🔑 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 home while you’re not there. Introduction You’re packed, the...
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 Every Homeowner Should Be Doing This Month Summer is...
🔑 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 reliability, and future-proofs your plumbing for the next 10+...
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 can count, I can tell you: the right choice...
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 to find and test this valve confidently. Why the Main...
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 tell you: if you don’t have a backup, it’s...
As someone who’s replaced more sump pumps than I can count, I’ve learned one thing the hard way: you don’t want to find out your pump is dead during a storm. Knowing the signs of a failing sump pump and what to look for in a replacement can save you thousands in water damage and...
🌳 Key Takeaway: Don’t Ignore Branches Hanging Over Your Roof Branches hanging over your roof or walkways can cause serious problems — from damaging shingles to creating pest access or injury risks. Trim them as soon as possible, ideally before storm season or signs of wear appear. A proactive approach is cheaper and safer than...
June is an ideal month to test and replace batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors because it’s the start of summer — a time when HVAC systems, grilling, and closed windows all increase risk. A quick check now can prevent tragedy later. Why June Is a Good Month to Test Smoke and CO...
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 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning When the temperature drops, we seal...