Windows / 12.06.2018


Chilly spring rain and layers of snow can conspire to introduce wet rot on residential wood. This also includes fascia boards, door thresholds and jambs, and wooden garage doors. While checking for this problem, take time to inspect the weatherstripping. How to Spot Signs of Wet Rot Obviously, a visual inspection is a preliminary way to detect damage due to moisture retention. What are some signs? Bubbling paintwork or spot flaking indicates that something is going on beneath the surface to make the paint lose its bond. But a visual isn't...

Windows / 12.06.2018


There's no getting around it; the hotter the weather gets, the more expensive indoor climate control gets. There are a number of things that can be done to the home to rein in energy expenditure and lower utility bills. Using solar window film to save energy is a good jumping off point. Save Money on Energy Costs Energy efficiency is all the rage these days, and people everywhere are looking for ways to save money on their utility bills. Today’s newer, more energy efficient homes are being built with Low-E...

Bathroom / 12.06.2018


If you walk into your bathroom only to find a foul odor (well, let's just say fouler than normal) or see a puddle of water seeping from underneath your toilet, you might have a broken toilet flange on your hands. The function of the toilet flange is to connect the lower part of your toilet, the bowl, to the inlet for your home's sewer system. In the old days, flanges were made of metal, but nowadays they are more typically made out of PVC or similar plastic. These flanges...

Bathroom / 12.06.2018


Although that pink toilet might have been the epitome of style back in 1955, these days it just stands out like a sore thumb. What's worse, these old toilets use much more water than newer toilets, costing you money in water bills. Luckily, removing an old toilet is easier than you think and, best of all, you don't even need to call a plumber. Read more about how to replace toilet seat and how to replace toilet wax ring. Turn off The Water An obvious step, but still nonetheless missed by some newbie...

Bathroom / 12.06.2018


Generally speaking, fixing common toilet problems is an easy task, although some adjustment might be required. This is particularly true when dealing with ballcock or float cup fill valves. The first thing to check when the bathroom toilet (or water closet) develops a side to side rocking motion is the set of bolts that hold it down to the floor. The nuts should be snug but not overly tight; the porcelain or vitreous china may crack. If you have problems with the broken toilet flange or toilet fill valve check out...

Bathroom / 12.06.2018


The most important consideration when deciding whether to replace your own toilet is the floor construction and age. Many homeowners have been dismayed to learn after pulling up their toilet that the wood subfloor is rotted or the cast iron pipes are corroded, or both. This is especially common in older homes that may have already had several replacements of previously leaking toilets over the years. And in older homes with cast iron plumbing, sooner or later the cast iron begins to deteriorate. If you live in a home that’s...

Bathroom / 12.06.2018


There comes a time in the life of almost every toilet when the fill valve has to be replaced. The fill valve is the mechanism inside the toilet tank that controls refilling the tank after each flush. Often, a fill valve goes bad because of the build-up of mineral deposits from the water that begins to interfere with the opening and closing of the valve, leading to a toilet that’s constantly running. Fill valves are inexpensive enough and not that complicated to install. Doing it yourself can save the cost...

Bathroom / 12.06.2018


Although it might not be as important as the tank or the bowl, the toilet seat is where you spend the most time. So it makes sense that a broken or uncomfortable toilet seat should be replaced as soon as possible. Toilet seats come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and heights. If you have a toddler, for example, you can replace the toilet seat with one especially built for toilet trainees. The elderly would benefit from a padded toilet seat, both for its comfort, but also for...

Bathroom / 12.06.2018


Dual flush toilets are great for those homeowners who are concerned about the environment and want to use less water. They're also helpful for saving money on your water bill. In some municipalities, they may be required in new build bathrooms. These toilets have a button mounted on the top of the tank that allows you to pick the size of your flush. The lower setting typically uses just under a gallon (3 liters) for a flush, while the higher setting is 1.6 gallons. Compare that to the older...