Tips and Tricks When Repainting Your House

Did you know that to keep your house not only looking sharp but also to keep it protected from the elements and free of rot you should be painting the exterior of your home every five to seven years? Most homeowners don’t realize how often they need to be painting their homes and the longer you go between paint jobs, the more problems happen to the structure of your home.

But how do you know where to start when you have never taken on such a big home improvement project? Well, it’s helpful to look to the experts to see what they recommend. Just like any big home improvement project, experts recommend taking some time to research and plan before starting. You have some choices to make and you need to know how to make them.

Things like paint colors and materials on the house will impact the choices you make. It is also helpful to make sure you have the time to dedicate to painting as it can often take several days to finish painting the exterior of your home. Start with a plan and use the tips to help make your house bright and beautiful with a fresh coat of paint.

Choose A Color First

You’ve been scrolling Pinterest and searching the web and you think you’ve found the perfect color to paint the exterior of your home. Now what? Well, choosing an exterior paint color can be complicated simply because of lighting. So before you invest a lot of money by purchasing gallons and gallons of your favorite exterior paint color, take a few samples home and test them out.

Contractors recommend putting the samples on all of the different sides of the house and then looking at the color during different times of the day. This allows you to see the color in all of the different shades based on the amount of light. Once you choose a color, make sure that the trim color will correlate well with it. It is helpful to put the two colors side by side to see how they work together.

Fix the Problems First

 

 

Now that you have chosen your dream color you are ready to start right? Not exactly. As tempting as it may be to take a brush and roller and just start painting, it is important and necessary to make any structural fixes first. Depending on the type of siding on your house and how often it has been painted over the years, there can be a varying amount of fixes that need to be made.

If you have any rot, it is worth hiring a professional to fix this first. Although it is true that paint adds protection to the siding, if you are painting over rot you are putting a bandaid on a much bigger problem. So as much as you may not want to address the problem, it is necessary if you don’t want to have any even bigger problem further down the road.

There are a lot of tips and tricks to painting your house, but no matter what you do first, you need to make sure your house is safe and secure from rot or decay before adding a new coat of paint. It is also important to seal up any cracks along the surface before adding a fresh coat of paint on top.

The 3 Ps: Pressure Washing, Protection, and Priming

Most novice painters think that once you have filled in the cracks with caulk and protected window and door trim then you are ready to paint. But you are missing one very vital and crucial step: pressure washing. In order for the paint to truly stick and stick well, you need to pressure wash the entire house.

This will not only make sure you are starting on a clean surface, but it will also help to get rid of any chipping paint or debris that may have built up over time. Both before and after you pressure wash, make sure you have used painting tape to protect the window and door trim.

Once everything is set in place, priming comes next. You want to choose a prime color that is closest to the final paint color. Although the prime color is underneath the final color, it can impact how the final color appears if it is too dark or too light. Ask your local hardware store what primer they would recommend.

Tricks of the Trade

It may seem like starting at the bottom of your house would be easiest, but most painters would recommend starting from the top. If you work from the top down, any drips or streaks can be covered up easier as you go along. And before you start, remember to protect things such as bushes or flowers that you don’t want to be covered in paint with drop cloths or plastic because a spill or drip is bound to happen.

You’ve planned and prepped and now you are finally ready to put the first coat of paint on. Pros in the painting business say it is best to use a sprayer if possible. Spraying the paint ensures that the paint will go on evenly across the surface of the house.

There is also a trick called back-rolling where another person comes behind the sprayer with a roller to even out the paint even more. Whichever of the different painting methods you decide to use, you want to make sure the paint goes on evenly to give the exterior of your home a clean and crisp appearance.

Bringing New Life to Your Exterior

Painting the exterior of your home is a large task to take on yourself, but it is definitely possible. And once you finish the job, the reward is absolutely worth it so that not only does your home look brand new, it is also protected from the elements for at least another five years.

And even better, you saved some money in the process, so you can treat yourself to a getaway to recover your sore painting muscles. The best part is that when you come back home from your well-earned vacation, you will pull up to a house that looks beautiful and know that you are the one that made it happen. Stay connected with us via Social Media Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Top 3 Apps to Find Plumbers Near Chicago

Top 3 Apps to Find Plumbers Near Chicago:

1. ChoreRelief
2. Jiffy
3. Rocket Plumbing

Not everyone holds experience in plumbing repairs or can confidently mount a flat panel display. In certain cases, it is better to be safe than sorry and hire a professional who can complete the service for you. Finding the right person for the right job at the right price used to be an amalgamation of the word of mouth and your contact book. Now it is all about finding the best apps to find plumber, snapping an image of your problem, and getting a quote near instantly!

