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Category Archives: Home safety

Categories Home safety

Advantages of a Home Warranty

Home Warranty

Home warranties cover many of your home’s crucial systems and appliances, but they must be in working order before the contract is entered into with the warranty company.

A home warranty inspection is an important inspection service on any homeowner’s home inspection checklist.

Home warranties are not the same as homeowners insurance, which is required by mortgage companies.

It covers things like your home’s structure or items in the event of a fire, a home warranty is optional and usually come as a part of your purchase contract when buying a new home.

You’ll want to get an inspection before your warranty runs out to avoid paying out of pocket for any repairs or replacements of major appliances (think A/C unit).

Some examples of typical items covered under home warranties include:

  • Water heater
  • Electrical systems
  • Refrigerators

Every home warranty is different, but all are designed to help you manage the costs of unexpected home repairs. Often the homeowner will only pay the service fee for the contractors.

If you have an issue with an appliance covered by your warranty all you have to do is get in touch with your warranty company, and they’ll send a technician to repair or replace.

So, what are the benefits of a home warranty?

Minimal Stress

Possibly the biggest pro of a home warranty is that it gives you the ability to relax. The typical leaky toilet or broken A/C won’t snowball into a major financial crisis, and you can get the problem solved ASAP.

Less Work for You

When you need a repair you don’t have to spend time searching online or calling friends for recommendations, you just have to contact your warranty company, and they’ll send the service person to you. If you’re not handy or don’t have time to track down a contractor yourself, a home warranty is a great asset.

Yours May be Free

If you’re buying a new home, your warranty may be covered for the first year. This is an increasingly common practice among sellers as it encourages buyers.

Help You Sell

If you’re on the other end of this situation and looking to sell your home, offering a year of home warranty can go a long way with buyers. This can act as a reassurance that your home is in good working condition and won’t be a nuisance for the potential buyers.

Of course, all of these benefits are only possible if your warranty is still valid. Often homeowners who receive a home warranty from a new home purchase are not alerted of the expiration of their warranty. Take advantage of your warranty today!

We Can Help!

Getting a warranty inspection BEFORE the warranty expires can uncover any deficiencies that you can take to your home warranty company and show them exactly what needs to be fixed. If you’re buying a new home, let us at EIG be the ones to give you the peace of mind that everything is in working order.

Schedule an inspection today, and we’ll see you within 48 hours!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home safety

What to Expect During a Septic System Inspection

Septic System Inspection

Septic systems are a critical part of everyone’s home, whether you’re a prospective buyer or current owner. And as we talked about in our previous post, a septic system is something you definitely want to maintain.

Neglecting your system could mean a major financial hit for you and your family. Getting a septic tank inspection is an important homeowner duty that should happen every 2-3 years and be done by a certified professional!

There are two types of inspections that you can request: visual and full. You should have both inspections done at some point.

Today we’ll break down what full and visual inspections mean and give you a heads up on what to expect when you have an inspection.

Before diving into what the inspection entails, try to familiarize yourself with the septic system. This will come in handy and make sure you have a basic understanding of your home’s functions.

Types of Inspections

  1. The first type of inspection, and most common, is the visual inspection.

While necessary, many experts believe that visual inspections are limited in their ability to reveal risks or issues. This inspection ensures the tank is working properly by:

  • Turning on the water.
  • Flushing the toilets.
  • Locating the tank (if the access lid is exposed).

In the end, this type of inspection won’t tell you much except for no superficial problems are visible.

It may be worth it to opt for the full inspection because you will locate the more costly issues.

  1. The full inspection is far more meticulous and will give you a better idea of the state of your septic system.

During the full inspection, inspectors will:

  • Open the tank and check liquid levels
  • Observe water flow from tank to absorption area
  • Pump the tank to make sure there are no clogs. If you have a garbage disposal, you should be pumping once a year. Homes without will be fine with one pump every three years.

Pumping your tank is crucial to the functionality of your septic system. Sticking to a regular inspection schedule will contribute to the life of your system.

Preparing for Your Inspection

After you schedule your inspection there are some steps you can take to make certain your inspection runs smoothly:

  1. Pull out your septic tank plans and have a copy ready for the inspector.
  2. Make a clear path to the tank by avoiding storage of kind on or around the tank cover and remove any brush blocking the cover.
  3. Locate your system filter and save you and your inspector’s time.

Still not sure if you want to get the inspection? Check out the average costs of repairing problematic septic systems and consider how much money you’ll be saving in the long run.

Invest in the future of your home by ensuring your septic system is fully functioning. Call us today, and we’ll give you the peace of mind that your system is good to go!

We guarantee an inspection within 48 hours!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home safety

5 Ways to Avoid Septic System Issues

Septic System

While septic systems aren’t exactly the flashiest part of a home, they’re pretty important. Every time you turn on a faucet, flush your toilet or do laundry your septic system is working for you.

Ensuring that it carries water and its waste out of your home is crucial.

A well-maintained and constructed septic system will better withstand the stresses of everyday usage, heavy rains or flooding.

