It’s funny. Last night, I was sitting on my deck and mostly enjoying the soft breeze and balmy temperatures that often accompany mid-July here in Northern Virginia.  But like a bucket of cold water on a burning flame, the spell was broken when my eye took notice of our stainless steel gas grill, and mostly […]

There are advantages to both gas and electric water heaters, but since the subject of this blog is “electric,” we’re going to tip the balance in their favor. But not without first acknowledging that gas water heaters typically cost less to operate, though not to purchase.  Beyond that, the odds pretty much do favor electric […]

You wouldn’t think so, but clearing toilets or any other type of drain can be highly entertaining for a professional plumber.  Messy and odorous, to be sure, but entertaining nonetheless. That’s because we always finding long, lost objects and putting an end to searches that home owners have long given up on.  Partly because they […]

So, you’ve just moved into a new home – not brand new, but new to you – and the very first time you run the washing machine, the water either doesn’t drain at all, or drains very, very slowly.  To the point of distraction. That’s exactly the sort of thing that is not very likely […]

Summertime means more time spent outdoors enjoying all the warm weather season has to offer. But if you have a furry companion, it’s important to remember that some outdoor summer activities can be dangerous for pets. So before you take Baxter to that backyard barbeque or Lacy to the lake, read on to learn how […]

Here’s the fast and correct answer:  you need a professional plumber to calculate what size water heater you need as there are numerous factors involved, such as: Storage tank or tankless? Burner or element heating? Number of people in your family? How much hot water is needed during periods of peak demand? And so on? […]

Chances are that when you think of outdoor grilling, you think of “Dad” slinging the burgers and franks while making small talk with family and friends, and all while keeping a watchful eye on the little ones. At least that’s the stereotype.  And, like most such stereotypes from the days of Ozzie & Harriet and […]

June 5th is World Environment Day (WED), a day of environmental action and awareness run by the United Nations Environmental Programme since 1972. While the theme changes yearly, the core message remains constant: to empower people to make changes in their communities that have a positive impact on the planet. This year, the focus is […]

The issue of indoor air quality is so vital to our nation’s health, that National Clean Air Month is now observed every year between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.  Which means that observances all across the country are going on as this blog is being published. There are two primary ways you improve the quality […]

They’re the people you love unconditionally. The ones you share the good times with, and those you turn to for support during the bad. They’re your family. As a nation, we’ve been celebrating this most cherished of institutions during National Family Month – the five weeks between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day – since 1998. […]