 

How to Find Reasonable, Qualified & Reliable Plumbers Near Me?

Anytime you have a clogged toilet, a faulty water heater, or a dripping faucet, you are out of your league! And dealing with plumbing issues demands quick action, but you need to know who to call. The cost to hire a reliable plumber is only one part of the equation. Before you start asking for estimates, do a little research, as chances are you might get discouraged by the prices and the waiting periods.

With many referral agencies like Thumbtack, Angie’s List, you will come across plumbers/professionals as far as 50 miles away. This will not only increase your bill but also get your work delayed as the professional might arrive from a long distance to get your work done. This can be very disappointing.

So, what should one do?

Relying on Uber App for Plumbers – ChoreRelief!

ChoreRelief, a Chicago-based start-up is bridging this gap by building a better maintenance and repair experience of the future for homeowners and landlords. We have built a platform that will make it easy for homeowners, landlords, and contractors to connect effortlessly with each other at a lightning speed.

With a quick installation of the ChoreRelief app, you list the job you want to be done, when you need it, and how much you are willing to pay for it. The app will then screen you all the nearby plumbers who fit your work requirements and agree to work for your price. All you need to do is, choose the one and get your job started. It is simple and saves you a lot of time.

All you need to do is – give the contractor all the highlights about the job. Whether you want a light or deep cleaning, for how many rooms you want, what will be the feasible time, and more. Also, determine the price you are willing to pay. Enter all the information in the ChoreRelief app and wait for the reply of plumbers.

The next step is, to make sure the plumbers you are hiring are legitimate and insured or not. Upon using the ChoreRelief app, you will know that the vetting has already been done. Isn’t that great?!

If you want to know more about ChoreRelief and its services, feel free to contact us at (844) 442 4673 or visit our website at https://chorerelief.com/plumber/

1. ChoreRelief

We are one of the best apps to find certified plumbers for all plumbing installation, service, and repairs. We are bonded, licensed, and insured to give you peace of mind when servicing your home’s plumbing system. With our app, you can find a lot of other popular services in your area – Cleaning, Handyman, Landscaper, Mover, Plumber, Snow Removal, Electrician, HVAC. Download our app to find the perfect service for your home.

2. Jiffy

We believe home maintenance should be quick, easy, booked with a few taps. Jiffy is one of the best mobile apps for house cleaning services at a pre-determined rate. We strive to create a marketplace where both home service professionals and homeowners benefit tremendously. We provide a seamless booking experience, easy-to-understand pricing, and responsive customer service for every homeowner. Our home services include – Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Dryer Vent Cleaning, Garage Door Repair, Handyman Services, Duct Cleaning, Flooring, Plumbing, Roofing, Window & Gutter Cleaning.

3. RocketPlumbing

RocketPlumbing is a Chicago-based plumbing company that understands the hassle of arising emergency plumbing repair services. We have the best plumbers Chicago has to offer to fix your plumbing problem in record time and for reasonable prices. Whether you have an immediate plumbing emergency or need a quote for an upcoming plumbing requirement, Rocket Plumbing takes care of all your plumbing service needs. Superior service and quality craftsmanship are what we assure. Our plumbing services include – Faucet Repair, Garbage Disposal, Gas Leak, Water Leaks, Clogged Drains, Frozen Pipe Repair, Water Heaters, and Commercial Plumbing.

How To Fix My Toilet If It is Broken?

 

Toilets! What if these do not exist? What would we do without them? That is why making sure that the bathroom is appropriately functioning is necessary. However, with time and several other reasons, toilet parts start breaking down, leading to common concerns.  No matter how strong and durable your toilet is, if not given proper care and maintenance, sooner or later, it will become dysfunctional.

Broken toilets can be annoying. However, the problem might be minor and entirely fixable as well. Looking for answers to your question on how to fix my bathroom if it is broken? Then scroll down:

There can be different problems with different toilets. So let us check out solutions to the other issues of your toilet below.

1. Problem:

Water runs continuously along with a high-pitched, whining noise that stops by jiggling the handle a bit.

Solution:

You must clean the toilet flapper using a scrubbing sponge as many a time due to dirt accumulation. It may not be sealed tightly. Another issue might be the loosened chain; it could hold the flapper open if it is too tight. Replace the flapper. Cut back the fill tube to sit perfectly in the overflow pipe above the waterline, and your problem will be resolved.

plumber at work in a bathroom, plumbing repair service, assemble and install concept

2. Problem:

Overflowing toilet bowl.

