DIY: Hardwood Floor Refinishing

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Refinishing hardwood floors takes some effort, but it is well worth it. Hardwood flooring increases the value of your property. It also provides a timeless appeal that complements any décor.

This project is a terrific way to make a space feel brand new, whether you are renovating an old house or just searching for a method to liven up your current residence. Examine the state of your floors. You might be able to buff and apply a new coat of varnish if you only have minor scratches and dings or a dull finish. Even if your floors are in desperate need of a makeover, refinishing hardwood floors is a simple and enjoyable do-it-yourself project that may save you a lot of money.

To begin, how much does it set you back to sand and refinish hardwood floors on your own? Expect to pay less than $500 per 275 square feet if you DIY your hardwood floors per square foot. The typical price range is from $1,000 to $2,400. Renting sanding equipment as well as purchasing sanding pads, wood stains, brushes, and finish are all included in the overall cost.

Is refinishing or replacing hardwood flooring less expensive?

Refinishing hardwood floors is almost always less expensive than replacing them. With the latter, you’d be paying not only for the new wood but also for the work involved in tearing out and hauling away the old.

1. Cleaning the Floor


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  • Take all of the furniture out of the room and saturate the floor in a hardwood flooring cleaner or a homemade solution of 10:1 water and white vinegar.
  • Use a terry-cloth mop or a towel wrapped around the head of a mop to gently wipe the floor.
  • Keep the room you’re sanding dust-free by closing the windows and doors.

2. Preparing the Room

  • Hand-sand the perimeter of the room and any crevices that the buffer can’t reach with 180-grit sandpaper.
  • Rub each board with the grain 4 to 6 inches away from the baseboard until a powder forms as the finish dulls.

3. Sanding the Floor Finish


Photo: The Family Handyman

  • Use a maroon buffing pad on the buffer and do not forget to wear a dust mask.
  • Move the buffer across the floor from side to side, with a 6-inch gap between each course following the grain’s path.
  • As you go, the old finish disintegrates into powder, making it easier to see where you have covered.
  • Always keep the buffer moving, but vacuum the pad every 5 minutes or so.

4. Vacuuming

  • Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the powder to settle in the room.
  • Replace the vacuum filter with a new and clean one. Using a felt-bottomed attachment, sweep the floor.
  • Sweep through the flooring strips to remove any powder that has harbored between the boards.
  • Use a microfiber cloth to dry-tack the floor with the grain.

5. Start with the Edges

  • Wear booties over your shoes and a respirator with organic vapor canisters over your nose and mouth.
  • Pour some strained finish into a small plastic container after straining the finish through a cone filter into a clean plastic watering can without a sprinkler head.
  • Paint a 3-inch-wide stripe alongside the baseboards closest to your exit door.
  • You will have lap marks if the edge of the stripe starts to dry. So after 10 minutes, stop and move on to the next level.

6. Roll-Out the Rest


Photo: LV Hardwood Flooring

  • Apply a 1-inch-wide stripe of finish to the grain. Pour out only as much as you can distribute in the span of 10 minutes.
  • Apply the finish grain-side down and then across. Use a long-handled roller with a 14-inch nap cover for this.
  • Work swiftly and overlap each pass to maintain a moist edge.
  • After some minutes, apply another coat of finish to the edge, then pour and roll for 10 minutes more. Repeat until the entire floor is coated.
  • Wait about 3 hours before repainting and a week before replacing furnishings.

Energy-Efficient Fridge to Keep Your Cool

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You might not notice it but your refrigerator has a hefty job. It is in charge of preserving what you store in it. At the right temperature, your kids’ milk for their cereal meal or your favorite food that is likely to go bad quickly will be definitely safe to consume.

You are too worried about your perishable food spoiling rapidly so it is practical to store them all in your freezer and you think that a fully-loaded freezer is the most conducive to efficiency. But there are many additional strategies to keep your refrigerator running at peak performance.

Here are several ways you can rely on to make your freezer work at A1 efficiency:

Fridge and Room Temperature

Sometimes during the summer, your mood shifts as the heat can either be vexatious or pleasurable—if the cold bothers you more. Your fridge experiences the same mood swing depending on the room temperature. The temperature of the refrigerator may fluctuate with summer or winter as the room temp cools off or heats it up.

