Jacob Eastlick

Homeowners already have packed home-maintenance checklists. Understandably, “taking care of drains” is far down on the to-do list. For the most part, your drains and sewer line are the little-thought-about, unsung heroes of your home, carrying away the water you use in your sinks, showers, and toilets daily. As the holidays approach, it’s good to understand the importance of caring for your drains and sewer lines.

The holiday season is great because it allows us to spend time with our families and friends. The holiday season can also be a bit stressful when it comes to meal planning and preparation. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for drains to get clogged.

Here are some things you should never put down your drain.

• Coffee grounds – they can cause a buildup to occur in your pipes. Your best bet is to recycle or toss them in your garbage.
• Egg shells – the membrane of an egg can cause a sticky mess.
• Grease and oils – they’re the main cause of fatbergs which are gross and can wreak havoc on your pipes.
• Pasta and rice – because pasta and rice are high in starch, they expand when put into water. It’s ok for small amounts of each to go down your drain, but never intentionally dump a large amount.
• Potato skins – they’re full of starch and it only takes a small amount to clog your drain. By the time you realize you have a clog, you’ll have a big mess.
• Flour – when mixed with water it creates a glue-like paste.
• Bones – they’re very durable and tough for garbage disposals to grind completely.
• Raw meat – the fat in meat can cause a fatty buildup in your drain.

Keep these important tips in mind all year round.

Get familiar with your sewer line

It can be argued that the sewer line is the most-essential part of the home that homeowners know the least about. However, the key to preventing several major sewer line issues—including the dreaded sewer backup—lies in understanding how the line works and why it’s so important to take care of it.

Understand causes of leaks

Most modern sewer lines that run underneath the home and front yard to a municipal sewer are made of either copper or sturdy, long-lasting PVC or ABS (both forms of hard plastic) pipe. If your home was built prior to the 1960s and hasn’t had its sewer line replaced, the line is likely made of iron. As you might have guessed, the combination of metal and water can only last so long. Iron or steel pipes are eventually subject to corrosion—a sewer line leak and the need for pipe replacement is almost inevitable.

While they’re immune to the rust that impacts steel and cast-iron pipes, PVC and ABS pipes also have the potential to leak. Over time, PVC can develop cracks and fractures due to shifting earth above and around the buried pipe and a common culprit: trees.

If you have a tree in your front yard near your sewer line, there’s a chance that the roots of the tree might grow around the pipe and break it. This is a self-escalating problem: as the root cracks the pipe and accesses wastewater, the root is encouraged to keep growing in the direction of the water. Many sewer line blockages (more on these in a minute) have a clear “root” cause once unburied, as the plumber finds that the tree root has grown into the pipe, completely blocking the flow of water.

Prevent blockages

Sewer line blockages are bad news. Your sewer line is how your home disposes of wastewater—everything from the water you use while showering to every toilet flush, goes through the sewer line to the sewer. Any kind of obstruction in the line slows or prevents this process. With nowhere to go, the wastewater begins to back up the line leading back into your home. All your drains clog simultaneously as sewage comes out the drains. It’s a bad scene: beyond being incredibly disgusting, this can also cause serious water damage and require professional cleanup, on top of getting your sewer line repaired.

So, what causes sewer line blockages and how can you prevent them from happening? We’ve already mentioned one common cause, but an even more common scenario is caused by the homeowners themselves. Too many of us treat our sink and garbage disposal like, well, a garbage can. Things that really shouldn’t be disposed of in the sink—cooking grease, oils, coffee grounds, eggshells, produce stickers, and more—travel down the sewer line. Sometimes, they get stuck and begin to collect more waste, starting a blockage inside of the line. Grease is particularly dangerous: you may dispose of it as a liquid, but it can begin the process of solidifying while in the line.

Protect your home’s sewer line

The good news is that many sewer line issues are within your control: of all sewer line problems, 52% are caused by sewer blockages. By being mindful about what you and your family put down the sink—and, for that matter, the toilet—you can protect your line and ensure that things continue to flow the way they should.

As for tree roots, consider having front yard trees that are either directly over or near the sewer line removed or moved elsewhere in your yard. Consult with professional, licensed plumbers in your area about whether nearby landscaping or foliage poses a threat to the sewer line. The plumber will also be able to give you more information about the state of the line based on the age of your home or the year the line was replaced. Around 37% of sewer line leaks are caused by the line material failing.

Consider insurance coverage

West Bend’s Underground Service Line Coverage Endorsement would provide up to $15,000 for repair expenses, as well as potential expedite fees, tree removal, landscaping repairs, excavation costs, line replacement, etc. Be sure to talk to your local agent about the exposures of the underground service lines that provide many necessary services to your home. The minimal additional premium you’d pay would be well worth it if it saves you thousands of dollars in unexpected and devastating expenses!