Solution:

The problem might be due to clogging. So you need to lift the lid and lift the floating arm or turn the water supply off. If you notice a clog there, then clean it up.

3. Problem:

Water leak under the tank.

Solution:

The water leakage might be due to damage in the tank to bowl gasket. So to solve this problem, you will need to replace the tank.

4. Problem:

Toilet bowl leakage

Solution:

Usually, leakage in the toilet bowl is observed when it gets cracked. So for solving this problem, you might need to replace the entire toilet.

5. Problem:

The toilet flush is not working, and there is a need to hold the handle down always to flush.

Solution:

There might be a few reasons behind it. Firstly, the flapper might be wrong sized, and you need to replace it. The chain might have loosened, so you will need to tighten it for opening the flapper. Another reason that might be the problem is the tank’s water level, which you need to reset by twisting or bending the float cup. It will help you adjust the water level. Also, the arm may be broken, and if that is the case, you may want to replace it.

6. Problem:

Water leakage around the toilet on the floor damaging the flooring and spreading terrible odor.

Solution:

The wax ring might have been damaged, so you will need to replace it to reseal the toilet’s bottom. This will stop the water from leaking.

7. Problem:

Frequent wearing out of the flapper.

Solution:

To prevent the flapper from wearing out frequently, you will need to invest in a tank cleaner to keep it is clean.

8. Problem:

The tank is not filling up with water.

Solution:

There might be an issue with the water supply line, such as it might have been damaged, so if required, replace it. The water supply might be shut off; then, you will need to turn it on again. If that is not the problem, then the fill valve might be finished, so you will need to replace it. Another reason behind this problem might be an obstruction in the water supply, for which you may need to call a plumber.

If you still find the problem tricky or could not locate your toilet, it is recommended to call a plumbing expert for help. And today, you are seeing the right plumber nearby has become more comfortable with mobile apps like ChoreRelief that allow you to find the right plumbing experts at the convenience of your home.

Conclusion:

ChoreRelief is an innovative mobile app that allows you to find the right and dependable plumbing experts easily. For more information, visit website. Please connect with our social media page Facebook and Twitter.

5 Ways To Fix A Faucet

 

A leaking faucet is one of the few highly frustrating things. It does not just make a constant dripping sound, but also a substantial increase in your water bills can be noticed. Not only that, but the risk of mold growth also gets heightened in your home. 

However, the good news is that fixing a leaky faucet isn’t a costly affair like other home improvement projects, provided the severity of the plumbing issue plays a considerable role here.

 

There are five ways to fix a faucet that are productive and cost-effective. But for that, you will need to know the type of faucet you have and the necessary tools to correct the problem. As far as faucet types are concerned, four common types that include:

•   Compression faucet – Features one handle for cold water and one for hot water
•   Ball faucet – Features central handle powered by a ball bearing used for setting the desired temperature
•   Cartridge faucet – Features Sleeve-shaped central handle powered by the internal cartridge.
•   Ceramic-disk faucet – Features Central handle powered by a ceramic cylinder.

Necessary tools for fixing a leaky faucet include an adjustable wrench, flathead screwdriver, faucet washer, sink plug, O-rings, and brass screws.

5 Ways to Fix a Faucet

1. Finding the Source of a Leaky Faucet

Now that you know the faucet type and the tools necessary to fix it, the first step you need to take is to find the source of the leak or damage. If you see moisture directly below the faucet, then dry it first for better diagnosis. Is water dripping from the spout even after the tap is off? Or water leaks at the base and not from the tap? Does water leaks at the bottom as well as from the tap when the faucet is on? Or the water leaks through the handle’s top? If you cannot identify the leak source, then make sure to hire a professional for help.

2. Fixing a Compression Faucet

To fix a compression faucet, you will need to remove the handles by removing the decorative caps and then removing the screws beneath. You will need a wrench to remove the packing nut below the handle. Then remove the stem, O-rings, and seat washer. Usually, the seat washer is the main culprit behind the leaks in compression faucets, which can be diagnosed when the spout is dripping. And if the handles are leaky, then O-ring is responsible. You can replace the seat washer by concealing the replacement using a plumber’s grease and secure it with a brass screw. Now reassemble the faucet! And it’s done.

