LATEST ARTICLES
Learn about common residential plumbing installations, maintenance, and repairs, including fixing and replacing bathroom and kitchen faucets, toilets, drains, sump pumps, valves, water lines and pipes, and more.
How to Lower Humidity in a Home
High moisture levels in a home can lead to potentially serious health issues, including asthma, allergies, and various other respiratory illnesses that are triggered by mold, dust mites, peeling lead paint, and pests. If you’ve noticed water leaks or stains, rotting woods, musty odors, rusting or corrosion, and excessive condensation, understanding how to lower humidity in a house is crucial. Learn about ways to reduce high humidity levels.
My Basement Flooded. What I Wish We’d Have Known to Better Prepare.
When torrential rains dump nearly a foot of water in a large basement window well within a 30-minute period, you need to act fast to prevent major damage. Learn how a homeowner responded to this situation to prevent extensive damage, and actions taken to prevent future flooding, including installation of a sump pump in the light well.
What Are Safe Radon Levels in a Home?
Radon gas poses a serious health and safety threat. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 1 out of every 15 homes has an unsafe radon level - and, no level of exposure to radon gas is considered safe. Interior radon levels vary and can fluctuate over time. Basement radon levels are typically the highest, but the gas can be present in the upper levels of a house. Solutions to addressing radon in a home include installing a radon mitigation system, increasing natural ventilation and airflow, sealing foundation and basement wall cracks, and installing an air purifier. Learn about radon gas, common levels found in a home, and ways to mitigate the issue.
How a Sustainable Kitchen Remodel Can Save You Money
According to the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, projects like a minor kitchen remodel can offer a return on investment of more than 85 percent. And choosing appliances, fixtures, and materials that are more sustainable and energy-efficient than the previous units can not only help the environment, but could also attract more buyers should you want to sell your home. For example, upgrading to a more efficient faucet and dishwasher can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of a kitchen, as well as help reduce household water use by 30 percent. Learn ideas for your upcoming basement kitchen or kitchenette installation and how to include sustainable material and fixtures that could yield energy and cost savings.
Walk-In Shower Ideas for Your Bathroom Remodeling Project
Adding a walk-in shower to your bathroom as part of a bathroom remodeling project can make a bathroom look bigger, make it more accessible, provide more flexibility for a bathroom design, and yield a higher return on investment. Get walk-in shower design ideas for your bathroom remodeling project.
How to Replace a Toilet Fill Valve
The toilet fill valve is one of two main components inside the toilet tank. If the fill valve is worn, damaged, or not operating properly, it could cause a leak from the toilet tank base or lead to the toilet continually filling. By replacing the fill valve assembly, you can reduce wasted water and lower utility bills. Learn how to identify if a toilet fill valve is malfunctioning and steps to follow when replacing the part.