Scheduling a dumpster pick-up is easy, though it varies slightly from company to company.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen reaching out to dumpster companies during the initial quote process, make sure you understand the pick-up (and delivery) procedure for their dumpster rental services.
\r\n
![\"scheduling](\"/static/c34fa506453eea1900fda1020b088702/scheduling-dumpster-pick-up-infographic.png\")
\r\nFor example, many dumpster rental companies ask that you call their office or submit a pick-up request via a form online when you're ready to have your dumpster picked up and hauled away.
\r\n\r\nIn this type of pick-up scheduling scenario, you should contact the dumpster company for pick-up before your dumpster rental period is up.
\r\n\r\nIf you don't let the company know your dumpster is ready for pick-up, you may be at risk of being charged an extension fee.
\r\n\r\nAnother common dumpster pick-up procedure is that you simply agree on a pick-up date when booking the dumpster.
\r\n\r\nThe company will pick up your dumpster some time within that day unless you reach out to them to request an extension.
\r\n\r\nHere's an example of what the roll-off dumpster pick-up process looks like:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The bottom line is: Pay attention to your dumpster rental agreement and be sure you understand how the procedure works.
\r\n\r\nNot only do you want to ensure you don't get charged an extension fee by mistake, but you also want to be sure you're only loading accepted items into the dumpster.
\r\n\r\nNeed help finding a dumpster rental company near you? Hometown can help.
\r\n
\r\nSearch local dumpster rental companies in your city, read customer reviews, and easily request multiple dumpster rental quotes to ensure you get a great price and great services.
Find out more:
\r\n\r\nScheduling a dumpster pick-up is easy, though it varies slightly from company to company. When reaching out to dumpster companies during the initial quote process, make sure you understand which pick-up procedure they use for their dumpster rental services.
\r\n","changed":"2022-07-28T18:59:08+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"3e3f9fde-23e9-5a0e-8dcd-684ef5d1e07d","title":"Plastic Recycling 101: Everything You Need to Know","url":"/blog/plastic-recycling-101","image":{"path":"/static/1b7535fe757b69ca493ed923f9ec5778/plastic-recycling.jpg","alt":"Father and daughters sorting through plastic to place into recycling bin"},"tags":[{"id":"51c3fa1e-5e47-57dd-903e-10a9699d3a72","name":"Plastic Recycling","slug":"Plastic-Recycling"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"},{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"}],"content":"The average time it takes for plastic to start decomposing in landfills is 700 years!
\r\n\r\nKnowing this, it's no wonder consumers and businesses are being called now more than ever to recycle plastic as often as possible.
\r\n\r\nWe have a great opportunity to reduce the size of our landfills at a time when landfill \"real estate\" is limited and dwindling by the day.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRecycling is a great cause but there are rules you must follow in order to not contaminate a batch of recyclables.
\r\n
Not following these rules can lead to recyclables having to be tossed into a landfill, producing the exact opposite results you were trying for.
\r\n\r\nWe'll go over everything you need to know about plastic recycling for homes and businesses so you can ensure your recycling efforts don't go to waste.
\r\n\r\nAs we've already mentioned, one of the more obvious benefits of recycling plastic is conserving landfill space, but that only just scratches the surface of the many benefits of plastic recycling.
\r\n\r\nMany of us were taught in school that recycling helps keep our environment healthy, but exactly how do our efforts impact the earth?
\r\n\r\nFor every ton (2,000 lbs) of plastic that is recycled:
\r\n\r\nIf you're more motivated by the economy than you are the environment, don't worry, we've got you covered there too.
\r\n\r\nA new study by Eco-Cycle shows that if the United States could transition to a 75% recycling rate by the year 2030, we would create an estimate 1-2 million new jobs!
\r\n\r\nJobs created by the recycling industry aren't minimum wage jobs, either. The recycling industry offers theirs workers competitive wages and health benefits.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nOne of the most important things to keep in mind when doing recycling of any kind is that it is crucial to keep all recycling products clean of any oil, grease, food, or beverage.
