Monthly Archives: June 2023

Handy DIY Plumbing Tips For The Homeowner

June 30, 2023   Matt

Handy DIY Plumbing Tips For The Homeowner

This is going to be one of the best resources available for you to learn more about plumbing. There might be a lot of resources available both on and offline, however we have gathered the best information in this article and sorted out the obvious or incorrect advice that you may find elsewhere.

If the hot water heater in your house is over ten years old, you should look at replacing it. Hot water heaters are very susceptible to corrosion on the bottom. This can lead to leaking and flooding whatever room it is in. Then not only will you have to replace it, but you’ll have to fix any damage caused by the leak.

When it comes to plumbing an ounce of prevention is the best thing to prevent things from going haywire. In order to prevent clogging avoid doing things that would clog drains. Do not pour oil down the kitchen sink, and install hair catching filters in all your bath tubs. This will prevent a lot of unnecessary clogs.

Check your toilet for leaks. Once a month, put a couple of drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. After half an hour, check the toilet bowl. If the water is slightly colored, the tank is leaking. You can fix the leak by replacing the stopper in the tank. People waste a lot of water through leaky tanks, without even knowing it.

When you are using your disposal you should always run cold water not hot water. You should run the cold water as long as the motor to the disposal is running. Always avoid overloading your disposal. Things like corn husks, onion skins, celery and other high fiber foods could clog your disposal.

Avoid the bursting of pipes due to the change in the temperature. You need to allow the flow of heat to reach under the sinks and into the pipes, you have to keep the cabinet doors of the bathrooms and kitchens open. It is important to keep water running at both hot and cold faucets along with vanities that are in close proximity to exterior walls.

If you’re connecting a new gas appliance in your home you absolutely need to have the right connector to add it to your gas plumbing. Universal connection kits are readily available at home improvement stores which will make the connection between your flexible hose and the iron supply pipe tight and safe.

If you are having any kind of problems with your water line or plumbing in general then you will first want to cut of your water supply. One of the most common mistakes that people make is to leave their water running while they are trying to fix things and this leads to bigger problems.

In conclusion, it is important that you know how to take care of plumbing, but it is more important that you get your data from a reliable source. Use the great advice provided here and you will be more than happy that you took the time to do so.

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Home Improvement Inspiration That Won’t Strip Your Sanity (2)

June 28, 2023   Matt

Home Improvement Inspiration That Won’t Strip Your Sanity

Whether you are inexperienced or you have years of experience, making home repairs will improve your way of life. Your home is part of who you are. The following information is designed to help you get an idea of what you can do improve your home, thus improve your life.

If you live in a hot climate, replace your original glass windows with low-E glass, which can make it easier and more affordable to cool your house in the boiling summertime. Although the installation can be a bit pricey if you pay someone to do it, you will recoup your costs in energy savings by the end of the summer.

If space is at a premium in your home, consider remodeling the attic or basement. These areas offer a cost-effective way to gain extra square footage without resorting to constructing an addition. If the area already has a floor, roof, and walls your project will move along quickly and you’ll be enjoying your new space in no time.

Start with the bathroom when you are looking for fast home improvement projects. Fixing up your bathroom can quickly add value to your property. You will have to spend less for a higher return on property value with the right bathroom fixtures. It is one of the key features people consider when buying property.

Think you need to re-tile your bathroom? Try cleaning the tile and re-grouting first. Using this method can save you time and money over a complete re-tile project. It’s also easier to achieve by yourself. A toothbrush is a wonderful tool to use when cleaning grout. A quality steam mop can make a huge difference as well.

Do you need to fix a hole in your wall made by a nail or screw. Create a divot in the wall with the rounded end of a screwdriver by pressing it into the screw hole. Next, use spackle or drywall compound to fill the divot. This will give you a nice smooth wall surface.

You can add a room to your home without adding to its square footage. Use existing space to create that additional room by building a wall, which will turn one area into two. Closing off a partial wall or filling in an archway will allow you to realize that extra room.

When renovating a kitchen, be sure to perform a good deep clean before applying any paint. The walls are probably covered with at least a thin layer of grease. This grease will make it difficult for the new paint to stick. It is also possible that your kitchen walls don’t need paint at all and are just dirty with grease!

Here is a home improvement tip! Update your decor and save money at the same time by changing your window treatments to energy-efficient varieties. Thermal drapes are made from heavy fabrics that act as insulation to minimize drafts, and blackout curtains block sunlight, keeping your home cooler in the summer months. Many window treatments perform double-duty, combining blackout effects with thermal fabrics.

In conclusion, fixing up your home will make you feel good about yourself. No one wants to be living in a home that is in desperate need of repairs. Hopefully, the above information can get your home back into a condition that will make you love to be living in it.

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Can Your Home Insurance Stand Up To The Weather?

June 27, 2023   Matt

Can Your Home Insurance Stand Up To The Weather?

