Home Services
Top Alternatives To Septic Tanks (8 Options to Consider)
For many homes, it’s impossible to have a conventional sewage system. The most common reason for this is the fact that sewage services don’t reach their property. There may be situations where a septic tank cannot be installed on the property do to logistical or geographical issues. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from if you’re facing this septic conundrum.
How To Clean Your AC Condenser
A dirty AC condenser cannot properly transfer heat as it’s supposed to. Once this happens, the condenser will stay hot, and cold air won’t circulate throughout your home. Not only does this render the system ineffective, but it can also cause long-term damage.
What To Pack First When Moving?
Moving to a different home can be an exciting experience. However, if you don’t pack your belongings in the proper sequence, moving can quickly get to be a stressful experience. People are busy planning their move and believe everything is under control until it isn’t, and they discover themselves suffocating in tags, plastic wrap, and cardboard boxes.
Green Sewer Pipe Vs. White: What Are The Major Differences?
Modern plumbing is as advanced as it has ever been, and that makes it hard to wrap your head around. The color of a particular pipe may simply seem cosmetic, but it signifies its purpose and certain properties. So, what is the difference between green and white sewer pipes?
Landlord Claims Rent Not Received (But Check Is Cashed)
Staying on top of your rent is an important and often difficult responsibility. Being an adult can be hard and expensive. It will come as quite a frustrating shock then, if your landlord reaches out saying you have not paid your rent but you see the rent check has been cashed.
What To Do If There’s A Snake In The House
The last thing you want to do is get bitten by a snake that's invaded your house. Whether a snake is venomous or not, you can still get hurt. You must put as much distance between yourself and the snake as possible to avoid getting bitten.
How To Get Rid Of Rats In Walls And Ceilings
Imagine drifting off to sleep at night and hearing scurrying and scratching sounds. It’s undoubtedly unsettling, to say the least, when you know you have critters living within your walls. Understandably, you want to know how to get rid of rats in the walls and ceilings once and for all.
Why Are There Shrews In My House?
Shrews may look cute in pictures, but you may not think they’re so cute when you find them indoors. They aren’t as gross as rats, but nobody wants to find shrews indoors. So, why are there shrews in my house?
Why Is My House So Humid With The AC On?
You rely on your air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable when it’s hot and steamy outside. But what happens when your house is humid with the AC on, leading to excess moisture in the air? Isn’t your AC supposed to take care of that?
Can You Get A Mortgage On A House With Asbestos Siding?
Asbestos is the last thing that a new homeowner wants to have to worry about. The word alone evokes the fear of health risks, limiting home value, and expensive removal. So, can you get a mortgage on a house with asbestos siding?
Mistakes To Avoid When Moving Into A New Home
Purchasing a home is very exciting, but it can be stressful, with so many things to organize, including the move. That's why it's never a good idea to rush the moving process. As you transfer all your belongings from one property to another, there are many logistics to keep in mind. To ensure the move goes smoothly, you need to know the most common mistakes to avoid.
How Does A Heat Pump Work In Winter?
Most people are familiar with heat pumps when it comes to using them as air conditioners. A unique feature about a heat pump is that it can be used during the winter to heat your home and not just during the summer to cool it. But how can a split system like a heat pump perform both of these functions?
How To Quiet A Noisy Air Conditioner
Your air conditioner is a real savior in the hottest months. One AC unit can turn a completely unbearable sunrise into a pleasant morning in bed under the covers. There is so much to be thankful for when it comes to having the modern convenience of temperature and humidity control. But sometimes air conditioners are very loud. In fact, an AC unit can get so loud, it is hard to concentrate on anything else. But how do you quiet a noisy air conditioner?
Does Termite Fumigation Kill Spiders? (Find Out Now!)
Getting the news that you have termites can feel like a death sentence, but could there be an upside? Fear of spiders is one of the most common phobias and also a very common infestation. So could you potentially kill two birds with one stone; does termite fumigation kill spiders?
Heat Pump Continues To Run After Reaching Set Temperature?
A heat pump is a multi-functioning system for homes. It can create a cool space in the summer months and a warm and cozy space when it’s cold outside. Whether in winter, spring, summer, or fall, you want your heat pump working correctly.
