DIY Plumbing Tips and How-to’s
October 14, 2011
Some money saving tips every property owner should familiarize themselves with to save money with plumbing expenses.
Homeowners should learn a thing or two about plumbing. This is because every now and then, problems will arise; the faucet might not work, the toilet might not flush, or the drainage in your bathroom might get clogged. If you don’t know how to address these problems then you will surely get all stressed out when they occur. Although there are instances when you will need to call a plumber, it does pay to know DIY plumbing repair.
Toilets – Most toilet issues center on water leakage so if there’s something wrong with your toilet, you should for possible leaks. If your toilet makes sounds all the time, then it is a problem called a running toilet. This can be fixed by (1) loosening the flush handle by cranking several times, or (2) replacing the flapper valve inside the toilet’s tank. Another issue with toilets is dripping. As you can see, this is another water leakage issue. To fix this, all you have to do is turn off the valve, which is located below the tank. If the dripping ceases, proceed to check the rubber seals as well as any possible cracks in the tank. If the rubber seal is broken or damaged, or if the tank has visible cracks, then you should call your plumber.
Faucets - If you notice that your faucet is leaking, the first thing you need to do is to turn it off and then shutoff the main house valve. If you have a Phillips screw or something similar to it, you can take the faucet apart. Then, clean the faucet hole, the stem, and the washer. Make sure they are clean and if you notice the washer being flat then it needs to be replaced. You may also need to check the washer seat (inside the body of the faucet) and if you notice that it’s damaged then you should replace it as well. Once done, you can re-install your faucet tightly and securely, and it should be working well again. If it is a washerless faucet, then you simply need to replace its parts to get it working properly.
Showerheads – If your showerhead is not functioning the way it used to (ie low pressure or leaking), then it calls for a checkup, which you can do on your own. Unscrew the arm from the pipe using a wrench, then clean the arm threads. Once done, simply screw it back tightly. If the problem is leakage, what you can do is to unscrew the showerhead and then look for the O-ring. Simply replace this with a new one; screw back and the problem should be fixed.
Now that you know some simple tips, you could be more confident that the next time an issue arises, you can certainly get it fixed right away. Take note though that while most plumbing do-it-yourself tasks can be done quickly, there are times that it just won’t work no matter what you do. In such cases, it is recommended that you call a plumber.
Tips to Winterize Your Windows
October 4, 2011
When it comes to protecting your home from external elements, one of the important tasks is to get it ready to withstand the extreme cold conditions of the winter months. And winterizing your windows is a vital part of this whole process. As per the U.S. Department of Energy, energy-efficient windows can bring down costs of heating or cooling your home by 20 to 30%.
Following are a few tips to help you to winterize your windows so that you can pass through the winter season without any property damage.
Examine the Window Caulking
Caulking put around your windows helps in keeping the chilly breezes out of your home. So the first thing you are required to do before the winter sets in is to inspect the caulking of all the windows in your house and make certain that they are in good condition. If you observe any spots of wear and tear, get the caulking tube to mend them. You can easily purchase the caulking tube from a nearby home-improvement store. Bad or poor caulking allows the cold air to enter your home, which makes your heater to overwork in order to maintain the desired room temperature, thereby resulting in increased electricity bill.
Install Energy-Efficient Windows
In case you are contemplating about replacing the whole window, you should consider getting the ones that conserve energy. Installing energy-efficient double or triple pane windows help in retaining the heat within the house, which reduces the workload on your heater. This in turn reduces your electricity bill considerably.
Prevent Window Condensation
Window condensation during winter can cause damage to the surrounding wood or drywall. This may lead into paint problems, mold growth, and even result in decaying of the wooden frame. To tackle the problem of window condensation you need to control the humidity level in your home. Opening a window will allow the moisture to escape into the atmosphere from your room. Running exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchen also helps in lowering the level of humidity in your home.
Cover Your Windows with a Shrink Wrap
Covering your windows with a shrink wrap provides additional insulation. You can install a shrink wrap covering on the windows of your spare room, garage, store room, attic and other places that are seldom used.
Paint Your Windows Trim
Painting the trim of your windows provides extra insulation and additional protection from the nasty cold weather. It also makes your windows less susceptible to damage.
