Bathroom Gnat Infestations and How to Get Rid of Them

Female gnats will lay up to 300 eggs in their incredibly short lifespans. As a result, the start of a gnat infestation in your drains can quickly become an overwhelming problem. They can take over your home in a matter of days if the problem isn’t dealt with.

Moisture in the drains of your bathroom drains and pipes make for the perfect breeding grounds for gnat populations. This is because fungus will also grow in these places. 

Getting Rid of Gnats in Your Bathroom

There are many ways that you can get rid of gnats in your bathroom drains. These methods can range from natural, organic means to more industrial techniques, depending on the severity of your infestation. 

Bathroom BEAPCO Fruit Fly Traps

These fly traps use a non-toxic solution to lure the gnats into the trap. Place the traps near the gnat-infested areas and wait until they are full of dead gnat flies. Then repeat as needed.

These traps can be used for up to 30 days and, when full, can be disposed of in any trash can. It is recommended that you set up multiple traps at any given time to maximize the coverage area. 

Fruit Fly Drain Treatments

This product is an option for you is you want to treat the drains directly. The main ingredient of this drain treatment will be citronella, which is a natural bug repellent. This treatment will kill many of the gnat flies and will repel the remainder. 

Bathroom Candle Trap Setup

This trap setup only requires a tray and a candle. Additionally, you may add dish soap. 

At night, you will close the curtains or blinds in your bathroom. Make sure that the room is completely dark. Place your candle in the tray or bowl filled with water, and set this combination near the fly-infested area. With the room completely dark, the only light source will be the lit candle. 

The gnat flies will get close to the candle. They will go to either the flame of the candle itself or the reflection of the flame in the water. The candle flame will burn the gnats’ wings, and they will fall in the bowl or tray. Any flies that avoid the actual flame will go to the reflection in the water and will drown. 

Adding a few drops of dish soap to the water in the bowl will make escape impossible for the gnat flies. 

Bleach in the Drains and Baking Soda on Surfaces

One of the easiest ways to destroy an infestation or prevent one in the future is to pour bleach down the drains. Bleach will effectively clear away any organic debris or food sources for the gnats. It will also destroy the eggs and larvae of gnats. 

If you think there may be gnat eggs lining your tub or sink, you don’t have to use a harsh bleach to get rid of them. 

Create a thick paste of baking soda and hot water. You will then be able to apply this paste to the inside of your tub or sink. Make sure you use thick layers. Then allow it to stand for at least five minutes. After that, you’ll use a nylon brush to scrub these surfaces. Rinse with hot water, and any eggs that may have been attached to these surfaces will be gone.

The post How to Get Rid of Gnats in Bathroom Drains appeared first on Leaf Gutter Guards.

The Costs of Seamless Gutters

Seamless models of gutter systems are increasing in popularity and use. Instead of the gutter coming and needing to be installed in sections that need to be joined together, these models of gutters are made from one single piece of metal or plastic that is installed all at once. 

 

The only seams in a seamless gutter system are at the corners during the installation. These corners are screwed together and sealed with silicone when using steel or aluminum. When using copper, the corners are soldered or riveted instead. 

 

Seamless gutters come in vinyl, aluminum, copper, and steel. The cost to install gutters and downspouts. 

 

Costs and Materials

The most popular kind of seamless gutters are made of aluminum. 80 percent of all seamless gutters are made of aluminum. However, there are other types of seamless gutters, and the cost of these types vary.  

 

The following prices are per linear foot of seamless gutter, including downspouts, hanging brackets, and end caps.:

 

• Aluminum: Costs range from $9 to $14

• Coated Steel: Prices range from $7.50 to $12

• Copper: This is the most expensive material, ranging from $18 to $40

 

 

Additionally, aluminum gutters may be paint coated, or may have a baked-on powder-coated finish. Galvanized steel gutters will usually have a vinyl or Galvalume coating. Aluminum and steel coatings can also come in a variety of colors to better match your home’s aesthetic.

 

Other Factors of Costs to Consider

When you go to estimate the cost of installing a new seamless gutter, there are several additional factors to consider. 

 

Removal of old gutters should probably be the first thing you think to consider in your cost after the cost of materials. Removal and disposal of old gutters will, on average, cost you about fifty cents to a dollar per linear foot. 

