Plumbing is one of those things that nobody thinks about until it's too late, causing water damage that impacts property value. Unfortunately for them, it’s usually when there’s a foot of water on the floor, a broken pipe flooding the backyard, or their drain is completely clogged. 

Fortunately, though, there are some signs to watch for before it gets that bad. And when you notice these signs, it’s possible to dislodge that blockage in your drain and get your water flowing freely again before it becomes a big problem.

Signs of clogged drains

Here are some of the signs your drains could need a good clean out:

1. Your toilet is bubbling
2. There is a musty, nauseating odor
3. Water is backing up in your sicks, showers and baths
4. Water takes a while to drain
5. You hear a gurgling sound coming from the drains
6. Puddles of water on the floor near any sinks or tubs
7. Toliet does not flush

A number of things can clog your drains, but the most common causes are a build-up of grease, food, or soap in the kitchen; hair, soap, and toothpaste in the bathroom; toilet paper, wipes, and paper towels in the toilet. 

Mould and mildew can also cause issues with your pipes. So, what do you do? Here are some of the best options.

1. Start with DrainO 

Unclogging your own drain is one of those things that you don’t have to be a qualified plumber to do. If you find that a drain in your house is clogged, start with DrainO. DrainO is a chemical mixture that causes a violent reaction, using its acidic properties to eat through whatever is clogging your drain. Follow the instructions carefully and stand back while it does the work. 

2. Use a natural solution 

If you're not that keen on using chemicals in your home, there's a natural solution for your drain clogging woes. Chief among these natural de-cloggers is a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. The reaction between the two will cause the food or other blocking item to break down by the force of the chemical reaction and hopefully free your drain. 

3. Break out the snake 

Otherwise, it’s time to bring out the snake and stick that down the hole, in the hopes of unclogging the drain. The snake is a long metal wire, with a coil on the end-user to collect and pull up whatever is clogging your drain. 

The snake is mostly used for the more tricky clogging, such as food, or bunched-up toilet paper. While usually in a plumber's toolkit, the snake should also remain part of your own personal home plumbing toolkit. 

You may need to try a different angle of attack when it comes to using the snake, depending on the location of the blockage. This may require the cutting of some piping before you can access the pipe. Only do this with a pipe cutter if you're confident in your abilities, or, if not, be sure to call in the plumber. 

4. Use the good old plunger 

This should perhaps be the first thing that you try - the old plunger method. This is relatively simple. Plunge away at your clogged drain till the blockage is shifted. The pressure created by the air forced down the pipe by the plunger will hopefully be sufficient to move whatever the blockage is. Plungers must be used whilst simultaneously blocking any other route for the air pressure built up to escape, make sure to plug any other air gaps such as overflows before you start giving it all you've got. 

What about the shower or tub? 

While it is less common, bathtubs and shower drains can indeed become blocked too. These will build up over time, rather than be an immediate problem, as the hair becomes trapped in the drain. To solve this problem, simply remove the drain cover, cover the overflow pipe with a cloth (while pressing against it) and plunge away. 

You can also use a snake in this instance, too. Be sure to keep your drains as clean as possible to prevent a recurrence. A good investment is a drain guard for your bathtub, used to catch all of those stray hairs. 

No matter the plumbing project, it goes without saying that if you are unsure of your work, you should have it checked over by a professional. However, it doesn’t hurt to try things for yourself and see how you make out. Unclogging a drain is a relatively simple skill that everyone needs to learn how to do, but if the above tips don’t work (or you don’t have the time yourself), call in a plumber.

The Cove Castle, 13 Castle Cove in Greenwood Lake, has live jazz. Its most recent owner has done an outstanding job of presenting live music, hosting weddings, Broadway Nights, outdoor summer attraction and now an upstairs jazz club. Their stage, lights, sound and quality food make it an ideal city alternative in the pristine Valley.

