Your home doesn't have to be at 'hoarding status' to still be in need of some serious decluttering.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nKeeping a home clutter-free increases safety in the home, boosts overall productivity, and keeps money in your pocket.
\r\n
The benefits of a clean, clutter-free home are nearly endless.
\r\n\r\nSome of the biggest advantages of keeping your home organized and clean include:
\r\n\r\n![\"benefits](\"/sites/default/files/migrate_images/benefits-of-clean-home-infographic.png\")
\r\nClutter is a pest’s best friend.
\r\n\r\nA messy, unorganized home provides plenty of hiding places for mice, rats, cockroaches, etc.
\r\n\r\nThese pests often carry diseases, and insects like cockroaches, have allergens that are especially harmful for those with asthma or emphysema.
\r\n\r\nHave you ever spent half an hour searching for your keys or some paperwork you needed for work? Most of us have, and it's extremely frustrating.
\r\n\r\nA clutter-free home helps reduce time spent searching for your items because everything has its rightful place.
\r\n\r\nIn this way, decluttering your home can help boost your overall productivity and save you time.
\r\n\r\nAsthma affects roughly 25 million people in the U.S., according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
\r\n\r\nCluttered homes offer more places for dust to collect, and dust is a major aggravating factor for people with asthma.
\r\n\r\nEliminating clutter helps to improve the air quality within a home, making it safer for children and adults suffering from asthma.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nDecluttering your home is the least expensive way to increase its value.
\r\n\r\nReal estate experts across the U.S. agree that the number one way to boost the value of a home quickly is decluttering it.
\r\n\r\nAsk any realtor, and they'll likely recommend decluttering your home prior to selling it.
\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to cleaning and organizing a house, research shows a 600-800% return on investment (ROI), and you can't beat that!
\r\n\r\nIf you’re in the market to sell your home, cleaning and decluttering can help it sell much faster.
\r\n\r\nExperts confess that nearly all clean, organized homes, when staged correctly, sell in less than 30 days.
\r\n\r\nMessy, cluttered, improperly staged homes can take up to 5x as long to sell.
\r\n\r\nKeeping your home clutter-free in general is ideal, but if you have to, do a big cleanout of your home before it hits the market.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: Rent a Dumpster to Make the Moving Process Easier
\r\n\r\nDid you know falls account for the largest number of home injury deaths?
\r\n\r\nIt’s true. The National Center for Healthy Housing states that 33% of all household accidental deaths are caused by falls.
\r\n\r\nExcessive clutter can greatly increase the risk of falls in the home, particularly in the elderly population.
\r\n\r\nKeep the risk of fall-related injuries low by keeping your home clutter-free.
\r\n\r\nHomeowners living in a cluttered home put a substantial amount of stress on their brain, and this can affect their quality of life.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt’s amazing the impact a clean, organized home can have on one’s life.
\r\n
A clean, healthy home coincides with a healthy state of mind.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n'Practice what you preach' when it comes to keeping your home clean and tidy.
\r\n\r\nIf you expect your kids to clean up after themselves, put away their toys, and keep their homework organized, you should lead by example.
\r\n\r\nNo one expects you to keep your home sparkling clean and organized at all times, especially with kids in the home and a busy schedule, but making the effort to keep excessive clutter and messes at bay teaches kids to do the same.
\r\n\r\nLife happens, and so do messes, but organizational skills and healthy cleaning and hygiene habits are priceless skills that will serve them into the future.
\r\n\r\nSimilar reading: How to Teach Kids About Responsible Waste Removal
\r\n\r\nAs previously stated, a clutter-free home does wonders for your mental health, and it may improve your physical health as well.
\r\n\r\nDr. Pamela Peeke, author and professor of medicine at University of Maryland, believes there’s a strong connection between a healthy mind and healthy bodyweight.
\r\n\r\nNot only does uncluttering your home make way for uncluttering multiple areas of your life in some way or another, but it also is a healthy physical activity that can boost your heart and immune health.
\r\n\r\nA clutter-free home actually saves you money.
\r\n\r\nHow?
\r\n\r\nFirst, selling extra clothing and household items in a yard sale, on Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist, can earn you some extra cash.
\r\n\r\nSecond, donating unused items can earn you a tax break in certain cases.
\r\n\r\nThird, sign up for e-statements whenever possible instead of paper receipts and documents.
