Articles Index
How to Troubleshoot and Repair an Electric Water Heater
How to troubleshoot and repair a tank type electric water heater.
How to Troubleshoot and Repair a Gas Water Heater
Tutorial on troubleshooting a tank type water heater including gas and electric types
How to Get "Instant" Hot Water with a Standard Water Heater
Article describes how to improve water heater performance with simple add-on booster / recirculation pump system that allows faster hot water to appliances and faucets.
Tankless Water Heaters - What You Need to Know
This tutorial describes tankless water heaters, how they work, different fuel sources and types of tankless hot water heaters, how to size the unit and issues associated with this technology.
Replacing a Water Heater Thermocouple or Flame Sensor
This tutorial describes how to easily replace a gas water heater thermocouple having an older style standing pilot or a new style electronic ignition.
Anatomy of a Gas Water Heater (Tank type)
Detailed description and graphic of the components making up a gas tank type hot water heater.
Water Heater Tips for Saving Energy and Operating Costs
Tips for how to save money and conserve energy when using a water heater.
How to Maintain a Water Heater in 3 Easy Steps
This tutorial describes the 3 easy steps to proper water heater maintenance which will help reduce your energy costs and extend the life of the water heater.
Electric Water Heater Heating Element Troubleshooting and Replacement
This tutorial describes how to troubleshoot and replace heating elements in an electric water heater.
Water Hardness Testing
This tutorial describes a home test to determine if you have hard water.
How to Light a Gas Furnace Standing Pilot
This tutorial describes how a standing pilot and thermocouple work in a furnace and how to light a standing pilot on a gas furnace.
Screen Repair - Wood Frame
Describes technique for repairing screen in a wood frame
How to Repair an Aluminum Frame Screen Door
Tutorial describes how to easily repair a screen door for professional looking results.
How to Clean and Refinish a Wood Deck
Wood decks provide increased outdoor living area but require periodic maintenance including refinishing. Refinishing a wood deck involves a few steps such as inspection, cleaning and wood brightening, power washing, sanding, staining and sealing. This detailed tutorial will walk you through all the major steps of refinishing your wood deck successfully and beautifully.
Wood Deck Cleaning and Brightening
Wood decks require maintenance just like any other part of your home. This tutorial will walk you through the steps necessary for wood deck inspection and cleaning prior to refinishing.
Nails 101 - Nail Sizes and Types Around the Home
This tutorial describes the most common types of nails you will encounter and describes their use. Described are nail types including cut, common, box, annular ring, masonry, brad, finish, casing, roofing and duplex. An overview of nail sizing and terminology is also provided.
Wall Shelf Installation – How to Install a Wall Shelf
Tutorial provides detailed photos and instructions on installation of wall shelf using wall anchors.
The Incandescent Lighting Ban
Tutorial clarifies the phased ban of certain incandescent lighting mandated by the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act.
Types of Home Heating Systems
Describes the most common types of home heating systems including forced air, hydronic hot water baseboard, radiant in floor heat, steam heat radiation and geothermal.
Troubleshooting an Electronic Ignition Furnace
The gas electronic ignition furnace is the most common type of new furnace but requires a special understanding of its components for repair of hot surface ignition and intermittent pilot systems.
Vent Pipe for High Efficiency Furnaces - PVC – ABS - CPVC
Tutorial describes types of plastic high efficiency furnace vent piping (ABS, PVC, CPVC) and types of furnace vent systems such as direct vent (2 pipe) and non-direct vent (1 pipe).
Types of Home Piping Materials
Tutorial describes the various types of materials used in home plumbing systems and outlines the most common types of piping materials found in homes of different ages, what they are used for and how to cut and fasten them together.
Anatomy of a High Efficiency Condensing Furnace
This tutorial describes the construction and components of the high efficiency condensing furnace and how it compares to a conventional furnace.
Troubleshooting a High Efficiency Condensing Furnace
Tutorial describes how to troubleshoot a high efficiency direct vent condensing furnace.
Furnace Pressure Switch
Tutorial describing the function and operation of a furnace pressure switch used on conventional and condensing furnaces.