Should I turn off the main valve when leaving for vacation?
🔑 Key Takeaway Yes — turning off your main water valve before going on vacation is one of the smartest ways to prevent plumbing disasters. A single leak can cause thousands in damage while you’re away. Shutting off the water is quick, easy, and protects your...
How to Remove an Old Bathroom Faucet Without Damaging the Sink
To remove an old bathroom faucet without damaging the sink, shut off the water, disconnect the supply lines, loosen mounting hardware from underneath, and lift the faucet carefully to avoid scratching or cracking porcelain or granite. Using the right tools and a gentle touch is...
July Home Maintenance Checklist
July is a crucial month for mid-year home upkeep. From managing summer heat to staying ahead of wear-and-tear, homeowners should focus on HVAC health, lawn care, exterior inspections, and prepping for late-summer storms. Doing these tasks now prevents costly repairs later. July Home Maintenance Checklist: What...
Properly Install a Bathroom Vanity
🔑 Key Takeaway To install a bathroom vanity like a pro, it must be securely anchored to the wall and perfectly level. Failing to do either can lead to wobbly cabinets, cracked countertops, crooked doors, and plumbing issues. With the right tools and a few pro...
What to Know Before Buying a Vanity and Faucet Set
🔑 Key Takeaway Choosing a bathroom vanity and faucet isn’t just about matching finishes — it’s about making sure everything fits, functions, and flows together. Before you buy, you’ll want to check sizing, plumbing layout, faucet hole spacing, and installation compatibility to avoid costly surprises or...
How to Cut Holes in a Vanity for Pipes Without Ruining It
To cut holes in a vanity for pipes without ruining it, measure twice, mark clearly, and use the right tools—a hole saw for round cuts or an oscillating tool/jigsaw for square ones. Whether your pipes come from the floor or wall, careful prep is key...
What Are Sink Shut-Off Valves (And Should You Replace Them During a Vanity Install?)
🔑 Key Takeaway Sink shut-off valves, also known as angle stops, control water flow to your faucet. If they’re old, stuck, or leaking — and especially if you’re already swapping out a vanity or faucet — it’s smart to replace them. Doing so adds safety, improves...
Choosing the Right Sump Pump: Pedestal vs Submersible
When it comes time to pick a sump pump, you’ll quickly run into two main types: pedestal and submersible. They both do the same job—keep your basement dry—but they do it in very different ways. As a handyman who’s installed and replaced more pumps than I...
How to Find and Use Your Home’s Main Water Shut-Off Valve
Your home’s main water shut-off valve controls the entire water supply. Whether you're doing a faucet install or handling a plumbing emergency, knowing where it is — and how to operate it — can prevent thousands of dollars in damage. Every homeowner should be able...
Sump Pump Backup Systems: Battery, Water-Powered, and Dual-Pump Options
When the rain is pouring and the power goes out, your primary sump pump might go quiet—and that silence can lead to thousands in water damage. That’s where a backup system comes in. As someone who’s been in the basement during those worst-case scenarios, let me...