House & Garden 2024, November

Installing a new toilet is much easier than you might think. In fact, many homeowners choose to remove their old toilet and replace it with a new one without resorting to the help of a handyman or plumber. If you decide your new DIY project will be installing a new toilet, you need to know at least the basic steps on how to do it.

If the dryer is plugged in, you may suffer an electric shock. It is simple to replace and you will only need a screwdriver and / or a 6.5mm mechanical socket. Steps Step 1. Unplug the dryer Step 2. Remove the pump and back panel Step 3.

Some good tips on how to polish antique furniture. They will allow you to do this job like a pro without damaging the value of the piece. And your investment will be safe. Steps Step 1. Make sure you don't remove the patina from an old and expensive piece What you don't need is to turn a 1,000 euro table into a 100 euro table with a simple polish.

Depending on the type of paint and wallpaper, it can be a relatively simple job, or a very long one. Steps Step 1. First, identify the type of paint used Apply a pinch of solvent to a paper towel, and rub into the paint in question.

When the sink drain is clogged or the water flows slowly, the first action to do is to unclog it. This process creates pressure in the pipes, unblocking the obstruction and allowing the water to flow and free the system. Since unclogging the sink does not require the use of caustic chemicals or direct contact with the pipes, damage to the plumbing system is unlikely.

If you receive a monthly water bill for your private home, it means that your water consumption is monitored by a meter. The water meter is a very simple device, placed on the main water pipe of the house, which measures the volume of water that flows daily in the pipes.

When renovations are carried out, especially when there are several demolition works, there are also several inconveniences. One of the worst inconveniences is the amount of dust and rubble to manage. Dust settles easily throughout the home creating a thick layer on furniture, floors and personal items.

If your washing machine freezes during the cycle you will need to remove the water first to be able to repair it later. This article shows you how to drain the washing machine by hand. Steps Step 1. Get a bucket and a towel Disconnect the washing machine from the electricity.

In most cases, domestic water is "measured" in order to send you a bill to pay. A leak in the pipes can be an expensive thing. However, even a small loss can be found with a few simple tricks, which could save you a nasty surprise in your next bill.

The tiles protect the sloping roofs from the effects of rain, snow and hail while giving a pleasing 'crown' to the house. Having a solid layer of shingles on your roof is an important way of avoiding leaks and water damage. Doing this correctly will save you problems for 20-40 years.

Drywall is a widely used material for the construction of partitions and interior walls. Since it is a relatively soft material it is easily damaged, but it is just as easy to repair. Read this article to learn how to hide scratches and dings and repair small and large holes.

Of the various electrical devices in a kitchen, refrigerators have probably had the most significant impact than any other. Unfortunately, until they fail, they are taken for granted; however, operating problems can be avoided by carrying out minimal maintenance.

The roof is an important element in the overall appearance of the house. Knowing how to choose the color of the tiles will ensure you make a decision in harmony with the appearance of your home and the climate in which you live. In the hope that the roof will last a long time, it is not recommended to choose the wrong color and keep it accordingly for a long time.

The basement is a real treasure: it offers a lot of usable space in many different ways which can be crucial especially for smaller homes. However, many basements are damp and have leaks, making them unusable for creating other rooms. Before starting any renovation project you will need to waterproof it.

Teak is one of the most resistant woods and does not need special treatments to preserve itself over time. However, if left untreated, teak furniture tends to take on a light brown, and later silvery-gray hue. Using a stain regularly will allow the teak to retain its original golden brown appearance.

The belt is an important part of every washing machine. Basically it guides the motion of the unit where the clothes are removed and spun. If your washing machine makes a loud, rattling noise then the belt is probably worn or out of position.

The following instructions provide you with a practical remedy for cigarette burns on carpet. It's easy: just replace the fibers and in some cases, remove the burns around the offending area. Steps Method 1 of 2: Repair Small Cigarette Burns Step 1.

Compared to electric dryers, gas dryers are a more energy efficient tool for drying laundry, but they are more complicated to install. To correctly install a gas dryer it is of fundamental importance to know how to connect it and to know how to properly use the right tools.

Of course, the air conditioning has decided to stop working precisely during the hottest day of the year! Getting it fixed can be expensive and, moreover, you will find yourself waiting for the technician to arrive in a sweat bath. Why don't you take a look at it?

A clogged sink can cause great annoyance, but it generally happens to everyone, sooner or later. It is usually caused by dirt, slurry, and hair buildup. sometimes it can be a problem to free it. Maybe you are tired of spending money on chemicals, or you are just trying to reduce your carbon footprint.

