Home Services
How To Solder A Copper Pipe With Water In It
Plastic pipes are more prone to cracking up; thus, copper-based tubes are the go-to pipes for plumbing applications owing to their ability to withstand corrosion.
How To Clean An AC Evaporator Coil (Quickly & Easily!)
A clean evaporator coil ensures your air conditioning system is working efficiently and effectively. Evaporator coils can collect dust, debris, and oils over time. It is crucial to maintain this element of your air conditioning system regularly.
Is A Landlord Responsible For Water Damage? (Find Out Now!)
The other night, a friend of mine came back to his apartment from a night out, only to see that the toilet had flooded. There was brown stuff everywhere, and he was horrified. I mean, most of us would be, right? He called up his landlord and asked who was responsible for this. The answer might surprise you.
Furnace Blowing Cold Air Only At Night?
As the days get shorter and the nights long and cold, a reliable furnace becomes an essential fixture in the home. When the temperatures dip below freezing, your furnace is even a lifesaver. It helps keep you and your home warm, and with the assistance of your thermostat, you stay in a temperature-controlled environment throughout the winter months. So it might cause shock and alarm when you notice your furnace, instead of keeping your home warm, is blowing out cold air at night.
What Is Considered A Permanent Foundation For A Mobile Home?
If you’re looking for your mobile home to count as real property, you may be required to have a permanent foundation. Having a permanent foundation will broaden your financing options and make selling your home a whole lot easier.
How To Install A Utility Sink Next To A Washing Machine
A utility sink can make for a very useful addition to a washroom, basement, or garage. It offers an additional drainage capability, cleaning space so as to not ruin higher-end sinks, and a world of other possibilities.
How Often Should A Furnace Cycle In Winter?
Periodically, your furnace will turn on to reach a desired temperature before shutting off. This is called cycling, and the frequency in which it occurs depends on a few factors.
Landlord Not Sending Utility Bills? (Here's What You Can Do)
Utility bills are a fact of life for most adults. They vary in price and frequency but it can sometimes feel like bills roll in nonstop. It may come as a shock then, when your landlord does not send you any utility bills.
How Can I Hide A Furnace And Water Heater? (4 Ways To Do It!)
Your water heater and furnace are essential components of your home. Having hot water and the ability to heat your home on even the chilliest of days are crucial to the comfort of any home. Keeping both running strong takes regular maintenance and care.
Why Is My Furnace Not Keeping Up With The Thermostat?
If you are like most people, you occasionally will want to turn your thermostat up or down a notch. When you do, you probably are going to expect your furnace to react to the switch fairly quickly. Sometimes, though, you might notice that your furnace isn’t as quick to react as it once was. Did you ever wonder what’s going on with that issue?
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Security System?
A burglar alarm is essential to basic home security. Statistics show that 60% of burglars avoid homes with a burglar alarm, indicating they are effective. Today, burglar alarms are quite affordable, especially if you buy a basic system without smart features.
HVAC Maintenance Tips For Pet Owners
Having a pet is a blessing and a curse in because all the joy you get from them comes along with many chores. Keeping up with these chores can help protect your clothes, furniture, floors, and HVAC system from damage and messes. That’s why we assembled an essential list of HVAC maintenance tips for pet owners.
Where Do Mice Hide In My House?
Crawl spaces attract mice because they are perfect for nesting. Mice can nest year-round, but it often happens in the fall and winter when they need a warm, secluded location. You can also find mice in your crawl space throughout the spring and summer when mice often breed.
Hot Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve Keeps Opening? (Do This!)
Your hot water heater is perhaps one of the most important things inside your home. Keeping warm water flowing, is essential, for living. If your hot water heater’s pressure relief valve keeps opening, we have some tips that will help you fix it.
My Landlord Is Spying On Me (Here's What You Can Do)
Having someone spy on you is not only creepy, but it also interferes with the quiet enjoyment of your home. Spying is an invasion of your privacy, and you do have rights, even if that person happens to be your landlord.
