Three-way switches are a deceptively simple modification to standard residential light switches. They are required in certain locations such as stairways as a safety measure that lets you illuminate the area without having to ascend or descend in dar...
Backwater valves are a plumbing device that prevent waste water from backing up into homes. Clogs and backup can still occur from problems inside the home itself, because these devices are intended to protect against outside problems.
All houses o...
TPR Valves (temperature and pressure relief valves) are a safety device to protect homes and occupants. It has been said that water heaters are the most dangerous appliance in homes. Because water expands as it heats up, enormous pressure is exerted...
Water heater drain pan and water heater pad are two helpful features that may be required depending on where you live. Even if they are not required, they serve a useful purpose.
A drain pan is a simple catch basin for any water that may leak out...
Water heater thermal expansion tanks are safety devices that reduce the stress on your home’s piping system. Because water expands significantly as it heats up, it creates pressure on the water heater tank as well as all connected piping. That...
Smart homes integrate many small tasks and appliances to eliminate the minutia of everyday tasks around the home and make your life more efficient. While a smart home, or at least systems with smart technology, can take an initial investment of time...
How do toilets work? Quite well! Okay, now my obligatory “dad joke” is out of the way, let’s figuratively dive in to your basic home toilet, water closet, or loo.
There are two major sections of a toilet: the tank which holds wat...
Toilet wax rings are a connection point between a toilet fixture and drain pipes. They are one-time-use, in the sense that they most likely need to be replaced every time a toilet is unbolted from the floor. The drain pipe simply ends with a designat...
Stoves, ovens, and ranges. Some people use the names interchangeable, some people talk as if they are different appliances. Most often, the average kitchen appliance includes both a stove and an oven – so it’s understandable that they can...
Electric water heaters are common and useful appliances in many homes. Due to the pressure involved with heated water, they can be quite dangerous, so make sure you hire a licensed plumber for installation and maintenance. The electric water heater h...