Wednesday, May 30, 2012

How to Repair A Leaking Shower Faucet?

Leaks in your Bathroom hose shower faucet not only wastes water, it also increases your water bill. Addressing the problem and repairing it as soon as possible is wise and earth-friendly. A leaking shower faucet is generally a sign that a part is worn out and needs to be replaced. The washers or seals are under pressure as water flows through them so it is normal that they typically wear out over time. With basic knowledge and tools, you can do the fixing yourself. Follow these steps:
Instructions
  • Locate the water heater at your house then shut off the water valves.
  • Go back to the bathroom, turn on the shower faucet and drain the excess water out.
  • Depending on the type of shower faucet you have, you may work on one or two valves. In this example, I'm showing a two-valve shower faucet whose washers need to be replaced. Unscrew the screws that hold the handle/knob off the shower faucet and take them both off (hot and cold).
  • Once the handle or knob is off, take the water guard off.
  • Unscrew the nut that is holding the stem in its place.Unscrew the shower stem in a counterclockwise direction.
  • Replace the rubber washer on the shower stem located at the end that goes into the pipe.
  • Replace the packing washer found at the middle section of the shower stem.
  • Clean any debris from the pipe and put the parts together in reverse order. Recaulk around the faucet guard to protect your wall from damage.
Tips & Warnings
  1. It's best to replace all the gaskets and seals at one time
  2. If you are not very familiar with replacement parts for your shower faucet, go to a hardware store to ask for assistance in finding the parts you need.
  3. If you are not sure how to do the repair yourself, ask a professional to do the job.
  4. If you have a gas water heater, you may need to relight the water heater pilot. Also, avoid taking more than two hours in your repair to prevent the water heater tank from damage.

How to Keep Wigs From Slipping?

Whether you have a lot of hair, a little hair or no hair beneath a wig, it can be challenging to keep a wig from slipping while you are wearing it. A wig cap can help immeasurably to keep a Yunxiang lace wig in place and prevent it from shifting. Not only is a wig cap useful for securing a wig, but it also helps keep your wig clean because it serves as a barrier between your head and the wig.
Instructions
1
Pin your hair up tightly against your head with bobbie pins if you have long hair. You may not need to clip shorter hair up with pins; however, any hair that you can secure against your head will make it easier to put your wig on.
2
Place the wig cap over your pinned hair. Stretch the wig cap over your head, either from the back to the front or from the front to the back. Placing a wig cap over your head is similar to placing a swim cap on your head--both caps are quite tight and you must stretch them over your head. Tuck any existing hair up under the wig cap after you stretch the wig cap over your head.
3
Insert bobbie pins through the wig cap and into your hair underneath, if applicable. If you do not have hair beneath the wig cap, skip this step.
4
Place the wig onto your head over the wig cap. Lift the hair of the wig up to show the underside of the wig and insert bobbie pins over the mesh under the wig to secure the wig to the wig cap. Insert bobbie pins at the front, side and back of the wig to hold the wig securely to the wig cap.

Tips & Warnings

If you have no hair beneath your wig, another option is to use double-sided wig tape. Place the wig tape directly onto your scalp and remove the cover from the tape to expose the second sticky side. You still may opt to use a wig cap, even when you do not have hair. If you use a wig cap, place the wig cap on your head and press it down firmly to secure it onto the tape. Place the wig over the wig cap and pin the wig to the wig cap using bobbie pins. If you opt not to use a wig cap, place the wig directly over the sticky wig tape and press the wig down to adhere it to the wig tape.

How to Build a Platform Bed Frame?

