After I installed my water softener I saw an instant increase in my water quality. My showerheads and coffee maker no longer became crusted with scale. Plus, my dishwasher was twice as effective. Then, the salt ran out. After a few days, the faucets and appliances became crusted with hard water scale again. So, I …
7 Steps to Add Salt to Your Water Softener System Read More »
I’ve got the technique for getting a straight cut through drywall sheets of any size. Even better, it only requires a utility knife for the cut. There’s no need to use a messy drywall saw with this system. Here’s how I learned to make professional drywall cuts when I began working in home construction. It …
Attaching sheets of drywall to your 2×4 studs the right way makes a huge difference. If you do it right, plastering and painting are a breeze. If your drywall isn’t properly attached you’ll have visible screw heads, messy patches, and cracks. I’ve developed a system that makes securing drywall fast and easy. All you need …
Good ladders for gutter cleaning are versatile, lightweight, and sturdy. The best ladders you can buy are: We selected these ladders with your needs in mind. Whether your priority is a long reach for tall gutters, a versatile ladder for varying gutter heights, or a collapsible ladder for easy storage, read on to see which …
Best Ladder for Cleaning Gutters [5 Best Ladders Available] Read More »
Washing machine drain pipes must be 2 inches (51 mm) in diameter. The drain hose that runs from the washing machine to the drain pipe must have a diameter of at least 1-½ inches (38 mm). The pipes that supply hot and cold water to the washing machine must be ½-inch in diameter (13 mm). …
Washing Machine Pipe Diameter [Correct Sizes for All Pipes] Read More »
You don’t need to use nails if you attach trim to drywall with construction adhesive. Start by cutting your trim pieces to the right length. Then, lay out all the trim pieces on a drop cloth, face-down. Apply construction adhesive on the back of the trim piece. Next, add a dab of hot glue every …
How to Attach Trim to Drywall Without Studs [5 Steps] Read More »
To repair loose drywall tape on the ceiling, start by cutting out the damaged section of tape. Then, sand the area to prep the surface. Next, use a putty knife to spread a thin layer of joint compound along the drywall seam. Cut a piece of tape to fit the gap and place it along …
Drywall Tape Separating from the Ceiling? [Do These 8 Things] Read More »
It’s not worth investing hundreds in a thermal imaging camera when you can detect heat loss in your home for a fraction of the price with a temperature gun. Use a temperature gun to scan your ceilings and the rest of your home. Focus on points where heat tends to flow out—leaky windows, loose-fitting doors, …
How to Detect Heat Loss in a House [And Save Hundreds] Read More »
If there is water pooling in the corner of your basement, begin by cleaning your gutters and extending your gutter downspouts. This will help water drain further from your foundation, which will prevent water from coming in through the basement walls. If water continues to seep in, add a drainage trench around your house. Then, …
Water in the Corner of Your Basement? [Do These 5 Things] Read More »
Electric space heaters are safe as long as they are used properly. You should never leave a space heater running in a room without occupants. Additionally, never leave an electric space heater on overnight. These two mistakes drastically increase fire risk. By taking a few simple steps, you can prevent the dangers of electric space …
You can get rid of rats without using any poison by: I’ve worked on several home renovation projects that began with mouse and rat infestations on the property. By the end of each job, the home was rat-free. I’ve never used poison to kill rats because it is a poor choice. Instead, I used the …
How to Get Rid of Rats Without Poison [5 Effective Methods] Read More »
To patch cracks in a drywall ceiling, you should: This process will result in a clean finish that blends into your ceiling every time. Are Cracks in a Drywall Ceiling Normal? Drywall ceiling cracks are relatively normal and not usually a cause for alarm. Thin cracks can form due to a house settling over time, …
How to Fix Cracks in Drywall Ceiling [10 Fast Steps] Read More »
Most toilet paper clogs will dissolve on their own. High-quality toilet papers are designed to dissolve in water, which helps prevent clogs and makes wastewater treatment easier. If your toilet is clogged with toilet paper, wait at least 30 minutes before attempting to flush again. This provides enough time for water to break down most …
There is no way to safely dissolve baby wipes that are clogging a toilet. Any chemicals strong enough to dissolve baby wipes are corrosive to plumbing and dangerous to work with. Unlike toilet paper, baby wipes and wet wipes are designed to resist dissolving, even when they are wet. Since baby wipes won’t break down …
Toilet paper labeled as “rapid dissolving” or branded for use in boats and RVs dissolves faster than other types. Typically, 1-ply toilet paper dissolves faster than 2-ply or 3-ply toilet paper, but there are exceptions to this rule. So, you can still use some brands of soft, multi-ply toilet paper without risking a clogged toilet. …
Flushing baby wipes down the toilet will either clog your home plumbing or clog machinery at a wastewater treatment plant. Baby wipes (even the flushable kind) do not dissolve in water. This means they can easily build up in your pipes and cause nasty clogs that cost thousands of dollars to repair. Never flush baby …
What Happens if You Flush Baby Wipes Down the Toilet? Read More »