Sump Pump Running Continuously? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
A sump pump that runs continuously is the most common reason for sump pumps overheating and breaking down. If you discover that your sump pump is always running, address the issue promptly. This will prevent further damage to the sump pump and your basement.
Is 30/50 Or 40/60 Pressure Switch Better for a Well Water System?
Many people who have a domestic water well system are confused about the difference in pressure switches. Pressure switches are at the heart of your water well system. Its purpose is to tell the water pump that delivers water to your home when to turn on and cut off. The question often comes up about which one is the right choice for your home, a 30/50 or 40/60 pressure switch?
What To Expect When Repiping A House (We Have The Answer)
Your home is comprised of many different components, all of which play an essential role in how it functions. One of the most critical parts of your home that often goes unnoticed is the plumbing system. The pipes that make up a plumbing system go bad and need to be repiped from time to time.
Eight Pests That Come Inside During The Winter
It’s hard to get warm and cozy on a winter evening when you know you’re surrounded by bugs. However, that may be the case, even if you don’t see bugs at the moment. That’s because many insects and small mammals can easily come indoors during the winter.
Do Coffee Grounds Keep Mice Away? (Find Out Now!)
The sight of mice in the home is enough to leave any homeowner with an uneasy feeling. It feels like an invasion of privacy and a health hazard, so it only makes sense to repel them however possible. So, do coffee grounds keep mice away?
2-Wire Vs. 3-Wire Submersible Pump: What Are The Major Differences?
The time has come to replace the submersible pump in your residential water well. There are a variety of options to consider. Of the options, there is one that confuses homeowners more than any other? Which is the better option? A 2-wire or 3-wire submersible pump.
Do I Have Mice Or Rats In My House?
Droppings aren’t enough to know if you have an active mouse or rat population in your house. Sometimes, mice and rats pass through, and you may never see them again. However, it doesn’t take long to figure out that you have an active rodent population if you look for several signs, like:
Can A Landlord Turn Off Internet? (Find Out Now!)
The Internet has become an essential tool in modern society. Wifi is available in even the most remote locations. Our phones are usually able to access the internet when wifi cannot. Landlords are now including the internet in rental agreements more than ever. It may confuse you then, if you find your landlord decides to turn off your internet one day.
What To Do If There Is A Frog In Your House? How To Safely Remove It
Don’t panic if you find a frog in your house. All that will do is stress the frog out and make removing it much harder. Instead, you must pay attention to its location and isolate it as quickly as possible.
7 Furnace Brands To Avoid (and 5 Reliable Brands)
Are you in the market for a new furnace? If so, it’s a good idea to treat this as a significant investment which is why you must choose the best furnace for your home. While name brands may seem ideal, have you researched the furnace brands you should avoid? If not, we did it for you!
Hot Water Heater Not Filling Up? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Hot water is something that all homes and most businesses need access to these days, and this is the main reason why hot water heaters are indispensable fixtures to both home and business owners. Just think about how many appliances depend on hot water in a home: the dishwasher, the washing machine, the shower, the kitchen and the bathroom sinks.
Can A Window AC Unit Get Wet?
In the summertime, when it can get quite hot both indoors and outdoors, having an air conditioning system is critical. But not all homes and businesses can accommodate massive HVAC systems, and those that can’t tend to rely on the classic window AC units.
Is A Termite Inspection Required For A Conventional Loan?
Getting all of your ducks in a row as a homeowner involves lots of inspections, particularly if you are seeking a conventional loan. Conventional loans sometimes have different stipulations than government-issued loans, leaving renovators and homeowners confused about what inspections are required.
Furnace Exhaust Pipe Dripping Water? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
During your regular monthly maintenance on your HVAC system, you notice something strange. Water seems to be dripping from your furnace exhaust pipe. You immediately wonder what is happening, why it is happening, and what you should do if you notice your furnace exhaust pipe dripping water.