\r\n\r\nNot making sure to clean out plastic condiment containers or glass sauce jars can contaminate whole batches of recyclables, making your well-intentioned efforts cause more harm than good.
\r\n\r\nA shocking revelation to many well-intentioned recyclers is discovering that not all plastic can be recycled.
\r\n\r\nAlways read the labeling on your recycling bin and do some independent research by reading your recyclers' website to discover exactly what types of plastic can and cannot be recycled at their facility.
\r\n\r\nThe best practices for recycling any type of material is to understand exactly what can and can't go in your bin, specifically in your area.
\r\n\r\nSome recycling facilities can handle certain products that others cannot.
\r\n\r\nThat's why it's important to get a list of accepted material directly from your waste management company so that you aren't mistakingly contaminating the plastic or other items you're trying to recycle.
\r\n\r\nRecyclable plastic is numbered to indicate what type of plastic it is.
\r\n\r\nPlastic with a recycling label of 1 or 2 is almost always accepted at any plastic recycling facility, plastic labeled as 3 almost never goes in your recycling, and plastic with a label of 6 is only accepted by some plastic recycling plants.
\r\n\r\nCompostable plastic should never go into your recycling bin with other non-biodegradable plastic and should be composted for the most environmentally-friendly disposal.
\r\n\r\nAs the world becomes more eco-conscious, plastic grocery and shopping bags are starting to be labeled as recyclable, but it is very important to do research about your particular recycling facility and what materials they accept.
\r\n\r\nWhile many of these types of grocery bags are labeled as recyclable plastic no. 2, some recycling plants have the proper machinery to recycle these types of plastic bags or film while others can suffer serious repercussions if these types of plastic are put through their machinery.
\r\n\r\nThrowing plastic bags into your recycling bin that is being transported to a recycling plant that does not accept these items can do serious damage to the machinery it gets sent through, sometimes causing shut downs and delays for whole business days until the proper repairs can be made.
\r\n\r\nIn these instances, you can typically return the recyclable plastic bags back to the establishment that gave them to you so that they can responsibly recycle them for you.
\r\n\r\nHere is a list of the different number classes that plastic falls into:
\r\n\r\nThe most commonly recycled types of plastic are 1 and 2.
\r\n\r\nIn some circumstances, some types of 4, 5, and 7 plastic can be recycled.
\r\n\r\nVery rarely, some types of 3 and 6 plastic can be recycled.
\r\n\r\nIt can feel overwhelming when you first make the conscious effort to recycle, but it really is more straight-forward than it looks at first glance.
\r\n\r\nGet used to looking for the recycling symbol on different types of plastic and check for a number in the center of it.
\r\n\r\nAfter you've made sure you understand what types of materials are accepted at your recycling facility and once you get used to checking plastic for their number categories, it really does become second nature.
\r\n\r\nIf you're lucky enough to live in an area that offers a free curbside recycling program, take advantage of the program to save space in your trash bin and save money on monthly household disposal costs!
\r\n\r\nThere are many common mistakes well-intentioned people make when recycling plastic.
\r\n\r\nOne of the most common is tossing in plastic that isn't labeled as recyclable or contributing recyclable plastic that isn't accepted at your particular recycling facility.
\r\n\r\nIt's also important to crush items like plastic water bottles when possible.
\r\n\r\nDoing so will help conserve space in transfer trucks and recycling bins.
\r\n\r\nAnother common mistake people make is throwing in plastic containers that haven't been cleaned and rinsed of whatever product they were containing.
\r\n\r\nPlastic cutlery can be too lightweight to be picked up as plastic by recycling machines, placing them in a paper recycling section which can then contaminate and ruin entire batches of recycled paper.
\r\n\r\nThat's why it is so important to make sure what your particular recycling center accepts, because not all recycling machines are made the same.
\r\n\r\nCheck with your local recycling facility to learn more.
