Housekeeping

There are several things that most people are okay with leaking—details about favorite TV shows, news about a much-anticipated fashion line, things that people need to know. Sewer pipes? They’re not one of those things. In fact, a leaking sewer pipe is a serious health risk. Even cast iron sewer pipes can leak a pretty scary amount if left to rot. But, what can you do if your cast iron sewer pipe starts to leak?

Nothing is more entertaining to the kids as making crazy animals and other shapes out of colored dough. Play-Doh can keep your kids busy for hours. But it can also keep you busy trying to get the bright colored mess out of the carpet later. Maybe the kids should only play with Play-Doh in a room without carpet next time. But now you have a mess to clean up.

The idea of scouring the Internet to find the right brand of refrigerator for your home can feel daunting. Still, if you don’t do research, you risk purchasing a refrigerator that’s unreliable and prone to breaking. We have created a guide using research from resources such as Yale Appliance and hundreds of online reviews so that you can easily choose a refrigerator brand.

A wood-burning stove is great to have, especially if you’re living in an area where the winter feels like an arctic freeze. However, operating a wood-burning stove and getting it to heat your entire house is far different than the standard electric heater that people use today. But it can do just as good of a job, if not better. The question is, how do you heat your house with one?

Ah, fireplaces. Since the chimney was invented, having a fireplace was one of the most important ways people got heat in their homes and cooked their foods. Even today, we use them to cozy up on colder days. Nowadays, most people have gas fireplaces instead of wood. Sometimes, that leads to issues that can make them frustrating–like going out when you want it to stay lit.

Not too long ago, we had a friend of mine crash at our place for a while. He then left, but asked to store his backpack at our home. We said sure, but he never really came back. Days turned to weeks, then to months. Eventually, we said that if he didn’t pick up his stuff, it’d be thrown out. He arrived on the scene, ready to pick up his crap the next day. Ever wonder how long it takes before you can throw out a guest’s stuff?

Working with screws is a must for numerous home improvement or workshop projects. You work with them so often that you may sometimes neglect proper technique while removing or inserting them. That carelessness can lead to the screw being stripped.

You come home ready for a nice shower.  After a few seconds in the shower, you notice something just isn’t right.  What could be going on in your shower or bathtub?  What could cause your shower to work poorly or not work at all?  How do you know if the diverter valve on your tub or shower is bad?

Gas fireplaces are a dream addition to homes for American homeowners because there is a certain charm to them. And to top it off, they are gas efficient, affordable, and look good in any setting.

Ferrets are cute little animals, but they produce a musky odor that some people find unpleasant. If you keep a ferret in your house as a pet, the entire space could have a strong odor, especially if you fail to keep its cage clean. Failure to wash the animal and its litter box and bedding could also contribute to the musky smell in your house.

When it comes to building high-quality tools, few companies have as big a name as DeWalt. This is a company that built its entire name on being as all-American as apple pie, beer, and the 4th of July. Lately, much of the tool manufacturing world has been switching its factory locations from the US to other countries. Is DeWalt buckling to that pressure, though?

Linoleum is a great, cost-effective option for kitchen and bathroom floors. It’s known for being durable and long-lasting, more so when it’s properly cared for. The key to making linoleum floors last longer is regular cleaning.

I have a confession to make: I love cooking up a greasy breakfast. It’s a vice of mine, big time. And when I cook with a lot of oil and bacon, the grease crackles and flies all over the cabinets. After my cooking sessions, my cabinets are a royal mess. The good news is, there are a couple of handy ways that you can clean greasy cabinets without losing your mind. Wanna know the secrets?

Leather is a durable and classic material that has been used to make couches for decades. Just like any other material, it will wear over time and can even crack and fade. This usually happens due to environmental issues like excessive sunlight or dust. 

Back in the 90s, having a satellite dish was a quasi-status symbol. It meant you had all the channels, and that means that you had money. These days, streaming and cord-cutting are now the thing to do. Throughout many parts of America, this shift has created a landscape that is littered by satellite dishes that no longer work. You will need to pay someone to get rid of that dish, but how much will it be?

Battery acid can refer to any acid that is used in a chemical cell or battery.  There are different types of acids within batteries, depending on if it is a lead-acid battery or an alkaline battery. Because car or automotive battery acid is 30-50%  sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in water, it is important to dispose of battery acid in the safest way possible.

Kitchen mats sure can tie the room together. Not only that, but they also serve a functional purpose. Kitchen mats provide a comfortable surface during long dishwashing sessions. They’re also good to have around in the presence of water to soak up spills and minimize slipping.

When your dishwasher gets clogged, it won’t be able to function properly. You can do a variety of things to unclog a dishwasher, and one common method is using calcium lime and rust remover (CLR).

PVC pipe fittings are a convenient tool. They make it easier to accurately and securely connect PVC piping. Most of all, they are effective for taking apart PVC piping, too, taking a lot of the hassle out of the disconnection process.