HVAC Preventative Maintenance Checklist
If you live in a house with an HVAC system, you can enjoy all sorts of benefits. From its centralized heating and air conditioning system to its clean filtered air, the bonuses are plentiful. But HVAC systems are quite pricey to repair, and even most costly to replace. So, you want to make sure your HVAC system lasts as long as possible, and stays in top condition. The best way to ensure this is to stick to an HVAC preventative maintenance schedule.
Do Termites Come Back?
Termites are bad news for any homeowner, and they can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage and repairs to your home. Hiring an exterminator to get rid of termites can be quite expensive, but it can provide homeowners with peace of mind. So, do termites come back?
How To Keep Furnace Condensate Line From Freezing (Do This!)
Your HVAC system is a complicated piece of equipment. When it is functioning properly, delivering warm or cold air throughout your home, you likely won’t even recognize it. But when issues creep up, it is hard to notice anything but.
How Much Does Sewer Cleanout Installation Cost?
A sewer cleanout isn’t something that everyone is familiar with. In fact, many homeowners are unfamiliar with what a sewer cleanout is, what it does, where it’s located on your property, and how much it costs to install one. Oftentimes, a sewer cleanout only becomes a relevant topic when something goes wrong.
Is It Possible To Only Have One Bed Bug? (Find Out Now!)
It is very common for people to unknowingly bring bed bugs into their home and if they’re not detected quickly, you could end up with a full-scale infestation. Like cockroaches, bed bugs are considered one of the most difficult household pests to eradicate completely. However, is it possible to only have one bed bug in your home?
How To Clean A Gas Furnace Burner (Quickly & Easily!)
Whether you are experiencing issues with your gas furnace or are simply performing routine maintenance, keeping your furnace clean is imperative. When components get dirty or clogged, it can lead to components working improperly or not at all.
How To Know If You Have A Brown Recluse Infestation
For many homeowners, distinguishing between an occasional brown recluse spider sighting and an infestation is difficult. However, you can tell the problem has gotten out of hand if you watch out for a few key signs, such as:
How Long Does A Landlord Have To Fix A Mold Problem?
How long a landlord has to fix a mold problem depends on a variety of factors. When dealing with mold, many variables affect how it is dealt with. The time allowed for a landlord to fix mold issues is largely dependent on where the property is located and how severe the mold problem is.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Move?
During the fall, winter, and early spring are the best times of the year to move. That is the “off-season” for moving companies, as fewer people schedule professional movers during this time. This is one of the best ways to save money on movers.
Furnace High Limit Switch Keeps Tripping? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Your furnace is a complicated piece of equipment. There are various components working in unison at all times and when one of them goes bad, it is imperative to identify the problem in short order. The last thing that you want is for your furnace to continue failing, leading to bigger and more expensive repairs.
How To Help Your Air Conditioner Last Longer
An air conditioner can cost anywhere from $150 to well over $10,000, depending on the type of unit, its quality, and the installation required. Regardless of whether you pay a couple of hundred dollars or several thousand, you want this essential summer appliance to endure. That's why it's a good idea to find ways to ensure your air conditioner lasts as long as possible.
What Happens After A Home Inspection? (Find Out Now!)
A fabulous exterior can hide some interior issues, and this is one of the main reasons why home inspectors are in business these days. A home inspection is used to verify that a house is in good working order and not needing significant repairs.
What Does A Furnace Limit Switch Do? (Find Out Now!)
There are various moving components within your furnace. When they are all working together and efficiently, they keep your home nice and warm even when temperatures are plummeting. It is when one of those components stops working that you run into problems.
Is A Landlord Responsible For High Water Bill Due To Leak?
Most tenants are required to put the water bill in their name and pay it on a regular basis. But what if the water bill you received was astronomical, even though you haven’t been using more water than usual? Could it be because of a leak, and are you required to pay, even if it was beyond your control?
How To Tell If An HVAC Contractor Is Legitimate
Experienced HVAC technicians and contractors have less to prove than others. That’s not to say that a new company can’t be equally trustworthy. However, it’s a good sign if an HVAC contractor has been around for 5 to 20 years or longer.
Is There White Powder Coming Out Of Your Vents?