The right temperature margin as per U.S. Food and Drug Administration is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Make use of an additional thermometer. Keep in the center of your fridge’s middle shelf. Ensure it sticks to the designated margin for safe food storage.

Gasket Havoc


Photo Credit: Partstown

Gaskets are used to seal gaps at refrigerator door jambs and headers. Obviously, the purpose of gaskets is to prevent the cold from exiting. If the door gasket is damaged; gapped or torn, resulting in air leakage, it will be hard for your fridge to function well in maintaining the right temperature. This will definitely cause you a higher energy bill on the next reading. You do not want that. So it is best to always check on the door gasket for damages.

Allow Enough Room

Allow enough space for a fridge to do its function by allowing air to flow around its outer—at least one inch on each side. If you are not able to do so, chances are higher energy bills or worse, the appliance could fail to work properly.

Make Food Items Breathe


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We have discussed the importance of airflow around your fridge’s exterior. Now let’s talk about the inside. It is also important for your food items to have the proper airflow. Pack the items closely not squeezed together. In this way, each item is kept colder.

Keep an Eye on Spill and Spoilage


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Prevent spills, especially from raw meat juices as they contain harmful bacteria. These juices may drip onto ready-to-eat food and eventually contaminate it with bacteria. Defrost meat in a container with a cover and place it on the lower shelf. Spoilage bacteria can grow rapidly in cold spaces such as your fridge. So try to keep an eye on spoilages and remove the item at once.

Regular Coil Cleaning

The coil is usually situated on the lower part of the fridge. If dirt is harbored on the condenser coil, energy consumption will likely increase and equipment could fail. Cleaning it regularly will help the fridge perform efficiently. To do so, just turn off the refrigerator and clean it using a vacuum or a brush.

How to Remove a Bathtub Drain

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Replacing a shabby bathtub drain on your own can turn out to be a tough job if you are unfamiliar with some parts, types of fittings and stoppers, and just how to start the task. To remove and replace an old bathtub drain, we are providing you with some easy steps. Anyone can do the job and it will only require some tools to remove the bathtub drain. To start, you will be needing a few tools such as pliers, a screwdriver, a drain wrench, and a drain fitting.

With all the tools collected, you can now begin. First, you should know the kind of stopper that you will be needing as there are several types of bathtub stoppers. There is the push-pull, the lift-and-turn, and the toe-touch which are the most common models which are not under the trip-lever mechanism.

The push-pull stopper has a center knob that is pushed in to close or pulled out to open. The lift-and-turn stopper has a similarity to the push-pull however, you will need to lift and turn the stopper counterclockwise for it to be opened and clockwise to close. And lastly, the toe-touch stopper is the one that pops open and closes when pressed on it.

However, if the stopper that you have utilizes a trip-lever mechanism, then it is definitely a pop-up style. The pop-up model presents an in-view stopper that is lowered or raised by the trip lever. There is also the bucket stopper which is commonly known as the plunger-style which depends on an inner stopper to obstruct the water during the time that the lever is actuated.

Removing the Stopper

After selecting what model to go for, it is time to remove the stopper. The removal process will rely on what type of stopper you have. For push-pull stoppers, pull the knob out and turn it in a counterclockwise direction using one hand while simultaneously getting a grip of the stopper’s body using the other. You can use a towel onto the body and utilize pliers for turning the knob if needed more force.


Photo Credit: The Spruce

For a lift-and-turn stopper, just grip onto the body of the stopper then turn the knob while checking out for a set screw on it. If you happen to see one, unfasten the screw with a screwdriver. Then, turn the stopper in a counterclockwise manner until it is finally on the loose from the mounting post. Finally, using a pair of pliers, detach the mounting post.


Photo Credit: The Spruce

The easiest model to remove is the toe-touch model. You just need to pop the stopper open and then unfasten the shaft cylinder. Turn it in a counterclockwise manner, and voila!


Photo Credit: The Spruce

The setup of a plunger-style stopper is usually situated inside but is not found near the opening of the drain. From the trip lever’s plate, detach the screws and move off the faceplate. With the faceplate pulled away, the rest should come after while jiggling to unfasten the whole structure and then pulling it out.

