What Size PVC Pipe For An Above-Ground Pool?

You have had your above-ground pool for several seasons and notice that the flexible pipe provided by the manufacturer is beginning to show its age. To keep your pool and filter operating properly, you consider replumbing your pool with PVC pipe. However, PVC pipe is not the same size as the flexible tubing, and you wonder what PVC pipe you should use for your above-ground pool.

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How To Tell If A Lawnmower Shaft Is Bent Or Broken

Did you hit a rock, a stump, a root, or maybe even a metal pipe while mowing your lawn? If the answer is yes, then chances are that your lawnmower starts vibrating violently and you have no idea how to fix it.

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What Are The Pros and Cons of Sealing An Asphalt Driveway?

When looking for ways to protect your home, there are a lot of different things to think about. Your driveway is something that gets used every day but isn’t often taken into consideration with regards to protection. By covering your asphalt driveway with a seal coating, you can help keep it in good condition.

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How To Adjust The Steering On A Zero-Turn Mower

When picking out a riding lawnmower, zero-turn models can be an excellent choice. As the name implies, these machines can turn with a near-zero radius, making them far more maneuverable than other types of mowers. To do this, they use separate hydraulic controls for each side. Unfortunately, over time these controls can wear down, which means that the steering will start to lean more to one side.

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Traeger Vs. Louisiana Grills: Which Pellet Grill Is Better?

If you’re feeling the urge to grill, you’re going to need a machine capable of cooking up the perfect grub. With countless companies and models to choose from, your brain could wind up as fried as your burgers. Let us narrow down your options to two trusted manufacturers: Traeger Grills and Louisiana Grills.

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How Long Do I Need To Soak A Cedar Plank Before Cooking With It?

If you were recently gifted or purchased a cedar plank for cooking, you are probably wondering exactly how to use it. The first question you probably have is how to put the cedar wood in the oven without catching it on fire. This likely leads you to wonder if you need to soak your cedar plank before cooking with it, and if so, for how long?

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Best Plants For A Shaded Porch

Shaded porches serve as both an oasis and an entry to your home. Finding the right plants that can thrive in the shade is easier said than done, however. So, what are the best plants for a shaded porch?

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Can You Patch A Pool Liner With Water In It? (Find Out Now!)

If there is one thing that I’ve learned by doing tons of writing and research on the topic of pool liners, it’s that they tear. And when they usually do, it tends to be when water is in the pool. The most obvious way to patch up a pool liner would be to drain the pool. But, what if you don’t want to drain your pool? Can you patch a wet pool?

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How To Dry Herbs From Y​​our Garden For Later Use

Nothing beats fresh herbs when you are looking for a way to boost the flavor and freshness of a dish. Herbs from your garden are arguably the freshest ingredients of all, but for those living in a seasonal climate, an herb garden has a shelf life. While you can’t always grow fresh herbs throughout the year, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to dry and preserve your delicious home-grown ingredients for later use.

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Why Does My Pool Keep Turning Green?

A swimming pool is a luxury, and while it requires a lot of maintenance, it’s worth every penny. However, the sight of green water in your pool can thwart any plans that you have of swimming laps or leisurely floating. Many frustrated homeowners have asked themselves the question: why does my pool keep turning green?

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Why Are There So Many Ant Hills In My Yard?

The sight of ants in your yard or home can understandably be discomforting. Not only are ant hills ugly, but they can indicate that you have an upcoming ant problem on your hands. Many homeowners have asked themselves the question: why are there so many ant hills in my yard?

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How To Grade A Yard With A Bobcat (Step-By-Step Guide)

People do not realize how important it is to have a level yard until they actually have a project that requires a little stability. Whether it’s installing a pool or getting a more reliable driveway, there will be times when you need to grade a yard. One of the most popular tools to grade a yard is a Bobcat. But, how do you do this with this drivable beast?

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Cold Smoking Vs. Hot Smoking: What Are The Major Differences?

Smoked meats, seafood, vegetables, and even cheese are staples of barbecue and cuisine in general. Enthusiasts have split down the middle when it comes to the best way to smoke meats, especially when it comes to temperature. So, what is better: cold smoking or hot smoking?

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Is It Illegal To Drain Your Pool Into The Street? (Find Out Now!)

Got a swimming pool? Where do you drain it? There are many situations that warrant draining your pool, such as winterization or significant algae, but you should always consider the ecosystem before draining or leveling the water in your pool.

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How Long Can A Frog Live In A Pool? (Find Out Now!)

Frogs are not the first thing people think of when they are about to become a pool owner. However, they can prove to be a bit of a pest for people in certain parts of the country. When frogs see your pool, they’re going to want to hop in. Unfortunately, chlorine and pool water isn’t good for them. How long can they survive in it?

