Are there funky and unusual odors in your kitchen? Do they seem to be coming from your sink area? Chances are you need to clean out your garbage disposal. While these devices are extremely handy for grinding up unwanted food items, they do need to be cleaned from time to time to get rid of built-up debris and bacteria.

We are going to offer you three options for alleviating bad odors in your disposal's interior, as well as some tips for cleaning the interior and exterior of your disposal.

No more bad odors!

Get rid of that disgusting odor in your kitchen by utilizing one of these cleaning techniques that can bring a clean, fresh scent to your kitchen sink area.

1. Crush Odors with Ice

Ice helps eliminate smells. All you have to do is pour two cups of ice into the disposal and turn the disposal on. Not only will the ice help clean the disposal and get rid of odors, but it also helps sharpen the blades in the process.

2. Get Citrusy

Citrus is known for...

While the Department of Energy recommends that your water heater is set to 120°, most standard water heaters are set to 140°. In actuality, you should set your water heater to a temperature that suits your needs and budget.

Setting your water temperature to 120° will help save money, energy, and avoid scalding water. However, if your hot water has an unpleasant odor, which is caused by bacteria, raise your temperature to over 140° to help kill the bacteria.

Check Your Current Temperature

Get an idea of your current water heater settings by checking your home system.

• Step 1: Allow your hot water heater to sit unused for at least one hour prior to testing.
• Step 2: Use a cooking or candy thermometer under the faucet closest to the hot water tank.
• Step 3: Run your hot water for one full minute and then fill a mug or cup with water and read the temperature.

It is important to note that when you check the temperature on your water heater, it is always ...

When pipes are noisy and make a lot of unusual sounds, homeowners tend to get worried about the source of the sound. When it comes to pipes, you can hear anything from a bang and a rattle to a whistle or a squeal.

The source of the problem can be hard to determine, but the source of the sound will usually happen at one of these points:

• When running water in the house
• After a cold or hot water supply has been shut off
• Randomly throughout the day or in the middle of the night

Depending on when/which noise you are hearing can narrow down the scope of the issue. Determining when the sound occurs is the initial step, then breaking down the possible causes is next. Most pipe noises can be easily rectified, but using a professional plumbing company like Curtis Plumbing may be necessary.

Hot water and CPVC water lines.

When hot water is running in your home and you hear a noise that is either,

1. A clicking or knocking sound that starts soon after the hot water is turned...

As a homeowner, it is important to be aware of large appliances and mechanisms that allow your household to run smoothly. Knowing how your water heater should properly function and the life expectancy of the water heater can alleviate headaches and surprises when it needs to be replaced.

Typically, water heaters last for about eight to ten years. As this is an estimate, there are cases in which the water heater will give up sooner or last longer, but most homeowners should be aware that their water heaters will need to be replaced around the decade marker. In fact, gas water heaters tend to last closer to six to eight years, so it is important to know what type of water heater your home has and how old it is.

Rust is NOT your friend!

The biggest concern when it comes to knowing when to replace your water heater is the presence of rust. If you find rust coming out of the water tank and into your hot water or around the tank on the outside, there is no question, your water...

We have all been there. The toilet gets clogged. The water isn't coming out due to a blockage. Or the very worst situation - a pipe bursts and you suddenly have water everywhere. Being aware of what to look for and how to quickly make your situation better is key to a speedy plumbing solution!

The Top 4 Most Common Plumbing Emergencies

There are several plumbing emergencies that are among the most relevant for homeowners and business owners alike. The following are four of the top plumbing issues and how you can take action. These issues all require rapid response and a plumber should be contacted immediately.

1. A pipe burst. When this happens, damage can occur quickly to your home or business. Not only does water damage the structure itself, but can cause significant monetary damage to furniture, goods, or products. If a main pipe burst can even lead to damage to neighboring residences or commercial properties.
2. An overflowing toilet. This can be a nightmare,...