Housekeeping

How Many Years Does A Septic System Last?

If you’ve just moved into a new home in a rural or suburban area, chances are you have a septic system. But don’t worry! A septic system shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, though you might be wondering how long it will last. 

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What to Do When Your Kwikset Door Latch Won't Retract [Quick Fix]

Is your Kwikset door latch stuck and are you experiencing retraction issues? With a compromised door latch, your daily routine becomes distrusted and your privacy severely diminished. It’s important that you find a solution as quick as possible and also a way to fix it that will prevent the issue from reoccurring.

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How To Get Strawberry Stains Out Of Carpet (Do This!)

Strawberries are considered to be the most romantic berry out there, and rightfully so. They’re sweet, they’re related to the rose family, and you can always find a recipe that’s appropriate for the occasion. Unfortunately, when you’re prepping strawberries, it’s possible to have some of their redness end up on your carpet. So, what do you do then?

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How To Soundproof An Apartment Door (5 Ways To Do It!)

Apartment living can be fraught with issues. Noise is perhaps the greatest source of friction between apartment neighbors across the globe. Luckily, there are ways to soundproof your apartment door and many are relatively inexpensive.

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How To Get A Burnt Smell Out Of The Microwave

It’s movie night, and you cannot wait to cozy up with your family and watch a flick together. You hear the microwave running and smell the delicious familiar smell of buttered popcorn, with a few faint background “pops.” All of a sudden, there’s a putrid odor, and your entire family is yelling and running into the backyard.

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Frigidaire Affinity Washer Not Draining? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Your washing machine, when working optimally, makes keeping your clothes clean easier than ever before. But like any machine running on a variety of components, there is a chance that it could break down over time.

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Can I Use Borax In My Dishwasher? (Find Out Now!)

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral, one that’s mainly used to soften water. Water that includes calcium, magnesium, and other particles is classified as hard water, and borax is what turns hard water into soft water by way of exchanging sodium ions.

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How To Dispose Of 1lb Propane Cylinders (Easily & Safely!)

Everyone has used them at one time or another.  We are talking about the ubiquitous green propane cylinders that are popular for fueling camp stoves, lanterns, and tent heaters.  The problem is how to dispose of these 1lb propane cylinders when they are empty.

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Is Ortho Home Defense Safe for Pets? (No, Here's Why)

Ortho Home Defense is great for keeping bugs and killing off any nasty critters that may be taking up residence in your home. But like just about any other bug killer on the market, there will no doubt be questions about its safety of use around kids and pets.

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Can You Put A Glass Tea Kettle On The Stove? (Find Out Now!)

Human beings have been drinking tea for thousands of years, which means the tea kettle is one of the oldest water-boiling devices. With a tea kettle, you can boil water without having to expose the water to a flame.

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Furnace Smells Like Gas When Running? (Know the Danger Signs)

It can be scary at first when your furnace smells like gas when running. The smell of the mercaptan in natural gas is disconcerting and can reasonably worry any homeowner. So, why does your furnace smell like gas when running, and should you be concerned?

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Drywall Sticks Out Past Door Jamb? (Here's What To Do)

Interior door trim can be adapted to complement any décor and will give the rooms in your home a very classic look. In order to install trim correctly, it’ll take some precision and skill to match professional carpenters.

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How To Dispose Of Battery Acid (Step-by-Step Guide)

Battery acid can refer to any acid that is used in a chemical cell or battery.  There are different types of acids within batteries, depending on if it is a lead-acid battery or an alkaline battery. Because car or automotive battery acid is 30-50%  sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in water, it is important to dispose of battery acid in the safest way possible.

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Septic Tank Pumped And It's Full Again? (We Have A Fix)

If you have a septic tank, you know it can be a lot of maintenance. Perhaps you just had your septic tank pumped and it’s full again. There could be a number of reasons why this happens.

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The 5 Best Electric And Hydronic Toe Kick Heaters

If you live in an area of the country that experiences exceptionally frigid winter temperatures, you likely have that one room in your home that never quite feels comfortable enough. No matter how you set the temperature, this room still feels way colder than it should.

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Is Your Ceiling Fan Chain Stuck? (We Have An Easy Fix)

A ceiling fan can be an excellent addition to any home for both aesthetics, comfortability, and saving energy. In the wintertime, you can have the benefit of enjoying warm air being pushed down into your living areas. Whereas, in the summer, the fan will draw the excess warm air up and away.

