Summer is coming, and that means long hours of daylight, high temperatures, and moisture — lots and lots of moisture. And all that moisture also means rain, thunderstorms, and sometimes even hurricanes. For homeowners with a basement (and that makes up a large portion of homeowners), now is the time to make sure your sump pump is ready for summer.

If you’ve never thought about the problem with plumbing leaks beyond how annoying they are, here’s what you should consider. A little bit of water is no big deal — but when all that water builds up over time, it causes trouble.

As a new homeowner, it’s hard you need to be prepared for some basic home repair. Having these plumbing tools can save you money and time.

Conserving water is easier than you think and while it is good for the water, it is also good for your wallet. Follow these water-conserving tips and have more money in your wallet at the end of every month.

Limescale isn’t bad merely because it’s unsightly. When limescale builds up in your pipes, it can cause poor water pressure; in your water heater, it can mean your tank needs more energy to keep your water warm. All in all, this means your electric bill is going to be higher throughout the month. In especially bad situations, limescale can build up in your pipes to such an extent that it blocks the flow of water altogether.

Going with baking soda and vinegar could be a great option if your clog isn’t too bad. Older plumbing can take some damage when exposed to particularly harsh drain chemicals. Additionally, because baking soda is a natural deodorizer, it will take care of any gross smells lingering down in your drain.

Most health experts will tell you that unless you have underlying health concerns or there is an emergency situation, tap water is perfectly safe to drink. More importantly, it is the easiest and most cost-efficient way of getting the 8 glasses of water a day that you’re encouraged to get to stay hydrated.

Your trusty garbage disposal is a pretty miraculous invention, helping you break up all kinds of solid material before it washes away down your kitchen drain. Unfortunately, it might not be as miraculous as you think. While your garbage disposal definitely makes it easier to get rid of certain kitchen waste, it’s not equipped to handle everything.

You might have heard that your water heater uses up more energy than any other appliance in your home — and every time you use hot water, whether that’s for a shower, laundry, or to wash dishes, you’re using water out of that heating tank. Naturally, you’re probably thinking that if you want to cut costs on a monthly basis, changing the temperature on your water heater seems like a smart idea. After all, for every 20 degrees you lower the temperature on your water heater, you could potentially save yourself about 10% on your gas or electric bill.