Home Services

How to Repair Drywall

Drywall Repair Mesa AZ can withstand quite a bit of damage, but it’s not immune to stains and cracks. Ignoring these problems can lead to more serious structural issues or health concerns, such as mold and mildew.

Holes and dents are easy to fix with a drywall patch kit and putty knife. Once the patch is in place, a professional can repaint the area for a smooth finish.

Drywall cracks are a common occurrence and usually not a cause for alarm. However, wide cracks or cracks that recur over time should be examined by a professional to ensure they aren’t indicative of structural issues.

To repair a cracked section of drywall:

  1. Begin by removing any loose pieces. You may need to cut off any ragged edges with a utility knife, depending on the size of the crack.
  2. Carefully use a saw or hammer to lever out the drywall nails from the stud behind (Image 1).
  3. Once you have removed the nails, carefully cut through the stud at the bottom of the wall using a jigsaw, and then with a utility knife, cut vertically around the corner bead (Image 2).

If you are fixing a ceiling crack, remove any debris from the area and clean the crack. Once the surface is clean, apply a thin coat of joint compound to the entire surface. This will act as a sealant and will help prevent future cracking. Allow the compound to dry completely before continuing.

When applying the compound, be sure to spread it evenly over the surface. Also, be sure to feather the edges of the compound so that it blends in with the rest of the wall. Once the compound has dried, sand the area lightly to create a smooth surface.

Next, apply a piece of mesh fiber tape to the crack. This will reinforce the drywall and help prevent further cracking. Apply a second coat of joint compound over the tape, and once again, be sure to spread it evenly and feather the edges.

Once the second layer of joint compound dries, sand it once again with coarse sandpaper. Once the surface is smooth, you’re ready to prime and paint.

Cracks in drywall are a normal occurrence for homes and can be caused by many things, including the natural settling of the house or even the changing weather. However, wide cracks and diagonal cracks should be examined by a professional to ensure that they aren’t indicative of serious structural problems.

Holes

Small holes in drywall occur when something heavy hits the wall or ceiling, such as furniture or a doorknob. They are easy to fix with a patch kit. To get the best result, you’ll want to sand the edges of the patch and surrounding area smooth, and apply several layers of joint compound. Allow each to dry completely before applying the next.

Larger holes aren’t as simple to repair without professional help. You’ll need to assess the damage and determine whether you need to replace a full sheet of drywall. For these situations, it’s a good idea to use a moisture meter or visually inspect the area. This will allow you to spot underlying issues like mold and water damage that may not be visible to the naked eye.

When you are ready to replace the drywall, carefully cut out the damaged section. You’ll then need to screw in some wooden boards on the back side of the studs to act as reinforcement. This step is especially important if the hole is in an area that will see a lot of traffic, such as near doors or windows. The wooden backing will prevent the drywall from becoming soft or spongy over time.

If the drywall is textured, it’s crucial to match the texture to make the repair look natural. You can practice this on a scrap piece before trying to do it on the actual patch. It’s also helpful to bring a sample of your wall paint to the hardware store so that you can find a color that matches as closely as possible.

In some cases, a hole in the drywall may be due to a termite infestation. These small openings in the drywall are called “termite pinholes” and are distinguished by their size and shape. You’ll want to consult with a professional who can determine the source of the problem and take steps to address it, which may include installing a termite barrier around your home.

Loose Tape

The drywall tape that covers the seams in walls and ceilings can crack, peel or loosen, especially along vertical or horizontal edges. This is a problem because the underlying drywall is exposed and it can cause moisture to get into your home where it shouldn’t. Repairing this issue is relatively simple. If you have a small area of loose tape, you can reinforce it and keep the rest of the wall from getting worse by applying a quick patch. Larger areas of loose tape should be replaced entirely. This can be done by hand if it’s not too long of a length, but you will need to wait for the patch and the surrounding area to dry before painting.

Drywall tape can also lose adhesion, which causes it to curl, slip or bubble. This can occur due to poor quality or simply age and humidity. If you have a lot of this type of damage, you may need to strip and redo the whole room. If the problem is isolated to a single room, you can try wetting the old tape with a sponge and applying a slurry mix of mud that will help it adhere better.

Another way to deal with loose tape is to use a caulking gun to apply a long bead of latex caulk along the edge of the crack or gap, and press the new drywall compound over it. Then, sand it down and smooth it over the surface of the wall or ceiling. If the texture doesn’t match, Homax has a drywall texture repair kit in spray cans that you can use.