Lastly, for pop-up stoppers, first, you will need to flick the lever for the drain to open. Pull the stopper out along with the metal arm or rocker arm which stretches through the pipe. If you get a hard time getting it out, jiggling it in a gentle manner will help while pulling up.

Softening the Putty


Photo Credit: Oatey

Drains are usually fitted with plumber’s putty in the course of installation. It is definitely hardened by now. You will need a heat gun to soften it. Apply hot air straight to the drain. You can also use a hairdryer in the absence of a heat gun. The hot air should release its grip in a matter of minutes.

Removing the Fitting

There are usually two types of drain fittings; types that feature a metal crossbar and the ones that do not have crossbars. The metal crossbar is intended to inhibit debris to fall in. If your drain fitting has this feature, just thrust a drain wrench into the X shape metal and unscrew it by turning it in a counterclockwise manner. You can also utilize a long-nose plier gripping the crossbar and turning it counterclockwise to unscrew the fitting. Do this for some rotations until it is loosened enough and pull it out.

However, if your fitting has no metal crossbar, you will be needing a tub drain extractor for the removal.

Getting Rid of Grotty Grout

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At some point, your bathroom or kitchen will look really awful because of moldy, discolored tile grout. The tilework is one of the focal points of the kitchen and bathroom. And tile grout plays an essential role in the physical feature of the tilework. If it is moldy or dirty, it affects the entirety. You may come to realize that it does not work for you anymore and you need to do something to get rid of the eye sore.

Without a doubt, cleaning your tiles is practically easy and maintaining its cleanliness takes little effort. But its grout often lets the side down. But do not fret, a chipped or dirty grout does not mean you have to replace the tiles and start again from scratch. Just remove and replace old grout and it is a relatively quick and easy job!

But before deciding whether to remove your existing grout, assess if your problem can be solved with cleaning products like spray for molds and know that there are some techniques you can perform to clean dirty that only require things that are certainly available in your home like the infamous soda and vinegar mixture or any bleach-based cleaning solutions which are proven effective. You could also utilize products that can revive grouts which are available on the market. If all else fails and you still are not happy with the result, then proceed to the methods that we are going to discuss.

Basically there are two ways you can choose from in removing grout. You can either go with using tools that are electric-powered or manual tools. But the catch is you would be needing a lot of tenacity on the latter. We will go over whatever your choice or preference is.

Using Manual Tools

If you are on a budget and do not want to purchase a power tool, you would probably do it manually with the help of tools that are present in your house.


Photo: https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-of-can-openers/

Tool Option 1: If you have an old model can opener (lever-type), you can utilize its tip. This should work just fine although you need to have patience as this process and tool necessitates time and vigor. Scrape out the existing grout with the point until every hardened grout is removed. If the point becomes blunted, hone it using a file.

Tool Option 2: You do not have an old can opener, no problem! You can always make a tool out of things. Get a shot to medium wood dowel and a 2-inch finishing nail. Create a small hole about an inch from the dowel’s end and using a hammer, drive the nail through the hole, and voila! You’ve got yourself a DIY grout-remover tool. Use it like how you make use of the can opener, point the nail in a joint between the tiles and do downward strokes to remove the existing grout. Again this requires patience to get results. Sharpen the nail with a file if it gets blunted.

Using Electric-Powered Tools


Photo: https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-of-power-tools/

If you are aiming to finish your grout-removing project in a fast pace, then you should probably go with power tools. The advantage of making use of rotary tools for this case (or any job at least) is speed. However, a power tool lives up to its description. It can be powerful for such job. And in removing grout, you might damage tiles if you do not become extra careful using a powerful tool.

In using a power tool, first put the right blade assigned for tile grout and turn it on. Next, apply it to the grout and straight on, in a light manner. You do not need to put a lot of pressure on it. The blade should to do the work itself. For the grout that is hidden behind the tiles, incline the blade at an angle very slightly. But make sure to work carefully. We do not want to ruin any tile. After removing the visible grout, get a flathead screwdriver to remove loose bits that are still present.

