Latest news with #JustinCornforth
Daily Record
28-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Unblock drains using plumber's natural method 'better' than vinegar and baking soda
Householders urged to use "better" solution to unblock their drains. A blocked drain can be a nightmare that causes a mess if it's not dealt with quickly. It's one of the most frustrating household problems, which usually crops up at the worst possible time. Drains can get clogged when food scraps and soapy residues build up in the pipes, making it hard for water to pass through. There are plenty of DIY hacks to take care of blocked drains, usually involving baking soda and vinegar. But according to plumbing experts, that common solution may not be the best course of action. Understanding what has clogged your drain will help ensure you are using the best unblocking solution. Kitchen sinks tend to get clogged with oils and food debris, while bathroom drains often deal with a combination of soap scum, hair, and skin cells, reports the Express. Experienced plumber and CEO of Ace Plumbing, Justin Cornforth, highlighted the need for targeted methods when tackling clogged drains. He advised against wasting time on conventional hacks in certain scenarios: 'Don't spend your time on methods like mixing baking soda and vinegar or other homemade solutions.' While this combination may help with minor kitchen clogs, Justin clearly states that it 'does nothing with hair and bathroom clogs.' When dealing with stubborn bathroom blockages, especially those caused by hair, he insists it's "better to use mechanical methods rather than the ones that work on a chemical level". His top recommendation is getting a drain snake, a tool that he explains is "excellent for removing clogs" because it "effectively catches hair, freeing up the drain.' He also stressed the importance of quality: 'A drain snake made of stainless steel would be a great long-lasting choice,' unlike cheaper plastic models that can break and worsen the problem. For those without a drain snake, Justin suggests repurposing a wire coat hanger. Straighten it out, leaving a small hook at one end, and carefully insert it into the drain to extract hair and other debris. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Kitchen clogs, on the other hand, often respond well to enzymatic drain cleaners. These natural products use enzymes – and sometimes bacteria – to break down organic matter such as fat, starch, and protein. According to Justin, they are 'better' than vinegar, baking soda, and even harsh chemical alternatives for grease-based clogs. While they may take longer to work and are less effective on mineral build-up, their gentle, eco-friendly formulation makes them a go-to choice for ongoing kitchen maintenance. For those looking to ditch the old vinegar and baking soda combo, these practical and natural solutions offer a plumber-approved way to tackle blockages without compromising your pipes — or your patience.
Tom's Guide
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Tom's Guide
Why is my AC not blowing cold air? — here's what HVAC experts say
As the weather warms up, most homes are already blasting their air conditioners to keep cool, comfortable and of course, sweat-free. But if you're still feeling hot, you're probably wondering why your AC isn't blowing cool air? Like most systems around the home, even the best air conditioners need regular care and maintenance to get the job done. After all, the last thing you want is for your unit to break down in the middle of a sweltering heatwave! Luckily, we've called on the HVAC experts to explain the possible reasons why your AC is not blowing cool air, and top tips. One common cause is a clogged filter or coil, which can have a build-up of debris over time, restricting airflow. 'In most cases, the problem is caused by something like a clogged filter, or a clogged coil, which you can fix yourself in a few minutes', advises Justin Cornforth, owner and CEO at Ace Home Co. 'A clogged coil can stop your AC from blowing cold air but is quite easy to fix. Just turn off the power to the unit and rinse the outdoor coil with a garden hose from the inside out. No scrubbing or special cleaner needed, just plain water washes the dirt away pretty well.' Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Similarly, dirty or clogged filters need to work twice as hard in a heatwave, which often results in not running more efficiently or at worse case, breaking down. 'When it's clogged, airflow gets restricted and your AC struggles to do its job,' adds Glenn Wiseman, Manager at Top Hat Home Comfort Services. 'Changing your filter every 1–3 months, keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris, and having a professional maintenance check once a year can prevent a lot of the issues we see in emergency calls.' This might seem like a no-brainer, but the first thing you should check is your thermostat settings. 'Check your thermostat settings first,' adds Wiseman. 'You'd be surprised how many calls we get where it's accidentally set to 'fan' instead of 'cool.' Next, inspect your air filter. If it looks gray and packed with dust, it's time for a change. Essentially, once the outside temperature reaches past 194 degrees F, your system has to work hard. And so the closer the indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the more efficiently your AC will work. What's more, if you have one of the best smart thermostats, this gives you the flexibility to control the thermostat remotely from your smartphone. Smart air conditioners can also be connected to Alexa and Google Assistant, so that you can create automations around your home. A great design, this LG impressed us with its powerful and efficient performance.. With a cooling coverage up to 450 Square ft., this is suitable for medium to large rooms. Plus, it has an energy-saving inverter so you don't have to worry about the bills. Another reason why your AC isn't blowing cool air is low refrigerant levels. Essentially, refrigerant is the substance that your air conditioner needs to remove heat from the air inside your house. Not only does low levels cause your AC to work even harder, but it uses up more energy in doing so. 'Another cause could be that the refrigerant, the fluid that cools the circulating air inside, is low or leaking,' states Lucy Arnold, Service and Maintenance Manager at PRA Air Conditioning. 'The less refrigerant in your AC, the warmer the air it blows out will be. Over time, leaks can damage the unit, leading to costly repairs, so if you notice hissing noises or ice on the refrigerant line, turn it off and contact a HVAC expert.' It's important to keep your outdoor condenser unit clear of debris and dirt to ensure it isn't blocked and runs efficiently. 'Spray off the outside unit with a hose to clear out leaves and dust every now and then,' advises Cornforth.' Plus, schedule a professional check once a year, preferably before the start of the cooling season.' To clean your outdoor unit thoroughly, you can use a special cleaning solution that can be bought at your local hardware store or online. This works well to easily lift and remove stuck-on dirt and grime. Just always use with caution, and keep away from children and pets. 'Also, don't ignore small signs,' adds Wiseman. 'If the system is making strange noises, running longer than usual, or not keeping up on hot days, that's your A/C waving a red flag. Catching issues early is always cheaper and less stressful than dealing with a breakdown in July.' For more cleaning tips, here's how to clean an air conditioner and keep it running like new.
