A flood can cause catastrophic damage and destruction in your home. It can happen anywhere but homes near oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams are more at risk. While you have no control over nature, you can protect your property to avoid or minimize the risk of a flooded house. Flood-Proofing a House Water damage can …
Smoke, whether it comes from flames in your home, cigarettes, an appliance malfunction, an electrical problem, or wildfire, can leave behind odors that are hard to get rid of. For most people, these smells are very unpleasant. They can cause irritation and leave one with a headache or nausea. All the while, microscopic smoke particles …
Is there some cause for concern, but you’re afraid to call a plumber in a panic, only to find it’s not so serious? In any case, don’t wait. Even small plumbing issues can quickly escalate into thousands of dollars in repairs. Dripping faucets, running toilets, and even watery sounds from uncertain sources may be causing …
A crawlspace is a hollow area between the ground and first floor of your house. It’s aptly named because it is typically just 1 to 4 feet high and just big enough for a person to crawl in. Not all homes have crawlspaces, but those that do can develop various problems related to moisture. Water …
During times of drought, home fires become more common, especially due to wildfires. The growth of human development in wildlands is a particular problem in California. The most at-risk areas are at the wildland-urban interface (WUI), where wildfires increasingly threaten manufactured structures. In 2020, such fires caused $4.2 billion in direct property damage in California …
It’s bad enough to have water flood your home. A sewage backup is not only inconvenient and disgusting, but potentially hazardous to your health. It occurs when wastewater, instead of draining through the sewer system, reverses direction and finds its way up through your basement drain, toilets, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures. Dirty water can …
Why You Need to Act Fast Mold grows quickly in damp environments. It can trigger a cough, itchy eyes, and throat irritation as well as worsen allergies and asthma. Water can damage walls, ceilings, and structural materials, ultimately compromising the structural integrity of your home. Water and electricity don’t mix. If your electrical system is …
Safety While Cooking The kitchen is practically the only place we regularly interact with fire and heat (many homes have fireplaces, fire pits, etc., but there’s virtually no household without a kitchen!). You can reduce the risk of fire with these tips: Don’t leave the kitchen while the stove is on: High heat, open flames, …
In 2017 alone, California saw a devastating series of floods that ravaged over $1.05 billion worth of roads and highways. If you’re living in California, you know that this isn’t new. Floods in the area are a regular occurrence and that the best thing to do is to brace yourself and prepare for the worst. …
