Being a homeowner sounds like a dream to many people, and it truly does come with a lot of positives. But one thing new owners don’t anticipate is the upkeep that comes with owning a house. If one does not keep their home updated, like their devices, the life expectancy of a house decreases significantly. A major problematic area is often the bathroom and if problems aren’t dealt with promptly they snowball into even bigger and more expensive difficulties. Other than plumbing problems there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind.Here are five things every homeowner should know about their bathrooms.

Leaks, a man’s worst nightmare

Leaks in the sink, toilet or shower may seem like a small and harmless inconvenience but they often lead to bigger problems such as corrosion or damp walls. Don’t stress because more often than not a simple leak can be fixed without an after hours plumber perth. Simply tighten the pipe with a ranch or use epoxy putty to seal the area in question. Don’t forget to turn of the main water supply after you’ve accessed where the leak is. If your faucet is leaking there’s no need to call a plumber, the rubber often wears out over time. A quick and easy fix? Replace it.

Investigate Oddities

It is very important that you keep checking if there is a major leak in your bathroom. You don’t have to be an expert to know the signs of a damaging leak. Access your walls for any signs of dampness for example mildew, mold, chipped or damaged paint, swelling in wood and an unpleasant smell that is caused by an area remaining damp. If you see any of these signs, it’s time to call your plumber.

Replacement of pipes

It is crucial to keep a check on the validity of your pipes. The life expectancy of the pipes depend on the material it is made out of, so always check for that when purchasing new pipes. Always look for signs of trouble as often as you can. Look at exposed pipes and check for any kind of discoloration and stains. If you see occasional spurs in leakages it is a good decision to call a plumber to have it checked out. It might be a sign that your entire plumbing needs a change.

Lighting

Bathroom lighting can be very important, it has to be just right. Apart from the general bathroom lights on the ceiling there should be extra lights in place in from of the vanity mirror. It is not a good idea to place your lights right above the mirror to avoid any unflattering shadows on the face. A good economical alternative to add extra lighting is to buy a stick on vanity light kit that you can just pop onto the mirror whenever it is needed.

Color

Never ever go for too much color in the bathroom. This can create too much visual clutter and make you feel suffocated in a small space. Plus it looks gaudy. A popular color for the bathroom is blue but if you feel that has been overdone, go for other soothing colors like green or pale yellow. Pair it with white or ivory and if you want to spruce things up a simple pattern will suffice. Add some plants or flowers to add that pop of color and you are good to go.
Being a homeowner can be tough but it can also be equally fun to play with layouts and styles. Happy Home owning !

When not properly detected and repaired, broken water mains and pipes not only cause severe damage to your home, it also waste water and significantly increase your water bills! Extensive damage to water mains has also been known to damage streets and cause the infrastructure to crumble. Such instances often lead to seeking ballarat emergency plumbing services to minimize the potential damage. Here are 4 ways to check if you have water damage.

Increasing Water Bill

Unless you are watering your lawn more due to summers or are showering more than usual, there is no reason your water bill should increase substantially. If, one month, you are faced with an inexplicably high bill, you should immediately know why – you have a leaking pipe! Be sure to keep an eye on your water bill. Sometimes, they increase will be immediate and other times the bill will rise gradually over a period of time. Be sure to compare your water bills to identify possible leaks and ensure you resolve the problem as soon as possible!

Your house is wet or damp

If there are random puddles in your house, wet spots near the plumbing system, damp drywall, or wet rings on your ceilings, you should know immediately that you have a leaky pipe. If you can’t explain the water around your house, or even in your street, it’s a clear indication that there is a problem with your pipes or water main. These physical signs mean it is time to call a plumber.

Mildew or Mold

Another physical sign to look out for is mildew, i.e. black spots on the walls and floors of your house. These can be seen near pipes and indicate a leaky plumbing system. However, mildew can also be hidden underneath carpeting – for that reason, it is very important that you rely on your sense of smell. A musty or moldy smell means that your house probably has mildew due to a leaky pipe.

The sound of water

Now this one is slightly complicated. If you hear water running, you first need to check your entire house and make sure every faucet and valve is closed, including hoses and taps outside. Once you’ve confirmed that they are all closed, check your water meter and don’t use water for a few hours. After that, if your meter has changed, it means you have a leaky pipe somewhere that needs to be checked.

Water leaks lead to water damage in the house. This should not be understated – water damage is a real problem! It can lead to weak infrastructure, health problems, wastage of money and water, and overall ruin the aesthetic in your house. Big problems also require professional solutions – if you ever think you have a water leak in your house, please call a professional to take a look. The plumber will quickly identify a leak and offer expert advice on how to resolve the issue.