Keeping the Lawn Greener As Ever

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The average residential lawn in the United States is about 11,000 square feet but the number can vary depending on the state you live in. It is estimated that about 30 million acres of lawns are hosted by American homes. These lawns are used for several activities such as picnics, Frisbee games, and barbecue parties. Keep your lawn lush regardless of the endless footprints and the harsh sun. In this article, we will discuss some techniques and methods to keep a lush lawn.

Soil Testing


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Testing your soil through soil test gives you the accurate measurements of pH. It also provides the quantity as well as the nutrients available and present in the soil including phosphorus and nitrogen. You can rely a do-it-yourself home test but unlike the chemical lab test, home kit test are usually consistently good for pH measurement only. So if you are want data of what your lawn greenery needs to thrive, then you should probably acquire the service of a cooperative extension who will conduct the test.

Supplemental Element

There is no recipe that is suitable for many soil situation during springtime. Soil testing will provide ideas on what adjustments you should make. Taking the test results to a gardening center will help you get helpful tips.

It is best to go for a fertilizer that is organic and releases an ample but steady amount of nutrients as time goes by. Apply it to the external edges of the lawn. The cover the center, extending over each pass by little inches. Subsequently, you will need to do frequent mowing as you are putting in additional nutrients at a time of growth that is fast-paced.

Calcium Deficiency

One indicator that your soil lacks calcium is the presence of lawn weeds. The ideal ratio of calcium-to-magnesium should be 7 to 1. If your soil fail to meet that standard, the best way to do is to lay out high calcium hydrated lime or slacked lime over the lawn. It is one of the most effective mixture for pH adjustment and acid neutralization thus, essential to magnify your lawn’s nitrogen-absorbing ability and synthesize proteins, doing weed out of food.

Added Compost


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The grass that occurs early benefits from additional compost which can be either “homemade” or from a gardening center in your area. Ideally, apply about half an inch layer over the lawn scraping it into the surface. Make use of finished compost. It should have a rich, dark brown color, crumbles in your hand, and smells like earth. Some indications that the compost is not yet ready are visible food content and the pile is still warm.

Pulling Up Weeds

If you notice weeds popping up after a spring rain it is best to pull them while they are still small and the soil is moist. They should come out easily by hand.

A Well Kept Mower

You should maintain your lawn mower. A mower with blunted blades do not cut the grass clean but rather tear it off resulting to uneven surface which makes diseases to easily develop. It is advisable to sharpen the blade after using the mower for an 8-hour mowing activity.

Let it Grow


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Your lawn could look like a golf course with short grass. Do not keep it that way. Let your grass grow to about three to 3 and 3/12 inches long maintaining that length for the entire season. In this way, the grass haulm will screen seeds of weed and during the summer screens the soil hence, evaporation is reduced.

When the fall comes, you can already go back and shear it short because during this season, weed seeds are not as plentiful and you do not have to worry about evaporation.

Which Siding Type Best Suits Your Liking

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You are probably planning to do a kitchen renovation or thinking of adding an additional room soon but have you also considered improving the exterior of your home? Well, we are not just talking about beautification. Making an upgrade on the façade of your home also keeps you protected from natural onslaughts. If you currently have the goal of doing so and you are not sure what specific type of siding to choose, this blog will help you get an idea of what type of siding best fits your taste.

When engaging to an exterior siding project, it is also vital to consider the exterior trims. These are the casing treatments that are utilized around door and window openings. If your existing siding has hit the skids, chances are that the exterior trim will be needing replacement as well. They key is to match the new trim with your replacement siding in terms of appearance and function.

Engineered Wood


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Engineered wood are made by binding bits of scrap wood, shredded wood fibers, real wood to make siding that looks like wood and functions as wood but are formed to be more efficient in terms of durability. There is a vast selection of engineered wood siding you can choose from. Clapboards are the most common choice. They are made from resin and wood flakes and come with a primer. There is also the T1-11 plywood panels that come in 4×8 size. These panels can be installed straight over wood framing and has lapped edges which make the overall look of the siding seamless.

Wood Shingle


Photo Credit: Wood Solutions

There are cases that wood siding can be installed on existing siding. You can install wood shingle siding over an aged wood panel siding or clapboards. But it is best to remove older siding before installing new wood shingle siding and prior to putting the new ones in place, make sure to replace damage trim around window and door openings.

