c/easy-home-fixes

Question about using plumber's putty versus silicone for sink drains

I was helping my neighbor in Phoenix fix a leaky bathroom sink drain last weekend. He had used a cheap silicone sealant from a dollar store kit, and it failed after about three months. I always use plumber's putty for drains because it stays pliable and is easy to remove. He argued that silicone is more waterproof and lasts longer. I'm not convinced, especially for a simple drain flange. What's your take? Is one clearly better for a DIYer, or does it depend on the sink material?

Rant: I've been using the wrong side of a utility knife blade for years and just found out

I was cutting some cardboard for a recycling bin and my neighbor, a retired contractor, watched me for a second. He pointed and said, 'You know you're using the dull side, right?' I always thought the shiny, beveled edge was the sharp part. Turns out, the actual cutting edge is on the opposite, flatter-looking side of the snap-off blade segment. I've been forcing the dull side through material this whole time. Has anyone else made a basic tool mistake that seems obvious now?

PSA: I tried to fix a wobbly ceiling fan with a $5 bracket from the hardware store and it almost fell on my head lol

My kitchen sink in Austin taught me to check the P-trap first

Last month, my drain got totally clogged and I was about to call a plumber. I remembered a video I saw and decided to check the P-trap under the sink myself. I unscrewed it and found a huge glob of grease and food bits blocking everything. After that, I always start with the P-trap before trying anything else. Anyone have other simple drain fixes that work for them?

My plumber friend said something about toilet bolts that stopped me cold

I was replacing a wax ring in my bathroom last week and my buddy Mike, who's been a plumber for 15 years, stopped by. He saw me tightening the toilet bolts and said, 'You know, if you crank those down too hard, you'll crack the porcelain base and have a much bigger leak.' I'd always just tightened them until the toilet stopped rocking. Has anyone else heard this? What's the right amount of torque?

Tried using a heat gun on a vinyl floor bubble and it actually worked

I was ready to call a pro, but after 30 seconds of low heat and a rolling pin, it flattened right out. Anyone know if this trick works on older, more brittle vinyl too?

My bathroom door hinge squeaked for months before I caved.

Ngl, a drop of oil and some waiting fixed it for good.

PSA: I avoid stud finders when hanging floating shelves and my walls are still solid

Picked up a quick drain solution while on a mountain trip

Last month, we stayed at a cozy cabin in the woods for a few days. The bathroom sink got clogged and drained super slow. The cabin owner came by and showed me a simple fix using stuff from the kitchen. He had me pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, then a cup of white vinegar. After it fizzled for ten minutes, I ran hot water to flush it all out. It cleared the clog right up and saved us a call to a plumber. Now I do this at home all the time for minor blockages. It's a handy trick I learned from that little getaway.

Paperclips are showing up in all the blind repair guides now

I tried it on my own blinds that wouldn't tilt right. Just bent a paperclip and slipped it in, good as new. It's SHOCKING how well it works.