If you think you have a leak in your home, there’s an easy way you can check. Go out to your water meter and record the level. Make sure no one uses any water for a few hours, then go back and check the meter again (it’s easiest to do this when everyone goes to bed, then check it again first thing in the morning). If the level has changed, you probably have a leak.

Sump pumps are generally reliable, but if they fail it’s usually because of a power failure. During a storm (when you rely on your pump the most), a power outage will render your pump useless. To prevent this, consider installing a battery backup. This will kick a few moments after the power goes out, letting you enjoy peace of mind the next time a storm is headed your way.

Foul smelling water is caused by the combination of hydrogen, sulfur, and bacteria in the water. Sulfur and bacteria are naturally present in the water your appliances use, and they will not make you sick. When the magnesium anode rod in your water heater tank reacts with the sulfur and bacteria in the water, it creates enough hydrogen to create an odor. There are many ways to take care of this, from replacing the magnesium anode rod to purifying the water in your water heater.

At least once a year, we suggest that homeowners schedule a professional tune-up for the central heating and cooling system in their home. Inspections on boiler and furnace systems should include duct work, pipes, dampers, valves, the chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines, the gas meter, oil tank and every part of the actual furnace and boiler.

Meanwhile, heat pump and air conditioning unit inspections should also include inspections of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils and refrigerant lines.