How To Get Rid of Drain Flies

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Drain flies are tiny flies that are often found flying around the kitchen.

They're annoying, disgusting, and they don't understand boundaries!

Unfortunately, these fruit-fly-looking insects can be extremely difficult to get rid of, because they breed in your drains, and their larvae feed on the gunk in your dirty pipes!

But, don't worry folks! We've spoken with the drain cleaner Barrhaven residents have used since 2006. Following his advice, you can clean your drains, exterminate drain flies, and preserve your sanity!

What are drain flies?

Drain flies are tiny little insects that lay eggs onto rotting organic material.

If you look closely enough, they look like tiny moths. They're fuzzy, grey, and have antennae.

However, they're easily mistaken for fruit flies as they're similar in size and enjoy similar habitats.

The biggest problem with drain flies, is while they only live for a couple of weeks, they can lay eggs several times during their lifetime - and, their eggs can be difficult to deal with.

Signs of a Drain Fly Infestation

Drain flies like to be near standing water. We often find them in our kitchens and bathrooms, because once they find their way into our home, they like to stay!

If you have a drain fly infestation, you'll see tiny insects flying clumsily through rooms with water and drain pipes. These bugs fly slowly and appear to be quite lazy, as they spend a lot of time hanging out on surfaces.

How to get rid of Drain Flies for good

Unfortunately, drain flies breed quickly so they can be quite difficult to eliminate from your home.

However, if you take the following steps, you should be able to rid your home of these pests.

1) Clean the room with the drain fly problem.

Get rid of any sources of food or water for the insects. Scrub the counters, clean the sink, get rid of the garbage, etc.

2) Use a home remedy to clean your drains.

Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. If you have a double sink, do this for both drains.

Let the chemical combination bubble for about half an hour.

After that, flush it down with boiling water.

Repeat this every morning and evening until your problem is gone.

3) Catch the adults.

Pour some apple cider vinegar or some other insect bait into a cup, cover it with plastic wrap, and poke several holes through the plastic wrap.

Place the cup somewhere in the room, where the insects will be attracted.

Additionally, you can use a handheld vacuum to catch the fruit flies - but, you're unlikely to catch all of them as they hide.

4) Routine Professional Drain Cleaning.

The most effective way to get rid of infestations is to eliminate their food source.

The gunk and grime that has accumulated in your drain pipes makes for a plentiful food source. As long as you have filth in your drain pipes, drain flies will have a source of food.

Our recommendation is to have a professional drain cleaning service performed on your drain system every now and again. Professional drain cleaners have several kinds of equipment that can powerwash the insides of your drain system and rid your pipes of drain fly food sources.

Once their food source is gone, it's only a matter of time until the fruit fly population in your home starves and dies off.

There you have it, folks! Drain flies can be quite a nuisance, but they're among the easier pest problems for homeowners to handle.

Good luck!

4 Tips to Keep Your Outdoor Kitchen in Top Shape

Photo by Matthieu Joannon on Unsplash

Outdoor kitchens are becoming a popular option around the globe but they have always been popular in Australia, perhaps because the weather is perfect for using them. This popularity doesn’t show any signs of waning. 

However, while an outdoor kitchen is a great asset, the very fact that it is outside means it will be exposed to nature and may deteriorate quickly. After all, the weather isn’t always perfect!

That’s why you need to use the following tips to keep your outdoor kitchen in top shape and protect your investment. That includes any appliances that live outdoors that might be covered by your home warranty plan.

1. Coverings

There are two types of coverings for your outdoor kitchen and it’s best to have both. The first is the temporary style covering that protects your kitchen from the sun and unexpected rain showers. 

This encompasses gazebos and awnings. Coverings that can be moved into position when needed and removed just as easily. These types of covers protect your outdoor kitchen from the sun and the rain, as well as making it more enjoyable to cook under.

Alongside this, you’ll find individual covers that can be used over elements of the outdoor kitchen. These are time-consuming to put in position but offer better protection for each appliance.

The best approach is to rely on awnings and gazebo-style covers in the summer and then switch to individual covers for the winter when you are not likely to use the kitchen. This will ensure it is protected in all weather. 