As for maintenance, check for cracks or damages for repair every year. It is a requirement for wood to be refinished every four to six years depending on what type of finish you make use of.

Pine Wood


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One of main wood species that are used for exterior siding is pine. It is the most common as it not costly. The only downside of pine is that it cannot hold out against rot and insects. To prevent this, it is advisable to use protective finish. For extreme weather and UV protection, use solid color stain or paint. But if you are aiming for a natural wood grain appearance, look for a clear finish that is intended for wood siding.

Cedar


Photo Credit: Specialty Wood Products

Another wood specie that is widely used as exterior siding is cedar. Unlike pine, they can resist rot and the dimensional stability of cedar wood is more commendable as they do not contract, warp, crack, and expand. There are certain types of cedar including red cedar, Alaskan yellow cedar, and eastern white cedar which colors are true to its names.

Stone Veneer


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If you are a fan of stone, stone veneers may float your boat. Stone veneers are much cheaper stone siding option than natural stone. Its price can vary from $6 to $9 per square foot compare to natural stone siding that can cost $15 to $30 per square foot. They are made from cement, pigment, and other materials such as aggregate. There are a variety of stone veneer styles you can choose from. They are usually installed on the lower half of level walls and are frequently used to embellish the fireplace surrounds, driveway pillars, and interior wall accents.

Vinyl Siding

Without any doubt, vinyl siding is the most common choice of homeowners to use for the exterior of their home. Vinyl siding is easy to install. They are reasonably priced and above all, they are long-standing. There are different styles of vinyl siding readily available on the market. The color is part of the material when designing vinyl siding thus, scratches and marks do not show.

Vinyl siding can be installed on walls that are newly erected or built. They can also be installed over existing siding on the exterior home. There are vinyl siding with high-density insulation creating the ideal exterior for any home. The insulated vinyl siding has a support of solid rigid foam insulation which is filled on the voids that is behind the stepped profile of the siding. Go for brands with exceptional R-value (resistance to heat flow) because they are more energy-efficient to achieve comfort and perfect temperature for every corner of your home year-round.

These are just some of the options you have if you are on the market for improving your exterior and upgrading the total curb appeal. In choosing the best type of siding for your home, make sure to note certain things: cost, energy efficiency, and maintenance requirements.

Damp House: The Whereabouts of Mold

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We can all agree that in every house and every environment, there are mold spores. And they can be such an annoying problem to deal with for a homeowner. First, we need to discuss some basic information about molds.

Do not be misinformed, not all molds are black! They come in different colors. Their appearance can vary depending on the type of material they grow on. If you are still unable to distinguish whether a “fuzzy” looking spot is a mold, the musty smell will back up your uncertainty. If it is indeed smelling damp, jackpot! You’ve got yourself an uninvited guest.

We may not realize it but we are probably exposed to molds more than we imagine because mold spores are in the air and infiltrate our homes through the doors, windows, and get this – even our clothing. They need moisture to survive as well as warm temperatures.

Molds grow in areas with a lot of moisture like windows, around roof leaks, and spots that have been flooded. Molds also grow in plumbing pipes. Because pipes are dark and moist, it is easy for molds to be formed. Leaks and condensation in pipes also help molds to spread.

In this blog, we will focus on some areas where molds are most likely to grow and how to combat its growth.

Windows


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If your house has poor air circulation, then moisture buildup will cause condensation on the windows. Condensation occurs when moist air comes into contact with windows that are cold. And we all know condensation attracts mold. The solution to condensation is better insulation. Energy-efficient windows are very effective in insulating. They prevent interior panes from getting cold. Do you have condensed windows? Maybe it is time to replace them with new ones that are energy-efficient.

Toilets


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The common areas where leaks are most probably to occur are areas with a large amount of water flowing. For instance, the base of toilets. They can cause leaks in the floor if certain connections are not connected in the right manner. It can be quite an expensive repair project if damage in the toilet to floor connection broadens. And on top of this, mold will be free as the bird to grow around the damage area.

