5 Possible Reasons Why A Wired Smoke Alarm Is Going Off
Hardwired smoke detectors are more reliable than battery powered, but there are still potential issues, such as a dead backup battery or improper installation.
Read MoreSteven Symes
Hunker Editorial Policies
Hunker uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the ever-evolving conversations surrounding home improvement and design, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert takes and tutorials from our talented team.
As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
Stories By Steven Symes
-
-
What Causes A Toilet To Break?
What causes a toilet to break? Figuring out how to keep your toilet intact is preferable to dealing with the aftermath of a cracked bowl or tank. A number of factors, including temperature and age, may contribute to a broken toilet.
Read More -
Why Does A Faucet Suddenly Become Stiff?
Has your faucet suddenly become stiff? Here are some of the common reasons that faucets stick, and what to do about it. Replacing O-rings may be necessary to stop your faucet handles from sticking.
Read More -
Why Is My Shower Water Brown?
Shower water turns brown when there's a high concentration of iron in the water supply. Brown water will stain your shower, and consuming too much iron-saturated water could pose a health risk, so be sure to find the root of the problem and take steps to address it.
Read More -
What Is A Good Sealant For Sink Drains?
The most popular sealant for sink drains is a clay-like substance called plumber's putty. However, silicone caulk can also be used. Learn how to install both.
Read More -
What Does It Mean When Black Stuff Comes From The Drain Of Your Sink?
What does it mean when black stuff comes up your sink or tub drain? How do you handle black stuff coming out of sink? Find out the cause of the black stuff and treatment.
Read More -
Leak In The Ceiling Below A Bathroom
A leak in the ceiling below a bathroom can come from the toilet, sink or bathtub. Finding the source of the leak and repairing it prevents any more damage from happening.
Read More -
If My Upstairs Bathroom Is Flooded, Is That Bad For The Ceiling?
If your upstairs bathroom is flooded, your ceiling is definitely at risk. Even a minor flood can do major damage to the ceiling below the bathroom. Stopping the flood is the first order of business.
Read More -
What Does It Mean When Your Toilet Sounds Like It Randomly Flushes?
When a toilet sounds like it's randomly flushing, a common culprit is a worn-out flapper valve. When a faulty valve doesn't seat properly, water leaks from the tank. When the tank water level is low enough, the tank automatically refills.
Read More -
What Does It Mean When Black Water Is Coming Up From The Tub Drain?
When black water is coming up from the tub drain and collecting in the bathtub, it's from wastewater that's backing up from the sewer. Call your local water and sewer authority to confirm.
Read More -
How To Fix Stuck Bathtub Faucet Diverters
If your bathtub faucet diverter malfunctions, you won't be able to easily switch back and forth from the spout to the shower head. This reduces the versatility of your bathroom and may even cause you to use more water in the long run. All you have to do is loosen the diverter or replace the spout.
Read More -
What Causes A Loud Humming Noise In Bathroom Toilets After Flushing?
Loud humming noises that happen after you flush your toilet can come from the ball cock, or they can be due to pipe vibrations or water hammer in your plumbing.
Read More -
Does A Tub Or Shower Need A Trap In The Plumbing?
Tubs and showers need a trap in the plumbing to prevent dangerous sewer gases from entering the home. A P-trap is the standard style for showers and tubs.
Read More -
Cold Weather And Clogged Drains
Cold weather clogs and their causes. How to prevent clogged drains in the winter months. Various cold weather clog issues and how to prevent them from occurring.
Read More -
I Smell Smoke When I Put On The Heat In My House
If you smell smoke when you turn on heat, it's time to investigate to make sure there are no fire or wiring issues. Minor issues, such as dust, can be to blame.
Read More -
What To Do About A Dripping Noise From The Toilet
A dripping noise from the toilet is one of those minor inconveniences that can really bother you. Fixing the dripping noise is often within a homeowner's abilities, as there are a few simple strategies that may quiet the drip.
Read More -
Bubbles On The Bathroom Ceiling
Bubbles on the bathroom ceiling are often caused by humidity, although it's important to understand exactly why it's happening so you can address the underlying problem.
Read More -
What Is An Air Lock In Plumbing?
Air lock in plumbing happens when air traps water in your pipes, keeping the water from flowing through like normal. This situation can cause low water pressure and can prevent any water at all from reaching your faucet. You can try fixing the issue yourself before you call a plumber.
Read More -
How To Remove A Stuck Outside Water Faucet
Once an outdoor water faucet begins leaking, you need to replace the valve stem’s rubber seal or else risk not only wasted water but the possibility of the leaking water freezing and rupturing the faucet or water supply pipe. Loosen the nut on the faucet to remove the valve stem from the faucet’s pipe to fix any leaks.
Read More -
Do Cold Temperatures Affect Painting Interior Walls?
Paint, like other materials, reacts to changes in temperatures, even if you are painting inside your temperature-controlled house.
Read More -
What Causes Black Rings Around The Toilet?
Black rings around the toilet not only look disgusting, they may also resist regular cleaning techniques using toilet bowl cleaner and a toilet brush. The black ring may also be made up of toxic materials that not only smell bad but put your health at risk.
Read More -
Why Is The Laundry Room Hot When The Dryer Is Running?
Normally running the dryer will not elevate the temperature in a laundry room by any noticeable amount, which is why you should be concerned if your laundry room suddenly becomes hot while you are using the dryer.
Read More -
Ammonia Smell In A Bathroom
Ammonia and other unpleasant smells in a bathroom can be caused by any number of issues, some of them quite simple to fix.
Read More -
A Rotten Egg Smell In The Shower Drain
A rotten egg smell in your shower offends your nose and makes taking a shower less than pleasant, but you can solve the problem either by yourself or with help from your plumber.
Read More -
How To Replace An Outside Water Valve That Won't Shut Off
Water faucets on the outside of a building still use a valve assembly to regulate the flow of water in a similar way to how indoor faucets operate. Like indoor faucets, an outside faucet valve that has worn out can come to the point where faucet will not shut off completely.
Read More
