Sewage Pumps
If you have a house with a basement, undoubtedly you are familiar with the sump pump that resides there, pumping excess water out and into your yard or the storm sewer system. You count on it to prevent your home from flooding due to heavy rains. What you often take for granted – but just […]
Why You Should Change Your AC Filter Every Month
We may complain about the long winter, but now it’s AC time. Before you turn the thermostat to “cool,” if you have not done so already, have you remembered to check the AC filter? That pesky dust we wand off our furniture each week clings to the AC unit’s filter. Dirt and grime clog those […]
RPZ Devices
RPZ devices may be among the least known plumbing devices out there, but they are also extremely important. RPZ (which stands for Reduced Pressure Zone) devices protect your drinking water and municipal water supply from contamination, bacteria and pollution. That is why many states and municipalities – including Illinois – require RZP devices for certain […]
Why You Should Hire a Professional to Handle Even Minor Electrical Issues
Ready to tackle a minor electrical issue to save money? Before you start this DIY project, weigh two important concepts – risk and reward. You may be focusing on the reward, saving a few dollars, but you need to think about the cost of the risk. Electrical DIY projects often tip the scales toward risk. […]
Buying a Sump Pump
If your sump pump is 10 years old or older, is making strange noises, or if there is water at the top of the pit, those are all signs that you may need a new sump pump. Here are some thoughts on buying a new pump. Types of sump pumps There are three types of […]
Slow-Moving Drain? Some Environmentally Friendly Tips to Get it Flowing
Ugh! You watch the water pool in your sink, slowly trickling down the drain. What is the problem and how do you fix it? Before you look at a solution, it’s critical to first understand what’s causing the problem. In your bathroom sink, hair flows down the drain and builds up inside the plumbing system. […]
Remote Back-up Generator Monitoring
Having a back-up generator is a smart move, especially given the heavy rains and thunderstorms we can experience, as well as the intermittent power outages “just because.” It’s also smart to maintain that unit, just like you maintain your furnace or AC. The problem is, if something bad happens to your generator when it isn’t […]
Common Practices that Could be Clogging the Drain in Your Kitchen
The doorbell rings and your guests arrive. But as you pass through the kitchen, you see dirty dishwater has backed up into your sink. Oh no! How did this happen?! Likely you have been following some seemingly innocent and common practices that actually clog the drain in your kitchen sink or garbage disposer system. Before […]
5 Reasons Why Every Household Needs a Backup Electric Generator
Have you ever said in a panic, “Where are those flashlights?!” Or, “Don’t open the refrigerator!” If so, it’s likely you have experienced a power outage. And, perhaps you mumbled to yourself, “We should have bought a generator.” Yes, there are many reasons to invest in a generator, either a portable, standby, or inverter unit. […]
Buying a Clothes Dryer
The average clothes dryer lasts eight to 12 years. If yours is approaching that age, or if you are noticing it is not drying as efficiently as it used to, you might consider a new one. Here are some thoughts. Gas or electric? Gas dryers may cost a little more up front ($100 or so) […]