Published on: 20 June 2019
Last Updated on: 13 September 2024
Many things can clog a drain in a tub or sink by blocking nooks and crannies in its plumbing system. The big benefit is that there are easy ways to eliminate different clogs, and you can achieve practical results by using the solutions in this guide.
Bent Hanger
A hanger can extract hair and goo that blocks a drain in a tub or sink. To use a hanger, you’ll need to take it apart so that its hook can travel down the drain. When wiggling the hook around, ensure that it doesn’t push the debris down the pipe. You can avoid this problem by maneuvering the hook around in a circle before pulling it up. The rotation will help you grab debris that’s lodged against the walls in the drain. Once you’ve removed most of the debris, eliminate the lingering particles by running the hot water.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
A baking soda and vinegar solution can get rid of a general clog. To make the solution, mix 1/3 cup of vinegar with 1/3 cup of baking soda. When the mixture fizzes, pour it down the drain so that the bubbles can dissolve sticky grime that’s causing the clog. If possible, let the solution set in the drain for 24 hours. Then, flush the drain thoroughly with hot tap water.
When a drain has a heavy clog, pour the baking soda down the drain first. Then, gradually pour the vinegar into the drain. This strategy will give the solution an opportunity to activate the source of the clog.
Vacuum
A wet and dry vacuum can pull up the is that’s stuck in the upper portion of a drain. The suction power is very important as it can impact how effectively a vac extracts debris, to ensure that your vacuum has an efficient motor. To use a vacuum, adjust it to the highest setting. Then, place the hose over the drain. If the debris isn’t too dry or stiff, the vacuum will remove it.
Tumbling Water
When your plumbing system has a clog that’s tough to access, you can remove it by pouring boiling water down a drain. If you have a kettle, you can use it to bring the water to a boil, or you can boil water in the microwave.
While the water is boiling, pour it slowly down the drain in stages, and wait a few seconds between each pour. To avoid burn injuries, hover the kettle or pot close to the drain so that the water doesn’t splash.
Caustic Soda
Caustic soda contains sodium hydroxide, which is a risky substance that can produce chemical burns. As a result, you must wear dense rubber gloves and protective goggles when using caustic soda.
Because caustic soda is strong, you’ll need to combine it with ¾ gallons of cold tap water. For a general clog, you’ll only need three cups of soda. To mix the soda, stir it around in the water with a wooden spoon. The mixture will begin to fizz as it heats up during this process. At this point, pour the solution down the drain, and let it sit there for about half an hour. Then, use boiling water to flush the drain.
Pipe Maintenance
General maintenance is an easy way to unclog a drain underneath a sink. Begin by placing a bucket below the trap. The bucket will capture water that spills after the trap is removed. To remove the trap pipe, gradually loosen it with a plumber’s wrench. While the trap is detached, lift the housing, and rotate it until the trap is upside down. The source of the clog should drop on the ground. If nothing drops, use a tool to fish out the debris.
Salt and Baking Soda
Thick blockages will break down when they’re treated with strong chemicals. The easiest way to create a chemical reaction that’s powerful enough to destroy heavy grime is by mixing ½ cup of baking soda with ½ cup of salt in a drain. After the solution sets for about 20 minutes, rinse it down the drain with boiling water.
Dish Detergent
Dish detergent can eliminate clogs in a toilet bowl if it’s mixed with hot water. The soapy suds are effective because they strategically break down dry debris. For an average clog, you’ll only need to mix ½ cup of dish soap and a cup of hot water in the bowl.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Tubs have the toughest clogs since a lot of dirt and grime travels through the drains each day. To get rid of thick debris, you’ll need to loosen the goo, and the best solution for this task is made with a combination of baking soda and vinegar. To treat a clog, pour the solution down the drain. Then, cover the drain with a stopper. At this point, let the solution set for about 45 minutes, and pull the stopper off the drain. As the water exits the tub, the pressure will get rid of the blockage that was weakened by the vinegar and baking soda.
Plunger
Plungers can get rid of a clog in the toilet bowl. When using a plunger, totally submerge it underwater. The rubber portion of the bell should touch the housing in a sink or toilet. Once you have a good grip, push and pull the handle rapidly for about 20 seconds. Then, lift the plunger, and let the water escape out of the drain.
