Quick Repair for Your Garden Hose

Garden hoses are a handy tool but after repeated use and especially at the change of seasons, will develop leaks. Repairing a leaky hose is a fairly easy job.

If the hose is leaking at the connectors is could be as simple as replacing the rubber washer in the female end of the hose. If the hose still leaks at the connector, try applying a little petroleum jelly to the threads of the connectors.

If the hose is leaking in the flexible part of the hose (not the connectors) the following should solve the problem.

Purchase a hose repair kit from your local hardware store, Lowes or Home Depot.

A large leak may be obvious but for a small leak, put your shut off or trigger type nozzle on the hose.

Turn the water on at the spigot and close the hose nozzle.

Now locate the leak and mark the leak with a felt marker or tape.

Cut out the bad section of the hose with a sharp knife or garden shears. Be sure to cut about an inch past both sides bad section.

Reattach the two pieces with new connectors from the repair kit. Soaking the hose ends in a little warm soapy water will allow the repair parts to slip into the hose more easily.

Now tighten the screws on the repair kit and your hose is ready for another season.

Quick Fix for a Running Toilet

Do you hear the sound of running water? Is your toilet refilling without being flushed? This will most likely indicate a leaking flapper. The flapper is the plug that falls against the hole or flush valve seat to hold water in the tank until you flush.

Both flappers and flush valve seats wear out over time. When either of these wear out, water will trickle out causing the valve to open and refill the tank. Most often the fix is simple. Remove the old flapper and take it to the hardware store and find a matching replacement. Install the new flapper and hopefully your problem will be solved.

If after replacing the flapper the toilet still runs, the flush valve seat is likely worn, rough or pitted. You can either replace the entire flush valve, which is a big job or try the following, which is an easier and quicker fix.

Go back to the hardware store and look for a flapper kit that contains a flush seat repair. There are several kits available in the $7 to $12 price range. These kits contain a flapper and matching seat that you adhere to the damaged seat.

Shut of the water to the toilet by closing the valve on the water line to the toilet. Flush the toilet and hold the flapper open to allow the water to drain from the tank. Use a sponge or towel to mop out the water that remains in the tank. Simply follow the instructions included in the kit to install the new valve seat and flapper.

Turn on the water and fill the tank. After the tank is filled, go ahead and give it a test flush. Your problem should be solved.

TIP - NATURAL HOUSEHOLD CLEANSERS

Do you hate harsh chemicals in household cleansers? Two natural and safe cleansers are baking soda and white vinegar. Baking soda is great for removing odors and refreshing everything including the fridge, sink drains and shoes. White vinegar is great for cutting through grease and grime on household surfaces.

Almost everyone has heard about placing an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors.  Another tip is to pour a cup baking soda down your drains and then a cup of white vinegar and let it sit for four or five minutes. Finally flush with about a gallon of hot water. Your drains will now be clean and fresh.

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Storage Shed Planning

Planning is the key to building your own storage shed. With the proper planning and organization anyone with a basic ability to use hand tools can be successful building their own storage shed.

The following steps will help insure a successful storage shed project:

1.      What Will Be Stored in My Storage Shed? 

Try to think of everything you plan to store in your new shed. Will the shed be used to store garden tools, lawn mower, hand tools and lawn care tools? Then think of all the other things that could end up in your shed. Bicycles, lawn furniture in the winter months, spare furnace filters and pool supplies.

There are other considerations if your shed is to be used as a workshop, studio or other reasons. Things like sheetrock, insulation, ventilation, electricity and lights. Be aware that a licensed electrician or plumber might be required if you plan to add electricity or plumbing.

2.      What Size Storage Shed Will I Need?

The most popular sizes are 8x10 and 10x12 but plan your shed based on what you plan to store in your shed.

After planning all the things you intend to store in your storage shed, be generous because even after all the planning, unexpected things will migrate to your shed. Now is the time to get the size right rather than to add on later.

3.      Where Should the Shed be Located?

Consider access to the shed and location of the door. How will you landscaping be affected? How will the shed look from the street? Is there enough slope to the location for water runoff? Will the foundation be affected by trees or tree roots? Are there underground utilities on the site?

Once you determine a location for your shed, check with your home owners association and local zoning office to obtain the necessary approval. This is a necessary step. If approval is not obtained you could be required to move the building. This will not be a problem as long as you get proper approval. A call to your home owners association and local zoning department will answer all your questions such as the need for a permit, inspection and any fees.

4.      What Will My New Storage Shed Cost?

First you will need to determine the size storage shed you will build. Next you will need to purchase plans for the shed. Make sure the plans you purchase has a materials list. You will find several locations to purchase plans by doing a Google search for storage sheds.

Once you have the plans and materials list, it is only a matter of checking with a building supply store to get the material prices. The large building supply stores such as Lowes and Home Depot have the material prices online.

·         Getting Started.

Order your material and determine how your materials will get to the job. Will the building supply store deliver (most will deliver) and where they should place them. Have the materials placed as close as possible to the shed location.

A little planning should help you have a successful storage shed project.