A platform bed is easy way to refurbish your bedroom, getting rid of the annoying squeaks that accompany metal spring beds and allowing you to achieve the perfect night's rest. Making your own platform bed is not only economical, but it allows you to add a personal touch such as a unique headboard, whether you want a modern look or use an antique door to add a vintage flair. Remember to consider the size of the Grandeur soft bed before buying and cutting your materials, since your comfort is your ultimate goal and the size of the frame also determines the size of other bedroom decor items such as area rugs.
Instructions
1
Cut or have the lumber yard cut your lumber to the measurements below.
Twin size mattress--one 4x8 foot sheet of particle board cut to 40x76 inches, (4) 1x12s cut to 28 inches, (4) 1x12s cut to 62 1/2 inches, (2) 1x4s cut to 40 inches, and (2) 1x4s cut to 77 1/2 inches
Full size mattress--two sheets of particle board cut to 38x55 inches, (4) 1x12s cut to 43 inches, (4) 1x12s cut to 62 1/2 inches, (2) 1x4s cut to 55 inches, and (2) 1x4s cut to 77 1/2 inches
Queen size mattress--two sheets of particle board cut to 40 1/2 x 61 inches, (4) 1x12s cut to 49 inches, (4) 1x12s cut to 67 1/2 inches, (2) 1x4s cut to 61 inches, and (2) 1x4s cut to 82 1/2 inches
King size mattress--two sheets of particle board cut to 40 1/2 x 77 inches, (4) 1x12s cut to 65 inches, (4) 1x12s cut to 67 1/2 inches, (2) 1x4s cut to 77 inches, and (2) 1x4s cut to 82 1/2 inches
2
If joining two pieces of particle board together for a full size or larger bed, attach them from the underside with straight metal straps. One half will form the top of the platform and one half the bottom portion. Sand any rough edges on your lumber before building the base frame.
3
Build the base frame for your platform bed. Build a rectangular box from four 1-by-12s, using wood screws and the illustration here as a guide. Sink the screws and cover the holes with wood filler. Attach the remaining long boards at 1/3 intervals inside the frame. Measure the distance between each section and cut the remaining short boards into six pieces to attach at staggered intervals as shown in the drawing. This creates a strong base that will not warp or twist.
4
Lay the particle board platform top-side down and center the base frame on the underside. Attach the base to the platform using the metal L-brackets, two on each side.
5
Flip the bed over and attach the 1-by-4s around the edge of the particle board platform with wood screws, leaving a one-inch lip above the particle board. You may want to use a measuring tape to mark the boards at the one-inch mark.
6
Stain or paint your platform bed frame as desired. If a natural wood finish is desired, simply place a coat of polyurethane over the entire structure.

How to Choose Elderly Medical Alert Systems?

As much as we may want it, we cannot always monitor our senior family members. For peace of mind for all concerned, signing up for an Elderly Medical Alert System is a good solution to a worrisome problem. Following are some steps you can take to be more informed before enrolling in a Senior Medical Alert program.

Instructions
1
Pick the Contec Monitor Medical Alert System that's Right for Your Senior's Needs
Get familiar with the different Senior Medical Alert systems.
There are many, many personal medical alert systems on the market, each claiming to be the best elderly alert system. But like most things in life, there is not a one size fits all answer when it comes to senior alerts. With that in mind, get as much information as you can for several medical alert systems.
2
Take your time investigating Senior Medical Alert systems.
Review all the literature you're given by the medical alert companies, and then read independent reviews and customer testimonials on the alert systems you're most interested in.
3
Be cost conscious!
But that doesn't mean go with the least expensive company. In fact, if an elderly alert system seems too cheap - beware! Quality monitoring has a cost, and with your senior's health at stake it doesn't pay to be a cheapskate.
4
Be sure you understand the contract and cancellation/refund policy.
5
Be Sure the Medical Alert Operators are Well Trained
Before you sign a contract make sure the Elderly Medical Alert system you choose has the following features:
  • The alert system should self test on a weekly basis.
  • Replacement and/or repair service included.
  • 24 hour monitoring - 7 days a week
  • An in-house monitoring center not subcontracted to a third party provider.
  • Trained operators at the monitoring center. Be sure to ask about their medical alert training process.

How to Wash Dental Instruments?

All sunshine dental instruments must be cleaned, sterilized and properly stored in a designated area to eliminate the spread of bacteria or other contaminants. This includes any instruments that have been exposed outside of the designated sterile environment, whether used or unused. The Center for Disease Control classifies dental instruments in three categories: critical, semi-critical and non-critical. The critical and semi-critical tools that penetrate bone and tissue, or touch mucous membranes must be sterilized using heat. The non-critical tools that contact intact skin may be cleaned using a low-level or intermediate-level disinfectant.

