Clogged drains are one of the not-so-glamorous aspects of homeownership. Nothing screams, “I’d rather move than deal with this,” quite like the icky smells and murky water backups that come from clogged basement drains. As can be expected from any plumbing system, though, issues do occasionally arise. Though these instances…
It can be shocking when you first notice rot on your windowsill. This unique type of fungus thrives in moist climates and gradually eliminates wood. If left untreated, the rot will spread throughout the entire sill until it has completely decomposed. It will then spread to the rest of the…
Soap is a household staple that helps to ensure the health of your home and your family. But sometimes, the effectiveness of soap just won’t cut it. One of the prime examples of when soap alone just isn’t enough is when it comes to dangerous household mold. Here, we’ll explain…
Fewer things are more frustrating than finding a standing puddle of water, whether in your basement or on your lawn. It’s particularly irritating if it isn’t from a recent rainstorm. If you find standing water on your property, it’s best to get rid of it as soon as possible. Leaving…
Sump pumps perform an essential job in protecting homes from flooding. The devices sit at the center of a home’s foundation, automatically removing water when it begins to collect. But for all the work they do, they often go overlooked during home cleaning. Not many homeowners even realize that sump…
As the colder seasons bring delightful fall foliage, pumpkin spice treats, and snow days, it’s crucial to remember one less pleasant aspect: the risk of frozen pipes. Frozen pipes rank among the top causes of property damage in winter, often leading to costly repairs and making homes uninhabitable. Fortunately, understanding…
Certain areas of the home are easy to overlook. Dust builds up in corners; cobwebs appear on hard-to-reach hallway ceilings. And while some of these forgotten areas are merely a nuisance when cleaning, others can wreak havoc on your home. One of the main culprits? Crawl spaces. Crawl spaces often…
From leaking faucets and burst pipes to spilled food and drinks, kitchens are full of potential water hazards—and that can spell disaster for your cabinets. Kitchen cabinets consist of layers of wood that are often highly susceptible to water damage. They absorb the excess fluid and gradually weaken over time,…
Floods of any kind pose a significant risk to humans and infrastructure alike, but floods in urban areas are particularly dangerous. Urban flooding can lead to stormwater entering into buildings through doors, windows, or other openings. It can lead to sewage backing up through pipes, drains, and cracks in floors…
Everyone dreads the sight: you flush the toilet and start to turn away, expecting to hear the quick and clean rush of water toward the drain. But it doesn’t. The water instead starts to rise, and rise, and rise. We’ve all been there before, and it isn’t pleasant. But as…