It feels like technology seems to fail us when we need it most – in the case of cold winters, heating and plumbing systems tend to bite the dust just when the weather is at its most frigid. Many of these issues can be attributed to the additional stress that the cold weather puts on pipes and water heaters. Here are three common plumbing issues people experience during the winter and the steps you can take to prevent them from

We rely on our water pipes and sewer lines to shuttle clean water into our homes and dirty water out. With so much waste water from our toilets, showers and sinks, it’s no wonder sewer pipes wear out and burst every now and then. When a pipe bursts on your property, though, the signs may not always be obvious. Keep an eye out for these pesky symptoms of a broken pipe to minimize water damage in your home. The Smell

Tile is one of the most timeless and popular home finishing materials. From contemporary subway tiles to elegant marble tile, this flooring or wall material is ideal for use in spaces that are exposed to significant moisture, particularly the kitchen and bathroom. Although tile is slightly more high maintenance than other materials, the luxurious appearance is more than worth it. However, maintaining your bathroom tile can sometimes require more than simple mopping or wiping. After some time, you may begin

Building codes can vary from city to city, but all serve the same purpose. The extensive list of rules and provisions list the minimum requirements for the design and construction of a residential building. Buildings that don’t adhere to local code are considered unsafe and are in need of an update. In severe cases, it’s better to demolish old structures instead of spending the time and money on costly repairs or replacements. The city of Seattle adheres to a Uniform

All heating systems work by heating water that passes through a tank or coil system. In a traditional heater system there’s a large tank that both holds and heats water, keeping it at a constant temperature for use when you need it. However, energy is wasted keeping the water hot even when it’s not being used; this is called standby heat loss. Tankless systems heat water as it passes through the system to a faucet or shower, providing hot water

There are few things more frustrating than putting up with a snail-slow flow of water from the faucet or showerhead. When you discover you have low water pressure, even tasks like showering or washing dishes can take far longer than they should. While the location of your home in relation to the municipal water supply plays a major role in determining how high your water pressure is, there are plenty of ways for homeowners all around town to ensure their water pressure remains