\r\n\r\nNot only will this prevent the paper clutter from piling up, but it can also save you you a little bit of money on your bills for doing so.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nKeeping a home clutter-free increases safety in the home, boosts overall productivity, and keeps money in your pocket. Learn the many benefits of a clean home with our article.
\r\n","changed":"2022-12-06T18:20:03+00:00"},{"id":"365bf460-ca65-5e5f-b508-a2d7d60bcf36","title":"A Step-by-Step Guide to Basement Cleanouts","url":"/blog/step-by-step-guide-to-basement-cleanouts","image":{"path":"/static/74d7142d4500aa5a5f023ab344dc2f25/old-basement.png","alt":"Old outdated basement"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"c31df595-00f6-51ea-a7da-584c54e964ba","name":"Basement Cleanout","slug":"Basement-Cleanout"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"04fd2ebe-e793-5a68-9f65-b5be6a2552ea","name":"Household Junk Dumpsters","slug":"Household-Junk-Dumpsters"}],"content":"Cleaning out a basement can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan and optional help from local junk removal services, you can turn a cluttered space into a clean, usable area quickly.
\r\n\r\nThis guide walks you through the step-by-step basement cleanout process, how to organize what you keep, and when to hire professional basement cleanout services to save time and heavy lifting.
\r\n\r\n![\"basement](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/basement-cleanout-infographic_1.png\")
\r\nKnowing what your goals are and determining an ideal timeline will help you create the most realistic expectations and efficient strategy.
\r\n\r\nSo, before you start moving boxes or furniture, define your goals:
\r\n\r\nNext, decide your timeline:
\r\n\r\nA clear goal and timeline make the entire project more manageable and help prevent cleanout fatigue.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBasements accumulate clutter because people store items and forget about them until the sheer amount of items is impossible to ignore.
\r\n
It's easy to get off track or feel overwhelmed by a large project when you're jumping from one area to another. To avoid feeling overwhelmed:
\r\n\r\nSort your basement one section at a time:
\r\n\r\nAs you clear each area:
\r\n\r\nThis “clean-as-you-go” method prevents having to redo work later.
\r\n\r\nThe easiest way to begin organizing a large amount of items is to create a pile for items you plan on keeping, items you plan on donating or selling, items you can recycle, and items that need to be thrown in the trash.
\r\n\r\nAfter you've done that, you can bag up your trash and recyclables (be sure to keep them separated) and then begin organizing the items you plan on keeping.
\r\n\r\nTips for organizing your “keep” pile:
\r\n\r\nOnce the basement is organized, you’ll likely have large piles of unwanted items.
\r\n\r\nItems in good condition can be donated to:
\r\n\r\nIf you have multiple heavy items or large volumes of debris, junk removal services are the fastest and easiest solution.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies can:
\r\n\r\nThis is ideal when you want the job done quickly or when items are too heavy to carry upstairs.
\r\n\r\nGetting the best price is easy if you compare multiple local junk removal companies.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWith Hometown, you can easily find and compare local junk removal companies and get free, no-obligation estimates for your basement cleanout.
\r\n
During an on-site estimate, the junk removal team will determine:
\r\n\r\nIf you like the price, they can often remove everything the same day. If not, you’re free to decline and get more quotes.
\r\n\r\nOnce you approve a quote:
\r\n\r\nDIY basement cleanouts can take 1-3 days, depending on clutter. Junk removal crews can finish most jobs in 1-4 hours.
\r\n\r\nCosts depend on volume, access, and debris type, but most basement cleanouts cost $300-$800.
\r\n\r\nChoose junk removal for quick, labor-heavy cleanouts.
\r\n\r\nChoose dumpster rental if you want to clean at your own pace.
\r\n\r\nYes, many offer full-service basement cleanouts, including labor, hauling, and disposal.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nCleaning out and organizing your basement can seem like a daunting task, but with a plan in place, it doesn't have to be. Learn about how to quickly tackle a basement cleanout with proper planning.
