Leaking pipes, no matter how big or small it is can
create extreme changes on your water bills, negative
changes to be specific. However, fixing minor leaks is
actually easy and is something that you can manage to
do without calling a plumber. Here are some ways on
how you can repair pipe leaks by yourself.

Fixing Leaks Through Tape

This is considered to be the easiest and cheapest way
that anyone can do to fix small pipe leaks. All the
material you would need is an electrical or duct tape.
The basic principle here is that you should cover the
leak using the tape. To effectively stop the leak, you
should start wrapping the tape before the leak itself
on your water pipe. Wrap in a diagonal manner around
the pipe until you have covered the entire leaking
area and a small portion extending before and after
it.

Fixing Leaks By Epoxy

This method is best used if your leaking problem is
situated at pipe fittings and joints. You can get
epoxy from your local hardware store. First off, you
should cut off the water supply. Then you need to
drain all the water from the pipes. Water purging can
be done by letting the faucet run, until no more water
comes out.

After purging the water, dry out the pipes and clean
it using steel wool. Make sure that the pipes are dry
and clean, since applying epoxy on a wet pipe can give
unpleasant results. If you are sure, then apply the
epoxy and let it dry. Refer to the epoxy’s packaging
on how long you should let it stand to dry up. Avoid
using the pipe line if the epoxy is still wet.

Fix Leaks Through A Pipe Clamp

You can use pipe clamp to fix your leaks. However, you
should buy a clamp that has the right size to fit your
leaking pipe. Once you have purchased a clamp, clean
out your pipe. Be careful in cleaning it, and make
sure that you do this well. Wrap your pipe in a rubber
pad which should be placed over the area where the
leak is.

When you have the pad in place, put the pipe clamp
over it and screw the clamp securely. If you have
somewhat moderate leaks, you can also use this method
to stop them.

Fixing Leaks Through Hose Clamps

Using a host clamp is kind of similar to using a pipe
clamp. However, this is to be only used on smaller
leaks. You can start by wrapping the pipe with a
rubber pad. Once the pad is placed over the leaking
area, put one or two hose clamps over it and tighten
the pad by securely screwing it.

Fixing Leaks Through C-Clamps and Blocks

If your pipe is of a small size, then you can make use
of a small sized c-clamp to patch it. Start by placing
a rubber pad directly on top of the leak. After that,
put a small wooden strip or block on top of it. Get
the c-clamp and place it over the fixture to hold
everything on place. You use the blocks as protection
for the pipe from the pressure given by the c-clamp.

Fixing Leaks Using Tin Can Clamps

Here, what you would need is a tin can. Start off by
cutting the ends off the can and cutting it up one
side. Get the half of the can and bend its ends so
that they are flat and could meet. This is like a
homemade pipe clamp.

Get a rubber pad and place it over your leak. Above
the rubber pad, place your homemade clamp. A c-clamp
and wooden blocks can also be used to tighten the
fixture.

Fixing disposal problems is actually a simple job, if
you’re equipped with the right knowledge. Nonetheless,
a lot of people are still scared on dealing with
garbage disposal problems, which usually lead to
freaking out and calling a professional to get some
help. To save you from this dilemma, here are some do
it yourself solutions for you garbage disposal
problems.

Noise Problems

One common problem encountered with garbage disposals
is that they may produce too much noise when used. You
might hear some rattling or grinding sounds, every
time you turn it on. If noises like these are present,
it is probably caused by an object, possibly a metal
which was unintentionally dropped down your disposal.

Having this kind of problem unattended can cause
damage to your disposal blades. To fix it, turn off
the electrical power for that area of your house.
Then, get a flashlight and a needle nosed pliers.
Using these, look for an item which causes the noise.

Once you find the item that simply doesn’t belong
inside your disposal, and then pull it by using your
pliers. After this, the noise should be gone and your
disposal will do just fine.

When Nothing Happens Another commonly experienced
problem is when nothing happens when you turn on the
disposal. Generally, if this is the case and you can’t
hear even a single hum, it means that power isn’t
getting into the disposal unit.

It could be that you have to reset your unit or your
circuit breaker is tripped. First, you should look
beneath your sink and take a look at your unit. You
should find a small red button placed somewhere on the
bottom side. Press the button and hold it for a number
of seconds.