For more sewer line maintenance tips—as well as tips for protecting a septic system and its lines—check out this informative infographic created by the team at King Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Frankfort, Illinois.

SOURCE: Posted by Scott Stueber on Dec 3, 2019 9:30:28 AM

Burr, it’s cold outside. If you live in an area that’s cold and snowy, your car might look a bit rough by now. Cold temperatures, road salt, ice, and snow can wreak havoc on your car. Here’s some tips to keep your car running at it’s best this winter.

1. Wash your car regularly. While washing your car may seem like a waste of time and money, it’s even more important to keep your car clean this time of year.

• Road salt is corrosive. While road salt does a great job keeping the roads in good winter driving condition, it’s tough on our cars. Because of its corrosive property it can damage your car’s paint, clear coat, exhaust system, brake and gas lines, and undercarriage. Don’t overlook salt as just an everyday nuisance of winter. Get rid of it when you can!
• Tire maintenance. Tires take a beating all year round. However, keeping your tires clean can reduce wear and tear.
• Improved visibility. Dirt, grime, and salt can build up on your headlights, taillights, windshield, mirrors, and back-up camera. Keeping these items clean can prevent you from hitting other objects.
• Keeps your clothes clean. It doesn’t take much to get salt on your winter jacket or pants. Regular washing can prevent additional dry cleaning bills.

Mother Nature can make washing your car tricky. The combination of cold and snow can make it seem like a losing battle. Days where daytime temperatures are near or at freezing are the best days to wash. If the temperature is a cooler, consider driving around a bit to shed excess water. Once you’re home it’s a good idea to wipe down your doors and windows with a warm, damp, microfiber cloth or chamois. Even if your garage isn’t heated, keeping the main door closed can help prevent your car from freezing.

Lastly, don’t forget about keeping your car’s interior clean. Using rubber floormats this time of year is beneficial because they’re easy to wash.

2. Drive smart. Snow and ice can significantly increase braking distances. The last thing you want to do is slide into the car in front of you. Also, maintain a safe speed; hitting a concrete road barrier or spinning off the road into a ditch can cause significant damage to your car and can injure you.

3. Install winter tires. While winter tires are a financial commitment, they’re well worth the money. They offer exceptional grip which leads to better steering and braking. In addition, when the stoplight turns green, you’ll be able to get up and go.

4. Avoid driving through large puddles. While large puddles may seem like no big deal, you never know what’s lurking beneath. Not only do they collect dirt and road salt, they can also hide foreign objects and potholes. Damage caused to your car by hitting a pothole can be significant. Here’s a list of some of the damages that can occur to your car.

• Tire punctures
• Bent rims
• Suspension damage
• Steering knocked out of alignment
• Exhaust system damage
• Engine damage

5. Avoid driving in deep snow. Driving in deep snow won’t only leave you stranded, it can cause damage to your car. Like puddles, you never know what’s lurking beneath. Packed snow containing road salt can get into places under your car causing rust. Deep snow can also damage your exhaust system. Depending on your car, exhaust systems can be elaborate and pricey to repair. If you ever notice your car shaking during winter, it’s likely from packed snow in your wheels. To eliminate the shaking, get rid of the snow by going through a car wash.

6. Avoid parking on the street. My two daughters are constantly bickering about who’s going to park in the street. While we have space in our driveway, they don’t want to play musical cars. If you can avoid parking in the street especially during winter storms, it’s in your best interest. This will help prevent your car from getting buried and sprayed directly by salt. Parking in the street also makes it more susceptible to damage from other cars and theft. Lastly, if your city has a winter parking ordinance, parking tickets can make a dent in your pocketbook.

7. Buy touch up paint. Due to cold temperatures, applying touch up paint to a scratch or chip is challenging. However, just applying a little bit on bare metal can help fight corrosion. If you’ve been in an accident and your car is drivable, still make plans to get it into the body shop for repair sooner rather than later. The longer bare metal is exposed, the more likely it’ll rust.

SOURCE: West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Feb 4, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Letting your new teen driver navigate the roadways alone for the first time, is one of the scariest things you’ll do as a parent. Compound that with winter weather, and it’s even harder to let your teen go. Of course, you know your son or daughter isn’t concerned in the least.

Every year, the first snowfall brings numerous accidents on our roadways. Even the most experienced drivers can find winter driving challenging and nerve-racking.

However, with coaching and practice your teen driver can be prepared for what’s to come. Here are some tips to keep everyone in your family safe.

1. Take it slow. When the roads aren’t dry, it’s critical to slow down. While this seems like common sense, it’s easy to forget that defensive driving maneuvers don’t happen as quickly in the snow.