Whenever the process of unclogging a fixture is too complicated, seek help from a professional plumber. If you want great service options, considering working with Canberra Blocked Drains Definitive Plumbing.
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Sunflowers are not only beautiful and cheerful, but they also produce delicious and nutritious seeds that you can enjoy as a snack or use in various recipes. Harvesting sunflower seeds is a fun and easy activity that you can do with your whole family. It is also a great way to teach your kids about nature, gardening, and healthy eating.
In this article, I will show you how to harvest sunflower seeds in a few simple steps, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of your sunflower harvest. If you enjoyed reading my blog on harvesting lettuce, you will enjoy reading this one!
So, if that is what you are interested in knowing, I have you covered! Keep reading this blog till the end to learn more…
How to Grow Sunflower Seeds: A Simple and Rewarding Gardening Project?
Sunflowers are one of the most iconic and cheerful flowers in the world. They are also one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow from seeds.
Sunflowers can brighten up your garden, attract pollinators, provide shade, and produce edible seeds that you can harvest and enjoy.
In this part of the article, I will show you how to grow sunflower seeds in a few simple steps, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of your sunflower growing experience.
How to Choose Sunflower Seeds?
The first step to growing sunflower seeds is to choose the right seeds for your garden. Sunflowers come in a wide range of sizes, colors, shapes, and types. Some of the most common types of sunflowers are:
Giant sunflowers
These are the tallest and largest sunflowers, reaching up to 15 feet in height and 12 inches in diameter. They produce huge and heavy flower heads that are filled with large and plump seeds. They are ideal for creating a dramatic and impressive display in your garden, as well as for harvesting large quantities of seeds. Some examples of giant sunflowers are Mammoth, Titan, and Kong.
Dwarf sunflowers
These are the smallest and shortest sunflowers, growing up to 3 feet in height and 6 inches in diameter. They produce smaller and lighter flower heads that are easier to manage and maintain. They are ideal for growing in containers, pots, or small spaces, as well as for adding a splash of color and charm to your garden. Some examples of dwarf sunflowers are Teddy Bear, Sunny Smile, and Little Becka.
Colored sunflowers
These are the most diverse and colorful sunflowers, ranging from yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, brown, and even green. They produce medium-sized flower heads that are attractive and eye-catching. They are ideal for creating a vibrant and varied display in your garden, as well as for cutting and arranging in bouquets or vases. Some examples of colored sunflowers are Autumn Beauty, Moulin Rouge, and Lemon Queen.
Things to Consider While Choosing Sunflower Seed
When choosing sunflower seeds, there are several things that you need to keep in mind. For instance, you should also consider the following factors:
Climate and season of your area
Sunflowers are warm-season plants that need full sun and warm temperatures to grow and bloom. They are best planted in late spring or early summer, after the last frost, when the soil is warm and moist. If you live in a cold or frost-prone area, you can start your seeds indoors and transplant them outdoors when the weather is favorable.
Soil and water conditions of your garden
Sunflowers are adaptable and tolerant plants that can grow in most types of soil, as long as they are well-drained and fertile. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. They also need regular watering, especially during the germination and flowering stages. However, they can withstand some drought and dryness once they are established.
Space and support available in your garden
Sunflowers are large and sturdy plants that need ample space and support to grow and thrive. They should be planted at least 2 to 3 feet apart from each other and from other plants, to avoid overcrowding and competition. They should also be staked or tied to a fence, a trellis, or a pole, to prevent them from bending or breaking under their own weight.
How to Plant Sunflower Seeds?
Once you have chosen your sunflower seeds, you can proceed to the next step. Planting sunflower seeds is a simple process that involves preparing, sowing, and caring for the seeds. Here is how to do it:
Prepare the Soil
Prepare the soil by loosening it with a fork or a spade. Ensure that you remove debris, weeds, or rocks. You can also enrich your soil by adding some compost, manure, or fertilizer, to boost its fertility and drainage. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy, and has a temperature of at least 50°F.
