Why Residential and Commercial Plumbing is Important Now More than Ever

If the current pandemic has taught us anything, it has taught us to be grateful for advances in indoor plumbing and the ability to wash our hands as many times a day as we want. The coronavirus is a pandemic created by a virus that we don’t know a lot about. But the one thing we do know is that transmission can be prevented by social distancing along with rigorous and thorough hand-washing. Here are some of the ways plumbing is going to help us wrangle the current crisis:

Well-Functioning Plumbing Protects Our Families

The reason a well functioning plumbing system is so crucial now is because of the numbers: we know that current data suggests that every person who gets it is likely to infect two more people. 

While other diseases have a higher death rate, they haven’t had the extreme effects on the world as the coronavirus. They also didn’t have such successful, single-function protection, the success of which is determined by the ones who do–or do not–stand at the sink, soap bar in hand, and lather up every tiny crease in and around each palm, knuckle, and phalange to the tune of ‘Happy Birthday.’ 

Plumbing Relieves Fear

Our plumbing system has gone beyond basic hygiene and the capacity to help keep us calmer. People like to feel like they’re doing their part to protect themselves or prepare. (That’s part of the reason for the toilet paper shortage.) The sink and faucet are now an essential part of personal and community health and safety. All we have to do is use soap and water and wash away our fear in a swirl of soap and dead germs down the drain. 

Beyond Residential Plumbing

Commercial plumbing also represents a framework for stopping contagion on many levels. Soap and running water that safely drains away is an even greater tool than any current immunizations or antibiotics. All over the world, medical professionals and facilities are doing their part by responding to the heightened need of patients for proper washing of hands, and by keeping facilities clean to lower the reinfection rate.

All Clean on the Home Front

Families are protecting themselves and their homes, too. Washing machines and dishwashers take cleaning to the next level by keeping clothes and dishes out of the realm of contagion. The CDC recommends washing all frequently-used surfaces thoroughly with a regular household detergent and water. These measures are slowing contagion and keeping home quarantine areas safe.

Say ‘no’ to Wet Wipes

Wet wipes are the bane of every plumbing system. When the makers of wet wipes optimistically tout them as ‘flushable,’ you can bet they meant they are flushable in a home where no one minds if the plumbing backs up. Unfortunately, the problem has extended to municipalities, who are warning residents that the toilet paper crisis will turn into a municipal wastewater nightmare unless residents curb their wet wipe flushing. A trash can beside the commode can hold used wipes, an inconvenience until one recognizes that it is saving the cost of an emergency plumbing clog caused by flushing wet wipes.

Thanks to the current state of affairs, it could be said without hubris that residential plumbing is crucial to the stop of the spread of coronavirus. We are all doing our part. Social distancing has become part of American life for the time being. The only other thing we have to do is keep washing our hands!

Plumbers aren’t on the front lines of treating the sick. But, we are on the front lines of preventing the spread of this prolific virus whenever we do a plumbing repair. While the exterminators and painters are limiting themselves to exterior work, we plumbers are still on call to keep the plumbing functional and maintain a family’s ability to protect their health. 

About the Author: Richa is a content writer specializing in plumbing and HVAC related topics. This article is written by her for King Plumbing, Heating and AC – Mesa’s top rated plumbing and HVAC company

Guest Contributor: Richa Khandelwal

It’s only right to be alarmed once you see mold forming in certain areas of your home. After all, mold is unsightly, it can smell awful, and worse, certain types can make you sick. You need to get rid of mold right away, because it can only get worse if you ignore it.

Mold is easy enough to take care of once you detect it early. You can fix the mold problem yourself, but there are situations when you will need to call in mold remediation professionals.

FACTS ABOUT MOLD

For home and business owners, mold is nothing more than a nuisance, and they will be right. However, mold is an entirely different thing for the ecosystem. Mold is a fungus that helps break down dead leaves, plants, trees, and other biological matter.

