This page contains thrifty tips and advice to help you with miscellaneous repairs around the home, such as repairing ceiling fans.
Finding Home Repair Help for Low Income FamiliesThere are times when household repairs just can not wait until you have the money to complete the project. This page is about finding home repair help for low income families.
Repairing Bathroom Throw Rugs with Crumbled Backing?There are a few products you can purchase to replace rubber backing on a deteriorating throw rug. This is a page about repairing bathroom throw rugs with crumbled backing.
Fixing Matted Down CarpetUse over time or even heavy furniture can leave sections of your carpet looking flat or matted down. A carpet rake can help a lot in fluffing up the nap or pile. This is a page about fixing matted down carpet.
Electric Smoke Detector Won't Stop BeepingIt can drive you to distraction, the constant unexplainable beeping of an electric smoke detector. Often it just needs the battery replaced but it may be a signal that it needs greater attention.
Home Repair Assistance for Families of Deceased Veterans?There are organizations that can assist our veteran families with expensive home repairs but the need is great so waiting times tend to be long. This is a page about finding home repair assistance for families of deceased veterans.
Troubleshooting a Smoke DetectorSmoke detectors are a common part of our home safety system. However, if they are not working properly your family can be put at risk. This is a page about troubleshooting a smoke detector.
Repairing a Clothes Steamer?When you need to repair a clothes steamer, you may find it is clogged with calcium deposits. Always use distilled water in your steamer and use a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.
Cleaning Walls and Hard Surfaces After a FireThis is a page about clean walls and other hard surfaces after a fire. A home fire, even a small one, will require repair and cleanup.
How to Restring Levolor Window BlindsIf the string has come out of your levolor blinds, it's no impossible to fix. Here is how to restring levolor window blinds.
Repairing Bubbles in Formica Countertop?This is a page about repairing bubbles in Formica countertop. Heat or humidity can cause the adhesive holding down your laminate countertop to fail and cause bubbles or lifting.
Wall to Wall Carpet is Buckling?This is a page about wall to wall carpet is buckling. Over time carpeting can stretch and begin to buckle.
Bleach Stains on Countertop?This is a page about bleach stains on countertop. Depending on the type of material used to make your countertops, using bleach to clean them may not be a good idea. Bleach can actually cause discoloration, when used on some countertops, that may be difficult or impossible to remove.
Making a Doorbell Louder?This is a page about making a doorbell louder. If your doorbell is not loud enough to hear in some parts of your home, you may be wondering if it can be made louder, or if you need to purchase a new one.
Repairing a Ceiling FanThis is a page about repairing a ceiling fan. Sometimes a ceiling fan may begin to squeak or wobble.
Repairing a Broken Fiberglass Fountain Decoration?This is a page about repairing a broken fiberglass fountain decoration. If you have a damaged fiberglass fountain, it can be hard to find replacement parts. Here are some repair tips, if you want to try repairing it yourself.
Repairing Bleach Stains on FormicaUnfortunately bleach will often remove the color on Formica countertops. This is a page about repairing bleach stains on Formica.
Dyeing CarpetWorn, stained, or faded carpet can find a second life after a dye job. This is a page about dyeing carpet.
Repairing PlasticThis is a page about repairing plastic. Whether a tub, bottle, chair or whatever, there are times when you want to fix things made of this synthetic material.
Getting Rid of Mushrooms Behind Dishwasher?How can I kill mushrooms growing behind my built in dishwasher?
How to Paint Faded Patio Pillows for a Colorful New LookIf you don't have the budget to replace your faded outdoor pillows, give them a fresh update with colorful paint. This is a page about how to paint faded patio pillows for a colorful new look.
Drying Out a Sweating Salt LampSalt lamps are sold for their air purifying qualities, as they draw moisture, allergens, and impurities from the air. They do sweat, however, and need attention. This is a page about drying out a sweating salt lamp.
