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This is an interesting idea for homeowners who have basements that flood: make your own flood alarm. This device, first invented by a trio of high school students in Penang, was created to warn people who need to know about the rise of flood waters on a property. When the water level reaches 3 or 4 inches in height, an alarm sounds to warn people nearby. Making The Alarm Making your homemade flood alarm is going to require some ingenuity, because unfortunately, the inventors of the original model have not provided the world with very clear step-by-step instructions. In this […]
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Leaking sprinkler heads wastewater and create problems for plant life in your yard. Now that spring is approaching, it’s time to start thinking about fixing your broken sprinkler heads. This kind of maintenance is good for your yard and your utility bill. If you’d like to repair the leak from your sprinkler this spring, this tutorial will help. Before you get started, it’s important to understand that there’s more than one problem that could cause your sprinkler head to develop a leak. You may need to try multiple methods to fix your sprinkler head before meeting with success. Clean the […]
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Floor drains, found in basements all across the United States, don’t get clogged very often. When they do, many clogs can easily be removed as a part of a DIY project, provided that the homeowner has the right tools at his or her disposal. In this tutorial, we’ll discuss the best ways to unclog your stuffed up floor drain. Materials It can be hard to predict the type of tools you’ll need for this project, because it depends on the circumstances of your floor drain. The following tools are a best guess for the types of things you might use […]
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Your home’s water pressure regulator is attached to the main water pipe, not very far from the main water turn on valve. You can see an example of a water pressure regulator here. The regulator slows down the flow of water inside your pipes, so that the water pressure inside your home will fall below a certain limit, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). A typical water pressure regulator will keep your home’s water at around 60 PSI. Without the water pressure regulator, your home’s water pressure may be as high as 90 or 100 PSI, or higher. Leaks […]
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Spring is upon us, bringing with it spring showers and spring leaks. Exterior door leaks are a common source of water intrusion at this time of year. These leaks, while troubling, are usually more of an annoyance than a danger. Knowing what causes this problem and how to solve it can help you find peace of mind and enjoy life in your home just a little bit more at this wet time of year. Find the Source of the Leak When it’s possible, finding the source of the leak can help you get the situation under control. To do this, […]
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Garbage disposals are fairly straightforward machines. When something goes wrong with your garbage disposal, there are aren’t very many things you can do to troubleshoot your unit. This makes repairing your broken garbage disposal a relatively simple task. If your garbage disposal has broken, you can follow these tips to attempt to repair your unit. Electrical Issues If your garbage disposal just won’t turn at all, then it’s very likely that the disposal has lost power. Your unit may have blown a circuit, or it could be unplugged. First, check the plug for your garbage disposal to ensure that it’s […]
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The material that your sink is made from can make a big difference in your kitchen. Different materials require different levels of maintenance and have different types of aesthetic appeal. In the world of kitchen sinks, there are two standard options that most people can pick from: stainless steel or porcelain. In today’s post, we’ll discuss these two materials at length, covering the advantages and disadvantages of each, so you can make an informed decision. Understanding the specifics of these two different materials can help you decide which type of sink is best for your needs. Porcelain Sinks Offer Old-World […]
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Having your ancient water heater removed can add to the cost of a water heater replacement, so if you’re hoping to save money, taking out the water heater yourself can help you save cash. To have your water heater removed, follow these steps. Before You Can Get Started Some state and local governments may require you to pull a permit in order to remove or install a water heater on your premises, so unless you’re intimately familiar with your local building codes, you should research your local requirements. If you live in Allegheny county, you’ll need to pay $10 for […]
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Shower tiles aren’t difficult to install, but if they’re not done correctly you could do serious damage to your bathroom wall. In this post, we’ll discuss the proper way to install tiles. Materials 1×4 Board Screws Drill Level Thinset Trowel Tiles Spacers Tile cutter Tile file Hole saw Unsanded grout Rubber float Sponge Process Before the process begins, you’ll want to check the soundness of the wall to be tiled. Old tiles already on the wall will need to be removed. When this is done, inspect the backerboard for soft spots or signs of rot. If the backerboard is damaged, […]
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Your home’s septic tank system needs to be inspected and pumped periodically in order to keep it functioning smoothly. In this post, we’ll discuss the best DIY method for septic tank inspection. Your Septic System 101 Before you can inspect your septic system, you need to know a little bit about how your septic system works and what you’re looking for when you inspect the tank. A septic system consists primarily of a tank buried in the ground, connected to a structure (like your home) via drain pipes. When waste water exits your home out of the toilets and sinks, […]
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