Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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How to Troubleshoot a Dishwasher That Won’t Drain
Having a dishwasher that won’t drain can be a major inconvenience. Dirty water filling up the tub and leaking out onto the floor is something no one wants to deal with. But before calling a repair person, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try yourself to get your dishwasher draining properly again. Inspect the…
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How to Replace a Furnace Thermocouple or Electronic Flame Sensor
Introduction Replacing a faulty thermocouple or flame sensor is an essential repair for any gas furnace. A thermocouple measures the pilot light flame and signals the gas valve to open and allow gas to flow to the burners. The flame sensor performs a similar function, ensuring that the main burners have ignited properly by detecting…
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How to Replace the Drain Trap on a Sink
Introduction Replacing the drain trap under your sink is an important plumbing task that helps keep your drains flowing properly. The drain trap is the u-shaped piece of pipe located directly under the sink drain. Over time, it can become clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris, or the seal can wear out. Replacing…
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Where to Position the Fire and Smoke Detectors in Your Home
Introduction Fire and smoke detectors are an essential part of any home safety system. When positioned correctly, they can alert occupants to a fire or smoke condition early enough to allow time to escape. However, if detectors are placed in the wrong locations, they may not detect fires before it’s too late. This article will…
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How to Snake a Bathroom Sink Drain
Clogged and slow-draining sinks are a common annoyance in bathrooms. Food particles, hair, soap scum, and other debris can gradually build up in your pipes, eventually leading to a backed-up sink that won’t drain properly. Instead of using harsh chemical drain cleaners or calling an expensive plumber, snaking your sink drain is an easy and…
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Steam vs. Hot Water Radiator Comparison Guide
Deciding between steam and hot water radiators for your home’s heating system is an important decision that requires careful consideration of the pros and cons of each system. This comprehensive comparison guide covers everything you need to know to choose the right type of radiator system for your needs. Introduction Radiators are heat exchangers designed…
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How to Test for Hard Water
Hard water is a common issue caused by high concentrations of minerals like calcium and magnesium. While hard water is generally safe, it can cause a variety of problems like spots on dishes, scale buildup in pipes and appliances, difficulty getting soap and detergents to lather, and dry skin. Knowing how to test for hard…
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Window Air Conditioning Chart (BTUs for Room Size)
Selecting the proper size window air conditioner for your room is crucial to ensure efficient and effective cooling. The general rule of thumb is that for every square foot of living space, you need 20 BTUs (British Thermal Units) of cooling power. However, many other factors come into play when determining the ideal window AC…
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How to Fix a Slow Sink Drain: 7 Methods
Having a slow draining sink can be extremely frustrating. Not only does it take forever for water to go down, but it also allows dirty water and debris to collect in the sink. Luckily, there are several methods you can try to get your sink drain flowing fast again. Use a Plunger One of the…
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How a Furnace-Mounted Home Humidifier Works
A furnace-mounted humidifier is an important accessory that can make your home more comfortable during dry winter months. Installing and properly maintaining a furnace humidifier allows you to reap the benefits of balanced humidity in your living space. Understanding how these units work helps ensure you get the most out of your furnace humidifier. What…
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