Sow the Seeds
Sow the seeds by making holes or furrows in the soil, about 1 to 2 inches deep and 2 to 3 feet apart. You can use a ruler, a stick, or your finger to make the holes or furrows. Drop one or two seeds in each hole or furrow, and cover them lightly with soil. You can also sprinkle some water over the seeds to help them settle in the soil.
Nurture
Care for the seeds by watering them regularly, but not excessively, to keep the soil moist but not wet. You can also mulch the soil with straw, grass clippings, or leaves, to retain moisture and prevent weeds. You should also protect the seeds from birds, squirrels, or other animals, by covering them with a net, a cage, or a cloche. You should also thin the seedlings when they are about 4 to 6 inches tall, by removing the weaker or smaller ones, and leaving only the strongest and healthiest ones.
How to Grow Sunflower Seeds?
After planting your sunflower seeds, you can watch them grow and enjoy their beauty and bounty. Growing sunflower seeds is a rewarding and satisfying experience that requires minimal maintenance and care. Here are some tips and tricks to grow sunflower seeds successfully:
Water
Water your sunflowers regularly, but not excessively, to keep the soil moist but not wet. Sunflowers need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on the weather and the soil conditions. You can use a hose, a sprinkler, or a drip irrigation system to water your sunflowers. You should water them in the morning or evening, and avoid wetting the leaves or the flower heads, to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your sunflowers occasionally, but not excessively, to boost their growth and flowering. Sunflowers need a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 or a 20-20-20 formula. You can apply the fertilizer once or twice during the growing season, following the instructions on the label. You should avoid over-fertilizing your sunflowers, as this can cause them to grow too tall and weak, and make them prone to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Prune your sunflowers occasionally, but not excessively, to improve their shape and health. Sunflowers do not need much pruning, as they are naturally self-pruning and self-cleaning. However, you can prune them to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves, stems, or flowers, to prevent infection and improve air circulation. You can also prune them to control their height and spread, by pinching or cutting off the tips of the main stem or the side branches.
You should use clean and sharp scissors or pruners to prune your sunflowers and do it in the morning or evening when the plants are less stressed.
When to Harvest Sunflower Seeds?
The first step to harvesting sunflower seeds is to know when they are ready. Sunflowers typically bloom in the summer and their seeds mature in late summer or early fall. You can tell when your sunflowers are ready to harvest by looking at their appearance and feel. Here are some signs that your sunflowers are ready to harvest:
Petals have fallen off or turned brown.
The back of the flower head has turned yellow or brown.
Seeds have developed black and white stripes.
The seeds are plump and firm to the touch.
If you are not sure if your sunflowers are ready to harvest, you can do a simple test by rubbing your thumb over the seeds. If they come off easily, they are ready to harvest. If they are still attached to the flower head, they need more time to ripen.
How to Harvest Sunflower Seeds?
Once you have determined that your sunflowers are ready to harvest, you can proceed to the next step. Harvesting sunflower seeds is a simple process that involves cutting, drying, and storing the seeds. Here is how to do it:
Cut the flower heads from the stems using a sharp knife or scissors. Leave about 12 inches of stem attached to the flower head for easier handling.
Place the flower heads in a dry and well-ventilated area, such as a garage, shed, or porch. You can hang them upside down or lay them flat on a screen or rack. Make sure they are not touching each other to prevent mold and rot.
Let the flower heads dry for about two weeks or until the seeds are completely dry and hard. You can check the dryness by biting or cracking a seed. If it is crunchy and not moist, it is dry enough.
Remove the seeds from the flower heads by rubbing them gently with your hands or a soft brush. You can also use a fork or a spoon to scrape them off. Discard any debris, such as petals, leaves, or insects.
Store the seeds in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, a plastic bag, or a metal tin. Label the container with the date and the variety of sunflower. Keep the container in a cool and dark place, such as a pantry, a cupboard, or a basement.
How to Enjoy Sunflower Seeds?
Now that you have harvested your sunflower seeds, you can enjoy them in various ways. You can eat them raw or roasted, salted or unsalted, shelled or unshelled. You can also use them in salads, soups, breads, muffins, granola, trail mix, pesto, butter, and more.
