Leaky Faucets
Fixing Benefits
Besides being annoying, fixing a leaky faucet also saves you some money! Dripping water at one drip/second wastes 400 gallons of water in a year. If this is hot water, you are watching your money go down the drain!
Fix With Washers
Although a small drip may seem inconsequential , it will cost you money. Washers that will tighten your faucets and get rid of those leaks take only minutes to install.

Pipes
Sweating Pipes
To eliminate sweating cold water pipes during the summer months, place foam pipe insulation over the pipes. The tubing keeps the warm humid air from condensing on the cold pipes.
Bathroom Expenses
The most expensive part of adding a new bathroom is “roughing in” the new plumbing. So keep in mind how far your pipes have to go.
Quick Fix for Leaks
For a quick fix on copper pipe, small leaks, keep handy an easy repair kit. All that is needed is a hose clamp and a small piece of firm rubber, such as small section of garden hose. Simply insert the rubber around the leak and clamp. It will save you from having to drain the system, until you can have a professional fix the problem. 

Note: Quick Fixes are just that! A quick fix should only be used as a temporary solution.

Septic System
Healthy Septic System
There are a few basic rules for keeping your septic system healthy.

* Have the tank pumped and cleaned every 2 to 5 years.
* Don’t pour ANY solvents, chemicals or oils of ANY kind into the drain or toilet.
* Only flush toilet paper down the toilet , no other paper or plastic products.
* Use bleach and other cleaners sparingly.
* NEVER dispose of grease, coffee grounds or popcorn in the sink.

Toilets
Replacing A Toilet Seat
Using an adjustable wrench you can remove the bolts that hold the toilet seat in place. If the bolts are metal and have corroded, try soaking with penetrating oil overnight. If the bolts will not budge, just saw off with a hacksaw. Coat the new bolts with some petroleum jelly to help in future removal!

Drains
Clogs In The Drains
Most drain blockages occur because homeowners put materials into the drain, that should never go there. Often liquid materials are put “down the drain”, and then solidify and cause clogging. Remember to just let materials harden, then place in trash, instead of in the drain!
Drain Odors
Running very hot water through your drains after using will help keep them free of odors somewhat. About once a week pour a handful of baking soda and hot water down the drain or pour 1 cup of vinegar, let stand 30 minutes and then run some hot water. Keeping all grease , hair, and vegetable matter out of the drain also helps with odors and possible clogging.
Drains
Don't pour grease down your drains; keep free of hair and other debris. Once a month, to prevent residual grease and soap from clogging drains:

* Run hot water through the drain.
* Add 3 Tablespoons of washing soda.
* Add a little hot water.
* Let stand for 15 minutes; then "flush" by running the water.

To properly maintain the garbage disposal

* Do not use commercial drain products.
* Use cold water at all times when the disposal is operating.
* Grind ice cubes to clean, lemon peels to freshen.
* Read your maintenance manual.

Bathrooms
Preventing Burns From Hot Water
If your shower or tub douses you with very hot water when a toilet is flushed or another tap in the house is used , try installing a mixing valve with a built-in temperature and pressure regulator. This should do the trick for evenly controlled water temperatures, so enjoy!
Re-caulking The Bathtub
House settling often results in cracks between the wall and bathroom sink or tub. Clean and dry the area, removing any loose caulking with a putty knife. Use some waterproof caulking compound to fill the cracks and let dry overnight before using the bath .
Porcelain Sinks
Is your porcelain sink cracked or chipped? Your hardware store has special kits that are easy to use and return the porcelain or enamel sinks to almost-new condition. They come in many colors, also.
Additional Bathroom Space
Need additional bathroom space in the house? Remember that you will need at the very least, a 4ft. x 5 ft. for the toilet and lavatory.
Showerheads: New Vs. Old
New showerheads use no more than 2.5 gallons per minute, therefore saving you water and energy. By replacing your older showerhead for a new one an average family ,(of four people), can save $150 on electric hot water or $60 gas. The amount of water saved per year equals about 15,000 gallons!
Mineral Deposits
To clean mineral deposits from a clogged shower head, try soaking it in some vinegar.
Templates
Templates are used for jobs such as working out pattern ideas of fascias or cabinet bases, and working with moldings. Save some notepad backs and/or cardboard from dress shirts to use as easy templates. They are easily cut with a utility knife or just scissors.

Moisture
Water Moisture In The Home
Make sure your kitchen and baths are vented to the outside of the house. These rooms generate the most moisture in your house. A timer switch on the ventilating fans will help you remember to run the fans long enough to clear out all the moisture, and shut off automatically. Also, if the house walls are not insulated, water vapor will condense on the drywall. Think about installing some needed insulation in these rooms.
Mildew
Mildew is a fungus that grows under damp conditions on just about any surface causing stains, discolorations and eventually rot. Clean mildew, then try to remedy the conditions that caused it in the first place.

* Ventilate basements, or run dehumidifiers to dry the air, walls and furnishings.
* Let clothing get completely dry before hanging into closets.
* Keep bathroom shower/tub areas free of soap scum. The film retards drying of the area, thereby promoting the growth of mildew.
* Air out cabinets regularly, especially bathroom and under the kitchen sink ones.

Bathroom Moisture
Moisture in the bathroom often comes from the toilet tank. The tank sweats because the cold water in the tank cools off the tank , which in turn causes the humidity in the room to condense on the tank , running onto the floor or wall. Buy a terry cloth tank cover to absorb the moisture. Or the best bet is to install a mixing valve- this warms the water coming into the toilet tank. Less condensation and less mess!

Water
Soft Water

* Soft water can save more than half the money you spend on soaps, detergents and shampoo.
* It can save up to 50% of your time and energy spent on cleaning!
* It reduces scaling that clogs pipes , thereby slowing your drains.
* It reduces rings in tub and toilets, soap scum buildup and other staining.
* It helps appliances, plumbing, clothes and linens last up to twice as long!
* It eliminates the need for acids, bleaches and abrasives in your home.
* You get softer and whiter clothes, shinier hair, and smoother skin.
* It saves on your energy bill!

It might be cost efficient to rent, lease or buy a water conditioner that removes calcium, magnesium, and iron by the process of ion exchange. Conditioners operate automatically and requite little maintenance.
Hard Water Deposits
Much tap water is “hard”, and leaves deposits on everything. Therefore an acid cleaner is needed to get rid of the deposits. Phosphoric acid (4%) in tile cleaner works well, or you can get 8 to 9 % solutions at a janitorial supply store.