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Can You Put Weed Killer On Wet Grass? (Find Out Now!)

You put a lot of energy into maintaining the lawn. So, you probably don’t want weeds where your garden should be. But can you put weed killer on wet grass, or will that cause a problem? And how do you keep weeds off of your lawn otherwise?

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How To Stop Condensation On A Metal Shed Roof (Do This!)

Metal sheds or sheds with metal roofs can be a giant magnet for condensation. When the metal is cold, and the temperature outside isn’t, the warm air rises and creates moisture on the roof and walls of a shed. This can cause damage to the structure itself, along with anything that’s inside. 

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Types Of Garage Door Springs

Many homes feature garages, holding everything from cars and trucks to workshops and boxes of unidentified objects. A garage door becomes necessary to keep your garage secure and make it easy for vehicle access. Different types of garage door springs make it possible for your door to open and close smoothly.

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How To Clean A Carburetor On A Push Lawnmower

Although a lawnmower is a crucial machine for lawn care and maintenance, many owners don’t take care of their mowers as well as they should. Over time, dirt, debris, and grass can get kicked into the motor, affecting various internal components. One of the most critical pieces is the carburetor (aka carb), which helps make the motor work. You should clean your carb at least once per season to keep it in good condition.

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What To Do With Snake Holes In The Yard? (Find Out Now!)

Snakes can be scary, especially if you don’t know if they’re venomous or not. If you start to notice snake holes in your yard, take action quickly. Figure out what these holes are, and then do your research to determine the best options for you. 

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Do I Need A Permit To Put A Door In My Garage? (Find Out Now!)

When it comes to doing home improvement, there are certain things one has to get to accomplish a project. It can be tempting to do your own work to straighten and repair your garage door. Paint, screwdrivers, and measuring tape are your typical necessary supplies, but do you need a permit to put a door in your garage? 

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Can I Widen My Driveway Without A Permit? (Find Out Now!)

Though it can be overlooked for the most part, your driveway plays an important role in your property. It can be so much more than a place to park your car. It provides comfortable and accommodating access to the back of your home as well.

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What Type Of Palm Tree Should I Plant In My Yard?

Palm trees are great to plant in a yard for all sorts of reasons. They provide great shade in your yard and around your pool or patio areas. They also tend to shed far less than other types of trees, which makes the ground around them easier to keep clean.

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Tips To Make Weeding In The Garden Easier On Your Body

The most common weeding position is a kneeling position. This is because weeds come out of the ground, so the closer to the ground you are, the easier it is to pull them. What you might not know is that there are several types of kneeling positions, and some are better for your body when weeding than others.

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How Big Of A Garage Can I Build On My Property? (Find Out Now!)

A garage can be a great addition to your home and property for many reasons. To begin with, it can boost the value of your property and home. It also provides protection for your vehicles. That alone pays dividends, such as promoting longer vehicle life or eliminating the need to shovel snow off the car. Garages also create more space and room. Many homeowners who want to build a garage also ask how big of a garage can I build on my property?

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How To Install A DeWalt Trimmer Line (Step-by-Step Guide)

When you picked out a DeWalt trimmer, you never thought that the trimmer line would become so tatty and dull. Yet, here you are. You know that you’re going to need to replace the old trimmer line if you want to be able to use your trimmer for a longer period of time. The question is, how do you do it?

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How To Install A Wood Stove In A Garage (Do This!)

Every part of your home deserves to feel toasty and warm during the colder months, even when it comes to your garage. Now that garage apartments are becoming increasingly popular, people are starting to look for ways to get more heat into their homes. A fairly popular option is to install a wood stove in your garage. But, how do you go about that?

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What To Do If Your Neighbor Has A Dangerous Tree

Whether it be a simple conversation or involving an HOA, there are several ways to approach your neighbor who has a dangerous tree. The end goal should be for your neighbor to remove the tree without straining your relationship. Each of these methods is non-combative and can be quite successful:

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Lawnmower Loses Power When Cutting? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Usually, when mowing your lawn, the biggest problem you have to worry about is the heat and how long it will take to cut the grass. However, sometimes, you might run into more problems. Since lawnmowers are relatively complex machines, they can wear down over time. If you notice that your mower is shutting off or losing power while cutting, it could be a sign of some potentially serious issues.

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Is Solar Pool Heating Worth It? (Find Out Now!)