Mold only becomes a bother when they form inside our homes and buildings. Then again, if the moisture levels in your property are high, it’s but normal for mold to form since the fungus thrives in damp areas.

The bathroom, for example, is a favorite place for mold. If your bathroom has poor ventilation, it’s very likely for mold to form on its floors, walls, and shower curtains.

The basement is also a place where mold formation is common, as the presence of water heater tanks and sump pumps there contributes to making it a damp and humid environment.

Plumbing issues like leaking pipes inside walls can also cause mold to form. Fail to notice such a leak early, and an entire mold colony will likely form on that wall within a short period.

WHAT MOLD LOOKS AND SMELLS LIKE

Mold can look like a fuzzy patch, a slimy spot, or a slick film on surfaces, and they come in a wide variety of colors. According to experts, the colors produced by molds can vary according to region. In the Pacific Northwest, for example, blue and green mold are common. In South America, on the other hand, orange is a more prevalent color. Mold can also be purple, white, brown, yellow, or black.

Mold typically gives off a musty smell, so if your nose detects the slightest bit of mustiness, there is a high possibility that the fungus has already invaded your property.

HEALTH ISSUES MOLD CAN CAUSE

Considering that our homes and businesses will always have more humid than usual spots, it’s entirely possible that we already have mold spores flying around. For all we know, we may be inhaling them unknowingly, but it shouldn’t be a problem if it’s in small amounts, and you’re not allergic to mold. What would make you sick is if you inhale them in larger quantities. Sneezing and coughing fits, red, itchy, and watery eyes, and skin rashes are symptoms of an allergic reaction to mold.

In severe cases, exposure to mold can trigger breathing difficulties or even an asthma attack, both of which should be given immediate medical attention.

DIY MOLD REMOVAL

When your mold problem only occupies a small and limited area, you can easily deal with it yourself. There are commercial mold removers on the market, but if you want a safe, effective, and cheap way of removing mold, look no further than your kitchen cabinet.

Vinegar is very good for removing mold, as it kills 80% of mold species. It may also be the safest mold remover out there. It’s safer than other home mold solutions like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, borax, and ammonia.

All you have to do is put vinegar in a spray bottle, and apply it on walls, floors, and other surfaces affected by mold. Rinse the vinegar off after an hour. Reapply vinegar every few days to keep mold from coming back.

WHEN TO CALL A PRO

Some mold problems are far too big and complicated for DIY mold removal. Vinegar won’t do any good if the affected area is at least 10 square feet. A spray bottle also won’t cut it if you had to reach mold growth behind drywall, sub-flooring, and other hard-to-reach places.

When you’ve got a nasty mold problem, you may have no other choice but to bring in mold removal professionals.

Those who are pros at removing mold don’t just expertly pinpoint areas with excess moisture, identify mold colonies, and clean them off surfaces. They also restore mold-damaged parts of your property to the way they were, and take steps and give you advice to ensure that mold will never return.

Call mold removal professionals now if your mold problem is too big to handle so it doesn’t get any worse.

Guest Contributor: Rachel Anderson

Are you a first-time homebuyer with a disability or a senior looking to move into a new house? If you’ve decided that homeownership is right for you, but you don’t know how to find an accessible home, you might be wondering where to begin. If you’re about to start house hunting, you may be confused about what steps you need to take to find the perfect accessible home. By following these tips, you’ll be able to buy — and modify — the right home for you. 

First Steps

The first steps of your journey to homeownership will involve going over your financial portfolio and credit report, working with a lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage, and deciding how much of your savings you can realistically put towards a down payment. In addition to these important tasks, you should consider which accommodations your future home will likely need and begin budgeting accordingly. If you wish to seek assistance from organizations that help people with disabilities secure appropriate housing, now is the time to reach out. 

Finding a House

By partnering up with a real estate agent who has helped other clients find accessible homes, you can attend promising open houses. Pro Agent Solutions recommends being friendly and personable with the seller’s agent to make a good impression.

