Maintenance & Repairs

Get your home improvement projects done safely and efficiently using these tips and how-to instructions.

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Everything in Maintenance & Repairs Basics Construction Energy Efficiency
  • 15 Ways to Stay Cool & Save

    With summers trending hotter and budgets getting tighter, it's tough to stay cool. Here's how to reduce your summer energy bills withou...

  • 24 Tips for Energy Efficient Homes

    A slideshow of 24 ways to save energy in your home

  • Architectural Salvage: Tips for Finding and Reusing Vintage Pieces

    Earth friendly architectural salvage pieces can add character and charm to your home. Here's what to look for.

  • About Solar Water Heaters

    Explore solar water heaters. How are they energy efficient? How much do they cost? How much will they save in utility costs? And how do...

  • Choosing Insulation

    When selecting insulation, judge it by its R-value, not its thickness. You'll find both the R-value and thickness marked on the wrapper...

  • Choosing Weather Stripping

    This handy chart briefs you on the right material for you.

  • Insulating a Floor

    Floors over basements, porches, garages, or other unheated zones need insulation, too. How you handle these heat-eaters depends on the ...

  • Insulating Basement Walls

    Finishing off a basement? Rigid foam insulation planks or soft blankets or batts offer two ways to go. Which you choose depends on wher...

  • Insulating Crawlspaces

    After attics, unheated crawlspaces are the next-most-vital places to insulate. You have two options: drape batts or blankets around the...

  • Insulating Ductwork and Pipes

    If you insulate pipes and ducts that run through unheated space, you can expect a significant savings in your energy bill.

  • Insulating Exterior Walls

    Don't assume that because your home is older and the walls are finished that you can't do anything about these energy wasters. The tech...

  • Ventilation for Energy Efficient Homes

    How to protect your family from radon poisoning when you seal your home to make it energy efficient

Plumbing
  • Water Softeners

    Learn about the different types of water softeners that you can use in your home.

  • Cleaning Drum Traps

    By cleaning the drum trap in your bathtub, you can speed-up drainage.

  • Cleaning Showerheads

    When soap scum starts building up on your showerhead, clean it and get a much more even spray.

  • Dismantling Fixture Traps

    When plunging does not remove a blockage, you might have to open the trap. Here's how to take it apart and clean it.

  • Fixing Leaky Tanks and Bowls

    Whether the problem is chronic or only occurs once in a while, a puddle of water below your toilet is easily fixed.

  • Fixing Sprayers, Diverters, and Aerators

    When water isn't coming out of your kitchen sprayer, you can fix it. Here's some easy steps to get a steady flow out of your sprayer ag...

  • Fixing Tank Run-On

    A running toilet is an easy fix. Sometimes a simple 5-minute adjustment can get the job done.

  • Installing a Garbage Disposal

    Simple how-to instructions with illustrations.

  • Repairing Leaks from Handles

    When your faucet handle starts leaking, there's no need to call a plumber. With just a few easy steps you can fix it yourself.

  • Replacing Sink Strainers

    When your sink strainer starts to collect dirt -- replace it, in about two hours.

  • Replacing Toilets

    Although calling a plumber would seem like the best thing to do, when you have to replace a toilet, you can do it yourself with little ...

  • Unclogging Showers

    When your shower isn't draining, try fixing it with an auger or even a garden hose.

  • Unclogging Toilets

    A clogged toilet happens in every home. Here's how to fix this common problem.

  • Unclogging Tubs

    If a bath tub is not draining, unclogging the pipe is not a hard project.

  • Using Simple Unclogging Methods

    A few easy steps can help your sink flow freely. Here's some different methods to unclog your pipes.

Tools Seasonal Maintenance
  • 11 Quick Fall Fix-Ups for Your Home

    If you're pressed for time to tune up your home before winter, focus on these weekend projects to help it look better and last longer w...

  • 21 Projects to Consider Before Thanksgiving

    Make your holidays happier by completing these home improvement projects before Thanksgiving.

  • Fall Home Projects

    Fall is the perfect time to complete home improvement projects -- see our tips for projects to wrap up before winter arrives.

  • Get Your House Prepped for Winter

    Ease into cool weather with design ideas and quick projects that will keep your house feeling sunny and comfortable through the cold se...

  • Holiday Home Projects

    Make your home feel cozier and with less stress this holiday season by seeking help with these home projects.


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