Whether you are buying a home or you have been living in yours for years, regular termite inspections are critical for protecting your investment.

If you are wondering what is a termite inspection and why you should have one, this article is for you. Discover the signs of termite infestation and learn how often termite inspection should happen.

What Are Termites?

Maybe the best way to describe a termite is a home eating machine. They are winged ants that create colonies within wood surfaces. They consume wood, paper, and drywall.

Drywood Termites

They are called drywood because they do not live in the ground. They get all of the moisture and nutrients they need from the wood they infest and eat.

Damage can be very extensive and unseen to the untrained eye. Drywood termites burrow in wooden beams and create unstable supports in your home.

Dampwood Termites

These are much larger than subterranean or drywood termites. If you have water damage or wood support beams that are directly in the contact with the ground, your home is at risk for this type of termite.

Homes that are located in forests with fallen logs and tree stumps are highly prone to dampwood termite damage. The moisture stored in dead limbs attracts these termites. If your home has leaks or high humidity, dampwood termites see it as a buffet.

Subterranean Termites

This type of termite builds its colony underground. They create mud tubes to access the wood in your home. They can reduce structural supports to dust and often leave a trail of layers of fine wood debris.

The colony usually has more than one fertile queen. Therefore these colonies can multiply rapidly.

Why Are Termites Dangerous to Homes?

It doesn’t matter how clean you keep your home. If your home is primarily constructed from wood, always be on the lookout for signs of termites. Here is how to inspect for termites:

• Buckling or sagging drywall
• Uneven flooring
• Squeaky floors
• Sticking doors and windows
• Mud trails
• Sawdust particles
• Black dots of feces
• Wings

If you notice these signs, the professional termite inspection price will pay for itself in the damage you may catch in time.

What Is a Termite Inspection?

A professional termite inspector like reliabletsolutions.com will inspect the inside and outside of your home for some of the signs listed previously. They are also trained to look for hidden damage in foundations and behind drywall.

During the termite inspection, they will also look for evidence that identifies which type of termite infestation you have. This knowledge allows the inspector to advise you on problem areas of the home to be fixed such as water-damaged wood.

Tracking where the colonies are thriving is also part of the inspection. You may be able to notice a few signs of termite damage, but a professional will be able to locate their homes and develop a plan for getting rid of them.

Find Certified Termite Inspection in Your Area

So, what is a termite inspection? Hopefully, this article has shed some light on how a termite inspection is conducted and why it is so important to your home.

Visit our site often for informative tips on protecting and improving your home.

According to the latest cost-vs-value report, installing a new garage door for your home yields an average ROI of up to 93.8%.

So, if you’re thinking of selling soon, this curb-appeal boosting home improvement is a good way to improve your home’s appeal. If you’re not selling, a new garage door still adds plenty of conveniences and extra security to your home.

Does a new garage door sound like something you need? Here’s how to find the best garage door installer in town.

Ask For Recommendations on the Best Garage Door Installer

One of the best ways to get a heads-up on the best garage door company in your area is by asking your friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations.

They can tell you what it was like working with a company and if they were happy with the outcome.

Look for a Local Garage Door Installer

It’s a good idea to work with a local garage company when installing a garage door.

They’re accustomed to the unique climatic conditions in your area and can recommend the ideal types of garage doors accordingly.   They’re also knowledgeable about local regulations and by-laws.

Look Up Garage Door Company Reviews Online

Online reviews are an excellent source of information about a huge range of contractors. These review sites, like Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau, feature in-depth accounts and ratings of people’s experiences with garage door installers.

Some companies, like anaheimdoor.com, lodidoor.com, and aladdindoors.com feature customer reviews on their websites too.

When you’re looking at company websites, you can also glean some more useful information, like:

• How long they’ve been in business
• What type of warranties do they offer?
• Whether they have a brick-and-mortar address
• Their contact details
• Garage door industry accreditations

When you’re satisfied that you’re working with a reputable company, call them and ask a few questions.

Check Licenses and Insurance

One of the first things to ask a contractor is whether they’re licensed to work in your state. Next, find out if they carry insurance to protect you from any mishaps that occur on your property during the installation.

It’s vital to work with someone who ticks all the boxes when it comes to these aspects, or you could have problems with your own insurer if your roof suffers any damage in the future.

