Water pressure regulators are an essential part of our plumbing systems. These devices help to bring the pressure of the water to a safe level. Most pressure reducing valves have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.

It has probably happened to everyone. One of your kids, your significant other, or maybe even you left an ink pen in your pocket and it exploded in the dryer. The clothes may end up as rags, but you do not want to throw away your dryer. So, how do you get those ink stains out of the dryer?

If you own a LiftMaster garage door opener, then you will know one of the most essential features is the keypad. This keypad allows anyone with the passcode to enter and is a secure method to obtain access to your garage.

Congratulations!  You remembered that it is time to replace those ten-year-old smoke detectors in your home. Brand new smoke detectors now protect you and your family.  The question is now how to dispose of the old smoke detectors?

Stainless steel fixtures, appliances, and cutlery are welcome inside most homes because of how easy they are to clean. They even resist certain kinds of stains better than other materials.

Hard water has a habit of leaving behind stains on plenty of surfaces. For those unsure how to deal with it, hard water stains just become a part of life. Those pesky stains show up on top of taps, on mirrors, on silverware, and, often, annoyingly, on glass shower doors. How do you remove it when it’s on your glass shower doors?

Having an automatic garage door does not mean much if the opener will not work. For some reason, the Sears Craftsman garage door opener remotes just stop working after a while. This means you have to buy a new remote. Or does it?

Automatic ice makers are great to have! They take the inconvenience out of making ice. No more waiting for the ice to get done; you can grab a few cubes out of the bucket as needed. However, sometimes they will leak water into the bin, causing all the cubes to stick together. You’ll need to take care of this so that your container doesn’t become one big block of ice, but first, you need to know the cause. 

Burning incense is relaxing and can go a long way to make you feel more comfortable in your home. However, there is nothing quite like a screeching smoke alarm to ruin a relaxing time. So, will incense set off a smoke detector?

For many homeowners, choosing the grade of oil they use in their lawn mower can be tricky. A common oil grade that people use in their lawn mower is SAE30. However, many people wonder whether or not they can swap out the SAE30 in favor of 10W30.

While ceiling fans are great for keeping your home’s temperatures low in the summer and your cooling costs even lower, they may be noisy, distracting, and unattractive in your living spaces. Not to mention, they can also be incredibly difficult to clean.

Home security is super important; after all, it protects you, your family, and your most significant investment – your house. Nowadays, there are multiple options available on the market to help automate your home’s protection. 

If you climb into your attics and find your roof turbine vents are not spinning, there may be a moment of panic that sets in. Issues may come up regarding how long this takes to repair, and you may start worrying about the cost. That’s entirely understandable, but with this guide, we will find out how to diagnose any issues and fix them.

Dishwashers can rack up quite a few foul odors, many of which would raise an eyebrow with most of us. If you recently had a mishap that involved melting plastic in the wash, you probably have a machine that has the acrid smell of burnt plastic inside its chambers. Sometimes, the smell is strong enough to cling to dishes! You don’t have to live with that aroma. There are ways to remove that smell for good.

Kitchen mats sure can tie the room together. Not only that, but they also serve a functional purpose. Kitchen mats provide a comfortable surface during long dishwashing sessions. They’re also good to have around in the presence of water to soak up spills and minimize slipping.

These days, it’s not unheard of to experience power outages, which can take days or even weeks to repair. In this case, it’s always a good idea to have a backup stove. But which would you choose? Propane or Butane?

A Jacuzzi is a great way to add a sense of calm and luxury to your home. However, there is nothing luxurious about getting into a Jacuzzi full of chunks of black flakes. So, what is the black stuff coming out of my Jacuzzi jets?

Handrails are a necessary part of building concrete steps. Some handrails work better than others, especially when fastening them to concrete. There are many styles, colors, and designs when it comes to handrails. We are going to go over what makes the best handrails for concrete steps.

The existence of a sewage smell is unfortunate but has happened to homeowners at least once. You awake on a rainy morning or enter your home after a rainstorm, and it just doesn’t smell quite right. Instead of the clean, fresh scent, you are accustomed to welcoming you, your home reeks of sewer smell. It’s a strong, pungent odor that is reminiscent of a backed-up sewer.

If there’s one thing I enjoy doing, it’s a fresh batch of laundry. I even have luxury laundry detergent and wool balls to keep my clothes all nice and fluffy. That’s why I know, first-hand, how depressing holding a bunch of wool dryer balls that are clearly spent can be. Most people assume you have to throw them out, but that’s not true. You can recharge your dryer balls pretty easily.

During the hot summer months, there’s nothing better than a cool airflow from your ceiling fan. While ceiling fans are known for being an excellent addition to circulate air, they may also cause a bit of stress. One constant issue with them is that they produce a barely audible humming sound that can drive you insane.

