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 […]
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, […]
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 […]