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Happy Thanksgiving!

Tips For Brown Friday

If you don’t know what Brown Friday is: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_Friday

1. Check the fill level in all your toilet tanks. Ensure the fill valve is adjusted to fill the tank to about 1/2” below the top of the overflow tube.

2. Have a (toilet) plunger on hand in every bathroom!

3. Keep the drains clear. Make sure to run plenty of water down sinks and toilets.

4. Run those kitchen garbage disposals throughout the weekend to avoid blockages.

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National News Headlines

1. Consumer Reports Proposes a Homeowners Insurance Bill of Rights.

2. We previously discussed Your Home’s Secret Price Tag. This topic is becoming more popular as home costs continue to rise: USA Today Reports on this Problem.

3. American Progress reports that we need to build more housing units. Check out this graph:

Lighting A Vented Gas Fireplace

In this article we will review how to light a vented gas fireplace without an electronic starter.

Step #1 - Gather Your Tools

You will need:

1. A gas valve key (left most item). Note that these come in different sizes.

2. A flashlight.

3. A lighter with a long extension. If you have an electronic starter (push button or switch), you will not need the lighter.

Step #2 - Open Your Flue Damper

Note: If you have a ventless gas fireplace, you will skip the steps related to opening and closing the damper.

This is where the flashlight comes in handy.

Steps:

1. Shine the flashlight up towards the top of the firebox.

2. Open the damper by grabbing the damper lever, pulling the lever towards you and lifting upwards to open the damper.

3. After the damper is open, check for any debris or blockages in the flue. If you find anything, you may need to install a flue cap/screen.

Step #3 - Place and Light Your Lighter

Place your lighter as close as possible to the gas rails below your fake logs.

Light the lighter.

Hold the lighter lit in this position and complete the next step. You may need to have someone help you here if your arms aren’t long enough to do Steps 3 and 4 at the same time.

Step #4 - Turn On the Gas Valve

Turn the handle on your gas valve key counter-clockwise about one turn.

If your fireplace does not light up within about 3 seconds, turn the gas valve off. Check that your lighter is lit still and that the lighter is close to the gas rails below the logs. Wait one minute then try again. This one minute is to let any gas which has come into the firebox dissipate before you try to light the fire again. This is how you loose eyebrows!

Step #5 - Enjoy Your Fire

When you are done using your fireplace, the steps are the reverse to shut down the fire.

We recommend that you wait at least one hour after turning off the gas to shut your flue damper. The metal handle will be hot for a while.

How to Plunge A Toilet

About the Author

I’m Adam Rich, a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and Real Estate Salesperson in the state of Ohio. I help discerning homeowners like you take control of the complexity behind your home.

With a background in engineering, property management, construction, and real estate investing, I specialize in helping understand the systems that make your home work.

Whether you're planning major renovations, systems upgrades, assessing long-term maintenance, or just want to get a handle on your home’s true condition, I deliver expert-level answers in clear, practical language.

Ready for Expert, Unbiased Advice?

Whether it’s a one-time consultation or an ongoing relationship, I offer homeowners peace of mind through clear insights, practical planning, and calm expertise.

I am available to consult on home maintenance and improvements, new construction decisions and options, real estate investing or purchases, real estate engineering matters, and other home systems matters.

The content of this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always perform your own due diligence before making any financial decisions.