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Signs Of A Faulty Septic System

I thought I had a septic problem when my toilet and sink wasn't draining properly. This suspicion was confirmed when sewer water started backing up in my bathtub. I figured that this was a job for a professional, so I called a local sewer service company. Sure enough, my septic tank was full and this was causing the problem. After having my tank pumped out, my drains run freely and my toilet flushes better than it has in a long time. My name is Wesley Hammond and the experience that I had with my septic system is the reason that I'm writing this blog. Since sewage backup in the house is very unhealthy, everyone should be aware of the signs of a faulty septic system. As you read these articles, you'll learn about the different types of septic system problems and how you can keep them from happening.

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Signs Of A Faulty Septic System

'Tis The Season For Spills, Splats And Disasters: A Holiday Themed Carpet Stain Removal Guide

by Jacob Reed

The Christmas season is a time for family, cheer and a lot of food. Unfortunately, when you have that much food on your dining room table, spills and stains are bound to happen. From turkey gravy to egg nog, here are a few tips to help you erase all traces of the holiday season from your carpets.

Gravy Spills and Your Carpet

No Christmas feast would be complete without a huge serving of turkey, ham, goose or roast beef gravy. Unfortunately, while the gravy might taste amazing, the fats found inside are just as bad for your carpets as they are for your waistline.

Luckily, with a little quick thinking, it's possible to eliminate the gravy stains and odors from your carpet:

  • Grab a butter knife and carefully scrape away as much gravy from the carpet as possible, paying attention to avoid spreading the stain even further.

  • Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda or corn starch directly onto the stain and allow it to soak up the liquid and odors for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

  • Vacuum up the baking soda or corn starch. Dampen a cloth or paper towel with some dry cleaning solvent or a mixture of lukewarm water and a few drops of dish detergent. Carefully blot at the stain until it's eliminated.

  • Rinse the area with water and allow it to dry. If the stain is still there, blot at it again with the dry cleaning solvent or soapy water until it is completely gone.

If you cannot lift the stubborn stain, How Stuff Works recommends placing a cloth soaked with an enzyme presoak on the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes. An enzyme presoak is generally used to remove stains from clothing and can be found in the laundry aisle.

Christmas Cookies Versus Your Living Room Rug

If you accidentally knocked over the plate of cookies intended for Santa, you might be struggling to eliminate the frosting stains before the kids wake up. To quickly eliminate frosting from your carpet:

  • Begin by scraping away any dried frosting with a butter knife. Use caution because you can accidentally damage the carpet fibres, or work the frosting further into your rug.
  • Next, create a mixture of two cups cool water and one tablespoon white vinegar. Dampen a rag with the solution and gently dab at the stained area. Continue to dab at the affected area until the stain is gone.
  • Once the stain is eliminated, rinse the area with plain water. Place a hand towel on top of the damp carpet and gently apply pressure to soak up any remaining white vinegar solution.
  • After you've rinsed the carpet, allow it to air dry completely. If the previously-stained area feels rigid or crusty once it is completely dry, go ahead and use your favorite brand of carpet cleaner to soften the carpet fibers.

Eliminate Egg Nog From Your Rugs

If you've ever spilled milk on your carpet or upholstery, you know how difficult it can be to completely eliminate that odor. The same can hold true for egg nog, which is why you need to act quickly to ensure no odors or stains are left behind:

  • Dab at the affected area with a paper towel or rag. Never rub your carpet because this will only work the egg nog further into the fibers.

  • Create a mixture of two cups warm water and one tablespoon oxygen bleach powder. Stir the mixture until the powder is completely dissolved. Dampen a hand towel with the mixture and gently dab at the stain.

  • Allow the oxygen bleach mixture to remain on the stain for 15 minutes. Rinse the area with plain water.

  • Allow the carpet to dry completely. If any stain or odour remains, repeat treating it with the oxygen bleach mixture.

The holiday season is a time of food, family and unfortunately in many cases, nasty carpet stains. However, if you act quickly and use the correct products, it's possible to keep your carpets looking as amazing as the day they were installed!

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