Has this happened to you? You’re enjoying a peaceful evening at home when you turn on the faucet or flush the toilet, when suddenly, you hear mysterious banging sounds coming from the ceiling or walls. You listen carefully, and the sounds gradually disappear. This is a good thing, but if you’re frequently hearing a knocking noise, something needs to be done.  There is usually a simple explanation for why your walls are making a knocking sound. Most often, it’s your home’s plumbing system. It may be due to fluctuating water pressure issues, loose plumbing pipes, or a faulty valve.  ..read more

You may have been surprised, recently, when going into your basement and discovering standing water in the floor drain. Floor drains should contain some water, so don’t be worried. Basements are more susceptible than any other areas of your home to absorb water because they are below grade, and standing water is typical for the main drain in the basement. The water’s function is to stop sewer gasses from rising through the trap and entering the residential area from the sewer line. The basement floor drain gathers any extra water and safely transfers it to a sewer or storm drain to prevent f ..read more

Water damage can cause all sorts of problems, including blisters and bubbles on painted ceilings and walls.  The number one suspect for paint peeling, cracking, or bubbling is usually water. In fact, it can be a warning sign there is a roof problem, such as a leak or a blocked gutter. It can also be a result of water from daily use getting through to the top layer of paint, or simply excessive humidity. Whatever the reason, once water gets in, remediation becomes necessary. Paint blisters or bubbles occur when the paint film lifts from the underlying surface. There are a few common cau ..read more

Garbage disposals are convenient appliances helping to minimize food waste and keep kitchen sinks clear of clogs. Unfortunately, we often take them for granted until they stop functioning properly. Your garbage disposal doesn’t have to be a mysterious contraption under the sink. The garbage disposal—although generally unseen and under-appreciated—likely works harder than any kitchen appliance. Yet, like any other piece of equipment, it requires care to function at its best. With a bit of time and knowledge, you can keep it running smoothly every day. How a Garbage Disposal Works Few homeown ..read more

If you live in a house that’s getting on in age, in addition to enjoying its charm, you must remain vigilant about the plumbing system. Most of the plumbing system is hidden, so you may not even realize there is a problem until the drain gets clogged or the faucet is leaking. The pipes you can’t see can cause major problems.  If you recently purchased a home with a mature plumbing system, there are complications you may likely face. Here are several signs letting you know it’s time to call a trusted professional for pipe replacement: Corrosion and Discolored Water Galvanized steel pipe ..read more

The term variable-speed is used to describe furnaces with a more energy-efficient, variable-speed blower motor. These blower motors move heated air in winter and cooled air in summer through the ductwork in your home. A conventional single-speed furnace without this technology uses a simple motor with multiple speed settings that must be manually adjusted. Conversely, a variable-speed furnace will self-adjust its fan speed. Unlike conventional fan motors, a variable-speed blower motor runs at different speeds to precisely control the flow of heated or cooled air throughout your home. Better ..read more

Some experts say up to 75% of no-heat calls in the winter are related to a lack of maintenance. Left unserviced, a furnace can stop working suddenly, leaving your family in the cold. And, if a repair technician determines your system failed due to lack of routine maintenance, then you could be stuck with the full repair bill.  During winter, the furnace is one of the most critical components in your home. A properly maintained system will deliver maximum heat output without wasted energy, or the risk of harmful emissions.  If you defer maintenance for too long, however, your furna ..read more

Too much humidity causes mold and mildew growth in your home, and can create condensation in your walls. This leads to structural damage and wood rot. Furthermore, humid air and damp surfaces cause bad odors and even damage to paint, wallpaper and furniture.  More importantly, excessive humidity is also bad for you and your loved ones. It contributes to respiratory problems, allergy flare-ups, and sleep interruptions.  There are many things to love about summer. Humidity isn’t one of them. Thankfully, there are ways to get rid of the moisture in your home.  Here are tips for ..read more

With warmer weather right around the corner, you’ll soon be depending on your air conditioning system to keep your family cool and comfortable during Chicago’s hot and humid summer.  An air conditioner is a significant investment in your home, and it’s important to do everything possible to ensure it works to its fullest potential.  The best way to prolong the lifespan of your A/C system is to follow a maintenance routine. You’ll want to focus on keeping it clean, well maintained, and free from debris both inside and out. Here are a few tips to help extend the functional life of ..read more

One of the most frequently mentioned disasters reported by homeowners is sump pump failure – it’s the worst mess most homeowners experience.  Sump pumps provide essential protection from flooded basements, extensive water damage, and astronomical dollars in restoration costs.  Fortunately, there are many warning signs your pump is reaching the end of its life. By monitoring its performance, you will know when it is time to replace your pump long before waking up to a basement of water. Common Causes of Sump Pump Failure: The discharge pipe is clogged or frozen Your sump pump mus ..read more