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How to fix a toilet leak
First and foremost, you have to tighten all the connections. If the leak persists, then find the leak's source by drying everything with a towel or an old cloth. Then search for where the water is leaking out. The two mechanisms that operate simultaneously when a toilet is flushed are known as a flush valve and a fill (ball cock) valve.
For leaks at the Fill Valve
Turn off the water supply to the toilet; flush out all the water in the tank and sponge out the remaining water.
Use a wrench to disconnect the supply-tube-coupling nut and remove the fill valve's mounting nut.
Lift out the fill valve to clean the gasket and washer. If either one of them is damaged or dried out, replace it.
Reseat the valve, carefully centering it in the hole and holding it vertical as you tighten the mounting nut about a half turn past the point of full contact.
Reinstall the water-supply tube and turn on the water to test it. If necessary, tighten the mounting nut a little more
For leaks at the flush valve
Drain the tank and supply-tube coupling as described earlier. Remove the tank's mounting bolts using a large standard screwdriver on the bolt.
Use other tools, if required.
Lift off the tank.
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With the tank upside down, pull or twist off the rubber spud washer and use a spud wrench to unscrew the large locking nut from the flush valve.
Lay the tank on its side and remove the flush valve.
Remove the beveled cone washer from the flush valve. Clean it and the spud washer with a soapy sponge (or replace them if they are in poor condition).
Reverse the procedure to reinstall the tank. Make sure the beveled side of the cone washer is facing the tank's inside and the beveled side of the spud washer is facing the bowl.
Tips:
Leaks that appear to come from either the fill valve or the flush valve may actually be passing through hairline tank cracks at those locations. If so, you need to replace the tank.
When you remove the tank to work on it, place it on a bath mat or similar padding to protect both the flooring and the tank.
How to unclog a toilet
Using a plunger:
If the bowl is full or overflowing, use a disposable plastic container to take out half of the water.
If the bowl is empty, then add water to it.
Place the plunger firmly over the larger drain opening and move it up and down rapidly several times. If the water goes down the drain, you have probably removed the blockage.
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Use the plunger again to be sure the water is running freely.
Then, pour in a pail of water and plunge one more time before flushing the toilet to refill the bowl.
If the blockage still remains after plunging, then it’s time to use an auger.
Using an auger:
Determine the direction in which to guide the auger.
Feed the curved tip of the auger into the drain opening. Crank clockwise and push with moderate pressure until the auger tightens up.
Then crank in the other direction. When the auger tightens again, reverse the direction until the auger is deep inside the drain.
Pull the handle up and out to remove the auger. If it jams, push gently, then pull again.
You may have to turn the handle as you pull up.
Using an auger may either push the blockage through or pull it up in the bowl. After using the auger, remove any large pieces, wearing rubber gloves.
Finish with a plunger to ensure that the drain runs freely.
Clear a Blocked Showerhead.
If you have a clogged showerhead (not brass because the vinegar would damage the brass finish), fill a plastic bag with vinegar.
Tie the plastic bag to the showerhead so that the head can soak in the vinegar overnight.
In the morning, rinse the showerhead. It should be clean and working great.
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“Handywoman’s Home Repairs” by Gloria Rae
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How to Unclog a Sprinkler System
Turn off the sprinkler system and remove all the nozzles and heads.
Turn on the water and let it run until a solid, clean stream flows from each head opening.
Then turn the water off.
Dismantle each nozzle according to the directions in your owner's manual.
Hold the nozzle under a faucet or hose to blast out debris. Open small, clogged holes using a piece of wire or a paper clip.
Rinse out the filter basket or screen.
Reassemble and replace the heads and nozzles.
Then turn on the water.
Remember:
To dismantle some nozzles, you'll need a screwdriver or a special key that comes with the whole system. Some other sprinklers can be taken apart by hand. Back to the Index
How to open a clogged drain
How to fix a clogged drain? Or, how to fix a clogged sink? These are among the most common problems; almost everyone has faced this situation.
Before you call your plumber to fix the problem, try to fix it yourself with these easy steps.
Remember a simple suction cup can often open a clogged sink drain.
If not, then first remove the basket strainer from the drain. Run (preferably) hot water until it stands about 2" deep in the sink.
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Take a suction cup plunger and pump up and down directly over the clogged drain. The water in the sink provides a seal.
If the suction cup does not clear the drain in a few minutes, you will probably have to remove some of the pipes to get the job done.
If you cannot open the drain with the suction cup, set a vessel underneath the sink trap and remove the clean out plug and washer.
If the drain is only slightly clogged, a few quick probes with a screwdriver may solve the problem. If the drain is still clogged, then proceed further.
A drain auger works best.
The drain auger can be inserted deeply into the pipe.
After the drainpipe is opened, replace the clean out plug and washer.
Run hot water through the pipe to remove any dirt, or other accumulations present.
How to Replace a Light Switch
Turn off the power at the main circuit breaker or fuse box.
Test by flipping the switch on to make sure the power is off.
Remove the screws holding the cover plate with a screwdriver and take the plate off.