Backing on Drapes Stuck Together in the Dryer?I put my drapes in the dryer after washing. I did not take them out right away so the backing stuck together in several places. How can I get them unstuck without damaging the drapes? Is it possible?
Indoor Fountain Vapor/Fogger Stopped Working?I have a 3 legged metal stand. It holds a large bowl filled with water. You plug in a device that turns multiple colors and puts out a vapor. It no longer puts out vapor. What is this called and where can I get one?
Genie Garage Door Opener Wall Switch Won't Work?I replaced my circuit board since the "learn" button had been broken off and now I can't get my hard-wired wall switch to work. The remotes have been programmed and work fine, but the wall switch won't open or close the door. I can't find how to reprogram the wall switch, which is what I think I need to do.
Removing Water Stains from Barnwood Paneling?Barn board paneling will give your home a naturally rustic look. But, water stains may not be quite the weathered appearance you're looking for. This page is about removing water stains from barn board paneling.
Restuffing a PillowOver time a throw pillow can become lumpy or unfluffy. It can be opened, emptied, washed and refilled with new stuffing. Restuffing a pillow can save you money.
Fixing a Lumpy ComforterThis is a page about fixing a lumpy comforter. Over time the batting in a comforter may become wadded and lumpy.
Stainless Steel Sink Stained By Lime Away?I need to know how to restore my brand new stainless steel sink? I put Lime Away on it and let it stand while I mopped and when I came back to clean it off it had dulled in the places that the lime away dripped down. Please tell me there is a way to fix this?
Scent Burner Stuck on Wood?I have an one of those little oil scent burner things that uses a tea light candle. I placed it on a Fiestaware plate when using it. I tried to move the plate and realized the plate is now stuck to the top of the furniture it is sitting on. Is there a way to remove it without damaging the surface of the wood? I've tried lighting it again and letting it get warm. Still stuck.
Homemade Pillow CraftsPillows are a great beginner sewing project. but can also be made with intricate quilting, embroidery or other ornamentation. They can be used for unique home decor or just for comfort and make wonderful gifts.
Repairing a Mattress TopperI had a mattress topper, one of the ones that is held on with elastic straps. The elastic stretched out and didn't stay on very well. I took it and cut the straps off. I put a fitted sheet on my mattress upside down then put the topper on it. When I got it set in the right place, I pinned it in place, took it to my sewing machine and stitched them together. Then I sewed it from corner to corner in a big X. That keeps them together when washing.
Mail Wedged in the Letterbox?The solutions to this rather unique mailbox issue are discussed below. Hopefully you never need to deal with a similar concern.
Repairing and Maintaining an Asphalt Driveway?Is there a simple way to re-asphalt my driveway? Or for me to seal it, and how often should sealing be done?
Mold Abatement Assistance for Low Income Homeowners?I purchased the land and mobile home that my grandparents lived in, on one acre about 5 years ago. I ended up replacing much of the floor as it had rotted hoping that would be it, but while doing so realized that all the insulation is gone under the home. The mobile home is full of mold and it seems like it happened over night. It is on the walls and ceiling and you can see it and smell it.
Preventing Mold After a Water Leak?My water heater sprung a leak and it stinks in my trailer! Will everything in it become moldy? Can I save my Kitchenaid or should I give it to Goodwill?
Removing Leather Wedding Album Stuck to Wood Coffee Table?The bottom of my leather wedding album is stuck to my wood coffee table. The table is slotted so I can reach between to force it off, but I am afraid I will damage the wedding album. Any suggestions that won't ruin the album?
Rewiring a Table LampRewire a lamp and save money. Keep track with your cell phone photos of how your lamp comes apart. This will help you reassemble it properly. This is a page about rewiring a living room lamp.
DIY Japanese Kintsugi Pottery RepairAn inexpensive way to fix broken pottery is with a gold dusted lacquer to stick the pieces back together leaving an attractive piece of pottery. This is a page about DIY Japanese kintsugi pottery repair.