When you have a pool of your own, water temperature matters quite a bit. You don’t want it to be too cold, but you might still want it to give you some feeling of refreshment. If you want to have a warmer pool, you might have considered getting solar pool heating for it. It’s definitely an option, but that doesn’t always mean it’s right for you. You might even be wondering whether it’s even worth the price tag…

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Craftsman Leaf Blower Won't Start? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Craftsman is one of the most trusted names in the world for power tools and outdoor tools. They have developed a reputation for creating some of the best, most reliable tools out there regardless of your need.

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How To Open An Electric Garage Door (Without Power From The Outside)

Whether you’ve just arrived home during a bad storm or you’re waiting it out from the comfort of your living room, inclement weather conditions can be unnerving. This is especially true if the storm has caused a power outage. In addition to the inconvenience of having no cable or light, you face some other issues when the electricity goes out, such as the inability to open your garage door.

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How To Level A Pool That Is Already Filled (Quickly & Easily!)

Summer is here, and you’re ecstatic because your new pool is ready to use. Then you notice that one side of the pool has more water than the other. This indicates that the ground beneath your pool isn’t precisely level. You will need to re-level your pool since it’s hazardous to swim in it under these conditions. But how do you do it without draining it?

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Hydrostatic Vs. Manual Transmission On A Lawn Tractor

The transmission has a significant role to play, as it adjusts the engine gears for a better drive, movement, and speed in a vehicle. A lawn tractor also needs a decent transmission system for working on various types of terrain. So, should you choose a hydrostatic transmission or a manual?

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How Big Of A Hole Can You Patch In A Pool Liner? (Find Out Now!)

Pool liners are what separate your pool’s water from the rest of the world. They are a mainstay when it comes to your pool’s ability to contain water well. In fact, you kind of need to have a pool liner that’s fully functional in order to properly swim in your pool. When you have a hole in your liner, it’s normal to have a need to patch things up. It’s clear that you are going to need to fix holes, but how big is too big to fix?

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How To Change Hydraulic Oil In A Gravely Zero-Turn Mower

Zero-turn mowers are enjoyable and can make cutting the yard fun. The mower operates on a hydro transmission that works the right and left sides of the mower separately. Gravely mowers are one of those zero-turns that have been around for over 100 years.

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Dry Creek Bed Vs. French Drain: What Are The Major Differences?

If not corrected early, drainage issues can lead to severe problems such as damage to your landscape plants, lawn damage, root rot, or even ruin your property’s foundation. Despite the many drainage systems available for correcting drainage problems, dry creek beds and French drains remain the most popular solutions.

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Can You Leave A Fridge Outside In The Winter Unplugged?

If you’re buying a new fridge, you may be tempted to leave your old fridge outside in the winter unplugged. However, leaving your appliance outside in the winter while unplugged can incur some damages.

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8 Types of Outdoor Faucets (for Residential Use)

There are a lot of reasons you might put an outdoor sink or faucet in your backyard. It can be very useful to have easy access to water when you are doing yard work or grilling. However, outdoor faucets do differ from indoor faucets for a couple of important reasons, and there are various types of outdoor faucets.

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Outside Faucet Won't Turn Off? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

The water faucet on the outside of your house can come in handy from time to time. Whether it be watering your flowers, washing your car, or doing a plethora of other hose-related activities, it is a convenience to have that faucet outside.

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Will A Garage Door Work Without the Sensors?

If you have a garage door opener, you may already have experienced the frustration of a garage door that will not open or will not close.  Bad or misaligned sensors are usually the culprit for this problem.  You must wonder then if there is a way to bypass them and make the garage door work without the sensors?

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Why Is Pool Water Cloudy?

Cooling off and splashing around in the pool is one of the highlights of summer. But it’s not so cool if you’re dealing with green pool water or a cloudy pool. In this article, we’re going to focus on the reasons your pool water is cloudy.

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Best Plants For Rock Gardens

Rock gardens have become staples of many yards, and it’s with good reason. You can populate a rock garden with a wide variety of plants that complement each other. So, what are the best plants for rock gardens?

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Deck Popping In Cold Weather? (Here's Why!)

You move into a new house, you are sleeping peacefully in your bed, and then ‘CRACK!”. A loud sound like a gunshot pierces through your dreams, shooting you out of bed. No, there aren’t any prowlers on your property or fireworks going off. It’s just your deck, adjusting to the freezing cold temperature.

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Can You Live In A Garage? (Find Out Now!)

A garage can take up a decent portion of your home’s square footage. Typically, people use this space to protect their vehicles or for additional storage. However, you may find yourself wanting to make better use out of this extra room. This begs the question: Can you turn your garage into a permanent living space? We have the answer.

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What Citrus Trees Can Survive An Annual Frost?

