While there are many reasons
that homeowners prefer to fix up their own home, for the weekend warriors out
there, the satisfaction of a job well done is immensely rewarding. There is
also an added benefit of possibly saving some money (and who doesn’t want to
save a few dollars?).
Regardless of your
motivation, there are, however, some DIY projects that might be a bit too
advanced for many weekend warriors. With that in mind, here are some tips and
“tricks of the trade” that can help you on your next weekend DIY project!
Installing a Smart Strip
Surge Protector
Did you know that nearly 75%
of the energy used by electronics are burned when devices are turned off?
Instead of unplugging these devices, plug them into a smart surge protector
that turns off the devices when they are not in use. This is a simple project
that almost anyone can easily complete during a weekend.
Drafty Windows
Most homeowners appreciate
the natural sunlight that windows in homes provide. However, windows can create
a few issues. If your windows are drafty, they can adversely affect your energy
bills during the hotter and colder months. An easy fix? Check the caulk around
the windows. Remove any dry, cracked, or damaged caulk and run a new bead of
caulk along the seam.
Loud Doors
If your doors are “slamming”
shut, here is an easy fix. Add a few pieces of peel-and-stick foam weather
stripping around the doorstop.
Refrigerator Door Sealant
One of the most used doors in
the house, your refrigerator door, can also need some TLC at times. Excessive
use can weaken the door seals. Here is how to test your door seals. First,
close the door on a dollar bill and attempt to pull it out while the door is
closed. If you cannot easily pull the bill out, your seals are in good shape.
If you can pull it out without much resistance, it is time to replace the
seals.
Plumbing Tips
How many of us have started
on what seems to be a simple and common plumbing problem only to get frustrated
and spend most of the weekend working on it? Here are some helpful tips for
your next DIY plumbing project.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can cause
major issues in a house. Thus a prudent course of action is to prevent them
before they can cause issues. Here are some ways to avoid clogged drains:
– Do not put skins (chicken,
turkey), starchy (potato peels, rice), stringy (celery) or fibrous waste
(coffee grinds, corn husks) down the drain (these items cannot be broken down
in the disposal).
– Do not pour cooking oil (or
fat) down the drain (it solidifies in the pipes).
– Turn the disposal on (with
water running) before putting anything down the drain.
– Allow the disposal time to
“catch up” after each cup of waste is poured down the drain.
Another helpful item is a hair
strainer in your shower drain. These only take a few moments to install, and
when checked after each shower, you would be amazed at the number of plumbing
issues they prevent.
When a clog does occur, it
can be very tempting to turn to a drain clearing liquid, gel, or foam. While
these products can help clear the drain, they can also cause significant damage
that can require expensive repairs. Instead, if a pipe is clogged, use a small
drain snake to clear the drain.
Leaky Faucets and Toilets
Often, the primary cause of a
leaky faucet is a worn-out washer. Because the washers inside of the faucet
handles are rubber, they can wear out quickly. The fix? Easy! First, turn off
the main water supply. Next, unscrew the handle and remove the old washer. Last,
insert the new washer.
Think you might have a toilet
that is leaking? A leaking toilet can cause your water bill to increase over
time. To find out, add some food coloring to the tank. Wait an hour and check
back. If the water in the bowl is colored, you have a leak.
An easy way to make sure your
house is in top condition is to make it a habit of conducting routine and
regular reviews of your home and keeping a running repair list of what needs to
be done. This list will help you prioritize your time and energy.
Once you’ve prioritized your
action list, stop by Action Rentals and Sales and check out our selection of
equipment for rent. We have you covered, from plumbing to carpentry to floor
sanding to pressure washing and more. Stop by our store at 1861 North Eastman
Road, check us out online, or give us a call at 423-226-0962, and get your
house in tip-top shape.
Springtime is the perfect time to incorporate fun elements and interesting pieces into your events. Luncheons, cocktail parties, and even a simple barbecue can be made more interesting with some creative serveware and beverage dispensers.
For a cocktail party, the main event will obviously be the hors d’oeuvres and the drinks. Serving some of the signature drinks in glass dispensers or dispensers that are ornate and decorative will add some subtle class and sophistication to the event. For multiple drinks, consider using dispensers in varying heights and sizes in order to create a more interesting drink station, while still choosing dispensers with the same overall look and feel to keep . For the food, use cake trays or serving trays that have multiple tiers to keep from placing the food on one flat, level surface. Using multi-height stands and trays will give the food station more dimension and make your food look more inviting.
For bright and spirited spring luncheons, use more fun and eclectic food and beverage trays and dispensers, but be sure and once more utilize varying heights to add interest and dimension. Mixing and matching different, complementing styles of serveware can help add even more fun to an already exciting spring event. If you cant find various heights of dispensers, consider placing some on cake stands to add extra variations and interest to your drink table! Drink fountains are also an interesting conversation piece that could be included during a luncheon or event in order to make a statement. Drink fountains are perfect for punch, lemonade, or other non-alcoholic beverages that you may want to include in your spring event!
Finally, for barbecues, consider more rustic and out-of-the-box beverage holder options. Large drink holders that are shaped like mason jars are sure to be a big hit, but there are so many other options as well! Consider serving canned or bottled beverages in a wheelbarrow, a metal or wooden rustic beverage tub, or a (lined) wagon! For your custom beverages, look at rustic beverage stations, bars made of palettes, tables with rustic barrels for the bases, or even vintage teacarts! These special touches can help you add so much interest to your next event!
Whether you are looking for simple drink dispensers, rustic teacarts and beverage stations, or an exciting beverage fountain, Action Rentals has all the beverage and food station equipment you’ll need for your spring party!