Repair & Maintenance

What Not to Flush Down the Toilet

If your toilet gets clogged it can mean an unpleasant experience for your household. Learn what cannot be flushed down the toilet to avoid plumbing nightmares.

American Home Shield is Ready to Safely Serve You

Rest assured, we're prepared to serve you and protect the home systems and appliances you count on every day.

10 Major Appliances Covered with an AHS® Home Warranty

American Home Shield is there to help protect your budget and systems and appliances when they break down. Check out all the info on 10 major appliances covered by an AHS home warranty.

Can a Home Warranty Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?

Looking into buying a home warranty but have older appliances? Or maybe you've already tried to fix the appliance yourself? Learn if a home warranty still covers your appliance or system with a pre-existing condition.

What Causes a Leaky Faucet?

Tired of hearing drip, drip? Then learn how to find the causes of a leaky faucet and the best way to fix it with these steps from American Home Shield.

How to Install or Replace a Bathroom Fan

You might be surprised to learn that installing or replacing a bathroom exhaust fan is a moderately easy DIY project. All you need are the right tools and basic electrical and carpentry skills.

Common Trash Compactor Problems and How to Fix Them

Your trash compactor is one of the most underappreciated appliances in your home. Learn how to detect and fix some of the most common problems.

Having a Home Warranty Helps Keep You Covered for the Winter Season

It's that time of the year — it's freezing outside which means your kids spend most of their hours in the house. More playtime inside means more risk of something breaking. Are you covered? Learn how a home warranty can cover you in the winter months.

Here’s to National Home Warranty Day!

Today's a day we can truly celebrate. See why you should also join in on the celebration.

Home Warranty Renewal Season: Stay Covered

Don't wait to see a groundhog's shadow to renew your home warranty. With a new year just starting up, you'll want to make sure you're covered for another year. Here are some reasons you should renew your home warranty.

It's Time to Start Thinking About Your Spring 2020 A/C Tune-Up

With warmer temperatures soon to come, don’t be caught off guard with a broken A/C. An A/C tune up can extend your system's life and efficiency, keeping you cool and comfortable.

Most Common Appliance Breakdown: A Look at the Numbers

According to Consumer Reports, here are some of the most common appliance problems and repairs with data to support the results.

10 Home Maintenance Tips for This Winter

As the weather starts to change, learn how you can keep your home looking nice and running fine this winter. Don’t get stuck in the cold this winter.

Home Maintenance Advice for Single Moms

Being a single mom is hard enough. Use this guide for some home maintenance tips to help you make your life easier.

5 Home Maintenance Tasks You're Probably Forgetting to Do

Here are 5 simple home maintenance tasks that most people forget to do on a regular basis. Use this list to make sure you’re maintaining your home correctly.

How to Insulate Your Basement

If you're insulating your basement, use this guide. Find out how insulating your basement can allow you to utilize it as another bedroom or living room.

Where Your Home Loses the Most Heat

In the winter, your home loses heat, which can bump up your heating bills. Learn where most of that heat escapes and easy solutions to fix it.

6 Steps to Maintain Your Heater For Fall

Your furnace needs to be maintained every fall before it begins heating your home. Use these tips to keep it running longer.

8 Home Repairs That Could Be Covered by Your American Home Shield® Home Warranty

If you have a home warranty, or are looking to get a home warranty, check out these common home repairs that could be covered through American Home Shield. Learn more!

How to Keep Your Washer and Dryer in Great Working Condition

You rely on your washer and dryer to keep your clothes looking good. Use this guide to make sure you're keeping up with the overall maintenance of your washer and dryer.

Helpful 7-Day Home Maintenance Checklist

With the weather heating up, use this 7-day checklist for you and your family to get your home ready for the warmer weather. This quick checklist will help you hit on the main points on home maintenance.

What You Need to Know about Recharging Your Home’s AC Unit

Here is everything you need to know about recharging your AC unit. As temperatures start to rise, so will the need for your AC unit, make sure it is in top shape and ready to go.