Gatorade has a long-standing tradition of being every athlete’s favorite sports drink. It comes in all sorts of fun colors (erm, flavors) that make them seemingly taste better. It’s a wonderful thing until you actually have it end up on your floor…or worse, your carpeting. So, how do you get those neon colors out of your carpet, anyway?

The “rough-in” building stage is when the plumbing fixtures and pipes are all lines are put in place, but they are not yet connected. Plumbing rough-ins, such as sink drains, are just one of many things inspected throughout the building or renovation process.

Metal sheds or sheds with metal roofs can be a giant magnet for condensation. When the metal is cold, and the temperature outside isn’t, the warm air rises and creates moisture on the roof and walls of a shed. This can cause damage to the structure itself, along with anything that’s inside. 

Ranges are a great way to upgrade your kitchen appliance in a way that maximizes space and improves aesthetics. The ZLINE Ranges are upscale and won’t break the budget.

There are few meals more impressive than the vast and varied spread of a well-prepared Thanksgiving dinner. The menu almost always includes a delicious and juicy turkey that takes center stage, but the poultry is just a small fraction of the meal.

Is your dishwasher not draining properly? Too much water in your dishwasher’s bottom could be a sign that something is wrong. Luckily, you can fix it with a few easy steps.

Recessed light fixtures are often a significant part of interior design. Home inspectors and electricians recommend that all recessed light fixtures carry an IC or IC-AT rating. Without paying someone to come to look at your lights, how do you tell if recessed lighting is IC rated?

The UGG brand has expanded significantly over the years. What began as a company renowned for their distinct, comfortable and trendy sheepskin boots has exploded into an internationally recognized clothing, accessories and lifestyle brand.

Do you know that feeling when, on opening the door of your dryer, you see the unmistakable signs of oily residue smeared all over your clothing? (We hope you said no!) Not only do you have to clean your dryer, but you’re also stuck trying to figure out exactly how to get the melted Chapstick out of your clothing. However, don’t worry, we have the answer for you!

Muriatic acid is one of those chemicals that sounds scary but can easily be a DIY fan’s best friend. This acid is regularly used to etch glass, prep masonry for paint, restore surface appearances in basements, and fight mildew. However, it’s a pretty strong chemical that can easily cause burns and damage if left as a spill. That’s why knowing how to neutralize it is so important.

Many homes across the US have basements for extra storage or finished basements can add substantial square footage to your living space. When it comes to indoor air quality, basements present their own unique set of issues, specifically, moisture control. To tackle these environmental difficulties, homeowners often install a basement dehumidifier, but will a dehumidifier in the basement help the whole house?

Adding a fireplace to your house is a great idea whether you want to raise the aesthetics of the living room or just want to get through those daunting winters with comfort.

If you have read through many of my articles, you probably noticed how frequently I mention the importance of using tools that are in decent shape. A rusty saw can cause serious injury, as can blades that are now blunted. That’s obvious, but other tool use dealbreakers aren’t so obvious. This is especially true with appliances that make a little extra noise. Is it even safe to use a squeaky dryer?

Also known as Berry Bugs, chiggers are tiny pests that resemble something between a wood tick and a bed bug. These bugs don’t pose a threat to humans but can deliver a nasty rash that can disrupt your sleep. If you have chiggers in your home, there are simple things you can do to get rid of them. 

For many people, a hot cup of coffee is a non-negotiable way to start the day. Do you have a high-tech Keurig, sleek Nespresso,  traditional drip coffee pot, or classic french press? No matter which machine you prefer, coffee makers are an essential part of many kitchens.

Finding a new air conditioning system can be a difficult choice and a major financial investment. It’s important to choose one that has high efficiency as this will end up saving you energy and money in the long run. Many homeowners find themselves asking the question: “How much more efficient is a 16 SEER vs. a 14 SEER?”

Your dryer’s main job is to heat your clothes enough that they dry. When it stops doing this simple task, that’s a major problem. If your clothes are still damp after a cycle in the dryer, you probably have a faulty heating element. 

If you have a septic tank, you know it can be a lot of maintenance. Perhaps you just had your septic tank pumped and it’s full again. There could be a number of reasons why this happens.

Hank Hill might be the world’s most popular propane salesman, and from watching King of the Hill, you’d never guess that propane is such an expensive fuel. But it is. People who are on a budget and regularly use this fuel often seek out ways to trim costs. One of the more popular rumors about propane prices is that you can get a discount if you own your tank. But is this true?

There is no worse smell for a non-smoker than the stench of cigarette smoke. The worst-case scenario is that your house smells like cigarette smoke when you’re not even a smoker. So, why does my house smell like cigarette smoke?

