Build Your Own Binoculars For Kids

Building pretend binoculars is a fun project for kids, especially during the summer months when they can spend hours outdoors exploring. These are detailed instructions that your child can follow to build her own pair of binoculars, using items you can find around your home. Note that because they don't use real lenses, they won't make things appear closer.

Instructions

1. Place the two toilet paper (or paper towel) rolls side by side so that you are able to look through the hole of one roll with each eye. Staple each end where the two rolls touch. This will hold your binoculars together.

2. Wrap one square of the plastic wrap sheet over one hole on your roll. Wrap one rubber band around the edges of the plastic wrap to secure it in place. Place your second plastic wrap sheet and rubber band over your second hole that is directly next to the hole you just finished. These are your binocular "lenses."

3. Use crayons or markers to decorate the outside of your binoculars. You are now ready to explore your backyard with your new binoculars.

4. You can also make a strap to carry your new binoculars around your neck. Measure a piece of string that is long enough to go around your neck once. Continue pulling your string so that it is about 3 inches longer, then cut it. This allows some extra room for your binoculars to rest comfortably around your neck. If you cut the string too short, the string will choke you.

5. Take one end of the string and staple it to the outside edge of the toilet paper roll on the opposite side of where you put your lenses. You do not want to staple the string next to your lenses, because your binoculars will be upside down. Staple the other end of your string to the outside edge of the second roll.

Tags: your binoculars, around your, around your neck, plastic wrap, your neck, outside edge

Diy Plumbing Repair

Knowing perform DIY plumbing repairs is a useful skill when emergency plumbing problems present themselves and the money needed to fix them does not. After time, pipes, seals, and gaskets began to weaken, and there will come a time in which a DIY plumbing repair job will be necessary. Plumbing repairs are actually easy, and minor repairs are not expensive. Does this Spark an idea?

Troubleshooting

For most homeowners, plumbing problems are the result of faulty fixtures and clogged drains. Before launching a full-scale DIY plumbing repair, first perform some routine troubleshooting.

To stop small leaks around valves and faucets, disconnect the water and inspect the rubber seals; also replace worn plumbers tape on threaded fixtures. Tighten screws within faucet fixtures and tightening any threaded adapters. If these actions do not alleviate the problem, it is most likely time to replace the fixture.

For drains clogged with grease, try a no-cost remedy that often works to release the grease and open the pipe. Pour about a cup of regular table salt directly into the drain, followed by a large pan of boiling water. Allow this mixture to drain through and test the drain with a cup of boiling water. If the drain shows improvement, repeat the procedure until the drain is flowing smoothly. However, for persistent clogs, purchase a professional strength clog remover from the local home-improvement store. If none of these steps opens the drain, consider renting an auger or plumber's snake from the hardware store. Augers work best on drains slowed by excessive waste materials, foreign objects and tree roots.

Replacing Fixtures and Pipes

Replacing fixtures and pipes is trickier than troubleshooting small DIY plumbing repairs. First, it helps to be familiar with the plumbing system throughout the house. Knowing the sizes of all the plumbing pipes and adapters used will make emergency shopping easier and more efficient. Keep leftover materials from previous DIY plumbing repairs accessible and in good condition. Note the locations of shut-off valves and the rooms they control.

Also, note the types of plumbing throughout the house. Although plastic and copper plumbing differ in bonding methods, removal and installation are the same. To remove old pipes or fixtures, turn off the supply water, cut the pipe with pipe cutters, allowing trapped water to drain into a bucket or drain below, and remove the broken piece or fixture. Then attach couplings to the cut pieces and insert the new section into the couplings. As for the bonding methods, brush copper ends with flux, attach a coupling and then heat the pipe with a propane torch until the solder sucks into the crevice between the coupling and pipe to create a seal. Plastic plumbing adheres by coating ends with plumber's PVC or CPVC glue and inserting into a coupling. Allow glue to dry before turning the water back on. Couplings connect pipes and come in various corner degrees and T-shapes. Seal threaded couplings for plastic or copper with Teflon tape or plumber's putty. When replacing fixtures like toilets or bathtubs, it is useful to have a color-coded map of water lines and fixtures. Repair any areas damaged by water before beginning plumbing repairs. Then simply install the fixture, securing per manufacturer's instructions, and connect the water lines.

Know When to Call a Professional

Although completing a DIY plumbing repair is very gratifying, sometimes hiring a professional is the best choice. For gas-line repair or installation, hire a certified plumber. Sewer and backed-up systems should be handled by professionals anytime digging or city involvement is required. When installing items that require electrical wiring--such as heaters and disposal systems--consider the electrical risks and hire an electrician to handle that aspect of the project. Also, be sure to follow any city codes and regulations.

Tags: plumbing repairs, plumbing repair, boiling water, bonding methods, ends with, pipe with, plastic copper

Fill Holes In A Concrete Driveway

If you are like many homeowners, you probably feel comfortable performing some basic home maintenance tasks. Finding holes in your concrete driveway however, may cause you to pause on go about repairing it. This is understandable because this type of job probably falls outside the realm of the normal repair jobs you do. Fortunately, anyone with average do-it-yourself skills can handle filling holes in a concrete driveway if he follows the right method. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Fix large holes by first undercutting them. For small holes, go straight to Step 4. Undercut the hole by using a hammer and chisel to chip away concrete at the bottom of the hole so that the bottom of the hole is wider than the top. Undercut the hole to a minimum depth of 1 inch. This step is necessary so that the new concrete will bond with the old concrete.

2. Clean out the hole of any loose debris and dust by using a wire brush first, and then a turkey baster to blow out the dust. Finally, flush it out with water from a garden hose.

3. Fill the bottom of large holes with finely crushed gravel up to within 1 inch of the top. Smaller holes do not need any gravel.

4. Mix the latex cement according to the directions from the manufacturer. This usually involves pouring the contents of one of the cans into the other to form a mix with the consistency of paste.

5. Apply the latex cement mix in the holes in 1/4-inch layers at a time. Use a trowel to smooth the top of each layer and allow it to firm up and dry a little before adding each successive layer.

6. Continue this process until the level of the latex cement is the same as that of the surrounding driveway. Smooth and finish the top layer to match the driveway. Allow it to dry completely (check the manufacturer's recommendations), and your job is complete.

Tags: latex cement, bottom hole, concrete driveway, large holes, Undercut hole

Fix A Dvd Rw Rom Drive

Troubleshooting a DVD RW drive takes a few steps.

A DVD-RW drive, or DVD rewriter may run into certain problems over its lifespan. Problems can range from not being recognized by the computer to not being able to burn a DVD. Before you pick up the phone to give technical support a call, you can follow these steps to try to fix the problem on your own.

Instructions

1. Check to see if the DVD-RW is unable to read or write. If it can read but not write, there may be a problem with the laser calibration. the lens is dirty, or you are attempting to burn too fast. Reduce the burn speed in your burning software and attempt the burn again. If it works you just need to reduce the burn speed when you're making a DVD. Laser calibration issues generally need a replacement unit.

2. Turn off the computer and unplug it from the socket. Remove the case and locate the DVD-RW drive. Check the physical connections on the DVD-RW drive, ensuring that the power cable and IDE cable are connected properly. Blow canned air into the unit to clear out any debris that may be causing problems. Put the case back on, plug in the computer, and turn it on. Use a laser lens cleaner. Attempt to read and write a DVD again.

3. Update the DVD-RW drivers. Go to the manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers for your model. Try reading or writing a DVD after the driver upgrade. A driver compatibility issue may have stopped the drive from working properly.

4. Update the DVD burning software and try a different type of blank DVD.

Tags: DVD-RW drive, read write, burn speed, burning software

Remove Window Sash

Double-hung windows usually have removable window sashes.

Most modern double-hung windows contain two separate window sashes: the lower sash, which moves in place and provides ventilation for a room, and an upper sash that remains stationary within the window frame. For repair or replacement reasons, as well as ease of cleaning, window manufacturing companies build the sashes so that you can remove them from the window frame. The process is a quick one that doesn't require any specialized tools. The window sash tilts right out of the frame, ready for whatever work you need to do to it before reversing the removal process and slipping it right back into place. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Release the locking mechanism on the top of the lower window sash in the frame. Remove the interior jamb bar that crosses the top of the lower window sash. Unscrew the bar from each side of the window, using a flat-head screwdriver, and pull it free.

2. Slip a putty knife into the window frame at the upper corners of the sash. Slide it between the side of the sash and the jamb liner, the vertical ridge inside the window frame that guides the movement of the sash. Begin at the point where the top of the sash meets the liner. Work the putty knife downward to release the latch that holds the window in the jamb liner. Raise the window in the frame about three inches.

