Fixing the Garbage Disposal
When you've lived long enough in a kitchen that has a garbage disposal, it's easy to get used to the idea that you can simply let the old grime and muck off of your dishes wash down your sink drain. It's only when the garbage disposal fails to work that we realize how much easier it made our lives around the home. So what do you do when your garbage disposal won't turn on?
In this article, we'll address this question in a specific case: what do you do if your garbage disposal won't turn on and won't make any noise?
First, a note of safety: it's crucial that you don't put your hand down the garbage disposal "hopper" - where the food goes. If your garbage disposal suddenly starts up, you'll find yourself wishing you hadn't put your hand down there, so be smart and don't do it at all! That's a basic rule of safety when working with a garbage disposal.
If your garbage disposal fails to turn on and won't make any noise, the first thing to do is to check the power itself. This may seem like an obvious solution, but it's the first place you'll want to look, as lack of power can mean other "fixes" don't do the job.
Next, if the power is fine, you'll want to check the re-set button on the bottom of the disposal (it's usually red and easy to find). Give the disposal a try after this.
If this still fails to get the disposal running, you'll actually want to check the circuit breaker. This is usually a good point to ask a professional or ask your landlord to help you out with your garbage disposal, as it may put you in unfamiliar electrical territory. It's best to leave it to the experts if you're not sure as to how to proceed.
Once someone is able to take a look at your garbage disposal, make sure you ask them about how they fixed it in case you need to know for future reference. If it helps, even make sure to write it down so that you can look back at your notes if your garbage disposal fails in the future. A good professional should be willing to give you advice.
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Originally posted 2009-09-25 03:32:24.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on August 30, 2010 in
Handyman, How to Fix, Sink, kitchen
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 August 12, 2010 in
Handyman, House, How to Fix
Fixing your deck stain?
The overall stain of your deck is part of what gives it its charm. The more you use your deck, the happier you are with your deck, but the more you can expect to wear away at the original stain of the wood. If your deck has been in need of a new deck stain for a while now, it's time to actually get around to it and update it with a fresh new look. You don't have to be a deck expert to get this done; you just need the right instructions.
First, you'll want to apply a deck stripper to the deck. This won't solve everything for you, but it will prepare the deck for what will happen in the next steps. Make sure that you choose the appropriate stripper for the kind of wood you have; if you have any questions about this, try asking someone at the local hardware store for some advice, or at least do an internet search on the type of wood you're using.
After this part of the job is finished, you'll want to rent a pressure washer. When you bring it home, be sure that your deck is clear of the big stuff (tables, chairs) and the small stuff (stones, debris). Why? You're going to be spraying down your deck with a high-intensity spray, and you don't want to send anything flying!
In conjunction with the deck stripper you've already applied, your pressure washer should be able to peel off the old stain to your deck, or at least give your deck a new, uniform color. You might also be able to incorporate deck cleaners that remove old stains; once again, questions should be directed to your local hardware or home improvement store. Once you've stripped the stain, wash it out and let the deck dry over the period of a few days.
Now that you've removed the old stain, it's time to select a new stain. You might have had something in mind already, but if you simply wanted to fix the old stain, you've got some thinking to do. Choose a stain that works well for your wood, and if you can, make sure to test the stain on an idle piece of wood to see that it has the color you like.
Once this is ready, you should be good to apply the new stain to your wood. You'll want to let it dry and set in before using your deck; after a period of a few to several days, your deck should be looking brand-new and properly stained. Congratulations! You've fixed a deck stain. Now if you could just get that wine stain out of your shirt...
Photo Credits: Jeff_Werner
Originally posted 2009-09-03 03:20:33.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on July 30, 2010 in
Backyard, Deck, Handyman, How to Fix
Basement Upgrading FAQs
If you've ever dreamt about owning that "dream basement" in which you have your buddies over to watch the game on an expensive high-definition TV while they drink and partake of snacks at the bar, then you've probably looked at your crusty old basement and imagined what you could do with it. Chances are that if you're reading this article, you've finally decided that it's time to take action and turn those dreams into a reality. That's why this article will address some basic basement upgrading FAQs (frequently asked questions) to help you get started.
- Should I get a contractor?
Depends on what you want to do. If you want to do a lot to your basement, then you're going to want a contractor. At some point, there will probably be a part of the job that you simply aren't able to handle. Some people will even install new bathrooms in their basement, and since they don't have plumbing experience, they'll have to outsource that part of the work. Don't worry about outsourcing - it's part of any new project, and it's how most businesses work. It will help improve the quality of your basement in the end.