In 2004, the insurance industry estimated that about 45% of their settled claims were for damages caused by weather. This past January, that percentage climbed as high as 60%, with a possible £300 million worth of damages being claimed by homeowners for weather related incidents.

Is your home covered against damage from high winds? Will your insurance company pay out to repair damage caused when your plumbing freezes? How much will you have to pay out of pocket for repairs if heavy snow takes out your rain gutters or damages your roof?

If you’re not sure of the answers to those questions, it might prove enlightening to pull out your home insurance policy and have a read. According to an industry spokesman, too many homeowners find out what their buildings insurance does and doesn’t cover after they have incurred a loss and submitted a claim. That’s the case for many homeowners who suffered damage to their homes during the high winds of the past January who found, to their shock, that they’d be bearing the brunt of the repair bills from their own pockets.

In fact, the most recent figures suggest that over one third of homeowners have no home insurance at all, and many more are paying out for policies that don’t adequately cover the damages that they might face from adverse weather.

Home insurance policies vary widely on precisely what weather damage they cover, and how much you’re expected to pay out before the insurance company will pay its share. That’s why it’s important to sit down with your policy or your broker – or both – to discuss precisely how much coverage you have for weather-related damages, and if there are limits and exclusions to that cover. Some of the most common exclusions and limits include:

Damage from floods

If you live in an area with a high possibility of flooding, you may need to purchase separate cover to deal with damage from flooding. It’s vital that you not neglect this, say insurance spokesmen. The cost of repairing damage after a flood can easily run to £30,000 or more. Compare that to the average weather related claim of about £500.

Water damage from burst pipes

Watch for limits on the amount of damages you can claim if your pipes freeze and burst. A burst pipe in your loft can quickly damage walls and ceilings, and result in unhealthy growth of mold and mildew if not cleaned properly. The cost of all those repairs can easily and quickly mount above typical limits on damages.

Contents cover

If you only have buildings insurance, you may find yourself out of luck when damage to your roof results in the destruction of your expensive draperies, carpets and furnishings. Even if you carry cover for your home contents, you may want to carry extra insurance if you own expensive items like Oriental rugs or fine artwork.

Outdoor and garden items

Many policies only cover items inside your home from weather damage, while other policies will even pay to replace plants damaged by storms in severe weather. If you’re an avid gardener, or have outdoor patio and yard equipment, consider a policy that includes garden cover.

Be sure to review your policy periodically to be certain that you’ve kept it up to date, especially when you make new purchases or add an extension to your home.

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Find Useful Plumbing Tips And Tricks To Use 3

June 25, 2023   Matt

Find Useful Plumbing Tips And Tricks To Use

When you develop plumbing issues in your home, chances are that you become frustrated. Usually, this is because you do not know how to fix it. Although major plumbing problems require the help of professionals, simple problems can be fixed by you. The following article will give you easy plumbing tips.

To make sure your sump pump will run in an emergency, routinely test it by adding several buckets of water into the sump pit. The pump should turn on, remove the water and turn off with ease. Do this regularly, especially if your sump pump doesn’t run that often, to ensure it will work when needed most.

It’s important not to dump harsh chemicals into your septic system like drain cleaners, but are you also considering the other chemicals you use to clean? Toilet cleaners, dishwasher soap, and even laundry detergent can kill off the healthy bacteria which is taking care of your waste. Try to use natural products for all cleaning jobs in your house to keep your septic system in good shape.

To keep your drains moving freely and free from gunk and buildup, pour a half cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar down each drain once a month. The foaming action helps to push stuck substances through the pipe, while the vinegar neutralizes odors. You can follow this solution with a kettle of boiling water for extra cleaning power.

Do not put stringy or fibrous items into your garbage disposal. Substances like banana peels, gristle, or celery may not completely break down in the disposal, and may clog your pipes instead of flowing out of the waste lines as they are supposed to. When in doubt, do not try to dispose of something that may not break down completely.

If water is backing up into multiple fixtures all over the house, it is no longer going to be effective for you to use chemicals or a small hand snake. This is evidence of a blockage in the main line, and you must contact a professional to take care of this problem for you.

Make sure that you disconnect all hoses outside your house when the fall season hits. This is important to reduce the chance of freezing, which can cause damage to the connecting pipes. Disconnect all of your water hoses and store them safely to put your family in the best position for the fall.

If you find that your pipes have frozen during the cold winter months open all the faucets in your home. This lowers the water pressure for when the pipes thaw and the water is freely flowing again. Make sure to open all the faucets not just those that are frequently used.

As was stated above, it is normal to become frustrated by plumbing problems your home may have. But, these problems can usually be easily fixed, if you know how. Use the tips that this article has provided to you in order to get started in plumbing repairs as soon possible!

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Do Yourself A Favor By Checking Out These Jewelry Tips!

