Sink Odors
Sometimes that awful odor coming from the kitchen, isn’t coming from the overflowing garbage can. That mysterious smell could be coming from the sink. Often, bacteria or old food particles get stuck in the sink basin or garbage disposal creating an unpleasant odor.
Keeping the sink clean is one way to combat the food particles that get left on the surface. Wipe it down with a cleaner after washing dishes or using the garbage disposal. Take care to make sure the cleaner being used is safe for the kitchen and the sink surface.
The garbage disposal can become lodged with food particles as well. They stick to the teeth of the grinder. Usually, running hot water down the drain can dislodge whatever food is in there and get rid of the odor coming from the garbage disposal. Using baking soda or slicing up a lemon and grinding it in the disposal can also provide a clean fresh smell.
Taking precautions such as putting larger pieces of food in the garbage instead of down the drain could help prevent food particle build-up. Also, running water while turning on the garbage disposals helps everything go down smoother.
Garbage disposal problems? Give All Star Plumbing and Restoration a call. They can fix or replace a broken garbage disposal. For tips on using garbage disposals, visit their webpage.
Popular Toilet Cleaning Products
Everyone has their favorite way or product to clean the toilet. So, which products are the most popular for each process?
Disposable Toilet Cleaner: Clorox Toilet Wand
More people are turning to disposable cleaning alternatives so they don’t have to keep that bacteria-laden brush around. The Clorox Toilet Wand has a detachable cleaning head with cleaner already in it. Just throw out the cleaner head when done!
Liquid Toilet Cleaner: Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner
When using the old-fashioned brush and liquid cleaner tactic, many people prefer Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner. It’s pretty powerful, cutting through grime and stains with ease.
Natural Toilet Cleaner: Seventh Generation Natural Toilet Cleaner
For those who prefer to get away from the harsh chemicals some cleaners contain, Seventh Generation Natural Toilet Cleaner is a good alternative. It still gets everything sparkling clean while being eco-friendly.
Maintenance Toilet Cleaner: Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel
Maintenance cleaners take away some of the work between deeper cleanings. The gel dissolves a little with each flush preventing build-up in the bowl. Who wants to use up all their elbow grease scrubbing the toilet? These make it not necessary.
Last Chance Toilet Cleaner: Lime-A-Way Toilet Bowl Cleaner
For toilets that have been neglected and have a lot of build-up, this one can save it. This heavy duty cleaner might be the only thing left to get that toilet sparkling and white again. If not even a good cleaning can save the toilet, call All Star for new toilet installation.
Water Damage and Carpets
Water damage from burst pipes or flooding can leave lasting water damage in a home. One of the biggest problems associated with water is mold. When water gets under the carpet, mold can grow quickly because of its love for dark, warm places.
When water damage occurs, drying it as quickly as possible is essential. This can help prevent the growth of mold. All Star Plumbing and Restoration offers dry-out services when water damage occurs in the home or business. Professional water damage restoration can help to ensure the area is completely dried to minimize issues.
There’s much more to the dry-out process than most people realize. Multiple steps are involved in making sure the water damage is completely dried out.
1. Remove water fast
Usually this is done by vacuuming as much of the water as possible that isn’t soaked into the carpet or flooring. The keyword here is fast. That’s why All Star Plumbing and Restoration has an emergency phone number making it easy to reach them anytime, day or night 365 days a year.
2. Using professional equipment
Just opening the windows and doors won’t cut it. Water damaged areas take several days or weeks to dry. That’s why companies like All Star Plumbing and Restoration use a range of professional equipment to make sure every drop of water is gone. Along with fans, they use dehumidifiers, water extractors, thermal imaging, moisture detectors, HEPA vacs and more.
Without this equipment, it’s impossible to tell if the water damage area has been completely dried out. If water damage isn’t properly taken care of, it can lead to mold, mildew and a costly fix.
3. Clean up the mess
To deodorize and sanitize the carpet, it should be steam cleaned. It is also recommended that damaged carpet padding be replaced. All Star can also clear away any unsalvageable debris.
Sometimes water damage isn’t discovered for a long time. When that happens carpet can become ruined, and no amount of drying will help. At that point, All Star Plumbing and Restoration can help remove carpeting and prepare the room for new flooring. They can also get in contact with the insurance company, making the process that much easier. For help with water damage, give All Star Plumbing and Restoration a call.
Draining the Swimming Pool
When it’s time to drain the pool for maintenance purposes, certain steps and precautions should be followed. Severe damage can come from incorrectly draining a swimming pool and pool owners should be aware of the possible outcomes.
Concrete/Gunite
For draining a pool with a concrete/gunite shell, a sump pump is required. Near the main drain is the hydro-static valve, which has to be opened. Connect the sump pump to the sewer drainage pipe with a hose. Next, place the pump in the deepest end of the pool and turn it on.
The most common issues pool owners run into while draining this type of pool are related to groundwater. If there is an excess of groundwater, it can cause the pool shell to literally pop out of the ground.
Vinyl-Lined
The process for vinyl-lined pools is similar to draining a concrete pool. Vinyl-lined pools should not be left empty for very long because the sunlight can dry them out, causing cracks. Calling a professional is probably the best idea when dealing with a vinyl-lined pool because of the fragile nature of the pool. The liner can easily tear or rip, and the walls may not be sturdy enough to support the weight of the surrounding dirt while empty. This can cause it to collapse.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pools are meant to remain filled with water at all times, making it a difficult task for pool owners to drain them. The shell could pop out of the ground or crack and the walls could bulge when the pool is emptied.
With pool liners being fragile and susceptible to damage when drained, calling a professional or having one on standby is highly recommended.
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