Archive for the ‘How to Fix’ Category
How to Unclog a Clogged Toilet in Three Steps
Ugh - there goes the toilet again. Today's toilets are more eco-friendly because they use less water per flush, but this also means they pack less of a wallop than the less-efficient toilets of yesteryear. Which means you'd better be ready to unclog a toilet, but don't worry: it's not as hard as you thought. Here are three steps for doing just that.
- Step 1. First, make a few preparations.
If you don't know what's clogging the toilet, try to ask anyone else who lives with you if they might know. This, of course, will depend on your individual situation and whether or not you already know what's causing the clog. Second, as you're preparing to unclog the toilet, try to spread a few towels around the area - it's likely that you'll splash some toilet water around. Make sure you wash these towels after you're done.
- Step 2. Use a plunger.
This is the basic tool you'll use when working with toilets, and for most clogs, this might actually be your only step. If you've never used a plunger before, don't fret; it's actually pretty simple.
First, you'll want to make sure that there's enough water in your toilet bowl to cover the head of the plunger. Make sure that you don't actually flush the clogged toilet again - instead, you'll want to simply add some water from an external source like a faucet. This will help make the plunging go more smoothly and make sure you get adequate pressure to unclog your clog.
- Step 3. If the plunger fails, try a toilet auger.
This isn't your first option; you'll want to use the auger for the especially stubborn clogs that the plunger simply isn't able to handle.
A toilet auger is much like a plumber's snake, but it is often treated with a plastic coating to help protect the inner workings of your toilet. Using the auger, you can actually "reach in" and manually dislodge a clog by either grabbing it and pulling it back up, or by pushing it through down to your drainage line.
Working with a clogged toilet is one of the easiest things to fix around the home - as long as you know what you're doing. Keep a couple of these tools (a plunger and an auger) handy around the house - you just need one of each. This way you can avoid unnecessary trips to the hardware store or calls to the plumber.
Photo Credits: apartment therapy
Originally posted 2009-07-30 03:30:52.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on May 3, 2012 in
How to Fix, Plumber, toilet
In the age of Ikea, a cheap path to a good looking living room or bedroom set is easy to find. The monolithic mega-marts that litter the American landscape each come included with their own particular house brand low-cost furnishings. Indeed, finding inexpensive furniture takes no more effort than tracking down your closest self-standing department store. But the exchange for this ease of access and affordability is the lack of quality and piece longevity.
Painted particle board can cost just one-third of the more durable alternative. But that trade-off does not equate to the years of life and the wear and tear. For instance – if you purchased a hand-made albeit three-times as costly cabinet from www.amish-furniture-home.com, your selection is certain, with the right care over time, to last three generations or longer. It is doubtful the three-times cheaper glorified cardboard rendition of the same style will last one generation, let alone three. Therefore, the trade-off just does not add up.
Think about it this way: we have pieces around the house that are heirlooms from grandparents and beyond. A rap on the surface with the knuckles followed by “They sure don't make them like they used to.” is a typical occurrence around such an item . But don't think for a second that they didn't have inferior furniture options back in the “good ol' days”. The pieces you use that were used by generations past are merely the well-made ones that survived. Your ancestors chose to pay a little bit extra for something that would last a literal lifetime and beyond.
Not everyone has the funds to go out and buy an upper four-figure set when one for far less is readily available. But if you can duct-tape that lousy low-cost futon for another year and squirrel away an extra amount of cash for a furniture investment, the pay-off will be well worth it. The path to fixing always having to buy new furniture every few years involves avoiding the cheap and easy alternatives. Not only will you live long enough to see the benefits of this investment through its duration, but your children will as well.
Originally posted 2011-11-21 14:42:10.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on May 2, 2012 in
How to Fix
Needs staining.
The wood deck is one of the hallmarks of the do-it-yourself home improvement buff, but what happens if you come across a home that has a wood deck that needs to be repaired? You may know a lot about building decks, but in order to fix one up and bring it up to your standards of quality, you'll have to think about things in a different way. Here are just a few tips for fixing and sealing a wood deck.
Test out the old deck. If the old deck is rotted and unfit, you'll simply want to replace it. Only leave a deck mostly in tact if you know that it's strong enough to function fully after being repaired.
It gets worse before it gets better: If you've ever cleaned out your garage before, you know that sometimes, home improvement means that things will get worse before they get better. If you really want to do a number on your wood deck and bring it up to snuff, then start out with a "it gets worse before it gets better" mindset. Take out anything resembling a loose nail. Destroy wood that has rotted and throw it out. If there's a part of the deck that doesn't look like it will mesh with a repaired one, get rid of it.
Sure, it might feel like you're building a new deck from scratch after this. But the end result will look more uniform and new if you really do a number on the old deck.