Showers


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Do you have a shower that is continuously dripping? Well, you have guessed it right. Your shower can also be a mold haven especially the nozzle and the head. If your shower won’t stop from dripping, check for worn seal. The rubber washer is the feature that prevents water from leaking between the hose and showerhead. If it is damaged, have it fixed or better replace it with a new one.

Sinks


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If you happen to discover mold under your sink, clean it up as soon as possible. Possible causes could be a crack in pipe, leak in your sink, condensation, or plumbing joints that are loosen. As we all know, they like to grow in these usual areas. Check on every part of the sink for possible damages or leaks and have it fixed in time. It could also be from the stuff we stock under our sink like lotions, cleaning supplies, or containers with liquid so make sure to regularly clean your sink by decluttering and close all lids of containers under it.

Pipes

A clogged pipe can cause mold because when a pipe is obstructed, water tends to leak into the floors which will definitely attract mold. If you happen to notice your floors warping or walls that are discolored, most like there can be some water damage. If the damage outstretches the size bigger than 3 feet by 3 feet, it is advisable to acquire professional assistance as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Health Hazards

If your household is allergic to mold, then it is better to know ways to prevent them from growing. On the other hand, non-allergic households can still be affected by these maddening fungi. Exposure to mold can irritate nose, eyes, skin, throat, and lungs that may lead to serious illnesses. People who suffer from asthma or trouble breathing can become more sensitive to mold in their houses.

How to Prevent

As previously mentioned, the most common cause of attracting molds are leaks and other water damage. It is better to detect all damages and leaks as early as possible to prevent the mold from spreading. Here are some tips to prevent possible mold formation:

  • 1. Check your pipe fixtures on a regular basis.
  • 2. If you spotted mold, immediately clean it using vinegar, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide.
  • 3. As much as possible, keep your sink and bathroom areas dry. You can turn the bathroom fan before bathing and leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes after you shower. This technique can help in the moisture reduction in your bathroom.

Sad to say, we are constantly living with mold. They are everywhere in the air. But with these simple tips, you would be able to create an atmosphere that prevents mold from growing.

If you think you have pipes that are leaky, it is best to have your plumbing checked by experts in your area to prevent other problems that may occur in the future.

Toilet Repairs: Nature Calls You To Do It Yourself

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When it comes to usual toilet problems, some homeowners prefer to leave the work to the plumbing professional. And although there are a lot of licensed plumbers within the area ready to help with the job, a few homeowners would rather do it on their own. Which is totally okay considering the household wants to save a little money by taking care of the plumbing needs by themselves.

So what if you encounter a toilet repair dilemma and would rather apply a Do-It-Yourself strategy? Roll up your sleeves and pay attention to these compiled toilet problem strategies to help you get the job done without needing the assistance of pros.

Before you read on, be sure to make yourself familiar with the parts of the toilet tank and their function individually to make your DIY repair easier.

Toilet Handle Won’t Flush!

Ever experience having a wiggly toilet handle? When you depress it but there is no resistance and the toilet does not flush? Well, there might be a problem on a certain connection inside the tank or the chain has possibly come loose. Although tank interiors do not look the same, they certainly have a lift arm which is a thin metal or a plastic rod and a rubber stopper situated at the bottom which is connected to the lift arm via a chain. In the event that the chain is detached from the lift arm, the rubber stopper definitely won’t lift inhibiting water to drain from the tank thus preventing the flush. Same case can happen if the nut securing the handle to the lift arm has come unsecured.

BobVila has provided four simple steps to help you get that flush working again.

  • 1. Turn off the shut-off valve that supplies water to the tank located on the small hose behind the commode.
  • 2. Remove the tank cover. Locate the chain connected to the flapper and pull it upward. This will lift the flapper and allow the water in the tank to drain out.
  • 3. If the chain has come loose from the lift arm, reconnect it (you should see a notch or a hook). If the chain has broken, buy a new one from the hardware store (for less than $5) and replace it.
  • 4. If a loose or broken chain isn’t the problem, the nut that secures the handle (just inside the tank) may have loosened and worked its way down the lift bar. Retighten the nut to the back of the handle, using your fingers, until it’s snug, and then turn on the water supply to refill the tank.”

Water Too Low!