2. Brake properly. Recently, my daughter asked me if she should pump the brakes in the snow. Even though we’ve had this conversation before, I told her “No, never pump the brakes.” If your car has ABS (anti-lock braking system), you should press on the brake pedal and not let off. The purpose of the ABS is to prevent the wheels from locking in an emergency. By preventing the wheels from locking, you can continue to safely steer the car.

3. Invincibility is a myth. Inexperienced drivers often think that nothing’s going to happen to them. Unfortunately, nothing’s guaranteed, and accidents can happen in a split second.

4. Don’t be overconfident. Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive systems allow for great traction in the snow. However, they don’t eliminate the science of physics. If you’re driving too fast for the current road conditions, you’re bound to lose control.

5. Don’t rely solely on technology. Great technological advancements have been made with vehicle safety features. However, it’s important not to rely on them 100% of the time. Slippery conditions can occasionally outsmart the systems.

6. Keep a safe following distance. Experts recommend keeping at least three car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you. If another car squeezes in front of you, back off.

7. Don’t pass snowplows. Getting stuck behind snowplows can be frustrating. However, passing snowplows can lead to deadly consequences. Remember, they’re trying to make the road safe for everyone. Here are some things to be aware of:

• If you pass them, the road in front of you hasn’t been cleared. This can lead to much more treacherous driving conditions.
• They may be taking up more of the road than you realize.
• Their auxiliary snowplow blade may be extended.
• You may enter a whiteout situation.

8. Pay attention to road surfaces. Paying attention to road surfaces can provide valuable information. When other vehicles pass me, I look at their tires to see what’s happening. If the road looks wet, tire spray should be coming from the tires. If there isn’t tire spray, there’s a good chance the road is icy. Also, don’t forget that bridges and overpasses freeze before the roads do. Let off the gas before driving on them.

9. Follow the path of least resistance. If snow is accumulating rapidly on the roadways, it may be difficult for the snowplows to keep up. If possible, try to drive in the tracks of the car in front of you. If the tracks go into the ditch, then it’s time to make your own tracks.

10. If you don’t need to go out, stay home. It’s not always possible to stay in the safety and comfort of your home. However, if weather forecasters are predicting life-threatening conditions, consider making alternative arrangements.

SOURCE: West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Dec 10, 2019 9:30:23 AM

LED lighting technology has been available for many years. However, compared to incandescent light bulbs the price tag was originally significantly higher making them not a viable option for many. With improved manufacturing techniques, LED pricing has come down making them a more popular choice for consumers. In addition, expanded color options allow for simple house decorations for the many holidays we celebrate.

Some of the benefits of LED bulbs include:

• Brighter than incandescent bulbs
• Increased energy efficiency
• Reduced wattage used
• Less heat created
• Longer lasting (thousands of hours) than other bulbs
• Great outdoor lighting
• Improved safety
• Easy to change to

Changing to LED lights in your home is easy and safe. Where LED lights can be dangerous is if you’re switching from fluorescent tube lights to LED tube lights in your ”man cave,” “she shed,” or garage.

Claim Scenario

You’re getting ready to host a big Superbowl party in your garage. After years of waiting, your team has finally made it to the Superbowl. This party is going to be like none other. Lots of family and friends will be attending and there will be plenty of food and beverages to satisfy everyone’s palate. A big win may even bring out some fireworks.

Because you spend a lot of time in your garage it’s been updated, making it a great place to hold the party. The floors have been epoxied and are shiny and clean. All the studs have been covered with insulation and drywall painted in your favorite team’s colors. Because you live in a cold climate you have a nice heater that keeps your garage at a comfortable, consistent temperature. And a nice 50” inch TV is already hung.

The only thing you have left to do is update your fluorescent tube lights to LED tube lights. Which is no big deal, right? You drive to your local hardware store and select the LED bulbs. When you arrive home you install them, and you’re set. You decide to leave them on for several hours because you want to admire your garage and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Several hours go by and suddenly you smell smoke. You frantically run to your garage and the

entire thing is engulfed in flames. You can’t believe it. You quickly call 911 to report the fire. The firefighters responded quickly and save your house from damage. However, your garage is a total loss. While home insurance provides coverage for fire loss, it’s an unfortunate situation.

After an inspection, you learn that the fire resulted from the improper installation of the LED bulbs.

Converting fluorescent tube lights to LED

As mentioned above, LED bulbs have many benefits and are very safe. What went wrong in the scenario above is you switched fluorescent tube lights to LED tube lights. Unfortunately, converting to LED tube lights is a bit more complicated because the two technologies are different.

To properly convert your garage to LED lighting you can do several things.

