Compact Fluorescents
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs): Are They Worth It? Switching to efficiency—replacing an old incandescent bulb with a modern LED. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have come a long way since their early years. If you’ve avoided CFLs because of past issues like poor color quality, slow warm-up times, or failures in cold temperatures, it might be […]
Fixing a Drip at the Bathroom Fan
Why Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan is Dripping (and How to Fix It) Ceiling-mounted air vent adds a clean, modern touch while ensuring proper ventilation. A dripping bath exhaust fan is not normal and usually points to a condensation or venting issue. Your exhaust fan is designed to remove moisture, not add more to your bathroom! […]
The Rain May Drain, But It’s Not a Pain
Where Does Rainwater Go? Understanding Gutter and Sewer Systems Rainwater gushes from a downspout onto a sunlit sidewalk. Rain gutters and downspouts are designed to channel water away from your home, often discharging it into underground piping. While it may look like that water is going into the sanitary sewer, it’s not. Instead, rainwater flows into a storm […]
GFCI? What? Why?
Maintaining Your Hose Bib: Tips for Smooth Operation and Water Safety A modern GFCI electrical outlet with reset and test buttons, ensuring safety in your home. A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a safety device designed to make your home safer by protecting you from electrical shocks. It’s a seemingly simple component but functions using complex […]
Extension Cord Safety
Extension Cords: Safety Rules You Must Follow Overloaded power strips on a hardwood floor. Extension cords may be convenient in some situations, but they should be seen as a last resort rather than a routine solution for powering devices. Misusing extension cords can lead to overheating, electric shocks, and even fires. Here’s how to use them safely […]
Wash Siding – Work Up
How to Clean Siding Without Damaging It Power washing old paint off a house exterior, revealing a clean surface beneath. Over time, all types of siding—whether wood, vinyl, or fiber cement—can accumulate dirt, grime, and even mildew. While this buildup might make your siding look like it needs painting, often all it takes is a […]
A Drip at the Darned Valve – Again
How to Fix a Leaking Valve: Adjust the Packing Nut Leaking brass water valve with red handle shows signs of wear and pressure, highlighting urgent need for maintenance. If you notice a drip coming from the body of a valve — like the small globe valve for an outdoor hose bib or a needle valve for an […]
Caulking the Wide Open Spaces
Why Backer Rods Are Essential for Caulking Large Gaps A weathered wall where old brick meets new concrete. When trying to fill a large gap with caulk alone, common results include the caulk pulling away, cracking, or even sinking into the gap. Without proper preparation, all your effort — and expensive caulk — will be […]
Three-Way, Two-Way or One-Way Switch?
Why is a Two-Switch Setup Called a Three-Way Switch? Wiring diagram for a three-way switch setup with light bulb at the end. It might seem odd that the two switches controlling a single light fixture are called three-way switches. This is the setup often found at the top and bottom of a staircase or in opposite […]
Garage Door Safety
Garage Door Safety and Maintenance: What You Need to Know Modern elegance: a sleek black garage door framed by lush greenery on a stylish stone driveway. Your garage door is the largest and heaviest moving object in your home, making regular safety checks and maintenance crucial to prevent accidents and ensure smooth operation. Following a few […]