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September is almost here. Vacations are over and it's back to school and back to basics!

By
Real Estate Agent with Bradley Luxury Real Estate

                            September:Labor Day is September 3rd and Fall begins on September 23rd.

                                                            Fixes to Four Common Household Problems

Clogged Drain

For sinks, use a hand snake first. Remove the stopper and force the snake down into the drain as far as it will go. For tough clogs remove the trap below the sink or tub.

Dirty Heating/Cooling Filter

To replace the filter, find its location in either the air intake grill or in the heating/ cooling unit itself. Remove and replace it with a similar sized filter.

Uneven Flow from Faucet

An aerator is the small cylinder screwed on to the end of most faucet spouts and often becomes clogged with small particles obstructing the flow of water. To repair an aerator, unscrew it from the end of the spout, clean or replace it.

Cracked and Missing Caulking

To repair damaged caulking, prepare the surface so that it is free of dirt and any old caulk. Then use a caulking gun to squeeze new caulk into the joint. Choose the correct caulk for the application and wipe away any excess.

                                                   Time-saving tips for a successful backyard fall cleanup

Tips to ensure a successful backyard fall cleanup effort-and to get a head start on next year's growing season.

 Rake those leaves.

Once the snow or the rain falls, an un-raked layer of leaves can get matted down over the turf  and smother it all winter long. Raking helps avoid dead patches in the spring.

  Feed the grass.

Using a slow release fertilizer allows the grass to soak up nutrients and-just as important- spend the cool days and nights of autumn recovering from summer heat and stress.

  Weed all about it.

Weeding in the fall is probably the most valuable thing you can do to prepare for spring, and it's one that many people overlook.

  Aerate.

Heavy use throughout the summer can cause soil to become compacted. Perforating your lawn with small holes helps reduce compaction and lets water, air and fertilizer get down to the soil, which strengthens the grass plant's root structure

  Water trees and shrubs.

Dehydration during the colder months is an all-too common cause of tree damage, but it'seasily preventable. After they go fully dormant-but before the ground freezes-use a soaker hose or root irrigator to water them thoroughly.

                                                                Adding to your basic toolbox for easier repairs

If you are big on DIY home improvements, consider adding any one of these must have tools to your tool box.

Cordless Drill/Driver:  Go cordless for ease of use. Higher voltage means more power and more life between charges.

Square: Cutting materials square is the first step in making sure projects turn out right. This tool is a must-have.

Level: From hanging pictures to building a deck, everyone needs a level. Consider two, a two-footer.

Flat Bar or Pry Bar: Often starting a project means tearing something out. A flat bar will help. Use claws on either end for removing nails.

Diagonal Cutters: Not just for cutting wire but a variety of other materials such as small nails and dowels as well.

Adjustable Wrench: Flexibility makes this tool a must for turning nuts, bolts and plumbing fittings.

Drill Bits: Get a kit that contains different sizes and varieties for drilling through different materials.

  A set of bar clamps is always useful for holding things together while they are glued or fastened.

 

Coldwell Banker

Victoria Wells vawells@comcast.net Http://www.marinbesthomes.com

Broker/Realtor 350 Bon Air Center #100 Greenbrae, CA 94904

Phone: 415-464-3380

 

                                                           Make Your Next Move with Victoria!

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