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Scupper valves serve an important safety function on a boat. Comprised of a rubber flapper valve, or a ball check assembly, they allow the flow of water to travel in one direction at the deck location. Usually mounted in the stern, scupper valves allow excess water to drain off the deck and exit the transom, which avoids flooding the bilge and adding dangerous weight to the boat. Rain water, over-the-bow spray or leaking water is removed through the one-way valve. Any boat owner can install a first-time scupper valve or replace their old unit using a few basic tools and following some easy steps.

It can be tough to clean stubborn residue out of burned pots. If you prefer to avoid using abrasive chemical cleaning products, or if you just don't have any on hand, there are a number of natural home remedies you can use to get your pots clean and free from burned-on stains.

Jeans should fit perfectly on your frame, leaving no room for bulging or other unsightly sagging in the hip area. Conversely, jeans should not sit so tightly on the body that nothing is left to the imagination.

When you're putting on a theatrical production, you may feel frustrated by how expensive costume props can cost to buy from a costume supply store. An alternative is to make props yourself using basic craft supplies. You can easily and inexpensively make a bull's head for a costume out of paper mache.

Stair railings offer the perfect opportunity for a backdrop of color to decorate a wedding. Draping white English netting and organza in the bridal colors provides a backdrop to complement the bride's entrance for the wedding.

You can create unique, special toys for your child by sewing your own stuffed animals. You could create a plush cat at home that your child can play with and later pass down to his children. When you sew the cat, you can make it as lifelike as you wish.

Maps are well-suited for display. If you have your heart set on framing a map that has creases, you can prepare the image for framing in a way that minimizes or eliminates the evidence of folds in the paper.

Thinset mortar is a cement-based product that is used to install ceramic and natural stone tiles. Similar to concrete, thinset dries and cures over a period of several days. While there is an average curing time for thinset mortars and grouts, a few external factors can affect the drying time.

For your next "show and tell" assignment, bring an exotic coral reef to wow your classmates. Okay, maybe you can't exactly haul an actual reef to school, but you can make an impressive compact replica of the real thing. All you need to get started on the project is an empty shoebox.

Asphalt is difficult to get completely smooth and uniform. Add to that wear and tear from use and weather, and you can find yourself with a rough and uneven surface. Though it's impossible to get asphalt completely smooth once it's set, you can take steps to smooth out cracks, holes and bumps.