\r\n","changed":"2025-12-08T20:35:39+00:00"},{"id":"02a27597-fa6d-5027-bd33-048a79f7d6ea","title":"How to Get Rid of a Couch","url":"/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-a-couch","image":{"path":"/static/2b9e70ece1355aa4114d82a0a3c5772c/old-couch-by-dumpster.png","alt":"old couch sitting next to a dumpster"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"1e45c637-f541-57aa-bc46-d9d831cafe4c","name":"Furniture Removal","slug":"Furniture-Removal"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"}],"content":"When it’s time to part ways with the family couch or futon, hiring a junk removal service is a quick and affordable way to get rid of your old furniture.
\r\n\r\nSimply leaving your couch curbside does not mean that your regular trash service will pick it up and can likely get you fined in many areas.
\r\n\r\nWe'll go over the multiple options available when you have a couch that you need to get rid of.
\r\n\r\n![\"how](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/get-rid-of-couch_0.jpg\")
\r\n![\"couch](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/free-couch-in-road.png\")
\r\nIf your couch is still in decent condition, an easy way to get rid of your couch is to donate it.
\r\n\r\nSome places like Goodwill and The Salvation Army still take cloth furniture depending on where you live, but it’s becoming more and more common for these large pieces of furniture to no longer be accepted at large chain donation centers.
\r\n\r\nInstead, you could make a listing on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist and offer it as a free item to any families that may be in need.
\r\n\r\nNot only can you feel good about helping out a family in your community, but having someone come to you and remove your couch requires very little effort on your part.
\r\n\r\nRead more: Donating Furniture: Giving Back to the Community Through Responsible Removal
\r\n\r\nSome municipal weekly trash pickup services offer bulk trash pickup, like furniture and appliances, if it is scheduled ahead of time, while others only offer it a few days out of the year. Not every company offers furniture removal, but double-checking with your local provider is worth a call.
\r\n\r\nIf you are able to arrange a pickup, placing your couch or futon curbside with the appropriate “ticket” or “tag” that is often provided by the trash service is usually all you need to do.
\r\n\r\nYou may be required to pay for this service ahead of time or you may see it on your trash service bill after the fact.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to follow the proper steps required before placing your couch at the end of your driveway even if you know that curbside furniture pickup is available by your weekly trash service, as not having the proper ticket/permit could result in fines and penalties by your city.
\r\n\r\nThe average cost for bulk item pickup by your weekly curbside trash service ranges between $35-$75, but could be more or less in your area.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: How to Get the Lowest Price for Bulk Waste Pick-Up Services
\r\n\r\n![\"roll-off](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/dumpster.png\")
\r\nRenting a dumpster to throw out your couch is a great idea if you also have a lot of other unwanted items to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nHaving a dumpster placed temporarily on your property is especially helpful if you’re cleaning out a whole house or living area, performing spring cleaning, and more.
\r\n\r\nIf you do a house cleanout and decide to rent a dumpster, be sure to ask the rental company which items are accepted in their dumpster and be as specific as possible about the items you intend on disposing of. This will ensure you avoid getting hit with overage fees that aren’t included in your dumpster rental quote.
\r\n\r\nA 10 yard dumpster is a popular choice for homeowners that need to get rid of furniture and other household items and typically run around $250-$450 for a 5-7 day rental period.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nOne of the easiest ways to get rid of any unwanted furniture is to hire a junk removal service. Hiring a junk removal company to get rid of your old couch is affordable, fast, and requires zero labor on your end.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal costs will vary based on a variety of factors, like the amount of furniture you have to get rid of, costs of living in your area, ease of access, who you hire, and more.
\r\n\r\nWith that being said, the national average cost to have a single couch hauled away by a junk removal company runs between $150-$300.
\r\n\r\nWhether you decide that renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal service is the better option for your couch removal, Hometown makes it easy to find reputable, locally-owned companies in your area.
\r\n\r\nBy entering your zip code and answering a few short questions about your junk removal or dumpster rental needs, you'll be shown licensed companies that service your location.
\r\n\r\nFrom there, you can request free quotes, read more about each company, and read verified reviews from real customers who have hired each company. We recommend reaching out to at least three different providers for quotes to ensure you get the best price, customer service, and the availability that matches your couch removal needs.
\r\n\r\nDiscuss your needs in detail with the companies you speak with and let them know about any special requests or requirements ahead of time, like if you want contactless service or have narrow stairways or entryways.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nLearn about the different ways to get rid of an old couch and why hiring a junk removal service is a quick and easy option.