Brita has been one of the most popular go-to’s for people who want to enjoy the taste of crisp, clean filtered water. The most common Brita device to get that delicious crispness is the Brita pitcher, a pitcher that comes with a built-in filter that you can replace. Of course, getting clean water isn’t going to happen if you don’t clean your pitcher.

Log cabins are a part of old school Americana. Lincoln lived in one. Settlers had them. Even today, camping in a log home is considered to be a great way to enjoy a slice of the country. But, log homes aren’t common anymore. Did you ever wonder why that is? Well, it has to do with a lot of the problems that they tend to bring.

Revitalizing your home with a fresh coat of paint is a great way to bring new life to your living spaces.  Unfortunately, with this great look often comes lingering undesirable paint fumes. In fact, the fumes from the paint can persist in the space even long after the last coat has finished curing. The smell of paint can be especially difficult for those who are sensitive to chemicals or heavy scents.

Vornado fans are perfect for those with busy lifestyles, they’re safe to use and require less upkeep than many other conventional electric fans.

Not too long ago, I had a moment where my allergies were out of control. Every time I woke up, I’d be sneezing and wheezing up a storm. It only dawned on me after someone mentioned that I haven’t cleaned out my humidifier. It was a Honeywell. After a quick go, I was able to figure out how to clean it and how to make my mold allergies disappear.

It’s your dishwasher’s job to clean the leftover food off your dishes. A dishwasher cleans, sanitizes, and sometimes has enough heat to dry your dishes. What your dishwasher shouldn’t do is leave behind a gritty residue.

Wood-burning stoves can save you hundreds of dollars every winter. We all know that running the heat can make quite the dent in our wallets. One of the last stages of installation when it comes to a wood stove is putting in the chimney. 

Steps can be tricky to build. However, if made correctly, a set of wooden stairs can be safe and sturdy. There are endless uses for a group of freestanding steps. Whether leading up to a deck or needing a little extra reach in your shed, a low set of stairs can take you to high places.

Owning a Honda self-propelled lawnmower makes it easy to cut your grass quickly. However, over time, your mower will need routine maintenance and care. One of the most crucial elements to pay attention to is the drive belt. In some cases, this belt can come loose, which means that you’ll have to adjust the tension by tightening it.

Boilers play an important role in any home. These units work by heating water and the house with steam. The steam travels through the house in pipes and radiators. Boilers are expensive to install, but have a long lifespan and are energy efficient.

If you’ve been working on a home addition or a garage as part of your DIY work, you’re probably aware of the fact that your house needs drywall. It’s just a must. The problem is that most of us haven’t attended a class that tells you how many screws you will need in order to properly secure.

When you have a dog or a cat, letting them roam around your yard just makes sense. They need fresh air, after all. Unfortunately, if you have a gap under your fence gate, the safety you are trying to offer them through your fence just won’t be there. A gap under a gate doesn’t have to be a major issue, though. All you need to do is know how to fix it.

If there’s one thing that people tend to be leery about eating, it’s seafood. Even when it’s fresh, people get worried about the possibility of food-borne illnesses due to the lightning-fast rate of spoiling seafood has. Though people are more amenable to shrimp than other shellfish, shrimp remains a little sketchy to eat after it’s been cooked and refrigerated.

A dehumidifier can be a great addition to any home in climates that are particularly humid. Not only can it be quite uncomfortable to live in that kind of humidity, but the added moisture can be a major detriment for the health and cleanliness of your home.

Fireplaces are a great centerpiece, that adds ambiance, and warmth, to any room. Since the fireplace is a focal point, you should try to keep the fireplace glass, as clean as possible. We have an unusual method for cleaning it, which makes it easy!

When your microwave just doesn’t seem to heat up your food anymore, a simple fix might get it back in working order. Any microwave repair begins with discharging the capacitor. Even unplugged, a charged capacitor makes microwave repairs dangerous.

When you’re laying out a nice, new layer of porcelain tile, there are certain things you expect. For example, you expect your tiling to stay put. The problem is, using the wrong bonding agent can make it hard to keep your tiles in place. That’s why there’s an ongoing debate between using Versabond versus using Flexbond thinset mortars when you’re laying out tiling. So, what’s the difference between the two? Is one better than the other?

Fabuloso is that delightful purple cleaning detergent that has been used in countless homes and businesses throughout the country. It’s basically a hallmark of people who love the floral-chemical smell of solvent. Sometimes, Fabuloso alone isn’t enough to get the bathroom clean. So, what happens then? Can you add bleach to improve results?

I remember when I was a kid and something in our house needed to be repaired. My dad would go out to the garage and get his little black toolbox that was filled with every sort of tool imaginable to get the job done right.