| How to Fix a Stuck Toilet Handle Posted: 26 Oct 2017 05:00 PM PDT You push on the toilet handle with all your might, but it won't move. Before you pick up the phone and call a plumber, take a look inside the tank. Most of the time, the problem is a loose flush valve or chain. You can also unscrew the handle to replace it with a new one at little cost. Before you know it, your handle will work as well as it did the first time you used it. EditReplacing the Flush Valve Seal - Turn off the water supply. Before you reach into the toilet tank, get rid of the water. Look for a flexible pipe that runs from the toilet tank to the wall. You'll see a metal knob that you can turn clockwise to shut off the water.[1]
- If you have an old valve that won't turn, lubricate it with some WD-40.
- Flush the toilet to drain the water. With any luck, the handle still works enough to at least flush away the water. If it doesn't, remove the lid on the toilet tank. You'll see a chain attached to a valve in the bottom of the tank. The valve is often colored black or red, so it's easy to spot. Lift it to drain the water.[2]
- The water is clean, so don't be afraid to put your hand in it.
- Disconnect the water refill tube. The fill tube is inside the tank above the flapper and flush valve. It's a thin tube that runs from the tower near the handle to the vertical pipe (the flush valve) in the center of the tank. Grip the end of the tube that runs into the pipe and pull it gently. It'll pop right out.[3]
- If your toilet uses a canister instead of a pipe underneath the refill tube, you won't need to detach the tube.
- Undo the flush valve casing. The cap is round, slightly bigger than the flush valve pipe, and has a hole in the center. It's what you pulled the refill tube out of. Give it a twist and it'll come off too. Follow up by grabbing the casing and lifting it out of the tank. On some models, the entire flush valve will come off, but on others a small plastic tower stays in place.[4]
- Canister-types don't have the cap. Instead, turn the canister counterclockwise and lift it.
- Pull up the valve seal. Locate the valve seal, which is a rubber ring that is typically red or another bright color. It may be on the bottom of the casing or canister you lifted earlier. If it isn't, look down and find the flapper that covers the hole leading to the other half of the toilet. Move it aside and you'll see the ring you can pick up with your fingers.[5]
- You may want to put on gloves before touching the seal. It can turn your fingers black, although this is harmless.
- Put on the new seal. To get a seal, go to your home improvement store. When you have one that fits, you can lay it in the tank. It'll fit in the grooves around the hole. Turn it gently to make sure it's tight and secure.
- Make sure you know what kind of toilet you have. Bring your manufacturer name and number, if possible, to get the best-fitting seal. This information is often printed under the tank lid.
- Replace the tank parts. Put the flapper in place, then set the flush valve where it's supposed to be. Reconnect the water refill tube if you removed it earlier, then give the toilet handle a test run. With any luck, it'll work as good as new.
EditFixing the Flush Chain - Untangle a tangled chain. The chain connects the handle's arm to the flapper. A tangled chain prevents flushing, so you'll have fix it. Pick up the chain and slip it off the arm. It'll have a clip that you can undo with your fingers. You may need pliers to fix a well-tangled chain.
- If the chain breaks, you can get a new one at a home improvement store.
- Shorten a loose chain. A loose chain can get stuck in the flapper, which causes your toilet to run. First, note which link of the chain is attached to the handle arm. Detach the chain, then use a lower link to reattach it. Push the handle to test the chain. When the chain is the right length, it'll lift the flapper without getting in the way.[6]
- Lengthen a tight chain. A tight chain means the handle can't move at all because there's no slack. Detach the chain. If you can't make the chain longer, try tying something to it. You probably have a twist tie from a bag of bread in your house. Tie it in a loop on the arm handle and put the chain on it.[7]
- Attach the chain to the handle and flapper. If you had to detach the chain or found it detached, put it back in place. It'll have clips or links that hook onto other toilet parts. One part goes on the end of the handle arm. The other part hooks to the flapper blocking the hole in the bottom of the tank.
EditReplacing the Handle - Remove the lid and chain. Start by lifting up the tank lid and detaching the chain from the handle arm. Detaching these parts is not as hard as you may think, and neither is replacing the handle on your own. The chain can be detached by slipping it off the handle with your fingers.[8]
- Unscrew the nut holding the handle in place. You'll need a crescent wrench and a little bit of arm strength. The nut is on the inside of the tank, right where the handle enters it. For most toilets, the nut should be turned clockwise. Don't force it, though. Lubricate it with some WD-40 if it sticks.[9]
- Pull the handle out of the tank. Grip the handle and pull it away from the tank. The handle arm is angled a little, so you'll have to adjust your hand to slide it out. It won't be much of a challenge, but you can then inspect the handle to see if it needs to be replaced.
- Slip the new handle rod into the tank. Handles are inexpensive at hardware stores, but make sure you bring your old one or a toilet model number to get the best fit. You can get a new replacement and not have to do much work at all. Push the loose end of the rod into the hole. It'll hang over the inside of the tank as the handle stays accessible on the outside.[10]
- You can replace either the rod or the handle if only one part is broken. Twist the handle and the arm will pop off.
