Build a Raised Garden Bed: If you love gardening, building a raised garden bed is a great way to add some color and life to your yard. It's easy to build with just a few pieces of wood and some screws, and you can fill it with your favorite flowers, herbs, or vegetables.
Create a Pathway: Add some charm to your yard by creating a beautiful pathway. You can use stones, bricks, or even wood chips to create a natural-looking walkway. Not only will it look great, but it will also prevent people from trampling on your grass.
Make a Bird Feeder: If you love wildlife, making a bird feeder is a fun and easy project. All you need is some wood, a few nails, and some bird seed. Hang it from a tree or place it on a post, and you'll soon have a flock of feathered friends visiting your yard.
Paint Your Fence: If your fence is looking a bit dull, why not give it a fresh coat of paint? Choose a bright color to add some personality to your yard. Just be sure to use outdoor paint that will hold up against the elements.
Build a Fire Pit: There's nothing quite like sitting around a fire on a cool evening. Building a fire pit is a great DIY project that will add a cozy touch to your yard. You can use stones or bricks to create a ring, and fill it with a propane burner for a hassle-free fire.
With these easy and fun DIY yard tips, you'll be able to transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and inviting place that you'll love spending time in. So grab your tools and get started!
]]>A sump pump is one of the most important pieces of plumbing equipment in a house. The pump's main purpose is to move the water under your home and around its foundation away to a safer location. This ensures the excess water does not weaken the foundation, damage any possessions or flood your basement.
1. PERFORM A QUICK INSPECTION OF THE PUMP ITSELF AND ITS OUTLET PIPE
Start by listening and looking. Check for excessive groundwater around the foundation. Also remove the cover and look inside the sump pit. If there is little water, chances are the pump is working. Look for any external damage and obstructions in the surrounding pit as well. Lastly check the outlet pipe that carries water away from your home and ensure it is blockage free.
2. MAKE SURE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ARE IN ORDER
Your sump pump should be plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. This will protect it from a potential short while it is submerged. If your power often goes out in a storm it may also be a good idea to consider a battery-powered backup pump that will operate if your main sump pump stops working.
3. POUR A BUCKET OF WATER INTO THE SUMP PIT
Fill a bucket with water and pour it slowly around the sump pump. The pump should kick on once the water level reaches a predetermined level below the basement floor. If the pump doesn’t turn on, it may be either clogged or damaged, and you should consider calling a licensed plumber for help.
4. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE SUMP PUMP
You should inspect and test your sump pump at least once a year. The typical lifespan for one of these devices is 10 years. If your sump pump runs often, consider replacing it every 5-7 years.
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Teflon tape is a quick and clean way to seal threads in most applications. When applying Teflon tape, care must be taken to apply the tape correctly or leaking may still occur. You should wrap the thread 2-3 times around the threads in a counter-clockwise direction so that the tape doesn't bunch up when it is screwed into the pipe. Do not over-tighten, as this may cause the tape to become thin or break in spots, while under-tightening may allow water through.
For professional, long-term or industrial applications, Teflon paste, although messy and more difficult to apply, will provide a more reliable seal that won't leak if the plastic pipe distorts over time. Teflon paste should be applied to both the male and female threads.
]]>All the joints in PVC piping whether it's used for irrigation drains and vents in house plumbing, or as a part of a central vacuum system, are literally welded together with a chemical solvent. The solvent cement, applied to both of the pieces being joined, temporarily melts a thin layer of PVC, which re-solidifies in seconds after the pieces are put together and form a seamless, waterproof, airtight seal. The process is simple but unforgiving of error-once the weld sets, the only way to change it is to cut it off. Here's how to keep mistakes to a minimum.