After pressing, try to use your unit again. It should
start normally, as if it is brand new. If it doesn’t
start, then you have to do another trick. Find your
electrical panel and see if you have a tripped circuit
breaker. Try to reset the breaker that is in charge
for that area. After resetting, go back to your
drainage unit and do the first step all over again.
This should fix the problem.

If nothing still happens, then it’s about time that
you call a professional, because it can be a sign of a
bigger overall problem.

Humming But Nothing

This is the last real possible problem that you can
encounter with your disposal. Sometimes if you place
wrong kinds of food in your unit, it gets jammed up.
This can also happen if you put too much food down
your disposal without running it.

To fix this, turn off your unit’s the power and use
pliers to reach into your unit and pull out whatever
it is that is obstructing the blades and keeps it from
spinning. After you have pulled the clog out, get an
Allen wrench and use it to spin the blades manually.

If the blades are now turning, then you are done with
the problem. If it’s still not spinning, this means
that there are still more that you should remove. Be
sure that you remove everything out, so that you won’t
encounter the same problem again in the near future.

Once you got the blades spinning manually, try to turn
on the power, reset your unit and see if it’s working.
If it’s still humming, then check for more clogs. If
you’re sure that there are no more obstructions and
the problem is still there, then you’ve got the green
light to call a professional.

Tiling is one job that most people would rather not
learn how to do since it can be scary that you make
some mistakes in the process. However, it is actually
a lot easier than what many might think. In fact, it
can save you a whole lot of money contrast to hiring a
professional for the job. As long as you know the do’s
and don’ts, then this task is a no-brainer for you.

Choosing Your Tiles

To start off, you have to choose the tiles that you
want to use. You may get surprised with the number of
variety choices when doing this. Tiles may come in
different sizes, colors, textures, materials and
finishes. There are times that you may encounter tiles
with odd sizes. This is done on purpose by companies
so that you would have to buy extra.

Choosing a tile highly depends on you. It can also
depend on how you want the room to be and the over all
design and feel of the room.

Measurements And Computations

You also need to measure out your floor area. You also
have to deliberate on whether you want the tiles to go
under any kind of fittings and units. Generally, it is
better if you tile under the fittings. This is because
if you would have to move appliances in the future,
like a fridge, then you do not have to lift it up over
the edge of your new tiles.

When you have chosen what kind of tile you want to
use, you need to do some computations. You have to get
your floor’s width and divide it by the width of one
tile. This is to know the number of complete rows that
you’ll have. Also, this can help you decide the
optimal wall edge to place your cut tiles against.

Application

After doing the math, you can now start applying tiles
on your floor. Be sure that you have an even coverage
of adhesive placed on your sub-floor. The type of
adhesive to use would depend on your sub-floor or the
surface you are tiling. If it is a concrete floor,
then you can use a rapid setting adhesive. However, be
sure that you do not spread too much of the mixture at
once, since it can set as fast as 30 minutes.

If it is a wooden sub-floor, then you need a flexible
adhesive. You can know if an adhesive if flexible if
it is written on the bag or the tub. If you have
slate, then you need to use gray adhesive. If you’ll
be having marble, then you need a white adhesive. This
is so that no color coming from the underside would
bleed and ruin your design.

Grouting

When you are done fixing your tiles on the floor, and
after you have allowed enough time for it to dry, then
you would have to do some grouting. If you have
natural tiles, like marble, slate, limestone, granite,
travertine, and porcelain, you need to seal them first
before you can grout them. You have to use a
specialized impregnating sealer so that they will be
waterproof and can be more resistant to dirt and
staining.

Mix up the grout and apply it using a grout float to
your tiles. Try to work over the gaps until they’re
all filled. If you have white marble tiles, then you
need to use a white grout instead of gray since the
gray kind can stain the marble.

To finish off, wipe out the excess grouts that are
bulging from your tiles using a sponge. Also, use a
grout finisher or your finger to smooth out the grout
lines. After this, stand back, relax and chill while
you wait for your work to dry up!

Paint is considered to be the clothes of your house.
Although paint problems may look ugly and major, you
can actually be saved from the obligation of calling a
professional painter and spending huge amounts of
money on them. You yourself can be your very own
Picasso in doing paint retouches of your house.

