From plumbing to kitchens to bathrooms to landscaping to just about any DIY project, we have the tips, tricks and supplies to help. To learn more, visit our How To Encyclopedia, powered by Do It Best Hardware or just click on the Project Guide button to the right.
HOW TO UNCLOG A DRAIN OR PIPE
If the clog is located in a drain or pipe, you should first try to clear it using a standard plunger. If the plunger doesn’t open up the drain, the next step is to get directly at the clog by using an auger or snake.
First and foremost, NEVER use a plunger if chemical clearers were added to the drainpipes. Splashing water can cause skin burns and severe eye injuries. Second, make sure that overflow drains are stopped up with wet rags BEFORE plunging. For sinks with two drains – cover up one of the openings and plunge the other. This ensures that the pressure applied with the plunger will push out the clog and not be released through the drain in the other sink. And third, once the overflow drain or other sink is plugged, run enough water into the sink to cover the cup, providing a better seal around the cup.
If plunging a couple of times doesn’t clear the clog, you will need to open up the trap and get at the clog directly. Placing a bucket underneath the trap catches any water or debris when the trap is removed. Once it’s open, an auger or snake can be slipped into the pipe to clear clogs further down in the pipe system. As the snake encounters resistance, slide the handle up and lock it, then spin it clockwise. Continue feeding more of the snake in and keep spinning until the snake moves freely in the pipe. When it does, simply pull the snake out of the pipe and into the bucket. There should be debris at the end of the snake. Once the trap and drain is reassembled, use the plunger on the sink again to force out any remaining pieces of the clog still in the pipes.
TIPS FOR FEEDING YOUR FEATHERED FRIENDS
According to a report on eco-tourism, bird watching is one of the most popular and fastest growing recreational activities in North America. Luckily, you can partake of this educational and entertaining hobby with one (or more!) of Do it Best’s many bird feeders. With the right choice of food, proper placement and a minimum of care and maintenance, you can make many new feathered friends.
Autumn is the best time to install a bird feeder. Birds that are wintering in you area will begin to establish a pattern of feeding to carry them through the colder months. Being small and warm blooded, they have to consume a relatively large amount of food each day. However, you should not feed migratory birds like hummingbirds, finches and robins in the fall since you want to encourage them to continue their normal wintering habits. Don’t worry; you’ll see them again when the warm weather returns!
Keep in mind that different species of birds prefer different styles of feeders. Bluebirds, cardinals, and doves prefer platform feeders. Tube feeders are more popular among finches, nuthatches, and woodpeckers. Humming birds, tanagers and orioles desire nectar feeders filled with specially formulated syrup. Remember, it is extremely important to clean all your feeders at least once every two weeks. Use a 9:1 mixture of water and bleach, rinsing well, and let the feeders air dry before re-hanging. When you refill them daily, shake out damp seeds and remove empty shells or hulls.
Experiment with different mixtures of seed to see what birds you can attract. Dawn and dusk are the best times to put out a measured amount of food and monitor it. If you’re consistent, the birds will soon adjust their foraging to include your little oasis. Once you begin feeding, though, it is important to continue; your friends may become dependent upon you, especially after storms.
Choose a place to install your feeder that is close to flora where birds tend to gather; nearby overgrowth also provides good hiding places when predators like hawks come by. Make sure that you protect your feeders from rain and snowfall, and position them far enough above the ground where they won’t be at risk from cats and dogs. Also, keep in mind that food will attract other animals, so clean the ground below and consider installing baffles against unwanted invaders such as squirrels.
Home Improvement Hints: Selecting the Right Caulks and Sealants
With the wide variety of caulk and sealant products available today… many do-it-yourselfers have a difficult time figuring out which one is right for their particular job.
Generally, a sealant is used to prevent air and water from entering an area. For instance around dryer vents.
Caulks, on the other hand are generally used to fill a void, for example, where a sink meets the counter. However, it’s important to note that today many caulks are also formulated to a provide a watertight, weatherproof seal, and may be a good choice for your project.
The first things you’ll need to consider are the following: Will the caulk be used inside the house or outside? What type of surface, or surfaces will be caulked? How much movement or stress will the caulked area undergo? And, do you plan to paint over the caulk?
Once you’ve answered these four questions, you can begin to narrow down the choices.
If the caulk is to be used inside, for example, along a back splash or around a sink, a latex or acrylic latex caulk is probably the best choice. These products are easy to use, easy to clean up, they have low odor, and are easy to paint.
For indoor projects that require a high degree of water resistance and flexibility, an acrylic latex caulk with silicone may be a better choice. These caulks also offer better adhesion and a longer life. If you plan to paint over the caulk, be sure to read the product’s package, because some caulks that contain silicone cannot be painted.
If a caulk is to be used in a high-humidity area, a bathroom for example, you should use caulk that is mildew-resistant.
For outdoor projects, for example around window or door frames, siding and vents, a silicone sealant is the best choice. Silicone sealants form a weatherproof seal that remains flexible and won’t crack, crumble or dry out. In fact, some silicone sealants feature a lifetime durability guarantee. In addition, silicone sealants withstand greater stress over a wide temperature span and offer better adhesion than outdoor caulks.
If you’re still confused, just ask one of our friendly sales associates for guidance. Pfeil Hardware carries a wide range of sealants and caulks to help you with your projects.
