Lubricating a Garage DoorLubricating your garage door will help minimize friction which causes wear on the mechanisms. It also makes it quieter when it is being opened and closed.
Repairing and Maintaining an Asphalt Driveway?Is there a simple way to re-asphalt my driveway? Or for me to seal it, and how often should sealing be done?
Repairing a Clothes Steamer?When you need to repair a clothes steamer, you may find it is clogged with calcium deposits. Always use distilled water in your steamer and use a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.
Restuffing a PillowOver time a throw pillow can become lumpy or unfluffy. It can be opened, emptied, washed and refilled with new stuffing. Restuffing a pillow can save you money.
Breakers Tripped When Changing Dryer Plug?I was changing the plug for my dryer, in an older home I just bought. My circuit box is not labeled well. I thought the correct breaker was off. Guess it was not. As I pulled the wires through the plug box. Sparks went everywhere. If flipped a 15 amp breaker. And half way flipped the main 100 amp breaker. Will it work again if I just replace the 2 breakers? Or could more be wrong?
Mold Abatement Assistance for Low Income Homeowners?I purchased the land and mobile home that my grandparents lived in, on one acre about 5 years ago. I ended up replacing much of the floor as it had rotted hoping that would be it, but while doing so realized that all the insulation is gone under the home. The mobile home is full of mold and it seems like it happened over night. It is on the walls and ceiling and you can see it and smell it.
Repairing Holes Made in Older Carpet by Cats?Our carpet is almost 20 years old, so it's not worth paying for professional repair. I'd like to replace it with tile or hardwood eventually. We've got three doorways where our kittens have clawed holes in it, when we were trying to shut them out of our bedroom, or they accidentally got shut in a closet.
Kitchen Cabinet Stain Seeped into Joints?It appears that stain from my new cabinets has oozed or seeped up in the joints looking like dried glue. The contractor said it was because we didn't have air conditioning. We live in Minnesota and we are in our first week of real heat and it appeared before.
Electrical Repair Assistance for Low Income Homeowners?I need help with my electrical outlets. Do you know of any programs that provide electrical repairs?
Can Mold Grow on Plywood Over Concrete Under a Vapor Barrier?I have a concrete slab with plywood on top of the concrete and a plastic barrier under a solid oak floor. There is moisture in the plywood, but not the oak. Can black mole grow under the plastic barrier? If so I will need to replace my expensive oak floors.
Preventing Mold After a Water Leak?My water heater sprung a leak and it stinks in my trailer! Will everything in it become moldy? Can I save my Kitchenaid or should I give it to Goodwill?
Getting Rid of Sulfur Smell from Water Heater?Depending on the age of the water heater and the water supply, there are different reasons why you may be experiencing an odor. This is a page about getting rid of sulfur smell from water heater.
Resealing Seams on a Tub Surround?To reseal a seam where a tub meets the stall, you will need to remove the old sealer and apply silicone calking. This is a page about resealing seams on a tub surround.
Home Repair Assistance for Families of Deceased Veterans?There are organizations that can assist our veteran families with expensive home repairs but the need is great so waiting times tend to be long. This is a page about finding home repair assistance for families of deceased veterans.
Removing Leather Wedding Album Stuck to Wood Coffee Table?The bottom of my leather wedding album is stuck to my wood coffee table. The table is slotted so I can reach between to force it off, but I am afraid I will damage the wedding album. Any suggestions that won't ruin the album?
How to Paint Faded Patio Pillows for a Colorful New LookIf you don't have the budget to replace your faded outdoor pillows, give them a fresh update with colorful paint. This is a page about how to paint faded patio pillows for a colorful new look.
Using a Potato to Remove Broken Light BulbWith the power off, a safe way to remove a broken light bulb is with a raw potato. This is a page about using a potato to remove broken light bulb.
Removing Hair Dye from a Painted Door?Removing hair dye from a painted door without damaging the paint is not easily done. What typically will need to happen is covering the stain with primer and repainting part or all of the door. This is a page about removing hair dye from a painted door.
Rewiring a Table LampRewire a lamp and save money. Keep track with your cell phone photos of how your lamp comes apart. This will help you reassemble it properly. This is a page about rewiring a living room lamp.
DIY Japanese Kintsugi Pottery RepairAn inexpensive way to fix broken pottery is with a gold dusted lacquer to stick the pieces back together leaving an attractive piece of pottery. This is a page about DIY Japanese kintsugi pottery repair.
