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Clogged drains are pretty normal, right? They’re not something we constantly think about but we do expect them to happen — usually at the least convenient times. But just because they’re common, doesn’t mean they can’t cause more serious piping issues and flooding in your home.

The good news is there is a way to prevent that from happening: a thorough cleaning of your pipes. You just have to know what to look for. Here are 6 signs that it’s time for a professional cleaning. 

1. Your Toilets Overflow
   When your child flushes your watch down the toilet, it’s easy to know why it’s overflowing. But when that isn’t the case, it could be your drainage lines.

   Your toilets are actually the most essential plumbing fixture to the overall health and sanitation of your home, so as waste and toilet paper clog up sewage drains overtime, it can cause a big mess. As soon as you notice frequent overflowing, call a professional.

2. There’s Standing Water
   In addition to your toilet, water back up in sinks, showers, and even washing machines are a good indicator that there’s something plugging up your pipes. Not only is it a hassle to clean, but it can be expensive to repair the damage depending on where it happens. Whether it’s hair or gunk or something you don’t even want to think about, it’s incredibly unsanitary to let it go. Don’t wait.

3. There’s Dish Soap or Grease Build Up
   The thick consistency of dish soap can actually be pretty harmful to your drain as it slowly moves throughout your system. Obviously, it’s nearly impossible to keep it out of there completely, making it an inevitable culprit of drain issues.

   Reversely, you would think the slick and slippery quality of grease would help items slide on through your pipes with ease. But in reality, grease actually hardens as it sits and can cause obstruction to the water flow. If you’re cleaning up food waste with a significant amount of grease, don’t just dump it down the disposal. Instead, empty it into a bag before disposing of it in the trash.

4. You Smell a Foul Odor
   If  you notice a weird smell in your home, and it’s not the trash, check your drains. Even if it seems to be functioning properly, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a build up somewhere in your pipes causing that unpleasant smell. The quicker you can take action and get it effectively cleaned, the better chance you have to avoid a full sewer pipe repair.
   
5. You Hear Gurgling Noises
   This is another instance where your fully functioning drain may have unknown issues emerging below the surface. When there’s an odd, gurgling sound coming from your sink, it’s most likely a clog forming. Why? Well, when water rushes past a developing clog, it creates air bubbles that eventually start making noises while your sink drains. Cleaning out those growing clogs will eliminate that sound and prevent bigger issues down the road.
6. Your Drain is Just Slower than Usual
   This one seems pretty obvious. When it takes your sink or bathtub longer than usual to empty the water, you probably have a clog forming. While this combination of food particles, grease, soap, etc. may not be enough to completely block your pipes and cause water back up, it will at some point if you let it go.

We have even more good news: Madsen Inc is just one call away to give your pipes a thorough cleaning to eliminate current clogs and prevent any obstructions in the future. If you notice any of these signs in your home, or just want us to come take a look, contact us today.

The moments we’ve been waiting for all year are finally here — kicking back and cooking out in the backyard with friends and family. Nothing beats the combo of fresh air and savory scents from the hot grill. The only problem is your home’s outdoor living space could use a little help, and even small touches can make a huge difference in terms of functionality and aesthetics. If you’ve spent all winter dreaming of a nautical escape or a modern entertaining space but aren’t sure where to begin, here are a few ideas to inspire an outdoor oasis that’s perfect for you.

Add Water to Create a Waterfront Feel

Adding a water element can elevate any outdoor area by adding a reflective and soothing element. Ponds, self-containing fountains, and pools can all crate a sense of escape and serenity with a wide range of prices and installation difficulty to fit your budgets and timeline. Water features increase the natural harmony of any outdoor space, providing calm and relief on hot summer days. Freshwater installations can bring entire ecosystems into your yard by drawing in birds, honeybees, and other local wildlife that offer the added benefits of helping your gardens and flowerbeds flourish.

Temperature Control for Indoor Comfort, Outside

Make your backyard the gathering place for your loved ones all year long by regulating temperature and ambiance of the space. By adding shades, privacy screens, or firepits, your yard can become as functional as it is beautiful. Firepits keep you warm and cozy on chilly fall nights while creating a camp-style atmosphere for the kids or a romantic aura for you.

Overhead awnings, umbrellas, and screens can minimize the summer sun rays while allowing for some much-needed privacy from surrounding neighbors without being an eyesore. An easy way to naturally blend them into your outdoor space is by opting for color tones that match the cool or warm tones of the surrounding landscape. And add a little extra decorative pop to impress guests with string lights or hanging flowerpots.

Entertainment Elements for the Host with the Most

Daydreaming of romantic candle lit dinners? Late nights toasting to good friends? Whatever your motivation, creating a mini destination out of your outdoor bar or grill area expands the possibilities for seasonal entertainment. These amenities range widely in cost based on materials and set up, allowing you to create the ideal atmosphere for you and your loved ones within your budget. Swing seats or benches relaxation and comfort, while tables, chairs, and couches with weatherproof cushions add color and functionality to your space, brightening up your oasis while providing plenty of places for you and your loved ones to relax.