You might fall in love with a quaint, older home you see advertised, but this generally isn’t the best choice when you’re looking for an accessible property. You will have an easier time modifying a recently constructed home, and finding space for all of the fixtures and tools you need is simpler in a larger house with an open floor plan. 

Check Systems

Before you make your big move, you need to make sure that all of the essential systems in your home are working properly. For someone with a disability, a maintenance issue can be extremely inconvenient or even dangerous. 

During your home inspection, ensure that there are no minor plumbing leaks and that there are no problems with the water flow from sinks, toilets, or showers. Check on your HVAC system, too; you don’t want to live in a home with poor air quality, which could irritate allergies or exacerbate other medical conditions. Your electrical system should also be thoroughly inspected, as a loss of electricity could render essential medical devices useless. 

Install Wood Flooring

Does your new home have carpeting? Time to tear it up and install wood flooring instead, which is a safer option for people with mobility aids. Cleaning and maintenance are simpler with wood floors, and the fact that wood flooring increases your property value is a nice bonus.

To budget for flooring installation, you’ll need to figure out the cost of furniture removal, subfloor repairs, and flooring disposal first. Next, it’s time to decide on your preferred material. Pine and bamboo are on the cheaper side, while exotic and engineered woods will cost you more. Expect to pay about $2 to $6 per square foot of materials for a traditional hardwood like red oak, while an engineered wood like maple would cost about $10 to $11 per square foot. 

DIY Upgrades

You don’t have to pay contractors for all of your projects! Why not try some DIY upgrades? For instance, a loved one with a tool kit could install grab bars where necessary; according to Interim Healthcare, they will cost between $15 to $30 from your local hardware store.

Looking for more simple projects? Come up with convenient storage solutions for cords and chargers in each room so that you don’t trip. And for a quick fix, you can also utilize a temporary wheelchair ramp at your door before installing a permanent one. 

Finding an accessible home in your local real estate market can be challenging. Chances are, you’ll need to be ready to go forward with several remodeling projects before you move in. But if you’re prepared and informed, there’s nothing standing in the way of finding your dream home.

Guest Contributor: Patrick Young

Winter may not sound like the ideal time to get renovations done around the house, but if you’re home and avoiding the cold weather, it can be a great way to pass the time. If you’re choosing to sell your home soon, many people will be home shopping during winter, so it’s great to be prepared for shoppers ready to put in an offer. Here are some of the best home improvements to make during the winter months. 

A FRESH COAT OF PAINT

An updated color on your walls can change the whole atmosphere of your home. Not only does it look great, but a rich neutral tone can be a helpful tool when selling your home. Sure, having hot pink walls may feel fabulous for your style, but it could potentially be off putting for those viewing your home. Switching out your personal touch for a neutral brown, tan, or grey can help possible buyers envision themselves in your space. You might even get a discounted price on your new paint because of the season. 

UPDATE YOUR CABINETS

A new stain, a coat of paint, or even just new hardware can bring new life to your cabinets. It can change the whole vibe of your kitchen space, and make you fall in love again. This update can be relatively inexpensive and make a significant impact on your kitchen. New hardware pieces can easily be purchased on Amazon and be delivered straight to your doorstep, so you don’t even have to leave the house and brave the cold. 

CHECK ON YOUR INSULATION

The summer might not be the best time to check how well your windows and doors are insulated because of the heat. During the winter, you can feel the chill coming through anywhere that isn’t well insulated. Recaulking or resealing these gaps is essential for your heating system in your home and keeping your heating bills to a minimum. This is one of the easier ways to keep your home warmer during the winter months. 

REPLACE YOUR FLOORING

The winter months are the perfect opportunity to replace your flooring. While this can be a more significant project than just a simple update, it’s one that can make a big difference in the look of your home and really increase its value. If you live in a place with harsh winters, hardwood floors can get damaged easily and be continuously soiled. They can also maintain a cold temperature. You can put down new carpet to alleviate these issues or a lovely laminate flooring that looks high-end and beautiful. Rooms like the kitchen, your bedrooms and bathrooms can be the best rooms to tackle for a flooring project. 

