In the labyrinth of pipes that make up a home’s plumbing system, the main water shutoff valve is one of the most crucial components. Understanding how to identify this valve is essential for any homeowner, especially in emergency situations when a swift response is required. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a sudden leak, or scheduled […]
Author: Damon Little
Backyard Sheds, Playsets & Trampolines: Securing for St. Louis Winds
St. Louis, situated along the Mississippi River, is known for its unique weather patterns, which often bring about unpredictable wind conditions. Understanding these wind patterns is essential for homeowners who want to ensure the safety and stability of their backyard structures such as sheds, playsets, and trampolines. With Midwest weather being infamous for its rapid […]
Window & Door Weatherproofing for Missouri Storms
Missouri, a state squarely situated in the heart of the United States, is no stranger to its fair share of unpredictable and often severe weather patterns. With a varied climate influenced by both arctic and subtropical air masses, Missouri experiences a wide range of weather events. These can include heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, […]
Documenting Storm Damage in St. Louis: Photos, Receipts & Claims
Living in St. Louis means being no stranger to severe weather events. Whether it’s torrential rains, damaging winds, or hailstones, these natural occurrences can leave devastating impacts on homes. Properly assessing the extent of storm damage is not just crucial for safety and functionality; it’s also essential for insurance purposes and effective recovery. According to […]
Protect Low Garages & Walkout Basements from Flash Flooding (STL)
Flash flooding can wreak havoc on homes, especially in low-lying areas like garages and walkout basements. The city of St. Louis, known for its unpredictable weather and susceptibility to heavy rain, presents unique challenges for homeowners aiming to protect their properties. Understanding these hazards is essential for prevention and mitigation strategies. Flash flooding occurs when […]
St. Louis Sewer Lateral Basics: What Homeowners Should Know
For many homeowners in St. Louis, dealing with sewer laterals may not top the list of priorities. However, understanding your responsibilities regarding these essential underground structures is crucial. Sewer laterals are the underground pipes that connect a home’s plumbing system to the main sewer line, typically maintained by local municipalities. In many instances, homeowners are […]
Radon in Missouri Homes: Testing, Levels & Mitigation Basics
Radon, a colorless and odorless radioactive gas, poses significant health risks when it accumulates in homes. In Missouri, where geological conditions can contribute to elevated radon levels, testing for this harmful gas is a critical safety measure for homeowners. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer […]
Earthquake Insurance in Missouri: What to Know Before You Buy
Missouri, notably a part of the New Madrid Seismic Zone, is no stranger to the potential risks posed by earthquakes. This area has a storied history of seismic activity, with significant quakes reported as early as the early 1800s. The infamous 1811-1812 earthquakes were among the strongest ever recorded in the continental United States, with […]
New Madrid Quake Prep: Strap Water Heaters & Secure Heavy Furniture
The New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) is a major source of earthquake activity, sprawling across the central United States, approximating along the Mississippi River Valley. This region, encompassing parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, is noteworthy for its historical seismic activity, including a series of massive quakes from 1811 to 1812. These […]
Heat Waves in St. Louis: HVAC Maintenance & Attic Insulation Tips
Heat waves are extreme weather conditions characterized by prolonged periods of excessively high temperatures, which can significantly disrupt daily life and compromise health and safety. Over the past few decades, studies have shown an increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves, partly due to ongoing climate change. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports […]