A house, no matter how well you take care of it, will encounter a few problems down the line. Most of the time, the issues will be minimal and can be fixed without the expertise of a professional. Sometimes, there are damages and malfunctions that, although they start as a minor concern, develop into something more serious. By then, you need to call home repair services and shell out money in order to replace what is broken.
Before that happens, here are the common problems at home that need to be fixed ASAP.
The Shock from Switches and Outlets
Electricity is dangerous, to say the least. It can start a house fire and coming into contact with it can kill in an instant. So, when there are electrical problems at home, you need to call for help immediately.
The need for a professional is urgent when the switches and outlets are giving off shocks – even if it is mild. This could be a sign that the outlet or switch is malfunctioning. Both received power from a box, which is connected through wiring. If the wiring is loose, it may cause electric shocks whenever power moves through it, whether after you flipped the lights on or you plugged a device into the socket.
Shocks like this may not require immediate medical attention, but homeowners still should call an experienced emergency electrician as soon as they notice the problem. Other signs of loose connections include burn marks and sparks coming out of the socket every time a device is plugged in.
Clogged Downspout
Spring is here. You can expect rainy days and nights in the coming weeks.
All that rainwater will be falling and collecting in the wrong places if your home’s downspout is clogged.
Clearing the gutter and downspout should be done regularly, especially when you expect rain. Leaves, sticks and branches, bird nests, rocks, and other debris can accumulate in the gutter quickly. Before you know it, the downspout is clogged and rainwater is being dumped onto your house’s exterior. You want to, as much as possible, deflect the rainwater away from the basement to prevent mold and mildew growth which can harm the health of the entire household.
Moreover, regularly checking for and removing debris from the gutter and downspouts would save you from expensive repairs and replacements later on. When the downspouts are clogged, water can back up which can lead to the gutters pulling away and then falling off of the roof. In short, things can go really bad.
Homeowners should immediately grab a pair of gloves and ladder or just call professionals who can get rid of the mess in the most efficient fashion.
Range Hood Not Functioning Properly
Cooking can create a lot of indoor pollution. The process can generate unhealthy air which, if inhaled, can lead to ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary, disease, and lung cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly half of pneumonia deaths among children under the age of 5 can be traced back toexposure to household air pollutants.
Proper kitchen ventilation, therefore, is not just important to keep the house smelling nice. It is essential to the health of every member of the household. When the range hood is not working as intended, then you should immediately fix it.
The problem may be as simple as grease in the ductwork or an air filter that may be due to be cleaned. However, sometimes, it is more complicated. The motor might have worn down and needed replacement. Either way, you should call a professional to make inspections and address the issue appropriately. Otherwise, you would need to open the windows every time you cook in order to keep the air in your home fresh and smoke-free.
Poor Bathroom Ventilation
It is pretty clear that ventilation, no matter where you are, is key to ensuring health and well-being. However, it is more crucial in the bathroom where you spend a lot of your time excreting bodily wastes.
The bathroom is dirty. Scientists have proven that flushing the toilet can eject pathogens into the air and the surrounding surfaces. If a person is sick, they can pass on a disease-causing virus or bacteria to other members of the family through the bathroom.
When there is no ventilation, the pathogens injected in the air through flushing, peeing, coughing, speaking, and breathing will continue to float across the bathroom. Simply opening the window or adding proper ventilation can reduce disease transmission within the household.
Moreover, lack of ventilation encourages mold growth. Exposure to mold spores leads to a stuffy nose, red and itchy eyes, and wheezing. It may also exacerbate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies.
Most of the time, addressing a problem, although it seems minor, immediately creates better results than waiting until it gets worse. Not only does it save money in the long run by preventing expensive repairs and replacements; it also contributes to better health.