DIY Tips

Getting the job done yourself can seem quite daunting at first; especially if you are not equipped with the necessary ‘know how’.  Here at Greenwood Plaza, we make it our duty to cater to all the needs of our loyal customers and potential customers.  As such we want to share with you easy and simple Do It Yourself techniques that can save you money and make your life a whole lot easier! 
 

Fixing a Leaky PVC Water Pipe

So you’ve just discovered that you have a leaky pipe; what is the first thought that comes to mind?  Go on, you can say it, you think about calling the plumber…, right?  But don’t you know that you can make a quick visit to the hardware store and very easily fix this problem yourself?

Here are all the tools you need:  Pencil, 1ft. Hand Saw, Water Coupling (1 per leak) and Tangit; all these items and more are available at Greenwood Plaza Hardware Store, open Monday to Saturday at 8AM to 5PM.   

Step 1:  Turn off the main valve to stop the flow of water

Step 2: Use pencil to draw a line directly across the PVC leakage (ensure the area is clean and dry)

Step 3: Use hand saw to cut across PVC pipe directly on the pencil line demarcating the leakage

Step 4: Apply tangit to the inner ends of the PVC coupling

Step 5: Place coupling onto the main line, sliding it on from either side

Step 6: Hold onto the newly fixed pipe for two minutes to ensure coupling is fitted properly and stays in place; then leave to dry for approximately half an hour before turning your main valve back on

Congratulations!  Your leaky pipe is now fixed and you did it yourself too!
 

Fixing a toilet that won’t flush or takes too long to flush

This one takes some getting used to, but it will save you in the long run to simple do it yourself; providing the problem with your toilet is not an extensive one.  You need to have two important home items, a Plunger and a bottle of Unclog Liquid Drain Opener chemical.  Both these items are available at our Home Centre.  Here is what you do:

Step 1:  Use Plunger to plunge toilet and get rid of excess liquid

 Step 2: Slowly pour unclog drain cleaner into toilet, close toilet bowl and leave it to soak for approximately half an hour

Your toilet should now be flushing properly and once again, you’ve done it yourself!
 

Fixing a running toilet tank

If you notice that water continues to run in your toilet tank long after you’ve flushed it; it might not be as bad as you think.  Usually a running tank occurs from either a malfunctioning flapper chain or from a damaged flapper.  Simply remove the tank cover and check to see if the flapper chain is tangled.  When this occurs, the chain becomes shortened which prevents the flapper ball from closing properly.

If the chain isn’t tangled, test your flapper by pushing it down; if the water stops running, it means your flapper is corroded and you need to install a new one.  You can do this yourself by simply turning your water off, removing your old flapper and installing a new one.

Remember that Greenwood Plaza Hardware sells all the plumbing tools and fixtures you’ll ever need and our sales representatives are always willing to advise you on the best ways to simply do it yourself!
 

Cleaning tile grout

The grout between tiles can get pretty dirty and crimy and if allowed to build up can become very unsightly.  When this happens many persons seek out the help of professional tile cleaners but if you have the necessary cleaning agents and know how, you can do it yourself!  Our home centre store carries a variety of grout cleaning agents at affordable prices.  When you come by, simply speak to any of our sales agents about the type of tiles you have and condition of the grout at your home etc., and they will advise you on the best product to use.

Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Test grout cleaner on a small area to ensure that the cleaner won’t corrode or damage your grout work

Step 2: Open all windows and doors inside the room where you will be applying the grout cleaner; you need proper ventilation in order for the fumes to evaporate

Step 3: Ensure that you are wearing gloves and protective eyewear to protect yourself from accidents

Step 4: Apply grout cleaner and allow this to stay on for a few minutes, afterwards scrub off with a firm brush and then clean your tiles as normal!
 

How to fill wall cracks

Have you noticed cracks running along your wall surface?  Major pain, isn’t it? Well there’s no need to panic.  Our home centre sells Crack Filler, a very quick and easy to use product which fills up existing cracks and holes in your wall making it look brand new!
 

Accessing Hard to Reach Areas at your Home or Office

A ladder is what most people normally use to get to hard to reach vertical areas; but not everyone has the proper space to house a ladder.  One alternative that you can consider is a Folding Step Stool.  This allows you to gain vertical height to access all those far to reach areas; Folding Step Stools are currently available for sale at our Home Centre.
 

Increase Electrical Outlets in Your Home

Do you feel the need to have more electrical outlets installed within your home?  Well, you do not need to hire an electrician to have this done.  An easy way to accomplish this is to purchase an extension cord which saves you time and money and also gives you the flexibility to use your appliances/gadgets within any room of your house!  A wide assortment of extension cords are readily available at our Hardware Store.

We hope you find those DIY tips helpful.  All products mentioned are readily available at Greenwood Plaza Hardware and Home Centre; where we always strive to serve you better!