3. Fixing a Ball Faucet

To fix a ball faucet, you will need to purchase a replacement kit as the ball faucets consist of several parts and require specialty tools. You can use a screwdriver for removing the handle. Using pliers and a specialty tool, remove the cap, collar, and faucet cam, lift out the washer, and the ball bearing. For reaching into the faucet’s mechanism, you will need to use needle-nose pliers. Then remove the inlet seals and springs. Cut off the worn O-ring and replace it with a new one and coat the replacement using plumber’s grease before installation. Now install new springs, inlet seals, and washer and reassemble the faucet.

4. Fixing a Cartridge Faucet

Fixing a cartridge faucet will need you to remove the handle by removing the decorative cap after removing the screws beneath and tilting it backward. If there is any clip that holds the cartridge in place, then remove it using pliers. Now remove the cartridge by pulling it straight up and then remove the spout. Replace the worn-out O-ring and coat it with plumber’s grease and then reassemble the faucet.

5. Fixing a Ceramic-Disk Faucet

In this case, you will need to unscrew and remove the handle after removing the metal escutcheon cap located below. After that, unscrew and remove the disk cylinder and lift the neoprene seals from the cylinder out. Clean the openings of the cylinder using distilled white vinegar and a cleaning cloth. Then replace the worn-out neoprene seals and reassemble the faucet. Turn the water on slow pressure as a higher force may damage the ceramic cylinder.

Conclusion:

These are the five different ways to fix the faucet. However, if you find it confusing or want a professional fix, look for professional plumbers in your area via mobile apps like ChoreRelief, Home Advisor, etc.

6 Ways to Fix Broken Toilet

Fixing a broken toilet requires a professional plumber; however, a few times when DIY toilet fixing can be done. You just need a few DIY skills for that. Following are six ways to fix a broken toilet, have a look:

6 Ways to Fix Broken Toilet

1. Fixing a Clogged Toilet

The most common issue with toilets is a clogged toilet. This issue may originate either due to excessive water flow or flushing down too much material. Whatever might be the case, there are a few options for clearing out the clog. One of the best tools for this purpose is a plunger; however, choosing the right one is necessary. Push the plunger slowly as it will the first remover the air moving, and you will avoid splashing of dirty water on yourself. If you do not get the result after pumping the plunger a few times, mix baking soda and vinegar. This is a non-toxic solution that helps in keeping drains run smoothly. And if this trick also fails, then buy a plumbing snake and use it to avoid scratching or damaging your toilet.

 

2. Ballcock Replacement

Is your toilet running? Then the culprit might be the ballcock! A ballcock is a hollow ball that floats at the top of the water in your tank. It is responsible for operating the valve that keeps the water flowing and stopping. When the water is drained from the tank, the ball drops down. As the water gets filled in the tank, the ball raises, and the valve is connected to gets closed. If the water continues to run, then it indicates that the ballcock is not calibrated correctly. You can get pent the float arm for shutting off the tank or fine-tune the quantity of water you are using in your tank. The best way out is to replace the ballcock with a modern float-cup valve to avoid fixing this issue.

3. Issues with Flush Valve

Is the flush valve throwing tantrums? Take a closer look at it. The flush valve is a brass or plastic fitting located at the center of your tank attached to the opening. There is a flapper that is accountable for emptying water and keeping it in the tank. The overflow tube prevents the water from overflowing into the tank. If any of these components aren't working correctly, then it could cause the water to run.

4. Continuously Running Toilet

Is your toilet running always? Or do you need to waggle the handle often? Then the problem might be with the flapper. Here, it is necessary to completely seal the flush opening for keeping the tank run slowly. If the water in your tank runs too high, water flows into the overflow tube and is sent back into the tank. You can adjust the refill valves for changing the water level. If required, replace the flapper valve.

5. Loosened Flush Handle

A loosened flush handle can be a great hassle if not fixed on time. You will need to open up the tank and check the lift wire or chain for selecting it. In most cases, the lift chain gets tangled, bent, or broken, causing the handle to loosen up. The broken chain can be temporarily fixed with a paper clip. And if the mounting nut of the handle inside the tank is loose, you need to turn the nut and secure the handle to its location on the side of the tank.

6. Leaking Toilet Base

Some issues occur outside the bowl as well. However, before diagnosing the problem, consider the season due to humidity and condensation, some tanks appear leaky. However, if there is a puddle seen at the base of your toilet, be careful else you might have to deal with the dirty and contaminated water. A wax ring seals the bottom of the bathroom to the drain opening below. Remove the toilet to fix the problem, and for this, hire a professional plumber.

Conclusion:

If you find fixing the toilet too intense, then it is high to call a plumber. With mobile apps like ChoreRelief, you can easily find out the best and background checked plumbers in and nearby your area. To know more about the app, visit https://chorerelief.com/