Day: May 16, 2022

4 WAYS TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACT OF A STORM ON YOUR HOME

When an area gets hit by a severe storm, the damage to the infrastructure can be extensive. It can also take a serious toll on people’s homes, so it’s only logical that you want to protect your home and your family from the effect of storms, preventing any damage you can, but also controlling it in the aftermath. If your city or town has been hit by a storm recently, and it’s affected your home, here is what you can do to get things back to normal as soon as possible.

PUT SAFETY FIRST

As much as you want to inspect your home and fix anything that’s wrong with it, you should know that your family’s safety is a priority. Keep in mind that, if your home is damaged, it poses a threat to everybody who’s in it, so the first thing to do is to leave until the damage is evaluated and everything is restored to its original state, or at least until you know that returning home doesn’t present a risk to your wellbeing. If you can stay with friends or family, do so. If not, check if there’s an emergency shelter near you. Pack essential clothes and supplies to last a few days and leave your home as soon as you can, to avoid anything unexpected happening. Ask if your insurance company can send somebody to inspect your home, but if not, hire somebody yourself. It may cost you, but the safety of those most important to you is priceless and isn’t something you want to compromise.

GET PROFESSIONAL HELP

If there is some slight damage to your home, it’s possible you’ll be able to deal with it yourself. A few loose screws on your windows or standing water in your gutters may not be that big of a deal and you might want to take care of those yourself. However, you should pay close attention to the true extent of the damage, so that you remain safe. For instance, if your powerlines have been impaired in any way, you should leave that to professionals. In cities like Sydney, where hailstorms and wind storms are quite frequent, as is flash flooding due to rain, there are some excellent services, available around the clock, so that it’s simple to reach an electrician level 2 in Sydney. These electricians are highly skilled, trained and reliable, so that you know your family home is in good hands and you’ll be safe once the work is done.

DOCUMENT ALL DAMAGE

When a storm occurs and you want your insurance company to reimburse you for the damage done to your home, you’ll need to have proof that your home was in fact damaged. This is why you should photograph the interior as well as the exterior of your property even before the storm, and then again after the storm, so that you have evidence of everything that’s happened to your home. This can prove to be extremely useful when you file your insurance claim, as you’ll have the before-and-after photos of everything, so that the insurance company has no reason to doubt that the damage present was actually caused by the storm and deny your claim because of it. And since you can’t always know when a storm might hit, simply take those photos of your home now and have them ready, just in case.

KEEP ALL THE RECEIPTS

After a storm, you can expect more than just your house to be damaged. Other homes and buildings in your area will require attention as well, so it may take some time for the insurance company to get to you. In the meantime, you’ll want your home to be fit for you and your family to live in it, so you’ll have to call in various repairmen and pay for all sorts of material to fix everything that went wrong during the storm. If so, make sure you don’t lose any of the receipts for the repairs made on your property. This is the documentation that will support your claim with the insurance company and keeping your receipts organized can save you a lot of trouble down the road.

Storms can be scary and stressful, but even more so when they cause damage to your home. However, don’t despair, as there is always something you can do to make things better and easier on you and those you love, so follow the good advice above and you’ll have your home in its normal state sooner than you think.

 Guest Contributor: Diana Smith

6 COMMON PLUMBING PROBLEMS IN COMMERCIAL SITES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Latin American building contractor checking the pipes at a construction site – housing develpment concepts

Plumbing issues at commercial sites are often the silent, unnoticed leaking problems that cause massive amounts of money to be lost in repairs. Most commercial sites have hundreds of miles of pipework throughout them. Over time, these pipes can suffer from natural growth and equally split or burst. Pipework replacement can be expensive and time-consuming, so identifying any minor issues as soon as possible is essential. 

Commercial sites are susceptible to many different plumbing issues, especially in restrooms, as they receive a great deal of use, and people will often put things down the toilet that shouldn’t be. Clogged drains, leaks, running toilets, and more are the most common plumbing issues at commercial sites. They can be costly, disrupt productivity, and cause legal ramifications if you don’t fix them immediately. It’s essential to get commercial plumbing contractors to look into it.

 

HERE ARE SOME PLUMBERS TIPS TO HELP YOU SOLVE COMMON PLUMBING PROBLEMS ON TIME:

1. LEAKING PIPES

If you have a leakage problem at your commercial property, you should get it repaired immediately. Leaking pipes can lead to cavasses, which are unsightly and hazardous. They may also damage further, such as wall separation and warped flooring. Leaking pipes can also cause loose windows and doors. Physical damage is also a sign of a water leak, prompting you to contact a contractor for emergency plumbing services.