Break Down

All kinds of paint, whatever brand it may be, can only
last for a specified number of years on your wall,
before the break down process starts showing. When you
are experiencing paint break down, it basically means
that the first or primary layer on the surface is
weakening.

This problem is commonly experienced in old houses
that have several paint layers. When the break down
process starts, paint will start cracking and peeling
from your wall or your wood surface. Because of this,
your wood or drywall will be exposed.

To fix this, try scraping or pressure washing your
surface. After that, fill any holes using putty if it
is wood or spackle if it is a wall surface. After
filling in, get a sand paper and fine sand the
surface.

When you’re done, wipe of the dust and let it
completely dry. Basically, when you pressure wash or
when it is raining, 24 hours should be allotted for
the surface to dry. Once you’re sure that it is dry,
and then you can start painting.

Moisture Build-Up

Another cause of paint cracking is moisture build-up,
leak or excessive condensation.

Most probably, you can find mildew and mold along with
this problem. This kind of problem is often
experienced in the bathroom. However, it can also
occur in other parts of the house because of leaky
roofs and close outdoor shrubs. Your paint can sag
down due to the moisture. But in this case, you won’t
see any chipping debris.

If moisture build-up is the cause of your pain
cracking, then you would have to do another remedy.
Since you will be targeting on the mildew, and if it
is an interior surface that you are fixing then you
can make use of a solution that consists of three
parts water and one part bleach. If it is an exterior
surface, you can wash it off using an exterior
solution intended for pressure washers.

Both of these can be bought at your local shop. You
can also try renting a pressure washer from some
stores that provide services like these during the
weekend.

Fading Color

The last most experienced paint problem would be
fading color. This is usually experienced with
surfaces on the exteriors of the house. However, it
can also occur indoors when specific colors were used
for the walls. Basically, paint color fades when it
exposed too much to the sun.

To avoid this kind of problem, most people would try
no to use bright and bold colors such as deep red. If
you have an affinity for deep colors, but don’t like
the fading ones, then try to look for hues which have
a ruddy or golden tone with them.

You can try consulting a paint associate about this.
Try to find out how much red oxide or yellow oxide
colorant was mixed for the specific color that you
want. Basically, if the paint associate says that each
colorant has about 1 ounce or so in the tint base to
create the color, then you have spotted a color that
can resist fading for a very good period of time.

Repairing a modern type of cartridge faucet can be one
of the easiest home repairs that you can do. In
general, anybody can do this, with or without
experience with plumbing. In fact, you can even coach
someone over the phone about the whole process and
still get good results. All you would need is pay
close attention, and you would be done in no time!

General Problems

The most common problems encountered in cartridge
faucets, is usually caused by a problem in the
interior cartridge, which usually wears and tears over
time. Nevertheless, there is no need to worry since
this type of faucet was created with simplicity of
repair in mind.

Getting Started: Purging The Lines

To start off, you need to purge your water lines. In
order to do this, you should turn off the entire water
source that is running to your faucet. Try looking
beneath your faucet and there you can see the shut off
valve that cuts of the water source. If you don’t have
one somewhere near your faucet, then you would have to
turnoff the main valve.

If you have to deal with the main valve, take note
that it would take you longer to purge. Most
households have a shutoff valve feature that is
directly placed under the sink, so it is the least of
possibilities that you need to shutoff the main valve.

After you have cut the water source, turn on the
faucet. Let the water keep on running. Try to wait
until all the water in the pipes has emptied, and
before you proceed to the next step, double check
first if the water lines are really empty.

Working On The Faucet

Now, to start working on the faucet itself, you need
to remove the sink handles. You would have to unscrew
them. Locate the protective cap and pop it off. This
is where you would usually find the screw. You can use
a butter knife or a screwdriver to do the trick. While
doing this, try to be very careful so that you do not
scratch it. In this way, it would still look nice
after the job. Now you can start unscrewing the knobs
until you completely remove them.

If you already know which type of cartridge it is that
you need, then the better. If you don’t you can simply
bring your old one to your local hardware and people
there will be able to help you out.

Once you get the new cartridge, go back and install
it. Then, replace the knobs. When you are done with
this, try testing out the water. If the test runs
smoothly without problems, then you are done.

