Preventing things from becoming damaged, broken or unusable.
0
votes
0answers
16 views
Lawnmower cord won't pull [migrated]
I just tried starting my lawnmower (Lawnboy EasyMulch) after it had been sitting in my garage all winter. I pulled it out, cleaned it off (a lot of oil had spilled out), and gave it a basic ...
0
votes
1answer
50 views
How can I tell if something is ruptured inside my lawnmower?
My lawnmower got thrown into a rolloff container by mistake. When I went to dig it out, it was upside down and when I tipped it right-side up, all sorts of black liquid (I assume oil?) came spilling ...
0
votes
0answers
35 views
What are the essential yardworker's tools? [closed]
We already have this list: What are the tools that every Do-it-Yourselfer must own?, which is great list of tools you will need at some point in and around your home, but it seems light on some of the ...
4
votes
2answers
101 views
What is the maintenance schedule for a concrete driveway?
I have a concrete driveway that I'd like to keep looking good, and in good working order. What needs to be done to maintain the driveway, and how often should it be done?
-3
votes
1answer
69 views
Does it make sense to turn over a bed's mattress once in a while? [closed]
My neighbor told me how his grandfather taught him that to preserve mattress' rigidity you should turn it over a few times a year. So my neighbor does it to his only bed's mattress, but he says it ...
1
vote
1answer
68 views
Does it matter how the chuck on a drill is set when it is stored?
When I put away my drill for storage, should I be concerned about whether the chuck is fully open, fully closed, or somewhere in between?
4
votes
5answers
553 views
Should I open the top or bottom of double hung windows?
I'm a new home owner and was wondering if there is a "right" way to use the double hung windows in the house. Should I open the top or bottom? Is there a seasonality to it? Does it even matter at ...
1
vote
3answers
160 views
What should I check if my chainsaw fails to start?
My chainsaw stopped working and I've got a tree that fell and needs cut up. Does anybody have any idea what I can do to get my chainsaw started? I've done a bit of stuff on cars so I'm willing to try ...
11
votes
5answers
2k views
What is involved in DIY swimming pool maintenance?
We moved into a new house last year and when cleaning out the pool shed last weekend I stumbled across a report that was done by a business that handles swimming pool maintenance.
It checked ...
0
votes
3answers
158 views
Is a built-in oven easier to maintain than a standalone one?
What is the more suitable to buy, so that its maintenance is easier and less costly, a built-in oven and stove or a standalone oven?
A built-in like this one:
or a standalone oven like this one:
...
4
votes
1answer
110 views
How should I clean stone surfaces prior to applying sealer?
I apply impregnating sealer to all my tile and stone surfaces annually.
I had been cleaning it with just soap and water, then letting the surface dry for a few minutes before applying the sealer. It ...
17
votes
6answers
2k views
How can I repair rusty tools?
Should I use sandpaper to clean the rust from the tools (e.g. Needle-nose pliers), or can I soak them in vinegar or lemon juice?
Would I be better off just buying new tools (which can be an ...
3
votes
2answers
332 views
Is there a way to prevent mildew/mold from forming on vinyl siding?
The back side of my garage is shadowed by branches from neighbors trees, which causes mold/mildew to grow on the vinyl siding. Since removing the trees/branches is out of the question, is there some ...
1
vote
1answer
148 views
What is the life expectancy of a ratchet strap?
During my house move I used ratchet straps to secure a book-shelf on a roof of my car. That was well secured and worked out perfect. But the second time I have tried using the same straps, they did ...
3
votes
1answer
877 views
How do I fix a Bostitch nail gun that is jammed?
I have a Bostitch nail gun (pneumatic) and it has been working fine all day until about 30 minutes ago.
I went to nail in a piece of molding, and when I pulled the trigger I heard air feed into ...
5
votes
3answers
4k views
Can I use a PVC cleanout plug in a Cast Iron Cleanout?
There's a cleanout plug on this pipe that I simply can't get loose. I've tried liquid wrench, PB blaster, heating up the area with a torch, everything I can think of. All that's really left is to go ...