\r\n","changed":"2023-10-06T20:27:32+00:00"},{"id":"482a1ad5-0042-575e-b86a-2aa917aa2e4f","title":"What to Expect from Professional Yard Waste Removal Services","url":"/blog/what-to-expect-from-yard-waste-removal-services","image":{"path":"/static/07404fdaac99706f80a86a7f4f263cab/yard-waste.png","alt":"Raking and disposing of fall leaves"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"f39b8b1e-ba97-5f6e-a83c-b6d63423d4ad","name":"Yard Waste Removal","slug":"Yard-Waste-Removal"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"When you have a pile of yard waste that you need hauled away and disposed of, professional junk removal services are a great solution.
\r\n\r\nIf you've never hired these services before, Hometown is here to help answer all your questions so you can finish your yard cleanup project as soon as possible!
\r\n\r\n![\"What](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/yard-waste-info.png\")
\r\nOne of the best ways to get the best price, customer service, and availability that fits your schedule is to get different quotes from local yard waste/junk removal providers.
\r\n\r\nHometown's quote request form allows you to quickly describe your yard waste removal project and send out your quote request to qualified companies in your area.
\r\n\r\nDepending on the size of your yard waste removal project, the companies you speak with may need to come to your location to provide you with an on-site junk removal estimate.
\r\n\r\nSome companies will ask for a photo of your yard waste via text message or email so they can provide you a quote over the phone, but every company and yard waste disposal project is different.
\r\n\r\nWhether you get quotes virtually or in-person, there will never be a charge for a project quote and you are never obligated to hire.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal providers understand that it's common practice for consumers to shop around and should never put pressure on you to hire before you're ready.
\r\n\r\nHowever, if you get an in-person estimate and you like the price they've quoted you, you can choose to hire them on the spot and they'll likely get to work removing your yard waste right away.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: How to Determine Which Junk Removal Quote Is Best
\r\n\r\nOnce you've gotten a handful of quotes from local junk removal companies, compare the information they've given you and choose the service that will best take care of your yard waste removal needs.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to make sure you're getting a good price, but customer service and availability are just as important, so keep that in mind when choosing a junk removal company.
\r\n\r\nOnce you know who you'd like to go with, contact the provider and schedule your yard waste pick-up.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: Questions to Ask Junk Removal Companies Before Hiring
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies will send a crew of 1-2 workers to carry your yard waste from your yard to their truck/trailer.
\r\n\r\nIf you have large or heavy pieces, like wood from a fallen tree, they may use dollies or other equipment to help them with their loading.
\r\n\r\nIf your pile of yard waste was piled up on your driveway or sidewalk, they may sweep the area to make sure there is no dirt or debris left behind from your pile.
\r\n\r\nUnless the amount of yard waste is extreme, the removal should be fairly quick and completed within 10-30 minutes.
\r\n\r\nOnce your yard waste is loaded onto the truck or trailer, the junk removal company will provide you with an invoice.
\r\n\r\nOftentimes, they'll take a card or cash on the spot.
\r\n\r\nIn some circumstances, they'll allow you to call into their office to pay your invoice over the phone.
\r\n\r\nBe sure to discuss payment before hiring services so that expectations are clear ahead of time for both parties.
\r\n\r\nAfter your yard waste is loaded and payment is arranged, the pros will then transport your yard waste to a compost center or local yard waste collection site for it to be properly disposed of.
\r\n\r\nSome states allow yard waste to be dumped in landfills, so depending on where you live, that may be the disposal method of choice for the junk removal company you hire.
\r\n\r\nIf you are someone who is environmentally conscious, be sure to ask the different companies you speak with how they intend on disposing of your yard waste.
\r\n\r\nHauling your green waste to the landfill may be the most convenient for them, but there are typically more eco-friendly options available for yard waste.
\r\n\r\nOnce you've paid your invoice and your yard waste is removed, all that is left to do is enjoy your renewed yard.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nWhen you have a pile of yard waste that you need hauled away and disposed of, professional junk removal services are a great solution. In this article, Hometown helps answer all your questions so you can finish your yard cleanup project as soon as possible.
