When we hear the word “garden”, what comes to our mind is a space outdoors that is filled with green plants and colorful flowers. We also associate it with lush lawns and yards. But do you know that you can have a garden inside your home? This is good news if you don’t have enough space for a garden outside your home or if you are living in an apartment or a condominium where it seems impossible to grow even a single plant. However, with a little planning and preparation, you can actually start your own mini garden inside your own home. Here are steps to show you how:
Step 1. First, find a spot inside your home that would be perfect for an indoor garden. While in the process, consider what kind of plants you want to grow in it. Take into special account the size of the plants especially since you don’t want a single plant to eat up all the space. You should also take note of the amount of natural light that’s coming inside your home because plants need sunlight in order to thrive. To play it safe, find a location where enough sunlight can come in during the day especially if you’re planning to set up your plants inside permanently. If this is not possible, you may have to take your plants outdoors from time to time so that they can receive the proper amount of sunlight that they need. You might also want to consider installing a humidifier inside your home in case you still do not have one. A humidifier is perfect to provide plants the moisture that they need especially if it’s particularly dry inside your home.
Step 2. The second step in planning an indoor garden is selecting the plants you desire to grow. You have to understand that while it’s possible to grow a garden indoors, there are plants that are simply too difficult to maintain when kept inside the house. You can choose blooming plants, non-blooming plants, or a combination of both but make sure you do your research well and study which plants require the utmost care and attention. If you plan to set up a garden that you can leave for long periods of time without care, choose plants that can survive for days with little water and sunlight.
Step 3. After choosing your plants carefully, it’s time to gather the supplies you’re going to need next. To avoid water damage, make sure you set up your pots or containers above trays that will collect the water. In the same manner, choose pots and containers with proper drainage. This is critical because plant roots can easily rot when they are placed in containers with poor drainage. Furthermore, make sure you supply quality soil and fertilizer for your plants to make sure they can get the nutrients essential for their growth.
Setting an indoor garden is not difficult at all, but if you are new to the hobby, it would be wise to start with plants that require very little maintenance. When you have successfully established and maintained your indoor garden, then you can start experimenting with high-maintenance plants.
When it comes to door hardware, the hinges are the ones that often face some problems besides the doorknob. It’s either the hinges become rusty or the screws become loose, resulting to squeaks every time you open or close the door. Broken hinges can also cause the door to hang loosely or crookedly and need some immediate fixing to prevent further problems. Anyone who is familiar with using tools like the screwdriver will find it really easy to fix a broken door hinge. In fact, it would take fifteen minutes to fix one as long as you have the tools and replacement supplies needed for the job. Here is a thorough guide on how you can solve a problem with a broken door hinge at home so that you can get rid of the annoying creaks and squeaks each and every time:
Step 1. Examine the door to find out how serious the problem is. More often than not, you will be able save money simply by doing this simple step first before beginning any repairs. Check for loose screws and broken hinges. If any of the hinges is damaged as a result of loose screws, fixing the screws alone is not enough to get rid of the problem. Instead, you will have to buy replacement parts for both the hinges and screws or the problem will end up occurring again and again.
Step 2. To fix the hinges, you will have to remove the door first. Place an object underneath the door to hold it in place while you pop the pins of the hinges out using a screwdriver and a hammer. Once you have popped all of the pins out, set the door aside and begin repairing the hinges. For loose screws, a simple tightening job would do the trick. Use either a drill or a screwdriver to tighten the loose screw back in place. However, if the screw holes are damaged, you may need to insert dowels into the holes and replace the old screws with longer ones. Apply some glue onto the dowels before inserting them into the damaged holes to make sure they are secure. Wait for the glue to dry and install the hinge.
Step 3. Sometimes, rust can cause the door hinges to tighten up making the door squeak each time you open it. It can also make the door more difficult to open. To solve this problem, simply apply a thin layer of penetrating oil on the hinge before hanging the door in place. The oil will act as lubricant and loosen the hinges.
Step 4. To complete the repair, re-hang the door. Place an object underneath the door once again while you insert the hinge pins back in place. Check whether the pins are installed correctly by swinging the door back and forth. If the door opens and closes properly and if the hinges do not produce any squeaking sounds when you swing the door, then your job is complete.