Compare Garage Door Estimates

Always get at least three estimates before you commence with your garage door installation. Don’t automatically opt for the cheapest one, though.

A more expensive estimate might bring added value, like longer warranties, or better-quality materials. Before you sign, you should also make sure that you understand the payment process and have clarity regarding any gray areas.

Only the Best Will Do for Your Home

Choosing the best garage door installer based on these criteria gives you the peace of mind to carry out this valuable home improvement with confidence.

An experienced and qualified contractor can help take all the guesswork out of choosing the perfect garage doors for your needs and budget.

Browse our blog for more of the best home improvement tips, or bookmark our site and check back regularly for updates.

Did you know that there are 3,000 species of mosquitoes worldwide? Or that these blood-sucking insects transmit more diseases than any other organism?

So, it’s no wonder that mosquitoes are a global scourge to public health.

In the US alone, 12 of the more than 200 species of mosquitoes spread germs to humans and other animals. From malaria to Zika and dengue, these are just a few of the diseases these bloodsuckers bring.

That’s why it’s crucial to avoid mosquito prevention mistakes to keep them out of your home. Otherwise, you may get sick, even with only one bite. Besides, incorrect implementation of prevention strategies would only be a waste of money.

To that end, we created this guide on the dos and don’ts of dealing with mosquitoes and barring them from your home. Read on so that you can avoid mistakes that can cost you not only money but your health, too.

1. Thinking All Insecticides Work on Mosquitoes

Pyrethroids are neurotoxins used widely in the chemical control of insects, including mosquitoes. As neurotoxins, they affect and disrupt the normal nerve functions of organisms. As a result, they paralyze and ultimately kill exposed insects.

For the longest time, that’s how pyrethroids managed to help in worldwide pest control. Unfortunately, though, their improper use led to many insects developing resistance against them.

That includes some mosquitoes, such as Anopheles gambiae, the vector of human malaria. This species can survive ten times the amount of insecticides needed to kill other pests.

As such, it’s vital to ensure the pesticide you’d use still works against mosquitoes. In the US, registered pesticides used in mosquito control go by the name adulticides. As per the US EPA, these include etofenprox, prallethrin, and permethrin, to name a few.

Some adulticides are available to consumers in small amounts. With proper use, they can help control the infestation of mosquitoes in and outside your home.

However, their incorrect use can pose risks to humans, animals, and plants. As such, it may be smarter to hire a licensed local mosquito control service instead. You can then ask them how to use adulticides the next time you need to reapply these chemicals.

2. Using Mosquito Repellents Not Approved by the EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency oversees and regulates the registration of skin-applied insect repellents. Registered products, in turn, have had their efficacy and safety data given to the EPA. That data comes from studies and tests done on the product.

Thus, only repellents with supporting data can make it to the EPA’s list of registered products.

By contrast, a non-approved product may not be as effective. Even if it appears to kill mosquitoes on contact, it may be doing so because of its extreme toxicity. This means it can be just as deadly to other living things.

That’s why you should never use products not registered with the EPA.

3. Applying Mosquito Repellent the Wrong Way

Even if you use the best mosquito repellents, they’d only go to waste if you misapply them. For example, one of the most common mistakes is applying them on sweaty or wet skin. Sweat or water could wash the product off and prevent the skin from absorbing it.

For the same reason, applying too little repellent could also defeat its purpose. However, this doesn’t mean you should apply liberal amounts of the product, though. Otherwise, you may end up irritating your skin.

Another common mistake with the use of skin repellants is thinking that they can last the entire day. Unfortunately, products with 10% active ingredient concentrations only last for two hours. By contrast, those with higher concentrations (i.e., 30%) can last for up to five hours.

As such, it’s imperative to mind the time you first apply the repellent. Then, if you’re going to spend more time outside, set the alarm so that you can apply more as needed.

4. Having Anti-Mosquito Plants But Forgetting About Their Saucers

Citronella grass, citronella geranium, and peppermint are some indoor plants that repel mosquitoes. Despite that, their smells are often pleasant to humans. They’re also pretty easy to grow and look really nice inside rooms.