\r\n","changed":"2022-09-29T14:55:42+00:00"},{"id":"d048ef43-158a-542e-93f6-139db06612bd","title":"5 Easy Steps to Declutter and Organize Your Kitchen","url":"/blog/5-easy-steps-to-declutter-and-organize-kitchen","image":{"path":"/static/0562985c1bc0906d01ed0ba20d3f0ba8/couple-in-clean-kitchen.png","alt":"couple standing in decluttered and organized kitchen"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"}],"content":"Cleaning out your kitchen can feel like an overwhelming project.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExpired pantry items, unorganized kitchen tools, mismatching or cracked dishes, and messy cabinets can make your kitchen look and feel like a stressful, cluttered mess.
\r\n
Even the dirtiest kitchen cleanout can be completed with minimal stress and relative ease, but only if a good plan is established first.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we'll outline the 5 steps your kitchen cleanout plan should include and how to find the help to get it done.
\r\n\r\n![\"declutter](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/declutter-organize-kitchen-infographic.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nIn most instances, people don't want to get rid of every last item in their kitchen.
\r\n\r\nRather, they want to get rid of some and organize the rest.
\r\n\r\nSo, unless you want to get rid of everything in your kitchen, you'll want to start your kitchen cleanout by determining what will go and what will stay.
\r\n\r\nNow, \"what will go\" could end up being sold in a garage sale, donated to a local charity organization, recycled at your local facility, or trashed, so create three separate piles for these categories.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend keeping your pile of things to toss in a place that is easy to access for when it comes time to dispose of it.
\r\n\r\nIf you do want to get rid of everything in your kitchen, the separating aspect of the cleanup can be skipped, and you can go straight step two.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nFor cleanups involving more than a small pile of trash, junk, or debris, we usually recommend renting a roll-off dumpster.
\r\n\r\nA 10 yard dumpster is typically big enough to handle a kitchen cleanout, but some rental providers also offer smaller dumpster sizes if your project is very minimal.
\r\n\r\nThe average cost of a 10 yard dumpster is $250-$450 for a one-week rental.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a kitchen packed full of items to toss, or you're gutting out the kitchen itself, you will likely need to rent a 20 yard dumpster or a 30 yard dumpster.
\r\n\r\nOn average, a 20 yard dumpster costs $350-$550 and a 30 yard dumpster costs $450-$650.
\r\n\r\nA quicker alternative to renting a dumpster is hiring a junk removal company to handle the kitchen cleanout for you, or at least the removal and proper disposal of the items you no longer want.
\r\n\r\nThis is a great option for those who want the job done as quickly as possible and don’t mind spending a little more money to make that happen.
\r\n\r\nExpect to pay at least a couple hundred dollars (for a small kitchen cleanup) or more to have a junk removal company clean out the entire kitchen for you.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy for homeowners to request quotes from dumpster rental or junk removal companies, making it easier to determine which service is best for your kitchen cleanout project.
\r\n\r\nBegin by clicking \"Find Pros\" at the top of this page, and select the service type you're interested in getting quotes for first: dumpster rental or junk removal.
\r\n\r\nFrom there, you can browse all the local companies serving your area, read more about the services they offer, see what their customers have to say about them, and request free quotes from as many companies as you'd like.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting three or more dumpster rental quotes and getting multiple junk removal estimates.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGetting multiple quotes helps to ensure you pay a fair price for the service you decide to go with, and that you get quality work from a professional, reliable company.
\r\n
When you reach out to companies for a quote, be as detailed as you can when describing what you need removed and how much you have.
\r\n\r\nIt's easy to get a dumpster rental quote over the phone, especially when you're clear about the type and amount of debris you have to dispose of.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal quotes, however, usually require sending 1-2 employees to your home in order to provide an in-person quote for the junk removal (unless you only have one or two simple items).
\r\n\r\nAll quotes—both from junk removal and from dumpster rental companies—are free, and you are in no way obligated to hire a company if you don't agree with the price they quote you.
\r\n\r\nHowever, if you do agree with the price a junk removal quotes you for your kitchen cleanout, they typically get started right away.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nOnce your unwanted junk is removed, it's time to finish organizing the items you're keeping in your kitchen.
\r\n\r\nEverything in your kitchen should have a designated spot.
\r\n\r\nMaximize storage space by adding shelving and cabinet organization.
\r\n\r\nMoving forward, limit the amount of new items you bring into the kitchen in order to maintain your newly clean and organized space.
\r\n\r\nIf you must bring new items into your kitchen, it's a good rule of thumb to remove one item in order to reduce the risk of clutter piling up again.