1. Buy new light fixtures and LED tube lights, which is more expensive.
2. Keep your existing fixtures and rewire them to bypass the ballast.
3. Call an electrician

SOURCE: West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Oct 15, 2019 9:00:00 AM

Are you starting to see bugs or rodents enjoying the comforts of your home? As we transition from summer to fall, many pests are preparing to invade our homes. With cooling temperatures and the leaves beginning to change, pests are looking for a warm cozy place to live with plenty of food. If you live in a climate that experiences winter, can you blame them?

Here are some common types of fall pests that may be invading your home.

Ants

While ants can be seen in our homes at other times of the year, they become more active now. Because they hibernate in winter, this is their last chance to store up on food.

Spiders

If you’re walking through your home and suddenly have cobwebs on your face or in your hair (yuck), it may be time to do some simple cleaning. Consistently running your dehumidifier in your basement and taking down cobwebs with a broom or vacuum can decrease the number of spiders in your home.

Fall Bugs

This group of bugs includes stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and lady beetles. If your home gets a lot of sunlight, you may see these bugs clamoring on the outside of your home, looking for a way in. While they won’t cause damage to your home, they’re a nuisance.

• Stink bugs. These bugs are harmless. However, if they anticipate danger or are stepped on or squashed, they emit a nasty odor. While they won’t cause damage to your home, unfortunately, once they get into your home, they’re difficult to get rid of.
• Lady beetles. They’re often mistaken for ladybugs; these bugs are good because they feed on other bugs that cause crop damage. Like stink bugs, they have an odor and can cause some people to experience mild allergies. If they’re in your house, you may see yellowish stains on your windows or walls.
• Boxelder bugs. Like stink bugs, they’re harmless and more of a nuisance.

Yellow Jackets/Wasps

These flying and stinging bugs are very annoying and aggressive this time of year. While we’re trying to enjoy the remaining warm weather days, they’re trying to eat and drink everything. They can dampen an outdoor party or a trip to the pumpkin farm. Their goal is do what they can to prepare the queen for winter survival. Check out the blog “Five tips to deal with crazy fall wasps”. 

Rodents

Rodent infestations can cause significant damage to your home if they go undetected. I know several people who’ve had mice in between their ceilings and walls which led to complete drywall removal. Damage caused by rodents isn’t covered by most insurance policies. To learn more about what to watch for and how to get rid of them, check out the blog “When you’re away – and even when you’re home – the rodents will play!”

Here are some tips to keep these pests out of your home.

1. Inspect your home for entry points. Pests can sneak into your home through very small entry points. Areas to inspect include:

• Chimney. Make sure you have a cap or mesh around it to keep them out.
• Attic vents. Many new homes with attics have vents on the side to aid in roof ventilation. A small hole in the mesh attached to the vents could be a welcome invitation to pests. If you can do so safely, inspect them now for damage. If you have a two-story home, make sure you have someone help you with the inspection process.
• Doors. Check your garage door, as well as your house doors to make sure the weather stripping is in good condition. Worn out material won’t seal the doors adequately and will make for an easy entry point.
• Loose or worn screens. If your screen has warped with time or if the material itself is brittle, consider replacing it. Loose fitting or worn screens make it easier for pests to enter your home.
• Dryer vent. Inspect to make sure the damper isn’t suck open or broken. Also check that it’s still firmly secured to your house.

2. Clean up your yard. As plants begin to decay and leaves start to fill your yard, remove the debris from your yard as often as you can. A yard with a thick layer of leaves can make a great habitat for unwanted pests. Removing dead plants and shrubbery along your foundation can eliminate hiding spots. Lastly, getting rid of leaves can help prevent lawn disease.

3. Keep your kitchen clean. Wipe up spills and crumbs immediately. If you have a garbage can in your home or garage, make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent a feeding frenzy for pests. Lastly consider storing food in plastic containers.

4. Keep your garage clean. Keeping your garage clean and clutter free can be extremely difficult. We spend a lot of time organizing and cleaning our garage. Now’s a great time to remove unnecessary clutter from your garage. Also, never store firewood in your garage or near your home. Stacked firewood can make for great accommodations for mice. Periodically check for mouse droppings or other evidence of infestation such as gnaw marks.

5. Look around your door. Before entering your home from the outside, take a quick glance around to make sure nothing is going to run in when you open the door.

6. Keep an eye on your pet’s food dishes. If you keep food in your pet’s dish all the time, watch for droppings around the bowl. A full bowl of food is an easy target for rodents.

If you’re experiencing problems with pests, contact your local pest control professional. They can take a walk around your property and provide the appropriate solutions.

SOURCE: West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Sep 10, 2019 9:00:00 AM