A plunger is used to clear a blocked drain just when you are about to clear a clogged toilet. Whenever you decide to use a plunger, ensure that you cover any overflow spouts prior to commencing the plunging process. This will help in getting a strong seal. Since the plunger results in up-and-down pressure, it aids in loosening any blockages. This way, your pipes can flow smoothly once again. Plunging is one of the most lethal tools to counter solid blockages. However, it is not effective against grease build-up and mineral deposits.

Plumber's Snake and CCTV

A plumber's snake or electric eel tool is apt for more severe blockages. The rotating coil that you see at the end of the cable in the plumber's snake spins quickly, chipping away at the blockage. This process continues till it gets cleared. 

A thought to ponder: Plumber's snake has a limited range. And, so, the blockage needs to be near the drain's opening for it to be effective. A plumber's snake can also damage your pipes, so it is best to try other methods first. You can get plumbers' snakes at most hardware stores. Alternatively, you can even hire a licensed plumber to complete the job.

Hydro-jet

Hydro-jets coerce a powerful stream of water via your pipes. The pressure that results from it then forces the blockage through the pipes and out. This results in the water flowing out once again. This method is much safer for your piping than a plumber's snake. 

But it should be noted that this method is not quite effective against solid blockages. Even though you are trying hydro-jetting on your own, we would suggest that you leave this task to a professional plumber who has the necessary tools and experience to do this job with precision.

These are some of the easy ways to clear a blocked drain.