\r\n\r\n![\"young](\"/static/f0f481642a2701b837626257c29dc4ef/plastic-recycling-2.jpg\")
\r\nIf your curbside trash service also offers recycling, having your recycling picked up at the end of your driveway is certainly the most convenient option.
\r\n\r\nBetter yet, if you live in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, or Vermont, you can return plastic soda bottles to the place you purchased them to get your bottle deposit back.
\r\n\r\nFor those who live in areas where this isn't offered, however, there are plenty of other options available.
\r\n\r\nMany communities have drop-off recycling programs or community dumpsters at different drop-off locations for recyclables.
\r\n\r\nVisit Earth 911 to find recycling centers or programs near you. You can type in the specific type of material you'd like to recycle, as well as your zip code, and you'll be shown recycling solutions in your area.
\r\n\r\nIf you're a business or contractor that has large amounts of plastic to recycle that won't fit in your curbside collection, consider renting a dumpster for your recycling efforts.
\r\n\r\nOr, if you have a lot of plastic to recycle but not enough to justify renting a dumpster, consider hiring a junk removal company to haul away your plastic waste for you.
\r\n\r\nA junk removal company will be able to recycle all your plastic products without you having to lift a finger, and will donate salvageable items on your behalf.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find junk removal services and dumpster rentals for all types of disposals across the U.S., including recycling!
\r\n\r\nSearch your zip code, answer a few quick questions about your project needs, and get free quotes from qualified companies in your area.
\r\n\r\nLearn everything you need to know about plastic recycling to ensure that your recycling efforts don't go to waste.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-01T20:40:38+00:00"},{"id":"ae6c7576-9571-5bee-aa18-238b3654f577","title":"Insider's Guide to Getting Rid of Household Junk","url":"/blog/insiders-guide-to-getting-rid-of-household-junk","image":{"path":"/static/5e33de76ce8d954eb63b8c95b50af619/household-junk.jpg","alt":"Pile of household junk set at the road"},"tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"}],"content":"Regardless of the size of your home or family, periodically sorting through your belongings and getting rid of unnecessary clutter is something that everyone should practice. In fact, clearing out unused clutter can alleviate feelings of anxiety and positively improve your mental and physical health.
\r\n\r\nWhether you're interested in clearing out a cluttered basement, garage, an entire home, or you have an old mattress, appliance, or other furniture that needs to go, junk removal services offer a convenient and affordable way to quickly get rid of items that no longer serve you.
\r\n\r\nWe'll go over the most common types of household junk that consumers often need hauled away, average costs, best practices, and how to find the best junk removal service in your area to get it done.
\r\n\r\nWhile there are many different types of junk removal services that range from single-item removals to whole home cleanouts, the process is generally the same regardless of the type of junk you're getting rid of.
\r\n\r\nYou'll first want to research local junk removal services in your area and reach out to at least 2-3 providers for quotes so that you can not only compare cost, but the quality of customer service and the availability that suits your timeline and lifestyle.
\r\n\r\nUnless you only have a few boxes or pieces of furniture to get rid of, most companies will want to send someone to your home to assess the amount of junk you have to get rid of in order to provide you with the most accurate quote possible. Many times, if you agree to an on-site estimate, they will get to work on your removal project right away.
\r\n\r\nWith that being said, you are never obligated to accept a quote and hire a company on the spot just because they're already on your property. It's common practice to get multiple quotes before hiring professional services, and reputable junk removal companies understand this and will never pressure you to hire them.
\r\n\r\nAfter comparing the different junk removal quotes you've received, you'll contact the company you choose and schedule a date and time for them to come and haul away your unwanted items. This typically involves a crew of 2 people (sometimes more for larger projects) who arrive and load your items into their hauling truck or trailer.
\r\n\r\nDepending on the type of junk you have to get rid of, where you live, the type of services you select, and who you hire, you can do some of the work yourself and make your junk removal services as quick as possible by piling up your unwanted items onto your porch or at the end of your driveway. This allows the junk removal company the quickest loading and can sometimes be cheaper than the alternative, which is having them come into your home to retrieve the items themselves. Both of these options are usually available and while piling up your items for contactless pickup doesn't always save you money, it's worth mentioning to explore all your options.