There are a few reasons why your toilet bowl has low water than it should have. It can get frustrating to figure out what seems to cause this problem so we have listed down four of the most common and possible reasons to help you get more water in that bowl.

  • 1. The fill tube of the tank may be damaged or somehow positioned in the wrong manner which causes the water level to fail from reaching the proper level. To fix this, position the fill tube just so the water can flow into the overflow tube. Another reason could be blocked plumbing vents. You would know this if you hear a gurgling sound from the toilet after using another one or emptying the bathtub. All you need to do is clear the vents from the roof by spraying water into them using a hose. To prevent blocking of plumbing vents, it is best to cover the opening with a grid to hinder objects from falling inside of the vent.
  • 2. Check the water level after the fill valve has shut off. It should be around 1 to 2 inches below the overflow tube and the fill valve. If it is below the indicated level, there will not be enough water to fill the bowl after a flush. To fix this, adjust the float by screwing the ball on the end of a float arm in a clockwise manner. This will shorten the arm.
  • 3. Check for cracks. If you are certain about all possible reason and could not find any other, it is best to look for cracks around the base of the toilet. Repairing cracks in porcelain is not consistently good. So if you found a crack that is causing the low water in your toilet, it is time to replace it.

My Bowl is Overflowing!

One day the water is too low, the next day your bowl is overflowing! It should not be a problem. The main reason why a toilet overflows is because it is clogged. This is probably one of the most common toilet problems everywhere. But the repair is so easy. It is time for your toilet plunger to steal the spotlight and do wonders! Clearing the clog with a plunger is the simplest most common repair for a commode that is overflowing. Just make sure to apply the proper way of using it to avoid dirty water splashing all over your bathroom.

It Won’t Stop!

In the case of a noisy toilet even if you are not using it, adjusting the fill valve or replacing it should solve the issue.

  • 1. A toilet that won’t stop running can be due to a high level of water in the tank causing the water to flow over the top of the overflow tube then into the tank. To fix this, you will need to adjust and bend the float arm downward so the float reaches the level where the water gets shut off. Finding the correct level may take many trials.
  • 2. Another possibility could be the flapper is not positioned well or is not sealing the opening of the flush valve. A shabby flapper will make water drip from the tank to the bowl. Remove the flapper by disconnecting the flapper chain from the flush handle lever. Slide the flapper off the pegs that extend from the sides of the flush valve tube. Attach the new flapper by hooking each ear of the flapper onto the pegs and connecting the flapper chain to the lever. If you think the flapper needs replacement, do not hesitate to do so.

Switch to Home Automation

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All of us want to enjoy the time we spend in our home as much as possible. Through the newest and trendy home technology, it has become easier for most homeowners to make the most of the time in their abode. You will definitely be astonished at how much ease and joy using technology at home could provide. When we think of smart technology, thermostats and security would probably pop into your head first. But it actually expands beyond those technology features you can equip your home. Nowadays, you can get LED bulbs that are wireless, a robotic vacuum cleaner, smart faucets, door handles that are self-sterilizing, and many more!

We are living in a world rife with technology and it keeps on forging ahead. To be able to gain access to these innovative features at home is becoming an essential. There are a lot of reasons why most homeowners would want to tap into trendy home technology and here we will tackle some:

  • 1. With technology, your home could be efficient than ever. A household can save a lot on bills through conservation of water and electricity because of technological advancement in your home. You can control various functions with a simple button or use of an app on your phone.
  • 2. Errands at home can somehow bring you anxiety and with home technology, you would be able to relax knowing that you do not have to worry whether or not a task was done before you head out and have a great night sleep knowing everything is in the right place and are well taken care of.
  • 3. Home technology is undemanding once installed. It brings convenience to modern life.
  • 4. You get things the way you want them through customization. With home technology, you are able to set up anything to be done in the manner that you like and when you want it done.

If you are impressed with the benefits of home technology and is on the verge of converting your home to a smarter one, here are some of the trendy technology that will definitely make your life easier and help you make the most of your time at home.

Robot Vacuum Cleaner


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Robot vacuums have smart technology to detect obstacles. They also have the ability to empty its bin automatically and various modes for cleaning floors of any type. These devices can clean your floor even without your presence at home because of its smart time scheduling.