No Cold Water at Sink and Slow Filling Toilet?I've no cold water in my wash hand basin. The water is filling very slowly in the toilet. The cistern tank is full up in the attic and the ball cock is fine. What else could it be?
Identifying the Source of a Loud Boom Breaking Sound Inside?I was using the restroom when all of a sudden the biggest boom, crashing, breaking sound I've heard in my home happened. Not only did it scare me, but my dogs I thought the toilet had broken or exploded with me using it or that the washer blew up. It was directly from either the toilet or washer, but can't find anything wrong.
Bathroom Ceiling Light Not Working?The overhead light in my bathroom stopped working. The outlet in the room still works. I changed out the switch on the wall and changed the lightbulbs with no improvement. I took the light out and it does not show any electricity coming from it. How what I fix this?
Troubleshooting an Electrical Circuit?So the lights at my mom's house turn off if the dryer isn't on. I checked the breakers and everything seems normal. I'm wondering what could be the problem?
Electrical Issues After Installing a New Breaker?I shut off the main and put a new breaker in to win a 30 amp line to an outlet (capping the old wires completely). When I turned the main back on, my microwave isn't running at full power, or so it seems.
Removing Mirrors Glued to Wall with Super Glue?I got the thrifty interior decorating idea of placing rose colored mirrors up in my bathroom as a backsplash using super glue. Now I'm thinking that it's a bit much and want to take them down and do another back splash. How do I remove the mirrors since they were put up with super glue?
Use PVC Caps to Cover Tall Toilet BoltsIf the bolts for your toilet are too long to be covered by the caps that are sold for this purpose, try this solution. This is a page about use PVC caps to cover tall toilet bolts.
Sealing a Crack in a Terrazzo Shower Floor?I have a shower floor made of terrazzo. It has a crack what do I use to seal it?
Finding Rebuilding Assistance After a Fire?Insurance should cover the cost of rebuilding your home. If you do not have it, you may be able to find assistance through your church or community. This is a page about finding rebuilding assistance after a fire.
Smoke Alarm Goes Off for No Reason?I have 4 smoke detectors and they go off for no reason. They beep (not chirp) 2 times and then go into silent mode. Only one of them blinks green while in silent mode. Is this the offending detector? I live in apartment and maintenance doesn't work on weekends. It's a First Alert 9120B and hard wired.
Sealing Cracks in a Wood StoveA stiff paste of wood ash, salt, and water can be used to seal the cracks in a wood stove. It is applied and baked using a hot fire. This is a page about sealing cracks in a wood stove.
Repairing a Broken Fiberglass Fountain Decoration?This is a page about repairing a broken fiberglass fountain decoration. If you have a damaged fiberglass fountain, it can be hard to find replacement parts. Here are some repair tips, if you want to try repairing it yourself.
Troubleshooting Electric Clothes Dryer Connection Problems?If the outlet or power cord for you dryer are not working properly this may be a job for a homeowner with some wiring skills, otherwise it is best to call a repair service or electrician. This is a page about troubleshooting electric clothes dryer connection problems.
Removing a Water Based Polyurethane Mark on Floor?Like an idiot I placed the can of water based polyurethane on a part of the floor I wasn't working on and it left a mark. Any suggestions or thoughts on what I can do with this would be greatly appreciated.
Repairing a Chipped CountertopDepending on the type of material your countertop is made of there are varying ways to repair a chip. For laminate countertops, there is a product called Fix A Chip. Other methods and products can also be used. This is a page about repairing a chipped countertop.
Main Breaker Keeps Tripping?I am wondering why my main circuit breaker switch won't stay on for all my power in my house?
How to Repair Scratches on a Bathtub's FinishDepending on the material that your bathtub is made from, there are a variety of different ways to minimize or remove scratches on the finish. This is a page about how to repair scratches on a bathtub's finish.
Water Leaking Under Mobile Home When AC Is Running?When the refrigerated A/C unit in my mobile home is running, I notice water leaking from underneath the mobile home. Is this normal?
Cleaning an Old Butcher Block Wood TableYou may end up needing to sand the wood surface to remove all the stains, but generally you can renew it, and protect the surface with an edible oil. This is a page about cleaning an old butcher block wood table.
Repairing Torn Carpet?Depending on the size of the tear and the condition of the carpet there are a couple of common ways to repair it. You can either sew it up or tape from underneath. This is a page about repairing torn carpet.
How to Fix a White Heat Mark on Faux Marble?Faux marble is not as rugged as the real thing and heat damage is a common complaint. This page contains advice on how to fix a white heat mark on faux marble.
Applying for Help from Habitat For Atlanta?How do I apply for help getting my home repaired by Habitat for Atlanta?
