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Installing a basement bathroom is not a project that can be completed by a beginning DIYer. This an advanced, multi-stage project that requires planning, determination and know-how. We’ve written this post as your guide to getting started, because it helps to know what stages lie ahead. You can use this post as your rough plan, but each step involves many mini-steps. Don’t get started on this project until you really understand the full extent of those mini steps. Plumbing the Basement Installing basement plumbing after the house has been built can be challenging. Above grade plumbing relies on gravity to carry […]
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Unless you have X-ray vision, determining whether or not a wall pipe is leaking in your home can be tricky business. There’s some trial and error that goes into it. However, confirming that a leak exists and finding its source is the first critical step to conducting a repair. There’s no getting around it. To find out if you have a wall leak and where, follow the tips below. Recognize the Signs of a Wall Leak These signs should be your first clues that you have a wall leak. Here’s what to look for: Mold Peeling wallpaper or paint Moisture […]
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Does your water heater make a noise? That is, a popping sound, like popcorn in the microwave? Not to worry. This sound is fairly typical of water heaters. Knowing why your water heater is making that noise and how to fix the problem can prolong the life of your water heater and prevent premature water heater failure. It’s the sediment. The noise in your water heater comes from the sediment and minerals naturally found in your home’s water supply. When the sediment sinks in the water heater, it forms a barrier between the heating elements at the bottom of the […]
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When a cast iron and porcelain tub gets old, one of the things that happens is the glaze on top gets worn away and the porous surface beneath is exposed. This can lead to staining and rusting. Bathtub refinishing is big business. Homeowners with older homes and vintage cast-iron tubs can pay thousands of dollars to replace old tubs, or hundreds of dollars for refinishing. Of course, a competent and confident DIYer can save a lot of money doing it themselves. These tips will help you get started. Gathering Your Materials All you have to do is poke around on […]
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Summer is here! Unfortunately, it can’t all be fun in the sun. For some people, summer brings thunderstorms, heavy rains and flooded basements. Basements that are prone to flooding need special accommodations to provide extra drainage. In the following post, we’ll help you remove water from your flooded basement, then provide advice that can prevent floods in the future. Removing Water from an Already Flooded Basement Submersible utility pumps are designed to remove a lot of water in a little amount of time. Submersibles are designed to sit in the water and suck it up from the floor of your […]
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You’ve wondered the answer to this before: which one is better, hand-washing or dishwashing? Better for the dishes? For the environment? Which one works better? Which one costs less? Which takes less time? The answers could surprise you. Which one is greener? It seems that the majority of people who wash their dishes by hand leave a steady, semi-hard stream of water running throughout the process. Doing dishes this way can waste up to 5 gallons per minute. Compared to Energy Star dishwasher models, which can use as little as 3 gallons per load, this is an incredible statistic. Put […]
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Your in-ground pool is a great pleasure to your entire family…3 months out of the year. Installing a pool heater will allow your family to use your pool heater in times of cool weather as well as hot. We’re posting this step-by-step tutorial to teach you how to install a standard pool heater. To do this, you’ll want to be comfortable working with water and gas lines. If you’re not an accomplished DIYer, seek professional help for this task. Pick Your Gas Heater Picking the right gas heater for your pool isn’t as easy as it sounds. You’ll want to […]
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For a lot of homeowners, toilets are a mystery. They behave in strange ways–sometimes ghost flushing, sometimes running constantly, and sometimes not filling up all the way with water. If your toilet tank isn’t filling up all the way, there could be a variety of reasons for the problem. These tips will help you with the trouble shooting and repair process. Toilets 101 Before you can fix the problem, you must first understand how a toilet works and what all the parts do. We recommend watching the video below. We’ve posted this clip before, but it’s so good we’re going […]
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Summer is almost here! Homeowners everywhere are gearing up for backyard barbecues and afternoon parties and fun in the sun. Of course, with great privilege comes great responsibility. While you’re having a good time in the back yard with your guests and the kids, your plumbing may be suffering under all the extra wear and tear. These tips will help you prepare your home and your family for these 5 potential plumbing problems, so you can avoid issues and enjoy your summer. Clogged Toilets With the kids home, your toilets will be working double time all season long. Hold bathroom […]
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The gutters on your home have one purpose only: to provide a path for excess water to drain. When the gutter system fails and water overflows the downspout gutter, the results can cause hundreds or thousands of dollars in water damage to the roof, walls and foundation of your home. In many cases an overflowing downspout gutter is something that a homeowner can easily fix without seeking professional help. Knowing how to fix your gutters without a handyman will save you money on repairs while also giving you the feeling of a job well done. Diagnose the Problem An overflowing […]
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