However, potted plants can still attract mosquitoes if you forget about their saucers. The job of a plant saucer, after all, is to catch excess water draining from the pot itself. As such, it can collect water every time you water your plants.

So, if you forget to discard the water in your plant saucers, they can attract mosquitoes. For that reason, make sure you always keep your saucers free of standing water.

5. Installing Screens But Not Closing Them Properly

A 2018 study found that mosquitoes prefer entering holes 10 millimeters (0.39 inches) in size. However, these bloodsuckers are capable of squeezing their way into 8 mm (0.31 in) gaps.

That’s why your door and window screens should have holes no bigger than 8 mm. This way, they can serve as a mosquito prevention strategy but still allow air to flow in and out of your home.

Most importantly, keep your screens closed if you’re going to open the doors and windows. Even a gap of only a few mm can be big enough for these pesky insects to enter.

6. Using Bed Nets With Holes

Bed nets are meshed fabrics installed around bed frames, usually from the ceiling. They provide extra protection against mosquitoes while you sleep.

However, bed nets are soft fabrics, so they are susceptible to running, much like stockings. They can also catch on a sharp object, such as nails, resulting in holes.

If that happens, mosquitoes can find their way past these nets. So, be mindful when washing and installing these nets around your bed. If you see even a single hole in them, patch it up as soon as possible.

Be Smart and Avoid These Mosquito Prevention Mistakes

Keep in mind that mosquito-borne diseases can be debilitating and downright deadly. That’s why you should never let them land on your skin or give them access to your home.

So, starting today, avoid the mosquito prevention mistakes we outlined in this guide. This way, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from these dangerous pests.

Interested in even more educational guides like this? Then head over to our site’s other categories for more nifty tips on health and living!

Are you in the market for a new bed?

When it comes to designing a bedroom, purchasing a bed can be one of the most difficult factors. Most people own thousands of items, and they need to pack them into a small space. It’s a challenge to make it all look appealing, too, and beds take up a large amount of space.

If you’re wanting to create an inviting space that still has room for everything you own, you need space saving bed ideas. But how do you make the most of your sleeping space?

Below, we’ll go into our top 5 best suggestions for space saving beds. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Beds with Storage

Are you looking for bedroom furniture and a bed that saves space?

Many companies have answered the call for additional bedroom storage and comfortable, attractive sleeping spaces by making beds that have storage capabilities. Most of the time, these bed frames have a space for a mattress on top and drawers underneath.

The beds are made from a variety of materials and come in a wide array of colors. This means no matter your budget or style preferences, you will likely find one that fits your needs!

Don’t like the idea of having drawers under your bed? No worries! Other beds have storage near their headboards. In fact, you can buy bed frames that come with shelves. If you or someone you know has a collection of books or other items, these beds will be perfect for you!

Other beds don’t have drawers, but they have a mattress space that opens up to reveal a concealed compartment underneath. These areas are great for blankets and other items you need to store in an out-of-the-way area! When the compartment is closed, the bed looks completely normal.

2. Opt for Twin Beds When Possible

Are you shopping for only one person?

It might be tempting to get your older children a nice queen-sized bed with plenty of room to roll around. Yet, many families find it difficult to design smaller spaces around queen beds. So, if only one person will sleep in the bed, it makes more sense to save on space and get a twin.

That doesn’t mean you can’t make a comfortable room, though! Instead of getting a queen, invest in a twin-sized bed frame and a good mattress. Push the twin up against a wall, and decorate it however you want.

Placing a twin bed against a wall opens up space in the rest of the room. This allows you to add in furniture or whatever else you want!

But what if you need bedding for more than one person? That doesn’t mean you can’t save on space! Instead of buying a bigger bed, look for beds that pack more into a smaller area. For example, some twin beds come with trundles, which can be kept underneath the bed during the day. Then, at night, roll the trundle out!

Other alternatives include couches that pull out into two-person beds, allowing you to transform a seating area into a bedroom at a moment’s notice!

3. Loft Beds

Do you love heights? Do you need a jaw-dropping bedroom area that still saves you space?

If so, consider installing a loft bed in your home. Perfect for smaller spaces, these beds save space by suspending your sleeping area above your floor, closer to the ceiling. They can either be an alcove in your wall or installed using rods and a structurally sound frame.

