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Keep more money in your pocketbook, break just one of these habits today

We all have habits. Some habits are good while others not so much. It’s the bad habits that are can ruin your home limiting your ability to be content, efficient and enjoy a bigger bank account.

Here are 5 bad habits you can break now to live a happier life, and have a fatter wallet!

#1 Stop taking Long Hot Steamy Showers

We all can agree there is nothing better than taking a long hot shower but doing so can cause mold to build up on shower surfaces such as faucets, grout, and the top of shower surrounds. That’s just icky! 

Did you know that more than half of all U.S. homes have mold? According to documentary titled MOLDY,  produced by Bulletproof Films, mold toxins are running rampant in our homes. Although mold and fungi are common in nature as they help to decompose leaves, trees, and dead plants they can become dangerous in the indoors and ruin your home. Mold thrives where there is moisture making your shower the perfect environment for mold growth. 

Always remember to turn on the exhaust fan while showering and wipe any moisture off the walls afterwards—using a squeegee is a great way to quickly accomplish this. Be sure to scrub the grout every few weeks to remove any mold seen or unseen. These tips will surely save you money on re-grouting or tearing out a moldy shower or tile surround which can be costly.

#2 Wasting Water with a Half-Full Dishwasher

Are you the type that prides yourself on your clean kitchen, no dishes in the sink, crumbs always swept away? If you like to stay on top of things then you’re also probably constantly filling the dishwasher and running it even before its full. Yup, been there, done that.  But about that: You are wasting water unless it is completely full. No matter how many dishes are in the machine it uses the same amount of water regardless. It can wait—just fill as the day goes on add your soap and press the start button before bed when the machine is full and voila! You’ll have clean dishes in the morning and you’ll feel good about doing your part for Mother Earth!

#3 Leaving Electronics on Overnight

Guilty! Do you also leave your computer, TV, or printer on overnight? 

You can save about $12 bucks a month by simply shutting these electronics off at night before bed. 

According to the experts, the electrical system in your home could become overheated if it’s expected to provide more power than it is capable of producing. Overburdening the electrical system can cause an electrical fire to cause serious fire and smoke damage to your home. Don’t plug too many devices into outlets or power strips. Unplug devices that are not in use, you will not only be safe from electrical fire but save money and even your life!

#4 Flushing Sanitary Wipes

Tissue is made to break down, but unlike ordinary toilet paper household cleaning wipes are made of woven fibers that do not breakdown and are more likely to clog your drainage system. Blockages in the drain lines of your home can mean costly repairs to your sewage system let alone the damage that can be done by sewage backup requiring water extraction from your basement. It’s costly and can ruin your home life. Just don’t do it!

 #5 Oven Overflows

Everyone of us has baked a pie or a gooey casserole that splatters, sputters, and drips into the bottom of the oven. The problem is that these crumbs and greasy messes can catch fire. Not only can it ruin your meal, but your entire kitchen could go up in smoke damaging everything in its path. To avoid costly fire damage repairs, wipe up spills immediately after the appliance cools and clean the interior of the oven multiple times a year. 

Bad habits are hard to break but when you consider the cost to your pocketbook it makes these habits all the more worth breaking.

_{Photo by maitree rimthong from Pexels}

Water. It’s essential for life, but when it infiltrates where it shouldn’t, it can become a truly destructive force. From warping beautiful hardwood floors and crumbling drywall to jeopardizing vital documents and sensitive electronics, the aftermath of water damage can be significant and stressful.

At Advance Restoration, we understand the disruption and worry that unexpected water intrusion can cause. That’s why we want to shed light on some of the most frequent culprits behind these unwelcome events, along with some practical advice to help you keep your property dry and protected.

1. The Silent Saboteur: Aging Plumbing and Corrosion

If your home or business features older construction with copper or steel pipes, your plumbing system might be at a higher risk than you think. Over time, these materials can succumb to rust and corrosion. This internal buildup can not only restrict water flow but also weaken the structural integrity of the pipes themselves. As the rust takes hold, it erodes the pipe walls, eventually leading to pinhole leaks or even significant bursts.

Pro Tip for Prevention: Think of a plumbing tune-up like a regular check-up for your car. Having a qualified plumber inspect your pipes every 2 to 3 years can make a world of difference. They can ensure connections are secure, identify early signs of corrosion, and advise on necessary maintenance to keep your system in top shape.

