Winter Carbon Monoxide Safety Guide: What Every Homeowner Should Know
Carbon monoxide poisoning is more common in winter because we run furnaces, space heaters, and use fireplaces — often with windows sealed tight for warmth. Poor ventilation and faulty appliances can turn your home into a danger zone without warning. Why Winter Is Prime Time for...
Sump Pump Maintenance: How to Keep It Running When You Need It Most
If there’s one piece of equipment that quietly protects your home from thousands of dollars in water damage, it’s your sump pump. Yet most homeowners don’t think about it until the basement is flooded and the damage is done. I’ve been in a lot of basements...
What to Know About Your Dehumidifier Settings in June
In June, rising humidity levels can create the perfect storm for mold, musty odors, and discomfort indoors. Setting your dehumidifier between 45–50% relative humidity helps maintain comfort and protect your home, especially during muggy Ohio weather. Introduction As we move from spring showers into sticky summer heat,...
What to Do When Your Sump Pump Fails (And How to Minimize Water Damage)
If you’ve ever walked into your basement during a heavy rain and heard silence where a sump pump should be humming, you know the feeling. It’s panic. It’s frustration. And it’s the beginning of a race against water damage. As someone who’s helped more than a...
How to Troubleshoot a Lawn Mower
If your lawn mower won’t start, runs rough, or stalls out, the most common culprits are bad gas, dirty filters, or a worn spark plug. With a few simple checks—fuel, air, spark, and blade—you can often diagnose and fix the issue yourself. Introduction There’s nothing more frustrating...
Drywall Tools Every Homeowner Should Own (And When to Call a Pro)
Every homeowner should keep basic drywall tools on hand for small patches, nail pops, and wall dings — but if you're dealing with seams, ceilings, or moisture damage, it's time to call in a pro. The right tools make minor repairs easy, but larger issues...
How to Know If Your Wall Needs a Full Panel Replacement
If your wall shows signs of sagging, soft spots, recurring moisture issues, or visible mold behind the paint or drywall, it likely needs a full panel replacement. Surface patching won’t resolve deeper structural or moisture damage — especially if it's affecting insulation, framing, or spreading...
Where Should Your Sump Pump Discharge Water? (And What to Avoid)
One of the most overlooked parts of a sump pump system is where the water actually ends up. It might not seem like a big deal, but where your sump pump discharges that water can have serious consequences—for your basement, your neighbors, your foundation, and...
Sump Pump 101: What It Is, How It Works, and Why You Need One
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or someone finally tired of mopping up a wet basement, understanding sump pumps is a must. They’re one of the most underrated home protection systems, quietly keeping your foundation dry and your basement usable—even during the nastiest Northeast Ohio downpour. This...
How to Size a Sump Pump: GPH, Basin Size, and Discharge Needs
Choosing the right size sump pump isn’t just about picking the biggest or most powerful unit. If it’s oversized, your pump might short cycle and burn out early. If it’s too small, it won’t keep up during a storm—and you’ll end up with a flooded...