The best solution for tape that’s really coming loose is to replace it with self-adhesive fiberglass drywall tape. This is much stronger than paper tape and is able to hold up under a lot more stress. It’s available at most drywall and home improvement stores.

Repainting

For minor blemishes on drywall, such as dents or small nail or screw holes, spackle is usually all that’s needed. A small amount of spackle can cover up these blemishes and with a touch-up of interior painting, the wall will look like new again. For more severe dents or nail holes, a patch kit may be used to patch the hole and then joint compound will be spread over it, smoothed around the edges, and then left to dry.

For larger holes, mesh joint tape should be used to help prevent future cracking and shifting of the drywall. Then a 3 to 4-inch putty knife should be used to apply the joint compound (also known as drywall mud). When smoothed, it should be feathered at the edges of the drywall patch so it blends in with the wall.

Once the drywall is patched and dried, it should be primed to prepare it for paint. Be sure to use a primer that is compatible with your chosen paint. A high-quality drywall contractor will know which type of primer to use and will be able to recommend the best option for your specific situation.

After the primer is applied and allowed to dry, the repaired drywall can be painted with the color of your choice. When hiring a drywall and painting service, request to view examples of previous jobs the company has performed and discuss the timeframe of the project, price, materials, and more.

A professional drywall and painting company will have a track record of past projects and will be happy to share this with you. This way, you can see their experience and quality of work and decide if they are the right fit for your repair job.

The amount of time it takes to repair drywall depends on several factors, such as the size and complexity of the repair job, and whether or not you have any DIY experience. Generally, though, a small repair shouldn’t take more than a few hours. Larger repairs, such as those involving stress cracks and water damage, can take much longer to complete.

Home Services

Drain Cleaning – How to Get Rid of Clogged Drains

Clogged drains create the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, which can cause many health issues for your family. Regular drain cleaning will prevent this. Contact Drain Cleaning Perth now!

This maintenance is very affordable and will save you the hassle of dealing with a clogged drain. Here are some of the ways to clean your gutters: 1. Hydro-Jetting.

Chemical drain cleaners are liquid substances that contain acids, caustics or oxidizers. These chemicals travel down the pipes and create a chemical reaction with the material that is causing the clog. This reaction generates heat, which melts or burns the clog away. Chemical drain cleaners are available in gels, a concentrated solid, or granulated forms. They are typically poured down the drain and allowed to sit for a few minutes while the chemical reactions take place. Then, the drain is flushed with hot water to remove the dissolved clog and wash the chemicals down the pipes.

The main drawback of chemical drain cleaners is that they are harmful to the environment, corrode pipes and can be toxic to people and pets. They also produce fumes that are irritating to the eyes, nose and throat. They can also cause severe chemical burns if they come into contact with skin. These cleaners can contaminate groundwater and harm wildlife if they are washed into rivers and lakes.

Caustic drain cleaners contain substances like sodium hydroxide (lye) or caustic potash that provide a strong acidic reaction to break down blockages. They can be effective on some types of clogs, including hair and grease. Oxidizing drain cleaners contain peroxides and nitrates that release heat and oxidize organic materials such as hair or grease, dissolving them. These are effective on most clogs, but they are less effective on food waste and tree roots.

All chemical drain cleaners should be used carefully according to the instructions on the label. They should never be mixed with other chemicals or household products, as they may react to produce dangerous gases or cause an explosion. They should always be poured down the drain with plenty of hot water to ensure they reach the clog and do not splash on surfaces that could be damaged by the cleaners.

If you are concerned about the environmental impact of chemical drain cleaners or just prefer not to use them, there are several alternatives that can be just as effective. For example, you can try pouring baking soda followed by vinegar down the drain. This will also create a chemical reaction with the clog and dissolve it, but it is safer for your pipes than chemical cleaners.

Hydro-Jetting

Unlike liquid drain cleaners, hydrojetting uses high-pressure water blasting to clean pipes. Professional plumbers use this powerful method for removing stubborn blockages and restoring clogged sewer lines. This technique is ideal for breaking up rock, roots and other debris without damaging the pipes themselves.

To perform hydrojetting, a plumber will access your sewer pipe through a cleanout or another opening that is designed to allow easy cleaning. After that, he or she will choose the appropriate nozzle to target the clog and pipe material. Some nozzles are designed for targeting tree roots and sludge, while others are better for scrubbing the sides of the pipes. A nozzle with more forward force will break up larger debris, while one with a wider back spray can remove smaller particles and dislodge clogs.

