Tap leak repairing

Difficulty level: Easy, if you have the necessary tools

Time required: About 10 minutes

Resources required

1. Pipe wrench

2. Screwdriver

3. Pliers

4. Large towel to absorb water

5. Rubber or PVC washers

6. PVC or fiber O-ring

7. Teflon pipe seal tape or vaseline or silicone grease

Estimated cost

The adjustable pipe wrench could cost around $10 at a hardware store, a screwdriver for about $2 and the pliers for about $5. Rubber or PVC washers and O-rings are generally sold in packages of 10 costing about $1 at plumbing supply stores.

Instructions

1. If there is a main inlet valve to your house, turn that off to stop all water supply to the house. This valve is usually located in the front lawn area near the water meter. In apartment blocks, you may not have an inlet valve separate for your apartment. Taps fitted to wash basins usually have an inlet valve fitted below. That could serve the purpose of turning off water supply to the leaking tap.

2. Once you have turned off the main inlet valve, open the tap to drain water from the pipes. If you do not have a main inlet valve, or a wash basin valve to isolate the leaking tap, proceed to step 3.

3. The tap operating handle is now to be removed. This handle is fixed to the tap with a screw that is usually located under the hot or cold marking button on the tap. The button is push fit into the handle and can be pried off. Remove the screw with the screwdriver and take the handle off.

In some designs, the tap handle is also push fit and may not need the screwdriver. In other designs, the screw could be on the side of the handle.

4. Once the handle is removed, the tap spindle is exposed. The spindle assembly is threaded into the base of the tap. This spindle needs to be removed using the pipe wrench. The base of the spindle has flattened edges to accommodate the pipe wrench. Tighten the pipe wrench jaws on the flattened edge and turn anti-clockwise to loosen the spindle. Do not take the spindle assembly off if you have not turned off water supply to the tap. Cover the tap with the towel and reach under it to thread the spindle out. The towel helps keep the water spout from the open tap under check.

If you have turned off the water supply to the tap under repair, you don’t need the towel.

5. At the base of the spindle is the rubber or PVC washer that needs to be replaced to stop the leakage. The damaged washer will come off with hand pressure. Occasionally, you may need to use the pliers to pull it off. Push on the new washer to the spindle stem.

The spindle also has a PVC or fiber O-ring at the place where the spindle assembly seats on the tap base. This usually does not get damaged but check to see if that too needs replacement.

Apply a layer of pipe sealant tape or grease to the threaded surface of the spindle.

6. Reach under the towel (if in place over the tap), and thread the spindle assembly into the base of the tap. Tighten with fingers.

7. Remove the water soaked towel. Tighten the spindle with the pipe wrench.

8. Turn the water back on. The leakage should have stopped.

9. Refix the handle to the tap using the screwdriver and replace the buttons over the screw head.

Frequently asked questions

Q1: If I don’t have a pipe wrench, can I use the pliers to loosen the spindle?

A: The pliers would not be able to grip the spindle and you could cause damage to the spindle or injury to yourself from the pliers slipping off.

Q2: When a shower head drips, can the same process be used?

A: Yes, shower head taps are similar except that the tap and the spindle are horizontal.

Quick tips

If you do not have a main inlet valve that you can turn off, it would be worthwhile to keep a spare spindle to attend to leaking taps. Most tap spindles are interchangeable even if the tap external appearance differs. This would cut down the time needed for washer replacement and reduce the amount of water to be soaked up by the towel.

Things to watch out for

When removing or refitting the threaded spindle, apply only moderate pressure on the pipe wrench. Applying too much pressure could cause damage to the spindle threads and the whole tap may need replacement.

Amphibious house

The house is constructed with a strong timber frame. The foundation of the house has a unique honeycomb design, which is 9 feet in height, which would help in keeping the structure afloat by making it rise in flood situation. The dock is made out of reinforced concrete with four poles that would keep the house in place when it floats. In the event of flood, the house will rise only when the dock is filled up with water, which will cause the house to unlock from the dock and rise upward.

