Home-Dzine - Home improvement advice, tips and ideas for a home

Home Improvement

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We've got Tool Hampers up for grabs for the best Home Improvement projects submitted by readers. All you have to do is to send us some 'before' and 'after' pics of your home improvement project and tell us what was done. Every 3 months you stand in line to win Bosch , Dremel or Skil Tools

Plumbing Repairs

	Where to find a professional plumber Research shows that consumers worry about the quality of plumbers in South Africa. It is frightening to acknowledge that many so-called plumbers actually don't have qualifications or experience which tarnishes the reputation of professional plumbers that do. So how do we know if the plumber we hire is qualified and registered or not?
	Understand your home plumbing Unless you can afford to fork out every time something goes wrong in your home, it pays to know a few plumbing basics just in case ...
	Repair chipped basin, toilet or tub Repairing chips and gouges in a porcelain or enamelled bath or basin is fairly easy if you use the right products for the job.
	Banging or vibrating water pipes Where banging noises seem to be in the walls or ceiling, this is commonly referred to as Water Hammer and is caused by a lack of air in the pipes and occurs whenever taps with valves are closed quickly. Water pressure in the pipes is not cushioned by air and this causes the banging noise.
	How to fix a leaking toilet If there are brown stains or water is dripping from the back of the toilet - where it connects to the outlet pipe - you need to replace the seal. It's a quick and easy job - although a bit messy - that takes about five minutes!
	How to seal around bath or basin It is essential to have a seal around basins and bath tubs to prevent moisture access to furniture, walls and floors.
	How to unblock a toilet You don't have to get into a panic or call a plumber if the toilet blocks up. All you need to do it don a pair of rubber gloves and grab a plunger.
	Do you have damp or mould? Damp can affect any home and, with the obvious health and comfort issues, it is always wise to spot any problems early and remedy them quickly. Bathroom can be prone to damp, so here's what to keep a look out for...
	Understand how a toilet works Most homes have at least two, so it pays to have some understanding of how your toilet works. If you have a basic knowledge you could save yourself hundreds of rands on minor repairs. Here are a few things that it helps to know...
	Why do drains block up? Imagine standing in the shower with water up to your ankles, or spending essential 'reading' time on the toilet and then it won't flush! Most blockages are due to poor maintenance and bad habits, and while a twice yearly inspection may not stop blockages entirely, it will prevent a big build up that could cause flooding.
	Quick fixes for a home There are certain jobs in and around the home that can be tackled easily and quickly. Here's a quick round up of DIY products that are helpful to have at home in case of an emergency DIY fix up - and you'll find everything you need at your local Builders Warehouse!
	Why do drains block? Imagine standing in the shower with water up to your ankles, or spending essential 'reading' time on the toilet and then it won't flush! Most blockages are due to poor maintenance and bad habits, and while a twice yearly inspection may not stop blockages entirely, it will prevent a big build up that could cause flooding.
	Adjust or replace a toilet seat Every time I sit on the toilet seat I feel like I'm going for a roller coaster ride! Over time the screws that hold the seat can work loose and simply need to be tightened, but should they break off, you will need to replace the entire seat.
	Remove and replace bathroom basin or sink You don't have to live with ugly fittings when they are so easy to replace. Simply pull out and remove the old hand basin to install a new, modern hand basin to update a bathroom.
	Install a new shower head Start creating your new personal shower space by choosing the showerhead that meets your needs and desires. There are two main categories of showerheads to choose from: fixed or handheld. But within these categories is a wealth of options - from rainshowers to multi-setting versions.

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Electrical

	Install ceiling lights Some rooms in my home have light fittings that were installed when the house was built - way back when. I thought it was about time I took my own advice - and installed more modern fittings!
	How to wire a 3-pin plug Although you can strip almost any wire or cable with nothing more than a craft knife, for safety reasons it is better to use a wire stripper. If you plan to do home improvements or your own home repairs, a wire stripper is affordable and easy to use, and they produce results that are reliable and safe.
	How to connect wires Most electrical problems - some of which can be extremely dangerous - can be prevented with a properly applied wire connector. In most cases, a connector is nothing more than a plastic cap with a spring inside.
	Fit a 3-pin plug By law, appliances, tools and other bought electrical items have to be fitted with a plug, but how many are fitted with a 2-pin plug. Stop running around trying to find a 2-pin adaptor.
	What to do in a power failure While our day to day lives are dependant on electricity, if you are sitting comfortably in front of the TV or PC and the power goes off. What do you do?
	Test your earth leakage Do you know why a switch trips? Here is a simple guide to how your fusebox gets electricity to your appliances.
	Electrical repairs There are some minor electrical faults that can be repaired yourself - without calling out an electrician. Save yourself some money and time spent waiting by doing a bit of research...
	What to do when circuit breaker keeps tripping Eskom power is cabled into a home via the circuit breaker. An electrical panel mounted within the home, a circuit breaker is a safety mechanism that is designed to trip and switch off the power when safety has been compromised. Here are some of the problems that can cause a circuit breaker to trip...
	How to use a continuity tester You need to perform a continuity test to ascertain whether or not a switch has failed. A continuity test will determine if a continuous electrical path flows through a switch. If a switch has continuity it should be working, but no continuity indicates that the electrical path is broken and the switch needs to be replaced.