25
votes
11answers
3k views
What are the “must do” tasks before winter hits?
I've had my furnace serviced in time for winter, but what other things should I consider doing before the snow and the ice come?
4
votes
3answers
721 views
How to make a swing swing straight?
I don't know if this is "home improvement" since it is about an item in my garden but it is not about "gardening and landscaping" either so I am going to ask it here in the hope that, since it I think ...
2
votes
2answers
2k views
How can I clean sticky and dirty hand tool's rubber?
I have a hand tool - Needle-nose plier that had a rubber that is used as the handle. Currently, I managed to clean up all the rust on the metal and would like to clean up the rubber handle as it is ...
12
votes
6answers
2k views
How do you sharpen a knife?
Just got done sharpening a few knives, and thought it could be useful to post a question about it here.
So lets say I have one of these guys.
With a coarse stone, a medium stone, and a fine ...
4
votes
1answer
653 views
What is the proper way to clean a hot water heater?
I have heard many times that it is good to clean your hot water heater about once a year by flushing it. I went to look online to find the proper way to do so and found many people recommending ...
4
votes
2answers
700 views
How long can I leave a paint brush and roller sleeve submerged in water without damaging them?
I'm painting my fence (with water based paint) and have more to do tomorrow.
How long can I leave the paint brush in water until it's likely to be damaged? I think it's a synthetic bristled one.
...
2
votes
5answers
840 views
Is cleaning out the main sewer line a regular scheduled maintenance item?
I just had to have my main sewer line snaked, and the technician said it should be done once every 2 years. Is this really the case, or was he just trying to insure he has job security?
0
votes
1answer
92 views
How to inspect an apartment before renting? [closed]
I've had several major problems with the apartment home I've lived in for the past year.
During the summer time, the air-conditioner didn't work well. It was eventually fixed, but it took a ...
0
votes
2answers
108 views
How do I clean green and brown substances from the connectors of battery-operated devices?
Battery-operated devices have connectors to take in power from batteries in order to work. However, if the batteries are left there and the devices are not used for a few months or more, green and ...
2
votes
1answer
432 views
How can I remove rust stains from clothes?
While I was cleaning all my rusty devices and equipments, I got some nasty rust stains on my cloth. Then I remember that I had some old clothes that I can use to clean these rusty devices and ...
3
votes
1answer
143 views
Can I use a rusty soldering iron?
I am thinking of getting back into stained glass. One of the projects I want to work on is to fix a stained glass window that has a section with a crack in it. I was given a couple soldering irons ...
9
votes
5answers
834 views
What are some routine home maintenance tips?
We just built a new home, and I'm wondering what routine things need to be done to keep everything working, well maintained, and happy. I can think of a lot of things, but the problem with any ...
3
votes
2answers
517 views
Which flat roofing system requires the least maintenance?
I am a board member of my townhouse homeowners association and our townhomes are unfortunately very tall (need a lift or 60 ft ladder to access the roofs) and also the builder made the roof one single ...
8
votes
1answer
2k views
Should I powerwash and waterseal a pressure treated deck?
Is there any maintenance that I should be doing such as yearly power-washing and water-sealing for a pressure treated deck?
8
votes
1answer
424 views
Is it OK to use powdered graphite to lubricate a garage door opener?
I am about due to lubricate my garage door opener and related parts, and while I have some silicone lubricant, I was wondering if I could be doing better.
The can I have says it's good for all parts ...
2
votes
4answers
803 views
How do I fix a chlorine feeder that's nearly impossible to open?
I've got an off-line Hayward chlorine tablet feeder on my pool (it has a 1/4" hose that taps off some water from the pressure side of the pump before the filter, and it outputs via 1/4" line to the ...
7
votes
3answers
3k views
What is the best way to remove dried egg from a house?
Some troglodytes egg my house anywhere from every 1-6 months, and have been doing so for the last four years. They just did it again tonight, so I have a fresh supply of drying egg to now remove.
My ...
4
votes
2answers
844 views
What maintenance can I perform on my GROHE 33 755 KD0 Ladylux Cafe Pull-Out kitchen faucet?