3. Tilt the top of the window sash forward from the frame until the sash lies parallel to the ground. It will still be held within the frame with just the bottom of the sash remaining in place.

4. Lift the horizontal sash two inches in the frame to clear the retainer clips on the sides of the sash. Rotate the sash within the frame counterclockwise until the right bottom corner clears the frame. Pull the sash from the window

5. Remove the jamb fillers in the jamb liner, located in front of the upper sash.The fillers help hold the window vertically so it won't fall inward. Pry the fillers carefully from the window jamb with a flat-head screwdriver, then rotate them from the groove. Remove the lower jamb filler beneath the upper window sash using the same process, so that you can lower the sash within the frame.

6. Lower the upper sash within the window frame four inches. Press the sash-release latches on the top edges of the sash inward, unlocking the sash from the window frame.

7. Tilt the sash forward until it's horizontal. Lift it two inches within the frame to clear the retainer clips. Give the sash a counterclockwise turn to clear the frame and pull the upper sash free.

Tags: window frame, window sash, from window, upper sash, within frame, jamb liner, sash within

Federal Government Affordable Housing Grants

Federal funding is sometimes used to renovate old buildings into comfortable apartments.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development office have several homestead programs that reach low- to moderate-income families in communities across the country. Some initiatives are aimed at rental units, but there are others for building new homes and still other ones for renovating buildings and homes. Local governments apply for HUD grant money, and in some instances states administer programs on behalf of HUD. Does this Spark an idea?

Block Grants

According to HUD (Reference 1), the federal government gives states funding to improve the housing stock in small cities as part of a Community Development Block Grant program/ Programs operating in larger areas fall under the Entitlement Communities Block Grant program. Qualified cities, towns, and counties apply to their respective state housing and/or community renewal organizations for money. Grants can be used to build homes for income-qualified first-time home buyers, or they could fund electrical, heating, roofing, plumbing, and exterior renovations for owner-occupied homes that have fallen into disrepair.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program

HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Program grants help to communities that were disproportionately affected by foreclosures and abandonment. Under this initiative, HUD provides local governments or nonprofit agencies money to buy and renovate foreclosed property. Twenty-five percent of each grant must be spent on housing for low-income residents.

Rural Development Home Repair Loan and Grant Program

The USDA's Home Repair Loan and Grant Program serves income-eligible homeowners who are 62 and over. Grants, which are awarded to very low-income seniors, cover repairs that are necessary to make a home handicap-accessible, and can also be used for roof repairs, new heating systems, and plumbing improvements.

Tags: Block Grant, Block Grant program, Grant program, Grant Program, Home Repair, Home Repair Loan, Loan Grant

Repair An Evaporator Coil On A Refrigerator

Rerigerators use evaporator coils to cool the air inside.

A refrigerator uses refrigerant evaporation to cool air blown across an evaporator coil. A compressor pulls the refrigerant vapor back and condenses it to a high-pressure high-temperature vapor. This vapor cools and condenses back to a liquid as it passes through a fan cooled condensing coil. Then high pressure liquid travels back to an orifice at the start of the evaporator coil where the process starts over. Residential refrigerators should have the freezer set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit and the refrigerator set at 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the panel covering the evaporator coil. This panel, found in the freezer compartment, will need either a Phillips screwdriver or a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the holding screws.

2. Remove the hold-down clamps on the evaporator coil with either a Phillips screwdriver or a 1/4-inch nut driver. Hold-down clamps prevent the coil from vibrating when the refrigerator runs and screw directly to the refrigerator body.

3. Find the leaks in the evaporator coil. Look for rubbed areas, oily spots and heavily oxidized areas. Pay extra attention to the bends in the coil tubing.

4. Clean the leak area with sand paper. Completely remove all loose material and debris, especially refrigerant oil. Avoid pushing debris into the hole. Wipe all sanding dust off of the leak area with a clean rag.

5. Connect a vacuum pump to the refrigerator's refrigerant service valve, found near the compressor. The service valve looks like a over-sized valve found on a tire, except its made of metal. A hand-held automotive vacuum pump will work on a refrigerator.

6. Pull a vacuum with the vacuum pump. Try to create a vacuum of at least 10 inches of mercury. Large leaks in the evaporator coil may prevent this. A vacuum will pull the patch into the leak, creating a better bond.

7. Knead a 1 inch section of epoxy putty with your hands. Continue to mix the putty until it has a uniform color and texture.

8. Press the epoxy putty over the leaking area. Wrap the putty around the pipe. The patch should extend about 1/2-inch on each side of the leak. Finish applying the epoxy putty within 3 minutes of mixing.

9. Check the vacuum gauge. Pull a 10 inches of mercury vacuum on the refrigerant system. Disconnect the vacuum pump.

10. Check the vacuum reading after 24 hours. A leak still exists if the vacuum reading has dropped. Perform a leak test and repair as necessary.

Tags: evaporator coil, vacuum pump, epoxy putty, 4-inch driver, area with

Set Up A Home Equity Loan In Quicken

Set Up a Home Equity Loan in Quicken

Quicken 2010 Deluxe offers an easy, user-friendly way to keep track of your home equity loan, make payments and prepare for federal and state income tax returns. Setting up a home equity loan account in this personal finance software package takes less than 10 minutes.

Instructions

1. Go to quicken.intuit.com to purchase a copy of Quicken 2010 Deluxe. Choose to download the software directly to your computer or request a CD-ROM. Install the program, setting up your basic account following the setup wizard instructions.

2. Look to the left sidebar called "Accounts." Select the button called "Add Account." It is at the bottom of the Accounts column.

3. Quicken takes you through a series of windows asking you for information you will find on your loan documents. Each window takes just a few pieces of data that drives the next data collection window. The software asks whether or not you make a balloon payment, whether or not this is a new home equity loan or an existing loan, the length of the loan, interest payments, etc.

4. After completing all the windows, Quicken offers a series of summary windows giving you an opportunity to correct any errors. If you don't have statements when you first set up your home equity loan account in Quicken, you can provide estimates until you receive the correct documentation. Quicken will allow you to make changes.

5. The Payment Details window signals the final stages of the setup. From these screens you can establish other accounts to track insurance payments, taxes and associated assets. You can set up the account to automatically pay the loan online or send you a reminder to write a check. After providing payment information, Quicken lists your home equity loan and your assets in the "Account" column and shows your scheduled payment on a calendar.

Tags: equity loan, home equity loan, your home, your home equity, 2010 Deluxe, Equity Loan, equity loan account

Make A Banana Hair Mask

Bananas are the perfect fruit for increasing strength, endurance and...shine? That's right, because bananas are the perfect "hair food." Your hair can be dramatically improved by a hair mask the same way that you will see immediate improvement in your face following a facial, and bananas are the number one ingredient in this particular strengthening and volumizing mask. In this article, we will discuss make a banana hair mask. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Peel the bananas. You can save the peelings for another treatment or throw them away at this time.

2. Puree the bananas in the blender.Make sure that there are no lumps left in the liquid.

3. Add in the mayonnaise and olive oil. The liquid should become smooth and creamy.

4. Mix in 2 drops of essential oils.This will make your hair smell a little less like fruit. You can add more than 2 drops if you wish.

5. Pour the mixture into the plastic container. Depending on how much hair you have, you will have enough hair mask for one to four treatments. Save the rest in the plastic container and store it in the refrigerator. Now, when you have about 30 minutes to spare, you can moisturize and strengthen your hair with your own banana hair mask.

Tags: banana hair, banana hair mask, hair mask, hair mask, plastic container, your hair

Qualify For Making Home Affordable Program

Making home affordable program is a government program to help home owner stay in their home by refinance or modify their home loan to an affordable monthly mortgage payment. This program enacted by government in March 2009 as a part of Obama housing program to stabilize the housing market.

Instructions

1. Not all home loan qualify for making home affordable modification program, there are several basic requirements to qualify for making home affordable modification program. Not all lenders participate in this program either, however government gives incentives to the participating lenders. It's a win-win situation for home owner and lenders. Lenders or mortgage servicers help home owner to stay in their home by modify their home loan to an affordable mortgage payment, thus it help lenders to avoid further loss result from foreclosure.

2. To qualify for this program the home has to be home owner primary resident or owner occupy property, investment property doesn't qualify under this making home affordable program.