Plug Won't Stay in New Electrical Outlet'?The plug keeps falling out of a brand new outlet.
Toilet Won't Flush After Mixing Vinegar and Clorox Tablet in Tank?I poured vinegar in the tank of my toilet on top of the blue Clorox tablet. Now the tank won't flush even after I cleaned the gook it made in the tank. Does anyone know how to fix this?
Hallway Light Doesn't Work When It Rains?The light in my hallway works normally, but when it rains I've noticed it doesn't work then. After the rain the next day or hours later it works again. What could be the problem?
How to Repair Chips on Ceramic ItemsSmall chips on the edge of a dish are unattractive, but usually, the dishes have plenty of life left in them. This page contains tips for disguising and repairing chips on ceramic items.
Water Heater Tank Not Filling?This is a page about a water heater tank not filling. If your water heater tank is not filling with water, there are a few things you can try before calling a plumber.
Organizations That Help With Home RepairWhen you don't have the money to pay for repairs on your home, there may help available in your community. This is a page about organizations that help with home repair.
Financial Help to Remove Black Mold and Repair Walls?I am a 33 year old single mother of 2 children. We live in a trailer. Currently I am cleaning homes for a source of income which doesn't leave much after bills. Which is why I tried to do this myself. There was black mold behind the trim in the shower. I took it off and found much more than I can handle.
Replacement Cords for Biddeford Electric Blankets?Electric blanket cords often get misplaced or damaged while the oringial blanket is still usable. This is a page about replacement cords for Biddeford electric blankets.
Bug Spray Left Yellow Spots on Hardwood Floor?My daughter used ant spray behind her desk to kills some ants two weeks ago and now her hardwood floor has yellow spots. She tried Bona hardwood cleaner, Dawn dish detergent and hot water, but nothing is working. The yellow just comes back. Any ideas?
Roof Repair Help for Low Income Homeowners?Our roof was somewhat old and Hurricane Harvey finished it off. I am not eligible for FEMA help. I live in Fort Bend County, Texas. I own my home and land. I already have a replacement quote from someone. What are my best options in finding a charity or government grant to help?
Finding Plumbing Repair Help for Low Income Homeowners?This is a page about finding plumbing repair help for low income homeowners. Plumbing repairs may be too expensive for many low income homeowners. However they are quite necessary for health and even safety. Finding a source of assistance to reduce the costs can help.
Electrical Circuit Not Working After Adding a Light Switch?Unfortunately some seemingly minor DIY electrical repairs have unforeseen consequences. You add a new switch only to have the entire circuit stop working. This is a page about electrical circuit not working after adding a light switch.
My House is Falling Apart?Sometimes, repairs get ignored too long and can cause unsafe conditions. This page contains advice if your house is falling apart.
Fixing Sticking Drawers, Windows and Sliding Glass DoorsThis is a page about sticking drawers, windows, and sliding glass doors. Windows, sliding doors, and drawers are notorious for sticking. One simple remedy is to rub the runners with paraffin. If that does not work more specific repair work may need to be done.
Troubleshooting Fusebox Problems?Problems in the fusebox can cause issues throughout your home. Always use caution when working with electricity and consult an electrician before attempting your own repairs. This is a page about troubleshooting fusebox problems.
Using Tape to Glue Wood?This is a page about using tape to glue wood. As the glue is drying, it is best to use something to hold everything in place. Clamps work great for most projects, but painter's tape works great in those tough to reach places.
Remedy for Smelly Well Water?We bought a house with a well in Columbus, Ohio. We have a water softener. We had a horrible smell when we moved in. We added a filter with charcoal and then added one with kdf85 and kdf55 media. The smell went away for a little while.
How Long Does an Exterior House Paint Job Last?Home ownership means a lot of regular upkeep and maintenance. The exterior paint protects the siding from the elements. Neglect can cause moisture and insects to enter the home.
Removing Welding Burn Marks on Stainless Steel Pipe Joint?It can be difficult to remove marks on stainless steel pipes. This is a page about removing welding burn marks on stainless steel pipe joint.
Installing Flooring on Particle Board?It is important for flooring to be installed correctly to avoid costly problems in the future. This is a page about installing flooring on particle board.
How to Remove Vinyl Tiles from a Concrete Floor?Vinyl tiles are very easy to install but it's much more work to remove them. This is a page about how to remove vinyl tiles from a concrete floor.
