Simple Solutions Magazine: 01, #1

Home Repairs and Maintenance

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We are Fresh Out of Water

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One of our most valuable life sources is water. And although approximately seventy percent our planet’s surface is covered by water, According to National Geographic, only 2.5 percent of it is fresh water.

The lack of such a precious life source has created an impression of a greater need and a higher price for this commodity. What is most strange about water, is the fact that many communities that live in areas that are drought free, and have an abundance of drinking water at their fingertips, are still paying for the source.

WHAT IN THE WORLD CAN WE DO?

Consider buying an installing a water tank beside your home, then using a nearby down pipe have the water run off your roof and into the tank. Be sure to research filters to get the best results. If you are renting your home, maybe you can negotiate with the owner the advantage of installing such an economical addition.

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The Crisis in the Cupboard

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You may have noticed in your household that many of the cupboards are set down really low to the ground, especially in and around the kitchen area. You may have also noticed how terribly difficult it is to bend right down onto the ground, and reach right into the back of the cupboard, just to reach something you hardly ever use. The most stupid thing about this whole situation, is that after you have used that item that you stressed and cursed about bending down on your hands and knees to retrieve, is that it gets tossed straight back into the cupboard from where it came. Of course these curses and screams have been heard in every household for generations. And not just in the kitchen, but in the bathroom, in the bedroom, in the laundry, in the living area, in the office, in the pantry (especially in the pantry) and even in the garage.

WHAT IN THE WORLD CAN WE DO?

Design cupboards that have rolling shelves, so that you never have to bend down to get that wretched little hard to get item from the back of the unit again.

Have your house designed so that all your storage and cupboard space is off the ground. Maybe you can use the lower space for other features such as a built in fish tank, or a space for your slippers.

If remodelling or designing your home is not an option for you, then maybe you could go with the idea of using the lower cupboard spaces for items that hardly get used, (even the most unusual areas, such as putting your camping gear in the lower kitchen cupboards) and placing the items you do regularly use in the higher storage spaces.

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The Pain in the Drain

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The moment the bathtub begins to fill up without having to place the plug in the hole, has to be one of the worst feelings, especially for the person trying to take a shower and standing in the filthy water. Blocked drains are a common issue in not just older homes but more modern homes also. This is not just because of the drainage design and or materials used in your home, as there are many reasons any type of drainage pipe could become blocked or obstructed. Some of the common causes are: dirt, skin, hair binds, sanitary products, paper towels, children’s toys, soap scum, grease, food scraps, and even the odd tree root. Over a period of time many of these natural substances will build up in your drainage system, and unless treated with the correct chemical and procedure, your wallet could be drained for a substantial amount of money.

WHAT IN THE WORLD CAN WE DO?

Install sink strainers into each drain in your home, this will eliminate some of the potential rubbish from entering the system so easily.

Design a drainage system with a small electronic pump attached to overcome any problems if and when they arise.

If you are having regular problems it may pay to research a cleaning product to maintain your drainage system, and keep it free from dirt and debris.

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War Against the Mosses

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It seems to be a common attribute that moss grows on many of the steeples and church rooftops around the world. However, you don’t only find moss on church rooftops, many of the houses with tiled roofs, especially in the countryside, seem to have this problem also. Moss will most commonly grow on the north side of a roof because it is more shady during the summertime, and has the ability to retain more moisture. Even so, moss will also grow on the south, east and west sides of a roof, especially