Water damage.
Let's face it - with all of the economic and financial issues troubling us these days, the last thing most people need is another expense that will add more frown wrinkles to your face. So when you realize that you're paying way too much for your water usage, are you prepared to actually go ahead and fix it, or do you simply sigh and try to find the extra money for this month?
Sigh no more. Let's take a look at some ways you can fix those high water costs and bring them back down where they belong.
First, let's start with a simple trick. Your toilet fills with water during every flush, including in the toilet tank. But once your water gets up to a certain level, it stops. If you want to displace some of this water volume, fill up a water bottle and place it in the toilet tank. Since this displaces water, you'll start saving water after each and every flush. Just make sure that you know how a toilet works, or else you might end up doing more harm than you originally intended. (By the way, if you have a toilet flushing more than 1.6 gallons per flush, it's time for a new toilet).
Next, remember that a lot of the water you use in your house goes through your washing machine. You may think that you drink a lot of water, but it's nothing compared to the amount of water you might be using for clothes. You can cut down on this water by simply doing less loads of laundry. Don't be wasteful with this water, so only wash clothes that actually need to be washed - make sure that you wear some clean clothes more than once and that you don't end up washing too many clean clothes. This will cut down on the amount of loads of laundry you have to perform every week.
Also, be sure to monitor the water that you waste. If you keep a bucket of "greywater" around, you can dump the water you didn't drink from a glass in there and use it to water plants.
There's plenty more to learn about fixing your problem with high water costs. The most important thing is to look at your individual situation, find out where much of your water usage comes from, and work to optimize your own water expenses.
Photo Credits: thirteenthbat
Originally posted 2009-10-21 03:03:42.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on May 19, 2010 in
Handyman, How to Fix, appliances, toilet, water
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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... and focuses on:
Posted by Fix Handyman on May 16, 2010 in
Handyman, How to Fix, Laundry Room, appliances
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