Remove the screws holding the switch inside the electrical box.
Pull the switch out of the wall. The switch should come out a few inches, exposing the wires.
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Remove the screws holding the two wires coming out of the wall to the switch.
Make sure to tag the wires so that you know which came from which screw and which place (they are usually color-coded).
Buy the same kind of switch from the hardware store. If you want to place a new style switch, it should be of the same size, so that it can fit in the same place with ease.
Attach the wires to the screws on the switch in accord with your earlier tags or marks.
Secure the new switch in the box with mounting screws.
Replace the switch cover.
Test your work; turn on the switch to check whether it works properly.
Things to Remember:
Marking which wire came from which screw prevents dangerous wiring mix-ups.
Purchase a tester. It will help you.
Follow the instructions carefully.
If you don’t achieve the desired result, then get in touch with an expert.
Safety Tips:
Wear Gloves.
Use the right tools.
Protect yourself from shocks of any kind.
Keep the tools away from children.
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How to Paint a Window Frame
Painting around a window requires some skill and understanding of the whole process.
But, it’s not that difficult. Just follow these steps to get the desired result.
Tape all the parts near or over the window frame that are not supposed to be painted, such as catches, hinges, etc.
Clean the glass before you paint the frame to keep dust and grime from getting into the paint.
Tape off the window, leaving a small gap between the frame and the glass.
Begin with the horizontal crosspieces, then do the top and bottom horizontal pieces.
Later on, paint the vertical crosspieces if there are any.
Paint the window molding (if required).
Peel the tape off the glass when the paint is nearly dry to touch, but don't wait until it's completely dry.
The tape may pull the paint up with it if it's too dry.
Remove any accidental drips on the glass with a paint scraper.
Important points to remember:
Follow the instructions carefully
Keep paint and other solvents away from children
Wear gloves to protect your hands
Wear an eye protector if needed
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How to Repair a Sliding Door
The most common problem with sliding doors is they stick and don’t move freely.
Follow these tips to solve your problem.
Check the floor track for dirt, leaves, pebbles, mildew or other junk that can obstruct the rollers.
Also, look for dents or dings that may cause the door to stick.
Squirt a little bit of powdered graphite into the rollers, to lubricate them.
Rub a block of paraffin along the tracks.
Check the alignment of the latch if it's not catching properly.
Loosen the screws and align the mount properly with the latch.
Check the weather stripping. Pressure-sensitive or stick-on weather stripping can be applied around a draughty sliding door.
Tips:
Clean the frame with a rag dipped in denatured alcohol before applying weather stripping.
Wear gloves while performing the activity.
Vacuum the track periodically with your vacuum cleaner’s hose attachment
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Furniture Repairs
How to Repair a Wobbly Chair or Table
Wooden Chairs
Place the chair upside down on top of a plastic sheet or a drop cloth.
Carefully measure the length of each leg to determine the particular leg that may be the reason for the wobble.
On the other three legs, make a pencil mark at the same length as the wobbly one.
Gently sand each of the longer three legs until you reach the pencil mark, starting with coarse (80-grit) sandpaper and ending with fine (220-grit) sandpaper.
Sand the chair outdoors so that the dust particles won’t spoil your home.
Metal Chairs
If the chair has metal, cork or plastic glides, check to make sure no glide is missing. If a glide is missing, buy a replacement one at a hardware store. Glides are small disks used to protect floors from furniture.
Other Tips
If one chair leg is shorter than the other three, then place a glide on the shorter leg to make up the difference instead of sanding down the other three legs.
Examine the chair joints - a loose one will cause the chair to wobble. Reinforce a loose joint with wood glue
Once the work is done, make sure that you touch-up the portion with matching paint.
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Wear gloves while working.
How to caulk a bathtub
There are times when you would find yourself in a scenario wherein the joint between the tub and the wall of your toilet has opened up. And there is leakage. Thus it's time to do the process of caulking around the bathtub.
Firstly, remove all loose material from the bathtub area and clean the area with rubbing alcohol.
Then, remove the old caulk, either by softening it with a heat gun or by scraping out the old caulk with a sharp putty knife.
If that doesn’t work, then use a hammer and a chisel.
You can also use a solvent called the ‘Caulk Remover’ from any local hardware store or home improvement store. Follow the supplied instructions.
After a couple of hours, the loosened caulk can be removed with a putty knife. If the caulk still remains firm, then you may want to carefully use a safety razor to remove it.
After that, clean the surface with water and allow it to dry.
Then, caulk the joint again with a flexible silicone- or urethane-based caulk. You can even purchase special bathtub caulks now. These caulks resist water and mildew, and they remain flexible to allow for movement.
Be sure to pick a color that matches the adhesive which you use.
It is a good idea to fill the tub with water before you replace the caulk. A tub always moves with the weight of the water so, if there is water, you will be filling the joint when Copyright © 2005 - All rights reserved
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it's forced open and it will accommodate more movement when the tub is filled in the future.
After the caulk has partially cured or placed, drain the water.
