There comes a time when you need to remove a toilet from a bathroom for one reason or another. Maybe you need to replace the toilet, or perhaps you are in the middle of a bathroom remodeling project, installing new floors underneath the toilet and painting behind it. Though it may seem intimidating, removing a toilet is an easy task most DIYers can do. Removing a toilet requires no special tools and does not take very long. If you plan to dispose of your old toilet once it has been removed, I recommend contacting your local waste management facility to inquire about the proper disposal method ..read more

Garbage disposals are the ultimate kitchen workhorses, and while a well-maintained unit typically lasts five to ten years, all that grinding can lead to malfunctions. Leaks need prompt attention as they can cause under-sink odors, dampness, damage, and, in worst-case scenarios, electrical risks. It’s possible to repair some sources of seeping yourself but when your garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom, a quick patch-up isn’t always possible. I spoke with a licensed plumber and garbage disposal manufacturer to understand what causes garbage disposals to leak from the bottom and why repla ..read more

Fiesta Flora Combo Combination: Salvia, Ligustrum, Lantana, Weeping Loropetalum, Everillo For a container bursting with bold shapes and colors, try mixing Southern Living’s Saucy Red Salvia, Sunshine Ligustrum, Pot of Gold Little Lucky Lantana, Purple Pixie Dwarf Weeping Loropetalum and Carex EverColor Everillo. The saliva’s sizzling scarlet red flower spikes attract hummingbirds and butterflies, says gardening author and TV personality Linda Vater. Then the vibrant golden Ligustrum brings structure and a burst of sunshine, while the spiky everillo’s lime-green foliage adds texture and move ..read more

Pick the Right Sides for the Job Building a slew of identical drawer boxes is easier, but having a variety gives you more versatility. Think about what you’re going to store in your pull out pantry shelves and build the boxes to suit your needs. Sloping sides Rollout drawers with sloping sides keep tall things stable yet still let you see all the way to the back of the shelf. These are good for nesting pots and pans or storing different-size items on the same shelf. Low sides Lower sides (3 in. is typical) work well for smaller items such as canned goods and spices. The low sides make rea ..read more

A dirty dryer vent can increase drying time, spike energy costs and eventually become a fire hazard. If your dryer doesnt dry clothes, or the top of the dryer is hot to the touch after each use, clogged ductwork may be the culprit. The removable dryer lint filter catches most of the lint as it passes through a load of laundry, but pieces of lint can sneak past the filter and get stuck in crevices along the dryer duct. When theres a build-up of lint, airflow is restricted, which can lead to overheating. If the air inside the duct gets hot enough, it can ignite the lint and cause a dryer fire ..read more

If your water heater isn’t heating up water the way you think it should, or if you have bits of debris in your faucet screens, the culprit may be a faulty water heater dip tube. It’s not too common of a problem for water heaters made in this century, but one failing is not out of the question. If your water heater dip tube does go bad, the good news is you might be able to fix it yourself. “It is relatively easy to do, but people should call a professional when the water heater has multiple valves, you don’t have a lot of experience fixing something like this, or if it’s in a tight space and y ..read more

Shop on Amazon Under Desk Cable Organizers Aracari Desk Cable Tray Shop on Amazon The cables and wires from the electronic devices sitting on your desk look pretty bad when they’re left to hang in the wind. To fix this sloppy look, mount a cable organizer under your desk to tuck, wrap and stow your cables. Even if cables are visible, tidying them up will make them far less unsightly ..read more

Rather than completely replacing a toilet, installing a new toilet seat is an easy and quick job that anyone can do to update or give their toilet a new feel. It requires only a few tools and a tape measure to complete. Honestly, getting the correct measurements before visiting the home center or ordering a new toilet seat online is the most challenging step. Not all toilet seats are created equal. You could splurge and purchase a heated electric seat or a bidet toilet seat for around $180-$500 or purchase a basic seat starting at around $15. I bought a standard seat that didnt require additi ..read more

Imagine how unpleasant taking a bath in a dirty tub would be. That’s how the birds in your backyard feel when their birdbath isn’t kept clean. Cleaning birdbaths properly is important to create an appealing environment for birds and ensure their safety. A safe and effective method is to use a mixture of white vinegar and water. Vinegar has the power to eliminate algae without posing any harm to the birds. Bleach or other harsh chemicals, on the other hand, are not recommended, as they can leave toxic residues that can harm birds and disrupt the delicate ecosystem. Neglecting to maintain a cle ..read more

A small golden retriever races out of the den and into the kitchen, leaving a little girl squealing with delight. We just got a puppy, says her father, padding barefoot after the dog. Its been exciting. Its moments like these that make this dad, Alex Mazhukhin, stop and appreciate the life he has built, literally and figuratively. Alexs new home in a quiet suburb of Boise, Idaho, is the sixth that he has completely renovated. And hes invited America to watch along the way. Moving On Up For those uninitiated with Alexs special brand of relatable DIY savvy, know this: Hes a true self-made succes ..read more