5 Common Signs That Your AC Unit's Life Is Coming to an End

When is it time to put your old system to rest? Here are some of the most common signs.

Red Flags to Look Out for on Your HVAC System

Here are some common red flags that people overlook when it comes to their AC unit. Don't ignore these potential issues, or risk a bigger issue down the road with your HVAC system.

Handy-Dandy Home Maintenance Checklist

Remembering to do all your required home maintenance can be tough. Check out this checklist to help you remember all the home maintenance that you need to do.

Here’s Why You Should Get a Professional HVAC Tune-Up

Summer is approaching and the last thing you'll want to worry about is whether or not your AC unit will be in tiptop shape. Learn why getting a professional HVAC tune-up every spring is so important.

Is Your A/C Ready for Summer?

Summer is almost upon us, and that means it’s time to check your A/C system. It’s important to regularly check the system in order to prevent any breakdowns once things start to heat up. Below are a few helpful steps for checking your A/C system.

5 Tips for a Roof Inspection

With warmer weather comes more rain, and a damaged roof can bring a lot of problems. A leaking roof can also make your AC work overtime. Use these tips to inspect your roof.

Broken Sprinkler Valves Causes and Repair

Discover the signs of a broken sprinkler valve and how to repair your broken sprinkler valve from the Home Matters home repair & maintenance experts.

HVAC System Maintenance: Change Your Filter

It may not be AC weather just yet, but that is no reason not to be ready for the heat. Learn why it is important to change your filters. Maintain your HVAC system properly.

6 Tips to Extend an Oven’s Lifespan

On average, how long should an oven last? AHS has the tips to make sure you can get the most out of you oven and extend its life.

Common Costly DIY Home Repair Mistakes

DIY home repairs can be fun and cheap. But at the same time, if done wrong, they can be costly in the long run. Avoid these common DIY mistakes that homeowners tend to make.

Why is My Central Heat Not Working?

Do you know how to troubleshoot central heating issues? Learn how to handle the most common causes, DIY solutions, and when an HVAC pro is required.

Gas, Electric, or Tankless – Here’s How to Maintain Your Water Heater

Your water heater is an important appliances in your home, proper maintenance is the best way to keep your water heater running properly for longer.

Wall Heater Not Working? Here’s How to Fix Common Issues

Is your wall heater not heating? Does it turn on and off too often? Is the heater making noise but not getting hot? AHS has some fixes for these common wall heater issues.

Lengthen the Life of Your Water Heater when You Drain It Regularly

Learn the steps to flushing your water heater and listen to experts share their water heater maintenance tips.

4 Reasons Your Garage Door is Opening by Itself

Your garage door is meant to open and close on your command, but what do you do when your garage door starts opening on its own. AHS has identified a few reasons and fixes.

Why is My Oven Smoking?

Smelly Dishwasher? 5 Easy Steps to Clean Out Your Dishwasher

A dishwasher is meant to clean your dishes, not stink up your kitchen. Cleaning your dishwasher doesn't need to be hard. AHS has five easy steps to rid that stinky dishwasher smell.

What's the Life Expectancy of Small Appliances?

How long should a microwave last? How about a vacuum? AHS can help you understand the life expectancy of some of your most used smaller appliances.

Here’s What You Can Expect to Pay for That Fridge Repair

The average cost of refrigerator repair can range from $250 to $500. This is not a definitive price but when it comes to getting your fridge repaired, many things should be taken into consideration.

How to Tackle 10 Common Washer and Dryer Problems

Not all washer and dryer problems require a repairman. From washing machine draining issue to dryer not spinning, AHS has 10 easy tips for these common problems.

Garbage Disposal Repair: Everything You Need to Know

Is your garbage disposal not working? Did you know there is a circuit breaker on your disposal? AHS has more tips on how to repair your garbage disposal.

Step-By-Step Guide: How To Clean A Washing Machine

Taking the time to clean your washer and dryer can help make your machines more efficient and even prevent scary fires. See what you can do to keep this essential appliance mildew and danger free.

