Stories
A timber deck adds valuable outdoor living space, but it is constantly exposed to rain, humidity, dew and accidental spills. Water can soak into end grain,…
A bathtub that drains slowly is usually showing an early blockage rather than a failed plumbing system. Hair, soap residue, body oils and small amounts of dirt…
In much of Australia, winter does not bring the prolonged sub-zero temperatures common in North America. Outdoor taps can still suffer damage, however,…
Outdoor cushions take a beating in Australian backyards. A humid Brisbane summer, a damp coastal morning in Wollongong, or a sudden downpour in Melbourne can…
Dog urine can leave yellow, straw-coloured circles in otherwise healthy grass. The concentrated nitrogen and salts in urine may burn leaf blades while…
A toilet that keeps running after a flush is often losing water through the rubber flapper inside the cistern. You may hear a faint hiss, see ripples in the…
Summer warmth makes kitchens especially attractive to flies. Food smells travel farther, rubbish breaks down quickly, and doors often stay open for…
A reliable hot water system is easy to overlook until the shower turns cold, the pressure drops or water starts pooling near the cylinder. Regular checks can…
A loose drawer handle is a small problem, but it can quickly become irritating. Each pull puts extra strain on the screws, and repeated movement can enlarge…
Gutters collect leaves, seed pods, roof grit and nesting material, but cleaning them does not always require balancing on a ladder. With a telescopic tool, a…