It used to be the case that the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex rarely experienced cold snaps that dropped low enough to place pipes at risk. If the past few years of weather in Texas have shown us anything, though, it’s that the unpredictable is quickly becoming normal. Homeowners across Texas and most of the country have …
If you own a home, the chances are good that you’ve encountered this scenario before. The water in a sink, tub, or toilet starts to drain slower and slower over time. Eventually, it stops draining, entirely, and you’ve had to call an emergency plumber. This frustrating scenario can wind up costing you a lot of …
Are you concerned about the airflow in your home? It’s vital to ensure that your ducts work efficiently to maintain a comfortable climate and save on energy costs. If you’re unsure whether your ducts are functioning correctly, you can have them inspected by a professional. In the meantime, here are a few things to help …
Many people enjoy taking baths and showers, but one of the downsides is when the water rises into the tub while you are trying to relax. Water backing up in showers is common, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. So, what causes water to back up in showers, and how can you fix …
Image: https://insinkerator.emerson.com/ / John W. Hammes A garbage disposal unit (also known as a waste disposal unit, garbage disposer, garburator, etc.) is a device, usually electrically powered, installed under a kitchen sink between the sink’s drain and the trap. The disposal unit shreds food waste into pieces small enough—generally less than 2 mm (0.079 in) in diameter—to pass through plumbing. …
Image: Plungers found at Home Depot The modern-day plunger was invented in 1874 by New York confectioner John Hawley, with the flattened rim added in 1876. The invention is referred to in the patent as a “vent-clearer,” and was marketed as a “force cup”. For the common plunger, the cup is pushed down against the …
Portrait of Sir John Harington (1561-1612). Hieronymus Custodis It is unclear who first invented the flush toilet. Although archaeological excavations in northwest India have revealed 4000-year-old drainage systems which might have been toilets, it is not clear whether this is genuinely the case. However, the honor of producing the first toilet goes either to the …
Image: alcetron.com/Lewis P. Haslett Patented by Lewis P Haslett in 1849. Lewis Phectic Haslett was an American inventor and the first person to receive a patent for an early form of the gas mask in 1849. Air purifiers today have been developed from an early gas mask to suit the needs of factory workers to self-standing systems for cleaning the air, as …
If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, you want your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible. Long, hot summers and short, but sometimes harsh, winters make it even more important that you get the most out of your furnace, heat pump, or AC. The ductwork in your home is a big part …
Have you been having problems with your air conditioner? Sometimes issues can arise when there is faulty wiring somewhere in the system. Wiring can be faulty for many different reasons. But regardless of the reason, it’s always important to have a technician come and take a look at your system. Electrical problems can be notoriously …