2. Keep It Clean

It should be obvious but a clean kitchen will last much longer than a dirty one. The main reason for this is a dirty kitchen has food debris and that attracts all manner of pests to your yard. They are likely to make a mess of your kitchen and leave you needing to do a lot of cleaning or replace units. 

Clean it after every use and sweep the floor to ensure pests aren’t attracted and extend the life of your outdoor kitchen.

3. Repair Damage

If your outdoor kitchen is damaged in any way repair it straight away. Unrepaired damage often leads to further damage and it will provide access points for pests. They will appreciate the shelter your kitchen offers in the winter, you won’t. 

As part of this you should monitor the condition of your cabinets, knowing when to re-stain them or replace them is important. 

4. Winterize

There comes a time when you know you are unlikely to use the outdoor kitchen again until the following year. This is when you need to winterize it, extreme weather will quickly kill your kitchen. 

Winterizing means thoroughly cleaning every element and then wrapping it in waterproof coatings. Ideally, these should be breathable to stop moisture from building up inside your units and destroying them. 

An outdoor kitchen is a great investment and a valuable addition to any home. The good news is that it doesn’t take much effort to care for them and ensure they last for years, allowing you to enjoy the sunshine and your yard. 

Everything You Should Know About An Electrical Short Circuit

Photo by Greg Bulla on Unsplash

Before you start looking into the details of an electrical short circuit it is essential to understand that electricity is dangerous. In addition, you should note that the majority of electrical procedures cannot legally be done by a homeowner, you need to hire a professional. 

That’s why, if you think you have a short circuit or any other electrical issue, you should contact a reputable Sydney electrician and let them sort the issue. 

The Short Circuit

A short circuit simply means electricity is flowing in the wrong place. All electricity from your home is split into circuits. This is the wires that pause at each outlet or light switch. The electricity moves out from the circuit box on the live wire and returns to the neutral, effectively making a loop. 

However, electricity is fickle. While the wire is safe and easy, there are times when there is an even easier path. 

For example, water is very good at carrying electricity, if you touch an open circuit with water on your hands the water will conduct the electricity and it will move through your hand. In short, you’re the path of least resistance. 

This will give you an electric shock, the severity of which depends on how high the electrical voltage is. 

Short circuits are often seen as flashed, particularly when you turn on or off a circuit. The flash is the electricity jumping and it can cause a fire. Electrical issues are one of the biggest causes of fire at home.

Causes Of A Short Circuit 

Now you know what a short circuit is you need to know what causes them. You may not be able to remedy the issue but knowing what it is will help. 

• Water

As already mentioned, water is very conductive and will allow electricity to move in unexpected directions. Be vigilant when there is water around. 

• Bad Connections

Perhaps the most common reason for short circuits is when the connections have become loose. This means they are capable of touching or arcing inside a switch, causing a short circuit and potentially a fire. You are likely to feel the electric shock if you’re touching a switch with bad connections.

• Old Wiring

Wiring only lasts for 10-15 years. After this time the sheath is too badly worn and won’t contain the electricity properly. This is when you’ll notice short circuits and flickering lights.

• Pest Damage

Pests, especially rodents, will eat anything. That includes the casing on your wires. When these are damaged you dramatically increase the likelihood of short circuits and electric shocks. 

• Overloading

Finally, overloaded circuits will build up a heat residue that can cause an array of issues, including short circuits. You need to check that all circuits are safe and there aren’t too many appliances plugged in. 

Remember, your circuit breaker is designed to discover short circuits before you get electrocuted. That’s why you should get your main breakers checked if they keep tripping. They are your safety net and can warn you that you need an electrician. 

How Clogs Can Affect More Than Just Your Drains

Photo by Jingxi Lau on Unsplash

A clog in your drainage pipes is a serious issue. You’ll be able to tell instantly if the clog is related to one appliance or the main sewers by verifying which ones are draining slowly. If it’s just one, the clog is in the appliance pipework. When all the appliances are draining slowly the clog is in the main sewer line. 