Ceramic bathroom tiles are preferred by most homeowners since they are easy to clean and maintain. But while they may seem to be durable, they cannot withstand the impact of being hit by a heavy object and may crack. Nevertheless, replacing a broken bathroom tile is a job that can easily be handled by anyone. Whether the problem is a crack or a tiny chip, it’s basically something that’s not beyond your ability to deal with, so there’s no need for you to hide the problem while waiting for a professional to fix it . However, you may want to be extra careful when removing the broken tile by yourself so as not to break up the tiles surrounding it. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how you can replace a broken bathroom tile with ease.
Step 1. The first thing you need to do is to remove the grout surrounding the tile. Make sure to wear protective glasses to prevent dust and debris from getting into your eyes. Using a scoring tool, gently but firmly rake out the grout around the broken piece but be careful enough not to damage the other tiles.
Step 2. Apply duct tape or painter’s tape around the borders of the broken tile to protect the surrounding tiles while working. Using your drill, create small holes into the broken tile to loosen the tile. This will make chiseling out the broken piece a lot easier.
Step 3. Starting from the center of the broken tile, gently chip off the pieces using a hammer and chisel. A screwdriver will also do in case you don’t have a chisel at hand. Again, be extra careful in using the hammer to avoid damaging the surrounding tiles. When you have completely removed the broken tile, remove the old thinset from the floor using a putty knife. Make sure that you smooth out the substrate and free it from dust and chips afterwards.
Step 4. Apply a small amount of thinset onto the substrate and the back of the replacement tile. Be sure not to put too much adhesive to avoid messing the grout line and the surrounding tiles. When you’re done, set the tile and press it firmly until it is level with the other tiles.
Step 5. It would take at least two hours for the thinset to cure, so while waiting, mix a batch of grout. See to it that you use the same grout color as the original. Next, apply the grout into the joints and edges and smooth it out. Wait 15-20 minutes for the grout to settle in place and remove any excess using a damp sponge. Allow the grout to dry for at least 24 hours and see to it that no one steps on the new tile within that period. The tile would be set in place overnight and your bathroom should be fully functional again the following day.
A toilet that seems to clog all the time can be really annoying. But as long as you have a plunger, which is also referred to as a plumber’s friend, then there’s definitely no need to worry about. Most of the time, using a plunger can get the job done so there’s no need to call for the help of a plumber in case of a clog. A toilet that’s partially clogged can result to a poor flush, but if there is severe clogging, water may fill the toilet to the brim and even overflow. Before working with a clogged toilet, let the water level drop first and start working using a plunger.
Step 1. Always wear protective gloves when working with toilets as the job can get really messy sometimes. Your first plunge should be gentle as the plunger is usually full of air, and when you thrust it hard into the toilet, you will just cause water to blow over you.
Step 2. Once you’ve set air free from the plunger, you can start thrusting into the toilet forcefully. See to it that there is enough water in the toilet bowl to cover the suction cup so that you can generate more pressure. If there is none, don’t use the flush to get water into the bowl as this may cause water to overflow. Instead, get water from a different source and gently pour it into the bowl using a dipper. After 20 thrusts, you can probably get rid of the problem if the clog is only a minor one. However, you may have to remain patient when dealing with a serious clog.
Step 3. Although using a plunger can get the job done most of the time, there will also be times when it is not enough. If the toilet is still clogged after several tries, you may want to use a plumber’s snake instead. A plumber’s snake is actually a long wire coil that you can insert into a toilet bowl or drain to reach for whatever is causing the blockage and either pull it out or break it down to pieces. Most clogs occur at the S-bend of the toile but you will know that you’ve reach the cause of the clog when you can’t push the snake further.
Step 4. If you’ve tried several times with the plunger and the snake and the clog still remains, perhaps it’s time to pull the toilet out to get to the root of the problem quickly. This method may be the most effective but it is not the least easy one so you should consider it only as a last resort. Once you have unscrewed the toilet and taken it out, you can get to the problem and solve it immediately.
Otherwise, you should call a plumber as the clog may be more serious than you think and may occur not just in the toilet but further in the drain pipe.