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Windows & Doors

	How to adjust shower door If the sliding doors on your shower don’t glide smoothly, repair them soon. A door that drags on the lower track will eventually do permanent damage to both the door and the track. A dragging roller at the top of the door will wear and require replacement.
	Does your home have woodworm? The name may cause some confusion, especially since it isn't a worm at all but rather grubs of the Common Furniture Beetle [Anobium punctatum]. But confusion aside, woodworm can cause extensive damage to your home and furniture if left untreated.
	Sand, stain and seal a wooden floor This weekend our major goal was to sand, stain and seal the wood floors. The wooden floors are in pretty rough shape and are covered with water stains, scuffs and scratches.
	Maintain doors in good condition Slamming, banging, sticking or jammed, doors take a lot of beating on a daily basis. If you have doors that need repairs here are some tips to get you started...
	Easy DIY cabinet or cupboard repairs While most modern fitted kitchens are designed to withstand constant use and abuse, an older kitchen may be taking strain. We have put together some quick and easy do-it-yourself repairs you can tackle in a day.
	Care for wooden windows & doors There is a beauty to timber windows and the homes they grace, and if they are well maintained, they can last a lifetime. Charl Jacobz from Swartland offers some tips and advice on how to best maintain their beauty.
	Remove and rehang an exterior door Removing and replacing an exterior door, especially a front and back door, is as easy as removing the old one, making a few adjustments and then hanging the new one in place.
	Remove and replace skirtings In an older home you may find that skirting boards need to be replaced either due to rotting, damage over time, or simply to update a home. In this do-it-yourself project we show you how to remove and replace skirting boards.
	Hang a new interior door Replacing a door in an existing door frame is easier and much cheaper than pulling out the trim and frame and installing a prehung door, because you have the old door as a template.

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Interior Maintenance & Repairs

How to replace a cracked or broken tile

A floor covered with ceramic tile is about as durable and low-maintenance a surface as you can get. Replacing a broken or chipped tile is pretty simple to do and one that any homeowner can handle.

How to replace a broken window pane

It is very easy to replace a broken window pane with the right safety gear, tools and materials. Here's how to do-it-yourself ...

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Exterior Maintenance & Repairs

	Repair chipped or damaged plaster finish Cracked, chipped or plaster that has fallen off the wall are all easy repairs to tackle yourself, and if you have acquainted yourself with basic plastering techniques, these are jobs that can be done in a weekend.
	Repair cracks in concrete Whether it is on the patio, in the garage or across the driveway, cracked concrete looks unsightly and if left unattended will only crack and crumble even more.
	Repoint a loose brick When a brick works loose, you can’t just shove mortar in around it and expect the repair to last. Pull it out and fix it right.
	Replace roof tile Missing or broken roof tiles allow water to penetrate the roof space and wind to lift more of the neighbouring tiles. If you attend to the problem immediately you won't end up with serious repairs later on.
	Repair, restore or renovate concrete Conventional wisdom holds that old concrete, with cracks, surface discolouration, or surface imperfections, must be removed and replaced if improving the look of the concrete is the goal. But there are many options available for transforming that drab concrete patio, driveway, or floor into a new, decorative, coloured concrete surface.
	Maintain or repair a flat roof As one of the most cost-effective ways to add on an additional room, building with a flat roof design reduces the cost of additional roofing materials and labour costs.But shoddy workmanship on existing flat roofs and over time these roofs can be a big problem.
	Winter home maintenance projects Traditionally winter is the season most likely to make you wish you'd never become a homeowner. But before you snuggle back under the covers, your new found zeal for all things homely can start right now.
	Time to clean or paint the roof A cement tile roof is an affordable and attractive way to top off a house. This type of roof looks good for up to 10 years but the colour does tend to fade over time. The problem is solved by applying cleaning the roof tiles and applying a quality roof paint to ensure that your home looks good for many more years.
	Fix a leaking roof before it becomes serious If you notice water stains on the ceiling, cornice or down the walls it's time to take a look at the roof. Regular inspection of a roof can prevent costly repairs later on.

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Plumbing Repairs	Electrical
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Exterior Maintenance & Repairs

Home Improvement

Submit your home improvement project and WIN!

Plumbing Repairs

Unless you can afford to fork out every time something goes wrong in your home, it pays to know a few plumbing basics just in case ...

Repairing chips and gouges in a porcelain or enamelled bath or basin is fairly easy if you use the right products for the job.

Where banging noises seem to be in the walls or ceiling, this is commonly referred to as Water Hammer and is caused by a lack of air in the pipes and occurs whenever taps with valves are closed quickly. Water pressure in the pipes is not cushioned by air and this causes the banging noise.

If there are brown stains or water is dripping from the back of the toilet - where it connects to the outlet pipe - you need to replace the seal. It's a quick and easy job - although a bit messy - that takes about five minutes!