Saving electricity serves to reduce your impact on the environment and to lower your bills. Taking steps to change the way you use appliances and lights and to insulate your home will be the first step towards saving energy. Steps Method 1 of 3:

A sink with a clogged drain is no small problem, but before calling a plumber, you can try clearing the drain. Manual methods work well in case of large scale blocking the drain pipes, but it is also possible to create natural mixtures for cleaning the pipes, or to use chemicals that free the drain from clogging and undesirable encrustations.

Have you ever tried turning off and draining the hot water heater to fix a leak, only to find that when you turn on the hot water, it doesn't work? Steps Method 1 of 2: Primary Method Step 1. Make sure the hot water heater is on Step 2.

Small roof leaks can be repaired without the help of a professional roofer. This article will give you the instructions you need to identify and fix the problem on flat, shingle or wooden roofs. To avoid accidents, you should work on the roof when it is dry.

The washing machine can have some problems, for example clogged or slow drains. When the appliance fails to effectively expel the water, soap residues, lint and grease or dirt coming off the laundry are often responsible. To fix this, you need to clean the drain pipe using chemicals or a plumber's probe.

The thermostat is the tool that activates the boiler or air conditioning system at set times or when changes in temperature occur, both in the home and in the office. Energy experts agree that proper programming of the thermostat, which regulates the temperature according to the times you are at home, saves money on your bills.

Any landlord wants their home to be as safe and secure as possible. Everything starts from the roof. Although roofing materials generally have a life cycle of 20-30 years, roofs sooner or later deteriorate and a professional repair can cost several thousand dollars.

A good ironing board should last decades or even a lifetime. However, the fabric covering it needs to be replaced every couple of years. You may also decide to change the original cover with a better one, to optimize the quality or efficiency of your work.

Have you ever lost the key to a lock in desperate need to open it? Well, from now on you can easily transform into MacGyver with the simple support of a paper clip. It may not be a very elegant procedure, but it usually turns out to be effective.

The dryer is an extremely useful and convenient appliance in the laundry room. A rotary drum dryer might seem complicated to install, but by following this tutorial you will be able to do it in no time! Steps Step 1. Locate the terminal box (see figure) Remove the retaining screw and the box lid.

The flange connects the bottom of the toilet with the drainage duct in the bathroom floor. When the toilet leaks from the base you will probably need to replace the flange. Steps Step 1. Place newspaper or towel on the bathroom floor You will use them to put the toilet on it after disconnecting it from the flange.

Starting capacitors are common in home appliances or HVAC equipment. If your washing machine's motor makes a humming noise and doesn't work, check the condenser. You can do a test to see if the capacitor is to be thrown away or can still be used.

Garbage disposers can easily become clogged with food scraps, especially if you don't run enough water during use. You can try to remove the traffic jam yourself; in any case, it is always better to consult the manual of the appliance before starting to work.

When the seals have lost their efficiency, they must be removed. The first step is to eliminate all residues and then proceed with the new sealing. Some techniques used to remove seals are also suitable for removing small stains or imperfections.

A garbage disposal is a device installed under the drain of the sinks to shred everything that is discharged, so that it can pass through the pipes without clogging them. A device of this type is therefore great for keeping the smell of waste away from your kitchen.

Being more comfortable in bed and having less clutter in the closet are two of the benefits of knowing how to fold the sheets correctly. For most people, fresh, clean ones are more comfortable than crumpled and creased ones. Neatly folded sheets take up less space in wardrobes and drawers, and give an idea of greater order.

Not sure how to fix a leak between the shower head and the shower hose? This article will help you. Steps Step 1. Unscrew the shower head Use a key if necessary. Step 2. Remove the gasket inside the shower head to inspect it If the gasket leaves black residue on your fingers, then you will need to replace it.

Dishwasher salt is a product specially formulated to correct water hardness. In fact, if the water is hard, it can make dishes look dirty, streaked or covered with an oily film. Where it is particularly tough, such as in the UK and most of Europe, almost all dishwashers have a built-in water softener that needs to be refilled with salt periodically.

Exterior stucco walls are usually made of cement gypsum, which makes the material both weatherproof and very porous. This porosity causes the absorption of some substances and the appearance of spots. The most common stains on exterior grout are dirt and mold.

As concerns about the quality of tap water continue to increase, companies are introducing alternative products dedicated to drinking water. Filters are among the most innovative solutions, but how to choose the best? By simply following the advice in this article.