Smoke Alarm Goes Off for No Reason?I have 4 smoke detectors and they go off for no reason. They beep (not chirp) 2 times and then go into silent mode. Only one of them blinks green while in silent mode. Is this the offending detector? I live in apartment and maintenance doesn't work on weekends. It's a First Alert 9120B and hard wired.
Repairing a Chipped CountertopDepending on the type of material your countertop is made of there are varying ways to repair a chip. For laminate countertops, there is a product called Fix A Chip. Other methods and products can also be used. This is a page about repairing a chipped countertop.
Repairing Torn Carpet?Depending on the size of the tear and the condition of the carpet there are a couple of common ways to repair it. You can either sew it up or tape from underneath. This is a page about repairing torn carpet.
Organizations That Help With Home RepairWhen you don't have the money to pay for repairs on your home, there may help available in your community. This is a page about organizations that help with home repair.
Replacement Cords for Biddeford Electric Blankets?Electric blanket cords often get misplaced or damaged while the oringial blanket is still usable. This is a page about replacement cords for Biddeford electric blankets.
Fixing Sticking Drawers, Windows and Sliding Glass DoorsThis is a page about sticking drawers, windows, and sliding glass doors. Windows, sliding doors, and drawers are notorious for sticking. One simple remedy is to rub the runners with paraffin. If that does not work more specific repair work may need to be done.
Using Tape to Glue Wood?This is a page about using tape to glue wood. As the glue is drying, it is best to use something to hold everything in place. Clamps work great for most projects, but painter's tape works great in those tough to reach places.
Repairing a Boiler on Low Income?When you need to pay just to have someone take a look at your heating problem, it can be more than you can afford. This is a page about repairing a boiler on a low income.
Resetting Your Backup Battery UnitBattery backups are common for some utilities; like telephone, internet or cable service. This is a page about resetting your backup battery unit.
New Linen Closet Makes Things Stink?I updated the master bathroom and added a linen closet. There is no a water leak or anything. My sheets and towels stink when I pull them out. They smell like the inside of the new cabinet so like a plywood musty yucky smell, not mold just like a new cabinet which isn't pleasant.
Repairing Damage to Painted Countertop?I have a painted countertop that has been damaged and stained; how do I repair the damage?
Driveway Paint Is Peeling OffThe initial step in dealing with a driveway with peeling paint it to remove the paint and then refinish as you like. This is a page about driveway paint is peeling off.
Flattening a Curled RugIf your rug has curled up on the corners, it can be a tripping hazard. This is a page about flattening a curled rug.
Furnace Repair Assistance for Low Income Homeowners?My husband is a disabled vet and I work as a cashier part time. We recently moved into a house that we are buying from my brother and his girlfriend. We discovered that our furnace doesn't work. Is there anywhere that can help low income families with this type of problem?
Repairing a Leaky Water HeaterThis is a page about repairing a leaky water heater. Replacing your water heater may not be in the budget right now. Sometimes small leaks can be repaired.
Hardwired Fire Alarm Beeping?I have a hard wired Honeywell fire alarm. It is beeping intermittently. How do I fix it? It does not have a battery back up. It was installed in 1979.
Repairing a Jacuzzi Tub?I have an old Jacuzzi jetted tub. I bought it second hand. The back jets do not work. I noticed that the hoses used to be held up high on the structure using some kind of goo. The hose hangs down a bit. Is this the reason the jets don't work?
Troubleshooting Furnace Problems?This is a page about troubleshooting furnace problems. You may want to try and narrow down the reason your furnace is not working properly, prior to calling a repair service.
Removing Concrete Sealer From a Driveway?This is a page about removing concrete driveway sealer. Driveways are sealed to extend the life of the concrete and improve its appearance.
Repairing a Gas GrillThis is a page about repairing a gas grill. When your indoor or outdoor gas grill is not working properly, it may need some maintenance.
