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How to Fix an Annoying Dishwasher

Fix Handyman — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 06:13:02 +0000

Is your dishwasher acting up?

The dishwasher is one of the modern conveniences that we often take for granted - until it starts failing us and we realize how much easier it made our daily lives. If you have an annoying dishwasher, it's best not to put off the problem for the future. Instead, you can nip it in the bud by seeing if you can diagnose the problem and using some good old fashioned elbow grease. Here's how to fix an annoying dishwasher.

First it helps to understand how a dishwasher basically works. A dishwasher has a lot of water flowing in and out of it on a daily basis - first, it uses a heated water and detergent mix in order to complete a wash. This dirty water is then drained from the dishwasher. The dishes are then rinsed with water and a rinsing agent, and then this water is drained and the dishes are left to dry, often with heat added to the drying process. When you open up your dishwasher door again, you have a clean set of dishwasher and silverware waiting to be put away.

At least that's how it's supposed to work. If your dishwasher is having problems, empty it and take a look at some of the basic parts. For example, there is a water inlet valve which lets water in, a float that helps the dishwasher know when the water is high enough, and a motor which pushes water into a pump that sprays the dishes clean. If any of these parts look like they need to be replaced, replace them.

It helps to keep your dishwasher clean on a regular basis - dishwashers do have a lot of clean water going through them on a daily basis, but that doesn't mean the dishwasher itself will be clean; only your dishes. Make sure your dishwasher is clean and try another load to see if it cleared out whatever might have been causing the problem.

If you're still having trouble with your dishwasher, consult an owner's manual (it's best to keep your owners' manuals in the same secure spot) and see if there's anything you can do. Replace what needs to be replaced. If you're stuck, call in a repairman and see if they know what the problem is - as you do, be sure to have them explain the problem to you in case it ever comes up again. Chances are that you'll learn something about your dishwasher that just may come in handy in the future.

Photo Credits: zenobia_joy

Originally posted 2009-12-15 03:10:54.

How to Fix Your Problem with High Water Costs

Fix Handyman — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:32:57 +0000

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.

How to Fix a Toilet with Tune-Ups

Fix Handyman — Sun, 09 May 2010 15:32:00 +0000

Time for a Toilet Tune-up?

If the bathroom were a car, the toilet would be your engine: it has a lot of power, moves a lot of water, and goes through a lot of fuel - well, we don't have to get too graphic. One of the similarities between toilets and engines that we can mention, however, is that your toilet might be ready for a tune-up. If you know your way around when you "pop the hood," you can take a look inside your toilet and see if everything's in working order. If not, one of these quick tune-ups might be able to help you.

Understand the Water Level.

The first thing you'll want to see inside your toilet is actually a water mark - the more stable your toilet, the more clear this water mark will be. A water mark will indicate the height that available water for flushing usually occupies: this mark should not be higher than the refill valve. You can set the water level by adjusting the float arm in your toilet; make sure that it is about three-quarters of the way up to the top of the refill valve. Never set the water level higher than the refill valve itself. Please make sure to note that different types of toilets will have alternate ways of setting the water level; do a little research to find out which model you're working with.

Know your Flush Valve.

One of the most important pieces of equipment in your toilet is the flush valve, which helps regulate the flow of water into your toilet. You should see a flush ball and an actuating mechanism, as well as a guide arm. This guide arm should be centered over your seat. Give your toilet a flush to make sure that the flush ball rises high enough for a total flush. If this isn't the case, you'll want to raise the guide arm so that the flush ball can have a high enough height.

Knowing your flush valve is very important, as many inside-the-toilet problems originate at that point. You'll have to know your options for treating a broken flush valve, including making direct repairs, replacing the flush ball, or replacing the flush valve altogether. You should be able to acquire a new flush valve at a hardware store or online - make sure that the model of toilet you're using lines up with the kind of flush valve you're purchasing. A new, modern flush valve can make your toilet run like new, so don't automatically assume that your old toilet is unsalvageable.

Photo Credits: kill-hill

Originally posted 2009-08-17 03:56:24.