\r\n\r\nFind out how to improve your kitchen:
\r\n\r\nCleaning out your kitchen can feel like an overwhelming project, but even the dirtiest kitchen cleanout can be completed with minimal stress and relative ease with the right plan. Learn the 5 steps your kitchen cleanout plan should include and how to find the help to get it done.
\r\n","changed":"2022-08-23T20:51:15+00:00"},{"id":"8b44e63b-7e4e-54d6-bbb7-fa45b2a28d94","title":"How to Clean Up After a Burst Water Pipe","url":"/blog/how-to-clean-up-after-a-burst-water-pipe","image":{"path":"/static/1ba4b7d0170796974dce3150a6664696/leaky-water-pipe-1.jpg","alt":"Ceiling damage caused by leaky water pipe"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"fbab0dc1-15ce-5dd8-ac6a-75a1549f593d","name":"Hazardous Materials","slug":"Hazardous-Materials"},{"id":"c31df595-00f6-51ea-a7da-584c54e964ba","name":"Basement Cleanout","slug":"Basement-Cleanout"},{"id":"9b611674-a2b8-541f-99a9-bfaf0063fc7d","name":"Storm Cleanup","slug":"Storm-Cleanup"}],"content":"Homeownership may be the American dream, but at times it can seem more like a nightmare.
\r\n\r\nFlooding situations caused by damaged water pipes is a great example.
\r\n\r\nMost homeowners are unfamiliar with this type of situation and how to deal with it, so we're here to simplify the process.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDealing with plumbing and flooding issues are a hassle but detecting the issue early and being proactive with a solution can minimize headaches for homeowners.
\r\n
![\"Signs](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/infographic-update.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nPlumbing issues aren’t always immediately apparent, but recognizing them ASAP is key to minimizing damage.
\r\n\r\nThe obvious signs of puddling water or large areas of mold are easy to spot, but there are other inconspicuous warning signs to consider.
\r\n\r\nKeep an eye out for the following symptoms of a failing water pipe...
\r\n\r\nIf you notice that the water pressure varies when the faucet is open or the shower is on, it may be an indicator of a leak somewhere.
\r\n\r\nWater that is consistently tinted any shade of color can signify any number of issues, including damaged or old water lines.
\r\n\r\nOld steel lines can rust, and copper water pipes can corrode over time.
\r\n\r\nHaving old water pipes increases the risk of a catastrophic failure, especially in very cold conditions where water inside the pipes could freeze and cause it to rupture.
\r\n\r\nDiscoloration on walls or ceilings can indicate a water leak.
\r\n\r\nIf the area is spongy, it is a strong indicator that water damage has occurred.
\r\n\r\nFurther investigation is recommended as soon as possible.
\r\n\r\nA scent of rotten eggs can be a sign of water line failure, particularly sewage lines.
\r\n\r\nEven a faint foul smell coming from the water tap or shower should be taken seriously.
\r\n\r\nWhen a pipe develops cracks, air is able to enter the water lines. This can lead to unusual sounds coming from the plumbing system.
\r\n\r\nIf you notice any new and unusual sounds coming from inside the walls and ceiling, visually inspect the exposed water pipes you can see.
\r\n\r\nAlso check the ceilings, walls and floors for water spots, mold growth, or a spongy feel.
\r\n\r\nCalcium and mineral buildup can lead to blockages. This increases pressure inside the water lines, which can cause leaks to develop at weak points, such as joints or corroded areas of the pipe.
\r\n\r\nConsider installing a water softener to combat hard water.
\r\n\r\nIf signs of water damage are found, turn off the water supply and contact your insurance company and a licensed plumber for instructions on how to proceed.
\r\n\r\nIf the issue is found early on, major damage can be avoided, but a major event will need some remediation.
\r\n\r\nWhether caused by a slow leak or a burst pipe causing immediate flooding, address the issue as quickly as possible to minimize further issues.
\r\n![\"person](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/leaky-water-pipe-2.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYour insurance provider should be one of your first calls when noticing any major water damage.
\r\n
Your homeowners insurance company can help guide you through resolving residential flooding situations.
\r\n\r\nThe claims process can vary by company, but it generally goes something likes this...
\r\n\r\nStep 1: Contact the insurance company, explain the situation, and start a claim.
