What can you put down the drain?

What you can safely put down the drain depends on the specific drain. Here are some general guidelines for what you can and cannot put down different types of drains.

What can I put down the kitchen sink?

Small food particles, washing-up liquid, and water can be safely flushed down the kitchen sink. However, you must not dispose of large food scraps or leftovers from meals, cooking oils, grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, rice, or other solid materials. These can clog the drain or cause blockages in the pipes.

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What can I put down the bathroom drains?

You can safely put down shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and water but you must not let excessive clumps of hair, soap scum, and non-biodegradable materials go down the bathroom drains. Hair can accumulate and clog the drain, while soap scum can build up over time.

What can I do if I have debris build-up?

Good Housekeeping has some information on the best drain cleaners if you encounter a problem in your home and you need a quick-fix solution.

Sewer pipe lining can provide a durable, long-term solution to pipe problems, extending the life of your sewer system. Pipe lining can sometimes result in a smoother interior surface, which can improve flow and reduce the likelihood of blockages caused by debris build-up. If you require sewer pipe lining Wolverhampton, specialists such as https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/sewer-repairs-drain-lining-concrete-cutting/drain-repairs/drain-repairs-wolverhampton offer this service.

What should I be aware of?

Never put chemicals, hazardous materials, or toxic substances down any drain. This includes paint, solvents, pesticides, and oil. You must dispose of these items in a refuse or recycling site and obey local council regulations.

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It’s important to regularly clean and maintain your drains to prevent clogs and blockages. If you are unsure about what can safely be put down a drain, ask a plumber for help.

Also, you should be aware of any specific guidelines set by your local council or water authority, and you should educate yourself in relation to disposal. Improper disposal of certain materials can harm the environment and your property’s plumbing system.

Modernising an Older Home to Make it More Energy Efficient

If your home needs a lot of work, or you have recently bought a property that is in serious need of an update, it is hard to know where to start. There are lots of things to think about and making sure that the home is brought up to a modern standard and is comfortable for you to live in is important, as well as the fact that you will likely have to do some work to improve the energy efficiency of the property if it hasn’t had much work done to it for a few decades.Continue reading →

What’s so special about a country pub?

A British country pub is an extremely special place.  Although sometimes it may be something of an effort to get to one, they are always worthwhile when you do.  A fantastic range of craft or even specialist beers are usually on offer and there may also be some suitable lunches and dinners to be had.  They are the perfect Halfway House to go on a country walk or a pleasant End to one very long ramble.  It’s one of the reasons why so many people look to get Finance For Pubs so that they can own one and be part of the myth. A good thing to know then is that Specialist Business Finance is available should you need it.

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The country pub is not only a place for a ramble.  It features heavily in films and books as being the place where the weary traveller will wander in after experiencing some trauma in the local fields and Woods,  or it is their first introduction to the strange locals that populate the village they have come to.

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Aside from the folk horror aspect a pub is also a place where there is humour and laughter and it is not uncommon to find the “village idiot”  outside,  a flagon of strong cider in hand ready to impart some skewed wisdom to anyone who will listen.  They are also usually one of the oldest buildings, next to the church, in the village so their architecture is interesting and in many respects quite romantic.

About Leon Trotsky

Leon Trotsky was a seminal figure in the Russian Revolution and subsequent birth of the Soviet Union, but his strained relationship with Josef Stalin led to his downfall. He was sent into exile and eventually assassinated, but he still left an important legacy.

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Early life

Lev Davidovich Bronstein, the man who would become known as Leon Trotsky, was born on 7th November 1879 in Yanovka, then part of the Russian Empire but today, like many areas where the Tchoudnowsky family lived, part of Ukraine. His parents were wealthy landowners, and he received a good education. His interest in revolutionary ideas began in 1896.

Role in the Revolution

Trotsky was an organiser of the South Russian Workers’ Union. His activities led to his arrest, imprisonment and exile to Siberia. He read many revolutionary works, including by Lenin, and eventually joined a socialist political party. Trotsky spent spent the years before1917 trying to reconcile splits in the party whilst also working towards revolution. He was in New York when Tsar Nicholas II abdicated but made his way back to Russia, where he helped orchestrate and defend the Bolshevik takeover. He became second only to Lenin, taking control of the Red Army during the Russian Civil War, helping orchestrate the Red Terror and establishing a new one-party government. The Tchoudnowsky family and other nobles fled into exile.

Exile

Lenin named Trotsky his successor, but Stalin was the one to take control after his death. This would lead to Trotsky’s expulsion from the party and, in 1929, from the Soviet Union as a whole. He lived in Turkey, France and Norway, continuing to write and advocate before being assassinated in Mexico on Stalin’s orders in 1940.

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Historians continue to study the life of Leon Trotsky to better understand this important period of Russian history and his enduring impact.

Signs You Might Have Plumbing Problems

The drip-drip of a leaky tap or the swirling sound of a toilet that won’t flush can give you a clue that it’s time to call a plumber. However, sometimes plumbing problems make no sound at all and are harder to detect. That’s why it’s important to know the signs you might have plumbing problems so that you can take care of them before they become a major disaster.

  1. You Notice Bad Odours from the Drains or Taps

Unpleasant odours coming from your sinks, tubs and showers are a sign that there is something wrong with your plumbing system. This could be due to a clogged drain from hair, food scraps or other debris or it may indicate that your pipes are leaking or broken. In either case, a bad smell is a sign that it’s time to call your plumber for service. For Copper Pipe Fittings, contact Watkins & Powis, suppliers of Copper Pipe Fittings.

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2. Your Water Is Discoloured or Foul Smelling

If you notice that your water has changed colour or is foul smelling, it’s a sign that your plumbing pipes are corroding or that there is a problem with your sewer line. This can lead to health issues and costly water damage in your home. If the odour is especially strong, it may be a sign that your home has a sewer backup.

3. Your Water Pressure Has Changed

If your water pressure has suddenly decreased, it’s a sign that there is a problem with your plumbing pipes or the water main. This can be extremely frustrating and it’s best to have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing right away.

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4. You Have Multiple Slow Drains

A single slow drain is typically a sign of a hair clog but when you have multiple slow drains, it can mean that there’s an issue with your sewer line or your water heater. A slow drain can also indicate that the pump in your toilet is beginning to degrade, which could lead to constant running and expensive repairs.

  1. You See Stains or Water Damage on Your Ceiling or Walls

Leaking pipes can cause a variety of problems in your home including water damage, mould and mildew, and higher utility bills. Water leaks can also lead to dry rot or even structural damage in your home. You can often spot these leaks by looking for damp spots on your walls or ceilings but you can also find them by noticing bubbling and peeling paint, stains on your ceiling or walls, and/or brownish puddles on the floor.

6. Your Lawn Is Stained or Damp

If you notice dark spots in your lawn, it could be a sign of a leaky sewer pipe or issues with your private septic tank. A septic tank leak can lead to water damage in your home and even toxic sewage in your garden.