Your water heater is an essential part of your home. Having warm water is necessary for personal hygiene, washing dishes, doing laundry, and so much more that we don’t think about on a regular basis. But what happens when things start going downhill?
As much as we all use water for various reasons throughout the day, it’s important to note that not all water is created equal. Some water is good for drinking; some is not. Some water contains a high concentration of minerals; some does not. The water that is mineral-dense is classified as “hard” water. Hard water usually contains a high concentration of calcium and magnesium, though some other minerals can be involved.
Winter: the seemingly infinite period during which many of us in Chicagoland question why we haven’t moved somewhere with a less punishing climate. Determining how to keep the house warm during the winter season can be difficult and expensive at times. It can be hard to strike the right balance between being warm and paying a fortune to heat our homes. Winter isn’t over yet, and fortunately, there are some ways to improve this situation. It is possible to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home this winter without breaking the bank.
One of the questions we’re often asked is how to unclog a drain. People want to know if drain cleaners are actually effective at unclogging sinks. The simplicity of drain cleaners is what makes them so appealing. Simply pour the required amount of the chemical solution down your drain, wait, and the clog is gone! If only it were that simple...
Many people think that allergens are strictly an outdoor issue. While allergens are intensified by the environment, indoor allergens can still cause just as many unsavory side effects that impede daily function. Dust mites, pet dander, mold, mildew, and even insect droppings can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. Allergens are carried through the air and found on furniture, floors, carpets, rugs, and other surfaces. While no home can be 100% allergen free, mitigating against these unwanted house guests is simple.
Owning a home is stressful. There are a variety of issues that may require an emergency plumber to fix. However, not every plumbing problem requires the skills of a trained plumber. To help you save money, we have created a plumbing 101 guide that contains a list of tips to help you fix ordinary plumbing issues.
Brace yourselves, Chicago: Jack Frost has made his presence known. We use our homes as refuge from the bitter cold, but in our efforts to stay warm, we often neglect other things we could be doing to keep our houses functioning properly in frigid temperatures. Plumbing is an area that often takes a hit, manifesting in one of the most detrimental, yet common, wintertime problems: frozen pipes.
Frozen pipes can be a real problem. When pipes are exposed to a cold enough temperature, the water within them can freeze. This means you can’t get water out of your faucets when you need it. But worse, frozen pipes can also burst, resulting in thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home and possessions. Fortunately, with some preparation, this whole mess can be avoided.
Bathroom plumbing is a system in your home that follows the basic laws of physics to make your life cleaner and easier. It’s essentially the cardiovascular system of your home, with multiple veins constantly circulating water in and out to keep the “heart” of your home consistently pumping and efficient.
In plumbing, a flush beats a full house every time. The process seems intricate at first, but when broken down, it’s easy to see how certain issues arise and how they can be mitigated for the future.
Plumbing emergencies are virtually inevitable and extremely common. The important thing is to be prepared ahead of time to mitigate damage to your home. Here are the top five plumbing tips to remember during an emergency.
Hot Water Heater maintenance is probably not the first thing on your mind in the summertime. The fact is, water heaters are needed year-round to heat your water for cleaning your clothes and dishes, cooking, taking baths or showers, and more. Without a water heater, we’d have to manually heat water and forfeit savings from conserved water, energy, and cost savings.
When it comes to a clogged sink, it’s important to understand what steps you need to take to get it unclogged. It’s easy to further damage your home plumbing system when trying to fix your drain on your own. To avoid unnecessary clogs and ruining your pipes here are some facts and fiction about plugged drains:
It’s common to begin on remodeling projects in the summer, when the weather is nice, and it’s easier to transport supplies. Home renovation projects are also a right of passage in home ownership; it’s a great feeling to pick cabinetry, countertops, and fixtures that fit your style. However, it’s what’s underneath all of this that needs more of your attention.
Picture this: it’s the middle of summer, and your air conditioner just stopped working. Chances are you’re already cranky, sweaty, and looking for help. The first question on your mind is: “Is it a simple or costly repair?” Prior to calling a professional you should become familiar with the issue to ensure you're able to accurately describe it prior to the appointment. To help you get to the source of this stressful situation, we have created a list of the top 5 air conditioner problems in houses.