It is alarming when you discover that your HVAC system sends some unknown white dust into your home through the vents. With no clear understanding of the material and whether it is hazardous or just annoying can lead to panic in some cases. If your HVAC system is new, the dust problem can be even more upsetting.
Why Is My Landlord Getting An Appraisal? (Find Out Now!)
When your landlord informs you he or she will be getting an appraisal you rent there are many ways to feel. You may be nervous that your landlord is selling the home you live in. Next you may wonder if one or more strangers will be entering your home, and if you have to let them in.
Can Heavy Rain Cause A Sewer Backup? (Find Out Now!)
Heavy rain and storms can cause several problems for your home, and many homeowners dread a flood in their basement. Not only can heavy rains damage your plumbing and foundation, but heavy rains can also cause a sewer backup to occur, creating a whole slew of additional problems.
Does A Landlord Have To Clean My Apartment Before I Move In?
When a renter moves into a new apartment, they’ll probably have some expectations. For one, they’ll expect the place to be clean. But an unfortunate truth is that not all apartments are clean on move-in day, so if you move into a place that’s dirty when you arrive, you’ll probably have to clean on your own.
Does Irish Spring Soap Keep Mice Away? (Find Out Now!)
Whether you’ve already spotted some rodents in your home or you want to proactively deter them from getting into your house, you may find yourself searching the web for the best way to keep mice away. With so many solutions and methods to choose from, it’s important that you choose the option that is best for you and your individual situation. While Irish Spring soap is meant to be used to wash your body, many claim that it can repel mice, which brings us to the big question – “Does Irish Spring soap keep mice away?”
How To Protect PEX Pipe From UV Light (Here Are the Details)
Copper pipe has been the go-to for plumbing because of its many great qualities. Then about 25 years ago PEX pipe started to become more popular in the US, thanks to its ability to withstand pressures and temperature changes in domestic hot and cold systems.
Why Do I Hear Water Dripping/Flowing Under My Stairs?
Nobody wants to hear water dripping and flowing in their house, as that means repairs are necessary. However, you can’t get into the repair mindset until you find the root of the problem, which isn’t always easy. So, why do I hear water dripping and flowing under my stairs?
Does Renters Insurance Cover A Broken Window?
Insurance policies can be very confusing, especially if you’re a new renter. While the policies usually have everything in the fine print, they can be difficult to understand. What’s covered? What’s not? How about windows; will your renter’s insurance cover a broken window?
Can You Paint Apartment Walls? (Find Out Now!)
Painting your apartment can instantly freshen the space. But you have to be careful not to break your rental lease. In some cases, a landlord will let you paint. In other cases, they won’t. So, can you paint apartment walls or not?
Can A Propane Furnace Be Installed In A Basement?
Proper planning is critical when installing appliances. If you rush the initial planning, you risk creating more problems in the future. Especially when it comes to propane furnaces, your initial blueprint is essential. There are many reasons to chooses a propane furnace. Some people don’t live close enough to town for natural gas. Others might be looking to replace an old propane furnace. Regardless, if you wonder which areas of the house are appropriate for installation, you’ve come to the right place.
Does A New Furnace Increase Home Value?
If you are preparing to sell your home, you might start looking differently at all your home appliances and furnishings. You want everything in your home to look and perform at its best so you can get the most money possible for your home. This might even inspire you to perform a few upgrades to boost your home’s value. If your furnace could use some upgrading, you might be tempted to swap it for a new one. But does installing a new furnace increase your home’s value?
Should You Throw Your Mattress Away After Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs can make you feel uncomfortable at home, and they can stick around for longer than you may think. Even without a host, bed bugs can survive for up to a year in some cases, and many even survive treatment. So, should you throw your mattress away after bed bugs?
10 Types Of House Moths (With Photos)
Moths are among the most unique and fascinating insects, but it’s not fun when you find them in your home. They fly around erratically and often look like colorless butterflies to the uninitiated, and that can frighten any homeowner. There are over 160,000 species of moths, but 10 of them are specifically none to live around households.
How Many Motion Sensors Do You Realistically Need?
The continued boom of home security options has made it easier and easier to keep a home safe, and the owner informed. Smart technology allows you to see who is ringing your doorbell with a video on your cell phone.
How Long Does Rat Poison Take To Work?