Replace what you've taken out. If you did a number on your deck, then you have more than a few holes to plug. If this is the case, you'll want to simply replace the old parts that came out with new ones. Make sure that every piece of wood in the structure is strong so that the entire deck will function like a new deck. When in doubt, take out an entire board and simply replace it with a new one.
Seal the deck. Seal the deck at the same point in which you would seal a new one.
Make the deck look uniform. After you've sealed the deck, it's time to make the deck look as uniform as possible. You can do this by staining all of the wood a similar color. Be sure to ask someone in the know about wood staining before you try it out - you don't want to end up with a mismatched deck. You can think about painting a deck if the staining won't work.
Photo Credits: tuchodi
Originally posted 2009-12-29 03:45:45.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on May 1, 2012 in
Deck, Handyman, How to Fix
Iffy dehumidifier? We can take care of that!
When you walk into your basement, you'll know if your dehumidifier is working properly or not. If it is, you should feel the air that is dry and feels relatively cool. If it's not, you'll probably pick up the must and maybe even an unpleasant smell. But does this mean your dehumidifier is broken? Not necessarily; it might just be in need of a tune-up. Here is how to fix a dehumidifier that isn't performing up to snuff.
First, you'll want to consider whether or not your dehumidifer is simply too small for the space you have. You can usually tell by a simple test: is this the first time you've used a dehumidifier of that size in your home? If so, then this is a possibility. However, if the dehumidifier has worked well in the past, it's time to check it out and make some repairs.
Note: Make sure that you take out the power cord before attempting any of these repairs. Needless to say, it's a very necessary precaution.
Remove the cover of your dehumidifier and identify the condenser and evaporator coils. These will probably look like they're in need of a good cleaning, which is exactly what you'll want to do. Check your condenser especially to make sure that it hasn't been clogged with dust or dirt. Also, the fan motor bearings might be in need of lubrication - now is the time to drop in a metal lubricant to make sure that it is running smoothly.
Your next option to tune up the dehumidifier is to check the "humidistat" with what's known as a Volt-Ohm meter. You might have to pick one up at your local hardware store. Setting your meter to the RX1 scale, attach the leads on the meter to the humidistat (to what's known as the "terminals"). If you need help with this step, be sure to consult with your hardware store or outsource your dehumidifier repairs to a professional.
The humidistat should register 0 Ohms through a limited range - if it registers through the entire range, there's something wrong with the humidistat and it will need to be replaced.
Once you've made these repairs and the dehumidifier still isn't working, you'll have to consider replacing it or finding a professional to work on it for you. Remember that a dehuimdifier is important to maintain the quality of air in your home; don't procrastinate fixing it.
Photo Credits: JND90745
Originally posted 2009-08-20 03:18:49.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on April 30, 2012 in
Electronics, Handyman, How to Fix
House Problems?
Huh? Fix a problem you can't fix? Actually, it can be done, and people do it all the time. It's called outsourcing, and it's the same thing you do when you build a home and buy food. You don't have the time to take care of every single thing in your life, so you trade money for it instead. When you have something you need fixed but don't know how to fix, you call in a contractor.
Working with a contractor can be a unique experience, and the more experience you have, the better you'll be at it. But you could also use a few tips that can help you along the way. Here are some great strategies for dealing with contractors.
First, consider a contractor's reputation among the most valuable referrals you can get. You should make sure that a contractor is accredited, sure, but you also want to make sure that the contractor takes each individual job seriously and is willing to go the extra mile for his or her clients. You find out a contractor's reputation by researching them online, but even more powerful is the word-of-mouth reputation that you can find by asking around - in person. Does the contractor have a history of making people happy? Then there's a good chance you'll end up happy with the work they do, as well.
Next, be sure to watch out for potential scams. Make sure that they have general liability insurance so that you're not responsible financially for any damage they might do to your home. Will your home be damaged? Probably not, but there are bad contractors out there who can make life miserable for you. You'll screen out most of these bad contractors by following the "reputation" rule, but you want to make sure you're covered financially in either case.
Once you've got a contractor confirmed and hired, be willing to be on top of them to get your problem fixed, especially if you need the repairs to happen quickly. You're hiring the contractor, after all, and many times a contractor will try to get away with being as lazy as you allow them to be. Stay on top of them, and remember that since it's your money on the line, you get to call the shots.
Photo Credits: pnwra
Originally posted 2009-10-19 03:53:44.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on April 28, 2012 in
Handyman, House, How to Fix
Check the water level.
Sometimes, it's more frustrating to see a machine that's partially working rather than one that is totally broken. This is especially true of the novice do-it-yourselfer, who knows that they're close to having the solution but isn't quite sure what to do next. If you're having this kind of problem with your washing machine tub, which won't fill up with enough water for your laundry, your troubles will be over in just a few minutes.
