Friday, 25 August 2017

5 Top Tips for Using a Jigsaw to Cut Timber and Other Materials

The DIY Doctor's Blog
The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

Before we go into exactly what top tips we have from our experts on using a jigsaw, we firstly have to say that these tools are not really to be used for cutting straight lines. Although, if you take your time and use a straight edge as a guide then you can successfully cut a Read on...

5 Top Tips for Using a Jigsaw to Cut Timber and Other Materials



from The DIY Doctor's Blog http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2017/08/tips-for-using-a-jigsaw/
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Thursday, 24 August 2017

How Do I Snake A Drain Like A Pro?

If you notice that the water in your sink or bathtub isn't draining properly, then you probably have a clog or blockage. One of the best tools you can use to remove a clog is a drain snake. Drain snakes are relatively easy to use and inexpensive, making them a premier choice if you are looking to tackle this problem, DIY style. Drain snakes can be found at almost any hardware or home improvement store. This unique tool can help you save money and time by avoiding calling a plumber and paying those pesky service fees. Keep reading to learn how to use a drain snake and improve your handyman skills.


How To Use the Snake

You can purchase a drain snake online or at your local hardware store. We also suggest investing in rubber gloves to help improve your grip when using the snake. Before you begin to snake the drain, whether it's in the toilet or sink, be sure to shut off the water to the appliance you're working with. Now you're ready to use the drain snake.

Step-by-step Guide On How to Snake a Drain

All I have to do is follow these five simple steps:

1. Insert the end of the snake into the drain.

If the drain has a cover, you may need to use a screwdriver to remove the top compartment so the snake can slide into the drain).

2. Feed the snake through the drain.

Do the step slowly so you do not accidentally damage any of the pipes. If you get stuck at any point, try to move the snake in and out to get past it.

3. Slowly begin to turn the crank of the snake to help it move farther down the pipeline.

If you are having trouble doing this, you can pour some water down the drain to help the process proceed smoothly.

4. Wait until you feel some resistance with the snake, which insinuates that you have reached the blockage or clog.

Wiggle and push the wire to help loosen the clog. Move the end of the snake past and back through the clog repeatedly until you don't feel any more resistance.

5. Once you have dismantled the clog, pull the snake out.

You may need to do this multiple times to clear any residue or debris of the end of the snake and repeat the process.

What to Do After Snaking a Drain

After you have removed the blockage from the pipe, return all the pieces to the drain and run some water down to make sure it properly drains.

Plumbing Experts

If you've used drain cleaner and followed the instructions detailed above and your drain is stilled clogged, it may be time to call in professional plumbers. Certified plumbers will undoubtedly have the right equipment onboard their work trucks to ensure they can fix your clog on the first visit. Professional plumbers will use their own specialty drain snake. One that is stronger and better at breaking down thick clumps of grease, hair, and other obstructions that make their way into your drains.
Featured images:
  •  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: Getty Images
If you are are having issues with a clogged drain, then it's time to call a plumbing company you can trust. Our experienced and certified plumbers will come to your home, examine your plumbing system and fix the plumbing problem quickly and effectively. Available to you 24/7, ACE Home Services is the Phoenix plumbing company trusted by more Valley residents.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/08/snake-drain-pro.html
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Tuesday, 22 August 2017

Working with Varnish – 16 Top Tips and Tricks from the True Varnish Experts

The DIY Doctor's Blog
The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

Whether you are reviving an old wooden floor or sprucing up some wooden furniture getting a good finish on your varnish is critical. The good news it is easy to do, particularly with a few clever tricks, so this is a project well with the reach of any DIY enthusiast. When it comes to tips Read on...

Working with Varnish – 16 Top Tips and Tricks from the True Varnish Experts



from The DIY Doctor's Blog http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2017/08/working-with-varnish/
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Tuesday, 15 August 2017

DIY Doctor’s Going to London: The Tricks of the Trade Theatre at the Homebuilding and Renovation Show 22-24 September

The DIY Doctor's Blog
The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

We’re going to the Homebuilding and Renovating show in London’s Excel Centre from the 22-24th September. We have been asked to present the Tricks of the Trade Theatre for the organisers again, and we have a couple of new presentations, as well as the old favourites. You can see the full line up here for Read on...

DIY Doctor’s Going to London: The Tricks of the Trade Theatre at the Homebuilding and Renovation Show 22-24 September



from The DIY Doctor's Blog http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2017/08/excel-homebuilding-and-renovating-2017/
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Saturday, 5 August 2017

How to Refinishing Hardwood Floors




The greater part of refinishing hardwood floors involves preparation. But even before you start preparing, it is essential that you find out the extent of the scratches on the floor. If you are lucky, the scratches are just on the top and this will be a much easier task. On the other hand, if the scratches have gone deep into the wood, then you need to prepare to do a lot of sanding. 

For scratches that are just on the surface, a simple reapplication of polyurethane coating on the old finishing will do the trick. But if the scratches run deep into the wood, then you need to sand it right to the bare wood and for this, I would recommend you find a good belt sanderso that you do not take too much time and the sanding is done evenly.

Types of finishing

There are 3 main finishes you can choose from and these are

Polyurethane: This is preferred by many because it lasts longer and is best for high traffic areas. You can choose between oil based or water based poly finishing. It has a plastic look about it and you can choose between different degrees of luster.  I have noticed that the newer ranges of Polyurethane finishing do not darken wood so much. One thing you should know though is that poly finishing is not easy to spot repair.

Varnish: if you want to be able to make spot repairs, choosing varnish is a good idea. It comes in different varieties of luster and the more glossy variety is durable. It tends to darken with time, but you can always do a quick repair when that starts to happen. 

