How to fix a shutoff valve leak It’s not uncommon for a brand new shut-off valve to leak around the handle area whenever you turn it on. is probably occurring around the water valve stem. The water valve stem passes through a “packing” nut and washer, which provide a watertight seal. In the “old” days, fiber was packed tightly around the stem, hence the name. On This Page Family Handyman...
Home improvement, with particular focus on outdoor spaces, has soared since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’ve considered adding a fountain to your front or back yard, you’re not alone. “There’s definitely an uptick in fountain purchases,” says Karen Jurgensen, department manager for pottery with Gertens Garden Center in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. “Our 2020 to 2021 sales have doubled over previous years, and public interest is growing.”...
In climates with winter temperatures that frequently dip below freezing, the risks associated with frozen pipes are plentiful. That’s why it’s advisable to winterize your home’s plumbing each year, before the first cold snap hits. If you miss your opportunity, a frozen pipe may be just a cold windy night away. With any luck, though, you’ll be nearby if and when a pipe freezes, and you’ll get to it before it bursts or causes too much damage....
Knowing how to make a reliable, comfortable mask out of things that are already laying around your home could come in handy, whether you’re diving into a dusty DIY project or looking for protection outside your home. Making these masks requires no tools (other than a pair of scissors) and no sewing kits. As long as you can fold fabric and have a little patience for trial and error, you can craft your own snugly-fitting masks in minutes with these three household items....
Carhartt took one of its most popular outerwear collections and revamped it for outdoor enthusiasts, and we’re really excited about it. Meet Carhartt’s new SuperDux collection. With six incredibly useful outerwear pieces for men and several women’s workwear essentials, it includes something for everyone who loves being outside for work or fun. What is the Carhartt SuperDux collection? Ready to get outside? You will be after you try a piece from the sought-after Carhartt SuperDux collection....
Tall, sleek tower fans take up little floor space while efficiently cooling your rooms. When the temperature rises, an air conditioner, ceiling fan or other cooling devices can only do so much. A tower fan can bring down a room’s temperature without cluttering up your space and is easy to store when not in use. The best tower fan is efficient, has a relatively low noise level and is lightweight enough to move around easily....
Labutin.Art/Shutterstock “Bagless vacuums are good for business,” according to one vacuum repairman. The problem isn’t design or manufacturing but user negligence. Vacuum owners empty the dirt canister but often don’t clean the filters. Plugged filters lead to an overworked motor. And sooner or later, the motor burns out. Motor replacement costs at least $100. People avoid cleaning filters because it’s a messy job. The typical method is to tap the filter against the inside of a trash can until most of the dust falls off....
Intrepid, prolific and seemingly indestructible, cockroaches are tough to control. “Their hardiness is legendary,” reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In a truly grotesque image, roaches can even survive without a head for a week. That means your resolve has to be legendary, too. Here’s what the pros want you to know about preventing and getting rid of cockroaches. Cockroaches Spread a LOT of Disease “Cockroaches are definitely one of the most common and dangerous pests on our list,” said Scot Hodges, a certified entomologist and vice president of professional development and technical services at Arrow Exterminators....
There’s really no reason not to stock your cupboard with vinegar. It’s one of the few foods that doesn’t have an expiration date. You can buy a large amount with no fear of waste. And, vinegar boasts an enormous number of uses — there are 96 in this story alone — ranging from cleaning piano keys to removing ballpoint-pen scribbles. It’s also cheap — a few bucks gets you a gallon jug!...
Water, like air, is usually taken for granted. As long as that vital liquid just splashes forth from our home taps, who has time to give much thought to the details? But if you’ve ever lost access to fresh drinking water, you know exactly how crucial it is. During the February 2021 winter storms in Texas, grim images showed residents boiling snow, melting icicles and scouring picked-over stores for bottled water....
filistimlyanin/Getty Images As a safety and security expert, I have lots of experience installing home security cameras for work and at home. Figuring out how many cameras you need and where to place them is an important security decision. Here are some guidelines to get you just the right amount of home security for your needs. How Many Security Cameras Do I Need? Before purchasing security cameras, think about the layout of your property and which areas you want to be covered....
The quickly merging universe of home security, computer networks, smart appliances and fixtures, plus advanced audio-visual technology, have created an emerging demand for electricians who work with low-current systems. Driven by the powerful combination of LEDs and power over Ethernet (PoE), networks that used to exclusively transmit data are now being harnessed to power and control virtually everything in the home that requires electricity. “People want to be able to see everything,” says Dave Dressler, training director for Minnesota Statewide Limited Energy Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee....
Gregory Vinyard/Birds & Blooms Many species fly right by feeders, choosing to forage for food on the ground instead. The easiest way to entice these birds, says Nancy Castillo, one of the co-owners of the Wild Birds Unlimited store in Saratoga Springs, New York, is to “sprinkle small amounts of seed, especially around shrubs, to attract birds that prefer eating on the ground, like towhees, juncos and native sparrows.” Some larger birds, including quails, doves, thrashers and cardinals, also prefer to dig into at-surface spreads....
How easy would it be for you to use your shower if you had to rely on a wheelchair or walker, or your vision was impaired, or you had difficulty using your hands? The answer matters. While you may be able-bodied today, in the future you or someone in your family may be physically challenged. Accidents, illness and aging can make the once-easy task of showering problematic. Having an accessible shower, functional and safe for anyone with disabilities or impairments, provides some assurance you could stay in your home should someone in your family face physical challenges....
You’ve heard the phrase: “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” Uttering this inspires knowing nods or annoyed eye rolls, depending on your perspective. Humidity, relative humidity, dew point — isn’t it just hot outside? What do those terms even mean? And what do they have to do with your basement? Humidity describes the amount of water vapor in the air. When we’re talking about a comfortable humidity level, though, it’s relative humidity that matters....
Hummingbirds have universal appeal. They are common and widespread, but elusive enough to bring excitement every time you see one. The shimmering iridescent feathers sparkling in the sunlight are almost magical. Whether they’re hovering in place or zipping across the sky, attracting hummingbirds to your yard provides hours of entertainment. What Is a Hummingbird Feeder? Hummingbird feeders offer up sugar water to these energetic fliers. Most hold a cup or two of sweet liquid....
When you notice cracks along your foundation, it’s unsettling. But before you panic, know what those cracks mean and what’s causing them. They could be normal and nothing to worry about, or they could point to potentially serious problems. How Common Are Foundation Cracks? Most foundation cracks are common in new and old homes. In fact, you might start seeing cracks in a newly constructed home’s foundation in as little as a year....
Choosing a Deck Finish A wooden deck that’s coated with a finish will likely need to be refinished every three to five years (Plus, check out these deck maintenance projects and tips to keep your deck looking great for years). With an entire aisle devoted to finishing products at the home center, how do you decide what’s best? The steps involved with using oil based vs. water-based wood deck finishes, and the maintenance required, will help drive your decision....
There are many factors that go into choosing the best leash for your dog: Flat or retractable? Nylon or leather? Four feet or eight feet? It can feel overwhelming when you step into a pet store and see a wall of dog collars and leashes. Fear not! This guide will teach you everything you need to know about buying the best leash for your dog. Why Use A Leash for Your Dog?...
A jigsaw is a power saw with a short blade used to make straight, curved and bevel cuts in materials. Parts of a Jigsaw The main components of a jigsaw are the handle, blade, base, speed-control switch and orbital adjustment switch. On This Page The handle guides the jigsaw and also includes the power trigger and a lock-on button. The base is placed on top of the material to help control and guide the saw as it cuts....
