Home Services

In finding the best water heater company, both Rheem and AO Smith are easy contenders for the top. Both of them have a couple of hundred years of experience under their belts. They have also produced an impressive line of products. But when comparing the two, which of these water heater companies is the best?

P-traps are an integral part of plumbing, particularly when it comes to showers. They can prevent sewer odors and wastewater from seeping out and into your home. They aren’t always an option, so what are the best shower P-trap alternatives?

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?

If you’ve never been to Arizona before, you may be surprised to see air conditioning units on top of houses. This is a common practice in hotter climates, and you’ll also notice rooftop AC systems in New Mexico and Florida. But what’s the point in putting an air conditioning unit on the roof?

If you ask many cultures of the world, bleach is the wonder cleaner. It’s super popular in Eastern Europe, and it also happens to be a Midwestern mainstay. It’s not just for cleaning tile, either. Many people use bleach to kill vermin, too. Fleas are one of the many pests alleged to be killable by bleach. Does it work?

Many people are understandably afraid of spiders, especially venomous spiders. Brown recluses and black widows are the only venomous spiders in the U.S., but the black widow is the most dangerous of the two. Because of that, it’s important to be careful if you live in a state where black widows are active. So, where do black widow spiders hide?

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?

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.

Is there anything worse than discovering cockroaches in the property you’ve just moved into? If this is the situation you’re currently experiencing, you may be wondering what your best course of action is. You’re probably also curious about whether your landlord was obligated to tell you about the roaches before you signed the lease.

Few things are more inconvenient than a water heater that can’t heat water properly. When your water heater is acting in this way, you won’t have access to hot water for showers, nor will there be hot water to clean dishes with. And if you live in a home where demand for hot water is high, a water heater’s inability to produce hot water can be especially inconvenient.

It’s hard to go through life without smelling a dusty furnace. This common smell is nearly unavoidable because of how much dust comes into contact with a furnace. Air filters and ducts get filled with dust and debris, and that’s unavoidable.

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?”

Furnaces are one of the most important parts of any home you go into. Without them, you won’t have heat during the winter and there’s also a good chance your hot water could also be linked to it. (If you have a steam furnace, anyway.) Running them is vital, and so is replacing the filter…or is it? Do you always need to use a filter when running a furnace?

If dealing with termites was a baseball game, you’re now rounding home plate. Dealing with the aftermath of termite fumigation can seem overwhelming but can actually be quite simple. So what exactly do you need to do after termite fumigation?

When you’re reading about gas meter issues, chances are that you’ve heard mention of a gas meter lock. However, you might not have actually seen a lock on your meter. If you’re like many people who are new to HVAC work, you’re probably wondering what the meter lock is, and how you should remove it. The scoop on this part of your meter reading might surprise you.

Glue traps don’t typically attract bugs by any specific means. Whether or not bugs are attracted to glue traps depends on the location, and that’s up to you. For example, you won’t catch many spiders if you place glue traps in the middle of the floor in a room with heavy foot traffic. 

Getting new furniture is fun and exciting, as is moving (depending on the circumstances). But, what if you have a sofa that’s 40-inches wide? The standard clearance for a door is 36 inches wide, so would the sofa even fit through that small of an opening? If you don’t have an alternative way to get the couch in or out, like through a sliding glass door, will this be a problem?

Imagine this: You’ve just found a beautiful, leasable apartment. You reach out to the property manager or landlord to see if it’s still available, and you find out that it is. You apply, you wait, and eventually you hear back from the landlord, who pleasantly tells you they’d be delighted to have you as their tenant.

Termites are a common affliction that many homeowners face. Despite being commonplace pests, termites are more than a mere nuisance as the damage they impose can be irreparable and expensive. Fortunately, you can safeguard against the devastation and high cost of termite destruction, often making termite protection plans worth it.

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.

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.

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.

While mice may not be as intimidating as large black or brown rates, they are still perfectly capable of bringing with them the same destruction and diseases as these larger rodents. If you are able to recognize the sounds that mice may in your home, you have a higher chance of eliminating them before they cause serious damage.

The only thing worse than coming across a bug in your apartment is finding a mouse. When mice get into your apartment they bring with them harmful diseases and can, and will, chew through boxes to consume your food. Of course, the ideal outcome is to keep them out of your apartment in the first place, but one has already gotten in, you may be wondering: “How do mice get in upstairs apartments?”

A good functioning furnace is essential, especially in the colder months when you want to warm up your home to keep cozy. However, it can be frustrating if your furnace won’t cooperate. It’s pretty standard for furnace blower motors to have issues, but what if the blower motor hums but won’t start?

You’ve probably come across the names SpacePak and Unico in your search for heating and cooling solutions. They are the leaders in high-velocity HVAC systems. These systems have a lower profile and require less space than your average air conditioning unit. Their supply tubing is more compact than traditional ducts, and they are often used in older homes that have space limitations.

When you move into a new rental property the most important exchange between your landlord is not the keys, but the lease. Although your keys are needed to get into your new home it is the lease that makes it legal for you to enter.

Plumbing fixtures are prone to rust, as they’re typically made of metal and contain water. This creates the perfect storm for rust to form after years of heavy use. That’s especially true if the pipes in your home have been there since long before you moved in.

Termite fumigation uses chemicals that penetrate walls to kill unreachable termites, so will termite fumigation kill rats in the walls too? The fumigation process is an effective option, but it can be disruptive to your everyday life as it is lethal for mammals. It requires you to make preparations inside your home and stay out of it for a certain amount of time.

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?