Water leakages in commercial properties disrupt normal operations and lead to extensive damage and even Mold growth. Toilet leaks are usually the result of normal wear and tear, but they can be challenging to detect. A faulty rubber washer typically causes faucet leaks. Although the leaking issues are relatively easier to fix, they can create a hefty bill if left untreated.

2. CLOGGED DRAINS

Clogged drains can be a nightmare for any corporate site owner. Not only do they make the place look messy, but they can also be costly to repair. If you’re unsure how to deal with a blocked drain, check out some valuable plumbers tips online. However, if you’re dealing with a bigger property, you might want to consider reaching out to some well-experienced commercial plumbing contractors immediately.

The most common plumbing issue facing commercial facilities is a clogged drain. The high volume of people using the restrooms causes these drains to clog quickly. This can affect the business’s image and cause health and safety standards violations. To remedy this problem, call a plumber to come in and fix the drain quickly.

3. SAGGING TOILETS

Sagging toilets are one of the most common plumbing issues at commercial sites. Broken bolts or parts of the toilet may cause it to sag. If the problem worsens, it could result in a sewage spill. If this is the case, you should call a professional plumber or commercial plumbing contractors for assistance. It’s highly advisable to detect the plumbing problems at their earlier stage and get them repaired as soon as possible.

A sagging toilet can be caused by several issues, including seasonal temperature changes and rain. Tree roots can also push up against a sagging sewer line. In either case, the problem will eventually lead to a commercial site’s toilets being inaccessible. Plumbing professionals should immediately inspect and repair these plumbing problems to avoid a costly spillage.

4. HAIRLINE LEAKS

A hairline leak is a small crack in the concrete that causes water to run into the room. It usually occurs in basements or ceilings, but it can also happen on shower pans and cracks between the tile. In such a case, a professional plumber will be necessary to determine the cause of the leak and provide a suitable solution. Hiring a reputed plumber for regular check-ups at your commercial sites will help you save on costly repairs.

A plumbing problem like hairline leaks at your commercial site can disrupt your business operations and lead to expensive repairs. It may often result in legal action if your business does not follow plumbing codes. To avoid a plumbing emergency and the associated costs, you should hire one of the leading commercial plumbing contractors to identify and fix the problems before they become major.

5. RUNNING TOILETS

You may face the running toilet issue more often if you have a commercial property. A loose flapper or broken flapper chain can cause the toilet to run. If you’re having problems with running toilets regularly, it may be time to replace the toilet. However, reaching out to some reliable commercial plumbing contractors for professional guidance will help you save time, money, and effort. They can identify and fix the problems before it’s too late.

Running toilets is one of the common plumbing issues at commercial sites, and they require a professional plumber to inspect it thoroughly and repair it. If a sewage smell emanates from your toilet, it’s a significant inconvenience for clients and is unhealthy. The sooner you fix this problem, the better. A professional plumber can prevent these problems and save money in the long run.

6. SILENT LEAKS

Silent leaks are invisible but costly overheads that most business owners do not even realize exist. Detecting and repairing them can save a business from significant damage and prevent further costs. Silent leaks can cause severe structural damage and cause mold to grow – not only an inconvenience but also a health risk. Given the plumbing problems it may lead to, it becomes essential to solve silent leaks effectively in time.

Silent leaks may not be among the common plumbing issues in commercial sites, but addressing them in time is vital; if you suspect a silent leak in your commercial site, there are several ways to detect it. One method involves shutting off all water-using fixtures in the building. Next, mark down the water meter’s numbers. Wait an hour, and if any numbers change, there’s a leak.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Hundreds of miles of pipework make up commercial plumbing systems. This means that plumbing problems are common. One of the most common plumbing issues is Leakage, which can come from faucets, sinks, and toilets. When not repaired quickly, they can cause serious problems. Leaky pipework is an expensive problem, so it’s essential to address minor issues as soon as possible. If you face plumbing issues in your commercial sites, it’s highly recommended to contact well-versed commercial plumbing contractors for assistance!

 

AUTHOR BIO 

Roma Nisbet works as the Lead Marketing Manager for Apollo Sewers and Plumbing, a leading plumbing expert in Keyport, NJ. She also enjoys fly-fishing, skiing, visiting science & technology events, and helping people out in her free time.