Home Maintenance

Iron bacteria are not unhealthy to humans, but they can create a sludge that narrows pipe diameter, impairing water flow. The rust-colored sludge in the water chamber of your flush toilet comes...

A cement foundation generally encounters two problems -- leaks and cracks. Both of these can be repaired with enough time and dedication -- but the tasks are not easy. Leaks require massive...

Whether your furnace is gas or electric, you should follow many of the same maintenance procedures. You can complete some steps yourself, but you will want to hire professional help for any major...

Termites are notoriously difficult to kill. Once they detect a poison in the midst, they will dig new tunnels around it and continue to eat any cellulose fibers they can find. Since 1999 a termite...

Mold is a fungus that thrives in wet (or damp) areas. When a house becomes flooded, it greatly compounds the potential mold problem. When mold grows in a house, it is crucial to treat it...

The gutter system on your home is designed to capture the rainwater from the roof and carry it away from the foundation of the home. Some areas have a significant amount of yearly rainfall and...

Electrolysis is any process that uses electricity to split a chemical compound into its component elements. This can be used to clean rust from a metal surface since rust is composed of various...

Installing drainage tile can be useful when you are experiencing humidity or odor problems in your basement. The tile is a perforated material that allows water to drain to an outside system such...

Masonry is a common feature in many homes and is often used in garages and driveways. Spills are bound to happen eventually, and occasionally your masonry might become stained. Pressure washing...

Insulation on the perimeter of a slab is a requirement in most building codes as a means of moisture and temperature control. If you did not place the insulation at the time of your slab pour you...

Metal-inert-gas (MIG) welding is a type of arc welding that uses a metal electrode that matches the alloy of the work piece and an inert gas to displace oxygen from the weld area. MIG welding is...

Hailing originally from Asia and found predominately in the southern United States, Formosan termites are some of the most dangerous insects to have in or around your home. These termites are...

The homeowner's deck is an oasis from the world where the family can have a barbecue, entertain friends and just sit and relax after a long day at work. Unfortunately, bad weather can ruin a...

So fall came, you threw the cover over the pool and didn't look at it again for months. Then, warm weather arrived. When you removed the cover, the pool looked like a green, swampy mess. Many pool...

Home air and exhaust ducts are generally something that is out of sight and out of mind. However, as they are often warm, dark and potentially humid, they are the perfect breeding ground for mold...

Everyone has told you your wall is too far gone to be saved. Now you'll have to spend thousands of dollars to get it rebuilt. Perhaps there is another way...if the wall is not sheared in more than...

The smell comes from decaying urine, urine salts and bacteria. The bacteria will continue to grow as long as there is a food source or moisture. The smell can also contaminate your clothing,...

Refinishing your fiberglass tub isn't the kind of do-it-yourself project you should take on unless you're experienced or have performed similar tasks successfully. It's an involved process that...

Porcelain sinks can last at least a hundred years although the finish will degrade with hard use and it might develop cracks and chips. But some sinks are so interesting in shape and style that...

If termites have eaten into the floor joists in your basement, weakening them, you need to do more than just call an exterminator. You also need to resupport the joists. Even if you stop the...

As the years go by, your driveway can become cracked and damaged. This can take away from the curb appeal of your home. Your driveway can be repaired and restored to like-new condition, though. ...

An encapsulated crawl space makes your home healthier by eliminating excess humidity caused by a crawl space that is vented to the outside. It will also increase your indoor air quality and lower...

We all know that cleaning out the gutters is one of the worst jobs that a home owner has to face if you have trees on your property! Gutters should be cleaned at least two times a year, and it is...

Installing a garage door across a 16-foot span is challenging and not a task you want to attempt alone. There are many different models and types of garage doors, each with their own unique...

Installing your own garage door is a great activity for people who like challenging, do-it-yourself projects. The following instructions will teach you the basics of how to install your garage...

Building a 24 VDC power supply is fun and challenging at the same time. These power supplies have a multitude of uses including pool pumps, garage down openers, and other applications. This power...

A sump pump is a device that pumps rising groundwater out from below the bottom level of a building and deposits it elsewhere. Sump pumps are essential in areas that experience flooding, and are...

A wet saw is the best tool to have around whenever you are cutting tile. Because it works with water, the cut will be cleaner with fewer chips in it --- it also keeps the dust to a minimum. Use a...

Imagine this scenario. You go out to your car in the morning on your way to work. You hit the garage door opener and nothing happens. When you have a problem like this more than likely your garage...

Your overhead garage door should operate safely and easily. If the tension cables on your door have broken, you will be dealing with dead weight when you are trying to open or lift the door. If...

Building your own windmill can provide you with an eco-friendly source of energy that has the capacity to generate enough energy to power many of your home's electronic needs such as your home...

If you have a garage door that has a door opener on it and you find the door seems to be dragging when it is opened, or even if your door will not open or close, the problem is probably that the...

I'll be honest. Moving a heavy pool table isn't going to be easy. There is a way to make it a bit easier on those involved in the process.

Preparation should never be underestimated, especially when it comes to home construction. A checklist can help you in several areas. The first is supplies. It is hard to keep to keep track of...

A spot welder is an essential tool for any welder or mechanic. It allows small areas to be welded easily in your home workspace. For those who understand welding and wiring, it's possible to build...

4140 steel is a high-strength alloy that is made up of iron, chromium, silicon and molybdenum. This material has excellent strength for lower weights. Heat treatment is a process of using high...

Chances are that you have a vented crawl space if you live in an old house. Unfortunately, these vented crawl spaces were based on the misconception that vents would allow moisture to evaporate...

Your home’s foundation is the important structural base that supports the rest of the house. Whether it’s a full basement or just a crawlspace, proper maintenance of the foundation...

Some of the older linoleum floors were put down with a glue, not like the adhesive we use today. They dry out, become brittle and break apart, leaving the linoleum tiles to come up or the roll-out...

Sticky foam is a very tacky substance used by law enforcement or military personnel to overpower and impair individuals who need to be controlled. The sticky foam is shot from a fire extinguisher...

Moving into a new residence can be one of the most challenging tasks. The key to moving successfully is to get yourself organized and to stay organized. Follow these steps to learn how to move...

Bed bugs are tough little buggers and they love what they do (live in beds and feed on blood!). While one doesn't have to get rid of them because they pose no health risk, most would rather not...

Almost no physical activity is as satisfying as feeling an axe or mall crack through the grain of a log, splitting it into a firewood. This functional activity not only increases your strength and...

WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THE POPCORN CEILING EXCEPT WHO IN THE WORLD HAD THIS "BRAINY" IDEA? ANY HOME WITH THIS TYPE OF CEILING IS CONSIDERED DATED, BUT WHAT DO YOU DO? CLEANING A POPCORN...

Concrete is a large investment, and because it's constantly exposed to the elements, it requires special attention. With proper care, though, concrete can last a long time. Learn to maintain your...

Have a small do-it-yourself project? Maybe you’d like some paving stones, or maybe you need a pad at the bottom of your deck stairs. No need to have a truck deliver pre-mixed concrete. Mixing a...

Water damage can be costly and bothersome for any home owner. Water proofing your garage can prevent this possibility or at least lessen any damage that may occur. Here are some steps to help...

There is nothing quite like a crackling fire in the fireplace on a cold winter day. As wonderful as this may sound, this lovely fire can turn deadly if your chimney is not properly maintained....

The winter months can bring freezing temperatures and snow. Read this article for tips on how to take care of your house in the winter months.