Yearly Archives: 2023
Super Bowl 2023 Flush with Excitement.
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl 57 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale Arizona on Monday morning Sydney time. It was the team’s second title in four seasons. Now Aussies Jordan Mailata an AFL player and punter Arryn Siposs a Rugy league man, made Australian sporting history when they played for Philadelphia. 🙁
Personally, apart from my son going to a game at the stadium when he was studying at NAU Northern Arizona University in 2019, I know little about the contest other than to say the Chiefs star Quarterback Patrick Mahomes apparently won the game after his team was behind 24-14 at half time.
And its the half time break that gets my interest! Specifically, toilet flushing at half time.
In a post from Super Bowl 2016, I wrote that the amount of water used in toilet flushing during the Super Bowl half time break is the same volume that would flow over Niagara Falls in seven minutes.
In doing some research on the topic, anecdotally, it is often joked that there is a Super Bowl flush that occurs during the halftime break, as many viewers may use the bathroom at the same time. However, there is no reliable data to support the claim.
In fact, some experts have suggested that the idea of a simultaneous flush causing water system issues is a myth, as modern water systems are designed to handle large surges in demand. While it is possible that water demand may increase during the halftime break or the Super Bowl flush, the impact on water infrastructure is likely to be minimal.
Our local Sydney news reporting on the Super Bowl reckon there are now more Australians watching that game than the Melbourne Cup.
Given Super Bowl lasts three and a half hours and, The Melbourne Cup lasts three and a half minutes, the halftime Super Bowl flush might be a thing.
What do you reckon?
Five ways street trees affect your home!
If you’re considering buying a home in a tree lined street like this, you need to know how trees can affect houses on the street. Here’s just a few,
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Property value: Street trees can have a positive impact on property values. Studies have shown that houses with street trees have a higher market value than houses without street trees.
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Energy efficiency: Street trees can help to reduce energy costs by providing shade and reducing the amount of heat absorbed by houses. This can help to keep houses cooler in the summer and reduce the need for air conditioning.
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Aesthetics: Street trees can enhance the appearance of a street and contribute to a more pleasant and inviting neighborhood.
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Environmental benefits: Street trees can help to improve air and water quality, reduce storm water runoff, and provide habitat for wildlife.
- Some species can grow too large and cause damage to the roads, footpaths and sewers and storm water drains of houses or businesses on the street.
It’s important to note that while street trees have many benefits, they also require maintenance and care to ensure they are healthy and safe.
In Sydney Australia, local Councils as the owners, are responsible for maintaining the street trees on their property, including pruning, watering and removing dead branches or fallen leaves, and the maintenance of the blocked drains they cause.
It’s important they select the right species of tree for the location and space available, as some species can grow too large and cause damage to the roads, footpaths and sewers and storm water drains of houses or businesses on the street.
Read our previous posts about street trees and how blocked drains are managed by Randwick Council, Waverley Council and Woollahra Council here.
What is Water Hammer and How to Stop It!
Water hammer, also known as hydraulic shock, is a banging or knocking sound that can occur in pipes when a valve, a tap or faucet is quickly closed. The banging noise and vibrations from water hammer can be felt throughout a house and, in multi-storey buildings, because the water pipes pass through and serve every level, banging can be heard on building levels far from the source of the water hammer. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including high water pressure, improper pipe installation, or worn out valves. Some causes include, the fitting of a new dishwasher or clothes washing machine, or fast closing mixer style taps that shut down or stop the water flow quickly.
Stopping water hammer can be challenging, as it often requires identifying the root cause of the issue and then implementing a solution. Some common solutions include installing water hammer arrestors, which are devices that absorb the shock of rapidly moving water, replacing worn out valves, or adjusting the water pressure.
In some cases, the solution may be as simple as tightening loose pipe connections or securing loose pipes.
However, it is always recommended to consult a plumber if you experience water hammer, as they can diagnose the issue and recommend an appropriate solution.
Should the Toilet seat be left Up or Down?
Our summer break allows time to ask some of the greater life questions.
And the Question of Toilet seat, Up or Down? is a big one.
Over salad sandwiches, I asked the Question, Why do Women want the toilet seat left down?
The reply was simple!
Leaving the toilet seat down is considered courteous and hygienic for women because it helps to prevent the toilet from splashing onto the seat or floor when it is used.
Additionally, it makes it easier for them to use the toilet without having to adjust the seat themselves.
Then I asked my audience, Can you give 3 reasons why men want the seat left up?
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To prevent falls: Men may prefer to leave the seat up to prevent accidental falls or slips when using the toilet in the middle of the night or in low-light conditions.
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Hygiene: Some men may prefer to leave the seat up to prevent the buildup of bacteria or germs on the seat.
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Ease of use: Men may prefer to leave the seat up because it makes it easier for them to use the toilet without having to adjust the seat themselves.
A few days later, I posed the same question, and got this reply.
For the ladies
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Leaving the toilet seat down can help prevent accidents and injuries by reducing the chance of falling or sitting on a wet seat.
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It can also help to keep the bathroom cleaner by reducing the likelihood of toilet water splashing onto the floor or seat.
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Lastly, it is often considered more hygienic for women as it makes it easier for them to use the toilet without having to adjust the seat themselves, avoiding any potential contact with germs.
Then the men
- Men may prefer to leave the toilet seat up because it is the default position, and they are used to it.
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A raised seat allows men to aim more effectively, reducing the likelihood of urine splash-back or misses.
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Leaving the seat up can also serve as a visual indicator that the toilet has been used, so that the next person to use it knows to lower the seat before using it.
It’s important to note that these preferences are not universal and may vary from person to person. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference.
What do you think?