What are the Causes of Clogged Drains

Nobody likes having a clogged drain, but unfortunately, they can be pretty common. Gutters tend to get clogged for various reasons, and the exact cause will vary depending on your home’s plumbing configuration. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common causes of clogged drains so you can be better prepared to deal with them if they happen in your Hurst Plumbing system. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Tree Roots

Tree roots are one of the most common causes of clogged drains, as they grow into pipes and then expand as they soak up water. As a result, it can be tough to get rid of them entirely unless you call professional Plumbers In Hurst Texas trained in cutting root systems. In the meantime, slow-moving drains or recurring clogs may be heartily frustrating until you make sure there aren’t any tree roots growing in your system. To prevent them from sneaking into your plumbing, keep landscaping away from sewer lines by at least two feet.

2. Grease Buildup

Grease buildup is another cause that tends to recur over time because it has no trouble sticking around once inside your drainpipes. If your sink takes a long time to drain, it could be because there’s too much topical grease inside the pipes. Simply turning on the water won’t flush away the gunk that has collected since you used your last cleaning product! The best way to get rid of this type of clog is by using a commercial drain opener or an enzyme cleaner after pouring quite a bit of boiling water down the pipe.

3. Hair & Other Foreign Objects

Hair and other unidentified foreign objects are principal reasons for drains getting sluggish or plugged altogether. Hair gets tangled up around different types of debris and can be difficult to remove. Hair clogs are more irritating than hazardous, but if you don’t get them unclogged quickly, they could lead to more significant problems like mold growth or wastewater backing up. If that happens, you should immediately call a plumber and learn more about what causes clogged drains.

4. Not Enough Water Flow

Your drainage system has moving parts that can become damaged over time. If your drain is becoming gradually worse every month, it may be due to small cracks forming in the pipes or obstructions blocking some of the holes inside the line itself (a condition known as water hammer). A plumber with some knowledge about how drains work should be able to track down what’s causing your trouble and make necessary repairs, but sometimes these problems never go away on their own, and even a minor blockage can cause a significant backup if water flow isn’t maintained.

5. Garbage Disposals

The blades and impellers inside garbage disposals get old and dull over time and should be replaced every three to five years. They also become less efficient the more often you use them because the food will stick to the blades, clogging up the drain. The best way to keep your disposal in tip-top shape is to run it regularly with cold water, allowing the blades and impellers to clean themselves with every flush gently. Some people like to grind things like chicken bones in the disposal, which is an absolute no-no (hello, broken blades!) Food particles should always go down the dishwasher or into a separate garbage pail — your disposal just processes “waste” that will be transferred elsewhere through your drainage system.

When you experience at least one of these causes, always use a plunger before using a snake to avoid irreversible damage to your drain. If you see mold, be sure to clean it with bleach and vinegar solution. Also, make sure to use the right amount of water when running your garbage disposal or else it will clog or leave residue on the blades, which will cause odors in the future. If these causes have not solved your problem, contact a plumber immediately for further assistance!

Ways To Get The Most From A Home Remodeling Project

Are you considering a home remodeling project? Whether you’re tackling the project yourself or hiring a pro, there are some things you can do to make sure the result is what you want. Here are some tips to help you get the most from your Home Remodeling project. 

1. Set a budget for your project

Set a reasonable budget for the project before you even start thinking about what you want to do in your Home Remodeling. As you look over ideas and work up plans, stay within the amount of money you’ve allotted. If something isn’t in your price range, don’t be afraid to get creative or settle on an alternative that fits within your budget.

One of the things to consider when deciding how much money you can afford to spend on a home is what type of lifestyle you want to lead in the future. For example, if you plan on starting a family or having pets, this may affect your decision-making process and desire for larger spaces such as an attached two-car garage and more bedrooms and bathrooms. Other factors should be weighed such as location (more expensive areas require higher price tags), school district the children will attend (if applicable), and crime rates in specific neighborhoods all play into determining not only what type of house one can afford but also where they would like to live.

2. Do it yourself or hire someone else?

When beginning a remodeling project, this is one of the essential choices — do it yourself or hire someone who can help with everything from demolition to clean-up? Each choice has pros and cons: DIY might save money, but professional contractors know how to get things done quickly and safely (and your time is valuable). So it is your choice. And it depends on the scope of your project.

