Home Improvement for Women

If your hose springs a leak, there’s no need to replace it. First, identify the location of the leak: Place the hose on a flat surface, such as a driveway, and turn it on. Mark the leaking area with a piece of chalk. Turn the hose off and dry it so you can make the repair.

What you need:

Water proof duct tape, utility knife, plastic couplings and connectors and liquid dish washing soap

How to Get It Done

Step One:

Pinholes and small cracks can be wrapped with waterproof duct tape. Wrap the damaged area plus at least 1 inch past the damage in both directions, making tight overlapping spirals. Do not pull the tape so tightly that it flattens the hose or stretches too much. If it’s a very hot day, more than 80 degrees fahrenheit, make the repair in a cool place, such as a garage, or at least in the shade. The heat may make the hose expand and distort the repair.

Step 2:

For larger breaks, you will have to cut the hose and create a watertight connection with couplings. Use a sharp utility knife to cut the damaged section from the hose. Make the cut as straight as possible. Ragged cuts may inhibit a good connection. Take the damaged piece to a home center and use it to find the right size replacement couplings. Make sure the couplings fit the diameter and material of your hose. Some hoses are made of rubber and others of vinyl. Couplings are sometimes made for one material or the other.

Step 3:

Attach the male and female couplings to the cut ends, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4:

If the fittings don’t slide in easily, soften the hose in hot water and lubricate it with some liquid dish soap.

Now you have fixed your leaky hose and you did it Barbara’s Way!

You don’t have to wait for the holidays to enjoy the beauty and whimsy of outdoor lights. These days, string lightbulbs come in a wide variety of sizes, colors and shapes, and some even come with light covers that are themed for holidays and seasons (think ghost for Halloween and pineapples and other fruits for summertime cookouts). Hanging string lights is such an easy way to brighten up outdoor spaces. Simply find a starting point close to an electrical outlet to avoid long lengths of extension cord. Pick an area to hang them near trees, fences or your house so that there is something to secure the hook, nail, or staple to.

Step 1:

When  you have determined your starting point hold the string of lights to the fence, tree or siding of your house and staple the wires to the surface. Be sure to secure them high enough so guest can walk underneath. Make sure the staple does not go through the wire. If it does, remove staple and repeat. If staples do not work, use your hammer and 2″ nail and hammer the nail in 1/2 way, bend nail up with hammer and run wires over the top side of the nail.

Step 2:

Move further along approximately 4 to 6 feet, pull the strings of lights to take out the slack and repeat the securing process until complete.

Step 3:

Plug in and enjoy!

Great job! You just did it yourself! Barbara’s Way!

Follow the simple steps below to eliminate potential fire hazards in  your home:

Install Smoke Detectors – follow installation steps from manufacturer

Early warning is essential for every fire escape plan. Installing a smoke detectors throughout your home ensures that your family will be alerted to any potntial fire dangers.

Be sure that your smoke detector is UL certified.

Install smoke detectors on every leve of your home, including the basement. Make sure there is an alarm near every sleeping area.

Because smoke rises, mount smoke detectors high on walls, approximately 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling.

Steam from bathroom and smoke from cooking food can trigger smoke detectors resulting in false alarms, so make sure your detectors are located away from these locations.

Do not install smoke detectors next to windows, doors, or ducts, where drafts might interfere with their operation.

Test  your smoke detector at least once a month. Change the batteries at least once a year or as needed.

Replace the smoke detectors throughout your home at least once every 10 years.

Candles can create wonderful atmosphere in any room. However they can also be a potential fire hazard if left unattended or placed near anything flammable. When using candles follow these fire safety guidelines:

Never leave burning candles unattended. When going to sleep, or leaving the room, be sure to extinguish all candles.

Children should never be allowed to use incense or candles in their rooms.

Keep lighted candles away from Christmas trees or other holiday evergreens.

When situating candles in a room, be sure they are at least three feet away from any flammable materials, including curtains and other decorations.

Be sure your candleholders are stable and non-flammable.

Place candles on a surface where they cannot be knocked over by children or pets.

Store candles, matches and lighters out of sight and out of reach of young children.

A wood stove or fireplace provides a warm accent in many households. Whether you use a wood stove to heat a room or simply enjoy sitting in front of a fireplace’s cozy glow, keep your home and family safe by following these safety tips:

Only burn wood in your stove or fireplace. Using trash, cardboard, or brush can increase the risk of uncontrollable fires.

Have a professional chimney sweep perform an annual inspection of the chimneys you use regularly. Never delay cleaning or repair.

All persons, pets, and flammable items should be kept at least three feet away from fireplace or woodstoves.

Before using your fireplace, be sure the flue is open.

Always have a protective screen in front of fireplace

Appropriate tools to maintaining fireplace

shovel

poter

scewer

brush

Following these steps will keep your home fire safe by doing it Barbara’s Way!