Most people access their loft beds via a ladder fastened to the side of the wall.

For safety, you shouldn’t attempt to install your loft bed by yourself. Instead, hire a professional to create the cozy, space-saving sleeping area of your dreams!

4. Beds That Lower

Do you like the idea of a loft bed but don’t like climbing up ladders or spending your night up high?

Some companies have engineered their bed on a track, allowing them to raise and lower. During the daytime, you can keep all your furniture and belongings underneath the bed. When you get tired, lower it to enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep!

Many people even keep other furniture beneath these beds, such as desks or sofas. As such, these beds can give you the space you need to sleep without taking up any extra space!

5. Wall Bed

Do you dislike how much room beds take but don’t want a bed near the ceiling?

If so, you should consider getting a wall bed. Wall beds fold up against the wall when you’re not using them. Then, you simply unfold them when you’re ready to use them. This makes wall beds perfect for both bedrooms and rooms that serve another purpose, such as a guest or game room.

Wall beds don’t have to be ugly, either! In fact, some of these beds, including Murphy wall beds, look like armoires or wardrobes when you store them away. So, if you want space saving bed ideas that also double as a statement piece, consider getting a wall bed!

Ready to Go Beyond Space Saving Bed Ideas?

Bedrooms can be hard to design, especially when you consider getting a bed that fits well in the room and doesn’t take up too much space.

By following the space saving bed ideas listed above, you stand a better chance of building a room you love. Without compromising on style, these beds give you the space you need to keep your home orderly and comfortable!

Are you ready to get on with designing the rest of your house? Check out the other home-related articles on this website!

You ever wondered how heaters with two different energy sources work together? And, why wouldn’t you have an all-electric system or all-gas system?

In this article, we will discuss how these devices work and what they do to improve efficiency. We’ll start with some basic information about their operation. Then, we’ll move on to more detail about specific types of heat exchangers.

How Do Air-to-Water Heaters Work?

Air-to-water heaters appear in a variety of applications, including commercial and residential. They’re found at home or business locations where hot water gets used for bathing and cooking.

The air-to-water heater heats the incoming cold water with heated air from inside the unit. This process allows you to use less energy than if you were heating your water supply on-site.

An air water heat exchanger works by using natural gas or electricity as its power source. These units have two main components. There’s one that contains the combustion chamber and another that holds the water tank.

When the burner turns on, it creates high-temperature flames. These flames travel through the combustion chamber into the water tank.

As these flames pass over the water’s surface, they transfer thermal energy to the liquid.

When keeping the water flowing throughout the system, there needs to be an option to remove excess heat. The water passes through tubes located within the walls of the water tank.

These tubes act like radiators, transferring the remaining heat back out of the water. Once this occurs, the water begins to warm up.

Tyes of Air-To-Water Heat Exchangers

There are many types of air-to-water heat exchangers. Here are some examples:

Furnace Heat Exchanger

This kind of device uses forced convection to move large volumes of air across the top of the water tank. It works well when temperatures remain constant. Heat levels transferred depend on differences in ambient air and water temperature.

If the room becomes too hot, then the furnace fan kicks in and increases airflow. Yet, if the room gets too cold, the fan slows down until the temperature is as desired again.

Fireplace Heat Exchanger

A fireplace heat exchanger operates differently from a furnace heat exchanger. Instead of fans circulating air around the tank, a fireplace exchanger is radiant.

Because of this design feature, fireplace heat exchangers operate best during low humidity. Yet, they still need regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning.

Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

The shell and tube heat exchanger consists of small copper tubes running parallel. Each row runs along the length of the water tank.

A series of fins attached to each end cap helps increase the surface area available for heat exchange. Shell and tube heat exchangers are also called “tube and fin” heat exchangers.

Plate Heat Exchanger

These devices consist of thin metal plates stacked together. Like other types of plate heat exchangers, they rely on conduction.

Conduction transfers heat from the water to the environment. Plate heat exchangers are more efficient than other designs but not very durable. Over time, corrosion will cause them to fail.

Buy the Right Heat Exchanger

If you’ve got a cracked heat exchanger, then consider an air-to-water heat exchanger. Make sure you do your research and invest in one with a good warranty and aftercare service. That way, you won’t get left out in the cold!

