Chicago’s cold snaps can turn small plumbing issues into expensive emergencies. The key is preparation: identify where water can freeze, insulate what needs protection, and ensure you can shut off or drain water quickly if temperatures drop unexpectedly.

1) Inspect pipes and plumbing weak points

Start with a walkthrough of your home’s most vulnerable plumbing areas. Check pipes in unheated spaces such as basements, garages, crawlspaces, and utility rooms. Pay special attention to locations near exterior walls, around windows, and anywhere pipes run through—or connect through—insulated walls.

2) Insulate before the deep cold

Insulate exposed hot and cold water pipes using foam pipe sleeves or fiberglass insulation rated for residential use. Focus on sections that are exposed to outside air, including short runs near exterior doors or vents. If you have older or ... Read more »

Outdoor kitchens and fire pits add value and comfort, but they also introduce a critical safety requirement: a properly designed and installed gas line. Whether you’re planning a natural gas connection or a propane (LP) system, the process depends on local codes, correct sizing, and safe installation practices that protect people, structures, and utility infrastructure.

Before any digging or connection work begins, confirm your fuel type and verify that your project scope is eligible for the installer’s license and permitting requirements. In many areas, gas work requires a licensed professional and an inspection at key stages. Skipping permits or using mismatched components can delay the project—and, more importantly, increase risk.

Plan the route, pressure, and appliance loads

The first step is mapping the path from the gas source (meter or tank) to each appliance—such as a grill, side ... Read more »

Magnetic water filters have been marketed for years as a simple fix for hard water. The pitch is compelling: run water through a magnetic device and the minerals that form limescale supposedly change behavior, reducing buildup in pipes, kettles, and boilers—without salt, chemicals, or complicated installation.

However, the question most consumers ask is straightforward: do magnetic water filters really work, or are they mostly marketing? The answer depends on what you mean by “work,” the water chemistry in your home, and the device’s design and verification.

What magnetic water filters claim to do

Most magnetic systems are sold as descalers. They typically advertise that magnets alter the way dissolved calcium and magnesium behave, limiting the formation of scale or encouraging softer, less-adherent deposits. Some vendors also claim benefits like improved taste and lower maintenance costs.

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Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can pose health risks when it accumulates indoors. While radon is widely discussed as an air-quality issue, it can also be present in drinking water. In the Chicago area—especially the North Shore, where homeowners often rely on groundwater—residents may wonder whether radon in water is a meaningful risk and what practical steps can address it.

Health authorities generally emphasize that radon in water is most concerning because it can escape from water into indoor air during everyday activities such as showering, washing dishes, or running hot water. Over time, inhaled radon decay products can increase the likelihood of lung cancer.

Is radon in water a North Shore concern?

Radon in drinking water depends on local geology and groundwater conditions. Areas that draw from groundwater sources are more likely to encounter radon than those relying on su ... Read more »