Home Repair (17)
It's so important that you understand how and why you ought to keep your home in good repair. Some people simply ignore problems as they don't know how to deal with them and think it will cost too much. This is a very bad idea; every single homeowner really needs to know about this subject.
How To Fix A Clogged Toilet
Written by Douglas BernardA clogged toilet is a problem that puts everything else on hold but can usually be fixed without calling a plumber. Using one of these tried-and-true methods will quickly help you out of an unpleasant situation.
Before going to work on your clogged toilet, some prep work may be in order. Put on rubber gloves and lay newspaper down around the bowl to absorb water and protect your floor. Avoid the temptation to try flushing again, as this will only cause more water to be pumped into the toilet bowl.
The easiest method for unclogging a toilet is the plunger. If you're in the market for one, purchase a rubber plunger with an extension flange - they fit toilets better and create stronger suction. If the bowl is full of water, give it about 10 minutes to drain what it can before attacking the problem. Unfold the rubber flange, make sure you've completely covered the hole, and go to work. Slow and firm pumping will get you the best results.
Another great trick for unclogging your bowl utilizes common household materials - dish soap, laundry detergent and hot water. Put some water on the stove to heat, then assess how full the toilet bowl is and determine whether you need to remove any water. Do so if necessary. Add a few squirts of liquid dish soap and a little powdered laundry detergent to the toilet bowl. Add about a full pot of hot water to the mix. The water should be hot but not boiling. This method will usually cause the water to drain on its own.
When other methods fail you, another tool might help - the snake. Snakes are helpful in clearing clogs from more than just toilets - they can help remove debris from drains and pipes, and are a useful tool to keep around. Put one end of the snake into the drain and continue feeding it down until you hit the obstruction. Twist and pull the snake until the obstruction loosens and the water begins to drain. If the object causing the clog is hard, such as a child's toy, you may need to remove the toilet from the floor and run the snake in reverse. If you are not comfortable doing this, the professional help of a plumber may be necessary.
Using these methods will help you fix your clogged toilet in nearly every situation.
How To Know If You Have Termites
Written by AprilNone of us relish the idea of having termites in our homes but the fact is that many of us are at constant risk of this very thing happening. Termites simply love any kind of house. They don't care what type it is at all. You might think that termites in the home is little more than a nuisance. However they can be a whole load worse than that. This is why it's pivotal you can recognize the early signs so that you can do something to prevent it from getting any worse.
Time and again, home owners aren't even aware of termites being in the home until they are able to see the damage that has been done. If you are able to recall the early signs then you will more than likely be able to prevent any drastic damage from occurring to the fabric of the building. OK, so the major thing that termite do is to damage chunks of wood a little at a time. However there are other much more subtle signs.
Often you aren't even able to see the signs of termites if you are not sure what to look for. You need to spend a bit more time looking and you might be able to see the signs. For instance they can be found living and feeding on your walls, floors, furniture and anything else that is made out of wood. Additionally, you should be looking for piles of feces that they leave behind.
Termites don't only live in your home. This means you should go out into your garden to have a look at the places they frequently hang out. This means looking under dead leaves and in tree stumps for mud holes. If you walls or floors have any holes or cracks, they could be used by the termites as an entrance. Also check your window sills, door frames, basement walls and moldings.
Termites can also swarm, if you see this activity then it might be the young queen and king termites. Basically they leave the colonies to go and start new colonies elsewhere. Either they are around your property because there is an established colony near or around your home; or there is going to be very soon. The wings are discarded when they have started a colony, so pick some of them up and give them an inspection to see if they are termites.
In the event that you do see signs that they are feeding from the wood in your home, it's time to call a professional in your area who is trained and equipped to kill off the termites. If you feel comfortable, you could always try doing the work yourself. Whatever you do, make sure you take action because ignoring it now can lead to loads of problems in the future.
Furnace Air Filters: The Basics
Written by David WilsonClean air is important to having a healthy home. Small particles in the air can cause allergies and irritation, which greatly reduces quality of life. One of your first lines of defense against dirty air is your furnace air filter. These filters help keep the air entering the furnace nice and clean, but they also clean the air you breath as well. Keeping your furnace air filter clean and in good shape is essential to keep your furnace running well and your air nice and clean.
The key to maintaining your filter is to change them out often. Most people don't do this enough. A common recommendation is to change out these filters once every once. I can tell you that most people do not do this. In order to make changing out these filters easier, it is good to buy them in bulk and have a good supply on hand waiting to go.
When it comes to actually buying a furnace air filter, there are a couple of different options to choose from. In short, there are two major types of filters, fiberglass and pleated. Fiberglass filters are the cheapest option. These simply have a mesh of fiberglass in a cardboard frame. A pleated filter is a more efficient design, because it has more surface area to trap dust. These filters look more or less like an old fashioned washboard, made of a filter material. Some of these filters are of a reusable design, which means they can be rinsed out and reinstalled, rather than simply being thrown out, as is the case with other filters.
When it comes to rating these furnace filters, a number called a MERV rating is used. This number rates the ability of a filter to catch small particles. If a filter has a higher MERV rating, it is better at catching particles. This rating can be used to compare different sorts of filters to each other, since it is a standard rating. If you need better filtering, go for a higher number filter.
As for size, this will probably be dictated by the type of furnace you own. Check the guidelines on your furnace to make sure you get a filter that fits. If your filter is too small, it will not do an effective job at filtering out particles, which is the purpose of the filter.
As you can seeing, buying furnace filters is relatively straightforward. Replace them often, get an efficient filter, and make sure you have the right size. If you follow these simple guidelines, you should enjoy excellent air quality in your home while prolonging the life of your furnace.