 

The size of the gutter will also play a role in the overall cost of the gutters. Gutters come in a range of widths from 3-inches to 7-inches. The most common width, however, is 5-inches. The wider or larger the gutter, the more costly. Keep in mind the climate you live in and the size of your roof when determining a gutter width. 

 

Upper-story installation can also affect the cost of installation. This is because installing gutters on a second- or third-story can be more difficult. The cost will typically increase by about $1 to $1.50 per linear foot. 

 

The number of corners on your home is the most time-consuming aspect of installing seamless gutters. Homes with more than six corners will push costs toward the higher end of the cost range and price spectrum. 

 

Positive and Negative Aspects of Seamless Gutters

Pros of Seamless Gutters:

• They can be professionally measured and installed for a perfect fit for your home. 
• Powder-coated gutter can be painted.
• There are up to 24 color choices for seamless gutters, so it is incredibly easy to find one that compliments or matches your home. 
• One-piece gutters tend to be less prone to leaking.
• Aluminum, steel, and copper are all long-lasting material choices. 

 

Cons of Seamless Gutters:

• Vinyl sectional gutters are cheaper than seamless metal gutters.
• Seamless gutters are not as DIY-friendly since they require large coils of material and an extruding gutter machine. 
• If the gutter becomes damaged, the entire gutter run must be replaced.

The post How Much do Seamless Gutters Cost appeared first on Leaf Gutter Guards.

Drain Worms and How to Get Rid of Them

If you’re seeing worms crawl up from your shower or sink drain, chances are that they are drain fly larvae. Drain flies are also known as filter flies or sewer flies. The larvae and flies themselves will eat a variety of decaying organic matter, such as plants, foods, or even animals. 

 

If they’re coming out of your drains, it means that there is either a buildup of scum on the walls of our pipes or something in the drain that they are directly feeding and breeding on. To effectively remove these worms, the drain pipes will need to be cleaned. How To Get Rid Of Drain Flies

 

Get Rid of Drain Worms: The Steps You Should Take

1. Spray a liberal amount of aerosol insecticide for any flies in the rooms where you have seen the worms in the drains. Alternatively, you can use traps, or DIY methods to get rid of, contain, or kill these flies.
2. Use a flathead screwdriver, or any other appropriate tool, to remove the drain cover in the affected drain. As a precaution, you may want to treat all of the drains in your home, but this is not usually necessary.
3. Remove any debris from the drain. You can use a toothbrush or other tools to accomplish this. Make sure you remove any hair, fur, fungus, or other organic material that may be used for feeding or breeding grounds by the gnats and worms. 
4. Using hot water, scrub the sides of the drain. Use a plastic bristle brush or similar scrubbing utensil to effectively scrub the walls of the drain. Follow this up by additionally rinsing the drain with any remaining hot water. 
5. Replace the drain cover. Spray the room with your aerosol insecticide once again, or set up fresh traps. 

 

After following the above steps, wait two or three days. If the worms reemerge from the drain, purchase a commercial drain cleaner. Make sure that you follow the application instructions of the drain cleaner. 

 

The best way is to start by boiling water. Once the water is boiling, you’ll pour it down the drain. Make sure that you’re careful so that you can avoid any burns or splashes with the heated water. Wait for approximately thirty minutes, enough time for the pipes and drain to cool back down. Then apply the drain cleaner.

 

Be sure that the drain cleaner you purchase can remove debris, scum, and any other possible factors that would affect or promote gnat and worm population growth. You are trying to destroy an infestation, not just clean the drain. 

The post How to Get Rid of Drain Worms appeared first on Leaf Gutter Guards.

The Cost of Installing Gutters and Downspouts

There are many factors that go into determining the cost of gutter and downspout installation. Keep in mind that the costs outlined here apply primarily to DIY homeowners that would like to install their own gutters and downspouts. A professional completing these tasks will tend to charge a bit more. Learn how to install gutters and replace them in this new article. 

 

The prices here are estimated for the average home, which will use approximately 200-feet of gutters and six downspout installations. 

 

Installing Gutters and Downspouts Breakdown of Costs

Materials used for Installing Gutters and Downspouts

Materials for installing gutters and downspouts vary. The most commonly used materials are PVC, vinyl, and aluminum. Copper, galvanized steel, and wood may also be used for gutters. Remember that each material comes with its own pros and cons, and may have their own individual challenges. If you’re looking for the gutter installation cost, read this article. 

