4 Common Home Mess Disasters and How to Handle Them in a Green Way

Even if your home is well-maintained, you will probably have to deal with at least a few mishaps and disasters over the years. Luckily, with some foresight and a little bit of planning, you should be able to quickly and easily take care of most of those messes while still keeping environment in mind.

Leaky Roof

Ignoring a leaky roof can actually be physically dangerous. If not taken care of, this issue will quickly spiral out of control. Some of the most common signs of a leaky roof include a musty smell in the attic, a sagging ceiling, water stains on the walls, and buckling shingles.

While a roofing contractor can patch the leak itself, you can minimize water damage by renting fans from a local home improvement store, opening all of your vents, and using mobile dehumidifiers. Never wait to start cleaning up water damage. Any pooling water can lead to more serious issues in the future, like mold.

If there is significant damage to your roof, you can take this opportunity to do a major overhaul (if it’s within your financial means). Ask a roofing company in your area for suggestions on what shingles may be best for the weather in your area and what eco-friendly options are available. Many modern roofing materials come from things like rubber, plastic, and wood fiber.

Mold

Mold might not seem like a major health risk, but those spores can be very harmful. To get rid of mold, you must thoroughly clean the area with white vinegar and hot water. This is a safer and greener solution than most store-bought mold removers.

Whenever you are working around mold, you need to wear a respirator and eye protection. If your home seems to be excessively humid, then you might need to invest in a whole-house dehumidifier to prevent future mold outbreaks. You can also inspect all of your vents and exhaust fans once every few months for any signs of damage.

Ants

A few stray ants can quickly turn into a massive colony, and that is why you must take care of these pests immediately. Most ant infestations can be eradicated with non-toxic cleaners and baits, but you should still consider calling a pest control expert once or twice a year for preventative services. Your pest control expert can also give you tips and tricks on how to avoid future infestations and other common household pests. If you choose to work with a pest control company, be sure to ask the company if they use green products that are safe for children and pets.

Clogged Sinks

Practically every homeowner is going to struggle with clogged sinks at some point, and this problem is usually not a big deal as long as it is taken care of right away. For a single slow or clogged sink, you should be able to clean out the plumbing trap or dislodge the debris with a plumbing snake. If multiple sinks are clogged, then you will most likely need to call a local plumber who offers drain cleaning services.

When multiple drains are slow, it is generally a sign that there is a clog much deeper in the system. Deep clogs are hazardous because they allow sewer gasses to enter your home. Typically, the gas levels aren’t concentrated enough to put your family at risk of hydrogen sulfide poisoning, but it will cause some very unpleasant odors in your home.

Avoid using chemical drain cleaners as these can be dangerous to both your family and the environment. Instead, opt to buy a drain snake to go the DIY route or hire a plumber to help you out.

While you can probably deal with many of these messes on your own, you should never try to carry out major repairs without professional assistance. Experienced contractors, drain cleaning services, and other pros can help you deal with a wide variety of issues around your home, and many professionals offer green products or solutions for their customers.