Citrus trees are fantastic additions to your property. The blossoms smell fragrant and lovely in the breeze, and the fruit allows you to enjoy sweet, tangy, or sour fruit in abundance. But citrus thrives in warm climates and often dies off in a freeze. But if you live in an area where the temperatures dip below freezing every now and then, you might wonder if there are any citrus trees that can survive annual frosty conditions.

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Belt Drive Vs Chain Drive Garage Door Opener: Which Is Best?

The sort of drive system for your garage door is something you don’t think about often while searching for garage door openers. However, you will notice subtle differences because belt drive openers are usually smoother than chain drive openers. For example, one may be quieter while the other may have more strength to lift heavier garage doors.

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Easiest Fence Types To Install Yourself

Having a well-maintained and functioning yard adds significant value to your home. It also allows you to enjoy the entirety of your property with activities like barbecuing and suntanning. If you have neighbors close by, however, you might feel like your backyard oasis lacks the privacy it requires. A fence is the best way to privatize your yard, but are there any types of fences that you can easily install yourself?

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77 Modern Fence Designs (Wooden & Wrought Iron)

Undeniably, fences can make or break your home’s curb appeal. In this day and age, they are no longer just for establishing boundaries or securing space. Instead, fences are now commonly used to frame gardens, create a focal point in a front yard, and enhance landscape design. From wood, metal, bamboo, and vinyl to lattice, picket, dog ear, and shadow box fences, there are many options to choose from. Selecting the right fence amongst nearly endless fence designs, styles, materials, and ideas is crucial.

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French Drain Vs. Trench Drain: What Are The Major Differences?

There are numerous sorts of drainage solutions available today. Each performs best under specific situations, making drainage choices crucial. So, what about french and trench drains? What’s the difference?

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What Can I Use To Cover My Garage Windows? (We Have The Answer!)

Having windows in your garage is a great way to brighten your space and make it look more attractive, too. That said, it can also pose privacy issues, especially once the sun goes down.

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Can You Put A Blade On A Walk Behind String Trimmer?

Walk behind string trimmers are exceptional at reaching places that standard lawnmowers can’t go. If you want to up the ante, can you put a blade on a walk behind string trimmer?

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Can You Use Play Sand For Pavers? (Find Out Now!)

Although you might assume that sand is sand, this is actually not the case. When it comes to choosing the right sand for your project, the type of sand that you choose can make a major difference. Sand is a crucial component to creating durable and visually appealing paver patios and pathways. Not only will selecting the right type of sand make installation of the pavers easier, it will also ensure that your project is built to last.

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Musty Smell In The Garage? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Most of us have experienced this situation: we enter our garage (or someone else’s) and are met with a dank, musty smell. While not the most offensive odor, musty garage smells are unpleasant and maybe a little embarrassing. They leave us not wanting to linger too long after parking our car. Why do so many of our garages smell musty?

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How Much Propane Does A Pilot Light Use?

Propane can be a great way to heat a home during the colder months of the year, especially in places where natural gas lines have not been run or are not easily accessible. It can be especially important when an appliance requires a pilot light in order to properly function.

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Are Propane Heaters Safe In Garages? (Find Out Now!)

If you’ve turned a section of your garage into a woodworking shop, your own personal mechanic workshop, a man cave, or some other sort of hobby center, you likely want to keep it warm and cozy during the winter months. After all, those drafty garage doors, concrete flooring, and little to no insulation are why garages are often among the coldest spaces in a home.

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Propane Vs. Kerosene Garage Heaters: Which One Is Better?

In the colder months of the year, it can be difficult and uncomfortable to work in your garage or workshop without a heat source. The frigid conditions can make it difficult to get things done when all you can think about is how cold it is.

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Genie Garage Door Light Won't Turn Off? (We Have a Fix!)

We use them every day and typically many times a day. That also means we usually take them for granted. Then one day (and commonly with garage doors) without warning, they stop working or stop working correctly. Sometimes they won’t open. Sometimes the  garage door won’t close or close all the way. And sometimes the genie garage door light won’t turn off.

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How To Prepare Your Grill After Winter

With the dawn of spring comes so many activities we know and love. There is the start of a new gardening season, time spent in nature, and all sorts of backyard enjoyment. One of the most iconic backyard activities is barbecuing. But after a long winter spent outside, the odds are your grill needs some attention. In fact, it is important that you take steps to clean and prepare your grill thoroughly once winter ends.

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How To Open A Garage Door With A Broken Spring

If you have ever been stuck on one side of your garage door, then you may know the pain of having a garage door with a broken spring. Whether your springs are simply getting weak, or you have one that has snapped, it can be a scary situation. However, there are still ways that you can open up your garage door.

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