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Archive for the ‘DIY plumbing’ Category
how to repair a frozen plumbing line
While on a recent trip to the northwest doing some research, during a walk through inspection in a 2 story home the kitchen ceiling showed visible drywall water damage. And directly above the ceiling was the upstairs bathroom. They had cut an inspection hole for access and discovered a frozen copper water line that was very near an exterior wall, ironically there was no visible signs of insulation in the exterior wall that was causing the extreme cold temps to permeate the pipes and freezing a section here. 
Using a wrench and tapping on the lines it was evident where it became solid and damaging the connections, we had cut this small portion out and removed it and simply added 2 SharkBite fittings for the repair in all of 10 minutes. SharkBite slip locking connector fittings have saved us tons of expense and time with labor costs and their ever present availability.
In this particular short sale acquisition of real property, we did not exert much effort in influencing the lenders BPO agent for it became very clear there were enough visual damages to validate a discounted CMA. Having these tools and knowing how to facilitate them has changed our financial futures forever.
3 way tub/ hot and cold + diverter
This is another way to view the 3-way tub / shower diverter fill spout, because with the valve body buried inside the framing [wall] you use and see the hot and cold handles, but the one in the middle is the diverter handle, it’s only function is to put water in the tub or after turning clockwise, closes the tub fill spout and diverts the water to the shower head.
Where as the single handle set up will mix the hot and cold and require only the flip of a switch on the tub fill spout itself.
When the 3-way style has a blown valve stem seal, it will noticeably be losing water to the tub as you are trying to take your shower. Wasting water and driving up those utility bills and costing you dollars instead of making any sense. The diy area of this plumbing repair is just a pair of wrenches and a potential valve seat rebuild kit. Most of which anyone can obtain at HomeDepot, in the plumbing repair section. Matching the brand and model is always extremely helpful. If not simply removing the valve stem and having it with you while searching for the plumbing repair part is your next best choice.
Keeping in mind that most bathroom or kitchen remodels are the most lucrative remodeling projects for your investment dollar, when it comes time to sell and move onto the next one.
DIY tub spout diverter repair
Hey, tired of the way this economy seems to keep dragging? Let’s face the facts folks, every penny adds to a dollar and so on and so forth…. now take the water bill IE, it can be lowered within a few well invested penny’s on a daily count and of course this goes back to that ever elusive dollar again.
Your bathtub / shower combo has a diverter that when pulled slightly upward stops the tub fill and redirects the water to the shower head. IF the diverter is in proper order it will not allow little , if any water going into the tub. Rather when it’s ready to be replaced or repaired, the volume of water going up and out the shower head has been significantly decreased, because the diverter seal is not sealing 100% and losing/wasting gallons of water straight to the drain below. The end result is more time for rinsing off and higher water/utility bills. The rough plumbing 1/2′ nipple holds the tub spout in place and is very easily screwed off by spinning counter clockwise [lefty loosy-righty tighty] and replacing with a new energy efficient one. Although some replacement parts are available at some of your better home improvement stores in the do-it yourself plumbing repair section, if need be.
Remember that bath and kitchen remodels will bring you the best ROI on your diy home improvements, if done with taste and done correctly.
Even more reasons to DIY
On Thursday February 18, 2010, 5:31 pm EST
In any aspect of home repairing the article below hit the press this week and regardless of flooring, plumbing, siding or cabinetry in today”s market the new rich will overcome all the economic woe’s to live the life that we are all supposed to live. Get your DIY tip today and save again for that sunny day that’s just on the horizon.
The real estate crisis has gutted house prices, tipped millions into foreclosure, and rattled the global economy to its core. But for many would-be home buyers, the historic boom and bust have been a blessing in disguise. During the first half of the previous decade, easy credit and speculative excitement worked to make houses increasingly expensive. By the fourth quarter of 2005, median home prices had reached 2.77 times median household incomes. That is sharply higher than the 1.92 average of the 15 years ending in 2003 and too expensive for many families. But the subsequent crash in home prices–values have fallen roughly 30 percent at the national level from their 2006 peaks–has helped restore affordability to this once inflated market. By the third quarter of 2009, the price-to-income ratio–a key measure of housing affordability–had fallen below its 15-year average, to 1.84 for the nation as a whole.
Splitting a 4 unit into 4 units
Multi family dwellings such as apartments or condos, if bought right and split right can be an extremely profitable and people helping real estate strategy. But these cannot be accomplished with just any multi family building, you must know how to see an opportunity that exists and when to move onto the next one.
Properties that can make the bank or break the bank.
Any DIY’er has the power to accomplish any of the acquisition strategies mentioned above by learning how to use OPM , the mentors in our community are also the practitioners that have walked the walk. Turning a pipe wrench for some plumbing repairs and improvements also have the ability to change your perception of this life and we like the future just as it sits in any economic environment.
Change a Light - Change a Life
(CBS/ AP) Has been reporting another real problem on the isle of Haiti, it’s there children and the lack of family to see over them, another report say’s others are selling these kids for $ 20 dollars to what they describe as foreigners? Lacking volunteers as well as resources to stop the mayhem. The smallest survivors of Haiti’s catastrophic earthquake are growing into one of the biggest problems in its aftermath. 
Many of the countless thousands of children scattered among Port-au-Prince’s makeshift camps of homeless have nobody to care for them, aid workers say, leaving them without protection against disease, child predators and other risks.