LITTLE MAINTENANCE TASKS

Things like changing your smoke detector batteries, checking on your furnace filter, changing all your light bulbs are things that we know we need to do, but often forget. Doing a deep clean and organizing your garage or closets are significant tasks to tackle as well, mainly if you’re selling your home. 

Keeping yourself productive during the winter months can help you feel better overall, especially if you’re stuck in a long and harsh winter. It’s also great for your home’s resale value. Winter might be the best time to buy a home, so it’s an excellent idea to be prepared!

Guest Contributor: Lydia Boudreau

DEHUMIDIFIER FOR YOUR HOME. WORTH IT?

There are multiple devices that you can use to stay healthy. In this area, one of the most popular options is a dehumidifier. These compact devices can be placed around the house, allowing you to control the amount of moisture in the air. But, are they worth the investment? Let’s take a closer look at this issue, evaluating the benefits that a dehumidifier might be able to provide. 

PREVENT MOLD AND BACTERIAL GROWTH

One of the biggest reasons why people choose to install a dehumidifier is to prevent the growth of mold. These have a big impact on your health if you breathe the spores in. For example, mold spores have been known to become attached to the lungs, causing breathing difficulties. This is especially dangerous for people who have breathing problems. This will also reduce the odors that can accompany a mold infestation, like the stench of something rotting. 

There are several reasons why mold and bacteria might grow inside your house. However, the biggest risk is a damp area. Too much moisture in the air could provide the perfect environment for the mold spores to land and grow. By using a dehumidifier, you’ll be able to better control the moisture content in the air. This will ensure that you don’t give the mold spores a chance to grow. 

PROTECT YOUR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Another potential benefit of installing the dehumidifier is ensuring that you are protecting your household items. If the moisture levels are too high, you might notice that your property is starting to rust faster. This can cause jagged edges to develop, with the potential for you to scratch yourself when you touch them. It can also cause the item to start to lose structural integrity. As a result, you’ll need to replace rusted items. 

It’s also possible that the high moisture content in the air could also start to its toll on electronic equipment. In some cases, it might be able to penetrate through the circuit board, causing potential problems. Using a dehumidifier will be able to prevent these problems. Because you won’t have to replace household items as frequently, you might be able to save yourself some money in the long term. 

SAVE MONEY ON AIR CONDITIONING COSTS

While high-end dehumidifiers can represent a significant investment, they might also be a great way of saving you money. This is especially true when considering air conditioning costs. When the air conditioning systems are working in a highly humid environment, it needs to both heat or cool the air, while removing the moist air. By using a dehumidifier, your air conditioner won’t need to use as much electricity to create a pleasant environment in your home. As a result, you’ll be able to save a lot of money. 

BREATHE MORE COMFORTABLY

Controlling the moisture levels in the air will determine how easy it is for you to breathe. You need to have enough moisture to form a layer of mucus in the nose. However, if the air is too moist, it becomes dense, this makes it harder for you to breathe. When you have a dehumidifier, you’ll be able to monitor the moisture level in the area. When it starts to get too thick, it will be able to automatically switch on, and bring the moisture levels down again. 

REDUCE SKIN IRRITATION

High humidity levels might also be linked to skin irritation. When the moisture levels get too high, it can cause you to produce more sweat and other natural oils. As a result, your pores become blocked. By keeping the moisture levels in check, you’ll be able to prevent this from occurring. 

CONCLUSION

Hopefully, you now have a better idea of some of the reasons why people choose to get a dehumidifier for their homes. These can be a great way to protect your property from damage and improve your health. There are dozens of models for you to choose from, so you can find the one that’s best suited for you. To help you choose the right one, you can use these excellent dehumidifiers with pump review.  So, pick a great dehumidifier today and take care of your home and health. 

Guest Contributor: Madeline Stokes