Get Rid of Garbage Disposal Odors
Garbage disposals are great for disposing of food that people don’t want to throw in the trash. They make life easier, until they start to smell from bacteria or rotten food that has accumulated. There are a couple ways to ditch the odors and leave the kitchen smelling fresh after using the garbage disposal.
One of the best ways to get rid of the smell emanating from the drain is with ice cubes. Putting ice cubes down the garbage disposal not only deodorizes things, it helps sharpen the blades at the same time. They are also less likely to cause any sort of build-up or damage to the pipes than using citrus.
Vinegar has long been used to clean and deodorize things around the house. Pour it down the drain by itself or with baking soda. The chemical reaction is great for getting rid of bacteria and sometimes even unclogs sludge at the same time.
A mild bleach could also do the trick. Bleach is known for its cleaning abilities and quickly gets rid of built up bacteria. Just pour some down the drain while running cold water. This is one of the best remedies for strong odors such as onion or garlic.
Don’t know what should or shouldn’t go down the garbage disposal? Check out this list of garbage disposal do’s and don’ts .
Water Heater Repairs and Replacements
Water heaters are an integral part of day-to-day life. When they act up, it can have a big impact on a home or business. Without hot water, it’s difficult to wash dishes, do laundry and showers are unbearable.
Symptoms of water heater problems can vary, but the most common is little or no hot water. Other water heater repair issues include discolored water, a rotten egg odor, unusual noises, and water leaking from the heater. If any of these signs are present, there could be a serious problem with the water heater.
Water heating can account for up to 25 percent of the gas bill. If that seems like a lot, consider installing a high efficiency water heater available from All Star Plumbing and Restoration.
They can also easily provide water heater repair services. Their emergency phone line is always available for emergency plumbing services. Ask them about performing seasonal water heater maintenance to make sure everything is working properly.
Dealing with Leaks
Finding a leak is never a good feeling. Whether it is small or large, it can cause damage and should be stopped immediately. Some leaks are easy to stop, such as a leak from a faucet or visible pipe while others are behind walls and only detectable by the water damage they cause.
Most people ignore leaky faucets and think nothing of them, but in reality they can be wasting a ton of money as they drip. A dripping faucet may not require an emergency call to a plumber, but it should be fixed.
Visible pipes that are leaking should be taken more seriously. A leaky pipe could turn into a busted pipe gushing water all over. Don’t just set a bucket underneath of it and hope it doesn’t get worse.
When water damage is visible, there’s already a serious problem. Mold, discolored surfaces and water dripping from surfaces are all indicators that water damage has occurred and there is a leak present. That’s when an emergency call to a plumber is applicable. When water damage isn’t visible but a musty or moldy smell is present, having the restoration team come out for an inspection is highly recommended.
Homeowners should first turn off the main water valve if they suspect a leak and call a plumber, such as All Star Plumbing and Restoration. For leaks big and small All Star is there to help.
Deep Cleaning the Toilet
Can’t seem to get that ring out of the toilet bowl no matter how much it is scrubbed? It might be time for a deep clean of the toilet and its cleaning accessories. Sometimes store-bought gels, stick-on cleaners or tablets just don’t cut it. Go back to the basics and use a simple product like baking soda.
For years backing soda has been used to clean many things, including teeth! Trying using it to get rid of mineral deposits and lime scale in the toilet bowl.
Start by putting one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and letting it sit for a few minutes. After letting it sit, use the brush to scrub and flush. If there are still spots, use a pumice stone to remove the remaining stains.
Next up, the toilet brush. After using it to clean the toilet, it is often forgotten. Toilet brushes can carry around a ton of germs, which get transferred back into the toilet next time it is used for cleaning. One way to clean the brush is to secure it between the bowl and the lid so that the bristles are hovering over the bowl. Then, pour bleach over it and let it sit for a couple minutes before pouring clean water over it to rinse it.
The canister it sits in also needs to be cleaned to eliminate germs and grime. Fill it with warm soapy water, letting it sit for a few minutes. Then discard the dirty water.
Toilets can spread germs that continue to linger after flushing and should be cleaned often. If not taken care of regularly, these germs can become airborne from the flushing of the toilet and land on other items in the bathroom.
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