Keep reading for more engaging content!

Water leaks are a nightmare for all homeowners. However, leaks happen more commonly than people think. According to a report, a typical home can lose up to 10,000 gallons of water every year due to water leaks.

Water leaks lead to a significant wastage of money and precious water, leaving homes running inefficiently. While some types of water leaks, such as dripping showerheads and faucets, can be quite easy to detect, others could go undetected for weeks or even months. For example, leaking pipes could go unnoticed unless they are checked regularly by a professional.

There are many types of household water leaks. These include:

Water Softener Leaks

There are three significant reasons why your water softener might be leaking. These include a cracked bypass, a faulty rotor valve, and a loose water line connection. If you notice a loose waterline, you can simply tighten the fitting to solve the problem.

On the other hand, any damaged component of the water softener should be replaced immediately. Replacing these parts will save you both money and water that you will need to run your home.

Water leaks can also result from an old and worn-out rotor valve seal or a perforated brine tank. The best way to solve the problem is to call a professional to replace these parts.

Fountain and Pool Leaks

Pools and fountains are also vulnerable to leaks due to plumbing problems. For example, a small leak in your pool the size of a pinhole could lead to a loss of 970 gallons of water every day. Such a leak could go undetected for months, leading to an increased water bill.

Significant warning signs of water leaks in pools include cracks and fissures in the shell, algae and mold growths immediately after chemical treatment and loose tiles. You should also check the soil around your pool to confirm if it’s often damp.

Another great way to check if the fountain or pool is leaking is by testing it using a marked bucket. Place the bucket at the top step of the pool and leave it for 24 hours. After 24 hours, check the marked bucket to confirm if the water level is still the same. If it’s lower, you should contact a professional to help you with the repair.

Supply Line Water Leaks

A supply line water link is one of the most common types of water leaks at home. It can also lead to significant water bills and loss of water. Residential water supply pipes are buried deep into the ground, making this leak quite challenging to detect.

If you have a severe water supply leak, you may notice that some water will be seeping up on the ground directly above the supply pipe. This leads to the constant damp ground around the water supply pipes. Ensure you do a perimeter check constantly around your property to check for any damp soil.

Sometimes, leaking water from the supply lines often goes directly to the meter box. Therefore, keep a close eye on your meter box and contact a professional immediately you notice dampness around it. This could be an indicator that your water supply lines are leaking.

Tub, Shower, and Faucet Leaks

Have you noticed that your showerheads and faucets are often dripping even when turned off? This is probably the most common type of water leak at home because most homeowners don’t pay attention to dripping faucets or showerheads.

However, if the dripping is left for a while, it may lead to enormous wastage of water and money. Fortunately, it is easy to repair a dripping shower head or faucet. You can even do it yourself at home with the right tools.

The first step is determining the type of showerhead or faucet you have. It could be a cartridge or a compression valve. Then search for the correct repair method based on your faucet type.

On the other hand, bathtub leaks are often caused by water drain leaks. The drain pipe may be loose in most cases, leading to water dripping onto the beneath space.

Humidifier Leaks in the Whole House

Do you have a whole-house humidifier?  Humidifier leaks are often frustrating and annoying. However, these types of leaks are pretty common in houses with a central heating unit. That’s because the air distribution relies entirely on the vents and ductwork.

A whole-house humidifier is often connected to the supply pipes directly. Therefore, the leaks often start when the refill valve malfunctions or fails. The water leaking, as a result, will go directly into the sewer, hence, making it quite challenging to detect.

Before you detect this type of leak, too much water will already be wasted. When your AC is working to heat your home during the winter season, it’s advisable to do regular inspections of your humidifier.

Slab Leaks

Slab leaks are stressful and can quickly lead to a plumbing emergency. Homeownership isn’t easy. You will be responsible for handling many home repair emergencies such as water leaks, which can be a nightmare.

A slab leak can be quite challenging to detect and locate the source. For this reason, it’s advisable to hire a slab leak repair service to help you in case your slab is leaking. The professionals will also help you with slab leak detection to avoid severe water damage to your home.

A slab leak occurs when water pipes running under your home’s floors or basement burst or are damaged. This often leads to a leaking basement, growth of mold and mildew, and a spike in your water bills.