Leaky faucets do not just waste your water but also wash your money down the drain. If you can fix it yourself, there’s no need to spend on money in hiring a professional. The first thing you need to understand about faucets is that there are many different types sold in the market, each having some parts that are unique to its model. The most common causes of leaks are old or broken o-rings or gaskets, and worn out valve seats. Damaged washers are also top reasons for faucets to leak. However, no matter what type of faucet you have, it works and can be repaired according to a basic principle. Here are the steps in fixing your faucet so that it stops dripping:
Step 1. Turn off the main water supply and take the faucet apart and remove the stem by unscrewing the handle. Some of the screws may be hidden under a disc or a cap that needs to be snapped in order for you to get to the screw. Use oil if you find it difficult to loosen and remove the handle screw.
Step 2. Once you have removed the handle, remove the packing nut next using a large pair of pliers or wrench. Evaluate the stem and the screws and see whether they need replacement or not. If they are damaged, then you would have to replace them immediately.
Step 3. You may have to replace the washers if they are already old or worn out. When replacing washers, see to it that you replace not just the damaged washer but all the rest of the washers you find inside. This will ensure you that all your washers are brand new and are all in perfect condition. Also make sure that you get the exact replacements for the washers. Most people make the mistake of not taking the damaged parts to the shop when buying replacement parts, making the job a lot more difficult for them. Some washers may work for any type of faucet but only temporarily, so make sure you buy the exact replacement all the time.
Step 4. Install the new washer to the faucet stem and reassemble the whole faucet. More often than not, a brand new washer would automatically stop the leak. Turn the stem clockwise to put it back in place.
Step 5. Attach the faucet handle in place as well as the button or the disc that covers the screw. At this time, you can turn the water supply on again and observe whether the faucet is still leaking or not. It would take a while to find out so keep on observing your faucet each time you turn it on. If you have used the faucet for only a short period of time after the repair and it leaks again, you would have to disassemble it again and check what might have gone wrong and if there’s one important step you might have missed.
Fiberglass swimming pools have gained popularity over the years not just because of their elegance but also because of their quality. Unlike other types of swimming pools, fiberglass pools tend to have longer lives. They are also easy to clean especially since it has a very smooth surface that makes hard for algae to cling to. However, they may still require more maintenance over time, and just like other types material, they can also be subject to wear and tear.
A fiberglass finish has a tendency to crack when there is a sudden change in temperature. When this happens, a resurfacing may be needed. It is imperative that you begin repair as soon as you notice a crack since water can seep in through the glass and produce even more damage. There are patch kits available online or on your local pool or home improvement store so make sure you get one that’s especially designed for fiberglass pools. Before attempting to make any repairs, remember that any damage beyond your ability to fix should be left to a professional. Otherwise, here are a few simple steps on how you can fix a minor problem with your fiberglass pool at home.
Step 1. Start by evaluating the kind of problem you’re dealing with. Normally, any damage in the cosmetics of the fiberglass could be fixed with no sweat. If the damage is superficial, repair can be done simply by painting the area to restore the color. However, do not expect that you can match the new color with the original one perfectly. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with a crack on the surface of the glass, it would take you more time and energy.
Step 2. Drain the pool just enough to expose the crack. If the crack appears at the bottom of the wall, you will have to drain the pool completely. Allow the damaged area to dry before sanding it. When you’r done sanding the area, get rid of loose debris and other small particles.
Step 3. Using a diamond cutting tool, cut out the portion with the crack on it and fill the hole with hydraulic cement. Apply the bond coat over the area and allow it to dry.
Step 4. When the bond coat has dried apply polyester putty on the area using a putty knife. Allow it to dry as well and sand it until it is smooth.
Step 5. Apply recommended gel coat using a paint roller. Make sure to seal the area properly and to get rid of any air bubble formation completely.
Step 6. Smoothen the fiberglass by sanding the area and eliminate any residue using a cloth.
Step 7. To finish, you might want to use spray paint as a final coating for the patch. Hold the can a good six to eight inches from the patch and spray in a sweeping motion, making sure the color matches well with the wall. Leave the patch overnight to dry completely. The patch should be completely dry after 24 hours, so you can fill the pool with water once again and enjoy a good swim.
