Thump, It’s the Water Heater
Fixing a Noisy Water Heater Modern bathroom with a sleek water heater, round mirror, and stylish shower enclosure. If your water heater is making thumping, popping, or hissing noises, you’re not alone—this is a common issue. While the sounds may be annoying, they’re usually not harmful to the water heater itself. These noises are most […]
An Easy Fix for a Nasty Water Problem
The Impact of Water on Your Home and How to Protect Your Foundation A cracked foundation exposes the vulnerability of a brick wall, surrounded by lush green grass. Water is one of the most destructive forces your home will face. Whether it seeps in below ground or pools around your foundation, water can lead to […]
The Crafty Way to Outwit Window Drafts
Ventilating Your Home on Cold, Sunny Days A hand reaches towards the sunlight streaming through a window, embracing the warmth of a new day. On chilly, sunny days, it’s tempting to air out your home without introducing an uncomfortably cold draft. Whether you’re dealing with lingering cooking smells (like bacon) or simply want fresh air, […]
My Concrete Has Cracked
Why Concrete Cracks and How Control and Expansion Joints Help Cracks in the concrete reveal the passage of time and the wear of elements. One universal truth about concrete: it will crack. This inevitability is due to the material’s natural tendency to shrink as it cures. Understanding why concrete cracks and the role of control and […]
Why Use Primer When Painting?
Why You Should Use Primer When Painting A construction worker in a high-visibility vest and hard hat paints the ceiling, standing on a ladder. When painting your home, using a primer is often an essential step. While primer might seem like an unnecessary extra expense and effort, it has a significant role in ensuring that your paint […]
Is It Plumb, Level, or Square?
Understanding “Plumb,” “Level,” and “Square” in Construction A worker carefully levels a window frame with a spirit level, ensuring precision in the installation. When working on any building or carpentry project, it’s essential to check whether something is plumb, level, or square. These terms describe the orientation and relationship of surfaces, and ensuring accuracy in these […]
Get Smart About Exterior Electrical Safety
Staying Safe Around Residential Electrical Wires Electrician at work installing wiring in a new residential construction site, ensuring safe and efficient power systems. High-voltage electrical wires are widely known to be dangerous, but don’t overlook the electrical wiring that feeds your home—it poses risks too. Whether your home is served by overhead or underground wiring, […]
Should You Insulate Your Attic?
Save Energy and Stay Comfortable: Boosting Your Attic Insulation Installing insulation for a warmer, energy-efficient home. Improving your attic insulation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to save energy while making your home more comfortable. Since warm air naturally rises, your attic is often the source of major energy losses in your […]
Why Is the Toilet Flushing Itself?
Solving the Mystery of a Toilet “Flushing Itself” A swirling farewell—down the drain it goes! Hearing your toilet fill up in the middle of the night when no one is around can be unsettling, but don’t worry—it’s likely not a ghost. Instead, this phenomenon, often called a “ghost flush,” is caused by water slowly leaking […]
A Better Way to Hang a Heavy Mirror
Securely Hang Heavy Pictures or Mirrors with a Wall-Mounted Bracket A minimalist white brick wall with a round mirror reflecting a wooden hand sculpture and eucalyptus leaves on a sleek wooden console table. Hanging a heavy picture or mirror can sometimes feel like a battle—juggling multiple hooks, aligning the frame perfectly, and hoping everything holds. […]