When creating your outdoor space, consider some of these additions too:

• Create a prep zone to turn your grill space into a real outdoor kitchen — whether an outdoor sink with plumbing or an easy-to-clean, freestanding table.
• Consider window service if your grilling area is by the house. Add a couple of stools, master a few cocktail recipes, and you’re set!
• Add a mini fridge to keep meats out of the sun or drinks icy cold all day long.
• Utilize accent lighting to set a mood as the sun sets and help keep your space well-lit throughout the night.

Get your home ready for a summer of fun and relaxation with any of these renovation inspirations, and contact us today to discuss any of your home improvement needs.

We get it. Those long, lazy days of summer probably don’t motivate you to do work on the house. But a few key improvements can save you a lot of hassle in the colder seasons with the added bonus of increasing the value to your home. If you play your cards right, you can score big-time savings on energy bills, avoid costly repairs, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from completing some much-needed updates. Here are five summer projects we recommend.

1. Repair or replace your roof. The summer months are the best time to work on your roof, as new shingles need heat in order to properly form weathertight seals. To start, clean off any moss or fungi from your roof with a stiff brush to keep moisture from collecting. Next, check your shingles to make sure that they’re lying flat against the roof. If you find any cracked, damaged, or buckling shingles, it’s time for a repair.

   Keep in mind, the average roof lasts about 15-20 years, so if you’re getting close and notice sagging or drooping, then you may be in need of a replacement ASAP. When in doubt, get a professional opinion to avoid any further damage to your home.

2. Power wash outside. Every exterior can use some TLC after the rough elements ensured in the winter months. A power wash can work wonders on your siding, driveway and sidewalks, and deck to give your home a like-new appearance. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching all of that grime, dirt, and debris disappear to expose that sparkling clean exterior underneath!
3. Re-side your exterior. Sometimes power washing may just not cut it. And in this case, it may be time to reside the exterior of your home. Old siding is known for developing mold, mildew, and rot, which also causes flaking and peeling long before your house should actually need a new paint job. And the warm weather of summer presents the perfect time to re-side. You’ll be amazed at the transformative impact the right style can have on your tired-looking exterior.
4. Treat your windows. Poor window sealing and treatments are one of the top causes of high energy costs in both the summer and winter months. If caulking around your windows this past fall didn’t stop the chill this winter, then it may be time to consider a window replacement. Choose from sliders, geometric patterns, double-hung windows, and more for a nice visual upgrade with energy-efficiency benefits. Plus, new windows will help you really take advantage of more sunlight all season long!
5. Plant shade trees. A few rough days in the heat is definitely worth the reward that planting shade trees can provide. Not only are they great for beautifying the yard and offering a cool spot to relax outside, but it’ll also help you save on your cooling bill. Trees are a simple way to keep the sun off of your house, not to mention they do a lot for curb appeal! We recommend visiting a local nursery to find what would be best suited for your yard.

Feeling adventurous and want some more worthwhile projects to tackle? Here are a few other projects that may be worth grabbing your tool kit for:

• Swap out your entry door
• Reface your cabinets
• Clean out your gutters
• Upgrade your ceiling fans
• Install new countertops
• Invest in a smart thermostat
• Organize your closets and pantry

If you encounter any issues as you work on these various summer projects or simply want a professional’s help, contact our team for your home maintenance repairs.

Did you know that heating cooling and ventilation together account for the largest energy expense for Americans — especially during the summer. (according to the US Department of Energy). So as you open the window to watch the flowers bloom and feel the warmer air that spring brings, it’s easy to forget the issues that the powerful summer heat can cause your system in just a few weeks.

Don’t wait until your AC unit is suddenly blowing hot air on a 90-degree day or stinking up the house with a bizarre odor to actually check it out. The best and safest way to ensure your unit is ready for summer’s worst is having a trained technician come take a look (we can help there), but there are also things you can do to keep your HVAC running efficiently through the hottest months and into fall. Here are 6 tips:

1. Change your air filter every 30 days. A dirty air filter will cause your HVAC system to work a lot harder than necessary, preventing it from cooling your home efficiently. A simple filter swap can save you from costly utility bills — especially in the summer when your unit is already working overtime. For this reason, your filter changes may also be more frequent over the next couple of months, but a quick check will let you know for sure.
2. Keep your outdoor condenser clean. Your outdoor unit is essential for AC efficiency and functionality. Check the area surrounding your HVAC system, and clear away any leaves, branches, or dirt that may have piled up around your unit. This is a simple, no-cost form of maintenance that should be done year-round to prevent issues from built-up debris blocking your system.
3. Increase your thermostat. Keep your house warmer than usual when you’re away or out of the house for long periods of time. Not great at remembering stuff like this? Consider installing a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to set specific temperatures on timers to adjust automatically and cool or heat your space only as needed, which reduces utility costs and keeps your air conditioning system from using more energy than it needs to. We also recommend that you avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting when you first start it up — it doesn’t cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and extra expenses.
4. Use or install fan systems. Fans are a simple, low-energy option for cooling down individual rooms. They maximize airflow and prevent excess heat from rising in the spring and summer months. And don’t forget to turn on the fan in the bathroom when you bath or shower — it will remove the extra heat and humidity from your home.
5. Check your windows. As sun penetrates the glass of, it generates heat and causes the temperature inside to rise. Hanging drapes or blinds is an easy way to combat this problem. You can also prevent warm air from leaking into your home by sealing your windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping for more full proof coverage.
6. Schedule regular maintenance. Finally, the best way to maximize energy efficiency is routine HVAC maintenance. Research shows that your cooling system typically makes up about 60-70% of your summer electric bill. And if your unit is more than 15 years old, upgrading or replacing it could cut your energy costs by 20-40%. And that seriously adds up!

If you’re running into any issues with your HVAC system or want to get it checked out before summer, contact our professionals today. You can keep your cool, because we’ve got you covered.

It’s amazing how a little sunshine and fresh air can really motivate homeowners to get to work. With spring just around the corner, you might find yourself looking for ways to spruce things up around the house. And if you’re not, it’s the perfect time to start. The colder months can be difficult on your home, so it’s important to check-in around the house and take care of any maintenance projects so you can enjoy those beautiful spring and summer days to the fullest!

While they might not be the most exciting things on your to-do list, you’ll thank yourself for them later. Here are five key spring home improvement projects we recommend to get you started.

1. Start from the Top – Inspect Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against inclement weather, and what may seem like a tiny issue has the potential to turn into a disaster if water is able to get indoors.
• Check for any damage that your shingles may have sustained under heavy snow or ice and replace any broken pieces or those that have shifted out of place.
• Look for water spots on your ceilings or exterior walls, curled shingles, and rust or stains where exterior walls meet the roof — this could be a sign of a leaks. And any water trapped underneath shingles can cause rotting so look for this too.
• Clean out your gutters so they can do their job during those April showers. A clear flow keeps water from building up and pooling around your foundation and your basement. Gutter guards are an easy and inexpensive way to keep leaves and debris from clogging your gutters.

2. Bring on the Heat — Prepping Your AC Unit
Just like we recommend an HVAC tune-up in the fall before the real cold strikes, spring is the best time to make sure that your AC unit is ready to go for summer. The last thing you want is to feel warmer inside than it does outside when it’s a blistering 90+ degrees. Change your filter, make sure the unit is draining properly and in good condition, and check for any leaks in your hose connectors. If your AC unit is more than 10 years old, or it’s been a while since your last routine check, contact our team at Madsen to come out and make sure everything is in working order for when you need it most.

3. Keep the Cool in — Check Your Insulation
Now that your AC is up and running, you don’t want that nice cool air going right out your doors or windows — because it will cost you. Check to see if the caulking or weather stripping around your windows is still sealed tight, and if you noticed condensation between double-glazed windows during the winter, this might be a sign that it isn’t secured properly. This condensation build-up and other insultation leaks can lead to mold, one of your biggest enemies to homeowners. Check your attic and any areas that may not be as well-insulated for any signs, which typically appear as black or gray blotches.

4. Boost Your Curb Appeal — Repair Your Siding
Your siding may have also sustained some damage from snow or ice during the last few months. New siding can make your home more energy efficient and be a stronger defence against summer storms. Damage can be frustrating, but new siding can also instantly energize a dull, weathered exterior to boost your curb appeal for spring.

Check for any of these signs that you may need to repair or replace your siding:
• Water stains
• Cracks
• Rotting
• Holes or signs of chewing from any critters trying to dig their way in
• Warping
• Gaps

5. Use that Green Thumb — Start Your Lawn Care
As everything starts to melt and things start looking a little greener, consider starting your lawn prep now so that it can reach its full blooming glory (and make you house the envy of your neighbours). Start by raking any leaves, branches, or debris that may have collected over the winter, so that once you have a clean slate, you can check your outdoor water system — ground sprinklers, pipes, and faucets — and make any necessary repairs. Soon it’ll be time to rev up that lawn mower again!

Some other great spring project ideas:
• Rinse down the patio furniture
• Upgrade or restain the deck
• Get the grill ready
• Install a new mailbox
• Clean the windows
• Apply fresh paint, inside or out
• Tackle that spring cleaning list — wash drapes, shampoo carpets, clean windows, dust in those tough to reach spots

If you run into any issues as you prep your home for the warmer days ahead, contact our team for any professional home maintenance repairs.