There are many reasons for clogs to happen. The most common are:

• Wrong products being flushed

You should only ever flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Anything else, especially wet wipes, is likely to cause a clog.

• Old pipes

Old pipes are more likely to have residue on the inside of them, allowing debris to cling to the inside of the pipe and start creating a clog. If you have old pipes you need to be aware of this.

• Tree roots

Trees generally have roots as large as their canopies. If the canopy covers your main sewer line there is a good chance the roots will too. The roots can damage the pipes and cause a clog.

In all cases, it is a good idea to invest in a drain camera and regularly inspect your drains. You should be able to prevent a clog from happening. 

There are multiple types of damage caused by a clog

Flooding

Perhaps the most obvious issue when you have a clog is flooding. This happens because the clog blocks the pipes and the water has nowhere to drain to. Using the flush or the sink/shower will result in water overflowing into your bathroom.

This may be obvious but it is also very expensive. You’ll be glad you have good flood insurance. If not, you’ll find that the damage to your floor, walls, and furnishings can run into thousands and it takes time to dry everything out properly.  

Bacteria

Wastewater is full of bacteria such as E.coli, Salmonella, and even typhoid. When you have a clog in your pipes the water becomes stagnant. That makes it a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This bacteria can then work its way inside your house through the drainage system. It’s simply a matter of time before the bacteria infects a family member. 

Pests

Just like humans, pests need water, food, and a warm place to stay. If you have blocked pipes you’re effectively creating a perfect habitat for many different creatures. They will be attracted to the clog and they will then start penetrating your home. 

As many pests carry diseases you don’t want them inside your home. 

Mould

Another common issue with clogged pipes is an increase in damp in your home. This is simply because there is more moisture in the air.

Unfortunately, moist air and dark corners offer the perfect habitat for mould. It grows quickly and the spores can penetrate your lungs, causing a variety of illnesses. This is especially concerning if you have asthma or some other respiratory condition. 

In short, if you have a clog you need to take action quickly to deal with the issue. 

4 Common Signs Your Doors Need Replacing

Photo by Jan Antonin Kolar on Unsplash

Every property has a number of doors, some are external and some internal. But, they all serve the same purpose, to allow people in or out of a space while providing privacy and security. 

It’s a simple premise but an essential one to every property. Doors can be made from a variety of different materials, although the most popular are wood and uPVC. In areas where security is a bigger issue you’ll often find metal doors are used as these are very difficult to break through.

Regardless of what type of door you have and whether it is internal or external, there will come a time when it needs to be replaced. The good news is that there are plenty of great options on the market, such as these stunning Parkwood doors. You’ll be spoilt for choice.

You can change a door at any time but, if you spot any of the following signs then your door needs to be replaced as soon as possible. 

1. Drag

Doors should be hung square to the property. When hung perfectly they don’t swing open or closed, simply sit on their hinges. However, as the door gets older the alignment will start to change. There are many reasons for this but the most common is simply the door and frame have expanded and contracted too many times and become warped.

You’ll notice it is no longer true to its frame, perhaps even having visible gaps. At the same time, it will be dragging on the floor, making it hard to open and close. 

2. Drafts

A gap around your door will allow light in and allow the breeze in. That may be welcome on a hot summer’s day but not the rest of the year. A draft tells you that your door has changed and isn’t sitting as it should be.

Again, it is unlikely that this can be corrected and you’ll need to replace the door. 

3. Sagging

Sagging is similar to drag but your door can sag without dragging on the floor. This will depend on the level of original clearance and where the sagging is. The truth is that the door will no longer fit snugly into its frame and you’ll notice that parts of it are sagging. It suggests the door is rotting and will soon fall apart on you. 

4. Lack Of Security

A door needs to offer security. It doesn’t matter if it's external or internal, the latch should clip together properly and any locking mechanisms should be smooth. If they aren’t there could be an issue with the lock but it is more likely to be the lock is no longer properly aligned. In short, the security is impeded and you need to replace the door as soon as possible. 

Remember, there are plenty of doors to choose from, you will be able to find one that reflects your personal style and provides you with the security your property needs.