Although many newer gas appliances now have electric starters, some still use pilot lights. When yours run out, you don’t have to suffer from freezing cold showers. Any homeowner can do a pilot light. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to light the pilot light on your water heater from BobVila.com:
Note: If you notice a strong smell of natural gas, do not attempt to light the pilot. Leave the house and call your local gas company or 911.
1. Remove the access door. Your water heater will likely have a small access door that covers the pilot light. This panel is either designed to be tear-off or you may need a screwdriver.
2. Turn off the control valve. Next is the small gas control valve, which should be near the bottom of the water heater. Turn the valve to the “off” position. Wait at least five minutes for the remaining gas to escape from the pipe.
3. Decrease the temperature. The temperature control valve is located near the gas control valve. Turn this valve to the lowest setting. Some water heaters have the lowest setting marked for pilot lighting.
4. Determine the type of ignition. “Some older water heaters require a flame to light the pilot,” says BobVila.com. “In that case, you’ll need a butane barbecue lighter or fireplace match long enough to reach the pilot without exposing your hand to the flame. If your water heater is a little newer, look for a red button or switch in it near the regulator valve. The red button is labeled “Pilot flame” or something similar. If your water heater has an ignitor, you do not need to use a separate flame. “
5. Set the control valve to “Pilot”. Turn the gas control valve from “Off” to “Pilot”.
6. Light the pilot light. On old style water heaters, press down on the control valve, then hold your lighter or match to the top of the pilot valve. After the pilot light has lit, do not release the control valve for a minute to allow the thermocouple to turn on and see that the pilot light is lit. For water heaters with igniters, press the pilot valve and the red ignition button down at the same time. Apply pressure until the pilot light ignites and hold for an additional minute to make sure it stays on.
7. Switch the water heater back on. Turn the gas control valve back to the “On” position and set the temperature valve back to the desired setting. Note: You should not set the temperature of your water heater above 120 ° F.
8. Put the panel back on. Snap or screw the access panel back over the indicator light.
Rain gardens can be a solution for wet lawns
If your garden is not drained well (or not at all) and is frequently soaked, a rain garden can help beautify it. Here is the breakdown from BobVila.com:
“If the waterlogging is the result of excessive runoff to a relatively flat area, installing a rain garden can alleviate the problem. A rain garden is essentially a small, boggy plot of land. Create a depression with a berm on the low side around it Purposely to collect rainwater Plant the garden with a selection of attractive water-loving plants such as sedges, cardinals, squill, marsh hibiscus and many others. A rain garden in the right place will reduce flooding, filter pollutants from the water and provide habitat for birds and pollinators. “
What should be considered before a home inspection?
Home inspections are an integral part of the home buying process. These thorough evaluations of the structure and mechanical systems can reveal potential issues that you might want to know about before purchasing any property. Here are a few things NerdWallet recommends keeping in mind:
* Know what is included in a standard inspection and what others you may need. Standard inspections are not tested for things like radon, mold, or pests.
* The inspector must be able to access every part of the house, including the attic and crawl spaces. Make sure they can go anywhere.
* “Traditionally, the buyer takes part in the inspection,” says NerdWallet. “If you follow the inspector you can better understand the house and ask questions on the spot. If you can’t attend the inspection, read the inspector’s report carefully and ask if anything is unclear.”
Don’t burn these in the fireplace
Although spring is fast approaching, it’s still cold out there. A fireplace can be a warm and cozy refuge from the bitter weather outside. If you own a wood-burning fireplace, there are three things that you should never burn:
1. Treated wood. When pressure-treated or coated wood is burned, toxic chemicals can be released into the air. For example, wood that has been treated against insects or rot may contain some form of arsenic. Wood that is painted, stained, or varnished may contain other chemicals that can produce toxic fumes, according to BobVila.com. Also, avoid burning plywood as the adhesives used to make it can also emit toxic fumes.
2. Carton. While cardboard catches and burns quickly and can be a quick way to start a fire, you shouldn’t use it as a fire starter (or use a fire to dispose of excess cardboard). Cardboard is often treated with chemicals that can release toxins into the air. If you want to start an indoor fire quickly and safely, use approved fire starters or small splinters from your regular firewood.
3. Lighter liquid. Speaking of fire starters, you shouldn’t use chemical lighter fluid or any similar accelerator in your indoor fireplace. These products often contain methanol and petroleum based chemicals that produce toxic fumes. These accelerators also cause very hot burning fires that can damage your fireplace lining.
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