Take a Close Look at Your Chimney
Caring for Your Brick and Stone Chimney A classic red brick chimney rises from a shingled rooftop beneath a cloudy sky, framed by leafy green treetops. Brick and stone chimneys add charm and value to a home, but they require regular maintenance to stay in good condition. Water, weather, and freezing conditions can cause significant […]
Gather Free Water with a Rain Barrel
Using a Rain Barrel to Save Money and Conserve Water A rain-filled blue barrel overflows amidst lush garden greenery during a summer downpour. You can save on utility bills, conserve water, and help the environment by using a rain barrel to collect water runoff from your roof. This eco-friendly solution also reduces excessive water runoff, […]
Why Should You Seal Exterior Concrete?
Should You Seal Exterior Concrete? Applying a fresh coat of sealant to a concrete driveway for a smooth, protective finish. Sealing exterior concrete drives and walks may not always be necessary, but using a good sealer can provide several benefits. It protects the surface from potential damage and helps keep the concrete looking fresh for […]
Tricks for Replacing a Broken Light Bulb
Preventing and Removing Stuck Light Bulbs A hand delicately installs an LED bulb into a sleek black pendant lamp against a minimalist gray background. When light bulbs in damp or exterior fixtures stick in their sockets, replacing them can quickly turn into a messy and frustrating task. The good news is that you can prevent […]
No Heat? Try This Before Calling for Service
As autumn settles in, there’s no heat in your house, and it’s getting cold. The furnace worked fine in the spring. Why is it stubborn now when you need it? You don’t want to spend money on a service call if you don’t have to, so check these things first. All heating appliances have an […]
What’s Your Home’s Largest Energy-Waster?
Sealing Your Attic Hatch to Save Energy Retractable attic ladder partially extended from a ceiling hatch in a modern hallway. An unsealed attic hatch is one of the biggest energy-wasters in a home. Without proper weatherstripping or insulation, warm air escapes through the gaps, increasing heating and cooling costs. Fortunately, there’s an easy two-step solution […]
When Your Kitchen Faucet Slows Down
Fixing Low Water Flow at Your Kitchen Sink Crystal-clear water flows from a sleek chrome faucet, bringing life to a serene bathroom setting. If the water in your home flows fine everywhere except the kitchen sink, you may not need to call a plumber right away. A common culprit is a clogged aerator or screen in […]
Use the Right Plug…or Else
Understanding Electrical Plug and Outlet Safety Powering up: A hand plugs an appliance into a kitchen outlet. Electrical plugs and outlets are designed to protect you from electrical shock and ensure the safety of the devices you’re using. By correctly matching plugs to the appropriate outlets, you can avoid unnecessary risks and hazards. Polarized Two-Prong Plugs: What […]
Pop-Up Stopper Sticks
How to Adjust and Maintain a Pop-Up Sink Stopper Close-up of a shiny chrome sink drain stopper with water droplets. A pop-up sink stopper is a convenient feature built into most bathroom sinks. It opens and closes with a knob or lever on the faucet—push it down to drain the sink or lift it to close the […]
Turn That Gas Off
How to Locate and Operate Gas Valves in Your Home Technician adjusting pressure valve on a modern heating system with copper piping. If your home uses natural gas or propane appliances, it’s important to know where the gas valves are and how to turn them off in case of emergencies or maintenance. Here’s a guide […]