\r\n\r\nStep 2: The insurance company will send someone out to inspect the damage and assess the total cost of the damage.
\r\n\r\nThe Adjuster comes out to the property, inspects the damage, gets additional information from you or other witnesses, and gives the insurance company a total estimate for the damage.
\r\n\r\nIncluded in the estimate is the cost to replace all things damaged by the burst water pipe, including flooring, walls, ceiling, fixtures, cabinetry, plumbing, cleanup costs, and more.
\r\n\r\nStep 3: The insurance company will handle scheduling the repair and remediation process or direct you in how to do it.
\r\n\r\nYour insurance company will provide funds to cover the estimated damage in the form of a check or direct deposit.
\r\n\r\nThese funds can be used for the repairs, whether doing the rebuild yourself or hiring a construction company to do it for you.
\r\n\r\nStep 4: Damaged substrate and other materials/items are removed, including any moldy items.
\r\n\r\nStep 5: Once the damaged items are removed, the affected area is dried out using specialized wet vacs and commercial grade fans.
\r\n\r\nDepending on the extent of the water damage, it can take several days to a week of fan-drying to reach an acceptable moisture level.
\r\n\r\nFans are run 24 hours a day to speed up the drying process, and this produces quite a bit of noise.
\r\n\r\nBecause your home will sound like a droning airplane for several days, plan ahead to meet your needs. For example, if you work from home or don't want to live in the house until the drying process is completed.
\r\n\r\nStep 6: Once everything is dry, the repair and rebuilding process can begin.
\r\n\r\nThis process may vary depending on your insurance company.
\r\n\r\nIn addition, no two residential water damage incidents are the same, so the cleanup process will depend on the extent of the damage and other factors.
\r\n\r\nBecause of this, the cost of water damage cleanup and repair is highly variable as well.
\r\n\r\nLong-term water damage involving large amounts of mold may require environmental remediation, and this can increase cleanup costs quite a bit.
\r\n![\"Fans](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/leaky-water-pipe-3.jpg\")
\r\nSometimes your specific type of water damage isn’t covered under your homeowners insurance policy, or the damage is minimal and you don’t want to go through the insurance claim process.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn minor flood situations, you may be able to contact a junk removal company to handle the cleanup.
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The biggest advantages of using a junk removal company rather than doing the cleanup yourself are the convenience and value.
\r\n\r\nProfessional cleanup crews handle all the heavy lifting, hauling, and proper disposing of the damaged materials.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal prices generally start at $75 to $150 depending on where you live and goes up from there depending on the size and complexity of your cleanup project.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend that you contact multiple local junk removal companies for quotes to be sure you're getting a fair price for quality services.
\r\n\r\nIn the case of mold damage, check with the junk removal company to make sure they are equipped and experienced (and in some cities, licensed) to remove and dispose of moldy materials.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find qualified junk removal companies in your area, read customer reviews, and request quotes from as many companies as you'd like.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nDealing with plumbing problems is never fun but armed with the right knowledge, you can get the issue resolved in no time. Learn how to file an insurance claim for water damage, the cleanup process, and how to go about cleaning it up without filing an insurance claim.
\r\n","changed":"2022-12-06T18:23:08+00:00"}],"populars":[{"state":"Arizona","place":"Tucson, AZ","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"arizona/junk-removal-tucson-az","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Arizona","place":"Phoenix, AZ","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Arizona/Phoenix-AZ-dumpsters.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Arizona","place":"Phoenix, AZ","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"arizona/commercial-waste-management-phoenix-az","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Arizona","place":"Tucson, AZ","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Arizona/tucson-dumpster-rental.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Arizona","place":"Tucson, AZ","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"arizona/commercial-waste-management-tucson-az","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Arizona","place":"Phoenix, AZ","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Arizona/junk-removal/phoenix-az.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"}],"tips":[{"name":"Removing Unwanted Junk","body":"Junk removal is a great solution for:
\r\n\r\nThe cost of renting a dumpster or for hiring a junk removal service varies based on several factors, including your location, volume of junk/debris, duration of service, and other factors. In general, junk removal services cost more than renting a dumpster because of the added labor costs involved.
\r\n\r\nThe one exception to this rule is for smaller cleanups. For example, if you simply want to get rid of a couple of pieces of furniture or a handful of boxes or bags of trash, then junk removal is the more cost-effective solution.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
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