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Replace a Toilet Flush Valve

By Linda Cottin |
 A leaky toilet can waste more than a hundred gallons of water in less than a month’s time. If the flapper in the toilet tank has been replaced and water is still seeping out of the tank into the bowl, it is most likely time to replace the flush… Read More

Replace a Electrical Plug End

By Linda Cottin |
Step 1:  Before replacing an electrical plug end make sure the lamp or appliance is unplugged, then use wire cutters or diagonal pliers to cut the old plug off. Leave as much good wire as possible. Step 2:  With kitchen scissors or wire cutters, snip down the center… Read More

Install a Bird House

By Linda Cottin |
Early spring is the perfect time to install a bird house.   Giving a little thought to the type of bird house being installed will increase the chances of attracting birds to nest. Step 1:  Decide what type of birds to attract.   Blue birds, wrens, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, swallows… Read More

Patch a Plaster Wall

By Linda Cottin |
Cracks or holes in plaster walls can be repaired with a little patience and a bag of patching plaster.  Pre-mixed joint compound or spackling will not adhere to plaster and though there are other products on the market that may work, in the end, plaster to plaster is the… Read More

Glaze a Window

By Linda Cottin |
Step 1:  When replacing glass in a wooden window frame it is best to remove the frame from the window casing and place the frame on a level flat surface. Carefully remove the old broken glass completely.  Step 2:  Scrape away all the old glazing with a glazing… Read More

Start Seeds Indoors

By Linda Cottin |
Get a jump on spring by starting garden seeds indoors.  Step 1:  Choose the right crops to start inside.   Cool weather crops including broccoli, cauliflower and kale are great, as are leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers and onions.  Root crops such as potatoes, turnips, beets, radishes and carrots are… Read More

Planting Native Grasses

By Linda Cottin |
Whether it is to replace an existing lawn or to create intrigue within a section of any yard, planting native grass is an easy way to add low maintenance beauty to any patch of land. Step 1: Little bluestem, side oats grama, and Virginia wild rye are all… Read More

Water a Home’s Foundation

By Linda Cottin |
Excessive heat and dry weather can wreak havoc on a home’s foundation.  Lack of moisture causes soils to crack and shrink, leaving the foundation unevenly supported.   As soil moisture levels change, foundations can shift and crack.  Foundation cracks themselves may not be a serious problem, but if the cracks… Read More

Replace a Dryer Cord

By Linda Cottin |
If you are ready to plug in that new or used clothes dryer, but the plug on the dryer does not match the outlet on the wall, replacing the cord on the dryer is much safer, easier and more economical than replacing the outlet on the wall. Step… Read More

Control Garden Pests Naturally

By Linda Cottin |
There are many ways to control pesky garden insects.  Here are a few ways that are good for you and good for the environment. Step 1:  Spray insecticidal soap on vegetation to control aphids, chiggers, flea beetles, mites, white flies and more. Purchase pre-made or mix up your… Read More