3. The loan amount on the first mortgage should be equal or less than $729,750. This making home affordable modification program only apply for first mortgage, if home owner also have the second mortgage or second liens against the property, home owner need to consult with the second mortgage holder separately for the loan modification or other option for the second loan. The second mortgage can be held by the same lender or different lender.

4. The current mortgage on the first lien need to be originated before January 1st 2009, and home owner first mortgage payment including principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI) is more than 31% of the home owner's gross monthly income.

5. To be qualified home owners also need to state the financial hardship they're currently facing to afford the mortgage payment. It can be from income reduction, increase in expenses (such as medical bills or credit card payments), change in familial status (such as new baby born), etc.

6. Most lenders will ask for supporting documents to give the final approval for making home affordable modification program. Most lenders also provide financial statement sheet that home owner can fill out to state their incomes, expenses, assets and liabilities.

Tags: home owner, home affordable, affordable modification, affordable modification program, home affordable modification, making home affordable, modification program

Repair Time Warner Cable

If you contract with a cable TV service provider like Time Warner, part of the service agreement will almost always include a technical support department -- some of which are staffed 24 hours a day, though this depends on your provider -- that can help address and troubleshoot and technical problems you experience when using your cable service. It's wise, however, to learn some basic troubleshooting skills on your own, thus enabling you to address and possibly fix the problems you encounter without the need to spend any time waiting on the phone for a technical support rep. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Reset any digital cable equipment Time Warner installed in your home by unplugging its power cord for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If you use only a coaxial cable connected directly to the TV without any digital cable converter boxes, simply unplug the TV's power cord. Plug all power cords back in and allow all equipment to reboot, after which you can check your Time Warner cable service again to see if the reset resolved the issues for you.

2. Unscrew the coaxial cable that connects your Time Warner-installed cable outlet to the coaxial input on either the TV or digital cable box you use. Remove the cable completely and inspect the copper needle running through the middle of the cable; it must be straight, sharp on the end, and sticking out past the end of the coaxial connector by about 1/8 inch. The tip of the needle should also be clean without any dust, dirt, or moisture buildup. Badly damaged cables will need to be replaced altogether but assuming your cable looks OK, reattach it to the TV or converter box and check the cable service again for any improvement.

3. Watch programs on the other TVs in your home that are connected to Time Warner cable service. It's possible that the problems you are witnessing are part of a service outage rather than any problem specific to your home service. See if similar problems show up on the same channels. If so, this is likely an indication of a service outage and you need to report the issue to Time Warner.

Tags: Time Warner, cable service, digital cable, your home, cable service again, coaxial cable

Get Your At&T Landline Phone Bill Lowered

Is it time to lower my AT&T homephone bill?

AT&T provides both wired (landline) and wireless telephone services to customers throughout the world. Their flagship service has been home telephone service. Your AT&T phone bill details all collective charges for your home phone. Because it can become expensive to maintain a home phone, it may be necessary to reduce your AT&T home phone bill.

Instructions

1. Review your AT&T landline phone bill thoroughly. Specifically, look at your charges for the residential line. Also, look at each charge for plans and services, long distance, internet and wireless. In addition, review your charges for any special services, such as Complete Choice, which includes your caller identification and call-waiting features. Furthermore, look at the cost of your Inside Wire Maintenance Plan, if you have one. AT&T breaks the home phone bill down by each category.

You will also see Federal Universal service fees, various federal excise taxes, state taxes and local taxes. AT&T cannot under any circumstances reduce these federal, state and local taxes and fees. To have home phone service, you only need one residential line charge. Everything else (besides the federal, state and local taxes) can be removed to lower the costs associated with your home phone bill.

2. Contact AT&T at 1-866-505-1765 to discuss your bill. Inform the representative that you are calling to reduce your home phone bill and that you have the bill in front of you. Ask the AT&T representative to review the charges line by line to get a full understanding of what options you have to reduce your phone bill.

If the representative tells you that you need the Complete Choice package to receive call waiting and caller identification, ask if you can purchase those features outside of the package. The issue here is that Complete Choice includes a host of features that customers rarely use such as call forwarding and three-way calling, so be sure to ask for only the features that you want on your home phone.

3. Remove all unnecessary and unwanted features on your AT&T home phone that you do not want. The AT&T representative will encourage you to keep the additional services and features, so be firm in your decision.

4. Ask the AT&T representative to review the conversation including total monthly amounts to be paid. Also, request that the representative provide you with the effective date of the bill changes. Also, ask when you can expect to see the new charges reflected on your bill.

Make sure that you tell the representative that you want these changes to be effective immediately. Record the dates given to you by the representative to make sure that your future bill(s) reflect the changes.

Tags: home phone, phone bill, your home, your home phone, home phone bill, Complete Choice, local taxes

Citrus Trees In Arizona

The grapefruit is the result of a hybrid between the orange and pummelo.

According to delange.org, citrus tree cultivation in Arizona is limited to the Yuma, Maricopa, Pinal and Mohave counties, since they typically remain frost-free and adequate, cheap water is available. Unfortunately, land may be taken out of citrus production and converted to cotton or grain; urbanization also limits citrus production Does this Spark an idea?

Grapefruit Tree

In 1948, grapefruit specialists discovered that the fruit is probably a hybrid between an orange and pummelo. When grapefruit began to be cultivated, horticulturalists attempted to have the name changed to pomelo, but the name was confused with pummelo, and so the current name stuck. Grapefruit trees reach 15 to 20 feet in height. Blossoms have four petals, are usually white and give a strong fragrance.

The Foster variety is common in Arizona. The fruit on this tree is round or oblong and medium-large. Though seedy, the fruit is also juicy and tender. This particular grapefruit has a strong pink pulp color and has yellow to yellow-blush skin color. The "Marsh" is even juicier and richer in flavor, and it has only 3 to 8 seeds per fruit. The fruit is smaller, only medium-sized. It bears in the middle to the end of the season. This grapefruit also holds well after it's picked. In Arizona, grapefruit trees are grown in alkaline soil. Frequent irrigation causes unwanted alkali to rise to the soil's surface.

Lemon

According to Texas A&M University's Horticulture Department, lemons are the most cold-sensitive of all citrus. Like other citrus, they thrive in Arizona's frost-free areas. During the 1950s, Arizona and California together were the largest cultivators of lemons in the Western hemisphere. Arizona lemons are typically "true" lemons. Both varieties originated at some point in India. These lemons ripen between the spring and fall months, depending on the variety. Like other citrus, lemon trees work well with a watering ring to slowly absorb and maintain moisture. Soil should be well drained, which is typically not a problem in Arizona.

Orange

The University of Arizona's Citrus Research Center stated that as of 2005, 81 percent of consumers with children bought citrus fruit in the last 12 months, and 70 percent reported buying oranges. This high-demand fruit originated in southern China, northeastern India and southeastern Asia. When Spaniards founded the Arizona missions between 1707 and 1710, they brought the orange with them. Arizona is the world's 4th largest producer of oranges, following Florida, California and Texas.

Common Arizona varieties include the "Parson Brown". The fruit has rough skin, light-colored juice and is somewhat seedy. The tree bears from October through December --- a long season. Cultivation is limited to Arizona, Texas and Louisiana. Like lemons, oranges are cold-sensitive and fair better in frost-free zones. They prefer partial shade, since Arizona's direct sun can cause burns on the bark and affect the taste of fruit.

While California red scale used to be a problem in Arizona's desert orchards, pheromone trapping in Arizona's San Joaquin Valley has practically eliminated the pest in commercial groves there.

Tags: between orange, between orange pummelo, citrus production, hybrid between, hybrid between orange

Adjust Sensors On Craftsman 1/2 Hp Garage Door Opener

Adjust a sensor that may be out of alignment.

The sensors that are on the Craftsman ½ HP garage door opener operate the same as all opener photo-eye sensors. The only adjustment you can make is realigning a sensor if it has been hot or knocked out of alignment. One sensor sends a signal to the opposite sensor in the form of an invisible beam. When the beam is broken, the garage door opener will not close the garage door. You can check several things to correct the problem. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Push the garage door opener wall button station to open the garage door to the fully open position.

2. Wipe the lenses off both of the safety sensors with a clean cloth. Sometimes dust or moisture can obstruct the invisible beam and cause the safety sensors to alert the opener that there is an obstruction.

3. Inspect the wires to make sure that they are still secure to each sensor. Trace the wires up the wall and over the ceiling, and inspect where the insulating staples secure the wire to the wall and ceiling. If a staple has worn through the wire insulation, it is causing a short in the wire. Replace the wire if necessary.