How Far Apart Are Septic Tank Lids? (Find Out Now!)
Homeowners need to be knowledgeable and careful if they want to keep their septic tanks in good condition. The things you know could help save your household’s septic tank from unnecessary damage. Among the things worth knowing is the distance separating your septic tank’s lids.
What Causes A Water Heater Relief Valve To Open?
Water heaters are not as simple as many people believe. The controls and safety mechanisms built into modern water heaters prevent catastrophic accidents common in homes and businesses with older style water heaters. Many people wonder what causes a water heater relief valve to open.
Eight Security Tips Before Leaving Your Vacation House For The Season
You’ve likely had a great time at your vacation house this season, and security may have been the last thing on your mind. However, it’s important to focus on home security before you leave your vacation house for the season. Carefully inspect your vacation house for common weak points in security and correct them before leaving.
How Much Does Cockroach Exterminator Cost? [By Method & Home Size]
The cockroach may very well be the pest that most people want nothing to do with. They are troublesome home invaders that can spread disease, ruin food, and destroy clothing. Cockroaches also excel at striking fear into our hearts when they crawl on us or fly in our direction.
14 California Bugs That Bite And Sting Hard
California is arguably the most desirable place to live in the United States. With its scenic beaches, sweeping vistas and iconic cities, California is truly a one of a kind location. While there are many reasons to live in California, it is important to know some of the less desirable qualities of this state.
Swallow Bugs Vs. Bed Bugs: How to Tell the Difference
Although swallow bugs are not as prevalent, particularly in urban and suburban areas, they are commonly mistaken for bed bugs. Both pests are small and similar in appearance, and many assume that they are dealing with a bed bug infestation when they may have just found a swallow bug. For this reason, it’s important to understand the differences between them.
Why Is There A Septic Smell In Your Basement?
No matter what you use your basement for, an unpleasant septic smell makes you want to stay as far away as possible. Whether your basement is for storage, a workshop, or a bonus room, it becomes virtually useless if it smells like sewage.
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?
Why Does My AC Filter Get Dirty So Fast?
Many people don’t think about their air filters until it’s time to change them. However, it can be confusing when you notice that your filter is dirtier than it should be. So, why does my AC filter get dirty so fast?
What To Do If You Find Baby Spiders In Your House
Getting rid of baby spiders isn’t much different than getting rid of mature spiders. However, you must focus on making it harder for spiders to reproduce, so you don’t have to worry about babies hatching. All it takes is a few simple steps, such as:
Replacing Galvanized Pipes With PEX. Is It Worth It?
Galvanized pipes have many ways of telling you they need replacing. Perhaps they make weird noises, or maybe you notice decreased water pressure due to plaque buildup. You might even notice a slight discoloration in the water.
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?
Are Energy-Efficient Furnaces Worth It?
Many people consider it worth upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace for the cost benefits alone. Utility bills in the United States have risen with inflation, and it won’t slow down anytime soon. You can enjoy many benefits if you switch to an energy-efficient furnace, such as:
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.
House Smell Like Nail Polish Remover? (Here's Why & What to Do)
If you get manicures and pedicures often, you’re probably familiar with the smell of nail polish remover. It’s certainly a unique smell, and when it emanates throughout a home it’s impossible to miss. So, what causes a house to smell like nail polish remover?
How To Prevent Burglars From Picking Your Lock
The thought of someone breaking into your home and stealing your belongings is violating and unnerving. Most homeowners would do anything in their power to deter theft and get some peace of mind.
Can My Landlord Terminate My Lease Early? (Find Out Now!)
Once you sign a lease, you expect to be in your home for the entire term of the lease. But then, one day, you receive a notice from your landlord that the lease is being terminated early. Can your landlord terminate your lease early?
How Many Amps Does An Air Conditioner Use?