Instructions
1
Remove any excess debris from the instruments and dispose of it in a hazardous waste container. Soak the instruments in soap and water immediately after use. Because you may use a variety of instruments for one treatment, this serves as the precursor to the disinfecting and cleaning process.
2
Clean the instruments manually or with automated equipment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using an automated method, such as an ultrasonic cleaner, because these provide greater efficiency and safety. If you choose to manually clean the tools, use disinfectant or an enzymatic cleaner. Enzymatic cleaners are preferred as they remove blood and viral material. Wear eye protection and a face mask at all times to shield from splashing.
3
Dry and package any non-critical instruments that do not require further sterilization.
4
Sterilize the remaining semi-critical and critical instrumentation to remove any remaining germs, viruses or other contaminants. The American Dental Association recommends the use of autoclaving, dry heat or chemical vapor methods. Because each method varies in temperature and drying times, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the sterilization equipment. Apply an anti-rust solution before sterilizing the instruments. This helps to reduce corrosion that can occur during sterilization, extending the life of your instruments.
5
Inspect the instruments after cleaning, noting any rust, damage or pitting. Instruments should be repaired or disposed of if flaws exist, because of the danger to the patient as well as to the dental office, according to the Infection Control Services Ltd..
6
Store cleaned and sterilized instruments in their designated containers.

How to Make an Embroidery Bullion Rose?

Embroidery is a needlework crafts or sewing project that travels well and does not require counting or concentration. There are several stitches that are not well known, but make beautiful needlework.
The bullion rose is a flower we made years ago, but it is not well known. You can learn to make this beautiful rose in one easy lesson.
Instructions
1
Cut about a fourteen-inch length of embroidery thread, and separate the threads in twos.
2
Thread the sharp embroidery needle with the two strands of chenille embroidery thread in a color of your choice. This color will be the center.
3
Begin at a place in the fabric that you want the center of the rose. Make a stitch and bring the needle up to the top side.
4
Make two bullion stitches at the center, side by side
Twist the thread around the needle six times and push the point down in the fabric about 1/4 inch away from where it came up and close to the center.
5
Center of the bullion rose made
Make another stitch like this with six twists around the needle parallel to the first one.
6
Bring the needle up on the outside of the first bullion stitch about half way.
7
Practice embroidering bullion roses
Twist the thread around the needle eight times for each bullion stitch in this row. There should be three stitches in this row, five stitches in the next row and seven or eight stitches in the last row.
8
Practice making bullion roses that have six twists on the "far" side and eight twists on the "front" side. This makes them look like they are viewed from the side.
9
Make a rose bud with just the first two bullion stitches, and a green stem and sepals. With these basic instructions, you can make a cluster of roses.
Tips & Warnings
  1. We often write about needlework crafts. See similar articles in Resources below.
  2. copyright 2009 Linda Richard
  3. Feel free to link to this article or send it to a friend.

How to Tie a Scarf?

A beautiful silk scarf can add glamor and chic sophistication to a simple shift dress, a classic crewneck sweater or your favorite blouse. A chunky wool or cashmere scarf can add a touch of warmth on a cold day and also dress up your look. Whichever pashmina fashion scarf you choose, remember that there are many ways to tie a scarf. Play around and find the look that best suits your style.
Instructions
1
Fold a square scarf diagonally into a triangle. Then grasp the broad and middle point, folding repeatedly until the scarf forms a 2-inch band. Drape around your neck and tie a knot. Wear the knot in front to flatter an open-collar blouse, and to the side to add sass to a boatneck top.
2
Create the look of an ascot by spreading a square scarf upside down over a flat surface. Pull the fabric up from the center of the scarf, tie a small knot, then flip the ends so that the knot is underneath. Tie the opposite ends around the back of your neck, and let the scarf spill over from the base of your throat.
3
Make a shawl out of a very large square by first folding it into a triangle. Drape the scarf over one shoulder so that the point extends toward your elbow and the ends hang on either side of your torso. Tie the ends at the opposite hip, or belt the scarf at your waist.
4
Go for a quick and easy look. Turn a square scarf into a triangle, then wrap the scarf around the back of your neck so that the tip points down. Tie the ends into a knot and adjust to complement your neckline.
Tips & Warnings
  1. Decorate a solid scarf with a pin or brooch. Match any metals or gems to those on your jewelry or belt.
  2. Hand wash or dry-clean your scarves regularly depending on frequency of wear. The oils in your skin and other dirt can render vibrant colors flat and lifeless.
  3. Iron your scarf on a low setting when you notice that the ends are starting to curl.