As warmer weather starts to return, it’s important to ensure your septic system is ready for it. Here are a few common problems to watch out for and a handful of ways you can prevent them so you don't have to call us to clean up a septic backup in your bathroom.
3 Frequent Septic Problems
Blocked Pipes: A common problem in the spring is blocked pipes. Over the winter, grease and other debris can build-up inside them. Sometimes, tree roots could also start to spread into the pipes as warm weather returns. When the pipes are obstructed, waste is unable to flow through them. This could cause it to get stuck and eventually back-up into your home’s plumbing system.
Overflows: Septic overflows are usually due to clogged pipes or another type of blockage. Your septic system will try to work normally, but due to these problems, is unable to do so. This will cause its pipes to slightly burst which can create sinkholes. It can also damage the plumbing lines inside your living space and can cause nasty odors to linger in it.
Standing Water: Standing water is a recurrent problem during the spring. While it could be caused by a burst pipe, many times, it’s due to excessive rain. Because the water has nowhere to drain, it will rest on the top of the septic system. This can create a muddy mess that will flood your yard if not drained.
How to Prevent Septic Issues
Change the Filters: It’s a good idea to change your filters each time spring rolls around. This will prolong your system’s lifespan because it will stop clogs. The filters will also prevent large debris from getting flushed into the septic system.
Adjust Your Gutters: Spring can bring heavy rain. If your gutters are pointed toward your septic system, that excess water can overwhelm the system. Before the season arrives, make sure to point your gutters away from the septic field. This way, water won’t flood the area.
Get it Pumped: Another way to avert septic issues is to get it pumped. This will remove all debris from the tank so new waste can easily be sent into it. Regularly pumping it will also help professionals see if there might be a hidden problem that could potentially cause severe damage.
Keeping your septic system working correctly is crucial if you want to prevent pricey issues. If you’re concerned about your septic system or want to have a quick inspection done, contact RCS. Our Santa Rosa, CA experts can check for standing water in and around your foundation and recommend a local septic service professional if need be.
Many use their attics as a storage space, but it has a much greater purpose than just holding items. In fact, attics are used to keep your home insulated and even protect your living space from structural damage. This post will explore more about why it’s vital to keep this space in good condition.
Why Do I Need to Clean My Attic?
You might be surprised to learn that it’s crucial to clean your attic. Here are a few reasons why.
It Removes Pests: Numerous pests, like rats and cockroaches, will live in your attic if they have enough places to hide. If your attic has numerous boxes or a build-up of insulation and debris, it will become a haven for them. By cleaning out your attic, it will discourage them from living in the space.
It Improves Air Quality: Cleaning your attic can also improve your home’s air quality. By removing dust and other particles, it will open up your duct system. This can prevent the pieces from getting sucked into the vents and being blown throughout your home. Besides giving you fresher air, it will also prevent respiratory irritation.
It Cuts Back On Your Energy Bill: While an attic is a great storage space, too many items in it can become a problem. This is because the weight can create cracks in the floors and walls that can cause air to seep out. Due to this, your heater and air conditioner will end up overworking because it’s trying to heat up or cool down the space. By cleaning it, you can easily prevent this pricey problem.
3 Tips to Keep Your Attic Spotless
There are plenty of ways you can keep your attic clean. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Use a Vacuum: While sweeping can help, vacuuming is often better. This is because it will remove debris rather than just brushing it around.
Check for Mold: You’ll also want to look for mold in your attic. If you see some growing, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it could cause structural damage and affect your living space’s air quality.
Be Consistent at Cleaning: One of the best ways to keep your attic spotless is to be consistent with cleaning it out. By dedicating a day or two each month to removing junk and vacuuming the space out, you can keep your attic in good condition.
Keeping your attic clean is important if you want to prevent pests and other problems. In Sonoma County, RCS can assist with this by sending out a team to inspect the space. They can give you guidance as to how it could be cleaned and check that there aren’t any underlying issues.