The main purpose of a pool pump is to keep your pool water pristine at all times. Through aeration, the pool water is properly circulated, discouraging the growth of algae and bacteria. Fixing a pool pump may be a little bit tricky since the device is composed of several parts, so when it gets broken, you can’t just pinpoint the exact cause of the problem that easily especially if you don’t have any knowledge about how the thing works. Usually, repair of pool pumps should be done by a professional, but if you are familiar with pool pumps and how they function, you can definitely do the job on your own. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can repair your pool pump at home in case it malfunctions:
Step 1. The first thing you need to check when repairing a pool pump is its power source. Check whether the switches and breakers are functioning properly or not. Check the wire network as well to see if there are any broken circuits.
Step 2. If the pump is able to start but stops after a brief moment, it may be that the impeller is clogged by dirt or debris. If this is the case, remove any blockage from the impeller and try starting the pump again. If you see that the impeller is free from dirt and is functioning properly, proceed to check the capacitor next. If the capacitor is broken and it is beyond your ability to repair, it should be replaced immediately.
Step 3. The next thing you need to check is the pump filter. A filter works by stopping impurities from getting into the pool water, and you will easily recognize if it’s broken when debris starts to build up in your pool. Inspect the filter hoses and make sure there are no leaks. If the hoses are perfectly fine, remove the filter and clean it thoroughly. Make sure you remove any junk that may be choking the filter and preventing it from functioning properly.
Step 4. If the pump is making too much noise, relatively to the usual, the problem could be with the pump motor. You can take the motor out to troubleshoot it separately. However, before you do that, you might want to check whether the noise is only produced by the pump vibrating against a concrete surface. If this is the case, then you should place a rubber mat underneath the pump to muffle the noise. Otherwise, replace the motor if it continues to make noise even when not attached to the pump.
Step 5. You might also want to ensure that the pump is installed correctly. If there’s a problem with the wiring or the voltage used for the pump, it would cause the pump to turn on and off by itself.
Troubleshooting a pool pump can be quite a daunting task for someone who’s not a professional, so it would help if you clean your pool regularly to lower the chances of your pool pump getting broken.
The basic principles of installing carpet on stairs are not very different from those of installing carpet on your floor. The only difference is that you’re going to deal with treads and risers when working with stair. And while it can be quite to lay carpet on your floor, installing one on your stairs can be quite tricky. However, if you are familiar with the techniques on how to do get the job done, you can practically do it yourself and not hire a professional. First off, there are two ways to lay carpet on stairs: the waterfall method and the cap & band method. In the waterfall method, the stairs is covered by a single piece of carpet. In the cap & band method, the tread of the stairs is covered by the cap while the risers are covered with the band.
This article is going to show you the step by step process of installing carpet on the stairs using the waterfall method:
Step 1. Prepare the materials you are going to need: standard sized carpet, carpet pad, tack strips, carpet staplers, hammer, knee kicker, and carpet knife. You’re also going to need safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris while working.
Step 2. Next, figure out how much carpet you’re going to need by measuring the dimension of the stairs. Measure the width by getting the length of the tread. Make sure you leave an allowance if both ends of the treads are open. To get the total length of the carpet, simply take the measurement of the rise and the tread.
Step 3. If you are going to replace and old carpet with a new one, carefully remove the existing carpet along with the carpet pad and tack strips. Sweep the stairs clean and use a vacuum cleaner if necessary to make sure there are no debris. Once you’ve smoothen the entire surface, install the tack strips first on the sides of the treads using a hammer. Do this on all stair treads.
Step 4. After installing the tack strips, lay the carpet pad next. Use the stapler to set the pad in place in each tread and riser and underneath the tack strips. Make sure the staples are four to six inches apart.
Step 5. Starting from the bottom of the stairs, begin installing the carpet. Hold the edge of the carpet and stretch it until it is hooked into the tack strip. Set the carpet in place using a knee kicker and trim the excess using a carpet knife. Repeat this step on every tread but make sure the carpet is smoothly placed before proceeding.
Step 6. Once you are done covering the entire stairs, staple the edge of the carpet on the riser of the last step. Again, the staples should be four to six inches apart.