\r\n\r\nFor cleanouts that involve the removal of many items, like garage cleanouts, hoarding cleanups, or debris removal, they'll even sweep away any leftover trash and debris once the area is cleared, leaving you with a completely clear and empty space.
\r\n\r\nOnce your junk is loaded, you'll be provided with an invoice. Who you hire will determine your available payment options, but the most common ways to pay your invoice include on-the-spot payments, calling into an office and paying over the phone, or paying through an online portal.
\r\n\r\nUnless your load is full of recyclables or unsalvageable trash, the removal crew will usually haul your items to their location to sort through your junk and set aside items that can be donated or reused to eliminate their contributions to landfills. Junk removal companies are notorious for their ethical disposal practices and usually take extra steps to only haul items to the landfill when all other options aren't available.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services are all inclusive and cover a very wide variety of different items.
\r\n\r\nThe cost to remove various household items will vary based on many different factors, including how much space your items take up in the junk removal company's truck or trailer, disposal fees in your area, ease of access, where you're located, who you hire, and more.
\r\n\r\nWith that being said, we'll go over the most commonly removed household items that junk removal services haul away and the average cost to do so:
\r\n\r\nYou can expect to pay $75 or more to get a piece of furniture hauled away by a junk removal company.
\r\n\r\nThe minimum fee for most junk removal companies in the U.S. ranges from $75-$125.
\r\n\r\nFor jobs bigger than 1-3 small pieces of furniture, the costs will go up incrementally.
\r\n\r\nThe average cost for furniture removal by a junk removal company is $150-$500.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: All You Need to Know About Furniture Removal Costs
\r\n\r\nThere are several different ways that you can get rid of appliances, but hiring junk removal company is arguably the fastest and easiest solution.
\r\n\r\nThe cost of removing a single home appliance in the U.S. is around $100-$200 on average.
\r\n\r\nRemoving additional appliances usually only adds around $40-$75 per item (give or take), so if you have the need, schedule multiple removals at once to make the best use of your time and money.
\r\n\r\nMost electronic waste (e-waste) is not allowed to go in your curbside trash collection or a dumpster. Instead, it should be properly recycled to avoid heavy metal contamination and other potential hazards.
\r\n\r\nIn fact, an increasing number of states have banned the disposal of e-waste in landfill or waste-to-energy facilities.
\r\n\r\nE-waste includes old computers, gaming systems, televisions, VCRs, DVD players, stereo systems, etc.
\r\n\r\nThe cost to have a junk removal company haul away and properly dispose of your e-waste will vary based on the amount you have to get rid of. Minimum charges for junk removal services usually start at $75 are reserved for small pick-ups, but a whole office cleanout worth of old electronics can run upwards of $500 or more.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading: How to Streamline Your Office Cleanout
\r\n\r\nFor electronic exercise equipment, like treadmills or exercise bikes, local e-waste recyclers will like.y accept these items for the most environmentally responsible disposal.
\r\n\r\nPredominately metal items, like bench presses or free weights, or usually accepted by scrap metal recyclers.
\r\n\r\nThe following chart depicts national average costs for the removal and disposal of popular types of workout equipment.
\r\n\r\n| Types of Exercise Equipment | \r\n\t\t\tAverage Cost for Removal | \r\n\t\t
| Treadmill | \r\n\t\t\t$150-$250 | \r\n\t\t
| StairMaster | \r\n\t\t\t$150-$250 | \r\n\t\t
| Exercise Bike | \r\n\t\t\t$100-$200 | \r\n\t\t
| Row Machine | \r\n\t\t\t$100-$250 | \r\n\t\t
| Bench Press | \r\n\t\t\t$75-$150 | \r\n\t\t
| Free Weights | \r\n\t\t\t$75-$250 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Learn more: How to Get Rid of Exercise Equipment
\r\n\r\nThe fastest and easiest way to have an old hot tub removed from your property is to hire a junk removal company to do it for you.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies are known for their speed and efficiency and are trained to perform the most thorough job in the shortest amount of time, all while being respectful of you, your property, and your neighbors.