Sunflower seeds are rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can help manage high cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation and boost your immune system, brain function, and mood. Here are some tips and tricks to enjoy your sunflower seeds:
Roast
To roast your sunflower seeds, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp. You can season them with salt, pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, or any other spices you like.
Shell
To shell your sunflower seeds, you can use your teeth, your fingers, or a nutcracker. You can also soak them in water for a few hours to make them easier to shell. To remove the shells, you can blow them away with a fan, a hair dryer, or your mouth, or you can shake them in a colander or a sieve.
Sunflower Seed Butter
To make sunflower seed butter, you need to blend the shelled and roasted sunflower seeds in a blender until it turns smooth and creamy. You can add a little oil, honey, salt, or vanilla to enhance the flavor and texture. You can use sunflower seed butter as a spread for toast, crackers, or fruit, or as a dip for pretzels, celery, or carrots.
Pesto
To make sunflower seed pesto, blend roasted and shelled sunflower seeds with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor or a blender until smooth and thick. You can use sunflower seed pesto as a sauce for pasta, pizza, or sandwiches, or as a dressing for salads or roasted vegetables.
Wrapping It Up!
Harvesting sunflower seeds is a fun and easy activity that you can do with your whole family. It is also a great way to enjoy the beauty and bounty of nature, as well as the health benefits of sunflower seeds. By following the steps and tips in this article, you know how to harvest sunflower seeds in a few simple steps, as well as enjoy them in various ways. I hope you found this article helpful and informative.
If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that yo need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be ether to answer them all for you!
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Best Material for Garden Sheds: A Guide for Everyone
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It is less likely you will come up with unusual tips to guide you hire a good heating service Bergen County NJ. While some might ask you to go by the company goodwill, there will be some who will make you check the packages. However, there are several elements that make any service better than the others.
It is imperative for you to go through them carefully before confirming on the services of any heating and cooling professionals.
Here are 5 most essential qualities that any heating service Bergen County NJ should have:
1. Work Certification:
It is important that you have only certified professionals to take a look at your HVAC unit. You cannot risk the comfort and health in your home or office. The heating units crafted for the residential purposes are different from the commercial ones.
When you have certified professionals they are capable of providing assured services to any problem in your unit. You should be looking out for “HVAC certification”. Additionally, you should be looking out for the legal requirement that your state has laid down for the functioning of the services.
2. Quality:
It is best to track the company’s record. This will help you know if the heating service Bergen County NJ has the right experience to handle the unit issue. Only a company that believes in offering quality service will come and offer a thorough evaluation of your unit.
According to their evaluation, they will suggest you the solution. Only a good service provider will suggest you with honest solutions and help you fix the issue on time.
3. Work Contracts:
When you are looking forward to hiring a heating service Bergen County NJ, go for the work contracts. Apart from the regular repairs, you will need such services for maintenance. Keeping the units well-conditioned can help them perform efficiently.
Additionally, you will not have to worry about major damages or repair work. A trustworthy company will not hesitate in getting the contract ready and signing it. Hence, you should be looking out for a company that believes in working only with a signed contract that has all the agreed terms and conditions.
4. Insurance:
It is important that the heating service Bergen County NJ has professional liability insurance. While working on the heating or the cooling units, it is possible that there might be an accident. The insurance takes care of the damages that incur upon the property.
At the same time, it even covers the repair or hospitalization expenses if necessary. Hence, instead of just going by the goodwill of the company, you should be looking out whether the company is certified and insured to undertake the maintenance and the repair work.
5. Referrals:
The best and assured way to know if you are looking for the best service in the town is to ask for the referrals. This is a tested way that will help you know if the professionals of the heating service Bergen County NJ are experts and experienced in handling your queries and resolving them.
You can get in touch with their previous clients to learn about their work policies. This will help you to
5 Safety Precautions That Heating Services Should Take!
Heating services involve working with heating equipment such as furnaces, boilers, water heaters, fireplaces, and space heaters. These equipment can pose various hazards such as fire, electric shock, gas leak, carbon monoxide poisoning, and burns. Therefore, heating services should take the following five safety precautions to prevent accidents and injuries:
Install and maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms: These devices can alert the heating service workers and the homeowners of any potential fire or gas leak. They should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years.