We moved into our house shortly after the previous owners installed this faucet:
We've had it for about 5 years now and the water flow is severely limited. Also, it takes forever for the hot ...
5
votes
1answer
98 views
Flush a gas powered water heater, not sure if it's ever been done in 15 years. Will it survive a flush?
I'm concerned that there might be seals that are bad, or corrosion keeping things waterproof. It looks great on the outside, But I don't know how efficiently it is working - I've never owned a home ...
2
votes
1answer
87 views
A/C Emergency Cut-off Cleaning and Maintenance
I found my thermostat not working. After googling for a solution, I found that I may need to check my emergency cut-off.
I know of a pipe that if tripped will turn-off the A/C, so I took the pipe ...
12
votes
2answers
2k views
When should I replace a circular saw blade?
Is there a rule of thumb for how often a circular saw blade should be replaced? Is visually inspecting the blade condition enough?
-1
votes
1answer
382 views
What are some good resources books/websites for learning basic home wiring?
As part of Home maintenance, I need some electrification work. Looking for some basics of home electrification like phase, neutral things, how to connect a fan regulator ....
4
votes
2answers
593 views
What is the best way to condition and protect a hardwood floor under heavy use?
We rent an old house with hardwood floors and the area under one of our office chairs is now brittle and dull. What are our options for conditioning and/or protecting the wood (especially to prevent ...
1
vote
3answers
115 views
What are good cleaners to use on pruning shears?
I'm new to the realm of shrubbery trimming, though have gotten some good results already.
Now, however, I need to clean my pruning shears so they don't rust / get sticky.
What are good cleansers to ...
1
vote
1answer
566 views
How can I quiet down a clothes dryer?
Our clothes dryer is currently working; it gets up to and maintains heat, no shuddering, dries clothes, etc. However, it is louder than it used to be. It is an older unit (Whirlpool Dryer LER4624DQ0), ...
2
votes
1answer
129 views
How long can a fireplace go without cleaning/inspection if it's never used?
I have a gas fireplace that I have never used, nor planned to use. Then we lost power on the coldest day I've ever seen here (gas furnace - check, electric blower - oops) and I'm kicking myself for ...
4
votes
5answers
906 views
How often should the air filter in the furnace be changed?
Does the period of change of this air filter have an affect on the longevity of the heating and a/c system? What is a good rule of thumb to require replacement?
4
votes
3answers
864 views
Rust spots on water heater — time to replace?
So I noticed today there's some rust spots showing up on the outside/bottom on the water heater. No more than a couple specs. Should I be worried?
11
votes
2answers
2k views
How do I handle significant snow and ice dams on a 4/12 gable roof with ridge vents?
It is our first winter in a new-to-us house, that has a pretty flat roof (3/12-to-4/12 pitch), and a ridge vent along the entire top of the roof. We just had the snowiest December on record ...
3
votes
3answers
77 views
What outdoor materials can be damaged by by ice?
I'm relatively new to this snow thing. I also have a new vinyl deck and paver stone walkway I'd like to take care of. I have a basic understanding of how water can get into things, freeze, and break ...
6
votes
3answers
290 views
How do I clean a 96-gallon automated trash can?
The town provides us one of those automated trash collection 96-gallon trash cans. Ours really stinks... you do not want to be down wind from it in the summer. I have been avoiding cleaning it for ...
4
votes
2answers
237 views
What maintenance does a cedar deck require?
We just moved into a house with a very nice 16'x16' cedar screened porch. The problem is I've never had a cedar deck and am not sure what maintenance to expect or how often to do it.
2
votes
2answers
685 views
How do I clean an AC condensate pan?
I have a Ducane HVAC system that started leaking out of the evaporator coil housing. Mine looks like the EU1P. I read that i need to clean out the drip pan.
II tried cleaning it by sucking out the ...
4
votes
1answer
2k views
How does one know if a well pump is “Short Cycling” or pressure tank is water logged?
Is there any calculation that can be performed to estimate the amount of water a well water pressure tank should output between pump cycles? E.g.- I have a 40 gallon pressure tank (non bladder) with ...