A specialized vacuum truck will then pull the debris out of the pipes and into a trash bin. This helps prevent future buildups and protects the environment. If the clog is too severe to be removed through this method, your plumber will use a camera to determine the cause of the problem and the best solution.

This method of cleaning is highly effective and can be used for both commercial and residential plumbing. It can handle even the most stubborn clogs that are resistant to traditional drain snaking tools. In addition, this method is safe for your pipes and guarantees long-lasting results.

Unlike chemical drain cleaners, which can be dangerous to humans and pets, hydro jetting is completely safe. It is also more environmentally friendly than using mechanical drain cleaners.

The cost of hydrojetting depends on the severity and location of the clog and the type of pipe material. Generally speaking, it costs more than snaking or chemical drain cleaners, but it is a fast and accurate method that offers long-lasting results.

If you are experiencing frequent clogs, it is important to contact a plumber right away. A clog left untreated can lead to expensive repairs and sewage backups. If you are unsure of what type of drain cleaner is best for your home, call a professional plumber to find out more about hydro jetting.

Plumber’s Snake

If you have a drain that’s clogged and a plunger isn’t working, a plumber’s snake (also known as a drain auger) may be the answer. This ingenious plumbing tool consists of a long metal cable with a corkscrew-shaped auger coiled inside a drum and a crank handle that allows you to feed it into the pipes and retrieve it once your work is done. Basic handheld snakes are adequate for most drain clogs, but if yours is deeper than 20 feet or so, it’s likely best to invest in a heavy-duty machine with a longer cable.

Before you start using the snake, wear gloves to protect your hands from any debris that might be caught on the coils. Also, it’s a good idea to put down old towels or work clothes in the area where you’re working to prevent any splashes. If you’re planning to use a handheld snake, it’s best to remove the P-trap – the bent pipe that sits under your sink and ensures sewer gas doesn’t escape into your living space. It’s also important to take the time to clean and scrub this component so that you don’t accidentally re-clog the drain.

Once you’re ready to begin, loosen the thumbscrew on the drum that houses the coiled snake and carefully push it down the drainpipe until you reach the point of resistance. Then, begin uncoiling the snake, turning the crank handle slowly to chop up and dislodge the clog. When you feel the clog is breaking up, continue rotating the snake and feeding it into the pipe until you’ve cleared the obstruction.

Once you’ve cleared the blockage, it’s a good idea to run cold water through the drain and then remove the snake. After that, re-attach the P-trap and drain cover. Be sure to rinse and clean the snake thoroughly before storing it. Using a drain snake isn’t as simple as it sounds, but with proper preparation and a little practice, this handy device can save you the expense of calling in professional help. Just remember to go slowly, as if you’re not careful, you can easily damage your pipes.

Enviro-Master

Whether you own a restaurant, hotel or other commercial establishment in the Minneapolis area, maintaining clean and functional drains is an important part of keeping your business running smoothly. Clogged drains can cause unpleasant odors, slow drainage, and even health code violations. That’s why Enviro-Master offers professional commercial drain maintenance treatment services.

This service uses a foaming process that breaks down food and grease to eliminate odors and keep drains flowing freely. It also disinfects surfaces and kills germs and bacteria to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other disease-causing pathogens. Plus, it’s non-toxic, non-corrosive and food safe. The Enviro-Master can also be used for sanitizing and disinfecting high-traffic areas like hallways, bathrooms, and elevators.

The coronavirus pandemic has made sanitizing and disinfecting the workplace an urgent priority for many businesses. That’s why Enviro-Master is here to help you protect your customers and employees with our professional sanitizing and disinfecting services. We use products that are EPA-registered and approved to kill COVID-19 and 47 other disease-causing pathogens. Our services are effective, easy to administer, and safe for both your employees and customers.

Clogged and soiled restrooms are a major deterrent for customers, especially in the restaurant industry. If left untreated, these issues can lead to customer complaints, lost revenue and even a shutdown of operations due to a health code violation. That’s why Enviro-Master’s professional restroom cleaning and sanitation services are a smart investment for any restaurant, bar or other foodservice establishment in the Pittsburgh area.

We provide a wide range of commercial cleaning and sanitation services, including tile and grout deep cleaning, restroom and waste management, disinfecting and sanitizing, electrostatic spraying and sandblasting, and drain line treatment. Our services are available to a variety of industries, including automotive, gyms, restaurants and healthcare facilities. Our drain lines are treated with an enzyme bio-active foam that keeps your drains free of clogs and odors while also disinfecting the entire drain line.