Each level of the garden is fortified with a special design to stop water from penetrating inside. In the flood situation, various levels of the garden would flood incrementally and function like an early flood warning system alerting the occupants before it reached a threatening level. The bottom level of this house is planted with various plants that absorb water, which is also useful for managing run-off water and the top level would be the patio. The Thames river normally has a tendency to flood its banks once in two decades, and in the course of such an event, the amphibious house will not be damaged but would keep floating in the river waters - the only thing that would require tidying up would be the garden.

The owners of the amphibious house have secured planning permission from the Environmental Agency for constructing this project on the site that has an old and dilapidated bungalow that dates back to the 30s after pulling it down. The construction site is 10 yards away from the riverside, which is very close to the river. Construction of the amphibious house is still underway, and its architects are waiting for the day when they would be sipping wine on the terrace overlooking the Thames.

AG Land

Overview

AG land has recently reconstructed one of their most popular furniture, which is also their best selling product of all time, the armchair ‘Linz’. Redesigning of this armchair has been done to provide a modern sophisticated look that appeals to everyone and enhances the overall ambiance of your place.

Redesign

Picture Gallery

Redesign

Redesigning of linz by Sebastian Lara Dris

What’s unique

The look of this armchair makes it perfect to complement any contemporary environment. It comes with a beautiful upholstery to provide complete relaxation to your body. It is available in leather or alcantra.

High points

Comfort is the major highlight of this AG land product and it is fit for any place be it office, hotel or your private room. The legs of this chair are made of high gloss lacquered wood that ensures beauty with strength and holds firmly on the ground. To ensure this, new materials are used to provide the ultimate finishing to armchair that adds glamour to this furniture. The best thing about it is that all of this is done without losing the originality of armchair. With a varied range of styles and looks, it ensures to catch attention of many eyes.

Fixing a sink

Difficulty level: Easy

Time required: 15 minutes to 1 hour

Resources required

1. Wrench
2. Caulk
3. Rag
4. Spirits

Instructions

1. First of all, locate the source of the leak with the help of a flashlight.

2. Usually, the leak is due to a loose faucet or water dribbling around the border of the sink. Both of these can be fixed easily.

3. There is a pipe under every sink with a bolt attached. Just turn this bolt around to tighten it. You can tighten it with either your hands or a wrench.

4. Sometimes the O ring is very old. Just replace it with a new one that fits in the sink adequately.

5. If water seeps out along the border of the bowl, then you should detach the sink bowl completely and clean it with a rag dipped in mineral spirits.

Quick tips

1. If too much water has collected around the sink, then drain it out before you start to locate the source of the leek.
2. If you cannot identify the problem or could not repair it in a single go, then it is better to call for a plumber.

Things to watch out for

Turn off the water supply before you start to repair the sink. Working in a pool of water could cause accidents, especially if the water comes into contact with an electric connection.

Bed Canopy

Difficulty level: Easy

Time required: 1 to 3 hours

Resources required

1. Fabric
2. Sewing machine
3. Dowel rods
4. Metal rings
5. Hooks
6. Drill
7. Screws

Instructions

1. Measure the height from which you want to hook the canopy. Cut out the fabric in the required dimensions.
2. Hem about two inches of the fabric along the border. You can attach a lace, frill or ribbon along the edges.
3. Stitch pockets at points that will be clipped to the dowel. Fasten metal rings on the cloth that will be inserted into the dowel.
4. Fix hooks on the wall at the point from where you want to sling the canopy. You can also attach a circular or rectangular frame on top of the bed to suspend the canopy. You will need a drill and screw to affix the frame in place.
5. Now, just attach the canopy at the points required and let the loose ends drape the edges of your bed.

Quick tips

1. Pick a dreamy fabric that will leave your partner floored. Satin and silk are quite passionate while flimsy pieces help to create a starry-eyed feel. A see through net or diaphanous muslin will also do the trick.
2. Velvet is for a lush look and to bring out the grandeur, suspend it from an ornate and gilded frame.
3. To show how madly in love you are, pick a textile in the pretty Valentine’s day colors of pink or red. A demure white will create a dreamy touch.

Build LLC

Overview

Winding staircases add an exuberant charm to your house. They twist and turn through the interiors, making the house look all the more spacious and accommodating. For a staircase to be placed inside the house, the measurements have to be exact, precise and often geometrically correct. However, none of these points actually played up as a challenge with Build LLC. They just completed a fabulous winding staircase in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Rest, all that can be said is that they have done a fantastic job.