To understand exactly why a washing machine tub might not fill with a proper amount of water, it will help to know how machines "know" when they have enough water in the first place. Devices like dishwashers have level detectors that let the machine know that there's a sufficient amount of water in the machine. The washing machine has a water level switch, as well.
Note: Before you start working on this problem, be sure that your washing machine is disconnected from your electrical power. For all of your plugged-in appliances, it's best to avoid these kinds of problems simply by unplugging them before you begin.
The way a water level switch often works in a washing machine is relatively simple: the more water there is in the machine, the more the air pressure builds up. The water level detector keeps tabs on this air pressure and knows when the water is built up to a sufficient height. When your machine isn't filling with enough water, a problem with the water level switch can often be the culprit.
In order to make sure that your water level switch is working effectively, you'll want to test it (of course, the power to your washing machine should be disconnected!). Here's a good guide to testing your water level switch that will help you understand how the switch works and how to test it.
If you are still having problems with your switch, there's a possibility you might need to call in a repairman or have the part simply replaced. If you believe it needs to be replaced, it might be a good idea to contact the manufacturer and find out the part that you'll need.
After you've made the adjustments and hopefully fixed your washing machine, plug it back in and try it out. How is the water level now? If you're still having problems, you'll have to check other parts of your machine. Again: disconnect before tinkering!
Photo Credits: jim212jim
Originally posted 2009-12-10 03:05:42.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on April 27, 2012 in
appliances, Handyman, How to Fix, Laundry Room
Staircase balusters
A baluster can be a crucial element to your staircase handrail, both in terms of design and function. So when one needs replacing, it can look like quite a heavy task. Luckily, it's not as bad as you think, and once you tackle the tough work of finding a replacement baluster that fits in with the rest, many do-it-yourselfers should generally have a fair time getting the new baluster installed.
First, you'll obviously want to find a new baluster that is well-suited to match with your other ones. Make sure to find one from the same company, if possible, or failing that at least find something similar. It will also help to get a new baluster that is slightly longer - say an inch or two - than your other ones so that you can modify it down to the proper size and fit.
Finding a replacement baluster can be a major part of the pain involved, but once you have that in hand, you're ready to move to the next step. (Note: It will help to check out the other balusters as you do this, as there may be further damaging than you thought.)
Take out the old baluster and prepare the area for a new one, generally through a process of cleaning and sanding. Clear out any old debris that may be present so that your new baluster can have a smooth fit. Sanding the area down will generally help any painting you might need to do, so don't skip out on this part if you really want an accurate matching with the new baluster.
Next, do your best to measure the size the baluster will need to be, and subsequently cut it down to that size. Insert the baluster to the proper location and note any changes that might be needed - for example, do you need to whittle it down further? Make sure you use wood glue in order for the baluster to stay in place. Nail in the baluster so that it's secure, and paint the area you need to paint, letting it dry overnight.
Now that you look at your staircase handrail, you should notice a relatively consistent color and look. Congratulations! You've successfully fixed your baluster by replacing it. Keep in mind some of the repairs you've made in case you need to replace another baluster in the future. Now, if only the deck was this easy...
Photo Credits: Ctd 2005
Originally posted 2010-01-12 03:41:19.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on April 26, 2012 in
Handyman, How to Fix, Staircase
Noisy dishwasher? No problem, we can fix that!
When you have a noisy dishwasher, you don't exactly feel like doing the dishes. After all, doing the dishes alone isn't the most entertaining bit of home maintenance in the world. The prospect of adding noise to the equation when you're trying to watch the game on TV or hear your favorite television show makes the idea even less appealing. That's why you'll want to fix your noisy dishwasher as soon as you can - so you can get back to quiet evenings after a rough day at work.
Of course, in order to fix your noisy dishwasher, you'll have to know what's causing the noise in the first place. This is where most of the work in fixing the noise itself will take place. First, try to find your dishwasher's owner manual: if it gives any warnings against improper dish loading that you've been violating, the reason for the noisy dishwasher might simply be human error. Oops. Do the dishes right next time and hopefully the noise will subside.
It's not always human error, however. If the problem wasn't you, you'll have to do some dishwasher inspecting. The first place to look? The pump at the bottom of the dishwasher. Make sure that it's not clogged with debris such as stuck silverware, food, or uneaten seeds. This pump should be perfectly clean.
If that's not the problem, you also might want to make sure that your dishwasher is level. If your dishwasher sits on "feet," you should be able to adjust them manually. Use a level to check that it is not leaning forward/backward or to any one particular side.
If none of these fixes has made the noise go away, there's a possibility that your inlet valve is the source of the issues. The inlet valve is not an easy thing to replace, but you'll probably want it replaced if you want to get rid of the noise. If you're out of answers, call in a repairman who will know what makes your dishwasher become so noisy, and ask about the possibility of replacing the inlet valve. This could be the source of your noise, but it's not an easy challenge to take on yourself.