Repairing Power Surge and Storm Damage to Home Wiring?We had a bad storm come through and knock out our power. It came back on, but in order for it to work, we had to reset the breaker box for each switch. Once we did that, we found that several of our power strips burnt and melted, so we unplugged all of them and reset again to get all lights back on.
Refurbishing a Fiberglass TubThere are fiberglass repair kits available at a home improvement or a boating store. This is a page about refurbishing a fiberglass tub.
Lights in Bedrooms Not Working?Trying to determine the cause for an electrical issue in your home can be a difficult process. If fixtures in different rooms on the same circuit are not working it could be the breaker. This is a page about lights in bedrooms not working.
Fixing a Door That Sticks After PaintingA sticking door is annoying. Try applying a thin layer of Vaseline or baby oil to the edge. This should solve the problem. This is a page about fixing a door that sticks after painting.
Troubleshooting an Electrical Circuit?The fuse that controls the dryer sparks when the breaker flips. I changed all the breakers and all the little switches so that it will new, but nothing happens. It won't work, could it be the wiring?
Repairing a Boiler on Low Income?When you need to pay just to have someone take a look at your heating problem, it can be more than you can afford. This is a page about repairing a boiler on a low income.
Fixing a Push Button ToiletRather than the typical lever style flush handle, a push button toilet has a button on top that when depressed operates the flushing mechanism. This is a page about fixing a push button toilet.
Scratches on a Porcelain SinkUsing an abrasive scrubbing sponge can leave scratches on a sink. Check with your local hardware store to see if there is a product or procedure for repairing the damage. This is a page about scratches on a porcelain sink.
Troubleshooting Electrical Circuit Problem?I have tried to install 5 new fans in a bedroom. They were all different makes and in all cases all of the fans have burnt out the moment I turned them on. The voltage in the ceiling is 120.
Finding a Roofing Contractor That Accepts Payments?This is a page about finding a roofing contractor that accepts payments. Fixing or replacing your roof can be very expensive. Finding a contractor that will accept payments can make it so that you don't have to delay the work, due to a lack of money.
Resetting Your Backup Battery UnitBattery backups are common for some utilities; like telephone, internet or cable service. This is a page about resetting your backup battery unit.
Home Repair Assistance for VeteransPrograms and grants are offered both through the Veteran's Affairs Administration, some large businesses, and other organizations. This is a page about home repair assistance for veterans.
Dry Out a Flooded Floor With a FanAppliances and plumbing can fail and cause water damage to your floor. Part of the repair is to first dry out the flooring or subfloor. This is a page about dry out a flooded floor with a fan.
Breaker Trips When Outside Motion Light Shuts Off?A tripping circuit breaker is indicative of an electrical issue that you will want to define and resolve. It may be the breaker itself, the wiring, or the motion sensing light. This is a page about the breaker trips when outside motion light shuts off.
Orange Peels Clogging a Toilet?Slow to disintegrate clogs in your toilet are best cleared by either plunging or using a plumbing snake or auger. This is a page about orange peels clogging a toilet.
Bathroom Fan Surges On and Off?This is a page about fixing a bathroom fan that surges on and off. There are numerous reasons that the fan might be surging on and off. Here are some tips to diagnose the issue.
Changing a Breaker to One With a Lower Amperage?How do I change a 60 amp, 220 breaker to 20 amp, 110 breaker in my breaker box?
Outlet Doesn't Work When Light Is On?This page contains advice for when an outlet doesn't work when the light is on. Sometimes an outlet, that shares wiring with a light switch, doesn't work properly when the light is turned on. As with all wiring and electrical issues, it is best to have an electrician look at it. If left unfixed, it may lead to a fire.
Carpets in Mobile Home Are Wet?This is a page about finding the cause of carpets being wet in a mobile home. It is important to locate the source of the moisture, before serious damage is done to the carpets or floor of the mobile home. It may be coming from the outside of the home or from inside.
Well Water Tastes Bad?Well water often has more particulate in it than water from a municipal source but it shouldn't taste badly. If your well water tastes bad, this may be sign that you need to filter it and perhaps consider having it tested for contaminates.
Changing a Light BulbChanging a light bulb is relatively easy. Things to keep in mind to prevent injury include, allowing the bulb to cool down and using care when attempting to remove a stuck bulb. This is a page about changing a light bulb.
Grease Coming Out of a Bathroom FaucetDetermining what would cause grease to come out of your faucet may require a plumber's help. This is a page about grease coming out of bathroom faucet.
Finding Plumbing Repair Assistance for Low Income Homeowner?I am having major plumbing problems. I am constantly smelling raw sewage in my home. I have checked everywhere I can think of trying to get help as I cannot afford to pay any of the quotes given to fix the problem. Are there any charity groups or plumbing companies in the Houston area that can help?