Thermal Leak Detector

There are ways to detect air leaks. If you think your insulation at home have leaks, this device will help you detect and fix them. Using the detector, scan an area such as window, duct, or any insulation spot. Red indicates warm spot and blue is an indication that the spot is colder.

Path Light (Solar)

If you want to illuminate your garden, might as well purchase solar-powered LED path lights. These are eco-friendly as they are powered by solar energy and does not require electricity. You would be able to save money from energy bills. These lights automatically turn on at dusk and shuts off at dawn.

Smart Faucet

Smart faucets is intelligently designed to conserve up to 15,000 gallons of water per unit per year. This is eco-friendly smart home automation feature have other benefits aside from water conservation.

Wireless LED Light Bulb

This lighting system provides convenience because you won’t be needing to get up if you are already settled in your bed just to turn off the lights because these lights can be controlled through your smartphone. You can also set up a time schedule for this lights to turn on or off automatically.

Smart Thermostat


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Probably one of the most common and essential smart home automation features there is. This technology helps you control your home’s temperature remotely depending on the heating and cooling needs, and weather conditions.

These are just a few of many latest technology to help you live a more convenient life at home. When your home is equip with smart technology, you are guaranteed to save money and preserve the environment.

Thinking About Home Remodeling?

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Are you closing on a listing and can’t wait to make it your own or looking to boost value to your existing property for selling? There is a big chance that you might encounter a number of remodeling or renovation projects in the future. Sure, it can be exciting at one point with all the creativity you have in mind and produce a dream house perfect for your family or for selling. And whether the remodeling project is of large or small scale, important details should be considered.

Here are some of the things you need to think about prior to commencing a remodeling project at your home.

Getting the Hang of Your Budget

First and foremost, know your budget. When planning to do a home remodeling project, it is important that you plan out your budget carefully. Might as well make your budgeting in detail. Your budget will be based on the type of remodeling project that you want to do; kitchen renovation, bathroom remodeling, adding a room, etc. Renovation, in most cases, can be costly. So it is important to apprehend whether an interior renovation for instance, is something that you can afford. You do not want to get caught up in a financial predicament if you are going to push through.

Try to understand the scope of your project and if it aligns with your budget, then you are good to go.

Knowing Your Needs and Wants

Remodeling your home can get overwhelming at some point. But if you assess what you really want and what you need beforehand, things can get so much easier. Determine whether you just want an upgrade on some aspects of a certain room or area. Do you think you will be needing an additional space by adding a new room? Do not inhibit yourself from putting up questions that will help you decide. In this way, you would be able to filter the ideas that you want and need and furthermore, come up with a decision on what should be done or which is the best of the choices.

Making a Timeline

In remodeling your home, also prioritized a schedule for when it will be carried out. It is important to think of when the remodeling will commence exactly. However, it is also vital to have an idea about the availability of your contractor to do the work. There might come a scenario in which your and someone else’s remodeling project would vie for the same time slot on a contractor’s calendar. So it is better to discuss your desired timeframe to the work team first.


Photo by Anete Lusina from Pexels

Prepare for Add Ons

This is somehow connected to your budget consideration. There are instances that you might encounter contingencies during the remodeling process. Renovation is full of uncertainties when it comes to financial matters. Some things in home renovation can be quite costly than others – these things always have to come about unfortunately otherwise your goal would not be achieved. Sit down under it because it is most likely to happen. To avoid such financial stress in the future, make sure to gird your loins for the possible extra things to spend on. Make a percentage allocation for possible circumstances and better talk it out to your contractor. They will surely come up with an idea on how to utilize your budget without leaving you disappointed with your expected goal.


Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Make Use of References

A reputable contractor will provide references you can contact before moving forward to the remodeling project with them. Make sure that the contractor you will be dealing with performs well, conforms to a timeframe, and adapts to your budget. It is best to get some references so you would be able to assess their efficacy.

Work with the Most Trusted

In some cases, you might end up having more than one contractor on deck that you think can do well to do your project. If this happens, contact the references each contractor will provide and do a sifting job by getting the best review. It is like choosing the best from the bests. You will eventually find a match taking into account their service prices and timelines.