Family Handyman When to use Type L and Type M copper pipe sizes Type L copper pipe is recommended where you need strength and protection. But for normal “in the wall” household plumbing, Type M copper pipe is just fine. You may be surprised to find two types of copper pipe on the home center shelf, Type L and Type M. The difference is the wall thickness of the copper pipe sizes and therefore the pressure it can handle....
For many people, taking their car for maintenance or repairs fills them with as much dread as a trip to the dentist. Today’s vehicles are highly sophisticated and more expensive than ever to repair. And trusting what is likely your most expensive possession to someone you don’t know is a scary proposition. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be. Finding a good auto shop and developing a strong relationship can take much of the stress out of routine service and sudden repairs....
We’ve all been there. You finally took the plunge and bought yourself new bed sheets, and now it’s time to store the old ones. Unfortunately, this means you have to fold the dreaded fitted sheet. It’s easy to just give up after your fifth attempt at getting this monstrosity to lie flat on your shelves, and just crumple it up and shove it in the back. But there’s no need! We’ve got you covered....
Freedom365day/Shutterstock There are few feelings worse than being confronted with water damage. If you have a ceiling that’s water stained, peeling and or cracked, here’s what to do. Stabilize the Situation The first step is to stabilize the area around the leak. Move valuables out of the area and then break out a bucket and tarp to catch and contain any water that’s built up behind the ceiling. Chances are your ceiling covering is drywall, which will absorb or disperse the water....
diy13/Shutterstock Did you know that electronic waste is fastest growing waste stream globally? This is due to both the shortened lifespan of our electronic devices and societies demands for the newest high-tech products. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that only 15 to 20 percent of e-waste is recycled, the rest of these electronics go directly into landfills, incinerators and are illegally exported to developing countries. Common practice is to use an electronic device for a while and discard it once the new model comes out....
Upgrading a bathtub can dramatically change the overall look of a bathroom. Simply having more space around a tub, a deeper soaking basin or a visually appealing style can transform your bath from a utilitarian space into a luxurious, at-home oasis. We’ll take a quick overview of the types of baths available, talk about standard vs. custom options and discuss some tips for choosing DIY or professional installation. What Are the Basic Types of Bathtubs Bathtubs are usually described by their physical style and intended purpose....
baranq/shutterstock You know to take extra precautions out in public, but did you know there are plenty of things in your home that could be making you sick as well? Here are 10 common household things that could be harboring nasty germs. Sheets Here’s something to think about when you crawl into bed tonight: Your sheets are a breeding ground for dust mites. Mites are microscopic, but these little pests can make it easy for you to get sick....
Photo: Courtesy of Reminisce A white stove Our home was built in 1952. When we purchased it in 1976, the kitchen came with a white stove; white walls, flooring and cabinets; and pink and black tiles. Needless to say, I found the combination quite dated. After four years, we remodeled, adding harvest gold appliances—including a double-oven range from Montgomery Ward and a trash compactor. And we replaced the original white sink with a harvest gold one....
Whether you’re replacing a damaged fire pit burner, building your own DIY fire pit or table from scratch or researching the best models before making a purchase, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know about fire pit burners. What Is a Fire Pit Burner? At the heart of any gas-fueled fire pit is the burner, the element that determines flame pattern and size. On This Page How Do Fire Pit Burners Work?...
As the co-owner of a California property that has never been tied to the electric grid, I can attest to the warm feeling of self-sufficiency that comes with a functioning solar power system. We’ve learned a lot about the drawbacks of solar, however, especially when our system suffered a lightning strike. We had to rely on the generosity of our grid-tied neighbors for power while we made repairs. Solar power systems must be exposed to the elements, and that makes them vulnerable to damage....
Dutourdumonde Photography/Shutterstock Winter Weather Is Quickly Approaching Each year at the end of August the Farmers’ Almanac comes out with its winter weather predictions and it typically garners media coverage. The almanac forecasts out 16 months for seven zones in the U.S. but should people pay any attention to it? On This Page Plus, here are 15 things every homeowner should do before winter. How the Farmers’ Almanac Predicts Weather It’s methods of weather prediction remain a secret....
Not sure where to begin? RZR line of side-by-sides is ready for off-road adventure; RANGER’s UTVs are a trusty sidekick for hunters, farmers and homeowners when it comes to getting work done; GENERAL’s crossover side-by-sides deliver unparalleled versatility; and SPORTSMAN puts you in the driver’s seat from trail to whatever task life throws your way. Need to haul mulch and rock to finish that garden project? Want to finally bring that pile of brush to the curb?...
Drain cleaners are readily available over the counter. They’re what some prefer as an inexpensive solution versus the cost of a licensed plumber. While both reasons may seem like a good idea, these products rarely work as promised, and one thing is for sure, these caustic chemical-ladened products can cause damage to your pipes. The best way to unclog a sink or toilet is with a plunger and snake—learn how to clear clogged drains here....
A right angle drill isn’t a tool you’ll see in every kit, so you may be surprised to learn just how useful it can be. Right angle drills are lesser-known DIY essentials that can be a game-changer for anyone who regularly has to work in tight or confined spaces. Read on for more info on what a right angle drill is and on which kinds of projects you’ll want to reach for one....
Family Handyman Ever wonder about those containers you see outside people’s homes? If you need a place to put stuff temporarily, these storage containers are the perfect solution. Whether you’re moving, decluttering or preparing to renovate, mobile storage containers offer the ultimate in convenience and flexibility. PODS, Pack Rat, Smartbox, U-Pack and U-Haul are a few companies that provide them. All you need is a level, paved surface for the container and maybe some professional or volunteer help to fill it....
Freon is the brand name for a series of manufactured gases used as refrigerants. Examples include R-12, often used in refrigerators, and R-22 (also called HCFC-22), used in home air conditioning units. As of January 2020, R-22 is no longer made in or imported into the U.S. What is the Freon Phaseout? Though Freon/R-22 is an excellent refrigerant, it has catastrophic effects on the ozone layer if released. For this reason, an official Freon phaseout began in the early 1990s....
Engine Markup Family Handyman On This Page Use a permanent marker to write the exact oil blend for your two-cycle engine on any clean surface of the tool. It’ll save you from running to the file cabinet to find your manual or grabbing the wrong mix. Myron Porter Ventilated Shop Vacuum Attachment The floor attachments for shop vacuums can get suctioned to the floor, making it difficult to pick up debris....
Family Handyman How Often Should You Clean Your Chimney? There isn’t a simple rule of thumb on how often to clean your chimney, such as cleaning after 50 uses or one year. But it’s still an important task, as a smoky fire without enough oxygen emits lots of unburned tar vapors called “creosote” that can condense inside the fireplace flue and stick to it, possibly leading to a chimney fire. You can reduce creosote buildup in your fireplace flue by providing adequate combustion air, which will encourage a hot, clean-burning fire....
Irina Kozorog/Shutterstock It’s a problem we’ll all deal with at some point. You go to get a snack out of the kitchen cupboard and find ants have invaded. Or maybe your child left crumbs in the living room and now ants are enjoying a feast. Perhaps you occasionally find a stray ant in the bathroom, basement or even the bedroom. Now what? With more than 700 species of ants in the United States, getting rid of ant infestations is a big business....
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock Moving consistently lands on the top 10 list of life’s most stressful events. There’s no way to completely alleviate the stress of a move, but here are some ways to smooth out the transition so everyone feels connected and heard. First things first. Make sure everyone has a cozy bedroom, play space or quiet area of some sort as soon as possible. Everyone should have at least a little “room of their own” while the rest of the space is unpacked and put in place at a slower pace....