Leather couches are beautiful additions to living rooms and give a classic touch to the aesthetic. If proper maintenance isn’t carried out routinely, leather can wear and tear quite quickly. This material is often prone to large holes and cracks when it’s not regularly conditioned. 

While they may be cute to some, rats can be a real pesky problem. When they’ve gained access to your home or have settled in your backyard, it can be challenging to get rid of them. Whether you’ve got one rat or a whole infestation, it is vital to quickly and carefully deal with the issue.

Kitchen cutlery comes in every material imaginable. From silicone and other man-made materials, to aluminum and other types of metal. But when it comes to aesthetics and chef preference, nothing beats a good solid wooden spoon for stirring a sauce. But unlike other materials, wood does not last forever. In fact, it deteriorates so much over time that it eventually needs to be tossed in the trash. So, when is it time to throw away your wooden spoon and purchase a new one?

Refrigerators are a big investment and a critical part of any home. Unsettling sounds can often puzzle homeowners and indicate a bigger problem with your refrigerator. So, why is your refrigerator making clicking noises?

You should tell your landlord that your apartment is dirty if you just moved in. It’s a great idea to take pictures and even videos of the mess before you talk to your landlord. This will come in handy if they try to dispute your claim. 

Ninja blenders are amazing! They work so diligently to chop up your favorite fruits and blend them into a great tasting smoothie. They can also double as a food processor, chopping up onions or celery to put into your favorite salads. The downside? The cleanup that comes afterward. They’re not fun to wash by hand. 

Window mounted refrigerated air conditioning units are popular when a bit of extra cooling power is needed. Window mounted air conditioners are easy to install and economical. But, what if there is no window in the space you want to cool?  Can you install a window air conditioner unit through a wall sleeve?

When something goes wrong with one of your appliances, it can be challenging to know whether you should fix it or purchase a new one. Especially with an item such as a dishwasher, there are always new models coming out. These new models that come out each year are often more energy-efficient and help you save money in the long run. Despite this, there is no single answer that can tell you whether or not you should fix or replace your dishwasher. 

Have you ever taken a moment to inspect the back of your pedestal sink and noticed the small hole underneath the faucet? This small hole is referred to as an overflow hole and generally goes unnoticed, but you need to clean a pedestal sink overflow. The purpose of the overflow hole is to provide ventilation and collect any excess water that could cause your sink to spill over.

 Many homeowners have asked themselves at one point or another: “Can I build a wall myself?” People consider it for many reasons – whether they are renovating a new home, preparing to sell, or trying to create more space for their growing family.

For many, and AC unit or refrigerator developing problems can be a troubling experience. Coolant systems are complex, and maintenance generally requires complete teardowns of the units in question in order to access the parts that need to be changed.

Choosing the right refrigerator line is important because it affects the whole unit’s performance. Refrigerator lines supply water to the dispenser and ice maker, so it’s important to choose a durable material. So, what is better; copper or plastic refrigerator water lines?

Ah, new joys of parenthood. Lots of bottle filling, lots of new stains to get rid of, and tons of new things you never knew about keeping a good house. One of the first new stains you’ll run into as a parent is the awkward spill that happens if you drop diaper cream on a carpet. So, how do you get this stuff out of your pre-baby carpet?

If there’s one thing plumbers hate, it’s sediment. Sediment in your water line will cause your boiler to act out, increase the chances of clogging, and even change the flavor of your water. Most people assume they can’t actually do anything about sediment buildup but this isn’t very true. It’s possible to lean your sediment out of your water line and reduce the impact it has on plumbing.

Cross-linked polyethylene, also known as PEX piping, is a type of piping that is comprised of flexible plastic. Most importantly, they are beginning to replace traditional galvanized steel and copper for water supply lines in both remodels and new construction projects.

A Jacuzzi is a great way to add a sense of calm and luxury to your home. However, there is nothing luxurious about getting into a Jacuzzi full of chunks of black flakes. So, what is the black stuff coming out of my Jacuzzi jets?

While ironing might not be everyone’s favorite chore, it’s sometimes part of the laundry process. Maintaining your ironing board and washing your ironing board cover are essential to keep your clothes from getting dirty all over again.

Also known as Berry Bugs, chiggers are tiny pests that resemble something between a wood tick and a bed bug. These bugs don’t pose a threat to humans but can deliver a nasty rash that can disrupt your sleep. If you have chiggers in your home, there are simple things you can do to get rid of them. 

Winter is the time of year you want to hibernate inside, away from the cold and rain, until the welcome return of spring with its milder climate and longer days. To ensure your home will keep you cozy and at a comfortable temperature throughout the harsh cold months, it is vital to spend the time weatherproofing your sliding glass door.

