Finish Your Chores LLC

10/19/2026

Phillip's Monday Minute is for "Extra Water Source" 🧐😳😬😲

(Disclaimer: this is for educational purpose only under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowances for teaching and research...) 🤓

This is only used in case of an EMERGENCY, like a natural disaster where, you are in need of emergency water. I understand that there may be hundreds of difference of opinion, but I'm posting this only to show how to get the water out from a handyman perspective. So if you're still interested, keep reading and tap into your inner-MacGyver 🤣🧰🛠

🚨FYI from FYC: A typical home water heater can provide between 30 and 60 gallons of clean drinking water during a disaster. Hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and other power outages may prevent you from having many things, but clean drinking water should not be one of them. ✅To reclaim some clean drinking water from your water heater (WH), follow some of these steps identified below:

1️⃣ Turn off the electricity or gas to the water heater. ⚡️ Turn off the circuit breaker for electric water heaters or close the gas valve for natural gas and propane types. If the power is still on when the tank is empty, your tank will almost certainly sustain significant damage. Most electric water heaters in residential applications are 208/240 volts, and supplied by a double-pole circuit breaker or two fuses rated at 30 amps. 🌫 Some gas valves have a thermostatic control k**b facing forward.

The "Off - Pilot - On" gas supply k**b is located on the top, between the red interlock button the black "push-button" ignitor. Simply rotate the top k**b from the "On" to the "Off" position to stop the flow of gas to the burner. Some electric-reliant heaters have double-pole 30 amp circuit breakers. Switch the circuit breaker from the "On" position to the "Off." Once off, there is no danger of damaging the heating elements.

2️⃣ Preserve the cleanliness of the water in the tank by closing the supply valve to the tank. When water service is restored, the water department will be pumping water that could be contaminated. This will be fine to use for flushing toilets and for cooking, but not for drinking. Determine whether you're dealing with a ball valve or a gate valve. Unlike a traditional gate valve's handle, which needs to be turned completely several times in order to shut off, a ball valve handle is rotated just a 1/4 turn between full on and off positions. If older, traditional gate valves were installed instead, bear in mind that the color of the handle does not guarantee an association with the temperature of the water in the pipe.

3️⃣ Find the valve at the bottom of the tank for draining. This is where your clean drinking water will come from. Many water heater valves have a connector for hooking up a garden hose to the drain valve. A short 3 foot (0.9 m) length of garden hose will make the collection of the water easier. A washing machine's supply hose is the perfect length and is available in many homes. Connect the hose and open the valve briefly to flush any debris that may have collected in the valve. Make sure the drain, hose, and container are clean before using them. Threads are usually provided to connect an ordinary garden hose (or washer supply hose). Some gate valves do not have a traditional handle, but rather a slot at the end of the stem where a handle would normally attach. The slot allows for operation with a screwdriver, or coin. Work this valve gently, as these valves are seldom used more than once or twice per year under normal service conditions, and could be damaged if forced.

4️⃣ Turn on the hot water from any tap in the house. In order for water to be drained from the tank, you must allow air to get into it. This is easy to do by opening any hot water tap in the building such as the kitchen or bathroom sink. When either faucet is open, a sucking sound may be heard whenever water is drawn from the water heater's drain valve, and is normal.

5️⃣ Remove any sediment that has collected at the bottom of the water heater. Water heaters are notorious for trapping sediments. The heavier-than-water sediment sinks and collects at the bottom of the tank because hot water is drawn from the top of the tank, rather than the bottom. If you have sediment in the drinking water let it stand for a period of time to let it settle to the bottom of container. Typical mineral sediment that has settled in the hot water is usually harmless, but if your heater has an aluminum anode, there may be a lot of jelly-like aluminum corrosion by-product on the tank bottom. Many people mistakenly believe that the tank is made of glass (or another inert substance). It is not. The inside of the tank will likely be lined with glass to prevent corrosion, since corrosion is the leading cause of water heater failure. There is no danger cooking or consuming water that has been contained in a water heater.