Make sure that you keep your dishwasher clean, regularly cleaning it out of debris and gunk. Even though the dishwasher seems like a self-cleaning machine, you'll want to check how clean it really is from time to time.
Photo Credits: scampion
Originally posted 2009-08-17 03:00:21.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on April 25, 2012 in
appliances, Handyman, How to Fix, kitchen
Old Sole
Once you’ve worn a pair of shoes for far too long, it’s normal for even the most expensive and exclusive shoes to develop problems, such as the sole of the shoe coming off. If this happens, the most practical thing to do would be to repair it rather than go in for a new pair.
True, there are a number of adhesives that would do the job well enough, but is there a particular procedure involved to do this? Here’s how you go about fixing the sole of your shoe.
First, take off any stitching from the toe part of your shoe, using a craft blade. Now, pull back the sole to the maximum and clean it by putting it on a sheet of newspaper. Now, clean either side of the sole with a white cloth and alcohol. You could also use an old sock for this.
Now, sandpaper both surfaces of the sole in order to roughen it. Once this is done, it can hold the adhesive better. It’s now time to get yourself a good brand of adhesive which you will use to stick the sole of your shoe and your shoe. If there are any precautions mentioned on the label of the adhesive, pay extra attention to it. Take care of the adhesive you use as sometimes they emit very strong fumes, so repair your shoe in an airy atmosphere.
Now, squirt a bit of the adhesive on to the part of the sole that’s just coming off. Don’t use too much in case it runs down the shoe. Use a knife to spread the adhesive over the sole surface. Spread it thoroughly over the entire surface and into all the cracks of the sole. Now, you might find some extra adhesive in the areas of the sole that don’t require any. So, take it off by using a cleaner with a citrus base.
Now that you’ve stuck the sole and the shoe together, the shoe needs a heavy weight to hold the sole tightly against the shoe. Place the shoe on a sheet of newspaper. Cover the shoe with a sheet of plastic or a plastic bag and put a heavy object like a heavy book or any other object on it. With this weight, the shoe and sole should adhere tightly together. If you’re doubtful about the weight, you can add some more.
Keep the weight on the shoe until the adhesive dries completely. If you take off the weight before the drying time concludes, you might have to start all over again. So, be watchful about the time you remove the weight. If this is the only shoe to be repaired, you’re done with this, but if more have to be done, just repeat the procedure. Once you finish, take a little more of your citrus-based cleaner to take off the extra adhesive from your tools. However, it’s usually recommended to dry the adhesive for 48 hours. After this, you can safely wear your mended shoes.
Photo Credits: Robert S. Donovan
Originally posted 2010-04-19 17:58:28.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on April 24, 2012 in
How to Fix, Shoes
Summer Blooms.
Let's face it: raising a garden isn't always easy. Even if you pull it off and design it well, there's still a good amount of manual labor and honest work that will go into it. Tilling soil, landscaping, acquiring seeds, and making sure that your plants get what they need to grow can seem like an everyday endeavor. But if you plan your garden smartly and know what will be involved, you'll be ready for a full, lush garden within a relatively short amount of time. If you want to plant you garden the right way this summer, check out these tips.
Look up all of the plants that work well in your area. It's one thing to plant a garden in Wisconsin during summer; it's another to plant one in Arizona in spring. The simple facts are that some plants won't thrive in some areas like they will in another. That's why it will be crucial for you to do your homework up front: what kinds of flowers and plants work best in your local climate? This doesn't mean you necessarily have to plant something that everyone else is planting. Hard research on your part will yield some interesting flowers and plants that other smight not have thought of. Bottom line? If you plant something in your garden, make sure you know what that plant needs. That way you won't be surprised if your garden seems lackluster this season.
Make sure your soil is high-quality. Local garden centers can help you with soil testing kits that tell you exactly what is happening in your soil. After you know what plants you want, you'll want to make sure to treat and till your soil that that it's ideal for plant-growing. You want the right nutrients and amount of moisture in your soil to be conducive to growing the plants you sew. So make sure that your soil is ready for those plants; if not, be prepared to buy some high-quality soil from the garden center and mix it in with what you've got.
Make sure that your garden gets the right amount of sun. If you can't plant a garden under a tree, look for an area that does get a ripe amount of sunlight during the summer. If the problem is too much sunlight in your area, ask yourself where you might be able to get shade for large portions of the day. Most importantly, ask yourself how the plants will receive what they need to - and how you might block what they don't need.
Photo Credits: brewbooks
Originally posted 2009-08-07 05:23:04.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on April 23, 2012 in
Handyman, How to Fix, Landscaper
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