Penetrating sealer: if you would like to maintain a more natural wood look, this is what you can use. You, however, need to know that it is not as durable as the other 2 but it is much easier to repair. It is also a cheaper option. 

Step by Step Guide 

Step 1
Remove the old finishing and then sand the wood to remove all the scratches. It is important that before you start this, you have the necessary protection. This will include eye protection as well as a dust mask. Ensure that the surface is smooth and even. 

Step 2
Clean the surface, ensure that all the dust is removed from not just the floor but also the walls because you do not want particles falling onto the finishing as it dries because this will create rough patches. You can then use a vacuumto remove any more dust that may have settled after the initial cleaning. You then can use a tack cloth to pick up further residue from the surface. I would advise you have a number of tack clothes to prevent you from exceeding a single cloth’s capacity. 

Step 3
Apply the sealer. I prefer to apply sealer immediately after getting rid of all the dust, it prevents any other particles from settling so it is a good idea to plan your time so that at least on the same day you do the sanding, you are able to do the sealer application. The sealer needs to be applied evenly and generously but it should not be too much since the wood will not absorb excess sealer and it will dry and look terrible. Now let the sealer dry.

Step 4
When the sealer has dried, it is time to buff the floor. You can do this with a number 2 fine steel wool. Go over each area once or twice, starting from the wall and moving backwards in a left to right swing movement. It is important that you do not over do it and end up cutting through the finishing. 

Step 5
Once again, get out your vacuum and tack cloth and clean the surface just to be sure there are no particles that have settled again as you prepare to add a layer of coating. A smooth surface is important for a great look and feel.

Step 6
Hoping you have already made a choice of finishing coating, you are now ready to apply the first layer. They usually come with directions on how to apply and especially how long to wait for it to dry before you can apply the next layer.

Step 7
Apply the second coat of finishing and then let it dry for at least 24 hours before you can return the furniture or allow people to walk over the surface. 

To ensure you do this job perfectly, I would recommend you try it out first on a small patch of the floor just to ensure you have understood the entire procedure and if it looks good, then you can proceed to do the rest of the floor. Also make sure you have all the tools and protection you will need before you get started, from experience, I have learned that having to run to the hardware store midway through the task can ruin your progress and you may have to start over again.



from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/08/how-to-refinishing-hardwood-floors.html
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Monday, 31 July 2017

Some of Our most popular posts in Twitter


We are now active in Twitter, and here some of our most Retweeted/Liked post from Twitter. Follow us and stay connected.
















from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/07/Home-my-heaven-Twitter.html
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Friday, 28 July 2017

Tips to Prevent Plumbing Problems in Your House


Did you know that you can completely safeguard your house and save money on repairs by making a few upgrades and small changes? Some parts of your home can cause a rather significant damage if you let a small problem turn into a big one, and that’s precisely the case with plumbing.

Plumbing related issues can result in blocked drains, low or high water pressure and even house flooding, and you should do your best to avoid all of them. Because of that, stop fixing the problem when it occurs and instead start working on the prevention of all potential plumbing problems in your home.

Leaky faucets

Leaky faucets can be a main cause of water loss and they can also cause other serious plumbing issues. An unchecked leak can put a significant amount of stress on your plumbing, and it can even cause clogging and overflows.

If you live in an area with hard water, leaky faucets might even create a water stain in your sink, and sometimes cleaning that stain is almost impossible.

If you have the necessary tools you can fix the leaks yourself, just make sure not to damage the faucet in the process.

Main valve

The main valve is obviously the most important valve in your home since it regulates water flow.The maintenance of this valve doesn’t require much skill or even time. All you really need to do is check if it’s working as intended every now and then, and turn it off if you see that a problem has occurred.

If you’re not sure which valve is the main valve in your home, find it right now. You need to know which one is it in case you need to turn off the water because of any other water-related problems in your house. The surest way to avoid any problems while you’re not at home is to completely turn off the main valve until you come back.

Disposal

Most people make one seemingly small mistake – they treat a garbage disposal as a trash can. Throwing every possible material down the garbage disposal can severely damage it, whichwill lead to clogged drains. You can easily avoid this scenario by being picky about what you throw into the disposal. If you want to avoid problems, don’t throw these types of foods into it:

·         Rice
·         Potato peels
·         Onion skins
·         Nuts
·         Pasta
·         Grease
·         Bones

Toilet

Toilets are frequently used in every home, and because of that toilet leaks and clogs are two of the most common plumbing issues. Most people with leaky toilet tanks don’t even know that their toilet tanksare leaking, but as any experienced plumber in Sydneywould tell you, this is surprisingly easy to detect. Pour food dye into the tank before you go to sleep. In the morning check if there’s dye in the bowl. If there is, you’ll know you have a leaky tank.

Clogged toilets are, unfortunately, a much bigger problem, and that’s exactly why you should be careful about what you flush. In general, you shouldn’t flush anything that’s not toilet paper if you want to avoid clogging the toilet.

Unclogging the toilet is easy, and you can do it yourself. Use a plungerto resolve the problem, but if you notice that it’s starting to overflow, shut off the main valve immediately and call the professionals to help you.

Emergencies

Unfortunately, some problems can occur seemingly overnight, but you can be prepared for that. What you will need is an emergency toolkit and a phone number of an emergency plumber in case the Aquaman decides not to lend a helping hand.

It’s always better being safe than sorry. You can avoid spending a huge amount of money on plumbing repairs by simply being careful and responsible.


from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/07/prevent-plumbing-problems.html
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