Ensure you check your floors for dampness and check whether there are any decreases in your household’s water pressure. These are the telltale signs of a slab leak.

Now You Know the Different Types of Water Leaks

There are many different types of water leaks. These may include slab leaks, fountain and pool leaks, and faucet and shower head dripping. Knowing the different types of household leaks will help you determine the best way to go about repairs.

Did you enjoy this article? Check out other posts on our site for more informative tips.

Does your home have an outdoor space or yard that’s lacking that special something? Or, maybe you’ve been trying to improve your lawn, but you don’t know where to start?

If this sounds like your current predicament, then the great news is that there are tons of reasons out there to make your outdoor living places, curb appeal, and yard the space of your dreams. Keep reading to explore the numerous benefits of maintaining your home’s landscaping.

Boost your home’s curb appeal.

One of the benefits of maintaining your landscaping is that it has the potential to improve your home’s curb appeal. In turn, this well-maintained yard may mean a higher return on investment if you ever plan to sell your home. While your curb appeal is a big factor in selling, it’s also an easy way to make your home feel more inviting and welcoming.

Keep in mind that reports tell that potential homebuyers make judgments in about 30 seconds when searching for a home. What this means for you is that the outside of the home is the first impression of what the rest of it will model. So, if you have dead grass, dried-up outdoor plants, and overgrown shrubs, it’s not the best first look. By simply maintaining your home’s yard, you’ll create the ideal space.

Trees can shade your home.

Another benefit to maintaining your landscaping is that the trees and greenery you plant have the potential to shade your home. This natural shade saves you money, especially in the hot summer months when the sun is beating down on the trees instead of directly on your roof. While it’s great that these trees save you some cash, they also are a beautiful statement for a home.

If your home currently has trees or large shrubs that need to be maintained, then you should check out this outdoor power equipment store in Gresham, OR, to purchase trimmers, lawn mowers, chainsaws, and a variety of outdoor power equipment so you can maintain your outdoor plants with ease.

You’ll get a usable outdoor space.

Another incredible advantage to sustaining your landscaping is that you get to create usable spaces. For example, if you maintain your front and backyard well enough, then you can focus on adding touches like decor, patio or porch furniture, window sill planters, fire pits, and other accessories.

You’re sure to use this outdoor space to hang with loved ones, entertain guests, or simply appreciate it on your own with a good glass of wine on your night off. In this way, it pays off to keep your yard maintained so you get to enjoy leisurely time in it rather than constantly ignoring the overgrown shrubs, grass, or plants.

Get the chance to make your home unique.

The final benefit to managing your home’s landscaping is that you get the creative freedom to plant whatever you desire! After all, this is your home’s yard, so you have permission to lay out your favorite flowers, shrubs, or trees in whatever manner you choose. Plus, doing this yardwork yourself is great for your mental health because gardening allows you to connect with nature.

If you’re readily searching for new plants to add to your landscaping, then you should look at the variety of outdoor plants and indoor plants available through this plant delivery service that’ll bring your desired live plant straight to your front door. This way, you get plants delivered instead of wasting valuable time at the store.

In no time, you’ll be able to plant all of your favorite colored flowers in whatever design you love. With a little bit of maintenance, you’ll have an incredibly beautiful and practical yard that will surely impress.

We can barely remember how terrible our lives were before the invention of garbage disposals in 1927. Installing garbage disposal became popular right after World War II, but now more than half of the American population have one in their homes.

However, garbage disposals aren’t magical machines that can “eat” any trash you send its way. To keep both your garbage disposal in working order and avoid plumbing problems, you’ll want to keep an eye on the things you shouldn’t put in your disposal machine.

Suppose you have no idea about those items, no worries. You’ve come to the right place. Keep on reading for our full breakdown of all the food and non-food items you should keep far away from your kitchen sink.

The Bane of Garbage Disposal’s Existence: Coffee Grounds

Let’s start with one of those tricky items that most people will put in their garbage disposal, and those are coffee grounds.

As a nation obsessed with coffee, our plumbing tends to get bombarded with paste-like fine coffee grounds, all to its disadvantage. If you put it down your trash disposal, you’ll end up with a blockage in your drain due to a buildup of gunky sediment.