4. Look at the LED lights on each sensor to notice if both are lit. Place the claw portion of a hammer over one of the sensor brackets, and bend the bracket until both LED lights stay lit without dimming.

5. Test your garage door opener by pressing the button on the wall station.

Tags: garage door, garage door opener, door opener, each sensor, invisible beam, safety sensors

Repair & Fix Mobile Home Water Pipe Leaks

Repairing water pipe leaks is a project that the mobile-home owner can accomplish with a few tools and a basic knowledge of what lines are causing the problem. The project may involve crawling under the home or only removing a pipe from under the sink. Depending on the types of pipes either PVC (plastic) or copper, your tools may be limited. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

PVC Repair of Leaky Pipes

1. Locate the leak. Turn off the main water to the house. This will prevent a bigger disaster.

2. Cut the pipe using the hacksaw. You will have to make two separate cuts about 6 inches apart. This will leave you a 6-inch gap to work with.

3. Cut a section of pipe 5 1/2 inches long. This will be the replacement pipe to repair the leak.

4. Swab the inside of each one of the sleeves with the PVC solvent. Place each one of these pieces onto the cut ends of each one of the water pipes. Allow them to dry for about 15 minutes. This will cause the solvent to adhere to the plastic surface.

5. Wipe the inside of the sleeves with the PVC solvent. Push the small section of pipe you cut into the sleeves. Allow it to dry. After 15 minutes, turn the main water back on.

Repairing Copper Pipes

6. After turning off the main water supply, cut the pipe with a hacksaw where the leak is located. Cut another inch off of the same portion of pipe.

7. Clean the ends of both of these pipes with the sandpaper. You will have a 1-inch gap so you will need a 2-inch sleeve.

8. Clean the inside of the sleeve and place some flux on the inside of the sleeve and the outside of the pipe. This will help the solder seal and bind.

9. Hold the solder wire in one hand and the blowtorch in the other. Start the torch and apply the solder. Apply the solder at the seam where the two sleeve ends are. This will form a seal that will be waterproof. When soldering, apply from the top to the bottom.

Tags: This will, main water, inside sleeve, section pipe, sleeves with, sleeves with solvent

Charlotte N C Housing Grants

Homeowner assistance can help to cover the costs of repairs.

There are many housing grants available in Charlotte, North Carolina for qualified families. The housing grants can be used for down payments on a home, closing costs and the repair of an existing home. Each housing grant has different requirements that need to be met in order to qualify for assistance.

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

Offering up to $8,000 in down payment assistance, the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency provides help for first-time home buyers. The program is open to all qualified North Carolina residents.

To qualify for a housing grant, a family must meet certain income and citizenship requirements. The home you purchase has to also meet certain requirements to qualify for down payment assistance. The grant can also be used toward closing costs.

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

3508 Bush Street

Raleigh, NC 27609

nchfa.com

919-877-5700

Homeownership Voucher Program

The Homeownership Voucher Program helps qualified families with paying the mortgage and other home ownership expenses. An application for the program must be filled out at the local housing authority.

There is a waiting list for the program. If the waiting list is full, you may not be able to fill out an application until there are openings. There are restrictions and requirements for the program, including you must remain in the home you select for at least a year.

Only first-time homeowners qualify for the program. You also have to attend home ownership counseling before you receive assistance.

Charlotte Housing Authority

1301 South Boulevard

Charlotte, NC 28203

cha-nc.org

704-336-5183

House Charlotte Downpayment Assistance Program

The House Charlotte down payment assistance program offers up to $10,000 in grants that can be used toward the down payment on a home in certain neighborhoods. The home must be located in one of 87 designated neighborhoods to qualify.

Home buyers must participate in a pre-purchased education program. There are income requirements families must meet to be considered for the grant.

If you are an employed police officer, you can qualify for additional assistance. Your lender has to apply for the grant on your behalf.

City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County

chameck.org

704-336-2911

Housing Action Resource Trust (HART)

The Housing Action Resource Trust down payment assistance program offers up to $25,000 to qualified home buyers. The grant can be used toward the down payment or closing costs on a newly constructed or existing home.

To qualify for the HART Program, you must be pre-approved or approved for a loan. The seller must also be a participant in the program to receive the grant.

Housing Action Resource Trust

8711 Monroe Court, Suite A

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

888-820-4278

hartprogram.com

Tags: down payment, North Carolina, down payment assistance, payment assistance, Action Resource

Repair Dvd Errors

Fix your DVD errors.

DVDs can have two different types of errors that could cause the DVD to perform incorrectly. A physical error such as scratches on the disc surface can cause the DVD to interrupt during viewing or not play at all. There are also errors on the DVD which cause a read error such as the DVD player not reading that there is a disc in the player at all. It is possible to fix some of the problems so that the DVD will play.

Instructions

Physical Errors

1. Clean the DVD with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth, then try the disc and see if it will play. If the DVD is still unable to play, proceed to the next step.

2. Apply a quarter size of toothpaste to the DVD and rub around the disc using a paper towel. Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the disc and spread around. Wipe off the mixture with a paper towel.

3. Apply the toothpaste and peanut butter again and place into a plastic food container, then add ¼ cup of baking soda and a small amount of soda into the container then seal the top. Shake the container for about a minute then set aside for five minutes.

4. Open the container and remove the DVD. Clean the disc off with paper towels then a moist paper towel and allow to air dry. When it is dry, place in the DVD player and play.

DVD Read Errors

5. Check the specifications of the DVD player you are using. If the player will not read a homemade DVD, then you may have to upgrade your system. The specification for the particular player will be located in your owner's manual or the company website.

6. Download DVD repair software (see Resources) based on your computer's needs. Always try the free trial first before purchasing software so you can make an informed decision. Click on the trial link and approve permission to download the software.

7. Install the software to your computer once the download has completed. Double-click the download then follow the install instructions given.

8. Open the new software and follow the instructions given to retrieve the data from the DVD. Select to "Import the DVD" and then choose to "Recode." Allow the software to work its magic, then burn the DVD again.

Tags: paper towel, container then, error such, instructions given, peanut butter, player will, will play

Nonowners Insurance Help In North Carolina

Non-owners insurance can protect North Carolina residents from a loss or accident.

If you live in North Carolina and don't own a vehicle or home, you may still need insurance coverage in the form of a non-owners insurance policy. There are two types of non-owners policies: a non-owners auto insurance policy and a non-owners home insurance policy, also known as a renter's insurance policy. Both of these policies provide protection for you and your belongings in the event of an accident or loss.

Non-Owners Auto Insurance

State law requires all automobile owners to obtain liability insurance, which provides protection from claims that arise from injuries to another person or their property. A non-owners auto policy provides liability protection if you are involved in an accident while driving a car that doesn't belong to you. The car owner's insurance will pay for any expenses related to the crash first, but if the owner doesn't have enough coverage, your non-owners policy will pay the remaining amount. For example, if you are in an accident and the vehicle owner's liability limit is $10,000 and you cause $20,000 in property damage, then your non-owners policy will cover the remaining $10,000. A non-owners policy does not provide comprehensive collision coverage, towing reimbursement or rental reimbursement. Residents of North Carolina who don't own an automobile are not legally required to obtain a non-owners auto insurance policy, but you will need proof of insurance if you want to get an unrestricted driver's license in the state. If you do not obtain a non-owners policy, the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles will place a restriction on your license that allows you to only drive fleet vehicles, which are automobiles that are owned or leased by a business or government agency.

Non-Owners Auto Insurance and Rental Vehicles

North Carolina law requires anyone who rents an automobile to be covered by an auto insurance policy. Most rental car companies offer the coverage to renters. However, if you use rental cars frequently, then obtaining your non-owners insurance policy may be more cost effective than paying the rental company for coverage.

Non-Owners Home Insurance

Even if you don't own your home and are renting a house, condo or apartment, it's still important to have insurance for your belongings in case of a loss, such as a fire or burglary. A landlord's or leasing company's insurance policy only covers the cost of repairing or replacing the actual rental structure, which is why it's important for you to have your own non-owners or renter's insurance policy. A renter's insurance policy protects the belongings in your rental property from losses, such as theft, fire, vandalism or damage from lightning, wind or accidental water discharge (for instance, when a pipe bursts). It also provides personal liability protection if someone is injured at your place. If a loss occurs or if a guest sustains an injury on your property, the insurance company will pay the cost of replacing your property, cover the injured party's medical bills and may even pay your legal bills if the injury results in legal action.

