Fix a Sagging Wooden Swing Gate

It's time to fix that sagging wooden gate that scrapes along the ground. Until this is remedied it will continue to mark your pathway as well as damage the bottom of your gate and place unnecessary stress on the hinges and planks.

  May 19, 2008 | Comments ()

Fix a Hole in the Ceiling

A reader sent in this photo of a hole in their kitchen ceiling which they recently patched with duct tape. Obviously the duct tape won't due and it looks like there could be further water damage around the hole.

If it's a plaster ceiling here are some steps to fix it.

  May 19, 2008 | Comments ()

Friday Fix: The Running Toilet

This week's Friday Fix is courtesy of Nathaniel from Garber's Hardware who are sponsoring this month's Klein toolbag giveaway. Onto the Fix!

So, your toilet is running. It won't stop. You tried jiggling the handle. You tried asking your toilet nicely to behave. You tried to get your landlord to send a plumber. Each effort more futile then the last. It's time to take matters into your own hands.

Although this is usually a rather simple fix, it's a good idea to be familiar with the inner workings of your toilet. It's amazing how rarely we think about the way the things we use every day (and couldn't live without) work. So, lets get to know your toilet.

  May 16, 2008 | Comments ()

Tree Decision: Keep'em or Cut'em?

We are big fans of trees being used as landscape elements to add detail or shelter to your home. But many times the tree begins to overstay it's welcome and the branches become unmanageable or the roots pull up the pathway or lead to damage to your foundation.

  May 16, 2008 | Comments ()

Repairing Damaged Baseboards

Crown, chair, and base Moldings add a touch of character and charm to any room no matter how old or new your home is. But these moldings are also not immune to the rigors of a household and often times they are subject to even more damage because they are located in high-traffic areas such as baseboards which are easily dinged by feet, furniture, and other moving objects.

  May 8, 2008 | Comments ()

Get Your Closets Back on Track

Chances are you have a closet somewhere in your apartment or house--more than one if you're lucky. After years of wear and tear or just years without renovation, you've probably also run into some "off-track" issues.

  May 7, 2008 | Comments ()

Clear a Clogged Kitchen or Bathroom Sink Drain

There's no more common household problem than clogged sink drains. One of our most popular articles is how-to replace a p-trap, but before you even look under the sink take a plunger and wet rag and try to dislodge the blockage.

  May 6, 2008 | Comments ()

Keep Your Appliances Running a Long Time

In a follow up to finding an appliance repairman, here are some suggestions from OldHouseWeb.com for maximizing the effective life of your appliances as well as how best to work with your appliance technician when they are troubleshooting your equipment.

  April 30, 2008 | Comments ()

How To Find an Appliance Repairman

Modern day appliances are a blessing but when they go bad they can cause nightmares at the most inopportune times. Contrary to how the majority of us treat our appliances, the moving parts in washers, dryers, and dishwashers do need regular maintenance to continue to happily run for years. Fortunately many of the American made appliances in the 70's and 80's were well built solid machines with parts widely available. As these machines retire at a rapid pace and have been replaced by high-tech appliances, the options for finding repairman to fix them is dwindling.

  April 29, 2008 | Comments ()

The Family Grill Update using Natural Gas

Well it seems I've shamed my family into replacing our 20 year old outdoor bbq grill. This week Dad picked up a Char-broil stainless stell unit for $179 from Big Lots with 3 burners and a side warmer. Our previous grill hooked right up to our natural gas outlet but discovered that this one wasn't going to go as easy.

  April 28, 2008 | Comments ()