However, if you experience some water leaks during the
test, you have to do some adjustment again. Turn off
the water source and take off the knobs once more. Try
to check and ensure that you placed the cartridge in
the right position. If it’s not, then try to maneuver
it into the right place.

Put the knobs back into place and turn on the water
source again. Try the water test once more. If this
time it runs smoothly, then you have reached success
with your repair. If you are still experiencing
problems, then you may have a problem coming from a
different source.

A lot of people consider the furnace as one of their
home’s most important equipments, which is very much
true most especially during cold winter months, when
getting some heat intake is very important.
Additionally this is the very reason why knowing how
to fix your furnace incase some troubleshooting
problems arise can be very invaluable.

On And Off Problems

If your furnace keeps on turning on and off, this is
usually just a simple problem with the unit’s heat
anticipator. To start repairing, simply locate your
thermostat and open it. When you open the box, you
will see inside a small disk that is located in the
middle. Take a good look at the disc. You will see
that it has a number of calibration notches.

Take a closer look and you will find the word “LONGER”
on it. Then, try to find a small handle that touches a
wire. Once you locate that small handle, turn it
towards the word “LONGER”.

After completing the steps, turn on your furnace and
let it run for a few hours. If it works alright, then
you’re done. However, if the furnace is still turning
on and off, just repeat the steps given above.
Continue doing so until the problem stops.

Shut Down Problems

This problem is also an easy one, which is similar to
the first problem. All you have to do is remove your
unit’s thermostat cover, then follow the said steps in
the first problem. But, in this case, what you have to
do is turn the clockwise to “SHORTER”, instead of
moving it toward “LONGER”. This should fix your
problem. If it doesn’t just repeat the steps until you
get it working.

No Heat Generation If your unit is not generating
heat, then the problem is most probably the pilot
light. Try to checking out your pilot light and see if
it is turned on or if it is out. If you found it to be
out, then you would have to relight it. In case you do
not know how to relight it, simply consult your unit’s
manual or contact your manufacturer. This is a
relatively easy task that you can do by simply
following some simple instructions.

No Air

If your unit is running but doesn’t blow any air, then
here is how you repair it. First, you should turn off
the power of your unit. Also, you should turn off the
gas from the gas valve which is serving your furnace.
Then, remove the door of your furnace cabinet so you
can have access to your blower.

When you already have full access, check out the
number that is stamped on the belt of your furnace.
Then, go to your local shop and get an exact
replacement of the belt.

Once you’ve got the replacement belt, then go back to
your furnace cabinet and install the new belt.
Generally, you can just slip it on your motor’s
smaller pulley then put it on your motor’s blower
pulley. Try rotating the blower pulley using your
hand, while you hold the belt in place. Be careful
from having your fingers caught though.

If you get this right, you should be able to get the
belt right in place. If it looks a little too tight,
then you may need to adjust the motor mount so there
can be more slack in the fixture. After adjusting, try
to retighten the tension again, once you have the belt
in the right place.

It would be better to check your manufacturer’s
specifications regarding the proper tension needed for
your unit. Generally, your belt should deflect at
least about an inch whenever you press it down.

Faucet replacement is a very easy task that anyone can
do. It is one of those household repairs that don’t
really need any professional assistance. Here are the
basics that you should know about faucet replacement.

Being Prepared And Choosing Your Faucet

Before you go off with the replacement proper
procedures, you should be ready and have with you the
faucet unit that you want to use to replace your old
one. You can drop by your local hardware store and
pick out a faucet that you want. Having it on hand
before removing the old one would make things easier
and faster for you.

With the numerous modern designs now at the market,
you have a variety of faucet designs that you can
choose from. For your bathtubs and sinks, you can get
single or double handled faucet. Generally, faucets
have a standard size regarding their hook-ups,
depending on their use. For kitchen faucets, you can
usually find units with an 8 inch hookup. Bathroom
vanity faucets usually come in 4 inches, while
bathtubs come in 8 inches.

Faucet Measurements

In able to know which kind of faucet to get from the
store, first you have to do some measurements. Have
your tape measure in hand for this task. If you will
be using a double handled faucet, what you need to do
is take the measurement from the handles’ center to
center, thus, this is your faucet’s size. If you will
be using a single-handled faucet, you would have to
measure starting from the the distance in between your
water hook-up lines placed on your faucet’s bottom.

