As summer temperatures approach, taking a little time to prepare your air conditioning can pay off quickly. A well-maintained system cools more evenly, uses less energy, and is less likely to fail during the hottest stretches of the year.

Here are five practical tasks to complete before the heat hits.

1) Replace or clean your air filter

A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your AC work harder and often driving up electricity use. Check the filter and replace it if it’s clogged, discolored, or can’t be cleaned effectively. If you have pets or allergies, consider inspecting more frequently during peak season.

2) Schedule a tune-up—especially if it’s been a while

Many cooling failures begin with small issues that a professional tune-up can catch early. A technician can inspect components, verify refrigerant levels, test controls, and check for wear on ... Read more »

In Highland Park, IL, many homes built decades ago still serve their owners well—but their plumbing systems often reflect older construction standards, pipe materials, and maintenance schedules. As infrastructure ages, small problems can turn into leaks, pressure changes, and water quality concerns.

Local homeowners frequently report issues that trace back to older plumbing design and materials. Understanding what commonly goes wrong can help residents spot early warning signs and reduce the risk of expensive repairs.

Aging pipe materials and corrosion

One of the most common plumbing problems in older Highland Park homes is pipe corrosion. Older metal pipes can develop internal buildup over time, leading to reduced water flow, inconsistent pressure, and discolored water. Corrosion may also increase the likelihood of pinhole leaks behind walls or under floors.

Signs to watch for incl ... Read more »

When heavy rain hits the Chicago area, plumbing problems can escalate quickly—often before the weather even clears. Sudden downpours can strain storm drains and sanitary sewers, increase groundwater pressure, and introduce debris into pipes. The result: backups, basement moisture, slow drains, and sometimes unexpected damage.

Below are the most common ways intense rainfall affects household plumbing in the region, plus practical steps to reduce risk.

1) Sewer backups and overflows

In many areas, combined sewer systems (where stormwater and wastewater are managed together) can be overwhelmed during intense storms. When capacity drops, sewer flow may reverse or back up through sinks, floor drains, and toilets. Even brief surges can leave residents dealing with gurgling drains and unpleasant odors.

Watch for: gurgling sounds in multiple drains at once, ... Read more »

With more people cooking at home and eating in, North Shore households are seeing a familiar plumbing issue: grease buildup in sewer lines. When fats, oils, and food scraps go down the drain, they can contribute to blockages and costly repairs. That’s why homeowners comparing grease traps and garbage disposals need to understand what each system is designed to handle.

While garbage disposals can reduce food waste at the sink, they don’t stop grease from moving through your plumbing. Grease traps, by contrast, are built to intercept grease and keep it from entering wastewater systems in the first place.

How a garbage disposal works (and what it can’t do)

A garbage disposal grinds soft food waste into smaller particles so they can pass through plumbing more easily. In many homes, that’s enough to prevent kitchen scraps from clogging the sink drain.

... Read more »