2. The Temperature Tango: When Extremes Lead to Trouble

We often associate frozen pipes with harsh winter climates, and for good reason. When temperatures plummet, the water inside pipes can freeze and expand, creating immense pressure that can cause them to crack or burst. However, it’s important to realize that extreme temperature changes – even in warmer regions – can also put stress on your plumbing. Rapid shifts can cause materials to contract and expand at different rates, potentially leading to leaks.

Pro Tip for Prevention: Be mindful of your hot water settings. Excessively high temperatures can actually weaken your pipes over time. Additionally, taking the time to insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements or crawl spaces, can provide crucial protection against temperature fluctuations.

3. The Ground Beneath Your Feet: Natural Foundation Settling

The very ground your property rests on can sometimes contribute to water damage. Over time, the natural settling of a building’s foundation is almost inevitable. While often a gradual process, this movement can unfortunately lead to cracks forming in foundation walls. These cracks can then become pathways for groundwater to seep into basements and crawl spaces, resulting in dampness, mold growth, and even significant flooding. Furthermore, this settling can also put stress on nearby pipes, potentially causing them to weaken, crack, or even break.

Pro Tip for Prevention: Make it a habit to visually inspect your foundation walls at least once a year. Look for any new or widening cracks. If you spot anything concerning, it’s wise to consult with a foundation expert. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent minor cracks from escalating into major water intrusion problems.

Dealing with water damage can be overwhelming, but understanding the common causes is the first step towards prevention. If you do find yourself facing the aftermath of a leak or flood, remember that the experts at Advance Restoration are here to help. We have the experience and expertise to assess the damage, implement effective restoration solutions, and get your property back to its pre-loss condition. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance.

Searching for the best restoration company in Southeast Michigan?

If you suffering from water damage from flooding, ice daming, storming, or plumbing problems in Oakland County, Michigan? Advance Restoration is the best restoration company near Oakland County. They are a full-service, one- stop restoration company for water, fire, wind, mold and contents.

Advance Restoration offers comprehensive restoration services for all your restoration repairs. With 24/7 response time,  experts will respond quickly with the experience and equipment necessary to minimize the long-term damage to your industrial, commercial, or residential property. From the initial damage assessment to drying the structure and packing out its contents for secure storage and restoration. Advance can help through every step of the water damage restoration process.

With over 15 years in business and decades of practical experience in the field, this IICRC certified firm has what it takes to get the job done. Their stellar reputation speaks for itself. Advance’ restoration experts are IICRC certified—the gold standard for disaster restoration cleanup in the industry.

Rest assured the job will be done with expertise and care by the best restoration company in Oakland County and all of Southeast Michigan.

• Available 24/7, 365 Days of the Year for Emergency Service
• Quick Response Times
• Quality and Satisfaction
• Trained and IICRC Certified Experts
• Advanced Technology

If you are searching for “the best water damage restoration company near me?” Look no further, call toll free at 810-356-5923 for help or contact Advance Restoration today to set up an appointment. We offer fast response times throughout Macomb and Oakland County, Michigan.

While you wait for our team to arrive, follow these Water Damage Tips to mitigate the impact as much as possible.

Those first warm days of spring are exhilarating. Warmer weather has us thinking of all the possibilities for our yard’s landscape. Off we go to the local nursery where brightly colored packages of flower bulbs call our name and young sapling trees come tagged with the promise of blossoms or fruit. “We’ll plant the tree just outside the window where we can watch it grow for generations”, you say. It all sounds great. Until the tree grows up.

Planting a tree too close to your house can be dangerous. In addition to the risk of falling branches, roots from mature trees can weaken your homes foundation and cause basement water leaks not to mention potential clogged plumbing and sewer pipes that could lead to water damage and repairs. When the roots of trees infiltrate your pipes, costs can go upwards of $5000 for repairs.

Plant trees that will grow medium to large size at least 30 to 50 feet away from the house. Smaller trees (30 feet or less) at least eight to ten feet away. Following these planting tips should protect you from fallen tree mishaps, and water damage due to rogue root growth around sewer pipes and plumbing.

If you experience water damage due to foundation leaks or broken pipes, call the professionals at Advance Restoration—We’re there when you need us.