 

Cost of Materials

• Plastics: Typically cost from 3 to 5 dollars per foot
• Aluminum: Usually will cost about 4 to 9 dollars per foot
• Wood: Will cost approximately 16 dollars per foot
• Galvanized Steel: Range from 4 to 8 dollars per foot
• Copper: Is the most expensive, will cost an average of 20 dollars per foot

Also, you need to consider not only the costs of the gutters by linear foot but need to consider the cost for the downspout elbows, outlet tube, lower elbow, and all applicable connections. You will also need to purchase fastening straps at each six-foot interval. 

 

If the downspout does not connect to a gutter drain, you should also get a splash block of some kind, to further redirect the drainage away from your home or building. Splash blocks can usually be purchased for under ten dollars but can cost as much as 70 dollars for decorative-cast aluminum blocks. 

 

Once you decide on the materials you would like to use for your gutters and downspouts, it’s time to consider installation costs.

Installing Labor Costs

For most DIY homeowners, or anyone with good carpenter or handyman skills, the cost of labor on installing gutters and downspouts is minimal. 

 

On average, a professional installation will take approximately seven hours to install a 50-foot section of gutters and downspouts. That considered, it would take approximately three days and a total of $2,200 to install completely. 

 

Keep in mind that many professionals will prefer to use “seamless” aluminum gutters with their installation. This will actually help to keep costs closer to the DIY cost range. 

 

The national average, with just the basic material and installation factors considered, is approximately $1,500 to $2,700. 

Installing Gutters and Downspouts Other Costs to Consider

Removing and disposing

Removing and disposing of old downspouts and gutter sections will usually add to the costs of your project. This is unless you choose to uninstall the sections yourself and transport them to a recycling center, if appropriate. You can expect this to cost about $200. 

 

Heat tape

Heat Tape can be installed as well. It can be draped across the roof of your home or building and can run along gutters and downspouts. The tapes will help to get rid of ice buildup or jams, which are frequently to blame for collapsing gutters and downspouts. During installation is the best time to add heat tape if you choose to. 

 

Gutter guards and downspout screens

Gutter Guards and Downspout screens may also be installed. Installing either, or both, of these guards, will help to deflect debris from gutters and downspouts, which will allow continuous, uninterrupted flow. 

The post The Cost to Install Gutters and Downspouts appeared first on Leaf Gutter Guards.

While not every home has an outside drain, most modern homes do, and one can be added if your home is missing one. You should know that a blocked or clogged outside drain can cause catastrophe for any homeowner, though, so proper maintenance and due vigilance is key. 

 

Your outside drain may be connected to not only your in-home fixtures, but runoff from roof drains, area drains, and more may also be connected. That means that leaves, dirt, and even particularly heavy rainstorms may overload and ultimately cause clogging issues to this drain. 

 

Unclog  Your Drain Stays Cleared

Not every backup or clog requires specialty tools or a professional to clear out. So if you’re feeling particularly handy or you know it’s just a simple clog, you can take care of the issue yourself. 

 

Each outside area drain should have a grate with it that helps to filter out leaves and large bits of debris. The grate itself should be easy to clean as a result, since you can just wipe away or otherwise remove the debris. 

 

Some smaller leaves, compact dirt, and bits of debris may still make it passed that grate, though. They will accumulate in the sump of the drain and will result in a clog. If you find that the sump is clogged, you can use a small shovel or gloved hands to remove the blockage. 

 

Remember that some drains can be multi-directional, which means you may need to clean out the basin in every possible direction of the drain. Keep in mind that routine or regular maintenance and cleaning will keep the drain line clean and able to run properly. 

 

Drain Stubborn Blockages

In cases where blockages are too stubborn to remove by hand or with simple tools, you may need to use more advanced equipment or consult a professional. Some examples of the more powerful equipment include:

 

Rubber Drain Bladders or Blow Bags: The rubber drain bladder, most commonly referred to as the blow bag, can be attached to the end of your hose. The bag itself will fill with water and expands to tightly fit within the drainage pipe. This helps to keep water from backing up into your system, and instead forces the pressurized water toward the clog, forcing it free. 