It’s hard to imagine a world without air conditioning, even if air conditioners can be a mystery themselves. The average homeowner doesn’t have professional-grade knowledge when it comes to air conditioner amperage, voltage, and wattage. So, how many amps does an air conditioner use?
Can I Sue My Landlord For Contaminated Water? (Find Out Now!)
Back when I lived in a different apartment (erm, warehouse), there was a short period of time when my water ran yellow. A call to my landlord fixed it. Afterward, I heard about the Flint water crisis and realized that contaminated water isn’t always an easy fix. Who should tenants blame when water is unfit to drink?
Can A Condo Association Force An Owner To Sell? (Find Out Now!)
Condos are a unique type of real estate. On one hand, it’s like an apartment that you can rent. On the other hand, you have to deal with condo associations, which almost can act like a landlord. They can cite you, they can make your life a nightmare…but can they actually go so far as to force a condo owner to sell?
How To Repair A Variable Speed Pulley On A MTD Lawnmower
One of the primary functions of a lawnmower is to spin blades to cut your grass. While this movement is simple, the machinery behind it can be relatively complex. Whether you have a push or riding lawnmower, many different pieces are necessary to make it work. The variable speed pulley is an essential component that allows you to control the movement of the blade. If it breaks, you will experience various problems, including uneven grass.
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?
End-Of-Summer Homeowner Checklist
It’s sad for many homeowners to watch their yards and gardens become less vibrant as summer ends. That said, you can reap the benefits of a beautiful fall season if you tidy up your yard before everything goes dormant. This is the best way to encourage healthy growth when spring returns after fall and winter.
How To Move A 2000 Pound Safe (Quickly, Easily, & Safely!)
A safe is designed to keep your most valuable items safe and secure. Many of them weigh over 500 pounds, whereas, gun safes can weigh 2000 pounds or more. In fact, the whole idea behind why most safes are considerably heavy is so that it’s virtually impossible for unauthorized persons to move it out of a house or business.
What Should You Do If Your Neighbor’s Alarm Is Going Off?
The sound of a burglar alarm or smoke detector going off is enough to scare anyone. Sometimes, it’s normal to hear an alarm for a few seconds when someone first gets home, but anything longer than that can trigger some suspicions. So, what should you do if your neighbor’s alarm is going off?
How To Get Rid Of A Couch
Maybe your sofa is old and tattered or maybe you just don’t like the color anymore. Whatever the reason, if you’re wondering how to get rid of a couch, there are plenty of ways to do it.
Do Mice Hibernate In The Winter? (Find Out Now!)
Do mice hibernate in the winter? This is a completely valid question if you’ve ever experienced any sort of rodent activity in or around your home, or you’re concerned that mice may move into your living areas in search of warmth during the winter months. Humans aren’t the only ones that want to stay warm in cold weather, as most mammals share the same instinct of hunkering down and staying cozy indoors.
Can A Running Toilet Cause A Flood? (Find Out Now!)
Running toilets are toilets that continuously cycle through water, and they’re a pest. A typical running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water per day. When you hear that running noise echoing from your bathroom, you might be wondering if it can cause a flood. You might be surprised at the answer.
Best Ways To Save Money On Movers
Hiring professional movers is an expensive prospect, but it doesn’t have to be. A little preparation and research can make all the difference in how much you spend while moving. Here are some simple tips to save money when you hire movers:
How Often Should I Flush A Water Heater?
You should flush your water heater at least once per year. However, many people flush their water heaters every 6 months. That’s especially a good idea if your home has hard water. Your water heater will quickly become full of sediment if your water supply has a high mineral content.
Water Pipe Noise When Water Is Not Running? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Random unwanted sounds can really take away from an otherwise relaxing afternoon at home. Sometimes these unwanted sounds can even come from our houses themselves. Water pipes can make a variety of unwanted sounds when they are not operating properly. These pipes can even make noise when the water is not running.