Troubleshoot a Clogged Vent Pipe Without Getting on the Roof
A normal trip to the bathroom can turn foul if you have a clogged vent pipe. A slow drain, gurgling sounds, and a nasty sewage smell can all point to a clogged vent pipe—but what does that even mean? And why are these pipes on the roof in the first place? Your vent pipe supplies […]
Homeowner Hacks: Should you switch to a tankless water heater?
We’ve all been there. You’ve been looking forward to taking a long bath or hot shower all day—only to hear someone else start a shower in another bathroom. Or the dishwasher is running. Or the washing machine. Suddenly your dreams of filling the tub are put on hold indefinitely as you wait for the hot […]
Does Light Bulb Wattage Matter? Read Our Enlightening Advice
Dear Burton, We just moved into a new home and I’ve heard some conflicting advice… Does it really matter what wattage light bulbs we use in our new can lights and ceiling fans? Our inspector said it’s important, but my neighbor doesn’t seem to think so. Can you ‘enlighten’ us? Dear Bright-Eyed, First off, thanks […]
AC Issues Raising Your Electric Bill? These Factors May Be to Blame
Did your latest air conditioning bill come with a side of sticker shock? You’re not alone! Last summer, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association predicted summer electric bills would spike by 20%! Major heat waves, longer hot spells, and rising energy costs are all contributing to that rising monthly budget hit. But these aren’t the only […]
In Case of an Emergency in the Omaha Area, Shut Off Your Water Heater!
In the event of a major leak or emergency, do you know how to shut off your water heater? It’s a simple task you probably don’t think about often— until you’re standing in a puddle, noticing a funny smell, or getting ready for a hot water heater replacement. Whether you have a tankless water heater or a traditional […]
Homeowner Hacks: How to Flush Your Water Heater
Chances are, you haven’t lost a wink of sleep worrying about flushing your water heater. And you’re not alone! Most homeowners don’t think about the health of their water heater—or the nasty sediment buildup—until their bubble bath becomes a polar plunge. But as sediment and minerals accumulate on the bottom of your water heater, two […]
Let’s Talk Energy Efficiency: Furnace vs. Fireplace
It goes without saying that in the winter, you want to keep your home as warm and comfortable as possible while spending as little as you can on gas or electricity. So when temperatures drop, you may be wondering, should you turn up the furnace or light your fireplace? Which heat source is more energy […]
3 Serious Signs Your Main Sewer Line is Clogged
Dear Burton, I’ve noticed some strange plumbing symptoms lately—our downstairs toilets are gurgling when the dishwasher runs, and our bathtubs are taking a long time to drain. I’m nervous this could be a big issue. What should I do? – Gurgling in Gretna Dear Gurgling, One noisy toilet or slow-draining tub typically isn’t a cause for immediate concern, but […]
Omaha Area Homeowner Hacks: How to Find Your Home’s Water Shut Off Valve
If you own a home here in the Omaha metro, you don’t have to be Handy Andy, capable of fixing every leak, creak, and clog that disrupts your household. But there are a handful of homeowner hacks you absolutely need to know about to protect your home from a serious emergency situation. Today, we’ll teach […]
Electric or Gas Furnace? It’s a Hot Topic!
When it’s time to replace your furnace, you’ve got a big decision on your hands. Go with a low-impact, easy-to-install electric furnace? Or opt for a high-efficiency, higher cost gas furnace? Once you’ve narrowed down the type of furnace, who do you call to install it? Before you make up your mind (and make that service […]