The toilet—an unsung hero of the home. It’s not flashy or glamorous, but you rely on it more than you think—about five times a day. And when it malfunctions? Even a minor issue can feel like a crisis.
Before you brace for a plumbing nightmare, take a breath—most toilet issues come from a few common culprits, and they’re easier to fix than you might think. Read more
For centuries, metal piping has been the backbone of plumbing systems, bringing durability and reliability to homes and buildings. Today, it faces competition from a less costly alternative—plastic piping. While each material has its own advantages, both metal and plastic come with unique limitations shaped by cost, longevity, installation ease, pressure and temperature ratings, building codes and fire resistance. Read more
Zombie media is a staple of modern pop culture. From iconic films like “Night of the Living Dead” to shows like “The Walking Dead,” audiences are captivated by stories of society overturned by reanimated corpses. But “The Last of Us,” a hugely popular video game and TV series, offers a fresh twist. Its apocalypse is caused by an evolved fungus, Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, a real-life parasite that compels ants and spiders to act in strange ways. Read more
For homeowners, managing energy efficiently is more important than ever due to rising concerns about increasing utility costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), heating water alone can make up about 18 percent of the total energy usage at home. Furthermore, water heating is the second largest energy use in homes. Read more
Did you know that the air you breathe inside your house or office building may be more polluted than the air outside? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality refers to the quality of the air within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Read more
Mold, which is a fungus, requires three things to grow: food, oxygen and moisture. While food and oxygen are widely available on common surfaces, it is the presence of moisture that becomes the critical element. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, mold thrives on organic materials such as wood, cellulose, dirt, dust and other organic accumulations. Read more