Integrated cabinet stairs

Picture Gallery

Integrated cabinet stairs

Integrated cabinet stairs by Built LLC

What’s unique

The staircase coyly divides the living room and the kitchen, splitting it right in the middle. However, this is not what makes it truly unique. What brings out its quality points is its build and make. It has been crafted with attenuated steel and further mounted completely on a walnut cabinet. The beauty is further accentuated as the cabinet and staircase fuse into one another, adding a subtle grandeur to your living room and kitchen alike.

High points

The steel provides a fresh look to the staircase and, in turn, lends a strong girth to it as well. The backdrop livens up immediately with the happening look of the beautiful, innovative staircase. The true essence will be realized when you yourself hire Build LLC to recreate the magic in your dwellings.

Bright bedroom

1. Muted lighting

Light candles

Show how lovesick you are with an innovative lighting arrangement. To set the mood, dim out all the lights. Oil lamps and candles are really mushy, especially the long candles on brass stands. Go for candles with a chocolate, cinnamon, jasmine or vanilla scent.

2. Flowers for the starry eyed mates

Floral arrangement

Blooms of roses, daisies, tulips and orchids are for die-hard romantics. You can place bouquets or long stemmed flowers in glass vases filled with water. If fresh blooms are not your thing, then go for dry or silk flowers.

3. Aphrodisiac foods

Strawberries and champagne

Lay the table with foods that get you into the mood like radish, celery, clams, mussels, asparagus, oily fish, almonds, dates, creamy dishes, chocolaty desserts and garlic infused fare. Fruity delights for this occasion are raspberries, strawberries, pineapples, etc. Bubbly like wines and champagnes are a must.

4. Mushy melodies

Play romantic songs

Some great numbers for this special day are I’ve been thinking about you - Mariah Carey, The way you look tonight - Frank Sinatra, My heart will go on - Celine Dion, Nobody loves me like you do - Whitney Houston and Jermaine Jackson, etc. Record a mixed tape of your favorite songs to show how sweet you are on him or her.

5. Sentimental flicks

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Pick classics like Casablanca, Breakfast at Tiffany’s or Gone with the Wind and go back to the good old eighties with Say Anything or Dirty Dancing. Get soppy with Titanic, Love Story or Pride and Prejudice. If you do not want to get too serious then watch new-age romantic comedies like Notting Hill, Pretty Woman or Two Weeks Notice.

6. Spa at home

Spa set up

Fill up a bubbly scented bath and bedeck the space with candles, wines bottles and flowers. Set out velvety towels, perfumes, body sprays and aroma oils. Place easy to eat foods that you can pop in your mouth like champagne and chocolates, berries and whipped cream or strawberries smothered in chocolate sauce.

7. Cozy by a fireplace

Sit by the fireplace

A blazing fire is quite a passionate, especially if there is a hearth and chimney nearby. Curl up together in blankets and sheets placed on the ground. Fork out cheese fondue bubbling away in a pot. End with a rich creamy dessert flavored with chocolate and coffee.

8. Spice up the bedroom

Revamp your bedroom

The really lovey-dovey couples can do up the bedroom using lights, candles and fragrances. Beddings like silky satiny sheets, faux fur and fluffy pillows are a great choice. Place some victuals near the bed like a bottle of wine, champagne, chocolates, strawberries or whipped cream.

9. Dinner for two

Dine together

Woo your partner with a formal dinner invitation for which both should get dressed up. Set out silver ware and crystal champagne flutes on the table. Heart shaped pizza, cake or bread cut-outs with cheesy toppings will be great. Serve classy foods like caviar, oysters in shells and truffles.

10. Pink or red

Bright bedroom

If your partner is a star-gazer then revamp the whole house with pinks and reds. Go for satiny sheets, gauzy drapes and silky bed covers in these shades. Place mirrors, perfumes, candles and flowers around the house in the same colors.

Valentine’s day is closing in and if you want to party at home in style, then you need to get started right away. With little touch ups, you can easily transform your home into a dreamy set up for two.