Smell Coming From Kitchen FaucetIf you have a bad smell coming form the water in your faucet, it would probably be a good idea to get the water tested. A smell coming from kitchen faucet is usually a sign there is a problem with the water source or pipes.
Fixing a Cracked CeilingDepending on the material used for your ceiling and the cause of the crack, there are some ways the homeowner can temporarily or permanently repair a crack themselves. This is a page about fixing a cracked ceiling.
Light Switch Not Controlling Outlets?I recently changed out the outlets and switches in a three rooms. The switches controlled the outlets for a couple of days even though I didn't break the tabs(s). Now the light switch is not controlling the outlets. I went back and broke one tab off on one outlet, but it still doesn't work.
New Linen Closet Makes Things Stink?I updated the master bathroom and added a linen closet. There is no a water leak or anything. My sheets and towels stink when I pull them out. They smell like the inside of the new cabinet so like a plywood musty yucky smell, not mold just like a new cabinet which isn't pleasant.
Fixing Chips in White FormicaWhite-out does a great job of fixing chips in white formica. You may need 2-3 coats. Put one coat at a time. Wait 10 minutes between coats
Finding Roof Repair Help for Senior Citizens?I need help with roof repairs, I have some materials, like 18 packs of shingles. Habitat for Humanity only helps veterans. When I call, here in the state of Georgia, they are not helping senior citizens with home repairs. They say the program ran out of funds.
Rewiring a Fluorescent FixtureSometimes it becomes necessary to rewire an existing fixture. For example you may want to change how many switches can operate the light. This is a page about rewiring a fluorescent fixture.
Repairing a Leaning FenceOver time the posts on your fence may begin to rot, even though the fence boards themselves are still in good shape. This usually results in the fence section beginning to lean. There are some temporary fixes that can put off a more expensive repair for a good length of time. This is a page about repairing a leaning fence.
How to Restring Levolor Window BlindsIf the string has come out of your levolor blinds, it's no impossible to fix. Here is how to restring levolor window blinds.
Window Mount AC Leaking Inside the HouseAir conditioning units have a liquid overflow basin to collect excess moisture. If this leaks into your home, it can be a big mess to clean up. If your window mount AC is leaking inside the house, it is possible to repair it yourself.
Fixing Matted Down CarpetUse over time or even heavy furniture can leave sections of your carpet looking flat or matted down. A carpet rake can help a lot in fluffing up the nap or pile. This is a page about fixing matted down carpet.
Troubleshooting Your Garbage DisposalIf your garbage disposal is not working, there could be several reasons for that. This is a page about troubleshooting your garbage disposal.
Peel and Stick Tiles Coming OffPeel and stick tiles are quite easy to install. Over time or on some surfaces they sometimes lose their adhesion and need to be reattached. This is a page about peel and stick tiles coming off.
Water Backing Up in Dishwasher and DisposalIf your plumbing is backing up into your dishwasher and garbage disposal, you may need to contact a plumber to repair the problem. This is a page about water backing up in dishwasher and disposal.
Fix for Air Duct Condensation?I just moved into a manufactured home, a double wide that is 28 years old. I just replaced the A/C in it and have noticed just a couple of times already that there's moisture coming from the air vents that are closet to the A/C unit. I live in Florida where it is very humid in the summer.
Repairing Damage to Painted Countertop?I have a painted countertop that has been damaged and stained; how do I repair the damage?
Cheap Way to Lubricate Squeaky Hinges?Squeaky hinges can be very annoying. There are many inexpensive ways to lose the squeak. This is a page about cheap way to lubricate squeaky hinges.
Air in Well Lines?If you have air in the water lines from your well, it may be necessary to call a plumber to fix the problem. This is a page about air in well lines.
Disguising Water Damage on WallsWith some cleanup and paint, you can mask water damage on areas of a wall that might show easily. This is a page about disguising water damage on walls.
Removing a Pocket Door to Trim to Fit?After installing new floors my pocket doors do not close. Neither do the other interior doors. The original installer will not send anyone to correct this mess.
Garbage Disposal Won't DrainWhen your garbage disposal won't drain it is typically the sink plumbing that is the culprit. You need to clear the plug. This is a page about garbage disposal won't drain.
Unclogging a Sink With a Garbage DisposalA garbage disposal will usually breathing sup enough to not clog your sink but it can happen from time to time. This is a page about unclogging a sink with a garbage disposal.