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How To Adjust A Refrigerator Door To Close

It may sound like stating the obvious, but a refrigerator door needs to shut tightly in order to work properly. When the door doesn’t shut tightly, creating that proper seal, cold air will not only escape the fridge, warm air will also get inside. Warm air can result in a buildup of moisture and make the compressor burn out eventually. That makes it important to get the door back on track and closing properly before long.

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Butane Vs. Propane Stoves: What Are The Major Differences?

These days, it’s not unheard of to experience power outages, which can take days or even weeks to repair. In this case, it’s always a good idea to have a backup stove. But which would you choose? Propane or Butane?

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What Is The Fine For Renting An Illegal Basement?

Renting out a basement is complicated. The first step is to make sure your basement is legal for occupancy. If your basement does not meet living standards, and you decide to rent it out anyway, you could face serious legal ramifications. Though basement apartments seem like a convenient situation for landlords and renters, the reality is that many issues can arise if you handle the situation carelessly. 

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How To Get Oil Pastels Out Of Carpet (Step-by-Step Shade Guide)

As someone who appreciates arts and has plenty of artist friends, I already know how bad art supplies can stain everything in sight. I mean, that’s what they are meant to do, right? Unfortunately, that’s only true when it’s on a canvas. When you have something like an oil pastel spill on your carpet, it’s normal to freak out. But, what on earth can you do with something this pigmented?

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How To Vent A Dryer In The Middle Of The House

No matter where your dryer is located, venting it is just as important as setting the dryer up itself. A dryer’s vent directs moisture and heat away from the dryer and out of the house. If you install a dryer without a vent, you run the risk of moisture building up, leading to mold, mildew, and water damage.

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Can I Leave Bleach In The Toilet Overnight? (Find Out Now!)

Cleaning your toilet can be a big pain, but it’s one of those chores that you must do on a regular basis. Thankfully, bleach can make the job a whole lot easier and a lot less gross. If you’ve had to deal with stubborn stains that won’t seem to fade in the past, you may have found yourself wondering if you could leave bleach sitting in the bowl to do the hard work.

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How To Clean Double Pane Windows (Step-by-Step Guide)

Double pane windows can be an incredibly energy-efficient addition to a home. By keeping in heat and preventing cold from penetrating the glass, double pane windows can save you money. However, they can be difficult to clean when moisture gets trapped between them. 

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Can You Put A Baseball Glove In The Dryer? (Find Out Now!)

It happens. That cherished baseball glove gets forgotten in the excitement of the day. Left outside, a rainstorm or the lawn sprinklers it the baseball glove a soggy mass. Many parents and players wonder if you can put a baseball glove in the dryer?

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Can Propane Tanks Freeze? (Plus Tips to Avoid It)

Propane makes for an effective way to heat your home and is often times found in service areas that are out of reach of traditional natural gas companies. There are issues that can arise with a propane tank, though, and you should be aware of their causes and fixes.

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How To Get Urine Smell Out of Clothes (3 Ways To Do It!)

Unfortunately, urine can leave stains and smells on clothes even after they have been laundered. It can seem that the odor is an unpleasant permanent feature of the affected garments. However, various natural and chemical products can return the item to its original fresh-smelling state. 

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Are Ceramic Mugs Dishwasher-Safe? (Find Out Now!)

Ceramic mugs are great for a lot of reasons. One can customize a ceramic mug to make it unique, and often ceramic mugs hold sentimental value. And of course, ceramic mugs make it easy to drink hot liquids like tea and coffee.

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How Do I Know If My Diverter Valve Is Bad?

You come home ready for a nice shower.  After a few seconds in the shower, you notice something just isn’t right.  What could be going on in your shower or bathtub?  What could cause your shower to work poorly or not work at all?  How do you know if the diverter valve on your tub or shower is bad?

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How Long Do Liquid Nails Take To Dry? (On Wood, Metal, Concrete)

If you are looking to build or repair something, then liquid nails are a fantastic tool to use. When using real nails, you have the possibility of hurting your hands by hitting them with a hammer. This can be tiring, cause pain, and be all-around frustrating. There are also times when a space is too tight to get into with a hammer and a nail. In cases like these, we recommend using liquid nails!

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Why Does My Shower Go Cold When I Turn Another Tap On?

We have all experienced it at least once.  You are enjoying a nice warm shower, and, without warning, the shower turns icy cold.   It is an unpleasant experience, at best.  Why does the shower go cold when someone turns on another tap in the house?