Step 7. Check your work and make sure the carpet is laid smoothly and evenly on each tread. If this is not the case, you should take the carpet off and repeat the process. If everything is done according to plan, you can start enjoying your new, carpeted staircase.
Carpets being damaged by water as a result of leakage or flooding are not an uncommon thing. Although you can actually prevent it from happening, you still have to be very prepared in case you experience it in your own home. Water damaged carpets are not easy to clean and repair, but if you have the proper knowledge and understanding of how to do it, you will have a higher chance of saving your carpet and restoring it to its original state. Here are four simple steps on how you could salvage your carpet in the case of water damage.
Step 1. Determine the source of the water and assess the degree of damage done to the carpet. If the carpet has been soaked in clean water from your tap, it can possibly be saved and restored, although it would still depend on how long it remained in the water before you found it. However, if the carpet has been exposed to black water flooding or toilet water, it has very little or no chance at all of being cleaned and restored. If this is the case, you might as well dispose the carpet and replace it with a new one immediately.
Step 2. Whether the carpet has been damaged by unsanitary water or not, you will still have to disinfect it first. Before cleaning the contaminated area, dehumidify the room first to prevent the growth of bacteria. To disinfect, add 2 tablespoons of liquid bleach to 1 gallon of water and use it to scrub off dirt from affected area. If possible, remove tack strips, take carpet off the floor, and treat it outside to avoid getting the wall and other furniture wet. Using a pressurized hose, wash the carpet thoroughly and scrub it with a commercial grade carpet shampoo.
Step 3. Dry the carpet using a large fan or a vacuum. If the carpet is large, it would take 24-36 hours for it to dry completely. To avoid soiling the carpet, advise everyone in the house to keep off for a while. Or, you can place a barrier around the carpet to prevent people from stepping on it while it is still wet. If the carpet is not too large, you can hang it in a dehumidified room to dry. Observe the carpet while drying, and if you don’t see a significant improvement in the damaged part after 12 hours, you might as well consider replacing it with a new one.
Step 4. Contact your insurance company and inquire what specific help they can offer you with regards to your dilemma. There’s a possibility that would be willing to offer you a replacement help for the carpet so don’t be hasty in deciding on buying a brand new carpet. In the same manner, if the damage done to your carpet is beyond your ability to repair, you might as well hire a professional to get the job done for you.
A sprinkler system is essential in maintaining the lushness of your lawn, and when it goes bad, it can cause a huge problem not only to your beautiful lawn but also to your budget. The basic parts of a sprinkler system are the control fittings, piping, plumbing components. All these parts work together, so when one part gets broken, the entire function of the system is affected. Even a high quality sprinkler system is subject to wear and tear, so it is important that you are prepared in case something goes wrong with either one of the part of the system or the entire system itself. Be sure to study how sprinklers work so that you can diagnose simple problems yourself. This way, it would be easier for you to make quick fixes without the help of a professional.
Step 1. Check the main line. If your system has a leak, the first thing you need to check is the main line. It’s easy to find out if this is where the damage of your system is, because there will be a constant leaking and pooling even when the system is turned off. If the damage is the lateral line though, water leakage will only occur when you turn on the system. To fix the problem, you have to shut down your system completely and dig in the area where the water is pooling. Once you find out which pipe is broken, remove all the soil surrounding it to expose the pipe. Inspect the damage and see whether it needs a major or minor repair. In any case, you will need to cut the damaged pipe with a pipe cutter and replace the coupler. Apply PVC glue to join pipes and allow it to dry for thirty minutes. After thirty minutes, turn the system on to check whether the leakage has stopped or not. If the leakage has stopped, you can cover the pipe.
Step 2. If there are no problems with the main line, check the sprinkler riser instead. Dig around the sprinkle head and unscrew the nuts to remove it. Next, take off the riser using a nipple extractor and mount in a new riser. After fastening the riser, turn the system on to see if it’s working properly.
Step 3. Sometimes, the problem may only be with sprinkler head so there’s no need for you to check the main line. To repair the sprinkler head, dig the soul surrounding it and unscrew the nuts to unfasten it. Leave the riser in place and make sure you don’t allow dirt and debris to get into the head. Fasten the new sprinkler head and turn the system on to check if it’s functioning and cover the hole when you’re done.