It is essential to have a seal around basins and bath tubs to prevent moisture access to furniture, walls and floors.

You don't have to get into a panic or call a plumber if the toilet blocks up. All you need to do it don a pair of rubber gloves and grab a plunger.

Damp can affect any home and, with the obvious health and comfort issues, it is always wise to spot any problems early and remedy them quickly. Bathroom can be prone to damp, so here's what to keep a look out for...

Most homes have at least two, so it pays to have some understanding of how your toilet works. If you have a basic knowledge you could save yourself hundreds of rands on minor repairs. Here are a few things that it helps to know...

There are certain jobs in and around the home that can be tackled easily and quickly. Here's a quick round up of DIY products that are helpful to have at home in case of an emergency DIY fix up - and you'll find everything you need at your local Builders Warehouse!

Every time I sit on the toilet seat I feel like I'm going for a roller coaster ride! Over time the screws that hold the seat can work loose and simply need to be tightened, but should they break off, you will need to replace the entire seat.

You don't have to live with ugly fittings when they are so easy to replace. Simply pull out and remove the old hand basin to install a new, modern hand basin to update a bathroom.

Start creating your new personal shower space by choosing the showerhead that meets your needs and desires. There are two main categories of showerheads to choose from: fixed or handheld. But within these categories is a wealth of options - from rainshowers to multi-setting versions.

Electrical

Some rooms in my home have light fittings that were installed when the house was built - way back when. I thought it was about time I took my own advice - and installed more modern fittings!

Most electrical problems - some of which can be extremely dangerous - can be prevented with a properly applied wire connector. In most cases, a connector is nothing more than a plastic cap with a spring inside.

By law, appliances, tools and other bought electrical items have to be fitted with a plug, but how many are fitted with a 2-pin plug. Stop running around trying to find a 2-pin adaptor.

While our day to day lives are dependant on electricity, if you are sitting comfortably in front of the TV or PC and the power goes off. What do you do?

Do you know why a switch trips? Here is a simple guide to how your fusebox gets electricity to your appliances.

There are some minor electrical faults that can be repaired yourself - without calling out an electrician. Save yourself some money and time spent waiting by doing a bit of research...

Windows & Doors

If the sliding doors on your shower don’t glide smoothly, repair them soon. A door that drags on the lower track will eventually do permanent damage to both the door and the track. A dragging roller at the top of the door will wear and require replacement.

The name may cause some confusion, especially since it isn't a worm at all but rather grubs of the Common Furniture Beetle [Anobium punctatum]. But confusion aside, woodworm can cause extensive damage to your home and furniture if left untreated.

This weekend our major goal was to sand, stain and seal the wood floors. The wooden floors are in pretty rough shape and are covered with water stains, scuffs and scratches.

Slamming, banging, sticking or jammed, doors take a lot of beating on a daily basis. If you have doors that need repairs here are some tips to get you started...

While most modern fitted kitchens are designed to withstand constant use and abuse, an older kitchen may be taking strain. We have put together some quick and easy do-it-yourself repairs you can tackle in a day.

There is a beauty to timber windows and the homes they grace, and if they are well maintained, they can last a lifetime. Charl Jacobz from Swartland offers some tips and advice on how to best maintain their beauty.

Removing and replacing an exterior door, especially a front and back door, is as easy as removing the old one, making a few adjustments and then hanging the new one in place.

In an older home you may find that skirting boards need to be replaced either due to rotting, damage over time, or simply to update a home. In this do-it-yourself project we show you how to remove and replace skirting boards.

Replacing a door in an existing door frame is easier and much cheaper than pulling out the trim and frame and installing a prehung door, because you have the old door as a template.

Interior Maintenance & Repairs

A floor covered with ceramic tile is about as durable and low-maintenance a surface as you can get. Replacing a broken or chipped tile is pretty simple to do and one that any homeowner can handle.

It is very easy to replace a broken window pane with the right safety gear, tools and materials. Here's how to do-it-yourself ...

Exterior Maintenance & Repairs

Cracked, chipped or plaster that has fallen off the wall are all easy repairs to tackle yourself, and if you have acquainted yourself with basic plastering techniques, these are jobs that can be done in a weekend.

Whether it is on the patio, in the garage or across the driveway, cracked concrete looks unsightly and if left unattended will only crack and crumble even more.

When a brick works loose, you can’t just shove mortar in around it and expect the repair to last. Pull it out and fix it right.

Missing or broken roof tiles allow water to penetrate the roof space and wind to lift more of the neighbouring tiles. If you attend to the problem immediately you won't end up with serious repairs later on.

As one of the most cost-effective ways to add on an additional room, building with a flat roof design reduces the cost of additional roofing materials and labour costs.But shoddy workmanship on existing flat roofs and over time these roofs can be a big problem.

Traditionally winter is the season most likely to make you wish you'd never become a homeowner. But before you snuggle back under the covers, your new found zeal for all things homely can start right now.

If you notice water stains on the ceiling, cornice or down the walls it's time to take a look at the roof. Regular inspection of a roof can prevent costly repairs later on.

Search Home-Dzine

Features & Projects

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