Nobody wants roaches in their home. But getting rid of them can be a challenge. So, who’s responsible for a roach infestation? And can you sue your landlord if they don’t fix the problem? Here’s what you need to know.

Do you feel like your neighbor has asked you increasingly personal questions? That’s enough to make anyone uncomfortable, and it could be a sign that your neighbor is watching you. Of course, they may simply be friendly and curious, so there’s no need to jump to conclusions. 

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.

When homeowners have a furnace that works well, they’re not going to complain. Furnaces that are well-maintained can easily last 20 years or more. However, after a certain point, even the most reliable furnace will need to be replaced or repaired. If you’re like many homeowners, you probably are wondering when it makes more sense to replace rather than repair.

Water heaters are essential in modern homes, but they are as prone to problems as any other modern commodity. Nothing is worse than when your hot water tank won’t fill up when you need it most. So, why is your hot water tank not filling up?

If you ask anyone who’s hip to the jive, going green is important. Everything from water conservation to creating new ways to be energy efficient is on the table. That’s why more people are starting to look at unusual ways to save money on the basics. That’s why people are starting to install hot water recirculating pumps. But, are they really worth it?

It’s summer, temperatures are sweltering, and you’re a/c has quit. The service technician declares you’re a/c unit a total loss and due for a replacement. You have done a bit of research and decide that the choice is between Heil and Carrier. Which one is the better choice?

When your York furnace’s red light starts blinking, it’s time for a proper POA. The problem may be as easy to fix as a blown fuse or something more complex that requires professional help.

Apartment living can be extraordinary! Sometimes, it comes with many amenities, including a gym, pool, cabana, movie theater, and many more activities you can enjoy for the cost of your rent. However, because you are renting from someone else, you might have some concerns about the landlord and when they’re allowed to enter your residence. Can they show up without notice?

Having a second level in your home is a bonus for most people who want more room and privacy. But what about heating and cooling your upstairs? Heating seems to be no problem since heat rises. The problem is, during the summer, how do you increase airflow to the second floor?

Bed bugs are the true nightmare pest of both homeowners and apartment renters. The first sign of an infestation that most people see are the bites. These classic “three in a row” bitemarks freak people out. But, is it always a bed bug bite? What would it mean if it disappears in an hour?

If you have rented or leased a residence long enough, then you have likely encountered the question of tenant versus landlord responsibility. When does the landlord have the obligation to fix and repair items? These questions can include items, such as doors and windows to appliances and household fixtures. Another common area in question is the bathroom, and does the landlord have to replace the bathtub?

Regardless of what type of bathroom aesthetic you are trying to achieve, you want your bathroom to look clean. The last thing you want is to have insects all over your bathroom. What do you do, then, when you notice that insects like weevils have moved into your bathroom.

When you’re a landlord, you make an effort to try to find tenants that will be respectful towards your property and pay on time. However, things don’t work out, even when you do your best to vet potential renters. Renters and landlords both have rights that need to be protected. That’s why Illinois has strict guidelines on how to evict a tenant in Illinois legally.

Nearly 45 million American households are rented instead of owned. That’s a lot of people navigating apartment living! Just because you rent your place instead of owning it doesn’t mean you don’t want your rental to truly feel like home. 

Anytime we move into a new rental property, development, or complex, there are certain things we must figure out. These are the everyday and routine aspects of life. That includes taking out the trash and knowing what day and how trash pickup works. It is the daily routine of checking mail and learning when mail runs and how the mailbox system works. That can include questions such as does the landlord have to provide a mailbox key, or is that the tenant’s responsibility?

A common question homeowners have before they start a home improvement project is: “Can I put insulation on hot water pipes?” The answer depends on the type of insulation you use.

Trying to obtain a permit can be tricky for homeowners, especially when you don’t know if you need one or not. While you often need permits for large construction projects, what about smaller jobs, like replacing certain components? It can be hard to determine if you need a permit to replace a furnace?

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.

Modern plumbing is a wonderful convenience that allows us to live safe and sanitary lives. Many people rely on municipal sewer systems to help remove wastewater cleanly and efficiently from your home. Sewage usually safely travels through the sewer pipe connecting your home to the municipal waste plant. However, sometimes a leak can occur within your sewer pipe, leading to major plumbing complications.

A toilet is the most important plumbing fixture in your home, but that doesn’t mean that they always work perfectly. Everything from the flush power to the water level can tell you that something is wrong with your toilet. So, what does it mean when the water level in your toilet bowl keeps dropping?

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.

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.

When you start your house search, it’s only natural to hope your dream home will become a reality. If you find your dream property, then you want to do everything in your power to get the deal done. You may hit a few speed bumps in this process, especially if the seller is unwilling to negotiate on price.

It isn’t necessarily wrong to not tip movers if you have a good reason for it. However, you should only withhold a tip if the movers made exceptionally bad mistakes, such as:

For the uninitiated, knowing the difference between propane and natural gas may be confusing. There are different units that can use different types of gas and mixing the two needs to be understood before implementation.

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.

Arachnophobia is one of the most common fears, and for good reason! You’d be hard-pressed to find a person who is happy to see a spider crawling around their house. Wondering whether the ant spray you have on hand will be fatal to these pests? Read on to find out!

Selling a house is a big deal, literally and figuratively, which is why there are so many inspections and walkthroughs. It gives both parties the chance to check the house once more before the final sale. But can a seller back out of a final walkthrough?

It is tempting for any builder-owner to take on DIY projects and save money. Some large projects, such as septic tank installation, are often best left to professionals. So, can a homeowner install a septic system?