Repairing a Lampshade?This is a page about repairing a lampshade. When a lamp shade starts showing signs of wear, there are ways to give it an extended life.
Removing Watchband LinksThis is a page about removing watchband links. Without going to the jeweler, it can be a challenge finding just the right tool to use at home to resize a watchband.
Repairing Dull Formica?I work in a motel that has grey speckled sink counters. A previous housekeeper used something to "clean" that took the finish off the counters and the chrome faucets. I have tried car polish and Armour All to no avail. The counters are not smooth they are textured. Now they are all dull with a white hue.
Home Repair Help for Disabled Senior?I'm looking for a program that will help my disabled mother to rebuild her home. Her house is very old is falling apart and it has mold everywhere. She is always saying that her head hurts a lot, but I know is because of the mold that is everywhere. She lives in Crystal City, Texas.
Home Repair Assistance for Senior Citizens?Where can I get help fixing up my elderly mother's home?
Removing Stucco Spatters from Neighbor's House?I just had my garage stuccoed, and the workers got the new stucco on my neighbor's house which is also stuccoed. Their stucco had paint mixed into the stucco when it was applied. How can I remove our stucco splatters from their wall without damaging their color.
Stopping Up a Vent HoleI am trying to clean up an old laundry room for storage and this old vent hole was going to let in creepy crawlies. I also had an old flashlight that had corroded connectors for the battery.
Noisy Ceiling Fan?One of my ceiling fans has loud wind sound mostly medium and high speed. Definitely not "whisper" quiet. It is 20 plus years old and on almost constantly. Anything to try other than replacing?
Condensation in Mobile HomeThis is a page about condensation in mobile home. It can appear that a mobile home is leaking when excess moisture is accumulates on the walls, due to condensation.
Heater Thermostat Not Working Properly?My thermostat is set on off in the dining room yet the heat still goes on. It is at 74 right now. Is this a problem with the thermostat or the furnace? Who should I call to fix it?
Identifying Noise Coming from Attic?I have occasional noise in my attic that sounds like a door closing or pipes banging. I have hot water heater and air and heating units in the attic.
Repairing an Electric Fan?This page is about repairing an electric fan. If your fan is not working properly, you may be able to fix it.
Troubleshooting a Water HeaterThis is a page about troubleshooting a water heater. Your water heater has stopped bringing the water up to temperature. Going through a troubleshooting process is one way to ascertain the cause so that you can make the repairs.
Repairing a Window ScreenWhen you have a hole or tear in your window, you can save money by repairing it rather than buying a whole new screen. This page shows you how to fix a window screen.
Garage Door Remote Opener Not WorkingThis is a page about garage door remote opener not working. You press the button and your garage remote doesn't work. This is a frustrating situation and one that is not always easy to diagnose.
Garage Door Not Opening ProperlyThis is a page about garage door not working properly. Automatic garage doors are a great convenience, until they have problems working properly.
Repairing Scratches on Formica?This is a page about repairing scratches on Formica. Over time your laminate countertops can get scratched. The appearance of minor scratches can be repaired.
Disabling a Smoke Detector Behind a Wall Remodel?Does anyone have any idea on how I might be able to disable a smoke detector that was left between the walls during a remodel? We just bought the home and the previous owner isn't much help.
Removing Chimney Breasts Safely?I would like information on removing internal chimney breasts up to a loft space. Thanks.
Repairing Loose Screws Mounted in Grout?How do you fix a loose connection (screw) in grout between tiles in the bathroom?
Cold Air Coming Through Ducting?I have a propane furnace that sits in my attached garage. I have a crawl space under the house and this is where the duct work is located. My return duct work is in the attic. In the winter when the furnace is not running I feel cold air coming through the vents.
White Stain on Epoxied Counter Top?I put my dish rack down on the counter top and water got under the epoxy coat. Now there is a white stain. How do I get rid of it?