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal companies will be experienced in this specific type of removal and will know how to delicately take a hot tub apart so that certain parts can be recycled or donated to avoid sending them to a landfill.
\r\n\r\nThe average cost to hire a junk removal company to take apart and haul away a hot tub is $300-$600 on average, but can cost more or less based on where you live and who you hire.
\r\n\r\nRead on: How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Hot Tub?
\r\n\r\n![\"Old](\"/static/0977103734b6fa0df90f57f99871af10/play-set.jpg\")
\r\nRemoving old play sets from your backyard can not only increase your property value and curb appeal, but it can also eliminate safety risks.
\r\n\r\nYou have the option to either take apart your swing set or trampoline yourself and then have a junk removal company haul away the pieces, or you can have them do everything from start to finish.
\r\n\r\nHaving a junk removal company take apart your swing set will cost more than just having them haul away the pieces, but it can save you hours, if not days, of a tedious and painstaking project.
\r\n\r\nThe average cost to have junk removal company take apart and haul away an old trampoline ranges from $150-$300 on average.
\r\n\r\nSwing sets are typically larger, heavier, and more difficult to take apart, and tend to cost between $300-$600 on average.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nIf speed is of the utmost importance to you, hiring junk removal pros to clean out your garage is the best choice.
\r\n\r\nThe cost for junk removal services vary based on a wide range of different factors, like the amount of space your junk takes up in their truck or trailer, the type of waste you have to get rid of, ease of access (like the presence of stairs), cost of disposal in your area, where you're located, who you hire, and more.
\r\n\r\nThere are also different types of junk removal services that will factor into the cost of your garage cleanout project based on how involved the work is.
\r\n\r\nFull service garage cleanout involves the unknown removal crew coming to your garage and cleaning out the entirety of it as is. There is zero organization, cleaning, or other labor required by you beforehand and they take care of everything from start to finish. These types of services tend to run between $400-$800.
\r\n\r\nLess involved junk removal services are perfect if you are trying to save some money and have the time, strength, and help to do some of the organizing and cleaning before they come to haul away the items you set aside. You can pile up your unwanted garage items at the end of your driveway for the fastest, most convenient pick-up. These services cost $300-$600 for an average DIY junk removal cleanout, but will depend heavily on what you have to get rid of, how much you have to get rid of, where you're located, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: Garage Cleanout Costs and How to Save Money
\r\n\r\nCleaning out a basement or attic can offer additional challenges compared to garage cleanouts due to accessibility.
\r\n\r\nHaving to walk up and down stairs, as well as sometimes having limited space and lighting to operate it, can increase the time needed to complete a full basement or attic cleanout.
\r\n\r\nBecause of this, in circumstances where the type and amount of junk is comparable, it will likely cost more to have a basement or attic professionally cleaned out than it would to have a garage cleaned out.
\r\n\r\nFor a medium-sized basement or attic cleanout, you can expect to pay between $300-$1,000, but the many different variables of your particular project may make the cost more or less.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nWhole home cleanouts are most common in circumstances where the homeowner has passed, been evicted, or their home has been foreclosed on. Regardless of the reason why an entire home would need to be cleaned out, the work involved and costs associated are the same.
\r\n\r\nThe average cost of whole home/estate/eviction cleanout services typically falls between $500-$2,000 for average size projects.
\r\n\r\nThe price your particular project will cost will depend on many different factors, like where you're located, the accessibility of your items, amount of items and how much space it takes up in their hauling truck or trailer, who you hire, and more.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nHoarding cleanup services provide a safe solution for reclaiming a living space that has been overtaken by unmanageable clutter and potentially dangerous obstacles.
\r\n\r\nBecause the condition of hoarder homes vary significantly from one situation to the next, so does the cost for hoarding cleanup services.
\r\n\r\nOn average, hoarding cleanups cost around $1,000-$2,000 per day, with most jobs taking between 1-7 days to complete.