How to Fix Common Toilet Problems | Home Matters | AHS

Toilet clogged? Is it leaking or making noises and you don't know why? Maybe it just won't flush. AHS can help you solve these, and more, common issues with your toilet.

Refrigerator Repair: How to Fix Common Fridge Issues

Did you know that three out of five service calls are to fix bad DIY repairs? Learn from an expert what you can realistically DIY on your fridge and when to call in a pro.

3 Signs It's Time to Change Your Water Filter

Water filter problems? Here are 3 common water filter issues and ways that you can troubleshoot and fix your problem.

6 Tips to Stop Washing Machine Vibration

Washing machines are not supposed to violently vibrate around. If your washer wont stop vibrating, try these six tips to help resolve your issue.

Don’t Call The Plumber Just Yet: 9 Ways to Unclog Your Kitchen Sink Drain

DIY home projects are great for saving money and enjoying a good challenge, but these household projects are better left for professionals.

6 Early-Warning Signs From Your Electric Water Heater

The average electric hot water heater can last between 8 to 12 years. Here are 6 signs to help extend your water heaters life expectancy.

7 Tips to Keep Frost From Building Up in Your Freezer

Have you ever opened your freezer to find everything inside covered in ice? That's freezer frost, and can lead to multiple issues. Follow these tips to prevent freezer frost.

Home Warranties: Are They Worth It? What You Should Know

Let us take you through the idea of a home warranty and describe how a home warranty really can help you plan for your financial future.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

It's not a matter of IF, but WHEN, you will need to replace your air conditioner. AC's generally last 10-15 years. Learn about how age and noise may factor into when to replace.

Don’t Call The Plumber Just Yet: 5 Common Items That Can Unclog the Shower Drain

Do you shower in standing water? Your shower drain is most likely clogged. Use these common items to unclog your shower drain before you call a plumber.

6 Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Home Humming This Spring

It's time to dive into your Spring Maintenance Checklist to ensure that your systems and appliances run smoothly all year-long. We'll take you down a step-by-step process to ensure that your summer is as breezy as ever.

When Should I Replace My Garbage Disposal?

Appliances don’t last forever, but sometimes it’s hard to know when to replace one instead of repairing it. With garbage disposals, there are some distinct signs that may give you clues about what to do.

8 Steps to Properly Clean Your Clothes Dryer

Learn how to clean your clothes dryer, vent ducts, and lint trap in eight DIY steps. Routine dryer cleaning can help this much-used appliance run more efficiently and prevent fire hazards.

7 Common Oven Problems and How to Fix Them

Is your oven not heating? Ranger burner won't turn on? Oven door won't shut? We have the solutions to these common oven problems and more.

Your Guide to Home Boiler Maintenance

Does your home have a boiler? If so, what type of boiler is it? Learn how steam boilers differ from forced air boilers and how type affects energy efficiency.

Learning to DIY: How to Replace the Attic Ladder

Do you use your attic for storage, but realize that your attic stairs need to be replaced? Learn how to do it yourself with this easy-to-follow tutorial.

How to Change Your Furnace Filter in 3 Easy Steps

Do you know how to change your furnace filter? Is it the same as your air filter? Keep reading to find out!

The Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

Thinking of upgrading to a tankless water heater? Before doing so, learn the pros and cons of installing one - cost, requirements, and maintenance.

Maintain Your Heater to Last Through Winter

Winter can take a toll on your heating system. Learn what signs to look for if you suspect your heater may needs to be serviced or is not working properly.

How Do You Know When Your Water Heater Needs Replacing?

Wondering if your water heater needs to be replaced? Read on to learn the five most common signs of water heater failure and what to do about them.

Appliance Repair Tips: 5 Ways to Prepare for a Service Visit

Are you ready for your service visit? Do you pay a service fee or need paperwork? Be prepared when your technician arrives with these appliance repair tips.

Are Your Appliances Ready for the Holidays?

Are you stressed about the holidays? Don't let your appliances be the cause. Download this guide for tips to get your needed appliances ready for the season.