Discard the excess caulk and then use a damp rag or cloth to carefully remove any caulk that has got on to the porcelain or tile surfaces. At this point, the caulk is moist enough to be wiped up easily.
If you want to, you can repeat this process for the other interior seams also. If necessary, caulk the exterior seams between the floor and the top of the tub for extra protection.
If the caulk still seems a bit uneven after the whole process, then you can drag a wet finger across it before it dries. This will help to smooth it out.
Allow the caulk to lay/stay for at least a day (preferably longer) before using the bathtub.
Safety tips to keep in mind:
Keep your hands protected (wear gloves)
Keep tools and other solvents away from children
Wear eye protection if you have to chisel out the old caulk
Make sure that you follow all the instructions properly
Important:
Make sure that you understand the whole process before you start. If you are not comfortable with any step or process, don’t do the project. If you find yourself stuck at any moment, call for help - preferably a plumber or an expert in the same field.
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How to Change a Door knob
Give your door a new look - installing a new doorknob is easy. Remember that almost all door mechanisms are interchangeable.
Detach the trim (the ring of metal between both doorknobs and the door) by removing the screws that hold it. Sometimes the trim has to be gently pried off rather than unscrewed.
Remove all the screws under the trim. There are long screws that are attached at the doorknobs on either side of the door.
Pull the doorknobs apart and remove them from the door
Remove the screws that hold the bolt (the locking mechanism), which remains attached to the door, and extract the bolt.
Look at the metal strike plate attached to the frame around the door (this is what catches the bolt). If the strike plate is not loose and is the right color, leave it there. Otherwise, detach it from the doorjamb by removing its screws.
Insert the new bolt into the door and screw it into place. Remember to face the slanted side toward the direction the door closes in.
Place a trim piece between one new doorknob and the door, and insert the doorknob. The mechanism of the new doorknob should be the same.
Insert the other doorknob and trim piece on the other side of the door, making sure the two are aligned so that the long screws can hold them together.
Tighten the screws gradually, alternating each one so that the doorknobs come together evenly.
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Key Points to remember
As you remove the various parts, put them back together in the same positions they were in, including screws.
If the new bolt mechanism or strike plate feels loose, replace the screws with longer ones.
If you stumble at any level, and you can’t repair it further, then get professional help.
Safety Tips:
Wear gloves to protect your hands
Follow the instructions carefully
Go slowly. Make sure that you understand all the steps as it can be confusing Keep the tools and other important parts away from children
How to Fix a Drawer That Sticks
Examine the whole drawer/bureau.
Swap the sticking drawer with another same-size drawer in the piece of furniture if that will fix the problem.
If this doesn't help, look in the bureau opening where the drawer is. Is there an obstruction, like a nail or a lost sock? If a nail is poking out, hammer it into the wood. If a sock is causing the problem, remove it.
If you don't find any obstructions, lightly sand the runners of a wood drawer, then rub them with paraffin, beeswax or bar soap.
If the drawer is metal, wipe the runners with a dry rag/cloth and apply a small amount of lubricating oil.
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If the bottom of the drawer sags, causing it to drag, slip out the bottom of the drawer.
Then flip it over and re-insert it into the drawer.
If one of the corners or a side is loose, glue it into place with wood glue. Hold the sides together with a corner clamp while the glue dries.
Consider the following option as a last resort, since it permanently alters the drawer.
Sand down a side of the drawer so it fits more smoothly into the bureau.
Tips:
Excess moisture, due to rain or humidity, can make wood swell and often causes the drawers to stick. Apply wax, such as beeswax or paraffin, to seal the wood and help prevent moisture-induced swelling in future. Wear gloves to protect your hands while doing the application.
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Cleaning
How to Remove Rust
Follow these tips to get rid of rust and prevent its return to most surfaces.
First and foremost, put on your rubber gloves.
Treat the affected material (metal or otherwise) with a rust-removing agent that contains oxalic acid.
Follow the instructions, as given on the label of the product you are using, carefully.
Prevent indoor metal items from rusting by keeping their surfaces dry, dusting them regularly and wiping them down with a damp cloth and then drying them immediately.
Keep outdoor wrought-iron structures rust-free by removing existing rust with a wire brush and some sandpaper or a sandblaster.
Safety Tips
Follow the instructions carefully
Keep the solvent away from children
The solvents are combustible, so use them carefully
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How to clean an Oven
Fast cleaning:
Only use this method if you have an oven cleaner that is not affected by heat and does not contain inflammable ingredients – double-check this before use.
1] Remove oven racks and soak them in soapy water.
2] Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees.
3] Turn the oven off and spray the inside with oven cleaner (see important note above).
4] Allow the mixture to sit in the machine for 10 minutes.
5] Wipe the cleaner and dirt away with a damp sponge, rinsing frequently.
6] Dry with a soft cloth.
Self-Cleaning
1] Remove oven racks and soak them in soapy water.
2] Turn on your automatic oven cleaner. This usually means locking the door and turning the function switch to ‘clean’.
Let the oven do its work; it will heat for several hours to remove baked-on foods.
Safety Tips
Wear Gloves
Wear goggles (if needed)
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