✅Other practical considerations for fresh water🤔:

1️⃣ Although water from a water heater is considered safe to drink, consider purifying or filtering it before drinking. Although it's probably fine to drink water from the heater during an emergency, it's best to be on the safe side. You can purify water by boiling it or using iodine or bleach in very small quantities. You can filter water in an emergency by layering filtering agents on top of each other.

2️⃣ Seriously consider replacing the original valve on the water heater with a ball-valve drain assembly. Factory valves do not have a straight path and have small orifices. In hard-water areas, those can easily clog with sediment buildup and then no water will flow from the tank.

3️⃣ In an emergency, consider other options for potable water. If you can't, for whatever reason, access your water heater in an emergency, don't panic. You should have plenty of other options. Consider these to get at potable water...

✅Other Possible indoor sources of water:

🔲Liquid from canned fruit and vegetables

🔲Water from the toilet tank (not the toilet bowl), unless it has been chemically treated with toilet cleaners

🔲Water from melted ice cubes

✅ Other possible outdoor sources of water:
🔲Water from a rainwater collection system.

🔲Water from rivers, steams, springs, and other moving bodies of water

🔲Water from ponds, dams, and lakes

🚨FYI from FYC Tips 🤓🧰

1️⃣ It is a good idea to flush some water from the bottom of the tank once or twice a year. Sediment can collect on the bottom of the tank. Draining some water under pressure will clean out the sediment.

⚠️Before disaster hits, mark which valve is for the water supply. Run some hot water from any sink. Go back to the hot water tank and feel the two pipes attached to it.

2️⃣ The supply line will be the colder one. Somehow mark the valve as "supply". This will be the one to close in an emergency so that contaminated water will not go into the tank as you drain the clean drinking water that is stored in it.

3️⃣ A "tankless" water heater will not provide this source of drinking water. Tankless systems provide heated water from a coiled pipe located in a furnace. Water that is passed through the coiled pipe is rapidly heated and available for immediate use. There is no storage of the heated water - hence the term "tankless".

Please remember...the above options is for EMERGENCIES ONLY.

Stay safe. Be proactive, not reactive!
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💯FYC final note: DJ Phil-osophy is available for DJ gigs such as private parties, weddings, homeschool dances, and even Quinceaneras/Sweet 16s! With a fun + wide variety of music...let me drop that beat and bring your event to life.

Remember, "Where Words Fail, Music Speaks!" 🎶

Have an awesome AND SAFE week Maury and WillCo‼️

10/16/2026

Phillip's Friday Follie is for "...it's getting cold outside"

Yo Yo Yo...lately I've posted some serious and lengthy topics about WINTER prep. ⚡️🔥💦🚨🚒

So for today, since it's FRIDAY, I'd like to have some fun and post some funny winter memes. 😂🤣

Enjoy and have some laughs!
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💯FYC final note: DJ Phil-osophy is available for DJ gigs such as corporate or business parties, private parties, weddings, homeschool dances, and even Quinceaneras/Sweet 16s! With a fun + wide variety of music...let me drop that beat and bring your event to life.

Remember, "Where Words Fail, Music Speaks!" 🎶

Have an awesome & safe weekend Maury and WillCo‼️

10/14/2026

Aging-in-place is something special❤️

Aging-in-place is not a time to be ripping off the elderly by misleading them that their house must be “ADA Compliant!” (I really dislike this term😤)

Eventually, we all will get there and will need assistance in making your personal space more comfortable or accessible 😕

If you’re in this position where you’re planning for your family member to age-in-place…do your homework first.

The 1990 ADA or the 2010 ADAS do not apply to Single-Family Dwellings.

Some alterations may trigger building permits in some municipalities, but it will not trigger Chapter 11 of the IBC.

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

🚨🚨🚨IYKYK🚨🚨🚨

There are so many states and local municipalities that have adopted this modern “Dynamic (Active)” ISA symbol or sign 🛑🦽

But…did you know that you’re not in compliance with the federal regulations‼️

For the “I like fancy fonts” or newer AORs/EORs, including AHJs and/or contractors that just don’t know, that are trying to push this onto your project…know that you’re being set up for potential “civil” claims, violations, and worse case…litigations😳

Please…I can’t say this enough‼️

You need to learn how to SCOPE and apply the correct requirements to protect you and your property.

