Home Repair & Maintenance

To keep plaster walls looking their best, it is necessary to repair small holes at times. Patching holes and cracks is especially important before painting a wall. Many people will make these...

Metal objects are easy to repaint, including this fuel tank for a small outboard motor. The steps outlined in this article will work for many different types of metal items. The key to a good...

It is not very encouraging to get up in the morning after a restful night's sleep and find a foot of snow in your driveway along with a car buried in it. Although winter wonderlands are...

How to build a wood counter-top

If you have a clogged drain you do not need to call a plumber or buy any expensive drain cleaners. There is an easy and inexpensive way to unclog the drain yourself and this article will guide...

Before you re-install a toilet you must purchase a new wax ring and new closet bolts.

Toilets are heavy but can be fragile. Old toilets may have attachment bolts that can be brittle. It is sometimes easier to remove the two components together then remove the tank from the bowl.

It is important to winterize a rain barrel to ensure it doesn't freeze during the winter months. This is certainly not an issue if you live in Tuscon. However, if Boston is where you live, you...

If you need to kill some mice and have animals or just do not like toxic poisons, there is an alternative.

Ultraviolet (UV) lamps are built into many air conditioners and air filters to kill airborne mold, a common type of fungus in households. Their usefulness is limited, however, since mold can pass...

Tile flooring is one of the most durable and long-lasting finish materials available to cover floors in the home. These tiles may be made from ceramic, porcelain or natural stone products such as...

Ion exchange water treatment is a method for purifying water. The process removes certain minerals from the water and returns other minerals in their place. This method is used in a variety of...

Rubber roof shingles are made of recycled materials and designed to look like regular shingles. Shingles are made of asphalt in a variety of styles and colors; they are easy to install and repair.

Carpenter bees or wood-boring bees tunnel into the unpainted wood that is found around the eaves of log homes. They overwinter in tunnels created during the summer and then tunnel further into the...

Hinge pins seem like such unimportant objects, but they make things easier for you, especially when you need to quickly remove a door to allow larger objects to pass through a doorway. Being able...

In swimming pools, chlorine works as a sanitizer, algae-cide and oxidizer. It kills disease-causing microorganisms, protects against contaminants and keeps your pool water clear and algae-free....

Your tub and shower are among the most heavily used items in your house. Each day, multiple people may use the tub, meaning that it gets a lot of wear and tear and will occasionally have to be...

Whatever your reason for replacing your old doorbell, the actual installation is not very difficult. A doorbell kit and few basic tools are all you'll need. It is a very small price for the sake...

Despite painting and other routine maintenance, a home's wood siding takes a significant beating from the elements. Exposure to the elements can cause cracks in caulking, which can lead to water...

You can replace an oven door on your electric or gas range with no tools in under half an hour. However, before you begin, make sure a new door is even necessary. If your door is simply bent...

Whirlpool tubs bring relaxation and enjoyment to many people. Whirlpool jets can vary in type, technique, and power. However, the jet strength is more significant than the quantity of jets. Caulk...

Before much research had been done on the harmful properties of asbestos, it was used to make flooring in residences and businesses. If you know or suspect that your tile flooring was made of...

Owning a pool provides a luxury that many people enjoy; unfortunately, pool owners do not enjoy that ugly white ring that tends to form on the pool tile. This white ring can cause the pool to...

Adding a sunroom addition to your home is one of the best ways to increase the living space of your house while providing your family with a comfortable place to relax. In the summertime the...

Chainsaws are versatile and useful tools. They can help you fell trees, cut up logs and clear land around your property. They also are extremely dangerous and must be used with the utmost care. ...

When it comes to your bathroom and shower door, it is essential to occasionally remove the old caulk and replace it. Since the caulk in the shower area is constantly wet, it easily develops mildew...

Installing a central air conditioning unit can be an excellent way to save money but only if the installation is done properly. If the installation job is shoddy, a great deal of cool air will be...

Vinyl replacement windows today come in pre-hung, self-contained units that are a breeze to install. You just remove the old wood sashes and trim, pop the new window into the opening, sink a few...

The electrical breakers in the main circuit panel control the flow of power to the outlets and other devices in your home. It is important to keep them in good working order to prevent an...

Cat owners have all dealt with the problem of cats urinating outside of the litter box at some point. When you get to the urine quickly, clean up is simple and fast. If you get to the urine...

Installing PVC sink drains on a kitchen sink is an easy process and requires very few tools. The PVC pipes, trap, and other pieces are easy to assemble because they simply slide into place and...

The type of finish or treatment that is used on cedar siding depends upon the grade of cedar that is used. If the cedar siding is smooth, a semi-transparent stain is the best choice for a...

If you need to hide screws in a piece of furniture that you plan to paint, you can use dowel rods or purchase ready-made plugs at your home improvement store. Paint will usually hide the...

In a forced air heating and cooling system, the ductwork plays the important role of distributing air throughout the home. If your ductwork is properly installed and well-maintained, your HVAC...

Laying granite tile is a little more complicated than laying ceramic or other clay-based tile. As a natural stone, granite is cut into very straight, square pieces to create tiles that have no...

Commode, water closet and toilet sound sound like different appliances, but there is no difference when it comes to installing the rough-in plumbing that makes them work. Each one requires a cold...

Whether you have a sump in the basement or an outside cistern that needs to be manually drained or filled, you can save yourself the tedium of keeping a constant eye on them by installing an alarm...

Removing paint from concrete prior to staining is an important step in the staining process. If unwanted paint is left on the concrete, it may show through the stain. Also, paint on concrete will...

Poor yard drainage usually becomes noticeable after a large rainstorm and you realize you have a lake in your backyard or water pooling near the foundation of your house. Water pooling around the...

Insulating plumbing hot water pipes will keep the water two to four degrees hotter than water traveling through uninsulated pipes, according to the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). Insulating...

Water damage can strike at any time, creating a mess and substantial cleanup costs. When you are on vacation, however, the damage can become devastating to a home. Water could be leaking in your...

Rain gutters' primary function is to move water away from structures. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in its summary of recommendations for constructing moisture...

Homeowners can choose from a variety of roof venting systems, depending on individual needs and home design. House ridge vent systems provide one of the most effective methods of nonmechanical air...

Urethane caulk is often used by professional contractors and homeowners because of its durability and flexibility, and because it is water-resistant and can be painted. Urethane caulk will adhere...

Frozen pipes can break and cause flooding damage to a home. Outdoor hose faucets are among the worst candidates for freezing, since they are made of metal and conduct heat away from the...

Hardwood floors can add charm and warmth to your home, giving your rooms a cozy and elegant feel. Hardwood is healthier for allergy sufferers, as wood won't trap dust and pet dander the way carpet...

Insert a replacement filter in your central heating unit every three months at a minimum. According to Energy Star, however, you should visually inspect the filter every month, especially during...

Water can cause severe problems to a house's or structure's foundation. Water damage and leaks caused by surface water is easily repairable; however, if the damage is caused by groundwater,...

Mold can grow in just about any area that is moist and receives little sunlight, especially a damp basement. Mold removal is important because it can cause damage to the basement and create health...

A lot of things make their way down the drain, such as hair, grease, food, soap scum and shaving cream. These things can build up and cause a nasty plug, rendering your sink useless. If you want...