Mold is a common problem in most homes, especially during winter months in Sonoma County. While it can create serious health effects, it can also damage your home’s structure. This post will explore more about how mold enters the home and a few ways you can prevent it.
How Does Mold Enter the Home?
There are many ways that mold can enter your home. One of the most common is through doorways and windows. If there are cracks around these objects, it will encourage air flow between the outdoors and your home. Because there is no filter, mold spores will spread in your residence.
Another way mold enters the home is through your heating or cooling systems. These appliances suck air into them. If this air isn’t filtered, any air they emit will contain mold particles.
You’ll also find that you might track mold through your home with your clothes and shoes. When you go outside, these spores could cling to their fibers. As you enter your living space, they will get released.
Common Home Molds
There are many different types of home molds you’ll need to watch out for. Some include:
Acremonium
Aspergillus
Chaetomium
Mucor
These will spread in various areas, but especially in dark humid spaces. Because of this, you’ll want to keep an eye out for strange colored wall or ceiling patches or a musty smell lingering throughout your living space.
3 Ways to Prevent Mold
Watch Moisture Levels: Mold loves moist environments. In your home, you create moisture when you do things like laundry or cooking. If not removed, moisture will seep into your walls which can encourage mold growth. Because of this, try to limit moisture by using a dehumidifier. You might also want to run fans and vents.
Clean Wet Messes: It’s crucial to clean wet messes if you want to prevent mold. Mold populates much faster on a wet surface. If you let the water sit, it will create a damp area that will encourage mold growth. If you notice wet messes, make sure to clean them immediately.
Empty Your Gutters: Clogged gutters can encourage water to sneak into any cracks situated around your home. You’ll need to be diligent about emptying your gutters at least twice a year to prevent this.
Mold isn’t only destructive but could be detrimental to your health. If you’re concerned your home might have a mold problem, give RCS a call. Our team will meticulously inspect your residence to ensure that any traces of it are eradicated.
Water damage is a frequent problem in homes. While many times it can be reversed, if not caught, could cause severe issues. If you’re interested in learning more about how to stop water damage, you’ll want to keep reading.
What Causes Water Damage?
There are many things that could cause water damage. Some of these include:
Leaking pipes
A broken appliance
Cracks in your home’s foundation
Clogged gutters
While these are the most common, sometimes water damage could also be due to a natural disaster, such as flash floods or hurricanes.
5 Ways to Prevent Water Damage
Keep Hoses Away From Your Home: It might not seem like much water would come from a hose, but it does. If you don’t shut the device off, the water will continue to drip. Over time, this small amount will start to form puddles that could leak around your home’s foundation. This could soften the structural materials and cause moisture to sneak into your crawl space.
Quickly Fix Leaks: One of the most important things to do to prevent water damage is to fix leaks. While these can be hard to spot sometimes, if not sealed, will only encourage water to keep dripping through your walls and ceilings.
For visible problems, make sure to patch them up as soon as you see them. You can also look for hidden leak signs, like a musty odor, running water sounds behind your walls, and discolored drywall.
Replace Old Caulking: Caulking creates a strong barrier around windows and doorways to thwart water droplets. While caulking does a good job at protecting your home, over time it will wear down. You’ll want to apply a new layer when you notice it curling or turning yellow.
Check Your Appliances: Many times water damage is due to a malfunctioning appliance, such as your HVAC system or washing machine. If you find that there is a lot of condensation around the devices or that there is visible water damage, quickly contact a professional.
Install New Shingles: You might be surprised to learn that old or poorly installed shingles could encourage water damage. Roof shingles guard your ceilings against rain and other natural elements. If they’re falling off or missing, your home isn’t going to be protected.
Water damage is a common problem that can create a pricey mess if not fixed. By keeping these tips in mind, you can easily prevent it. If you fear that you might already have water damage, RCS can help. We offer services that will remove water and protect your home from future leaks.
