Ask the Trade Pros

If you've ever had a trade pro come by to work on a home issue or maintenance, you probably realize that the time they spend at you home is just a small portion of their day. So what exactly does a full day in the life of a trade pro look like? Today we're giving you a small peek at what a typical day looks like for a trade pro, how it may vary from job to job, and just how much time is...

Usually, we have a pretty good idea how our home works. we know what buttons to push, where to plug things, and what switches turn on which light. Usually. But sometimes, we have an odd switch in our house that just seems to do...nothing. Today we're answering a listener question about a mystery switch. Why is it there? What is it supposed to be doing? Is it a problem, or does it just kind of...

On this show, we make sure to tell you when it's best to reach out to your trade pro to help with a home issue. But, what exactly does your trade pro need to know before they can diagnose and fix a problem? Today, we're talking about what information is helpful for your trade pro when you make that call. If you have a question you'd like us to answer, we want to hear from you! Email...

We all know that keeping up with home repairs is important. But how are we supposed to afford the work that's necessary but so expensive? Today, we're talking about what some of your options may be, so you can live comfortably in your home while not destroying your finances. If you have a question you'd like us to answer, we want to hear from you! Email us at thetradepros@doneritesv...

If you've got a clog in your sink, it can be hard to know what you can use to safely clear it out. Drano is tempting - after all, it's supposed to be made specifically to clean out drains - but not actually your best option. So what is? Today we answer a listener who wants to know how he can de-gunk his drains safely and effectively. We'll cover several options you can try, so you c...

For some of us, this time of year brings travel. Maybe you fly across the country to see friends and family, or even take advantage of the extra time off work to plan a quick getaway. no matter what your plans are, it's important to make sure that your home's needs aren't lost in the bustle of pre-vacation planning. In this episode, we'll cover what you should do before you hea...

Happy holidays everyone! As we recover from Thanksgiving and start hearing how it's the most wonderful time of the year in every store, you may be thinking about decorating your home for the holidays. We love that - as long as you do it safely. In this episode, we talk about some considerations and tips to make your holiday decorations shine, but without burning down the neighborhood. Send us...

While we may not give a whole lot of thought to our garages and garage doors, they're an important part of our home. They're often the first thing people see when they pull up to a home. You may even use yours as a front door! That's why this week, we're joined by Dallerie Riesland, owner of A-Authentic Garage Door Service, to talk garage doors. What are our options for garage...

When talking about plumbing, the p-trap comes up pretty often as a vital component of any system. But what exactly is it? What does it do? And how do we know if our p-traps are doing what they're supposed to? In today's episode, we're talking all of that and more, so join us as we dive into the world of p-traps. Send us your home questions!  Email us at thetradepros@doneritesvcs.com...

We love our trees. They provide shade, color, and life to our homes and communities, even here in the desert. But how do we know we're taking care of them properly? Are they getting enough water? How often do they need to be trimmed or pruned? How can we tell if they're healthy or not? Today we talk about all of this and more with our guest Cory Craft, an arborist with Northwest Landscap...

Winter will be here soon, and for Tucson, that means...well, what does that mean? With our milder winter weather, do we even need to worry about preparing for the colder part of the year? That's what we're talking today, as we tackle a listener question about winter home prep when we're not faced with blizzards and ice. If you have a home question or situation, get in touch!  Email...

Have you ever thought about a career in the trades? If so, you're not alone - the past few years have seen a steady increase in people entering careers in skilled trades. If you've wondered where to start or what to consider when entering the field, this episode is for you. We go over recommendations, expectations, and options you can consider when making your move into the trade career...

There are many things you can do in your home to increase efficiency and air quality. But, is cleaning your ducts one of them? Today we tackle a listener question about duct cleaning. Is it necessary? Is it DIY friendly? Is it worth the time and money? We cover all of that and more in this episode. If you have a question about your home, let us know! Email us at thetradepros@doneritesvcs.com or le...

Here in Tucson, we have had an average high temperature of about 105 degrees over the past week. It's hot. Really hot. So a well functioning AC unit is essential during this time of the year. But what if your AC unit is noisy? You may be comfortable in your home, but now you have to deal with a whistling, thumping, or other distracting noise. So today we're talking about AC units and the...

We're covering a listener question about leaky air conditioning units. While it is normal for some water to come out of an AC unit, sometimes it can be a sign that it's time for maintenance or a repair. How can you tell the difference, and when should you call a professional? We cover that and more in today's episode. Want to know more about a specific home question? Send it to us!...

Hello Ask the Trade Pros fans! We are taking a hiatus on new content for the month of July, so please enjoy this episode from the archives. We'll be back in August with new episodes! Have you ever received the unfortunate surprise of an unexpectedly high water bill? In this episode, we respond to a listener's question about what to do when your water usage is much higher than usual. We&a...

Hello Ask the Trade Pros fans! We are taking a hiatus on new content for the month of July, so please enjoy this episode from the archives. We'll be back in August with new episodes! In January 2025, the HVAC industry will officially begin its transition to the use of A2L, a different class of refrigerants, in all new systems. Such a major change, of course, comes with a lot of unknowns. What...

It seems like there's some new gadget being released every day, promising efficiency, comfort, and convenience. The HVAC world is no different - as technology gets better over time, new, trendy systems make their way onto the market. But what is worth your consideration, and what is just hot air? Today, we're talking about some developments in HVAC technology that have been getting more...

On this show, we talk a lot about plumbing, pipes, and leaks. A few times we've touched on situations that may require repiping or other extensive plumbing work. But, aside from an emergency situation, is there any way to know if a repiping is in your home's future? Today we're covering a listener question about just that - how to know when it's time to start thinking about rep...

We all want to know that the water coming out of our taps is safe and free of contaminants. In previous episodes, we've covered water quality testing, home systems for improving water quality, and other issues, so you can have the best water possible in your home. Today we're talking about another water quality issue - plumbing backflow. What is it? What can cause it? How can you prevent...

Blazing sun, hot weather, thunderstorms...here in Tucson, summer is right around the corner. As the temperature rises and folks start to look longingly at cooler vacation destinations, we wanted to focus this episode on what you can do to get your home ready for the hottest months of the year. Want to stay cool and comfortable? Then this episode is for you. If you've got a question you'd...

Sometimes our homes make odd sounds. Often, it's nothing to really worry about, as an occasional creak or hum isn't a huge issue. But what about a persistent gurgling sound? Today we're answering a listener question about a gurgling bathtub drain that seems to crop up every time she does a load of laundry. What could be causing it, and should she call in a professional to take a loo...

Low water pressure, while probably not an urgent problem, is an inconvenience that can make everyday life just a little bit harder. But it doesn't have to be that way! In this episode we cover some of the most common reasons your water pressure may be lacking, as well as some things you or your local trade pro can check for and adjust in your home. If you have a question you'd like us to...

Have you ever gone to use an appliance in your home, plugged it in, and...nothing happened? The appliance is fine, but the outlet you plugged it into just stopped working. No fires or flash, just a seemingly non functioning outlet. Today we're answering a listener question about that very issue. We go over the most common reasons we see that may be causing your outlet to not work, and some ea...

If you've ever experienced an AC unit dying in the middle of summer, you know how stressful it can be to get it taken care of. It's hot, technicians are busy, and it can be expensive! This is why regular maintenance and checkups on your unit are a highly recommended practice for any homeowner. They extend the life of the unit, catch problems early, and save you a huge headache in the mid...