Your guide to better water & electricity usage at homeThe top 20 tips from your local Electrical & Plumbing Experts

YOUR GUIDE TO BETTER WATER & ELECTRICITY USAGE AT HOME 1

Today, our homes have a long list of appliances and equipment that accommodate our modern lifestyles. Everything from our TVs and computers, to lights, kitchen appliances and hot water systems are all powered by electricity.

We use them every day out of necessity, but are they safe? How much power do they use? These are two important questions every homeowner should ask themselves.

To help, here are top 10 tips compiled by our O’Brien Electrical Experts to help your family use your home electricity safely, particularly given the silly season is about to commence.

Top 10 Expert Electrical Tipsall households should know

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Top 10 Expert Electrical Tips all households should know

1. Smart use of extension cordsExtension cords are designed to be used temporarily and not permanently. So, if you’re using one in a room to get power to an area, it’s best to call an electrician to have an outlet safely installed where you need it. If you’re having an outdoor party and require power, make sure to buy extension cords that are marked for outdoor use – these tend to be waterproof and thicker to protect the internal wires from the elements.

2. The correct use of a power outletEach of your power outlets is designed to supply a certain amount of energy. They can pose a safety risk if they become overloaded by plugging several devices into one socket via multiple adaptors.

Additionally, if you find that an outlet is warm or consistently flipping the circuit breaker, it can indicate a problem which may lead to a shock or fire hazard. It’s best to get this attended to immediately.

3. Electricity and water don’t mix! This may go without saying, but it’s easy to get complacent. There is water everywhere in our homes, from taps and kitchens, to the laundry and bathrooms. Do not use electronics and plugs when there is a water spill.

4. Go solarSolar power has advanced a long way, and today, it offers a reliable, cheaper and planet-friendly way to power your home. An electrician can help you plan and install solar power panels so you can start reaping the benefits.

5. Child-proofing your power If you have children, you know that they’re always curious. As power sockets are usually located lower down, they are accessible to little fingers. To prevent any safety concerns, consider buying some tamper-resistant receptacles that cover the holes when they’re not in use.

Speaking of children, make sure they know how to read and recognise the safety labels and warnings, such as “high voltage” and “danger”. As adults, we can take these for granted, but children may not pay attention to these signs without guidance.

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Top 10 Expert Electrical Tips all households should know

6. Replace older appliances and lightsLighting and appliances, such as hair dryers, downlights and heaters age over time and with it, comes wear and tear on cords and plugs. This can expose wiring and put you at risk, so it’s best to replace them rather than persist. You may also find that newer models and new lighting is far more power efficient too.

7. Don’t ignore flickering lights Flickering lights can indicate an underlying connection problem. It’s easy to overlook a flickering light, but if you find it happens consistently, it’s best to speak to a professional electrician.

8. Maintain your air conditioner It’s just as important to maintain an air conditioner as it is to install it. Having the filter cleaned annually will not only lengthen the life of your investment and ensure it runs optimally, but can also create a healthier atmosphere for your family to breathe in.

9. Consider home automation solutions “Smart home” solutions are no longer a thing of the future. With an experienced electrician, you can automate and control your lighting, audio and temperature devices conveniently and remotely via your phone.

10. When in doubt, call a professional electrician. When it comes to electricity in your home, it’s ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry.

Should you notice anything – don’t take the risk. Contact a professionally trained electrician who can see to any concerns and address them safely for you.

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Top 10 Expert Plumbing Tipsall households should know

We all take water for granted – simply turn on the tap in the sink, kitchen or shower, and water is available for us to wash, bathe, clean, drink and rinse in. But it’s also important to be water-smart at home too, for the good of our environment and our water bills!

To help, here are top 10 tips compiled by our O’Brien Plumbing Experts to ensure you and your family use your home’s water efficiently.

Top 10 Expert Plumbing Tips all households should know

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1. Know where your water mains is located Every home has a water mains tap that can be turned off in case of a flooding or a water emergency. It’s important to be aware of this in case you need to shut the water off while you wait for a professional plumber.

2. Check your water metre usageJust like every home has a water mains, every home also has a water metre (usually at the street entrance) which measures your water usage. The dials inside can be a good indication of whether you have a leak – if no one is using water and the numbers are increasing, there could be a problem.

3. Be careful of what you flushA common way that toilets become blocked is when items that are not supposed to be flushed, such as baby wipes and tampons, are flushed. Ensure only human waste and toilet paper goes into the toilet and nothing else – preferably in small amounts.

4. Don’t close your taps too tightly A really simple way to prolong the life of your tap seals is to avoid closing them too tightly and damaging the parts inside.

5. Check for any blockagesWater drains away through pipes in our homes, and a blockage can create a serious problem. Keep an eye out for unusual smells, gurgling sounds and a build-up of water – if these occur, it’s important to contact a plumber immediately to avoid any potential leaks or bursts.

Top 10 Expert Plumbing Tips all households should know

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6. Avoid chemical drain cleaners While bottled chemical solutions to blocked drains seem like a good solution, their harsh ingredients can actually do more damage overall than good to the inside of your pipes.

7. Don’t ignore dripsA leaky tap is easy to ignore when it’s only a few droplets every few minutes, however this could waste a lot of water (and money) over the space of a day or a week; especially because it tends to get worse over time. It’s best to get repairs done early as soon as you notice them, so as to avoid bigger problems later.

8. Try a water-saving showerhead Australia is subject to drought periods, which is why it’s good practise to be conservative with our use. But if nothing else, using less water will help reduce your water bills too.

Simply ask your plumber to install a water-saving showerhead in your bathroom.

9. Select the right hot water system Choosing a hot water system is a very involved decision and is important to get right. Common problems with the incorrect choice can include low pressure and heat, discoloured water or even no heat at all. In fact, most people don’t realise just how much the plumbing in a property can impact on the performance of their hot water system.

10. When in doubt, call a professional plumber. When it comes to plumbing and water in your home, it’s ALWAYS better to be careful.

Should you notice any problems – don’t take the risk. Contact a professionally trained plumber who can see to any concerns and address them in the right way.

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Your local ExpertsFrom emergency repairs to service and maintenance, making your home

energy efficient or updating your bathroom, O’Brien Experts are here to help you make the best decisions for your home. Locally owned and operated, your

O’Brien Electrician or Plumber is proud to be a part of your community.

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YOUR GUIDE TO BETTER WATER & ELECTRICITY USAGE AT HOME

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