It is perfectly safe to reuse your bath towel more than once without washing it in most cases, and it can even save on your electric bill. But as a rule, you should only reuse it two or three times. After three days, most experts agree that you should swap it out for a fresh one. This will reduce the risk of bacteria growth or the dreaded smelly towel.

Window boxes fit in perfectly in any home and can liven up your exterior when you fill them with plants. Some window boxes don’t require drilling, but you can get around it with others if you use vinyl siding hangers. Whether it be using vinyl siding hangers or purchasing a special window box, let’s take a look at how you can hang a window box without drilling holes.

If you are someone who gets bitten by mosquitos in the summer months, then you will be happy to know Epsom salts can help. Not only will an Epsom salt bath help your skin feel better, but dissolved salts can also help relieve itching associated with mosquito bites.

Knotty pine is one of the most classic natural materials used in home decor, lending itself easily to several styles. That often makes it hard to decide exactly how to design a room around it.

Although easy to forget, window air conditioners do need to be cleaned. Notably, window AC units become less efficient as they get dirty. In fact, they may even contain mold.

If you have young children, you likely know all about the challenges of keeping a home clean. Young kids are bundles of boundless energy and they tend to make a mess when they’re having fun. Give them crayons to play around with and things can get messy pretty quickly.

Peppermint oil was once an ingredient that was solely used to flavor ice cream, chocolates, and other goods. Today, it’s being used as an aromatherapy oil and even a way to deter mice from entering a home. Finding peppermint oil became way more commonplace, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Where can you find this in-demand oil for sale?

Bearings are responsible for your washing machine running smoothly. Unfortunately, after years of heavy use, the bearings in your washing machine will eventually give out. Luckily, you can forego having to replace your washing machine and instead replace the bearings.

Generally, you should start shoveling your walkways and driveway after there is more than an inch or two of snow on the ground. Shoveling an inch of snow is much easier (and faster) than shoveling five to 10 inches. 

To any welders in the world, having your igniter fail can be a pretty major headache. Because of this, we have a quick guide that will help you with steps on figuring out how to fix your igniter on your propane torch. With this guide, you will be able to handle this situation should it come up again.

Appliances such as washers and dryers are a modern necessity, but that doesn’t mean that they’re always easy to use. Dryers are prone to operational errors or unexplainable behavior just like any other appliance. So, why is your dryer blowing cold air, and should you be worried about it?

As winter begins to wind down, the need for snowblowing winds down along with it. This time is perfect for draining the gas from your snowblower and storing it away until next season. If this describes your current situation, you’ve come to the right place. However, there are a number of other reasons why you may need to drain the rank.

As an avid bargain hunter, I love Costco. I’ve used Costco as a go-to to get my favorite bulk items, and also as a place to find cheap deals on things like shampoo. As most people know, Costco has an appliance center that makes it popular with bargain-hunters. But, is it a really good place to buy appliances?

Homeowners come across many new discoveries about their house as time goes on. Sometimes it feels like you learn new things about your home every day.

If you’re up-to-date with the latest and greatest hairstyles, you might find yourself using hair glue quite frequently. While it’s a fantastic styling aid, it’s not so amazing when some happens to get into your carpet. Depending on the type of hair glue, it will either dry and flake throughout your carpet or dry and stick your carpet fibers together. Regardless of what it does, you need to get it out.

Some states ban sauna suits, while others say they’re okay. You can use them to shed unwanted water weight and fit into your favorite clothes. But can you put sauna suits in the dryer after you wash them? Here’s what you need to know.

Moving blankets protect your furniture from scratches, dents, and any other damage during the moving process. Whether you recently rented a moving blanket or invested in one, it’s useful to know how to care for it.

During the hot summer months, there’s nothing better than a cool airflow from your ceiling fan. While ceiling fans are known for being an excellent addition to circulate air, they may also cause a bit of stress. One constant issue with them is that they produce a barely audible humming sound that can drive you insane.

Eucalyptus has become one of the most popular plants among the natural health scene, not to mention the organic gardening scene. It’s a plant that is famous for repelling pests, turning a shower into an amazing aromatherapy bath, and promoting healing. The question is, where can you get a hand on some eucalyptus for your own home?

Thermostats are excellent pieces of equipment used to keep your home at the desired temperature. You can set the temperature, and the thermostat will do the job for you. If you don’t already have it connect to your AC unit, you might wonder how to do that.

Your washing machine exists to clean your clothes and make them smell both fresh and clean. If you have ever begun to smell a funk coming from your washer, then you may realize that you are doing something wrong. In fact, practically every household in the U.S. has a washing machine, but most don’t know how to keep them functioning properly. 

After celebrating the winter holidays, there is a lot of cleaning up to do. There are ornaments and string lights to carefully put away. Decorations must be stored, and the once-pristine garland and Christmas tree need to be brought out to the curb before the pine sheds all its dead needles on your floors. But before you pack away your holiday decor, you first need to find a way to pack and store your holiday leftovers.