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Clogged drains and backed up/blocked pipes can easily escalate into major problems. A clogged drain can cause slow drainage, corrosion, flooding and potentially sewage backup. Here are some of the most common plumbing clogs and how to prevent them.

1. HAIR

Hair is the number one cause of clogs in showers, bathtubs and bathroom sinks. To reduce or even eliminate this issue, install drain filters/strainers to catch hair but allow water to run through.

2. GREASE

As you may know, when hot grease cools, it turns to a solid wax-like substance. Avoid ever pouring any grease, oil or meat broth down your drains.

3. FOOD

Even small particles can build up over time and become a major issue. Make sure you have a strainer in your kitchen sink to reduce the amount of food waste that can get caught in the drain.

4. PAPER

Toilet paper, feminine products, and cotton swabs are a major issue with toilet clogs. Toilet paper is designed to break down, but if too much is used it’s not able to do so and can result in a clogged drain.

5. WIPES/DIAPERS

Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down a toilet. No matter what they advertise, wipes are not meant to be flushed and can easily cause a backup or clog.

6. TREE ROOTS

The smallest of cracks in a pipe can allow tree roots to work their way in and can easily obstruct water flow and cause damage.

If your toilet, sink, or bathtub is draining very slowly, or not draining at all, that is an indicator that you likely have a clog. Be sure to deal with or report the issue as soon as possible, as clogs tend to worsen over time.

Quick and easy way to clean your microwave in just minutes!

1. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup water and one cup white vinegar

2. Let cook in your microwave for one to two minutes

3. Keep the door closed for about 3 minutes to steam up

4. Carefully remove the bowl (use a potholder or towel since it will be hot)

5. Wipe off bottom, sides, and roof of the microwave with a paper towel or cloth

6. Hand wash the rotating plate with soap and water or even through the dishwasher

7. Clean exterior buttons, handle and display with a paper towel or cloth with multipurpose cleaner or soap and water

8. Replace rotating plate back in the microwave

How often should you clean your oven? A general rule of thumb is to deep clean it every three months. Of course, general cleaning should be done after each use.

1. First, you want to clean the grates

   • Remove all of the grates

   • Fill a large tub or bathtub with hot water and some all-purpose cleaner (let them soak, the longer the better)

   • Remove grates and scrub off residue

2. Steam The Inside

   • Wipe or vacuum any loose debris once grates are removed

   • Put back bottom grate and place a large metal baking sheet or dish filled with water and a ½ cup of white vinegar

   • Heat over to 350 degrees and let the water bubble

   • Once bubbling, turn off over, carefully spray inner surfaces with a cleaner

   • Close the door and let sit for 30-45 minutes

   • Once cooled, wipe down

3. Put everything back and enjoy a nice clean oven

The machine in your kitchen that cleans your dishes also needs to be cleaned from time to time.

Grease, soap scum and debris build up and provide a breeding ground for germs. This also reduces the efficiency of the appliance leaving your dishes looking dirty.

Here are some simple steps for cleaning your dishwasher:

1. Clear the drain

Remove the bottom rack. Inspect the drain and remove any debris or food caught in there.

2. Vinegar Wash

Put a dishwasher-safe with one cup of vinegar on the top rack. Run the dishwasher through a hot-water cycle.

3. Baking Soda Rinse

Sprinkle baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short, hot-water cycle.

4. Possibly Bleach

If your dishwasher still isn’t as clean as you’d like, you may consider running a cycle with bleach (not recommended for stainless steel interiors).

With so many different materials being used in homes, it’s important to understand the difference in care. Here are some of the most common countertops and some easy ways to clean and maintain them.

Laminate - use a soft cloth with a mild detergent or cleaner, and use a soft toothbrush to clean the seams and edges

Quartz - use a soft sponge or dishcloth and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scrub sponges, or metallic pads, as these may dull the surface; additionally, some common household cleaners with very high or low pH levels may discolor quartz countertops.

Granite - wash with a pH-neutral cleaner or a cleaner specific for stone to keep your counters clean. Avoid vinegar, lemon juice, harsh cleaner or abrasive materials

Corian - use warm soapy water, ammonia-based cleaner, or dedicated countertop cleaner. Avoid window cleaners as they can leave a waxy build-up

Tile - use a cleaning solution with a cotton mop, cloth, sponge, or a non-metallic brush, then rinse the entire area to remove residue. Grout also needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to help remove surface build up.

Marble - use a mild, non-abrasive, pH neutral (non-acidic) soap mixed with water or specific marble cleaner. Avoid anything containing acid, including lemon juice and water.

Wooden - scrub the surface with a sponge and a mixture of mild dish soap and hot water. To sanitize you can use undiluted vinegar and let the vinegar sit for several minutes before rinsing it off with hot water

With so many different materials being used in homes, it’s important to understand the difference in care. Here are some of the most common countertops and some easy ways to clean and maintain them.

Laminate - use a soft cloth with a mild detergent or cleaner, and use a soft toothbrush to clean the seams and edges

Quartz - use a soft sponge or dishcloth and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scrub sponges, or metallic pads, as these may dull the surface; additionally, some common household cleaners with very high or low pH levels may discolor quartz countertops.

Granite - wash with a pH-neutral cleaner or a cleaner specific for stone to keep your counters clean. Avoid vinegar, lemon juice, harsh cleaner or abrasive materials

Corian - use warm soapy water, ammonia-based cleaner, or dedicated countertop cleaner. Avoid window cleaners as they can leave a waxy build-up

Tile - use a cleaning solution with a cotton mop, cloth, sponge, or a non-metallic brush, then rinse the entire area to remove residue. Grout also needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to help remove surface build up.

Marble - use a mild, non-abrasive, pH neutral (non-acidic) soap mixed with water or specific marble cleaner. Avoid anything containing acid, including lemon juice and water.

Wooden - scrub the surface with a sponge and a mixture of mild dish soap and hot water. To sanitize you can use undiluted vinegar and let the vinegar sit for several minutes before rinsing it off with hot water