Waste water leaves a home via a "lateral" line -- a pipe that connect drains to the public sewer main, septic tank or cesspool. Over time, shifting soil or earthquake damage can separate or crack a lateral line. Roots from nearby trees infiltrate the pipe, creating blockage and clogged drains. The lateral line must then be cleaned with a drain auger. The best way to avoid the problem is to not plant trees with aggressive root systems near septic tanks, drain fields or plumbing pipes.

A red couch will always make a statement in a room. The walls you place it against determine just how loud that statement will be. Wall color will absorb some of the energy of a red couch, or set it off as the unmistakable focal point of the room. Try an unexpected complementary -- red velvet sofa against faded chartreuse walls. Or keep it warm and flattering with blush pink Venetian stucco walls.

Making over your appliances with a fresh coat of paint is an affordable way to modernize and update your kitchen without breaking your budget. This inexpensive option will easily update a rusty old stove or refrigerator from years past. Update your appliances using bright colors like orange and red. Things You Will Need + Painter's tape Drop cloth Rust treatment Primer Spray paint Brush Paint more than one color on your appliance for an interesting design.

Cleaning old plastic pots properly disinfects them and prevents transmission of diseases from last season's plants. It is an inexpensive process, requiring little time, effort or materials. Reusing plastic pots saves money and helps the environment. Things You Will Need + Knife Scouring pad Soap Chlorine bleach The savings realized from reusing the plastic pots instead of buying new ones is substantial and also reduces the amount of plastic in the environment.

If you're looking for a particular brand of furniture but would like to avoid paying top price for the latest models, discontinued furniture is the way to go. If the factory produced millions of pieces of a particular line and model, chances are not every item was sold quickly or went from wholesaler to retailer to someone's home. Cast a wide enough net and you'll find the exact furniture you are looking for, and you may even come across something you like better.

When glue gets on synthetic materials such as polyester fiber, the results can be disastrous if you do not treat the area quickly and efficiently. Polyester is generally more durable and easier to clean than cotton, but it reacts badly to heat, causing wrinkles and loss of shape. Glue is easiest to remove from polyester fiber when it is still wet. This makes it more difficult to remove glue from polyester fabrics.

A broken water well pressure switch should be replaced immediately. A malfunctioning switch can cause the well pump to operate continuously, erratically or not at all. None of these situations is good for the pump or your home’s water supply. Fortunately, well pressure switches are not expensive. A broken water well pressure switch should be replaced immediately. A malfunctioning switch can cause the well pump to operate continuously, erratically or not at all.

Over time as it is used, a bow saw will lose its shape and sharpness. Regular sharpening must be done in order to keep your blade in optimal condition. There are a number of specialty tools required to keep your saw blade sharp. A saw must be regularly sharpened to keep it in good working order. Most modern saws have hardened teeth, which makes them impossible to sharpen without a diamond file.

Borax, also known as sodium borate or sodium tetraborate, occurs naturally in the earth and is mined in the Mojave Desert. Borax has lots of common uses; it's best known as a laundry booster, but it is also a stain remover, disinfectant and deodorizer and a natural aid in water softening. Borax has many household uses. More than 85 percent of homes in the United States have hard water, which causes clothes to look dingy and feel rough.

A patio swing that has a ripped or missing seat isn't very functional in its damaged condition. You can repair the seat and enjoy the swing by replacing the fabric. Acquire fabric from a local shop to quickly restore your patio swing. A variety of sources, ranging from the original swing manufacturer to specialty fabric shops, have suitable outdoor fabrics that are manufactured to withstand the elements. Look for an accommodating fabric source for your patio swing to suit your needs, budget and personal preference.