Don't let this be you! [video contains some mild expletives]
A Honey-Do list: everyone homeowner has one. That seemingly endless list of projects that need to be done around the home. Some items, like fixing that sqeaky door hinge or resealing the grout in the shower are certainly items you (or your honey) can do. But more complex projects that require experience may be better left to a professional.
Use vinegar and baking soda to clean out the inside of your dishwasher.
A dishwasher is one of the main appliances that you use, so shouldn’t you be giving it the attention it needs to stay clean? We clean the rest of our
appliances when they get dirty -- the food out of the bottom of the oven, the microwave after we have soup boil over. But did you know that you should be cleaning your dis
hwasher about once a month? Even if your plates are coming out shining and clean, you can start to smell a foul odor. This is because of the bacteria and mold growing in different spots around your dishwasher.
The door gasket and the drain filter can both be spots that odor-causing bacteria can grow. The drain filter is usually the common part of the dishwasher that collects odor, but an article from Sears says that the door gasket can also create odors:
“The door gasket is the black rubber tubing that lines the opening of the dishwasher. The gasket has a magnetic strip on the inside to help it cling to the dishwasher door frame and prevent water from leaking out during cycles. Sometimes, food particles that get washed off dishes during the cleaning cycle get stuck on the sides of the gasket, so the gasket may need to be wiped down every now and then with a damp cloth or paper towel.”
Underground sprinkler systems must be turned on slowly at the begining of the watering season to prevent damage to the pipes and sprinkler heads.When you restart your irrigation system each spring, it’s important to follow the correct startup procedures so that you do not damage the system. Starting up the system is not particularly complicated, but it’s more than just turning on a valve. Be patient when turning on your irrigation system after it’s been winterized because if not, you could have a geyser of water filling up your yard and costly repairs.
The key to preventing system damage is to turn on the water slowly. This allows the pipes to pressurize and all the air to purge. Turning on the water source too abruptly can cause pipes to burst. Even if your pipes don’t rupture right away, you could create stress on the pipes that leads to damage and leaks down the road.
Hometips.com has a good explanation on how to properly start your irrigation system:
“Begin the process by filling the main line of the irrigation system (located between the water source and the zone valves). Slowly open the shutoff valve that controls the water supply to the entire system. A quarter turn or so is all you will need. Take your time and remember that the water has to travel the entire length of the main line. Once the main line is filled, proceed with filling each zone, again, by very slowly opening the zone valve manually.”
Warning: This is NOT a plumbing tip!
Nope... not a plumbing fixture! But knowing which way to run your fan can save you energy year round. But as Olympia area plumbers, we also know a thing or two about other home maintenance tips. When we come across things that can help our plumbing customers, whether or not it's related to their toilets and faucets, we try to pass them along.
Here's a common question that many people have: If you have ceiling fans, you can help circulate air through your house to save energy on heating and cooling. But which way should you run the fans, clockwise or counter-clockwise?
The answer depends on the season.
