Siding upkeep a snap

Vinyl siding is one way to give your home a great look with very little upkeep. You'll never have to paint again, and just a little cleaning probably is all you'll ever have to do! You can do the cleaning with a power washer, set on a low-impact setting. Water likely will do the trick, but if you need to use a cleaner, there are some made just for power washers that work really well. If you don't have a power washer, you can use a garden hose with a spray attachment. Scrubbing can be done very easily with a paint roller on an extension pole.

* Dear Carrells: I used to have a push stick that came with my table saw. It's a great tool to use with the saw to help guide the wood into the blade without putting your fingers at risk. I lost this, of course, but i found another tool that works just as well. I use a pencil with a large eraser as a push tool. The eraser doesn't slip on the wood as you use it to push the material through the cut.

- T.J.

* A super hint: If you are using a shop vacuum to clean up your fireplace - and it's a great tool for that, as long as the coals are totally out - make sure to add a very fine filter. Otherwise, it will blow that grey ash right back out into your home and create more of a mess than any fireplace ever could.

* Dear Al: The last big storm we had did quite a number on my cedar siding. I had to replace a whole section of it because of the debris that hit it during the storm. I bought new siding, but my wife objected to me putting it up because it was new, and so was a different colour, much brighter than the old, aged siding. So I pulled some off the back of the house and put it on the front; it's weathered and doesn't look different. I put the new siding in the back, where it doesn't show. She is fine with that, and I am a hero.

- B.T.

* Shoptalk: There's a new style in outdoor grills, called the Table Q Grilling System. It's a table with a grill built into the centre and seating all around the outside. It's innovative, safe and super cool! Check it out at www.table-q.com, and find the right one for your next get-together.

* Got a question or a handy tip? Visit www.thesuperhandyman.com. Those of general interest will be used in future columns.

* Q: We are looking at water softeners. I have heard about some magnets you can install on your pipes that are supposed to catch some of the mineral deposits before they do any damage. It is quite a bit less expensive than a water softener. But do they really work?

How Do Water Softeners Work - News


Siding upkeep a snap

I have heard about some magnets you can install on your pipes that are supposed to catch some of the mineral deposits before they do any damage. It is quite a bit less expensive than a water softener. But do they really work? A: Honestly, we've never



5 Green Products: Growums, Green Earth Technologies G Oil, Born Free ...
5 Green Products: Growums, Green Earth Technologies G Oil, Born Free ...

No remaining chemicals on clothes means no fabric softeners or dryer sheets are necessary! Easy to use. Just toss it in the washer with your laundry! Compatible with all washing machines. Would I buy this product? Yes. Not only does it save money on



How to use your washing machine more efficiently

Filters and water softeners will help, but you may want to check the hose screens every few months in this case. Fifteen or 20 minutes of your time will be worth it for the energy savings. The job only requires simple tools. Some hoses can be unscrewed



Facts that are actually fiction - new book blows 200 urban myths out of the water

Wrigley's says its gum - made of sweeteners, corn syrup, softeners, flavours and gum base - will pass through your system in a few days. NO 18th Century writers mention an apple hitting Isaac Newton on the head in his garden.



Hot Summers Fuel Cold Drinks
Hot Summers Fuel Cold Drinks

Scale or lime deposits may also develop inside the machine and act as insulation, causing the machine to work harder and increase operational costs. -- Hard water causes some establishments to use salt-infused water softeners. The salt content can




Saving Funds With Proper Attic Insulation.

You must never take the quality of your water for granted. Several contaminating factors are usually present which can make or break your well being and budget. Some signs of impurities is usually detected but using an effective water filter system will ensure that the properties and components are wash, pure and safe to work with and consume. Here are more advice on your system.

The Qualities and additionally Types

Some good qualities to look for when choosing a water filter system may be to determine which contaminants can end up removed. These should be things that concern your space or property. The device should also be customizable to fit the specific filtration needs of your abode. It can expand depending on your filtration needs since changes can happen over time. Energy sources to power your h2o filter system may vary. There are electric models which provide many power for added benefits while there are kinetic models which can work for longer periods.

Compact softeners are ideal for those who have limited space in your home. These effectively soften water without consuming lots of space. Special devices are offered to treat well water which is rife with iron and manganese. City-water softeners particularly treat water and wipe out contaminants that are usually present such as chlorine, hardness-causing minerals and all natural substances.

Being More Specific

Some water filter systems focus on treating a particular substance or mineral. Although the number is limited, these prove to be highly potent in removing materials in severe and an array of forms. The process is also relatively faster and less expensive compared to other broad options. There are systems that target sulfur or hydrogen sulphide. Other target and reduce arsenic in water with no need for additional chemicals or repair. There are great additions to be able to water softeners which act to eradicate chlorine particularly. The pH of water is usually improved and neutralized to a good less acidic state.

What Happens Below the Sink

A water filter system with a carbon filter design is used to purify all consumable water. Machine can be attached to different items like coolers and refrigerator ice makers and eliminates the need for faucet support filters, pitcher filters, big water in bottles containers and refrigerator filters. This taste and quality of normal water overall is improved by the removal of arsenic specifically.


How Do Water Softeners Work - Bookshelf

Popular Science

Popular Science

(In December's issue, I'll describe in detail how water softeners work, ... Other models can handle harder water. But the real story is what happens while ...

Popular Science

Popular Science

Water that is three grains hard, or less, can raise havoc with SOFTENERS vary in looks and price, but work alike. Drawings show basic principles, ...

Chemical & metallurgical engineering

Chemical & metallurgical engineering

Among the articles in this issue, considerable space has been allotted to the " Chemical Control of Water Softeners." The importance of water treatment is so ...

Science in everyday life

Science in everyday life

PROBLEM 3. How does water work for us? ... Bath salts usually contain a water softener that will make the production of suds easier. ...

Popular Mechanics

Popular Mechanics

A bypass valve, required by code, allows you to skip the water softener if it's ever necessary to do so. We also installed a dedicated drinking- water tap ...

Useful Information Directory


HowStuffWorks "How does a water softener work?"
A water softener uses sodium to help replace calcium and magnesium ions. Learn about about water softeners and how water softeners treat your water.

Water Softeners - How They Work
Tutorial describes in plain English how water softeners work, the types of softeners and how they eliminate hard water and the differences between using salt and potassium.

Water Softeners Explained: How They Work And Which Are The Best?
Do you know what type of water filter or treatment device will work the best for ... What Is A Water Softener Sometimes referred to as a water conditioner, it does ...

How do water softeners work?: Home and Garden
How do water softeners work?. Home and Garden articles and tips to improve your life

How Does A Water Softener Work?
So how do water softeners work and help us avoid spotted dishes, appliances and clogged water heaters? ... Regeneration is an important part of how water softeners work. ...