Obtaining a Non-Owners Insurance Policy

In North Carolina, you can get a non-owners insurance policy through an independent insurance agent who will compare the rates of several companies to find you the best deal, or you can contact an insurance company directly via the web or phone to obtain coverage. If you want both a non-owners auto insurance policy and a renter's policy, be sure to mention this to the company or agent, since you may be eligible for a discount if you bundle the two polices together.

The Cost of a Non-Owners Insurance Policy

A non-owners auto insurance policy is usually about half the cost of a regular auto insurance policy, but rates vary based on how much coverage you want, your driving record and other factors. At the time of publication, a renter's insurance policy costs an average of $12 per month for about $30,000 of property coverage and $100,000 in liability coverage, according to the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. Like non-owners auto insurance, rates for renter's insurance vary based on the amount of coverage you need. An insurance agent or company can help you determine the right amount of coverage you need for both types of policies.

Tags: insurance policy, North Carolina, auto insurance policy, insurance policy, renter insurance, non-owners auto

Replace The Belt On A Treadle Machine

Treadle sewing machines are a beautiful display piece, but they are also efficient, effective and functional sewing machines. These antique sewing machines were made to last and many need little, save a new belt or cord. It is easy to replace the cord on a treadle sewing machine, and it requires only a few supplies. This simple step, along with a cleaning and oiling, can make your old treadle sewing machine work like new.

Instructions

1. Remove the old cord or belt from your treadle machine. It can be made of leather or heavy cord, but leather is most common. Use scissors or a knife to cut the cord.

2. Fold the new belt in the middle and place it over the sewing machine's hand wheel. There should be one hole directly under the hand wheel and another hole to the right of the machine base. Thread half the belt into each opening.

3. Work the belt around the hand wheel and into the belt groove. Depending upon the treadle sewing machine, you may have to work the belt under the bobbin winder.

4. Crawl under the treadle sewing machine. You will see both ends of the belt protruding from the top of the sewing machine cabinet. The back end needs to go over the pulley on the treadle. Thread the belt through any guide loops. Singer treadles typically have a single guide, but other treadle sewing machines may have more.

5. Line up the ends of the treadle sewing machine cord, pulling the belt snugly into position. Overlap the ends and mark the side that does not have a metal staple.

6. Cut the excess off the treadle sewing machine belt. Note how the staple goes in on the other end and punch a hole in the corresponding spot on the other side of the belt using an awl or nail. Open the staple with pliers, insert into your newly punched hole in the treadle sewing machine cord and close with pliers.

Tags: sewing machine, treadle sewing machine, treadle sewing, sewing machines, hand wheel

Repair Broken Hdmi Ports On A Tv

Though it's possible to repair a broken HDMI port on a television, it is extremely difficult and should not be attempted unless you are very comfortable with soldering tiny connections. If your television is under warranty, have the manufacturer repair or replace it for you. If your TV has more than one HDMI port, you can use an HDMI splitter to connect multiple inputs to the one port. However, if you are confident in your soldering skills, you can repair broken HDMI port, so long as the damage is only to the connector and not to the printed circuit board to which the port is soldered.

Instructions

1. Unplug the television and set it on a flat work surface. Plasma TVs should not be subjected to angles greater than 45 degrees. You will need to work on them in an upright position. All other screen types should be laid down so you can have the best access to the HDMI port.

2. Remove the outer housing of the TV. Every set will be different, so take your time and be gentle. If the housing won't come off easily, look for screws that are holding it in place and remove them.

3. Examine the broken HDMI port. Look for broken connections between the port and the circuit board to which it's connected. If you can't see any breaks, use the continuity tester to check the circuits. Touch one probe to the pin location on the outside of the port and the other to the solder point on the circuit board that corresponds to that pin. Nineteen pins are on an HDMI port, though not all of them will necessarily be connected to the TV's circuits.

4. Re-solder a broken connection, if you find one. If the damage to the port is just a broken solder point or two, re-solder the original plug in place. When you're done, test the continuity again to ensure that the pins from the port connect to the circuit board correctly.

5. De-solder the broken HDMI port if the port is physically damage beyond repair. First, note the connection points on the circuit board. With the wide side of the HDMI port facing up and looking at the solder-side connections, pin number 1 is on the top left, pin 2 is on the bottom left and pin 3 second from the left on the top. The pins alternate top and bottom to the right so pin 18 is on the bottom right and pin 19 is on the top right. Heat the solder connections and then remove the melted solder with the de-soldering pump. Remove the damaged HDMI port.

6. Solder the new HDMI port to the circuit board matching the pin connections from your notes.

Tags: HDMI port, circuit board, broken HDMI, broken HDMI port, board which, bottom right, circuit board which

Tenants Rights After An Apartment Fire

If you own your own home, a fire in your house can be devastating. The same can be the case if you rent an apartment or a house where a fire breaks out. Damage can be extreme, and you may be out of a place to live. However, you do have rights under those circumstances and, unlike a home owner who carries the full burden of the situation, you share that burden with your landlord who has certain responsibilities in a fire's aftermath.

Repairs

Because, as a tenant, you have no ownership of the property, any repairs that must be made after a fire are the total responsibility of your landlord. You may have to do some things to assist in the process, such as remove belongings from the apartment so that repairs can be made without interference. However, as far as the repairs themselves, it is your landlord's duty to ensure repairs are undertaken and completed in a steady, timely manner.

Personal Belongings

Just as you are not responsible for damage to the apartment, which you do not own, you are responsible for damage to your personal belongings resulting from the fire. If you purchase a renter's insurance policy, you will be eligible for compensation for destroyed or damaged items depending on the terms of your policy. An important thing to do is to document through photographic evidence your belongings in the apartment before and after the fire, so as to validate any claims of damages that you make.

Rent

You should not have to continue paying rent to your landlord if your apartment is dangerous or unfit to live in after the fire. One way to assess this is to request an inspector from your state's health department to look at the apartment. If the inspector finds your argument to be justified, you can move into temporary housing until repairs are finished.

Leases

If a fire makes your apartment unfit for habitation, you may also be able to cancel your lease, depending on certain conditions and the terms set forth when you signed the lease. Outside of the terms of the lease itself, the repairs to take place must be greater than the cost of a year's rent, and your own negligence cannot be to blame for the fire. Within the lease terms, there must not be any clause which provides its own alternate terms in the case of severe damage to your apartment. You may also cancel your lease if your landlord is clearly not acting quickly in repairing your apartment after the fire.

Advice for Tenants

Before beginning any proceedings to stop rent payment or cancel a lease, make sure you are aware of any additional state or local laws that govern the matter. You may also want to talk with an attorney to make sure that you meet all the conditions for canceling a lease or so that you can get help in proving the landlord's negligence if repairs are not being completed in a timely fashion.

Tags: your landlord, after fire, your apartment, cancel your, cancel your lease

Repair A Drywall Crack

Repair a Drywall Crack

Drywall cracks can occur for any number of reasons. Over the years homes begin to settle sometimes causing cracks around the corners of doors and windows or where columns support beams. Walls can even take a beating from moving furniture around or even by active children or guests. Drywall can be easily repaired with little skill. Using these simple steps, repairs can be made in just a couple of days leaving practically no evidence of damage. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. To begin the repair project make sure you have all the necessary materials. Materials for the drywall repair are available at your local home improvement store. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow each step as suggested.

2. Prepare the room. Remove or cover anything you want to protect, such as, furniture, blinds, curtains and flooring. Drop cloths or old sheets work fine for protection.

3. To begin the drywall repair run your utility knife through the crack to remove any loose particles. Be forceful enough to widen the crack to about 1/8 inch, almost through the drywall. Carve out all loose materials until the area is clean. This will eliminate any chances of residue occurring on the new surface.

4. Once the surface area is clean you are now ready to apply compound. Load the putty knife with compound and apply by sweeping the knife back and forth in a diagonal motion over the crack. Force the drywall compound into the crack with strong, firm strokes slightly bending the putty knife with pressure as you draw it along the cracked area. Carefully use the putty knife to remove any extra compound. Layer several light coats of drywall compound building up a smooth, flush surface. Remember to allow each coat to dry completely. This step is critical to the final appearance of the wall.

5. After 24 hours the drywall compound should be completely dry. You are now ready to sand. Use 150 grit sandpaper to smooth out the entire surface area. Thoroughly sand the area to remove any ridges or bumps that appeared from the compound hardening. Do not over sand. Simply feel the wall. When it feels smooth you have sanded the wall enough.