Gluten-Based Products: Rice, Bread, and Pasta

What do all three of these items have in common? They all absorb and expand water, which may quickly block a drain. Don’t be concerned if a little leftover spaghetti ends up in the garbage disposal, but don’t throw pasta down the garbage disposal regularly.

If you must put pasta, rice, or bread down the disposal, do so for at least 30 seconds and then flush the grains down the drain with cold water to prevent them from expanding. Oats and any other grain that absorbs water are in the same boat.

Avoid Fat, Oil, and Grease

The difficult thing with grease, oil, and fats is that they may seem liquid at first, but they don’t last in their liquid form for long. With time, these items may solidify, causing a significant clog in your drain.

This is the most environmentally friendly option: allow the chemicals to cool before throwing them out.

Otherwise, you’ll call a plumber sooner than you might think. And, if your pips are already clogged, then it’s time to reach out to plumbtimesc.com to fix your problem as soon as possible.

Animal Bones

It’s just not designed for grinding up complicated things. Bones are one of the toughest naturally available materials, and they may drastically reduce the lifetime of your disposal.

If you drop a tiny fish or chicken bone down the drain, don’t worry; your trash disposal can handle it. On the other hand, anything bigger than that will just spin about at your disposal, damaging the grinding gears.

Hard Pits and Seeds

Pits and seeds Pits and seeds are often spherical and tiny, making grinding them even more difficult.

Not to mention the awful noise they create as they bounce around your garbage disposal. Throw them in the garbage to save your disposal the bother.

Chunks of Onion Layers

While sliced onions may easily go down the garbage disposal, it’s the outermost layer that has to be avoided.

The membrane that sits immediately under the dry skin may travel through the disposal, either obstructing or wrapping around the blades grinder. It may even get lodged in the drain and serve as a net, catching other objects.

Nuts and Shells

Softer nuts, such as peanuts, are also not recommended for disposal. Your trash disposal functions similarly to a nut grinder, and do you know what happens when you grind and crush peanuts?

Peanut butter is a delicious spread. Well, it’s not quite a peanut butter in a jar, but it’s a thick peanut paste that may easily clog up your drain.

Egg Shells

We’ve all heard the widely held belief that eggshells may assist in sharpening the “blades” of your garbage disposal. Trash disposals, on the other hand, do not have blades. They have broad impellers rather than sharp impellers, which makes them more efficient.

These impellers crush food waste rather than being chopped up as it would be by a blender. Moreover, when was the last time you used eggshells to sharpen the edges of your knives?

Eggshells are not only worthless for sharpening grinding mechanisms, but they also include membranes that may easily wrap themselves around the grinder, making it impossible to utilize them. This may result in a plethora of problems for your equipment.

Fibrous Fruits and Vegetables

Items like celery, asparagus, banana peels, maize husks, and rhubarb are a few things to toss in the trash instead of the disposal.

A few here and there won’t harm, but try to prevent it if you want to keep your appliance’s quality.

Potato Peels

Potato peels may seem to be innocuous.

Nevertheless, if this debris manages to get into the pipes, it may create significant blockages in the future. Other starchy vegetables and legumes can cause the same problem.

Non-Food Items

The term “trash disposal” may be deceptive. It doesn’t imply you should handle your trash disposal like one. Paper towels, plastic wrappers, and tissues, among other non-food things, may clog your drainage system.

These substances may also travel via your drainage system and end up in your local water supply. Anything that isn’t biodegradable shouldn’t be thrown away.

Ready to Give Your Garbage Disposal a Break?

We know that this can cause a bit of an information overload, especially if you weren’t already familiar with at least some of those items on our list.

However, we hope that our explainer has shed some light on why these items can cause damage to your garbage disposal. Remember that if it’s something that blunt blades would have trouble breaking apart, then maybe it’s better to throw it in the regular trash.

If you liked our article, make sure to check out all our additional tips and tricks for your home life. You’ll find them available to you in our lifestyle and home sections.

 

According to a report from the FBI, more than 6.92 million property crimes occurred in the US in 2019. Close to three in four of those crimes were larceny-theft. On the other hand, burglaries accounted for 16.1%.

