• 10 Things to Know Before Moving From Sydney to Melbourne

    If you are planning to move from Sydney to Melbourne, you need to understand that it’s a similar to Sydney in a way it is just as big and just as busy. There are heaps to keep you occupied with an adventurous day trip never too far away. The economy is booming and infrastructure projects taking off with more and more buildings, roads and facilities being constructed each year. Melbourne has a world-class health system, highly recognized education rankings with globally recognized qualifications. It is a highly multi-cultural city with amazing restaurants and urban cafes. The best part of Melbourne is that it is not as fast paced as living in Sydney which is great for families looking to take a step back and appreciate the things that are most important. Here are 10 things to know before moving to Melbourne.

    1. The cost of living is cheaper than Sydney – If you are looking to save some money, finding Melbourne removalists and moving here may be the best option as the cost of living is significantly lower than what it is in Sydney. From groceries to housing costs, you will find that your dollar will go a lot further in Melbourne.

    2. There traffic is better – One of the best things about Melbourne is that the traffic is not as bad as it is in Sydney. With an extensive public transportation system, you can easily get around the city without having to deal with the frustrating traffic jams.

    3. The weather is milder – Another great thing about Melbourne is that the weather is much milder. Although you may occasionally get four seasons in one day, it is nothing compared to the blistering heat waves that hit Sydney.

    4. There is an abundance of nature – If you love being outdoors, Melbourne is the perfect place for you. With numerous parks and beaches, you will never find yourself bored or without something to do.

    5. The food scene is incredible – From street food to fine dining at michelin star restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Not to mention way better coffee and a cafe culture where you can easily find some of the best breakfast or brunch that money can buy.

    6. The shopping is better – If you love to shop, Melbourne will not disappoint. With countless boutique stores and high-end fashion labels on Collin Street, you’ll be able to find everything you’re looking for and more. If prefer to spend a day going from shop to shop, then why not visit Chadstone Shopping Centre or Highpoint Shopping Centre. If you are after luxury name brands and bargain basement prices, head to Direct Factory Outlet located in Melbourne, Essendon or Moorabbin.

    7. The nightlife is vibrant- Whether you’re looking for a laid-back bar or a raging nightclub, Melbourne has it all. With countless bars and clubs to choose from, you’ll be able to find the perfect spot to suit your mood.

    8. The people are friendly – One of the best things about Melbourne is that the locals are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. From the moment you enter the borders, the people are more relaxed here. Perhaps it’s got something to do with the slower pace of life or the fact that they don’t take things too seriously, but whatever it is, you will quickly find yourself feeling at home in Melbourne.

    9. The sports scene is electric – If you’re a fan of sport, then Melbourne is the place for you. With the AFL being front and centre of every week, there’s no better way to enjoy the end of the week. If you’re not a fan of the footy, then Melbourne also hosts the NBL, A-Leauge, Cricket and other major sporting events including the Australian Open, Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

    10. It’s the most liveable city in the world – If you’re looking for a city that has it all, then look no further than Melbourne. With endless things to do, see and eat, it’s no wonder that Melbourne was recently voted the most liveable city in the world. So what are you waiting for? Start packing!

  • Causes of a Blocked Drain and What to Avoid

    There are several causes of a blocked drain and knowing the best way to avoid them is essential for your home plumbing system. Some of the most common culprits that are problematic when it comes to your drain system is  dumping fat, grease, or food waste down the drain. These ingredients solidify on the walls of your drain pipes, causing clogs. In some cases, this can even lead to flooding.

    The best practice is to prevent a clogged drain from ever forming. Clogged pipes can cause a water back-up or overflow, which can damage your septic system or sewage line. Knowing the causes of clogs can prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some of the common causes that can clog your drain:

    Toiletries – Avoid throwing them down the drain and dispose of them properly in the correct bin. There has been an increase in toiletry and sanitary items that are continuously being thrown down the drain in recent years. Nappies, wet wipes, anti-bacterial wipes, sanitary pads, cotton sticks and balls, cotton pads are all common items that can cause a blocked drain.  These materials can solidify and block pipes, causing foul odors and give your huge plumbing problem. To avoid this problem, it is important to dispose of your toiletries in separate bins and not flush them down the drain.

    Paper towels – are another common cause of a clogged drain. These towels are often highly absorbent and can double in size when wet, they do not break down as quickly as toilet paper and are not designed to be disposed of down the drain. While most adults know not to flush certain items down the toilet, kids are notorious for doing their own experiments. Even small items can lead to clogs. If you are not careful, you may find that you have to call a plumber to help you resolve the problem.

    Hair and animal fur – are another major cause of a clogged drain. The clogged hair particles can cause a clogged drain by trapping in the pipe and blocking the water flow. The hair can also clump together with grease or other sticky substances to form a clog. To prevent this problem, you can install drain screens and clean hair with a brush after every shower. Using commercial drain cleaners is another way to get rid of hair down blocked drains but often with mixed results.

    Grease -Fat, grease and cooking oil that is washed down the drain can solidify in the pipes when the weather is cold. At first it may not be noticeable as all the oily residue from cooking seem to be washed away without a hitch. Due to the temperature fluctuations, over time the grease sticks to the walls of the pipes making it more difficult for water to pass through. You’ll first notice slow suction in the sink, then no drainage and that’s when you’ll need a blocked drain plumber.

    Tree roots – Debris from trees and plants and foreign matter can find their way into the drain pipes. Leaves and particles can be washed down gutters into the stormwater pipes and be a cause for blockages. If you are finding that your downpipes are making a gurgling noise or water is flowing back up when there is heavy rain, it could be a sign that tree roots are to blame. Especially if you have large trees in the backyard close to pipes, tree roots search for water and can penetrate through brittle pipes and cause stormwater drain blockages.

    Soap scum – Soap is another major cause of clogged drains. Soap residue can clog the pipes over time, reducing their diameter and making them prone to clogs. You can avoid this problem by avoiding using bar soap altogether and regularly cleaning your shower to rid of any excess scum.

    These causes of a clogged drain are very common and some are easy to fix. However, some of them can be very expensive to fix. The first thing you should do is understand how important the plumbing system is and what items that do no belong down there. Often, it is the accumulation of hair or other sticky substances that clogs the drain. Taking steps to prevent a build up can ultimately save on expensive repairs later down the track.