As soon as you know the style and size of your faucet,
then you’re already to take out the old one and
install your new unit.

Tools That You Need

Basically, you do not need a lot of tools for this
task. All you need to have are wrenches so that you
can hold the shut-off valve and take out the supply
line that is going to your faucet. Also, you would
need to have channel lock pliers or a basin wrench.
You’ll be using this take out the large nuts, which
attaches the faucet to your sink. It would be better
if you use a basin wrench, due to its special design
that is intended for working in tight spaces, just
like where your faucet is mounted to your sink.

Steps To A New Faucet

First, you should turn off all water supply that is
linked to your faucet. Then, you should remove the
supply lines coming from both sides of your faucet.
After thatm you should remove the large retainer nuts
that are holding your faucet to the sink. When you are
done with this, remove the old faucet from the sink.
Try to clean up your sink and where the old unit was
installed.

Once you are done cleaning up, get your new unit and
place it in the holes. You can ask someone to help you
with this, so that keeping it centered while
installing the retainer nuts below would be easier.
When you get the faucet in plac and retaining nuts
tightly screwed, then you can now get your water
supply lines hooked up again. Turn on your water
supply and do some tests for leaks and other defects.

If you have some leaks, try reinstalling it again and
make sure that you tightly place each part where they
should be. Also, if you want you can use plumbers
putty or thread tape to prevent leaks or dripping on
the joints, specifically in between the faucet and
sink, or the supply line and the faucet.

Plumbing problems are considered to be one of the
major problems that each household can experience at
least once in a lifetime. Although most would opt to
call a professional plumber to do the dirty work for
them, most plumbing repairs are actually minor ones
that even you can do without having to pay a plumber
some notable amount of cash.

Be Vigilant

One way to fix major plumbing problems is by
prevention. Keeping a sharp eye for sluggish or slow
drains is the key. It is way much easier to fix and
unclog a slow drain than opening one that has wholly
stopped from functioning.

If your drain is slow, you can fix this by simply
pouring scalding water down the pipe. Do this to
loosen any grease buildup. Additionally, you should
clean the drain screen or stopper. This should do the
trick.

However, if it doesn’t, then try to locate the problem
by checking out other household drains. Do this to
know whether the clog is present in only one fixture.
If it turns out that other drains are clogged, then
you may have a problem with your main drain pipe.
Sinking In

Fighting a sink clog automatically means getting a
bathroom plunger. In picking a plunger, make sure it
has a large enough suction cup that can completely
cover up the drain. It should also be able to create
an airtight seal around the surrounding sink.

Next, you should fill the fixture to completely cover
the plunger’s suction cup. Do this by using water or
coating the cup’s rim with petroleum jelly. You should
create a vacuum by trying to seal off other outlets,
like overflow drain in sinks. Then, push out any
trapped air underneath the cup. After this, do 15 to
20 forceful up-and-down pumping blows to jerk loose
the clog. It may take you three to five times of this
cycle to do the trick.

Snake It Out If using the plunger doesn’t work, then
you would have to resort to another technique. In this
remedy, you would need to have a plumbing snake. You
can get one at your local hardware. These can work
their way through your drain pipes and physically push
out the clogs.

Plumbing snakes are considered to be one of the most
dependable tools for fixing drainage problems. All you
have to do is push the snake in until you hit the
clog. Once you hit the clog, hook it up by twisting
your snake’s handle. After hooking it up, push your
snake back and forth until you feel that the
obstruction has broken up. Then, flush out the pipe
using cold water. Main Drain Cleanup

If you detect that more than one of your draining
fixtures is clogged up, then your main drain line may
be the problem. Thus, you have to clean it up. You can
start off by locating the clean-out plugs of the large
drain pipes. You can find these in your crawlspace or
basement.

Main drain lines can also be found in your garage or
somewhere outside, along the foundations of your
house. You can see that each plug has a cap on it that
has a square fitting on the top. Use a wrench to
remove the cap.

Make sure that you have a bucket with you to catch
some dripping water. Also, be sure that nobody will
use the facilities while you the main drain line is
open, or else some serious problem can come your way.
Once you have everything in place, use a plumbing
snake to break up any obstructions in the main line by
running the snake in all directions of the pipe.