Posts by Brian Wear

Your home’s water pressure is important for comfort, efficiency, and even safety, so it is important to test pressure correctly to do no harm to the plumbing system and yourself. What is good water pressure? For an average home water supply, your water pressure should fall within the range of 40-45 psi, and not exceed 60 psi.…

If your house has a pool or extensive landscaping, you probably have an exterior drain to help manage any accidental water overflow. This drain sends excess water to your street’s drain, so it doesn’t locally flood your property. Unfortunately, that connection fail with backups in your yard or any potential clogs caused by your yard’s…

One of the best things you can do to boost your appliances’ energy efficiency is to keep them clean. Fans and motors have to work hard to cool refrigerant and heating systems if the parts are covered with dust and pet hair. Not only does that mean the machine uses up more energy to run…

Pipes are essential to your water and plumbing system but can be surprisingly fragile. Anything from overtightening a water line to dumping too much grease down your kitchen drain can cause you plumbing frustrations, even if it seems like the pipes should be able to handle it. Whether you’re a homeowner or a tenant, here…

Your refrigerator is one of the biggest energy sinks in your home. It runs 24/7, and cold air rushes out every time the door is opened. This is especially true for older models, which don’t have the advantage of recent energy-efficiency measures. Even newer models are susceptible to poor energy utilization since bits and pieces…

You may want control in raising your water heater temperature in your home for many reasons. Maintaining a higher temperature can help eliminate bacteria like Legionella in your water supply and can allow for longer hot showers. However, extreme caution should be exercised any time you raise temperatures. Manufacturers recommend that tank style water heaters…

Take a look at your plumbing system. No matter where you look — under the kitchen sink, in your basement, or around your water heater — you’ll see a system of U-bends, L-bends, and PVC or metal pipes that are connected in a complex pattern. Sometimes these connections use PVC with thick sealant and adhesive…

Flooding from a leak or a burst pipe can cause a lot of damage. Upon discovering the mess, you may be tempted to make repairs and clean up the scene immediately, but this can actually ruin your chances of settling an insurance claim in your favor. Understand and prepare for the insurance process before facing flooding damage…

Backflow is a potentially serious problem that can affect your home water supply’s usage, which can harm you and anyone else who may reside on your property. It is important to understand how to prevent it, recognize it, and to contact a professional plumber before small problems escalate. Backflow and Prevention Backflow is simply the reversal of…

Having a vacation rental spot is fun and can provide a little extra income, allowing you to rent it out to visitors that need a temporary stay. There is a little extra work owners need to consider to keep it running well with minimal problems, especially since vacation homes are often not tended to year-round.…