6. When sanding is finished your repairs are complete. It is now time to use your shop vac to clean up. When all the drywall dust is gone you are free to paint. Be sure to use a primer over the repaired drywall area. Once the primer is dry you can paint the area to match the rest of the room.

Tags: drywall compound, putty knife, area clean, Drywall Crack, drywall repair, knife with

Replace Broken Window Pane Glass & Reglaze Windows

Be very careful handling broken glass.

Replacing a broken pane of glass in your window involves more than simply inserting a new pane into the frame. You'll need to seal the glass in place to keep it from falling out, using a process called glazing. Before replacing the pane you must remove all the shards of broken glass and scrape out the old glazing putty. Use caution and wear gloves and eye protection, as you are dealing with sharp pieces of glass. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Scrape out and remove all of the original glazing material from the window pane. Heat the glaze with a heat gun or hair dryer, then scrape it off with a stiff putty knife.

2. Tape over the broken glass pieces remaining in the window using duct tape in an "X" formation. This will keep the glass from breaking further.

3. Tap the glass with the end of the putty knife to break it free of the pane and then lift it out as one piece with the aid of the tape. Remove individual glass shards that remain in the window frame. Wear protective gloves while handling the glass.

4. Paint over any exposed wood on the window frame with an oil-based primer; this will help weatherproof the wood. Let the primer dry overnight.

5. Apply the glazing putty on the window frame and press it into the frame's lip, using a flexible putty knife.

6. Place the new pane of glass into the putty within the frame and press it along the edges to ensure you have a firm seal. You can have the hardware store cut the pane to the size you need.

7. Press the metal glazier points into the window frame along the edges of the glass, using the end of the putty knife to tap them in. These clips will hold the glass in place as the glaze dries.

8. Dip the putty knife in paint thinner and spread more of the putty across the edges of the glass and window frame, creating a weather seal. The thinner helps spread the putty evenly and makes it easier to scrape off the excess putty.

Tags: putty knife, window frame, broken glass, along edges, edges glass, frame press

Grants For Michigan Homeowners

Grants make keeping and maintaining your home easier.

A home is one of the most expensive purchases anyone makes during the course of his lifetime. Even if the property sells for little more than change, it must be maintained properly and taxes must be paid. Since not everyone can afford these expenses, grants are available to prevent individuals from losing their homes and to promote property upkeep.

Community Block Grant

The Michigan State Housing Authority offers the Community Block Grant through the state's County Allocation Program. This grant is not given directly to the homeowner. Instead, it is given to the county. The county then redistributes the grant money in the form of deferred loans to the homeowner. The loans may be used for home-related expenses such as mortgage payments or improvements that would ensure the safety of the property. To qualify, a homeowner's income must be 80 percent or less than that of the area median.

Michigan State Housing Authority

735 E. Michigan Ave

P.O. Box 30044

Lansing, MI 48909

(517) 373-1974

www.michigan.gov/mshda

Neighborhood Preservation Program

Homeowners have the most difficulty maintaining a home when it is in a poor neighborhood whose property values are due to the quality of the structures. The Michigan State Housing Authority offers Neighborhood Preservation Program grants designed to beautify areas, making them more manageable and increasing property value. The grant is not awarded to individuals, but individuals may benefit from the grant if they can persuade a local government or nonprofit organization to apply on their behalf.

Michigan State Housing Authority

735 E. Michigan Ave.

P.O. Box 30044

Lansing, MI 48909

(517) 373-1974

www.michigan.gov/mshda

HUD Grants

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Home Repair Loan and Grant Program is designed specifically to help with home repair and improvement. Targeted at disabled homeowners and low income families, this program gives loans that go toward improvements such as fixing roofs, modifying a home for handicap accessibility or getting running water. Homeowners who are 62 years or older are eligible for the grant, but the program also provides loans for other low income families at 1 percent interest. Income must be at 50 percent or less than than the area median.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

451 Seventh St. S.W.

Washington, DC 20410

(202) 708-1112

www.hud.gov

or

State of Michigan

Housing Development Authority

P.O. Box 30044

Lansing, MI 48909-7544

(517) 373-1462

parkerw@michigan.gov

www.hud.gov

Tags: Housing Authority, Michigan State, Michigan State Housing, State Housing, State Housing Authority, 30044 Lansing, 30044 Lansing 48909

Adjust Selfclosing Cabinet Hinges

Self-closing cabinet hinges are concealed behind the door.

Self-closing cabinet hinges are spring-loaded hinges designed to close smoothly, using the doors weight to close the door. When the doors do not close correctly, it is necessary to make minor adjustments to level the door. Self-closing hinges typically have three adjustment mechanisms, to alter the position of the door horizontally and vertically, and to adjust the gap between the door and the cabinet. You can use a Phillips screwdriver to adjust self-closing cabinet door hinges. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Open the cabinet door. Locate the top and bottom self-closing hinges.

2. Loosen each of the screws that attach the two hinges to the cabinet stile (the vertical piece of wood along the side of the cabinet opening). One screw on each hinge will be just above the center mechanism, and one will be just below.

3. Slide the entire cabinet door up or down until the door is in the desired position. Tighten the four screws to hold the door in place.

4. Inspect the angle of the door relative to adjacent doors or the edge of the cabinet. Open the cabinet door, and locate the screw in the center of the hinge mechanism. If the bottom of the door needs to be closer to the adjacent door or cabinet edge, turn the center screw clockwise. If the door needs to be farther from the adjacent door or cabinet edge, turn the screw counterclockwise. Close the door, and check to see if your adjustment was sufficient.

5. Repeat the previous step with the upper hinge if the top of the door needs to be adjusted horizontally in a similar fashion.

6. Close the door and check to see if there is a gap between the hinge side of the door and the cabinet. Having a small gap between the door and the cabinet is fine, as long as the gap is the same along the entire length of the door. If you want to increase or decrease this gap on either the top or the bottom of the door, loosen the rear screw on the hinge mechanism with a Phillips screwdriver and slide the hinge inward or outward. When it is properly positioned, tighten the rear screw to hold the hinge in place.

Tags: door cabinet, cabinet door, door needs, adjacent door, adjacent door cabinet, between door

Whirlpool Dishwasher Troubleshooting & Repair

The Whirlpool Corporation produces durable consumer appliance products, including built-in and freestanding dishwashers. Whirlpool manufactures these appliances to work efficiently and to last for a long time. Avoid service fees by troubleshooting and repairing minor issues with your dishwasher. Do not attempt to repair major issues if your dishwasher is still under warranty; you could void the warranty. Does this Spark an idea?

No Power

If your Whirlpool dishwasher won't turn on or if it stops during the cycle, check your circuit breaker and reset it if it is tripped. Replace a blown fuse, which is either black or has frayed wires. Verify that the door is completely closed. If opened, close it and restart the cycle. Push in the bottom rack if it prevents you from closing the door. Clean the door seals if the door won't open. Examine the water valve to see if it's in the "On" position. If the motor is overloaded, wait for it to reset itself. Your dishwasher normally pauses when switching between cycles. If the "Clean" light is blinking, your dishwasher is malfunctioning; you must call for service.

Running Issues

Increase the hot water heater temperature if your dishwasher runs for a long time. It's trying to heat the water before the washing cycle begins. If the tub won't fill with water, check the overfill protection float, and verify that it can freely float up and down. If not, press on it to release it and remove any obstruction blocking it. Verify that the water supply is connected to the tub and that the inlet hose is not kinked or clogged. Determine if the cycle is finished if you still see water in the tub. If the tub is not draining properly, look at the drainage hose, and see if it's kinked. Unbend or replace the hose if it's kinked. Remove any debris in the hose, and clean the drain air gap if it's dirty.

Detergent/Condensation

Examine the dishwasher to determine if the cycle is complete if you see detergent in the tub. Check the installation of the bottom rack to see if the bumpers are correctly installed. Look at the installation, and compare that to installation instructions in the manual. Fix the bumpers if they're installed incorrectly. Only use fresh, clump-free detergent. Use less detergent or nonfoaming detergent if you see a white residue on your front panel. Use a laser alignment tool to check alignment of the countertop if you see water on the countertop. If not properly aligned, reinstall the dishwasher. Wash your dishes every couple of days to prevent odors.

Drying/Dishes

Use a rinse aid to assist with drying your dishes. Plasticware normally still has water on it even after a drying cycle. Unload the bottom rack first to keep water from cups spilling on the bottom dishes. Always properly load the dishwasher, and keep dishes from obstructing the sprayer arm. Increase the water temperature if it's below 120 degrees Fahrenheit as this prevents your dishes from getting clean. Check your water heater to verify the current temperature. Use a water pressure gauge to check the water pressure. Whirlpool recommends a water pressure between 20 and 120 psi. Install a water filter if you have water with a high mineral content.

