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Symptom	Trade you need:
Water on the floor, slow drain, no hot water	Plumbing
No heat, furnace won't start, weird furnace noise	Heating
AC won't cool, AC running constantly, frozen unit	Air Conditioning
Thermostat issues, vents are weak, system was installed incorrectly	HVAC
Outlet not working, breaker tripping, burning smell	Electric (burning smell = call now)
Hard water, itchy skin, and water tastes off	Indoor Air Quality

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Most-asked Questions This Month

1. What is reverse osmosis water, and is it safe to drink?

Reverse osmosis water is tap water that has been pushed through a fine semipermeable membrane to remove dissolved solids, chlorine, lead, and most contaminants. Yes, it's safe to drink — RO is one of the most thorough home filtration methods available, and major health authorities consider properly treated RO water safe for daily use.

2. How do you flush a water heater?

Turn off power or gas to the heater, shut the cold-water inlet, attach a hose to the drain valve, run the other end to a floor drain or outside, then open the valve and a hot-water tap to break the vacuum. Drain until the water runs clear, refill, and restore power. Plan on 30–45 minutes.

3. Why is my sink filling up when the washing machine runs?

Your washer and that sink share a drain line, and somewhere downstream that line is partially blocked. Lint, grease, and detergent buildup are the usual culprits. The washer pumps water out faster than the clogged line can carry it away, so it backs up into the lowest opening — your sink.

4. What is an electrical pigtail?

An electrical pigtail is a short wire used to connect two or more wires to a single device terminal, like an outlet or switch. Instead of looping multiple wires under one screw, you join them together with a wire nut and run a single "pigtail" wire to the device. It's safer, code-compliant, and easier to troubleshoot.

5. What should I do if my furnace stops working in winter?

Check the thermostat is set to "heat" and batteries are fresh, then check the furnace switch and breaker, both should be on. Replace the air filter if it's dirty. If the furnace still won't run, or you smell gas or burning, shut it off and call an HVAC pro immediately. Don't try to relight a gas furnace yourself unless the manual specifies.

6. How do I reset my AC compressor?

Turn the thermostat off, then shut off power to the AC at the breaker panel and at the outdoor disconnect. Wait at least 30 minutes for internal pressure to equalize. Restore power at the breaker, then the disconnect, then turn the thermostat back to "cool" and lower the setpoint. If it still won't run or trips again, the compressor likely needs professional service.

7. How long do batteries last in a thermostat?

Most thermostat batteries last 8–12 months. You'll usually see a low-battery icon on the display 1–2 months before they fully die. Use lithium AA batteries if your thermostat takes them; they last longer and perform better in temperature swings than alkaline.

8. Which water softener salt is best for sensitive or itchy skin?

For itchy skin, evaporated salt (sometimes labeled "high-purity" or "solar-evaporated") is the best choice. It's 99.99% pure sodium chloride with the fewest impurities, which means less residue in your softened water and less skin irritation. Avoid rock salt, which contains insoluble sediment that can clog your softener and irritate skin.