Do Home Warranties Cover Pipes With Rust and Corrosion?

Are your pipes showing signs of rust and corrosion? Learn the common signs, if you can repair it yourself, and if a home warranty will cover the repair.

How to Spot Electrical Problems in Your Home

Having electricity makes life easier, but do you know how to spot electrical issues in your home? Here are some ways to spot common issues and what to do about them.

Is Your Fireplace Ready for Fall?

Is your fireplace ready for fall and winter weather? Before temperatures drop, learn what to do to prepare it, regardless of what type of fireplace you have.

Don't Let These Pests Damage Your A/C

Warm temperatures result in dependency on air conditioners. Before your A/C unit malfunctions, make sure to have it inspected and protected from pests, like mice.

Learning to DIY: How to Replace a Sink Faucet

Replacing a sink faucet is a doable home repair project with this easy-to-follow tutorial. AHS explains what to do before and during the replacement of the faucet.

Top Bathroom Exhaust Fan Features for Homeowners

Heat and humidity are normal in bathrooms. However, without proper ventilation, mold and mildew may form. Learn what to consider when choosing an exhaust fan.

Maintenance Tips Every New Homeowner Needs to Know

Buying a home is exciting and scary. Home maintenance doesn't have to be hard. Learn what tools you need, how to find the circuit breaker or to shut off the water.

How To Find A Good Contractor: Top Questions to Ask During the Repair Inspection

Finding a reliable home repair contractor is important. Learn what questions to ask to screen contractors before work is ever done and how to evaluate the repair.

Are Ceiling Showers the Next Big Trend in Bathroom Design?

Want a spa-like experience in your bathroom? Then maybe a flush mount shower head is right for you. Learn what to consider before installing a ceiling shower head.

What Are Plumbing Vents?

We depend on indoor plumbing, so plumbing problems can disrupt our households. Learn what issues can cause your vent pipes not to work properly and what to do.

What to Do About a Clogged Sewer Line?

Plumbing issues caused by clogged sewer drains can be expensive and frustrating for homeowners. AHS explains the signs of an issue and when to call in a pro.

3 Most Common Reasons for Noisy Water Pipes

What causes noisy water pipes, and when is the noise a problem? Learn the three likeliest causes, solutions, and how an AHS home warranty can save you on repairs.

Clearing the Air: Breaking Down the EPA’s R-22 Regulation

The EPA is phasing out the use of R-22, a type of refrigerant in air conditioners, because it depletes the ozone. Learn how this affects you and what your options are.

Clearing the Air: the Difference Between R-22 and R-410A

If you're tired of the heat, then you probably use your air conditioner. Learn how the recent EPA changes to R-22 affects you and if you need R-22 or R-410A.

From the Experts: What to Expect From an AHS A/C Service Call

Having issues with your HVAC system, but not sure what a service call involves? Experts provide answers to commonly asked questions about an AHS A/C service call.

How to Keep Your Ice Maker in Shape this Summer

Need to cool down, but the ice maker isn't making ice? Whether it's a free-standing ice maker or one connected to the fridge, these troubleshooting tips can help.

Ignore, Repair or Replace? What to Do When Your Doorbell Doesn’t Work

Ding dong! We only think of the doorbell when it rings, but what to do if it doesn't work? Do you replace it? Can you fix it yourself? AHS has the answers!

Clearing the Air: The R-22 Refrigerant Phase-out Process

Keeping up with HVAC maintenance can be intimidating for some homeowners. AHS outlines how to transition from R-22 or Freon to the newer EPA-approved refrigerants.

Garbage Disposal 101: How to Install a Disposal

Need to install a garbage disposal, but not sure you can tackle this yourself? No need to fear! AHS has an easy-to-follow tutorial. Get ready to install a disposal!

Keeping Summer Cool — How Does Central Air Work?

Most people know that central air conditioning provides the cool air that keeps their homes comfortable during the heat of summer. What many people don’t realize is that the science of central air is based on the second law of thermodynamics, which says t

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