Guides

Leaving Home This Winter? A Water-Safe Travel Checklist
Heading out for the holidays or a winter getaway? Here's a 30-minute checklist to keep heat, pipes, and water lines safe while the house sits empty. Read more...
Why Is My Basement Damp? A 48-Hour Test to Find the Cause
A damp basement has one of two causes: water coming in from outside, or moisture already in the air. A simple foil test tells you which, and the fix depends on the answer. Read more...
How to Keep Pipes From Freezing (and What to Do If They Do)
A burst pipe can put gallons of water into your home every minute. Here's how to protect your pipes before a hard freeze and what to do if one freezes anyway. Read more...
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter? Every 1 to 6 Months, Here's How to Tell
Most homes should change the HVAC air filter every 1 to 6 months. Where you land depends on the filter type, pets, allergies and how hard your system runs. Read more...
How to Keep Your AC Condensate Drain Line Clear (and Why It Matters)
Your air conditioner pulls gallons of water out of the air every day. When the drain line clogs, that water ends up in your ceiling, closet or attic. Here's how to keep it flowing. Read more...
Winter Home Checklist: 8 Water Problems to Prevent Before the First Freeze
Eight quick checks, inside and out, that prevent the most common winter water damage. Read more...
How Far Should Downspouts Drain From the House?
Most guidance says 4 to 6 feet or more. Here's why it matters for your basement and the easiest ways to move roof water away. Read more...
Why Are My Windows Wet Inside? Winter Humidity, Explained
Morning condensation on windows means indoor air is wetter than cold glass can handle. Here's what humidity to aim for in winter and how to bring it down. Read more...
Where to Put Water Leak Sensors: The 8 Spots That Matter
Most hidden water damage starts at the same few places. Put a sensor at each one and your phone knows the moment water hits the floor. Read more...
What Humidity Should Your House Be? A Room-by-Room Guide
Keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50%. Here's how to measure it, what each reading means, and what to do when a room drifts out of range. Read more...