 

Drain Machines: Drain machines are often used for particularly tough clogs. Professionals may use these if they’re called about a blockage in your drain or septic system. 

 

Drain machines use an attached specialty blade at the end of the snake hose. This makes it so that it can cut through any debris or blockages in your pipes, including any tree roots that may have grown into the pipes. 

 

After using the drain machine, there may be additional, but smaller, bits of debris in your drain line. Flush the pipe with a garden hose to clear out any remaining debris. 

 

Hydro-Jet: The final option is the hydro-jet. The hydro-jet takes advantage of high pressure water, and you may want to leave this option to a professional’s use. It uses the pressurized water to clear out debris and dirt that may be coating the inner lining of the pipe. There are a variety of nozzle options for a hydro-jet, and it will get rid of most clogging issues. 

The post Unclogging Your Outside Drain appeared first on Leaf Gutter Guards.

When was the last time you truly inspected your gutters? In Tacoma, Wash., we’re heading into the wet season and if your gutters aren’t in tip-top shape, your home could be in danger.

Your home’s gutter system is the first line of defense against many costly structural problems, such as flooding, cracks in the foundation, mold and mildew, and landscape erosion. If you’re regularly maintaining your gutters, your protecting your home from serious damage.

If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned and checked out your gutters, they may be in need of some repairs—even replacement in some cases. There’s no way around it, now’s the time—before the next storm hits—to inspect your gutters and see how they’re holding up.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Gutters

If your gutters have gotten to the point where you’re noticing water damage and other issues, it could be because you’re in desperate need of gutter replacement. You’ll want to immediately take action to replace your gutters if you notice any of these signs:

1. A flooded basement
2. Paint peeling on the sides of your house
3. Pools of water in your yard
4. Cracks in your home’s foundation
5. Mold growing on your siding
6. A large number of cracks, holes, or rust spots on your gutters
7. Water damage such as rotting fascia, water stains, mold, or mildew

Signs You May Only Need a Repair

Not every gutter imperfection calls for complete replacement; some issues just need a simple repair. If your gutters don’t have any of the above issues, you probably don’t need a complete gutter replacement. However, if your find that your gutters exhibit any of the below problems, then it’s probably time to make some repairs.

• Your gutters falling away from your home’s fascia
• Your gutters that are sagging
• Your gutters are leaking
• The downspouts appear ineffective or have come loose
• You find loose hardware on the ground below your gutters

When to Get Professional Gutter Service Help

Let’s face it, climbing up a ladder and spending an afternoon inspecting your gutters is probably not on the top of your to-do list. And if you have no idea of what you’re looking for, it can lead to stress, or the signs of gutter repair or replacement going unnoticed! Having your gutters cleaned, maintained, and inspected by professionals, like Tacoma Gutter Service, means you can rest assured that your home is protected.

Our team has been installing and maintaining gutters for more than 30 years and we have the experience and knowledge to spot potential gutter problems before they evolve into costly damage around your home. It’s our goal to ensure your home is protected from the region’s wet weather and torrential downpours. We’ll look for pitch problems, loose gutters, leaks, clogs, cracks, and splits. We’ll be able to tell you whether your entire systems needs replacement, just a section, or if a few repairs is all you need.

If you find that it’s time to replace or repair your gutters—or have no idea how to diagnose their condition—we can help. And if it’s time for a complete upgrade, we’ll help you choose the best material for your budget, aesthetic, and structure.

Our team would be more than happy to speak with you about any of your gutter-related concerns. We’ve helped residents from all over the area maintain their gutters to keep their homes safe and stylish. To schedule a free estimate, contact us online or call us at (253) 927-7111.

This post first appeared on https://tacomagutterservice.com

What concerns you most about your gutters?

Whether your biggest fear is negative effect on your home or getting on the ladder to clean them out multiple times a year, we’ve heard them all. There are many valid reasons to fear damage to the drainage system attached to your home, and here we answer some of the most common fears we encounter: 

Are my gutters structurally sound? 

Typical vinyl siding doesn’t last as long as a solid aluminum system like GutterShutter. If your gutters pull away from the fascia of your home, are sagging, or riddled with holes, then they need to be replaced. That’s because, they fill with debris and become unable to hold the extra weight, suffering damage or potential collapse. Additionally, harsh weather can sometimes lead to issues that are beyond repair.

