Roaches are unsightly in kitchen cabinets as well as other areas of a home, and can carry diseases and be a risk to pets. To get rid of cockroaches in kitchen cabinets, there are some remedies that can be used before contacting a pest control specialist. Steps include cleaning out kitchen cabinets to eliminate possible food sources, identifying and filling cracks where pests may gain entry, address possible water leaks and moisture sources, applying gel baits, and applying diatomaceous earth or boric acid to kill the insects. Learn more about remediating roach infestations in kitchen cabinets.

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Causes for water leaking into a basement crawl space include leaking pipes or plumbing fixtures, water from gutters and downspouts, and groundwater seeping through seams or cracks in the foundation. Resolving this issue quickly is important, as standing water can erode a home’s foundation, rot the wooden beams and joists, and create mold and mildew issues. Depending on the root cause of water in a basement crawl space, possible solutions include repairing plumbing leaks, installing a sump pump, adding a vapor barrier, cleaning gutters and diverting downspouts away from exterior basement walls, and fixing grading around the foundation to redirect water away from it. Learn about causes of water in a basement crawl space and remediation tactics.

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A residential septic system needs regular maintenance to avoid a system backup and ensure the longevity of the septic tank and septic field. Regular septic tank maintenance includes pumping the tanks every 2-3 years depending on the number of bathrooms and occupants in the home.

There are several options for finding the location of a septic tank. These include inspecting the yard for a large divot or hill, identifying areas in the lawn that are patchy or difficult to grow grass on, using a soil probe to find the septic tank lids, following the main sewer line from the home by tracking the sewer line in the basement, and contacting your local Department of Health or county building department to obtain records or plans submitted for design approval of the septic system. Learn more about ways to identify the location of a home’s septic system.

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A concrete septic tank, the most common tank type, can last as long as 40 years. To maximize a septic tank’s lifespan, is it recommended to pump a septic tank every 2 to 3 years. As part of the service call, the septic service company should inspect the complete system for potential issues that could require repairs. Identifying and repairing issues quickly can extend the septic tank and system life. It is also recommended to avoid flushing items down the toilet that could harm the septic system and lead to failure, including hazardous waste, disposable diapers, coffee grounds, paper towels, paint thinner, and other household and personal care items. Learn about septic system lifespan, identifying possible septic tank and septic field failures, and how to extend the life of a septic system.

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Basement flooding happens frequently. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, floods are the number one disaster in America. Common causes of basement floods include a burst pipe, leaking foundation, or weather-related event. Flooded basement cleanup requires safety precautions and in many instances, professional help.

Flooded basement cleanup typically costs between $3,000-$10,000, with an average cost of $4,000. The estimated cost includes flood remediation and cleanup for approximately 500 square feet and contains 2 feet of water. If the basement is holding only a couple of inches of clean water, the average cost will be approximately $2,000 since there is less water damage service required.

Floods in basements are typically the result of heavy rainfall or fast snow melt, foundation cracks, broken basement windows or poor draining egress, sewer backups, sump pump malfunctions, water heater failure, drainage system failure, improperly sealed basement walls, burst or leaking pipes, and overflowing gutters or improper downspout locations.

Learn about common causes of basement flooding and important steps to remediate the situation.

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Nonferrous metals like copper don’t ‘rust’, however, they do eventually oxidize—or corrode. When copper reacts with air it produces copper carbonate, which is the greenish-blue color found on copper as it ages. Copper is easy to clean and it’s possible to protect copper by applying a clear lacquer. However, with decorative copper items, there are reasons you might not want to clear coat them. Learn about what causes copper to oxidize and how it can be prevented.

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