- Will I need a permit for anything?
I can't speak as to the local laws in your area, but there's a good chance that any major upgrades you make will have to fall under "permit" status or at least be in line with city or town codes. Make sure that before you try anything, you're aware of the kind of laws on the books. You can have a contractor give you an estimate for the basement job, and they'll be able to clue you in on the types of permits or permissions you might have to obtain in order to upgrade your basement. This doesn't always mean that it will be a long process, but the sooner you can get it out of the way, the better.
- What about basement moisture?
While you're dreaming of the bar you can install and the TV you'll be watching, one of the largest issues you'll have to address in your basement upgrade is actually basement moisture. You have to make sure that you have the systems in place to keep the basement dry as it needs to be - this will help keep wood in great status and prevent people who have allergies from having a reaction. This will definitely help you improve the quality of life in your basement, so make sure to consult a contractor on drainage and moisture removal.
Originally posted 2009-07-17 03:30:54.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on June 26, 2010 in
Basement, Handyman, How to Fix
Got a kitchen drawer mess?
Your broken kitchen drawer can feel like a major nuisance - after all, who wants to struggle with opening a drawer when all you want to get is a simple knife or fork? Believe it or not, however, these drawers are put together simply, and fixing them can be just as simple once you take a look inside. If your drawer is broken, you should be able to fix it by setting aside a small block of time and a little persistence. Of course, you'll need a little knowledge, too.
The first step to fixing your broken kitchen drawer is diagnosing the problem you're facing. Usually, the problem is one of two things: a split in the wood itself, or a problem with a mechanical joint that is forcing the drawer to fail. Either way, your job will essentially be to re-build and re-attach either broken part so that your drawer looks like the other (working) drawers in your kitchen.
Pull out the drawer as far as you can and take a look at the problem. Is the drawer not coming out far enough? Then you're probably looking at a potential jam or blockage at some part of the roller. If you have trouble getting to your drawer, be willing to move out some nearby parts in your kitchen, including other drawers.
Since the problem usually arrives either with the wood or the mechanism itself, you'll have two ways to fix your drawer. For problems with the wood - often a wood split - you'll want to purchase some wood glue and re-set the wood so that it is even again. Let the glue dry for a while before testing out the kitchen drawer again.
Problems with mechanical joints in your drawer can be fixed in a similar way, though you'll probably want to be more careful. Make sure that the area is clean first, and make a mental note of where the old glue appears to be. You'll probably want to clear away some of this glue in order to make way for a new, stronger adhesive. Again, let the glue set before you test out the drawer.
If you get lost, try to use your functioning drawers as blueprints for how this drawer should look. Remember, a drawer is not a complicated device. There are only so many things that can go wrong. Once you diagnose the problem, you can set about fixing it right away.
Photo Credits: put that down
Originally posted 2009-08-05 13:55:30.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on June 14, 2010 in
Handyman, How to Fix, kitchen
Sinking deck to fix deck.
Your backyard deck might be the pride and joy of all the landscaping and additions you've made to your house; you get to bring guests to it, raise a family on it, and enjoy quiet summer evenings in comfort. That's why it can be so disconcerting to see a problem like a sinking deck post - all of that work and money sometimes still can't prevent the Earth from throwing a wrench in the engine. That's why you'll want to fix your sinking deck post as soon as possible.
First, you'll need the right equipment: a jack, pea gravel, and a pipe. Of course, without the instructions, these might sound like odd equipment for a job like this, but bear with me.
Make a diagnosis. Using a balance to measure the actual problem with your deck, you want to make sure that your sinking deck post is the only one sinking. After all, if you have two posts sinking, you should use this opportunity to treat the problem as a whole - while you have the equipment out.
Once you know which deck post - or posts - to fix, try to take a look at the kind of access you can get. Some people have decks with plenty of room underneath, and if this is the case with your deck, you shouldn't have ot move too many object around in order to get at the sinking deck post. But if you have a smaller deck without a whole lot of room, you'll probably need to remove some floor boards in order to get at the right post. This might also require that you set aside some time to remove furniture, hopefully at a time when no one will be needing the deck at all.
