14
Jun/10

You Can Install Your Own Kitchen Faucet

by admin under Plumbing

Save $$$ Install your own kitchen faucet

Many new faucet kits come complete with pictured instructions for installation. Here is a basic set of instructions to replace a single faucet unit. From your tool box you will need your adjustable wrench and a Basin Wrench.

First turn off the water supply to the sink at the shut off valve located under the sink. Open the faucet to drain any remaining water.

Next use a small adjustable wrench to disconnect the hot and cold water supply lines from the shutoff valves.

Now you are ready to remove the old faucet. Use a basin wrench to reach up behind the faucet and unscrew the coupling nuts connecting the supply tubes to the faucet.  Use a basin wrench to remove the mounting nuts holding the faucet in place. With the mounting nuts disconnected, lift out the old faucet. If needed use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the sprayer hose from the assembly.  Lift out the sprayer hose.  After the faucet is removed, clean the sink surface thoroughly. And you are ready to install your new faucet.

Connect the faucet’s fittings with the water-supply lines. The manufacturer’s instructions will probably direct you to set the new faucet assembly in place, then crawl under the sink to make the connections. You can save yourself some struggle by making all the connections you can before setting the new assembly in place.  Feed the connected lines down through the hole in the sink.  With the attachments at the base of the faucet assembly already in place, all you have left to do under the sink is to connect the supply lines to the shutoff valves.   Put the new sprayer hose down through the sprayer hole, and feed it up through the center faucet hole.  Use an adjustable wrench to connect the hose to the sprayer nipple. You have just saved yourself at least a one hundred dollar bill had you called in a plumber to replace the faucet for you. Now don’t you feel good?

 

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19
Apr/10

How Your Toilet Works and How To Fix It

by admin under Plumbing

Cut-a-way view of a standard toiletPlumbing problems in a toilet can be very intimidating to anyone, However, just a basic understanding of how your toilet actually works will make it a lot less mindboggling. To begin with when the handle is operated, the attached lever will lift the flapper that is attached with a chain. Lifting the flapper opens the flush valve and releases water into the bowl, gravity then takes over siphoning the water and contents down the drain. When all the water is emptied from the tank the flapper rests back down over the flush valve and water begins to once again fill the tank.Cut-a-way view of tank.

A toilet that seems to run continually or seems to operate itself may have a worn or misaligned ball or flapper. A misaligned ball can cause the water level in the tank to run over the overflow valve and continally loses water into the toilet bowl. Lowering the ball to cause the water level to stop below the overflow valve is a simple bend to the arm that holds the ball. If a float cup is what your toilet has it is possible that debris has lodged in the cup. Unscrew the valve top with a screwdriver, either straight or phillips depending on your equipment. Remove the valve cap by lifting arm, then pushing down and rotating ath arm and cap assembly counter clockwise. Cover the opening and turn on water for 10 to 15 seconds to flush line. This should dislodge any debris.
If the continued water loss is at the flapper make an adjustment to the length of chain, releasing it a bit to allow the flapper to fully settle over the flush valve. Check the flapper for chlorine buildup that may cause it to sit offset allowing the water to escape. Replacing the flapper is recommended over cleaning as they can become worn, in the event of chlorine build up flappers that are chlorine resistant can be purchased.
Simple toilet repair kits are available at most hardware stores and have easy to follow directions for installing. It is advisable to keep a repair kit on hand for immediate use. This is a big time saver and if you purchase during a sale or promotion you can save even more money.
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9
Apr/10

Empower Yourself, Ladies, with a Basic Home Tool Box

by admin under The Home Tool Box

Home repairs can really add up, especially if you believe that you cannot make some repairs yourself. Most companies charge you for the initial trip to your location, this amount can be anywhere from $25 to $100! Consider investing in a good all around tool box for your home. Even if you are a single female, whatever your status, many dollars can be saved by doing it yourself. Don’t think you have what it takes? That is where this blog will help you. We will regularly post how-to-repair articles on everything from hanging a picture to plumbing repairs in the weeks to come.

First we will cover what is needed in a home tool box. Ready to get started? Let’s Go.

While tool box kits and sets can be purchased with lots of items included, in some cases you may want to have more personalized items.

A comfortable fit makes this tool easier to use.An electric drill/screwdriver is a great start. Check different brands and find one that fits your hand most comfortably. Different makes and models come in different sizes as well as colors, spend some time in your local hardware or big box store and try different ones. An electric screwdriver omits the need for strength you may not have. They come with a variety of changeable tips so you are prepared for whatever needs you encounter. Watch for sales and save even more.

Next a good hammer. Again you will want to try several for the most comfortable fit. When it comes to hammers the best advice we can give is to learn to hold it properly. A good grip is important and they are located perfectly for a good reason and that is balance. Never hold the hammer above the grip; you lose the balance built in for the best results. When a hammer is held properly, you need fewer blows to set your nail. When looking for your hammer, also look for a tool for starting holes in your wood called an awl. These also come with different shaped handles, and again find one with a good feel. 

An electric drill should be on your list and again the same rules apply. You can get an assortment of drill bit sizes and presto you are empowered and ready to take on some small repairs.

Choosing the right tool for the right job.

A well outfitted home tool box can save you hundreds of dollars in repair bills.

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8
Apr/10

Hello world!

by admin under Electrical

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

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