We’ve written many DIY blogs, but the recent water heater explosion in Boston (see reference on our Facebook page) gave us pause. Usually, plumbing fits nicely with a handy homeowner’s skill level, but tasks involving gas lines, pressure valves, pressure tanks, etc. are best left to a licensed professional. Your water heater may remain unseen, hidden in a utility closet or sitting alone in a basement, but […]

Back in the ’80’s, I worked in a restaurant overlooking scenic Indian Lake, Ohio. It is a reservoir that provides water to its community of locals and tourists. The running joke among the restaurant waitresses was “Why the water glasses are tinted brown? Because it makes the lake water appear clear.” That statement has stuck with me over the years, especially when I travel to […]

When we purchased our home 20 years ago, it came with a “new-ish” 40-gallon water heater. It’s a good brand and has served our family well. Our best guess is that it’s now over 25 years old. It provides a decent (not great) amount of hot water for 4 adults and 2 teens; we’ve learned to stage our showers so that no one has to […]

When there’s trouble in the toilet area, a happy household or business environment can quickly go right down the drain. According to EnlightenMe.com, the five most common toilet plumbing problems (and some fix-it tips) are as follows: 1. Clogged Toilet – For whatever reason, the either the drain pipe or the curved toilet trap is blocked. Usually, the culprit is toilet paper, a child’s toy, feminine products, a washcloth, etc. […]