3. Know what’s new in home design

If you’re excited about the design concepts that are emerging, stay up on how they work around some of these ideas: eco-friendly materials, sustainable building practices (which maximize energy efficiency and reduce waste), open floor plans, built-in storage systems which make use of space… These trends shouldn’t be applied all at once but will give your home some fresh style while working within any budget.

4. Get friendly with paint colors

Painting is one of the cheapest decisions you can make to change the look and feel of your home. Check out books at the library, online galleries, and blogs that provide color palettes for inspiration. Some colors are better suited to specific rooms, so this is where research will come in handy. Grey walls are very chic these days, but it might not be the best idea for your living room. Maybe you want to go bold with a red accent wall or paint an old dresser white and display some funky decor on top of that? You could even try painting the inside of your cabinets!

5. Pay attention to ceilings

Not many people pay attention to their ceiling’s architectural design — making them often feel too plain or boring for other decorating ideas. The possibilities are endless when it comes time to choose new designs! For example, if you want more visual space inside your home, install beadboard throughout instead of drywall.

5. Consider adding an extra room or two to your home if possible

For example, if you have a finished basement and an attached garage, these areas provide extra living space to expand. Don’t forget about adding a room above your garage where you can put in a guest bedroom or even a home office.

6. Create a comfortable outdoor oasis

The backyard is under-used in most homes, where people spend very little time entertaining guests or enjoying the beautiful weather. All it takes is checking out how other homeowners have been creating outside spaces inviting for all family members and friends to enjoy themselves without worrying about breaking the bank doing so. For more ideas on making your outdoor space enjoyable, check out magazines at local bookstores that feature stunning backyard designs.

Home remodeling is about finding a way to get what you want from your home while spending the least money. We hope all the tips above helped you understand some of the best ways to save while improving your home.

Shantele Marcum lists 7 tips for choosing the right real estate agent

Buying or selling a home is a huge financial commitment. But hiring the right real estate agent makes the decision much easier.

It’s more than just showings, listings, and negotiating. Professional agents ensure you make smart decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

And Shantele Marcum is ready to get to work. She recently joined RE/MAX Platinum Realty as a Realtor. The Sarasota-based agent also has years of experience working in the sales, marketing, hospitality, retail, and fitness industries. To better serve her clients, she draws on this wide array of experiences and extensive local knowledge.

But not everyone is looking for a home in the Sarasota area. No matter where you live, finding the right Realtor or real estate agent is a key first step. With this in mind, Shantele Marcum helps by sharing seven tips everyone should consider when hiring a prospective agent.

Start with a lender

Budget trumps all. Don’t dive into a home search before knowing what you can afford. Talk to a lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This should influence every decision.  In identifying how much you can borrow, it helps you set a price range. This is important for your real estate agent, so they can best meet your needs. It also signifies to others that you’re a serious buyer.

List priorities

What characteristics matter most? After all, an agent will be working for you. Make a list of the qualities you prefer from a potential agent. Like with Shantele Marcum, knowing the area is always a plus. A strong virtual presence provides a strong first impression and portrays credibility.

Seek out referrals

It never hurts to ask around. Any homeowner likely knows at least one real estate agent. Take recommendations from neighbors, friends, and family. While this first-hand experience is helpful, don’t rely on it too heavily. Every buyer has different needs. Your desires should carry more weight.

Research candidates

Do your own research. Examine their online profiles, combing through social media and online reviews. Although multiple negative comments could be a red flag, don’t let a few scare you off. Check their credentials too. Realtors, like Shantele Marcum, belong to the National Association of Realtors and are held to stricter ethical standards.

Meet in person

Once you’ve narrowed down your shortlist, conduct interviews with a handful of your favorites. Meeting in person is a great opportunity to ask questions and check for a connection. Look to see if they understand your needs and are capable of delivering. Discuss preferred methods and frequency of communication.

Request references

Now is also a perfect time to ask for references too. Shantele Marcum encourages you to request the past year’s listings and what these properties sold for. Speaking with former clients is a good idea to see if they are willing to hire the agent again in the future.

Review contract

Don’t sign on the dotted line without first reviewing the agreement. The contract should clearly define terms and commissions. Don’t be afraid to negotiate these items. Contract length is equally imperative but often overlooked. Shorter terms are best. This allows you to switch agents in the future if you are unhappy.