June 23, 2023   Matt

Do Yourself A Favor By Checking Out These Jewelry Tips!

There is really no point in trying to procure jewelry if you have no idea what qualities to look for when you are searching. You should also know what steps you need to take to keep your jewelry in the best condition possible so that it will have a much longer life. The following article is full or helpful ideas for buying and maintaining your beautiful jewelry.

While jewelry makes a great surprise gift, you should avoid presenting jewelry at off-the-cuff moments. A really beloved piece of jewelry is one that reminds its owner of a particularly memorable occasion. If there is not a common or personal holiday associated with your gift, make an effort to turn the presentation itself into an experience to remember.

Buy brightly colored jewelry to pair with the same black clothing. The same little black dress can seem like a completely new and exciting outfit simply by adding different accessories. Brightly colored jewelry will stand out against a dark color as well as giving you a dynamic look.

Store your jewelry carefully. Avoid jewelry boxes that just mash everything together. Each piece should be placed carefully on its own, since pieces touching one another could get scratched or etched. Keep sterling silver jewelry wrapped in special cloth that prevents tarnishing and always make sure they are put away dry, never wet.

To make your engagement ring sparkle like it’s brand new, try soaking it in a mild detergent. This will give your ring the deep cleaning it is without damaging the stone or its setting. When the ring has finished soaking, rinse it off with warm water and dry it with a thin, lint free cloth.

When cleaning silver, it is best to invest in a jeweler’s rouge cloth. It has a polishing compound on the red side which is safe to use with all gemstones, and the yellow side is intended for giving a polish that will sparkle. This will keep your jewelry looking gorgeous for a long time to come!

Save your broken beaded necklaces to give them new life. Do not let them fill a sacred box in your bedroom. Go in your bathroom and grab the dental floss. Use it to restring your necklace and it will likely last longer than the original string lasted on the piece.

If you are shopping for someone whose birth month is March, opt for a ring, pendant, or pair of earrings that features aquamarine. Vibrant, bluish-green aquamarine is also thought to bring about the qualities of youth, vibrancy, and an enhanced comprehension of complex matters and concepts. This stone looks especially bright when paired with clear topaz and yellow gold settings.

When ordering jewelry online, make sure that you keep all paperwork associated with your order such as: receipts, webpage printouts and order confirmations. You’ll most likely be required to keep these in order to return the item for a full refund if not satisfied. If saving these on your computer, make sure you make a backup or save them on a USB device as well.

If you are careful and adhere to many of the tips that you have read here then you should be on your way to obtaining some lovely pieces of jewelry. Now you will know the best buying methods and the best ways to care for these very treasured possessions.

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What You Can Do If You Have A Plumbing Problem

June 20, 2023   Matt

What You Can Do If You Have A Plumbing Problem

Have you ever had a plumbing problem that you felt you couldn’t solve on your own? Was the problem just over your head? Were you afraid of what might happen if you mess with things you don’t understand? Read on to find out how to become more confident about solving problems next time your plumbing goes wrong.

Set the temperature on your hot water heater to a temperature that does not exceed 120 degrees. This helps to save energy and prevents the water from becoming too hot and potentially scalding someone in your household. Older models that do not have a temperature setting should be set on Medium.

Make sure that any exposed pipes in your home are insulated, especially those found in crawl spaces on the outside walls of your home. This will help keep them from freezing and causing you tons of problems. Frozen pipes can often be devastating and leave you with problems that are expensive to fix and no water in the middle of winter.

Keep an eye on the hoses for your dishwasher and washing machine. These hoses can leak and bulge, which can be a problem. Check them for signs of wear and tear and replace any hoses more than 10 years old. You’ll find that these hoses age well, but you have got to make sure they are doing the job they should.

Plunging is not the only way to unclog a troublesome toilet. If the water in the basin is sitting low and you know there’s a clog, try dropping hot water directly into the basin with a little bit of elevation, to apply enough force to help move along the clog.

Do not, under any circumstances, put lemons down your disposal. Although the lemon smell will give your disposal a great smell, its acid can corrode the metal parts in it. Instead, use products that are made specifically for this use. You can purchase these products at most hardware stores or wherever cleaning products are sold.

Make a list of all the water valves you turn off when you leave for vacation so you don’t end up forgetting to turn them back on when you return. In fact, make a hard copy of your list so you will have it handy whenever you go away for an extended period of time.

If you need to get a new toilet, be sure you go with a trustworthy brand. Cheap toilets are more likely to break down easily and you will end up having to buy a new one. If you are unsure of which brands are good, ask the salesperson in a home improvement store.

As you can see, plumbing isn’t such a scary thing, it just requires proper knowledge and instruction. Fixing your own plumbing can save a lot of money. Hopefully this article has given you at least a few of the ideas that you need, so that next time your plumbing has a problem, you can fix it yourself.

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