Regular inspection can guarantee that your septic system is properly functioning and will save you the headache of dealing with a backup or overflow into your yard.

Some signs that your septic system is functioning poorly include:

  • Slowly draining sinks
  • Toilets drain slowly
  • Floor drains overflow
  • Sewage becomes visible outside the home

We’re going to go through a few common issues and enemies to septic systems. You can keep an eye out for these to maintain a smooth running septic system and your home problem-free.

1. Excess Water

Inefficient water usage can lead to a septic tank holding more water than intended, which can lead to a number of nasty problems. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy ways to combat this issue.

  • Keep laundry to 1-2 loads per day.
  • Low flow shower heads or shorter showers.
  • Dual flush toilets.

Implementing these changes in your home can help fight excess water in your septic tank.

2. Too Much Detergent

Using too much detergent can actually encourage algae growth in your distribution pipes, causing a blockage, as the phosphates from detergents act as a fertilizer. If you overuse products, then you can’t ensure your machine will properly dilute or wash away all of the residues.

  • Avoid powdered detergent.
  • Install a lint filter in your washer’s drainage line and clean regularly!

3. Vehicle Damage

If you live in the country and repeatedly park your car in the yard or have guests coming in and out, take note that repeated pressure on top of septic tanks can cause real damage.

Farm vehicles and large trucks are the perfect size to cause a collapsed septic tank.

4. Flushing the Wrong Products

Putting non-biodegradable products in your tank is a big no-no. They won’t go away naturally and will take up space in your tank, raising liquid levels.

Flushing things like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or even cigarette butts can do some serious damage.

You should also keep kitchen waste out of the system, including greases or oils.

5. Keep an Eye on Your Trees

While trees and shrubs add aesthetic value to your property, be aware that their roots can actually grow through septic tank walls.

This can lead to some seriously unwanted issues and prevent the system from functioning properly.

There are a few preventative measures you can take to avoid a tree root problem, such as monitoring the type of tree you choose to plant on your property.

Willow, Poplar, and Birch sprout roots quickly and therefore may not be a great choice.

We Can Help!

Knowing the location of your septic tank as well as the inlet and discharge pipes are also important steps in preventing the root damage.

Experts recommend getting an inspection every 2-3 years, less if you have a large household.

If you’re moving into a new place or concerned about your current septic system, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

Schedule an inspection with us, and we’ll see you within 48 hours!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home safety

Safety Tips for Your Fire Pit

fire pit safety

For many homeowners, the backyard has become a prime medium to show off their decorating skills and hosting abilities.

A simple deck and grill just don’t do the trick nowadays with many people opting to upgrade and accessorize with ponds, outdoor bars, and extravagant flower beds.

The latest accessory to pop up in yards across the country is fire pits. Whether you already have one or are considering adding it to your home, there are many things you should keep in mind to guarantee safety.

1. Do Your Homework

Before getting started with an elaborate design for your fire pit, check out your local ordinances.

Some cities and counties ban any open burning, so save yourself the time and money by confirming your community’s guidelines.

Before Using

Once you’ve checked your city’s rules follow these tips:

  • Follow the fire pit’s manual and don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer if you’re unsure of something.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and brush up on how to use one if you don’t know or it’s been a while.
  • Place your fire pit, at a minimum, 10 feet from any other structure and ensure that it’s not in an enclosed area without proper ventilation.
  • Remember, surface matters. Place your fire pit on non-flammable surfaces like concrete and avoid a wooden deck or directly on the grass.

While Using

You’ve gone through all the proper procedures, and you’ve got yourself a regulation fire pit. Here are some important tips to keep in mind while enjoying your new yard accessory:

  • Keep an eye on it. Don’t leave kids or pets unattended with a burning fire.
  • Fire pit does not equal a garbage disposal. While using paper to start a fire is recommended, be mindful of what you’re tossing in the fire and don’t overload with paper, trash, or logs.
  • Avoid using soft woods, like pine or cedar, as they are more likely to “pop” and can spread embers.
  • Accidents are inevitable, keep a bucket of sand or a hose nearby as an extra safeguard.

2. Extingusihing Your Fire

Your family smores night is coming to a close, and you can’t wait to jump in bed, BUT this is perhaps the most important time to remember your fire pit duties. At the end of your use it’s critical you adequately extinguish your fire:

  • Pour enough water over your fire to completely soak coals or wood. Continue until there’s no steam.
  • Stick around until all logs have burned out and the embers have had time to cool fully.
  • Don’t discard ashes into anything combustible like a trash can, paper bag or compost pile.

3. AdditionalTips

  • Screens can add extra protection against the wind and flying sparks.
  • Use heavier chairs and position them far enough away from the fire to prevent any accidents for family or guests.
  • Don’t wear flammable materials (like nylon) and avoid loose-fitting clothes.
  • Take your time when building a fire, don’t toss gasoline or wads of paper on a growing fire. Be patient, and you’ll have a safe fire in no time!

 Do you have a fire pit in your backyard? Let us know why you love it and any other safety tips you follow!

Image attribution.

Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
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