Lime Out Left Stain on Chrome Faucet?I put a Lime Away type product (called Lime Out) on a chrome kitchen sink faucet and was distracted by a phone call. When I returned to the sink to rinse it, the product had left a stain on the chrome.
Chirping Smoke Detector Is Driving Me Crazy?How can I stop a chirping from one of my electric smoke detectors? I put in a fresh battery and it keeps chirping, please help. Thank you and God bless you always.
New Firepit Provides Little Heat But Lots of Smoke?I have just bought a firepit for the summer evenings. The first time I tried it there was very little heat, but a huge amount of smoke! What am I doing wrong and what should I use to get the best heat and be smoke free?
Rooms Added On to House Seem to Be Detaching?We bought a house a couple of years ago. We are now witnessing the add on sunroom detaching itself from the original part of the home. We noticed it a little with the carpet coming away from the wall, but now the ceiling looks like the nails are coming out of the drywall.
Retying a Corded Curtain Tieback?How do you tie a corded curtain tieback? I accidentally untied one and don't know how to tie it back.
Heater Vent Not Blowing Air?The heater vents in my home all blow out hot air except the one at the end of the house, this one sucks the room's air into it. Is there a fix to it so that hot air blows out of it like the rest of the house?
Why Do My Smoke Alarms Go Off When the Humidity is Low?Every time we experience low humidity (around 10%), our smoke alarms go off. It starts with one detector and all the others follow suit. The only way to stop them, is to remove all of them and take out the batteries. They are hard wired. They are about 12 years old.
What Causes Dark Marks on Ceiling Where Attic Insulation Has Been Disturbed?What causes dark marks on my livingroom ceiling? They appear anywhere the attic floor insulation has been disturbed. Also it marks the ceiling rafters where they meet the outside walls. I can paint over it using Kilz plus another finish coat, but it reappears in about eight months.
Sink Isn't Draining?I have a single sink with a garbage disposal. The water does not drain unless I turn on the disposal. I already had someone check the elbow underneath and everything, but it's clear. The water does drain when it's on. I don't understand what's happening.
Moulding on Newly Rendered Walls Turned Black?I have oak veneered skirting (moulding) which has gone black due to being fitted to soon after rendering (plastering) the walls.Can anyone tell me how to lighten or disguise this black or dark mark?
Removing Dried Concrete from Vinyl House Siding?How can I get concrete off my vinyl siding? The fellow who did our sidewalk was sloppy and we have concrete up the side of the house. It's hard and has been there for about 3 weeks.
Paint Peeling on Outside Iron Railing?Last week my son repainted our black iron outside railing white. Now the paint is chipping and the black railing is showing through. He used the Rustoleum paint, is there any reason why this is happening and how it can be prevented?
Repairing Carpet Snags?Does anyone have any idea what I should do about pulls in a carpet that our dear puppy has done?
Repairing Light Spots in Beige Carpet?I have blotches in my carpet lighter than my beige carpet. What can I do to get it even colored?
Smoke Alarms Have Gone Off Intermittently For Seven Years?Why does my smoke alarm go off intermittently for no reason? We are on our 2nd set of alarms. It's happened with both sets. It has been happening for 7yrs now. There are fresh batteries, they are dusted, hard wired, and in a circuit.
Repairing a Cigarette Burn on a Plastic Sink?How do I fix a cigarette burn on a mobile home plastic sink?
Repairing Water Damaged Plaster?I have to repair an area on the inside window frame, where the plaster fell off after a water/rain leak. The leak is now fixed, but I have to replace the plaster for an area of 72 inches long and 4 inches wide. What is the best way to do this?
Change the Batteries in Your Programmable ThermostatIf you have a programmable thermostat running your heating/air conditioner, before calling a service tech, check the batteries. A lot of customers do not know that they usually have 2 AA batteries that run them.
