Local News & Events

Plunger Alternative: Start With Dish Soap Plunging a clogged toilet is no fun, but there’s a better way. To unclog a toilet without a plunger, head to the kitchen for some dish soap. The slippery soap should help lubricate the clogged pipe and allow the lodged debris to slide down more easily. Pour about a half-cup into the toilet. If you’re out of dish soap, chop a bar of hand soap into small chunks and drop the pieces into the toilet.   Add Hot Water If dish soap alone doesn’t do the trick,...

Helpful Water Heater Maintenance Tips Checking your water heater is something you should do for many of reasons.  This could mean changing the anode rod, checking gas supply, and plumbing joints. Try checking each of these items every few months as your water heater is used year round with no real breaks. What are the benefits of water heater maintenance? With the right maintenance on your water heater, you can count on it lasting way longer than it would without it, while also making it...

1. Plant shade trees around the house Planting leafy trees around the outside of your home will help block the sun and keep your house cooler. 2. Cover your windows When it’s hot, about 76 percent of sunlight on windows enters in the form of heat, according to the DOE. Solar screens, or mesh-like window screens, can intercept the energy before it gets into the house. Window screens are particularly effective on east- and west-facing windows. 3. Get “smart” about your thermostat If there’s no...