With the access to this sinking deck post secured, raise the deck (and the post) up with the jack to the point at which the deck is level again. Then, using the pipe you have ready, slide it into the hole where the sinking deck post had just been. Pour the pea gravel into this hole through the pipe and try to make sure that you pack as much gravel into the hole as you can, keeping an eye on how balanced your deck is overall.
This should add some stability to your deck and hopefully prevent further sinking. Remember to be careful with each step so as to do the best overall job possible. If you removed floor boards, you can replace them now, and move the furniture back onto the deck.
Photo Credits: MrPhilDog
Originally posted 2009-09-02 03:42:10.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on June 5, 2010 in
Backyard, Deck, Floors, Handyman, How to Fix
Bathtub or toilet clogged? Grab a plunger!
Being able to plunge away a bathtub or toilet problem with a plunger is one of the basic home improvement skills everybody should know. It might not always be the most pleasant task, but it's simple, easy to learn, and it often gets the job done. The better you understand how to fix a clogged drain with a plunger, the less you'll need to work. Here's how to most effectively fix your drain using a plunger.
First, what kind of plunger do you have? Most of us imagine the stereotypical bell-shaped plunger, but you might have seen other options at the local hardware store. Use the "stereotypical" one; this bell-shaped plunger should be able to fold back to become flatter when you need to unclog either a sink or a bathtub. There are less-traditional plungers that aren't able to change their size for the type of drain you'll be unclogging; try to avoid these.
Next, it's important to understand that plungers work better if they're encased in water. If your toilet is clogged and there's hardly any water in the bowl, fill a container with water and use it to fill up the toilet bowl about halfway up. Once you have enough water over the drain to essentially cover the end of the plunger, push the plunger over the drain and form a seal around it. Now, pump the plunger over the drain keeping the seal tight, usually using much of your force to push in the plunger. You should notice that the clog appears to be loosening; however, you might not be able to tell until you flush the toilet again.
You can probably try another round of plunging if this doesn't work. If your plunging still seems fruitless, you'll have to move to the next step on the plumbing ladder: using a snake to break up the clog. If you use a snake and continue to have trouble with a clogged drain that seems totally blocked, it will probably be time to call the plumber.
Most of your clogs, however, should break up once you use a plunger. At the very least, you'll be able to loosen up a clog enough to get your toilet working again. When it comes to other clogged drains - such as the bathroom sink or the bathtub drain - you can fold back the plunger and use a similar method of plunging, making sure that there's some water present above the drain.
Photo Credits: julia fredenburg
Originally posted 2009-08-03 13:55:51.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on May 12, 2010 in
Bathroom, Bathtub, How to Fix, Plumber, toilet
Cabinet Paint Chips
Having uniform cabinets in your kitchen is important - any home decorator knows that an inconsistency in the color of your cabinets can upset the balance of the entire ensemble. This doesn't just mean that your cabinets should match, it means that they should be consistently colored a certain way, often a stained wood. But if all of your cabinets are painted white, it will be immediately noticeable if your paint has chipped in one spot. Don't worry; it's an easy fix.
If the chip is superficial, your only concern should really be finding the right color of paint to touch it up with. Many hardware and home improvement stores should feature touch-up paints. It would be very helpful if you knew the manufacturer and color of the paint itself so that you can simply apply more of the same and cover the paint chip. This will promote an overall consistency that you should be striving for.
There are other types of paint damage on your cabinets, however. For example, if one area of the paint has seen its color change (for example, because it stands over the area where you usually cook), then you'll have to do much more painting in order to restore a uniform color. The wider the discoloration, the more painting you can expect to do.
What confuses many people is the deeper chip - a chip that not only digs into the paint but the wood of the cabinet itself. For this job, you'll need a few more tools, such as sandpaper, wood filler, an evening trowel, primer, and the paint itself. First, clear out the area of the chip and clean it up - sometimes it even helps to wash it. You want as little debris as possible so that you can fill it completely.
Use the wood filler next - give yourself a little extra so that you can perfectly even it out using a trowel. Wait for the filler to dry, and then sand down the area - this will help the primer and paint stick and will also even everything out. Once you've sanded, make sure all of the degree is clear, and then apply the primer. Allow the primer to dry and then apply the properly colored paint to the area. Voila!
You might want to note that primer may not be necessary depending on the size of a chip. If you're still in doubt, be sure to ask your local hardware store.
Photo Credits: penny (peninah)
Originally posted 2009-08-19 03:13:20.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on May 11, 2010 in
Furniture, Handyman, How to Fix, paint
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