Picking the Perfect Pipes

If your gas hot water heater won't heat or stay lit, the thermocouple may need replacing. The thermocouple is a safety device that cuts off gas from the water heater in case the pilot goes out. The sensor helps it detect when the pilot light is out. When the thermocouple malfunctions, it will transmit incorrect signals to the gas valve which the gas valve misinterprets as the pilot light is out.

If your basement gets wet fairly often, a French drain may be the solution. The drain diverts water to an area where it will drain away from your house and not cause problems such as mold growth and musty odors. Draining the water away could be the only way to prevent foundation damage and reclaim your basement for storage or extra living space. French drains can be installed inside or outside.

If you have an ongoing problem with tree roots clogging up your sewer drain, you should think about having the pipe relined. The liner essentially replaces the old pipe, and this keeps roots out of your system. Getting a liner is also less expensive than having your old sewer line dug up and replaced. That's one reason to get a liner now before the roots cause your pipe to crumble. Once your sewer line is so damaged it crumbles and collapses, putting in a liner is no longer an option.

In drought-stricken regions of the U.S., there is growing panic over the lack of water to meet residential, farm and business needs. The thirst for more water is leading to some interesting dilemmas. Here's what you need to know if you plan to order a new well any time soon: There's a long waiting list to have wells drilled in some spots. In California, farmers and homeowners are waiting months and sometimes years for the well drillers to arrive.

If you're building a tennis court (or multiple courts) for your community recreation center or club, you may be unsure about what type of surface to install. Read on to learn more about the four basic types of tennis court surfaces and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Carpet Carpet tennis surfaces are used for indoor courts only. The name carpet is misleading; carpet courts are really a rubbery synthetic material laid over cement or wood.

If your garage door is acting up and may need maintenance or new installation, you might be worried about the cost for having this professionally looked at. The thing is, there are a few cases where you can't afford not to bring in a professional. Here are four garage door fixes that you should never try to DIY. 1. Electrical Issues or Faulty Wiring Electrical issues may require a professional garage door installer as well as an electrician.

If you want for you and your children to be able to jump off of your dock to go swimming, it is important to have a way for everyone to get back onto the dock. Attempting to pull yourself out of the water and flop onto the dock could lead to you getting splinters in your stomach or hands when you rub against the wood. It is best to install a dock ladder at the end of the dock for everyone to use.