1. Before you start any repairs, switch off the power at the mains supply.
2. Check for loose connections - these cause most light switch problems.
3. Tape any wires that are frayed, bent or nicked may not provide a decent connection.
4. Keep bare wires from touching the electrical box it will trip the circuit breaker or blow a fuse -check the wires have enough plastic sheathing to protect them.

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Tip: Old putty around wood window frames can become dry and brittle, causing draughts, leaks, or even the window to fall out. Replacing the putty is a simple process:

1. Soften the old putty with bleach in advance.
2. Carefully chisel out the old putty.
3. Apply the new putty by rolling it into a sausage and pressing it around the edges.
4. Once it is applied you can smooth and shape it with a damp putty knife.

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1. Before you start any repairs, switch off the power at the mains supply.
2. When working on an appliance or light fitting, unplug it first from the mains supply.
3. Make sure there are no liquids near the electrical work you're doing.
4. Never fit a circuit breaker or fuse that is rated higher than what the circuit can protect.
5. Watch out for any exposed wiring such as wear and tear on plugs.

Fixing scratches on your double glazed sealed units:

Tip: Polish the scratch out using a clean, lint-free cloth dampened with a very fine abrasive such as Ceria (cerium oxide) or Jeweler's Rouge (iron oxide). Don't use household abrasive cream cleaners - they will scratch the surrounding glass.

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1. Take a shower rather than a bath.
2. Collect rain water for use in the garden.
3. Don’t run the tap whilst cleaning your teeth.
4. Only boil as much water as you need when making drinks etc.
5. Don’t leave taps (faucets) dripping - repair any worn washers.
6. Only wash full loads in washing machines and dishwashers.
7. If you have a dehumidifier or air conditioning unit which collects the water this can be used to water houseplants as can water from defrosting a fridge or freezer. This is distilled water.
8. Water remaining after boiling eggs can be cooled and used to water plants as this is high in nutrients as is the dirty water taken from a fish tank.
9. If you drink tap water and normally run the tap for a while to ensure the water is cold, collect this initial supply either in your kettle or to water plants etc., Alternatively, instead of waiting for it to run cold keep a jug of water in the fridge.
10. Wash vegetables in a bowl rather than under a running tap.
11. Don’t over-water your lawn as this encourages the roots to find the surface and can weaken growth. Sprinklers are wasteful as they use as much water in one hour as a family of four uses in one day.
12. Fit a water saving device in your toilet cistern or replace with a modern one as these use less water for each flush.

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Tip: Mix baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)with enough water to make a paste, then Rub on tar.  Works great!

Tip: A 30-45% Relative humidity in the home is about ideal. It is difficult to have it at much over 40% in the winter without having condensed water streaming down your windows or walls.

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The best facts about any window, new or retro you want to know about before you buy. Wood, Vinyl, Fiberglass. Click Link to Read

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1. Empty (1/2) one-half cup baking soda down the drain, followed by (1)one-half cup white vinegar.
2. Cover the drain and let mixture stand for a few minutes.
3. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. The baking soda and vinegar dissolve fatty acids, allowing the clog to wash down the drain.

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