10/12/2026

Phillip's Monday Minute is for "It's time to be ALARMED" 🤔🥺

(Disclaimer: this is for educational purpose only under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowances for teaching and research...) 🤓

This is a continuation from my posts since August 31st about "Autumn Maintenance" which will address some basic or typical "CHORES" 🤦🤓🤪 around the house as we begin to transition into our next season. This week, FYC wants to tackle another item on the checklist: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm maintenance.

So let's begin...Most people prepare for the change in season by pulling out their comfy-warmer clothing 🧥 and stocking up on their favorite fall treats (warm dutch apple pie is mine🥧, what's yours?🤔). To ensure that your home is warm and cozy when the temperatures drop, you will also want to perform some basic honey-do tasks around the house.

As the weather gets colder☃️, local fire chiefs 🚒 are reminding people to check the batteries in both their smoke and CO alarms. Five (5) minutes of your time could save your life and the lives of your family. According to local agencies, Fall and Winter are a busy time for smoke and CO alarms calls because it's the time of year where we decide to light up our furnaces and fireplaces. But before you do, contact a local service company to inspect or clean your equipment to make sure it is functioning properly. Remember that the high efficient furnaces vent out the side of home and people need to keep snow cleared away from the inlet and exhaust pipes.

Reported by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 🚒, two-thirds of all fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms. Though many homeowners and businesses do in fact have smoke or CO alarms, these alarm units are often not functioning due to a lack of proper maintenance.
Mininmum locations 🏘:

✅Smoke Alarm: One on every level and in every bedroom.
✅CO Alarm: One on every level and in every bedroom.
✅Fire Extinguisher: One on every level, plus kitchen and garage.

🚨FYI from FYC ~ Smoke and CO Alarm tips:
1️⃣ Test detectors at least once a month by using the test button.

2️⃣ Check the batteries every six months, and change the batteries every year (if applicable). If a battery is starting to lose its power, the unit will usually chirp to warn you. DO NOT disable the unit.

3️⃣ Vacuum or blow out any dust that might accumulate in the unit.

4️⃣ NEVER borrow a battery from a detector to use somewhere else.

5️⃣ NEVER paint a smoke or CO detector.

6️⃣ Smoke detectors should not be installed near a window because drafts could interfere with their operation.

7️⃣ Smoke detectors should be completely replaced every ten years.

8️⃣ Families should also develop and practice a home fire escape emergency plan.

"Do be scared, be prepared!"

💯FYC hopes that these simple tips can help. Again, it only takes about five (5) 🖐minutes of your time to protect 💪 you, your family, and your investment. As Smokey the Bear 🐻 always says: "Only YOU 🫵 can prevent ______ fires!🔥🏚"
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💯FYC final note: DJ Phil-osophy is available for DJ gigs such as private parties, weddings, homeschool dances, and even Quinceaneras/Sweet 16s! With a fun + wide variety of music...let me drop that beat and bring your event to life.

Remember, "Where Words Fail, Music Speaks!" 🎶

Have an awesome AND SAFE week Maury and WillCo‼️

10/09/2026

😳😳😳

This is a HUGE EARTHQUAKE that’s going to send energy to multiple locations ‼️

10/09/2026

Phillip's Friday Follies is for "Let's Ramp Things Down" 🤔🤣

Helloooooooo Middle TN! Hope you had a good week and now...it's the WEEKEND!!!

This past Monday's Minute was informative about "Fall Filter Maintenance" as we continue to transition into a new season!

Last FRIDAY, FYC showed some ways to "go up" in life 🤔🤣 and now, since it's Friday again, FYC would like to have a little laugh on some "ramp things downs" in life. 🤔🤣

Enjoy and have some laughs!
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💯FYC final note: DJ Phil-osophy is available for DJ gigs such as corporate or business parties, private parties, weddings, homeschool dances, and even Quinceaneras/Sweet 16s! With a fun + wide variety of music...let me drop that beat and bring your event to life.

