Hot Tips

Q. I'm reinstalling a Kohler tub spout that slips onto the copper pipe and has a hex screw to tighten. When I removed it I scored the pipe, making a pretty deep groove by twisting the faucet trying to get it off. Also, when it came off, the white washer and black O-ring came off. Have I broken it? Water leaks at the wall.

A. The setscrew holds the spout on the pipe and the o-ring seals the water. If you can't get it to stop leaking, you may have to just replace the spout. A groove in the pipe may also hinder sealing the spout. If the groove has sharp or raised edges you may have to lightly sand them to keep from cutting the O-ring or keeping it from sealing. You may also need to fill in the groove to stop the leak if it is too deep.

Doityourself.com

Fix a noisy faucet

A noisy washer-type faucet is usually caused by a loose seat washer, so either tighten or replace it. If after threading the stem back into the faucet body, it moves, the stem is worn and the entire faucet must be replaced.

Doityourself.com

Plastic window barriers

Installing clear plastic barriers or storm windows on your existing windows can cut heat loss by 25 to 50 percent by creating an insulating dead-air space inside the window.

Treehugger.com

Toilet-trained cat?

1. Start gradually moving your cat's litter box nearer to the toilet until it's right next to it. Ensure that your cat is always comfortable and sure of its litter box's location.

2. Start elevating the litter box -- usually about 5 centimeters a day, but be attentive to signs that your cat is not comfortable with the height, and adjust the pace of raising the litter box accordingly. The litter box should be raised until it is at a level height with the toilet bowl. Make sure you keep the toilet lid open and the seat down.

3. Move the litter box to rest on the open toilet seat. Keep it there until your cat seems comfortable with this arrangement.

4. Buy a metal bowl or tray that will fit snugly inside the toilet bowl. Fill the bowl with cat litter (preferably the flushable type). Then remove your cat's litter box entirely.

5. While your cat is using the metal bowl, be attentive to where its paws are. The goal is teaching him to squat with all four paws on the toilet seat rim.

6. Start using less and less cat litter.

7. When you basically don't use any cat litter inside the bowl anymore, start gradually filling the bowl with water.

8. When the water level in the bowl has reached about 4 centimeters, and your cat has no problem using it, it is time to remove the bowl entirely. Your cat should now be toilet trained. Remember to always leave the toilet seat up and flush regularly!

http://www.cat-urine.net