You can tell if your gutters suffer structural problems by looking at them. Do you see areas where they are breaking away from the roof or beginning to sag? Call GutterShutter right away if you see these signs. 

Are they accumulating too much debris?

How often do you clean your gutter system? Most open gutter suppliers will say you only need to clean them out twice a year. Unfortunately, that recommendation doesn’t cut it. Leaving your gutters alone for too long lets other things settle in. For example, letting leaves sit means they start to decompose, creating a perfect environment for mosquitoes and other bugs to lay eggs around your property. As soon as spring hits next year, you’ll already have an infestation.

Next time it rains, take a look at your gutters. Is the water coming through the downspouts, or is it just overflowing off the sides right away? If that is happening, it’s time to call GutterShutter for closed gutter installation. 

Will I be able to clean them myself? 

This question is hard to answer, as everyone is different, but we always recommend leaving a gutter cleaning to professionals. Especially, if any disability makes it harder. Ladder falls are some of the most common causes of homeowner injury, but many people don’t think it will happen to them. If you want to avoid hiring a professional, install a GutterShutter system and never have to worry about cleaning out your gutters again! 

Contact your nearest GutterShutter Factory Authorized Dealer today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your current gutters and to get an estimate.

The post We Answer Common Gutter Fears appeared first on GutterShutter.

Most people don’t give much thought to gutters.  Gutters just exist, quietly doing their job of draining stormwater away from your house.  This job, however, is more important than you may think. Without gutters, water would run off the roof to the ground below where it would cause puddles that ruin your landscaping.  The water would splash against the foundation causing cracks that can fill with water during the winter, expanding as it freezes, causing further damage to your foundation walls. Wood casings around doors and windows would begin to rot and leak.  

So when it comes to gutters, you should be giving them a lot of thought because they’re an important part of your home.  If you don’t have gutters, or your current ones have seen better days, the right time to install or replace them is now, before the rain can cause further damage.  

The type of material you decide to use is an important one and there are several to choose from. 

Vinyl

Vinyl is a popular choice for gutter material because it’s cheap.  Vinyl is extremely lightweight, easy to work with, and can be made seamless on-site.  Aside from price, people like vinyl gutters because they don’t have to ever worry about them rusting or corroding.  

The downside to vinyl as a material for gutters is that they can become brittle over time or in extreme climates and poor installation can cause vinyl gutters to sag or break.  The life of vinyl gutters is usually 20 years.

Aluminum

Like vinyl, aluminum is another popular material choice for gutters.  They’re relatively lightweight and easy to install. Aluminum gutters hold up well in cold and hot temperatures, they can be painted, and they can be manufactured to be seamless.  

The problem with aluminum gutters is that they can be easily dented by debris or anything else that may hit them.  They also generally last 20 years.

Copper

Copper is a beautiful material that has been used ornamentally for thousands of years.  Copper gutters show off the architectural features of your home. Instead of fading into the background like other types of gutters, copper gutters are meant to stand out and make a statement.  And that statement is, “Look at my gorgeous home!” They add value and curb appeal to any home. The vibrant penny color turns to a lovely green patina over time that makes your home even more stunning.  

The only downside to copper gutters is their initial expense.  Copper gutters have a much higher upfront cost than their vinyl or aluminum counterparts but if you have copper gutters installed, you may never have to buy gutters again.  When properly maintained, copper gutters can last a century! That initial investment could get you a lifespan that is 5 times longer than aluminum or vinyl. Copper gutters are as strong as they are beautiful and are durable enough to hold up against the harshest weather conditions. 

Copper gutters should be installed by a professional with a lot of experience working with gutters.  Seams require soldering and copper can be difficult to work with. When installed and maintained by a professional, your copper gutters will beautify your home for a lifetime.  Or two.

At Gutter Pros, our trusted technicians are skilled in the installation and maintenance of copper gutters, as well as other types of gutters, leaf protection, and commercial gutters.  Our customer satisfaction is most important to us so call us today and see how copper gutters can transform your home into a showcase.

This post first appeared on https://gutterpros.com/

This post first appeared on https://nedstevens.com

This post first appeared on https://nedstevens.com