As millions of people in the U.S. and worldwide have found, rats are a big problem. They eat human food, destroy their belongings, and act as all-around pests to people everywhere. Many people resort to rat poison in an attempt to get rid of their rat problem.
How To Increase Water Pressure Without A Pump
While buying a pump is an easy solution to increasing your water pressure, those pumps can be incredibly expensive. For those on a budget, buying a pump may not be an available option. Because of this, we’ve produced a guide on how you can increase water pressure without a pump.
What Is The Difference Between Foam Core And Solid Core PVC?
Foam core (or “cellular core”) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has small air pockets embedded in the composite, whereas solid core PVC is solid plastic. If you run your thumbnail over the end of foam core PVC pipe, you can actually etch it. You can’t do this with solid core.
HVAC Duct Sizing Rule of Thumb (Ultimate Guide)
While going through the process of building your home, you’ll eventually have to consider how the ducts will be designed. You cannot overlook the ductwork because doing so will affect the type of comfort you’re able to experience at home. However, when it comes to determining an HVAC duct sizing rule of thumb, you need to avoid generalizations.
Heat Pump Evaporator Coil Freezing Up? (We Have A Fix)
Like it or not, your heat pump is going to run into common issues from time to time. They can be easy to fix depending on the issue or they can be a precursor to larger issues. Being able to identify those issues is of the utmost importance.
Why Is My House So Stuffy?
Nobody wants to sit in a house full of hot, humid, and stuffy air, but many people have to. That said, you don’t need to put up with a stuffy house if you get to the root of the problem. So, why is my house so stuffy?
How to Clear the Schedule on Your Honeywell Thermostat (Fast & Easy)
Setting a schedule on your Honeywell thermostat is indeed an effective way to avoid the extra hassle of setting its temperature every time. You can have your thermostat automatically switch modes at intervals without having to do any extra work. However, there are times when you might want to reset the schedule setting or even get rid of it.
What Is The Rough-In Height For Sink Drains?
The “rough-in” building stage is when the plumbing fixtures and pipes are all lines are put in place, but they are not yet connected. Plumbing rough-ins, such as sink drains, are just one of many things inspected throughout the building or renovation process.
Can A Sump Pump Drain Into The Sewer? (Find Out Now!)
A sump pump is a wonderful way to help protect your home investment and keep your property safe and dry. In the event of heavy rains and potential flooding, a sump pump helps to pull water out of your home and direct it safely away from your home. Finding an area to channel the excess water can be a challenge for a new sump pump installation.
Is Your AC Liquid Line Very Hot? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
The liquid line on your air conditioner is a big part of its proper operation. It is common for the line to become hot, and it is often due to it being dirty or underpowered. Follow along as we explore how you can cool down the liquid line on your AC.
Where Can I Get Free Boxes?
Are you getting ready to move? Or maybe you’ve finally made the decision to declutter the house. Now, you need boxes…lots of boxes. But you really don’t want to spend your hard-earned money, so where can you get boxes for free?
Swamp Cooler Motor Keeps Shutting Off? (We Have a Fix!)
Swamp coolers are great options to consider if your household is struggling against the oppressive heat. They can be a terrific addition to your home under the right circumstances. But in the middle of summer, one of the worst things is when your swamp cooler motor keeps shutting off.
J-Trap Vs. P-Trap: What Are The Major Differences?
Talking about plumbing and drains, in particular, involves a host of letter designations. Figuring out what these letter designations mean and how to use them in drain and water plumbing can get confusing? Exactly what are J-Traps and P-Traps?
Why Does Your Central Air Have Two Filters?
Without central air, homeowners across the world would be out of luck during the spring and summer. Proper central air maintenance is necessary for it to run properly, and that includes maintaining the filters. So, why does your central air have two filters?
What Size Boiler Do I Need For A 2000 Sq Ft House?
Heating your home with water and a boiler is not all that common in the United States. However, this type of heating, called hydronic heating, is quite common in other areas. In some cases, hydronic heating can be an efficient means of heating your home. If you have a 2000 square foot home, what size boiler do you need?
Post-Fumigation Checklist
Fumigating your house is a big step, and it can be stressful before and after the process. After all, fumigants are dangerous chemicals, so many people worry about the lingering effects. That’s why we put together a post-fumigation checklist for homeowners.