Tags: bottom rack, hose kinked, water pressure, your dishes, dishes from, Increase water, long time

Use Dry Ice To Remove Hail Damage Dents

Hail damage can easily be removed using dry ice.

Has your vehicle ever been dimpled like a golf ball after a hail storm? Before filing an insurance claim, consider using a home remedy to remove the dents: dry ice. Dry ice is solidified carbon dioxide that is often used to quickly cool food and other items. Dry ice is preferred over regular ice to remove dents because it's lower temperature--acccording to Dryiceinfo.com, dry ice's temperature is -109.3°F or -78.5°C--and can more quickly reach the temperature difference needed to pop out the dents. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Visit a local grocery store or hardware store to purchase dry ice. It is relatively inexpensive and is sold in large blocks. If you have many dents, it may be worth purchasing several pounds of dry ice. Bring your own cooler--Styrofoam works best--to transport the dry ice from the store to your home.

2. While wearing a heavy duty work glove, hold a piece of dry ice to the middle of the dent for two minutes. Make sure the ice makes direct content with the middle of the dent. Using dry ice on the affected area will cause the area to cool quickly and the metal to contract. The temperature difference caused by applying the dry ice and then removing it should cause the car surface to pop back out. Remove the ice and within a minute or two the dent should begin to pop out.

3. Wipe the car surface clean with the cloth.

4. Repeat if necessary.

Tags: middle dent, remove dents, temperature difference

Energy Assistance In Las Vegas

The hot and dry climate in Southern Nevada can lead to high utility costs for Las Vegas residents. Families living on a low income often find themselves unable to pay for the cost of their utility bills, especially in the warmer summer months. Fortunately, many state assistance programs and charities offer help for low-income families.

Energy Assistance Program

The state of Nevada provides qualified low-income families with funding they can use to pay for the cost of their heating and cooling bills through the Energy Assistance Program. To qualify for the program, applicants must meet low-income standards. For example, a family of four can have no more than $2,756.00 in monthly income to qualify, according to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. The program pays a one-time grant directly to the recipient's utility provider. The recipient can use the credit from the funds until it is exhausted. Families can apply at a local Nevada Department of Health and Human Services office.

Project Reach

Project Reach helps low-income customers who meet qualifications pay for their utility bills. Funding for the program comes from the United Way and Las Vegas residents can apply year-round. To qualify, residents must be either a member of the Reserve or National Guard, a senior citizen or medically disabled. Applicants must also meet income qualifications based on their household size. For example, a family of two can have no more than $41,800 in gross annual income, according to NV Energy. Residents can apply at the Clark County Urban League.

Help of Southern Nevada

Help of Southern Nevada is a charitable organization that helps low-income families with their utility bills when they are facing financial hardships. Qualified families can have a portion of their utility bill paid by foundation. However, the application process takes an average of 30 to 45 days, according to Help of Southern Nevada. To qualify, a family needs to have a low income and be able to provide Social Security numbers and proof of residency. Residents can apply at the Help of Southern Nevada office.

Emergency Assistance

Several charitable organizations help residents pay for their utility costs during an emergency. For example, qualified applicants can receive up to $250 towards the cost of their bill from the Salvation Army, according to NV Energy. Private organizations such as Catholic Social Services and Jewish Family Services also offer assistance. Residents can get information on the programs available to them by contacting these charities or their utility service provider.

Tags: their utility, Southern Nevada, Help Southern, Help Southern Nevada, cost their

Feather Or Patch A Ceiling Crack

Fixing the crack in your ceiling will make you feel like a pro.

The ceiling may be the most overlooked part of a home -- until you spot a crack in it. And from that moment on, the ceiling becomes the thing that your eyes seem inevitably drawn to. Whether a minor, hairline crack or a gaping fissure, the steps to repairing the blemish vary little. The most difficult part is applying the patching material and feathering it out to blend with the untouched portion of the ceiling. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Examine the ceiling crack to determine its possible cause and the extent of the problem. Press gently on the cracked area to see if it feels soft; spongy surfaces indicate moisture damage, which might cover an even bigger problem, such as mold. If this is the case, you must cut away the soft area, repair the moisture leak and remove any mold. Only then can you replace the damaged area with new drywall and treat the seams as you would patching a crack.

2. Look at where the crack is located and how deep it is. Most ceiling cracks result from the movement and settling of the house and require no special surface preparation. If the crack is at the joint of the wall and ceiling, this may indicate metal flashing, wood trim or drywall tape is lifting from the surface instead. Nail metal flashing in place before proceeding with the crack repair or tack the trim down and cover any gaps with paintable acrylic caulk. Cut any sections of loose tape free and peel them away carefully.

3. Clean the crack out if it is large -- one that is deeper and wider; length is not the issue. Depending on the type and depth of the original finishing compound, you may have to work either carefully or aggressively. Use anything, from a soft-bristled brush to sweep debris out of the crack, to a screwdriver or other tool to dig out the material.

4. Sand over the cracked area. Smooth, as you sand, to prepare a clean, even surface which allows the new finish to better adhere. Any blemishes or ridges that remain in the surface will transfer to the final finish appearance.

5. Mist the crack and the area that extends out from the patch for about 6 inches with water. A light misting keeps the finishing compound from drying too quickly and prevents the old surface from leaching water out of the finishing compound as readily.

6. Prepare the finishing compound for use. Mix the compound, if necessary, or open and stir then pour as directed. There are a variety of finishing compound choices, from joint compound, drywall mud or spackling compound, to specialty products and filler compounds. Procedures and drying times will vary by product so follow the packaging directions carefully.

7. Apply a scoop of finishing compound with a wide putty knife, slapping it on the ceiling then spreading it across the crack in a smooth, thin coat. Press the compound into the crack, filling it as much as possible. Alternatively, squirt a paintable acrylic caulk into the crack, smooth it flush to the surrounding surface with your finger then proceed with the thin coat of finishing compound once the caulk is dry.

8. Feather the edges of the first coat and each future coat, if applied. To feather the coat, work it back and forth across the crack, into the area surrounding the crack, with strokes at opposite angles -- similar to creating "Vs" with paint. Go back over the area, skimming off the excess coating while dragging it outward from the crack into an ever-thinner layer. Imagine it as buttering bread then taking off the extra butter toward the edges of the slice while leaving a thicker layer in the middle. Feathering the edges prevents a ridge where the patch ends.

9. Sand the first coat smooth, once it dries, if you are patching a fine crack that requires no extra filling. If the crack is deep and filled with compound or caulk, cut a piece of drywall tape slightly longer than the body of the crack. Smooth the tape over the crack, lengthwise, while the compound is moist, working any air bubbles out with a putty knife.

10. Apply another thin layer of finishing compound on top of the tape while the surface is still fresh. Feather the edges again, gradually blending the depth of the finish flush with the original surface. Allow the application to dry before sanding it smooth. Repeat the layers of finishing compound, sanding between each, until the patch looks good. As long as each layer is thin, you can apply several coats.

11. Seal the patched area once it has dried completely. Finish it with a suitable paint.

Tags: finishing compound, across crack, acrylic caulk, crack into, crack smooth

Get Help For The Elderly In Paying For Glasses

As we get older, we sometimes face increasing costs for the eyeglasses we must wear. This is because the lenses we need as we age are often thicker. Bifocals may even become necessary for the very first time in our lives. Many elderly individuals who are no longer capable of working find it hard to be able to afford a new pair of glasses. Fortunately, financial assistance is available.

Instructions

1. Review your insurance. Some Medicare plans, including the Medicare plus Choice program with a managed care plan, will pay for one pair of glasses each year. The only way to get this help, however, is to go to the HMO provider listed in the handbook you received when you signed up.

2. Contact your local Lion's Club (see Resources). This organization has a program that collects used eyeglasses, as well as another program that provides assistance for the purchase of new eyeglasses. Elderly individuals must apply for help at their local Lion's Club branch and bring a copy of their eyeglass prescription as well as a quote for the cost of the eyeglasses.

3. Contact your local church's benevolence fund. Most churches have this fund to help congregants and noncongregants alike in times of financial need. Since your eyeglasses are an essential item, you will most likely qualify for help. Bring proof of the cost of the glasses and any other documents the church requires, such as proof of income.