Remember, "Where Words Fail, Music Speaks!" 🎶

Have an awesome & safe weekend Maury and WillCo‼️

10/05/2026

Phillip's Monday Minute is for "Fall Filter Maintenance" 🤔🥺

(Disclaimer: this is for educational purpose only under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowances for teaching and research...) 🤓

This is a continuation from my post the last four (4) weeks about "Autumn Maintenance" which will address some basic or typical "CHORES" 🤦🤓🤪 around the house as we begin to transition into our next season. This week, I want to tackle another item on the checklist: Air Filter Replacement.

So let's begin...Most people prepare for the change in season by pulling out their comfy-warmer clothing 🧥 and stocking up on their favorite fall treats (warm dutch apple pie is mine🥧, what's yours?🤔). To ensure that your home is warm and cozy when the temperatures drop, you will also want to perform some basic maintenance tasks. Replacing your air filter in preparation of the fall season is a quick and easy way to improve the performance of your home’s heating system for the winter. Did your know that the state of your filter also affects the indoor air quality? Before winter approaches, clean or change the air filters in your home’s HVAC system.

✅Air Filter Replacement should make your fall honey-do list...
An air filter is a standard component in today’s heating and cooling systems. While a simple device, an air filter performs several critical functions in your home. As the season changes, most HVAC professionals recommend replacing a dirty air filter with a clean one. Air filters should be changed at least once per year, preferably just before the heating season.

With the cost of "inflation" that is affecting everyone's pcoket books, you want to do all you can to save some money. One simple way to cut potential lost is by checking or changing your air filter. By doing this, it can potentially provide your home with several benefits. Below are a few of FYC's recommendations and 5️⃣ simple task that anyone can perform, even if you're not "handy":

1️⃣ Extend the life of your HVAC unit. Over the year, dirt and dust accumulate in the air filters of your heating and cooling system. If you fail to change your air filter at the start of the new season, you are essentially forcing your HVAC systems to work harder. As air is not able to pass through, your comfort suffers.

2️⃣ Lower your energy costs. When an air filter becomes clogged with dirt and dust, your HVAC system must use more energy to perform, resulting in an increase in your energy bills. Routinely cleaning or replacing your air filter can lower your energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent.

3️⃣ Maintain healthy air quality. Dirty air filters can cause dust, dirt, and other pollutants to enter your home. Breathing in dirty air can contribute to a variety of health problems and can worsen existing health conditions like asthma and allergies.

4️⃣ Avoid frequent repairs and breakdowns. Clogged up air filters can affect your HVAC system as a whole. As the performance of your heating and cooling systems gradually decline, you may face more frequent repairs and breakdowns. A fall air filter replacement is key to combatting this.

5️⃣ Create peace of mind. It takes just seconds to replace your air filter but the peace of mind that it provides to homeowners is invaluable. You can rest easy knowing that your breathing in clean air and your HVAC system is well cared for.

In conclusion, while your home’s air filter is an important component that should be changed before the heating season begins, it is not the only form of maintenance required by HVAC systems. In addition to a fall air filter replacement, you will want to hire a heating and cooling specialist to inspect your new HVAC system. A HVAC contractor will play a critical role in your home’s safety, comfort, and air quality throughout the heating season. As one of the biggest investments you will ever make, take the time to maintain your home’s most important systems.

Many/most homeowners wonder 🤔 if annual furnace inspections are really necessary. The short answer is yes✅. During a typical HVAC system inspection you can expect to receive a few essential services, such as a safety check, certification, basic tune-up, and an annual maintenance checkup. A qualified technician will also check for possible issues, such as blockages, leaks, or poor performing components that need to be addressed before winter.

While your HVAC system may be in good working order now, preventative maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and breakdowns later down the road. I always say this: be proactive, not reactive because it can cost you much moola later on!


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💯FYC final note: DJ Phil-osophy is available for DJ gigs such as private parties, weddings, homeschool dances, and even Quinceaneras/Sweet 16s! With a fun + wide variety of music...let me drop that beat and bring your event to life.

Remember, "Where Words Fail, Music Speaks!" 🎶

Have an awesome AND SAFE week Maury and WillCo‼️

10/04/2026

OMG...it's lighting up so so much y'all 😳