November 13th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Handy Man, Repair, Walls
Holes in the wall are pretty shocking when it happens, but luckily, this is a fix that most people can do on their own. There are a few exceptions, such as if the hole is overly large or if there may be underlying damage that is structural. However, in most cases, you can easily fix a small hole in the wall very easily. You will need to have a few tools and materials on hand before you get started.
We recommend:
- drywall putty
- a flour sack
- sandpaper
- paint to match the wall
- a painter’s knife
First, you’ll need to determine how bad the hole is. If it’s a simple cosmetic hole, the fix will be pretty easy and you may not need to worry about filling the area. However, if you’ve got a pretty large hole, it’s a good idea to stuff something in there to make it easier to fill. A flour sack works very well for this purpose, and can make it easier to get the job done quickly. You may also want to get a special kit from the hardware store that will have filler that can be inserted into the hole.
Once you’ve got the hole filled, it’s time to cover it up. Grab your drywall putty and your painter’s knife and get started. You’ll want to use a spackle motion to apply the putty to the wall. Overlap the hole as you go to create a strong bond. Make sure that you don’t use too much or you’ll end up with a mess on your hand. Too little however and you won’t be able to get the job done. Instead of glopping it on all at once, gradually apply the putty until the area is even and filled in.
Now, you’re going to need to let this dry before proceeding to the next step. It may take a few hours depending on the type of putty you used. Make sure you read the instructions so that you’re not jumping the gun. When the putty is completely dry to the touch, get your sandpaper and smooth out the area. You’ll need to make a few passes to get everything smoothed out and even with the rest of the wall.
Once you’ve finished this, you’ll be able to paint over the area. Most drywall putty is taupe or light brown in color so you won’t have to worry too much about covering it up with paint. If the wall is white, you’re probably going to need to add a few coats to prevent see through. Let the paint dry completely before you quit to make sure that it looks right.
It is important to address a common technique that many people use as a shortcut. If you’ve got a small hole in the wall and you’re a renter, you can easily make it look as though it’s fixed by adding a little white toothpaste to the area. For bigger holes, some people like to try mixing flour and water to create a paste and using a sheet to cover the hole. We don’t recommend this fix since it is not permanent.
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November 10th, 2008 — Handy Man, Install, Kitchen, Sink
If you’re sick and tired of your old kitchen sink, replacing it with a new one is not all that difficult. If you’re working with an entirely new surface, the steps for installation will be the same as provided below, but you will need to add the steps of measuring the sink and cutting in a new hole in your countertop. Most sinks now come with a template to make this easier. For the purpose of this review however, we’re going to stick with working on a replacement sink that is the exact size and shape of the old sink. If you do find that there is a size difference, you can use a saw to cut the countertop to fit.
Before we get started, you’re going to need some basic tools:
- saw (as mentioned above)
- pipe wrenches (appropriately sized for your pipes)
- screwdriver
- crowbar
- power sander or sandpaper
- pliers
- empty bucket
- silicone caulk
- plumber’s putty
- caulk
- clamps
- gloves
Turn off the water supply to the sink before proceeding any further.
Once you’ve got all of your tools organized, you’re ready to get started. Before you begin however, re-measure everything to make sure that the new sink will fit. If you still need to remove the old sink, first you will need to use your wrench to loosen the p-trap. That’s the U shaped pipe under the sink that connects the plumbing to the drain. It’s a good idea to completely remove everything under the sink to ensure that you have enough space to work and that nothing gets ruined. Place your empty bucket under the p-trap to catch any excess water.
Your old sink was most likely installed with putty or adhesive of some sort. Use your crowbar to carefully remove the sink from the counter. Lift it out and place it aside. You may need to get some help since sinks are a bit heavy. Sand any rough areas that are around the hole where the sink used to be. If you are keeping your old faucet and it’s not attached directly to the sink, re-silicone it to make sure you won’t have any leaks. If you’re replacing it, remove the old one by loosening the fittings under the counter with your pipe wrench.
You’re now ready to move to the next step. Unpack your new sink. Place plumber’s putty around the edges of the hole where the sink will go. Lift up the new sink and carefully place it into the hole. Make sure it is completely lined up and fits well before proceeding. Now, clamp it down and give it enough time to dry. If any putty squeezes out, use a damp cloth to wipe it away. Attach your new faucet, or re-attach the old one and caulk around the area. It is also a good idea to caulk around the outside edges of the sink. When it’s dry, you can sand it down to make it look better. Reconnect the p-trap and you’re all done!
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June 26th, 2008 — Fix, Handy Man, Repair, pipes
Whether you’re dealing with a slow drip, or you’ve got a gusher, a leaky pipe can be a serious problem. If the pipe is dripping on electrical wires, it can be even more dangerous. It is important to fix a leak as soon as you discover it. You can waste hundreds of dollars in water costs every year from one leaky pipe, let alone the damage caused by the water.
So, locate your leaky pipe and determine whether or not you need to shut off any electrical circuits. If you are dealing with a pipe in a laundry room, it is best to trip the circuits to the washer and dryer before you get started, for safety. In serious situations, you may be best served by simply turning off your main breaker. Just make sure you have a battery powered light source if you need to do this.
Once you have your leaky pipe located, you’ll need to turn off the water supply to your house. In most cases, this should be located near the water heater. You should see a large pipe with a valve. Turn the valve in a counterclockwise direction until you cannot turn it anymore. You’ve now shut off the main water supply, but please keep in mind that you may have some water left in the pipes.
Now, you’re ready to get started. For the purpose of this tutorial, we’re going to deal with PVC pipes, since they are much easier to fix. If you’ve got metal pipes, it may be easier to call a professional, especially if you do not have any experience with welding. In order to fix your pipe, you’re going to need to have the following on hand:
- Pipe solvent (used to clean the ends of the pipes)
- pipe fittings (make sure you have the appropriate size - you should have a couple of joints and if necessary, an end-cap)
- an extra length of pipe that is the same size as your existing pipe
- PVC pipe cement
- if necessary, plumber’s putty
- a cutting device, such as a hacksaw
- a blowtorch to clean up the ends after you cut the pipe
Locate the leak and determine how much new pipe you will need to replace the old pipe. Cut this to size before you get started. Go to the existing pipe and cut out the section that has the leak. If you’ve got a bucket on hand, this will help catch any water that may be left in the pipe. Use your blowtorch to sear off any jagged edges. Coat both ends of the existing pipe in solvent to clean them. Take two joints, one for each end. Apply the solvent to the new pipe and the joints.
Take your pipe cement and coat both ends, and the joints. Quickly (less than 10 seconds) put the new joints on the new pipe. They should only need 15 seconds to set. Now, coat the other ends of the joints with cement and the ends of the old pipe. Quickly place them together and allow them to dry. You’ve fixed your leak! If temperatures are above 50 degrees, you should be able to run water through the pipes within a few minutes. If they are below 50, wait a few hours to give the cement time to completely set.
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