Water Heater Has Hot and Cold Water Surges?Why does my hot water heater surge hot and cold water?
Re-Attaching Lining to Drapes?The drapes in my bedroom are Chintz and the lining pulled away from the drape when I washed it. I can't decide whether to leave the lining free to ravel or attach it somehow without sewing.
Noisy Water Heater?How do you service a water heater that makes noise inside?
Carpet Dye is Bleeding?I don't know how it happened but as I was cleaning my designer carpet the red from one part ran into the beige color. I have taken it to the carpet place but they wouldn't even look at it. Has anyone had to get red carpet dye out and how?
Repairing Mirrored Cabinet Doors?The mirrored doors on my medicine cabinet in the bathroom are beginning to lose the mirror on the edges of the beveled doors and are looking rather worn. I would like to be able to fix them if I can as I haven't been able to find anything I like as much.
Thrifty Shower Curtain RepairWe have two brother cats, and for some reason, they gleefully enjoyed shredding our admittedly cheap plastic/vinyl shower curtains. They'd jump on them with their claws out and slide down, fun to watch until you need to bathe and keep water off the floor.
Frugal Anti-Fugal Humidifier Solution?I am looking for a frugal anti-fungal humidifier solution.
Gas Smell in Bathrooms?I thought I smelled gas last night so I called the Scarborough, Maine FD. They said that the smell is from one of the bathrooms and it needed a new seal. My boyfriend says that they don't know what they are talking about. I always smell this in both bathrooms. It is gross. What should I do? Can you get sick from breathing this a lot?
H2O Mop is Leaking?My H2O mop is leaking really bad. I know it will leak some, but it is leaking really bad. I love the mop but I think I may need to change to a new one. Would it be under warranty? I have not had it very long.
Watermark on Marble Hearth?How can I remove a watermark from my marble hearth?
Repairing Scratches in Ceramic Tile?How can you get scratches out of ceramic tiles?
Fixing Curled Edges on an Area Rug?How do you fix an area rug that rolls up around edges?
Ticking Noise Coming From AC Air Ducts?I live in a loft with 12.5 foot ceilings with air ducts from the central AC unit that run at the ceiling. Here is my dilemma. After the AC unit cycles off there is this TICKING NOISE in one section of the air ducts that is driving me insane.
Repairing Cracks in Concrete?Repairing Cracks in Concrete. We have a concrete walk that has developed cracks. What is the best way to repair these cracks so that weeds don't grow in them?
Repairing Woodpecker Damage to Cedar Siding?A woodpecker made a hole into the cedar siding of our house. I'm asking for repair ideas. I tried filling the holes with a white rubberized putty to make him stop, which explains the white drips.
Repairing a Baby Blanket?This is my baby blanket I've had since I was born (I'm 19 now). I sleep with it every night and it is extremely important to me. I am very scared and crying because it's falling apart and idk how to fix it. Can I maybe sew felt over all the falling apart patches?
Scent Burner Stuck on Wood?I have an one of those little oil scent burner things that uses a tea light candle. I placed it on a Fiestaware plate when using it. I tried to move the plate and realized the plate is now stuck to the top of the furniture it is sitting on. Is there a way to remove it without damaging the surface of the wood? I've tried lighting it again and letting it get warm. Still stuck.
How to Repair Fresh Stepping Stone?Could I use weldbond mixed with glitter and go over the small pin holes on top of my freshly cement stepping stone? And then, seal it with grout sealer for outdoors?
Repairing a Pedestal Fan?I left my fan on high speed next to an open window. I left for work in the evening. Some time during the night my (frayed just enough) curtain slid down and behind the fan. Several strands of thread are wrapped around the shaft. The blades still spin freely by hand, but there is no sound from the motor. Anything that I can do? Short of buying new?
Controller for Electric Blanket?Where can I get a replacement controller for a full size electric blanket by Westerly, purchased at Ocean State Job Lot?