Partnering with The Hudson Valley Jazz Festival, utilizing many of the artists heard through their yearly series, The Cove has had it's first "jazz weekend" in November and the next one January 20-22. In addition there are a series of Sunday Jazz Brunches, Jan 30, Feb 6 & 13. Artists include Rave Tesar, Vinnie Cutro, Jeff Ciampa, Ryan Berg, Joe Vincent Tranchina and Teri Roiger, leading their groups which include among others, Sue Williams, Pete Levin, Jeff Siegel, Lew Scott and festival director Steve Rubin. Prior performers to date have been Mike Jackson, Mitch Schecter, & The Hudson Valley Jazz Quartet with Gabriele Tranchina.

Schedule:

Fri Jan 21: Rave Tesar Trio 7 PM

Sat Jan 22 Vinnie Cutro Quartet 7 PM

Sun Jan 23 Jeff Ciampa Trio 1 PM

Sun Jan 30 Ryan Berg Trio 1 PM

Sun Feb 6 Teri Roiger Trio 1 PM

Sun Feb 13 Joe Vincent Tranchina Trio

Image Credit: Pixabay

Is your outdoor space looking a little bit – lonely? If you are searching for ways to customise your backyard, there’s good news. You have many options to choose from. 

The tricky part is selecting what to do in terms of customisation. Coming up with creative ideas can help you maximise what you get from your outdoor space. Don’t worry if nothing comes to mind - the following tips are designed so you can use them to create a backyard with great utilisation of space. 

Building a backyard tool shed and workshop

If you’re a keen DIY enthusiast, why not utilise your outdoor or backyard space to build a backyard workshop? Your tools are going to need a ‘home’, particularly if they are looking a bit out of place inside the main house, and a tool shed will provide the best space for your equipment. You’ll have easy access to your tools, and they’ll remain rust-free in your tool shed as the environment is completely dry.  

Why not go a step further and really get the most out of your backyard? Why not build a backyard workshop or invest in an outdoor shed? It’s ideal for staying on top of your small DIY projects, keeping organised and keeping your main home clutter-free. To create one, you’ll need to think about the size of your outdoor space and then consider the design of your backyard workshop. Think of it as a tool shed on a slightly bigger scale.

Constructing a children’s play area

Your backyard is a great place for your children to get fresh air and exercise – that’s why it is the ideal location for a small children’s play area. It’s one of the best ways for your children to explore their outdoor space in a safe, secure way while having hours of fun and entertaining themselves. 

You might consider installing a slide or a swing set if you have space, which will then leave the rest of your backyard free for all your other projects. But just bear in mind, any changes you do, ensure that they’re going to add value to your property.

Creating a decked area or small nature nook

If you’re in your later years and your family has grown up, some of your best, most peaceful moments can be spent relaxing in a decked area in your backyard. A decked area is also ideal for those who want to recline in an outdoor swing with a good book and enjoy their outdoor space. For this reason, a decked or paved area has made our list of popular things to construct in your backyard.

Now, there’s nothing better for those who enjoy being outdoors than a small and quiet nature nook. It combines the best of nature’s elements – the flowers and shrubs – with the benefits of a seated decking area. In the same way children love treehouses (which is another feature you might decide to build in your backyard.), a nature nook is just ideal for adults looking to pass their free time outdoors, get back to nature and relax.

Building a pool house

Do you have an outdoor pool? How about a pool house? You’ll reap so many benefits from building a pool house in your backyard, including a top storage location for your outdoor pool items. 

A backyard cabana will cost around $4,000 to $10,000, but it’s important to contact your local council before you start to build because sometimes planning permissions are required, but pool houses are the way to go. 

With a relaxed style, your pool house will invite you and your guests in and they won’t want to leave. You’ll be able to furnish it with seating areas and maybe even a bathroom where your guests can change into their bathing suits.

Maximise your outdoor space

Now you’ve got some great ideas for things to build in your backyard, all you need to do is go out and do it. Just remember, to make it easier:

• Always think about the amount of space you have
• Contemplate the design of your outdoor building project, and
• Don’t forget to look into those planning permissions and ensure you’ve got the green light

You’ll be surprised how what you build in your backyard can change the space for the better. Give it a try and get your project started.

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Thank you for everyone who has been visiting our blog. We will be taking a temporary hiatus from updating this blog until spring 2016. We will be working on adding more permanent content on our Hudson Valley resources and real estate pages. In the mean time, we will still be updating our twitter account if you want to follow what is going on in the Hudson Valley. Thank you!