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE): Heating service workers should wear appropriate PPE such as gloves, goggles, masks, hard hats, and boots to protect themselves from heat, sparks, flames, chemicals, and dust.
Follow electrical safety rules: Heating service workers should use insulated tools, avoid wet or damp areas, and turn off the power supply before working on any electrical components of the heating equipment.
Avoid flammable objects and materials: Heating service workers should keep the heating equipment at least three feet away from any combustible items such as curtains, furniture, paper, or aerosol cans. They should also store and dispose of any flammable liquids or gases properly.
Ensure proper ventilation: Heating service workers should work in well-ventilated areas to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that can cause headache, nausea, dizziness, and death. They should also check the vents, chimneys, and flues of the heating equipment for any blockage or damage.
Final Word
In case you wanted to know about heating services and why you should take them, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are nay other queries that you might have related to the same, please feel free to let me know.
All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your comments and queries in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!
Read More:
Additional Ways To Keep Your Home Warm
Five Efficient Uses Of Propane In Your Home
When you start thinking about buying and installing a nice swimming pool, of course, you want to make sure that the installation process goes right. That means accounting for things like temperature and how busy the construction season is.
Summer is pool season, so many homeowners opt to try for a spring installation. But our pool builders in south Florida would caution homeowners that fall is actually the best time for a pool install.
8 Reasons to Build Your Pool in the Fall
You may be thinking that fall seems like an odd time to install a pool, but there are a few good reasons why it is a perfect time. Let’s take a look at 8 of them.
1. Construction Season
Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for construction workers and contractors, including pool companies. By waiting until fall, you are likely to enjoy a much shorter install time. With fewer jobs to bounce between, your pool installers are more likely to be able to devote their full attention to your build.
2. Temperature
Fall temperatures are mild and make it easier to work outside. This is especially true in places like Florida where summer temperatures can be scorching hot. In the fall, your pool construction team will be able to concentrate on the task at hand, rather than feeling overheated or worried about how long they have left in the day.
3. Landscaping
Think about what sort of weather you want to be working outside in. Once your pool is installed, you will likely want to do some landscaping, maybe place some furniture, or do some planting. Why not take advantage of the cooler temperatures and enjoy fall in your backyard with your new pool?
4. Pricing
At the end of the summer season – which is the height of pool season – you may be able to negotiate a better price on materials and labor. Often, pool companies have overstocked items or discontinued inventory that is less expensive. You may also be able to check out pre-owned items.
5. Weather Conditions
Pool construction during spring is often thwarted by rapidly changing weather conditions. This can mean delays in your pool installation. If you are hoping to have your pool installed by a certain month or date, spring storms can be a very real concern.
Related Reads: Swimming Pool Cleaning and Maintenance: Cheap Online Pool Supplies
6. Ready-made Summer Fun
By installing your pool in the fall, you can start enjoying your pool as soon as the temperatures are warm enough for your liking. Or, any time of year if you opt for a heated pool. In Florida, temperatures start to warm up in early spring, and by having your pool installed the previous fall, you have more time to enjoy the warm weather and pool fun.
7. Why Not Add a Hot Tub?
Have you considered adding a hot tub to your pool installation? If so, think about how much you will enjoy the cooler fall and winter evenings in your new hot tub with the view of your new pool.
8. Tax Considerations
A pool is a major purchase and is considered a home improvement. It can also increase your property value. Home improvements like adding a pool can be claimed on your taxes. If you install your pool in the fall, you will be able to claim it on the taxes you file in early spring the following year. Imagine relaxing by your new pool enjoying the sun and the knowledge that you got tax benefits from your installation.
Of course, not everyone wants to miss this pool season in order to do a fall pool install. But these eight considerations are certainly worth considering before you hire your pool contractors. The best way to decide when is the best time is to contact a pool builder in your area.
Read Also:
What is the Right Age to Start Swimming Lessons?
All You Need to Know About Pool Maintenance Services
Risks of Imbalanced Swimming Pool Chemistry