“They are extremely vulnerable,” said Kate Conradt, a spokeswoman for the aid group Save the Children.
She said U.N. experts estimate there may be 1 million unaccompanied or orphaned children or youngsters who lost at least one parent in the Jan. 12 quake.
Some young Haitians are even being released from hospitals with no one to care for them - there just aren’t enough beds for them.
“Health workers are being advised to monitor and send separated/unaccompanied children to child-friendly spaces,” the U.N. humanitarian office said in its latest situation report.
My story is this: I believe that we all can help to make a difference here, “change a light” is the vessel that can help produce something a little extra in time of need. Your purchases via our e-store affiliates will generate a commission from the sale, and that commission is going to the Haiti relief fund, plain and simple every dime could help change somebody’s dire situation. Thank you in advance for participating.![if your going to do it, anyway's!!! [energy efficient lighting]](http://www.my-diy-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/645e3e5f1c185e2a.jpg "if your going to do it, anyway's!!! [energy efficient lighting]")
Rebuilding Haiti
It’s been 24 hrs since i have reached out to Mr Scott Kraft, a Los Angeles times media reporter. My message was very clear and to the point, in that i wish to donate 100% of the commission proceeds for 1 month, starting yesterday. I expect for him to publish our story and return my phone call and e-message tonight, we want to put a little pressure on all of our E-store affiliates IE., Sears.com/ Amazon.com and Home Depot.com, when they meet our challenge of charitable contributions and building supplies as well as energy efficient lighting fixtures and plumbing supplies.
The building codes are questionable at best but that will not stop the masses from any further advancements. We will build a better tomorrow for the people of Haiti and their families, that have suffered long enough. Our vision here at My-DIY.net is for a brighter future in all the world, pull soldiers from the middle east and put soldiers to work on an island that right now is far worse off than any war zone Mr Obama, let us help each other in this world and end the chaos today.
Stand tall you masses and understand how critical a place these Haitians are in at this very moment, tell a friend/coworker/family member about this action that requires all of us to rise above and shout ” WE CAN DO THIS”. Climb on board with that donation and help make a difference today.
Haitian Relief [proposal]
Good evening world. As we can all sit back in the comfort of our homes tonight, there are many out there that have not been quite as fortunate. But my vision and beliefs are that we all can do something to aide those in need. I just left a message for Scott Kraft of the LosAngeles Times news paper, asking him to help circulate our story. Me here, on this world exposed blog, am offering 100% of the affiliate marketing proceeds as a charitable contribution. All of the purchases staring at 7:30 pm pst will be going towards a lump sum dollar amount to the people in dire straights of Haiti. The catastrophic events of the 7.0 earthquake that tore down this place nearly 2 weeks ago has many children and their families literally upside down.
Any of us that want to help, can and will by using anyone of many E-stores via here on this blog site or at MY-DIY.net. When enough of us pitch in we are able to give back a little bit to help make a difference. From Home Depot / Amazon / Bestbuy / Commission Junction or Ebay all of which are my affiliates. I am also asking that everyone of those mentioned here and now stand up and meet us with our purchase power. If Home Depot / Amazon.com / Bestbuy.com / Commission Junction or Ebay.com can hear us roar, they will hear loud and clear that this is a challenge. That’s right, we are calling them to the mat for a no holds barred bout of matching the funds and or materials to donate.
Not only will this be of great service, the 2009 tax benefits can be of credit for all of our next filings on april 15. Lets create a better avenue of building services and appliances. I expect that Mr Kraft will help us with the broader publishing efforts involved but email this to as many friends as possible and lets start today by making a grander difference in this life.
Sincerely,
Craig E. president
MY-DIY.net and MY-DIY-BLOG.com
Insulate the ATTIC
1. Insulation
Heat loss through walls, floors and the roof accounts for about 45% of heat loss (or cooling loss, in summer) in a typical home, says Anna Lowen, researcher for the American Council for an Energy efficient Economy. Attics are often the easiest thing to insulate, and rolling out some Owens Corning fiberglass is often a DIY weekend project. Need more incentive? There’s a significant federal tax credit for installing insulation — 30% (up to $1,500) of the cost of materials.
- spend $5,000 and get $1,500 back
- live more comfortably today
- boost the resale value [portfolio]
- install vinyl replacement windows
- low flow plumbing fixtures
- energy efficient appliances
- DIY and save huge
Glass shower doors
***BED and BATH TIPS***
**Shower Doors**
When installing any type of shower, provisions must be made to make sure the water stays in the shower area. This can be most easily accomplished by use of either a shower curtain or a shower door.
Shower curtains have the advantage of being generally inexpensive and easily replaced, but their disadvantages are that they are hard to clean; they lack durability and wear out rather quickly. Light doesn’t penetrate them well. Most important, they’re also usually inefficient at holding water in the shower.
Fixed doors solve all of these problems. Clear or etched glass, swing in or swing out, DIY and design any thing you can envision. Chrome, brass or bronze you call the finish.
Shower doors are sold in a variety of configurations depending on the opening that they are designed to cover. This may be the opening over a tub, the open side of a one-piece enclosure, or the doorway to a custom shower.
Shower doors may operate as sliding (bypass) doors, swinging doors, or a combination of both (bi-fold). The choice depends largely on personal preference, but also on the layout of the bathroom.