If you have broken window panes, criminals may target you and your home. The same goes for if you have windows that you can no longer close and lock.

For those reasons, it’s best to search online for “window replacement near me” as soon as possible. This way, you can reduce your risks of falling victim to thieves and burglars.

This guide details tips on finding the best window replacement, so make sure to keep reading!

Do an Online Search for Same-Day Window Replacement Near Me

About a third of robberies occur through an unlawful entry, such as through an open window. A broken window, in turn, is pretty much like an open window. So, whether it was a baseball or the wind that broke your window, that gaping hole may be enough to let a criminal in.

As such, it’s imperative to get a window glass replacement the same day the old one broke.

Fortunately, some of the best window installation companies offer emergency services. This means they can send a professional installer to your home the same day you request the service.

That’s also why you’d want to choose a local window contractor for the job. This way, they’d spend less time on the road and get to your home sooner. Plus, by going local, you can easily find them if you have something to discuss with them.

In any case, the sooner the window installers reach your home, the sooner they can start the job. If the pros only need to replace one window, they can complete the job in an hour or less.

However, emergency services may cost a bit more than regular installation. Still, it may be best to overlook that higher price, as it’s your safety and security on the line, after all.

Besides, burglaries can cost far more than what an emergency window installation costs. For example, in 2019, the average losses that resulted from such crimes amounted to $2,600. That doesn’t even factor in the trauma that a crime can cause.

Search for Certified Window Installers

While it’s vital to replace broken windows ASAP, be sure to check a company’s credentials first. For example, look for installers certified by the American Window and Door ­Institute. The AWDI, in turn, only certifies installers who have proven their competency.

In fact, AWDI certification is a federally registered certification mark. This means that the government itself recognizes the credibility of AWDI installers.

The Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) is another certifying body in the US. FGIA-certified installers have undergone rigorous training on window installation techniques. They have also passed exams that confirm their window installation competency.

Certified installers abide by stringent codes to install windows properly. Proper installation is crucial to preventing air leakage and water infiltration in windows. Moreover, correct installation is necessary to keep windows energy efficient.

Make Sure Your New Windows Come With a Warranty

The most reputable manufacturers of replacement windows offer 10- to 20-year warranties. For example, Andersen Windows have a 20-year glass warranty. That’s on top of the 10-year warranty covering the windows’ non-glass components.

In any case, a window warranty covers some issues that may occur within the warranty period. For example, it may include coverage for material defects, such as on the glass or the hardware. So, if your new window develops a covered issue within the warranty period, its maker should foot the bill to fix it.

Your Window Contractor Should Also Have a Warranty

A window contractor warranty comes from the window installation company itself. It’s a guarantee of the quality of their craft and installation service. So, if a problem arises due to the installation, the contractor should address it on their end.

Many contractors offer at least a one-year warranty on window replacements. However, others are more confident of the quality of their service, so they may offer longer terms.

Invest in an Energy-Efficient Window Replacement

Energy Star qualified windows can help you save about 7% to 15% on energy bills every year. This makes them some of the best and most energy-efficient window replacements.

However, the actual energy savings you can get would still depend on the climate in your area. Even the window’s location would also influence your energy savings.

Let’s say you live somewhere with a cold climate, and the window you need to replace faces south. In this case, you’d want a window with a high Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and low U-factor.

SHGC is a measurement of the amount of heat from the sun transmitted by a window. The higher a window’s SHGC rating, the more of the sun’s heat it allows to enter. Since you live in a cold climate, you’d want a high SGHC rating to take advantage of the sun’s heat.

The U-factor, in turn, is a measurement of a window’s insulating property. Lower values translate to greater insulating properties. So, a low U-factor can help you save energy as it can block conditioned indoor air from exiting your windows.

Not all window contractors carry Energy Star models, though, so be sure to ask all of your prospects first. This way, you can narrow down your list to only those who do have energy-efficient products.

Don’t Delay Replacing Broken or Defective Windows

There you have it, the full guide that answers your question, “how to find the best window replacement near me?” Just remember that it’s best to search for a local certified installer who can get the job done the same day. Don’t forget to factor in warranties, and most importantly, the window’s energy efficiency.

Interested in more home repairs or improvement guides like this? Then please feel free to stick around and browse our latest news and blog posts!