4. Call New Eyes for the Needy at 973-376-4903 to find a local office you can visit to apply for free prescription glasses. New Eyes for the Needy provides glasses for elderly individuals who meet their low-income criteria. Once approved, they'll issue a voucher that you can take to any of their participating eye doctors or eye glass retailers.

Tags: Contact your, Contact your local, Eyes Needy, Lion Club, local Lion, local Lion Club

Fix A Freezing Computer For Free

Fixing computers that freeze for free.

Computers pick the worst times to have problems. If a project is due, the computers freeze up or go haywire. There are several things that cause computer freezes. Computers freeze because of viruses, program conflicts and lack of free space. The main reason computers freeze up is program conflicts. Older programs cause conflicts when loaded on computers with new versions of Windows. Troubleshooting program conflicts requires minimal computer skills and time, so any person can fix this problem at home for free.

Instructions

Fixing a Computer Freeze Caused by an Application Problem

1. Press "CTRL," "ALT" and "DEL" at the same time. The Windows task manager will open. A list of program applications that are open comes up. Look for the item that says "not responding" beside it. Click on the application, and click "End Task." The highlighted application disappears from the list. Move the cursor around the screen. If this unfreezes your computer, the application caused the computer to freeze.

2. Move the cursor to the start icon. Click the icon. Click the "All Programs" tab. Right click on the program that wasn't responding. Click "Properties," and then click "Compatibility." Select "Run this program in compatibility mode for," and click the down arrow. Select an earlier Windows operating system. Click "Apply," and then "OK." Open the program, and see if the computer still freezes.

3. Go to the start icon, and click on it. Click "All Programs," and click "Control Panel." Next click "Add or Remove Programs." A list of programs installed on your computer comes up. Scroll down to the program causing the computer problem, and click on that program. Click "Remove." This will uninstall the program from your computer. Try reinstalling the program using the program's installation disk. Follow all the program's installation disk instructions, and try using the program again. If it freezes, remove it again, and do not put it back on.

Restoring System to Fix Computer Freezing Problem

4. Click "Start" and move cursor to "All Programs." Move cursor to "Accessories," and move to "System Tools." Click "System Restore."

5. Select "Restore My Computer to Earlier Time." A calendar appears. Choose a previous date in bold, and click on that date. Click "Next" and "OK." This will restore your computer to that date. Any changes made to the computer after that date will be lost, except your document files.

6. Open some programs, and see if it works properly. Bring computers that continue freezing to a computer repair center.

Tags: your computer, Move cursor, program conflicts, that date, Click Programs, click that, computers that

Things To Consider When Buying Commercial Real Estate In Ontario Canada

Commercial real estate value in Ontario benefits from a healthy economy.

Commercial real estate is an attractive investment in Ontario because of the province's stable economy, and social and financial amenities. Ontario includes the large cities of Toronto and Ottawa, and mid-sized and small cities such as Hamilton, Sault Ste. Marie, Kingston and Thunder Bay. All of these locations have small to large commercial properties for sale.

Local Economy

When investing in commercial real estate, it's more important you consider the local economy's health than when investing in a home. A failing local economy will threaten your investment, whether you are buying commercial real estate to run a business or to rent out space to other businesses. Ontario's economy has a history of stability and dependability, but you still need to research the present economy before writing any checks. Local economies are susceptible to various fluctuations. For example, the economy in Hamilton is dependent on the auto industry, and real estate values fluctuate along with General Motors stock.

Condition

The condition of an Ontario property is an important consideration. Hire an experienced and knowledgeable property inspector to review the property; it's a cost savings in the long run, considering the large investment in some commercial real estate deals. Ontario winters are severe, and the quality and condition of the heating system and building insulation are particularly important. Carefully check properties for any sign of foundation or roof deterioration. These are the two most important parts of a building, and are both very expensive to repair.

Future Prospects

The future prospects of a real estate market in any location are a guessing game. Consider the property's resale value so it doesn't become a liability, even if it's for your use and not an investment. Many local Ontario economies are very stable. An example is Kingston, where the prevalence of universities, prisons and government jobs provides a certain level of immunity to fluctuations in the manufacturing sector, stability that translates over to the real estate market.

Tags: real estate, commercial real estate, estate market, local economy, real estate, real estate market, your investment

Replace A Light Socket In A Refrigerator

When you replace a burned out bulb with a new one in your refrigerator and the light still does not come on, it might be necessary to replace the socket. Few things can go wrong with a light bulb socket, however they do wear out over time. Replacement sockets are available through manufacturer's websites and appliance repair centers. Replacing a light socket in a refrigerator depends on how it attaches. There are three different ways the socket may secure to the refrigerator, but the average homeowner can handle this task. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Unplug the refrigerator power cord from the outlet. Open the refrigerator door and remove the contents off the top shelf.

2. Unscrew the light bulb from the socket with your fingers and place it on a towel out of the way. Look at the light socket for a screw. If there is a screw, it is usually near the back of the socket.

3. Remove the screw with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the socket straight down. If there is no screw, look for small tabs on two sides of the socket. Press the tabs in with your fingers and pull the socket straight down. Some models use a socket that twists into tabs. Grab the socket and turn counterclockwise to unhook it from the refrigerator.

4. Grab the ends of the two wires where they connect to the socket terminals with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Pull the wires away from the socket and remove the socket completely from the refrigerator.

5. Slide the wire ends over the terminal spades of the new socket. There are only two wires, and it does not matter which one goes to which terminal. They simply complete a circuit.

6. Install the new socket in the reverse order your old one came off. If yours has a screw, ensure that you do not overtighten the screw. Screw the light bulb into the socket and plug the refrigerator power cord into the wall socket.

Tags: light bulb, with your, from refrigerator, from socket, light socket, power cord, refrigerator power

Remove The Transmission From A Ford Aerostar

Removal of the transmission in your Ford Aerostar basically requires stripping it of all the electrical and mechanical connections to the engine, computer and driver control mechanisms. And since you are dealing with one of the heaviest components in your Aerostar, you will need to approach your task well organized, use some special equipment and recruit the help of an assistant to secure and remove the unit. This will make your job not only easier but also much safer.

Instructions

1. Detach the negative (black) battery cable using a wrench. Raise the front and rear wheels of your Aerostar using a floor jack and support it on jack stands.

2. Place a drain pan under the transmission pan and gradually remove the front and side mounting bolts to drain the fluid. Then completely remove the pan and drain the rest of the fluid. Replace the transmission pan and hold it just with a bolt at each corner. Use a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

3. Remove the small access cover from the front of the transmission, where it joins the back of the engine, and unfasten the four nuts securing the flywheel to the torque converter. Use a ratchet and socket. Shift the transmission to neutral and ask an assistant to rotate the crankshaft pulley clockwise with a socket and breaker bar so that you gain access to each of the nuts through the access hole.

4. Detach the drive shaft connecting the rear of the transmission to the rear axle. Make alignment marks on the rear axle flange and the rear of the drive shaft using a white marker so that you reinstall it in the same exact position. Remove the U-bolts and nuts that connect the drive shaft to the rear axle and then slide it off the transmission. Place a drain pan under the rear of the transmission to catch any dripping oil.

5. Unfasten the speedometer cable from the transmission rear housing or unplug the electrical connector, depending on your particular Aerostar model. Also, unplug and unfasten the vehicle speed sensor from the rear housing. Use a ratchet and socket to remove both components.

6. Start removing the rest of the sensors mounted on your transmission by unplugging and unfastening the mounting bolts. Also, detach any cables and vacuum hoses from the transmission. Tag wires and hoses and store mounting bolts with their respective components for easy reassembly.

7. Remove the wires from the back of the starter motor and remove the starter using a ratchet and socket.

8. Remove the transmission filler tube using a ratchet and socket. Support the engine with two jack stands and secure the transmission to a transmission jack. Raise the transmission with the jack just enough to release the weight off the cross member underneath. Detach the cross member using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket and remove the insulator that connects to the cross member from underneath the transmission using the ratchet and socket.

9. Lower the transmission a few inches with the transmission jack just to gain access to the oil cooler lines. Disconnect both cooler lines at the transmission using a line wrench and plug the lines with clean plastic sheets and rubber bands.

10. Unfasten the bolts securing the transmission to the engine block using a ratchet, long ratchet extension, socket and universal joint.

11. Separate slowly the transmission off the engine block by pulling the transmission jack with the help of an assistant. Double-check that the transmission bell housing has cleared the dowel pins at the back of the engine and the torque converter has cleared the flywheel.

12. Lower the transmission and remove it from under your Aerostar minivan.

Tags: ratchet socket, using ratchet, cross member, drive shaft, extension socket