\r\n\r\nThe exact price you will pay for your hoarding cleanup will depend on a number of factors, like the length of the project, the type and amount of junk, presence of safety hazards, your location, who you hire, and more.
\r\n\r\nRead on: How to Find the Right Hoarding Cleaning Service
\r\n\r\nPart of tackling any construction or demolition project is figuring out the best way to dispose of all the resulting debris.
\r\n\r\nEven for small projects, you cannot simply dump the debris into your weekly trash bin.
\r\n\r\nC&D debris should be properly recycled or reused whenever possible, and junk removal companies know exactly where to haul all different types of debris in your area for the most efficient and environmentally responsible debris disposal.
\r\n\r\nA rough estimate of how much you can expect to pay for a residential construction debris cleanups is $350 for small jobs, and $1,000+ for large projects.
\r\n\r\nThe complexity of the job can also affect junk removal costs, like difficulty accessing the debris, hazardous material being present (like asbestos or lead), and other factors. But for the most part, junk removal companies will determine the cost of C&D debris removal based on the volume of debris being hauled away.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: Get the Best Price for Renovation Debris Removal
\r\n\r\nIf you've completed a large cleanup project yourself that has resulted in too many trash bags for your weekly trash service to accommodate, contacting a junk removal company to come and haul them away is a great option.
\r\n\r\nHow much you'll be charged will depending on how many bags of garbage you have, how much space it takes up in their hauling vehicle, the cost of disposal in your area, who you hire, and more.
\r\n\r\nAnother common household trash people often need to get rid of is large amount of cardboard. People can end up with large amounts of cardboard boxes from moving, placing a high volume of Amazon orders, or ordering large appliances/furniture that arrive in oversized boxes of cardboard.
\r\n\r\nA few bags of household trash or cardboard boxes will typically cost the junk removal company's minimum service fee, which is around $75 on average, but can be upwards of $300+ depending on the volume of your trash/cardboard.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to yard waste, there are different options available to help make the best use of your time and money.
\r\n\r\nWhen you only have a couple bags worth of yard waste, your regular waste management company will have specific days, weight limits, and bags required that will allow you to set them at your curb for trash pickup. It's when you have a large amount of yard waste to get rid of that other options, like junk removal or dumpster rental, need to be explored.
\r\n\r\nThe price that a junk removal company will charge to haul away your yard waste will depend primarily on how much yard waste you have to get rid of, how much space your yard waste takes up in their truck or trailer, the type/weight of your yard waste, where you're located, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\nWith that being said, the average cost for a small pile of yard waste ranges from $100-$200, but can cost as much as $600-$1,000 for a full truckload's worth of yard waste.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nHometown helps consumers eliminate the need to spend hours online looking for reputable junk removal and dumpster rental companies that service their area.
\r\n\r\nBy simply entering your zip code and answering a few short questions about your junk removal needs, you'll been shown locally-owned and operated junk removal companies near you. You can learn more about each company, read reviews from verified real customers, and request free junk removal quotes - all in one convenient place!
\r\n\r\nThe information you provide is never sold and all estimates are always free.
\r\n\r\nIf you find that a junk removal project is out of your budget, renting a dumpster and handling the grunt work yourself is a great alternative to junk removal services.
\r\n\r\nYou can get free dumpster rental quotes from local services on Hometown in the same way that you can request junk removal quotes.
\r\n\r\nGetting multiple quotes from each service type is the best way to ensure that you not only get the best price, but the best customer service and the availability your project requires.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services offer a convenient and affordable way to quickly get rid of all kinds of household junk. Learn the best ways to get rid of different junk, average costs, and how to find the best cleanup service to assist you.
\r\n","changed":"2023-08-14T18:56:38+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"},"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](\"/static/4d22bec9120fb4c2a8cd39752f8967d5/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](\"/static/467ba14e10f6c5188a19ff2f3f904510/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](\"/static/456762c6c3ceaaebd1230434069afe3c/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.
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