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How To Build A Solar Generator (Step-by-Step Guide)

Have the lights in your home ever flickered out? The fear of a power outage is real. However, a solar generator can put your mind at ease. They are quiet, efficient, and portable. Whether you reside in the country or city, solar generators are a useful tool. It may seem like solar generators are super high tech – while they are cool, a portable solar generator can be built by any motivated person. 

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Why Is The Water Softener Overflowing? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

It’s not unusual for there to be several gallons of water inside the water softener at any given time. However, there is certainly something wrong if your water softener is overflowing. If you are experiencing this, you want to know how to fix it and what is causing it immediately. Delaying this issue could cause thousands in damage and hours of work to clean.

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How Much Does A Mold Inspection Cost?

The last thing that any builder-owner wants to discover is mold, but it happens every day. Mold is quite common, and it grows due to dark and damp conditions. When you suspect that those weird looking spots are mold, it’s time for an inspection, but at what cost?

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Is Acrylic Dishwasher Safe? (Find Out Now!)

If you’re looking for the ideal drinkware for daily use, acrylic glasses are an excellent choice. Not only are they inexpensive, they are also incredibly durable and versatile. This makes them perfect for home, commercial, and even industrial situations. But, how do you clean acrylic glasses? Or, more specifically, “Is acrylic dishwasher safe?”

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What Is The Difference Between A Septic Tank And A Cesspool?

Nobody likes to think about what happens after we flush the toilet. In many places, a public sewer system whisks away our waste without much thought. But for others, septic systems and cesspools do the dirty work.

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Can A Hoverboard Go On A Carpet?

When you get a new hoverboard, the first thing you want to do is hop on and get to riding. Self-balancing hoverboards are a fun and exhilarating way to get around, it’s no wonder they’re so popular.

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Can You Convert A Gas Dryer To Electric? (Here Are the Details)

If you are relocating and taking along your gas dryer, you may want to know if you can convert it to electric. To answer this question, it’s important to know the differences between these types of dryers.

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How To Remove Hot Glue From Fabric (5 Ways To Do It!)

Whether you are fixing something around the house or doing an art project with the kids, hot glue can prove to be very useful. It is never fun, however, to unintentionally get hot glue on fabric. Fortunately, it is possible to remove hot glue from fabrics. Using a few everyday items, you can quickly restore your fabric to its original state.

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How To Make Suction Cups Stick In The Shower

Suction cups provide excellent utility. They enable us to hang a variety of items around our home in ways that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.

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How Long Does A Smoke Detector Last? (Find Out Now To Stay Safe!)

Smoke detectors are some of the most overlooked and underappreciated appliances in your home.  Mounted up high and out sight, they often go out of mind as well.  For you and your family’s safety, you should be asking how long does a smoke detector last?

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How To Keep Couch Cushions From Sliding (4 Ways To Do It!)

Having a comfy couch is easily one of the best parts of a living room. After a long, exhausting day, nothing beats sitting on the sofa and relaxing. Since it’s one of the most heavily trafficked furniture pieces in your home, it’s important to have it just how you like it. 

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What Type of Paint Can Be Used Inside The Microwave?

Just like any other kitchen appliance, microwaves face daily wear and tear. Over time, one of the most common issues microwaves face is peeling interior paint. This can quickly become a fire hazard and even contaminate your food. 

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How To Clean A Black Enamel Stove Top (Step-by-Step Guide)

Having black appliances can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, they are sleek and can hide food stains well. On the other hand, cleaning can be difficult for appliances that come into frequent contact with food and fingerprints.

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How To Fix A Gap Between A Door And A Frame

When I first moved into my current place, we had a door that had a major gap. This gap was so large, leaves would blow in from the outside, and any type of air conditioning would eventually get blown out of our apartment. I knew I had to fix the gap in order to save on my bills and also prevent wildlife from crawling in, I had to get it fixed. Thankfully, this was a relatively easy project to work with.

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How Much Does It Cost To Get Lead Certified?

If you plan to work with old lead, remove it, or paint over it, you need certification. The EPA has strict lead renovation, repair, and painting (RRP) standards, and you need to comply. Of course, getting lead certified comes at a cost, but how much should you expect to pay?

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Are Dishwasher Pods Septic Safe? (Find Out Now!)

