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About Russ Motyko

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So far Russ Motyko has created 45 blog entries.

How Do You Reduce Water Pressure for a Home?

By |2023-03-10T13:23:02-08:00March 10th, 2023|DIY Repairs, DIY Testing, home inspection|

High water pressure can cause several problems in a home and lead to damage to pipes, fixtures, and appliances. It can also increase the cost of energy and water bills. In this article, we will discuss the effects of high water pressure, what a safe water pressure is, how to reduce water pressure, and [...]

Cast Iron Pipes

By |2023-03-10T14:03:24-08:00March 10th, 2023|home inspection, Maintenance|

Cast iron drain piping has been a popular choice in residential construction for more than a century. Its durability and ability to withstand extreme temperatures and pressure have made it a reliable option for homes and buildings around the world. Cast iron pipes were first used in the mid-19th century in commercial and industrial [...]

Concrete Honeycombing

By |2023-03-10T14:02:42-08:00March 10th, 2023|home inspection|

Concrete has been used in construction for thousands of years, but its use in residential foundations is a relatively recent development. Before the 20th century, most residential foundations were made of stone, brick, or wood, but the widespread availability of concrete and its superior strength and durability eventually made it the material of choice [...]

Automatic Gas Shut Off Valves

By |2023-03-10T14:01:51-08:00March 10th, 2023|home inspection|

Installing an automatic gas shut off valve is a wise decision that can help keep you and your family safe in case of a gas leak. There are two main types of automatic gas shut off valves: seismic or earthquake-actuated valves and excess flow valves. While both types of valves serve a similar purpose [...]

What are Drum Traps and Why Are They Problematic?

By |2023-03-10T14:00:57-08:00March 10th, 2023|home inspection|

The history of drain plumbing in residential homes dates back to ancient Rome, where complex systems of aqueducts and sewer pipes were used to transport water and waste away from buildings. In medieval Europe, basic drain systems consisting of trenches and gutters were used, but they were often unhygienic. During the Industrial Revolution, wealthy [...]

Why is annual servicing important for HVAC equipment?

By |2022-11-29T16:36:01-08:00November 29th, 2022|DIY Testing, Maintenance|

What if you could save money, breathe cleaner air, enjoy enhanced safety and comfort in your home all while improving your overall peace of mind for a relatively small investment? Let's look at why HVAC preventative maintenance is such a good idea. Save money: Regular HVAC maintenance is estimated to lower the chance of [...]

Where are GFCI outlets required under current building standards?

By |2022-11-29T16:16:16-08:00November 29th, 2022|DIY Repairs, home inspection|

Ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are safety devices that are put on electrical outlets, also known as electrical receptacles. They're also located on extension cables, circuit breakers, and other electrical equipment. When the low-resistance grounding route from a tool or electrical system is broken, a ground fault occurs. The electrical current may then take [...]

Why doesn’t a gutter with an integrated lip qualify as drip edge flashing?

By |2022-11-29T13:31:02-08:00November 29th, 2022|DIY Repairs, home inspection|

The term "drip edge" refers to the metal flashing or water-resistant barrier that is placed at the edge of a roof and that has an overhang from the roofline. It shields the fascia board from water seeping in from the top, underneath the shingles, and into your house. Drip edging aids in preventing capillary [...]

How to fix a door that is rubbing against the carpet or floor

By |2022-11-29T13:28:04-08:00November 29th, 2022|DIY Repairs, home inspection|

A door that is rubbing against the floor can sometimes be a simple nuisance but sometimes it can cause damage and negatively affect the HVAC system of the home. A door that repeatedly rubs against the carpet can cause the carpet in that area to wear prematurely. If it is rubbing against a hard [...]

How To Replace A Toilet Seal

By |2022-11-29T13:25:04-08:00November 29th, 2022|DIY Repairs, Maintenance|

When you look at the toilet in your bathroom, you won't see the toilet seal. It is, nevertheless, a crucial part on the toilet and is installed at the base of the toilet. It is a ring that prevents the toilet water from dripping onto the floor of the restroom. This ring, typically made [...]

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