These days, liquid detergent isn’t the only thing one can use to get their dishes clean in the dishwasher. Now there are dishwasher detergent pods, and these are beneficial because they pack a good cleaning punch while also being convenient and easy to use. But are dishwasher detergent pods safe? Such is the question that this article will answer.

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How To Get Syrup Out Of Carpet (8 Ways To Do It!)

Pancakes are delicious with maple syrup on them but not so much for carpets. The sticky gooey mess in your rug is unsightly and you need to get rid of it as soon as possible before it soaks in all the way. Whether it is real maple syrup or corn syrup, we have some solutions for you.

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Can You Wash A Sleeping Bag In A Top Load Washer? (Find Out Now!)

Any avid camper knows a decent sleeping bag costs a pretty penny. To give the bag a long life (and spare your wallet), proper care is a must.

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How To Keep Brass From Tarnishing (Quickly & Easily!)

Brass is one of the most popular metals for home decor, especially if you are fond of the “old world” style. It’s coppery, yet a little more gold. Unfortunately, brass also happens to be one of the more high-maintenance metals, so it’s important to know how to keep brass from tarnishing.

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What Is The Difference Between A Shower Pan And A Shower Base?

When you first decide to make a DIY shower installation happen, you’ll see a lot of talk about adhering tile to a shower pan, or finding the right thinset for a particular shower pan brand. You might also start hearing people discuss picking up the right shower base. These terms seem pretty similar, but is there a difference between a shower pan and a shower base?

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Is Dawn Dish Soap Safe For Septic Systems?

When you buy a home with a septic system, you should first know what that septic system entails. There are things you can and cannot do when you have a septic system. Just like there are things you can and cannot use in your sinks and toilets if you have a septic system. It is important that you know these things before deciding to buy a home with a septic system.

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Should You Install A Basement Vapor Barrier?

Vapor barriers go between the insulation and drywall to prevent problems that come with moisture such as mold. However, vapor barriers can be just as harmful as they are helpful depending on where you install them. So, should you install a basement vapor barrier?

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How To Clean A Shower Floor

You use your shower to get clean, so if any part of it’s gross, it feels icky instead of relaxing, and you say, “eww” more than “aah.”. If the shower floor starts to get scummy or grimy, it boosts the ick factor because you feel like you’re standing in filth. So what’s the best way to clean the shower floor so you’re not cringing while you’re washing up?

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How To Measure For A Replacement Swing Canopy (Quickly & Easily!)

Having a canopy porch swing can be a game-changer when it comes to social gatherings like dinners, barbeques, and cocktail hours. They also add additional comfort to your personal leisure time. Canopy porch swings are cozy, casual, and a great way to relax and comfortably enjoy the fresh outdoor air while covered by the shade of the canopy.

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LG Front Load Washer Leaking? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

LG front load washing machines are popular and are not known to have too many issues. However, every appliance has problems now and then. And LG front-loaders are no exception. They can have a leaking issue sometimes.

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How To Use A Wood-Burning Stove To Heat A House

A wood-burning stove is great to have, especially if you’re living in an area where the winter feels like an arctic freeze. However, operating a wood-burning stove and getting it to heat your entire house is far different than the standard electric heater that people use today. But it can do just as good of a job, if not better. The question is, how do you heat your house with one?

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Dusk To Dawn Light Going On And Off? (We Have a Fix)

No matter where you live or what your lifestyle is like, it’s safe to say that you’ll need some outdoor lighting at night. Dusk to dawn lights are one of the more popular categories of outdoor lighting on the market. This category is meant to turn on when motion hits the light, or when the sun sets. If you have them, you’re probably wondering why your lights keep turning on and off.

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How Long Does a Dishwasher Run? (Average Cycle Times)

Dishwashers can be the ultimate helper in the kitchen. It doesn’t matter if it is a small cleanup effort or picking up after a large family gathering; a dishwasher can make everything that much easier. Even better, they make keeping glasses, silverware, and plates look sparkling clean again.

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Lime-A-Way Vs CLR: Which Is Better On Hard Water Stains?

Hard water: An oxymoron or the cause of cleaning nightmares around the nation? While the term seems contradictory, hard water buildup is a real problem plaguing many households. It also poses the question of how exactly one would clean water stains without using more water.

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The 5 Best Handrails for Concrete Steps [For Your Home]

Handrails are a necessary part of building concrete steps. Some handrails work better than others, especially when fastening them to concrete. There are many styles, colors, and designs when it comes to handrails. We are going to go over what makes the best handrails for concrete steps.

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