- Screw the nut back on the handle. Slide the nut over the handle until it's up against the tank wall. Get out your wrench and turn it counterclockwise to tighten it. When you feel like it's secure, stop turning it so it doesn't crack. Go ahead and test out the handle. It should no longer feel stuck and lift the arm easily.[11]
- Reattach the flush chain. Hook up the chain by looping or clipping it to the end of the handle's arm. If you detached it from the flapper in the bottom of the tank, hook the other end to it. Remember, the chain needs a little bit of slack to operate properly.
- Test out the handle. Push the handle and watch it work. The arm should raise, lifting up the flapper without causing the chain to get stuck under it. If the handle sticks, the chain might be too loose. Detach the chain and lengthen or shorten it as needed. When you're finished, turn on the water supply and relax after a job well done.
- Put the toilet tank cover on the ground to avoid any broken toes or toilet pieces.
EditThings You'll Need - Wrench
- WD-40
- Replacement valve seal
- Replacement flush handle
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Do a Painting of a Cat on a Pumpkin Posted: 26 Oct 2017 09:00 AM PDT At the end of October, as Halloween draws near, evenings take on a special aura of anticipation and mystery. Dried weeds, leaves and other vegetation crunch underfoot, and even the least superstitious person might try to avoid a black cat on the path. Luckily, by painting a cat, you decide how ferocious, mischievous---or loving he will be. Add pumpkins and display your finished painting proudly to chase away any Halloween fears and forebodings that might be in the air. EditSketch the Scene - Draw the cat first. Use a piece of 8 ½ x 11 inch tracing paper from a pad. With a pencil, in the center of the page, draw a large oval for the body, a smaller circle for the head and join the two with a flattened oval for a neck.
- Finish your cat. Add two front legs and paws. Draw the suggestion of hind legs on either side and a tail coming off to the side and curving in front.
- Do the cat's face. Section the face with curved lines to make guidelines for the features. Draw the eyes, nose and mouth and place the ears.
- Think of fat circles for pumpkins. Their shapes are easy and fun to draw, so put one under the kitty as if he is sitting on it. Add two more smaller pumpkins, one on either side. Add growth lines and a curly stems to give the pumpkins a fresh from the garden look. Or, with a few strokes of your pencil, turn it into a Jack o' lantern. Just as our facial expression says what we are feeling, the expression on the pumpkin, happy, angry or frightening, can convey a lot about mood. Again, the possibilities are endless.
- Add a moon. Above the cat, draw a moon, a circle for a full moon, and if you want a partial moon, draw a crescent shape.
EditTransfer Your Drawing - Go over your drawing with a black marker. Draw just the main shapes at this point and plan to refine it later. Transfer it to an 9 1/2 x 11 inch piece of 140 pound, cold pressed, watercolor paper taken from a pad. Hold the sketch behind the good paper and tack it with tape onto a window.
- Transfer the drawing to good paper. Use a pencil to copy the lines, now clearly visible from the light coming through the window, for the cat, pumpkins and moon. Be sure to add the cat's ears and tail.
- With the sketch transferred, add details. Think about and, if you wish, try out on scrap paper, different patterns the fur; variegated, tiger-striped, spots like a leopard, or a solid color, head to toe. Pay attention to the cat's eyes because they will tell a lot about his mood. Ears, as well, up and perky means happy and at ease, while down and against the head means he is on guard and ready to take on the world.
EditPaint Your Picture - Think about color. Color is what grabs attention and gives the piece drama. How will you arrange it on the page? Most likely, the pumpkins will be shades of orange, although white pumpkins, striped and even ones with green spatters are not unheard of today.
- Set up your paints, brushes, water and tissues. Plan to have a full range of colors. On a scrap of watercolor paper, practice color combinations.
- Think about how by applying the watercolor, your choice of paint strokes can set a mood. Will the colors be bold and the strokes of the brush be strong and dynamic? Or, will you employ a feather-light touch?
- Consider whether your will add live props. Flowers, fruits and vegetables, other living creatures found in the garden might be fun to include, or bats, frogs, lizards, bugs, grasshoppers, birds, even an unsuspecting mouse or two.
- Paint your pumpkins and the cat. There is no particular place to begin or any special order of working. Generally, a watercolor can be started by applying a light, over-all application to get the colors down. These light handed strokes, using well diluted paint, will help you to establish your composition. Since the colors are transparent, it is easy to make changes, once the under layer is completely dry. Remember, watercolor dries thirty percent lighter than when it is wet. Allow the first layer to dry thoroughly.
- Stand the piece up away from yourself and study it. Now is the time to sketch, using pencil, the details. Start with the cat's face.
- Paint the sky. Give the whole piece a second layer. This should go quickly and confidently and it will show in the results. Again, let it dry thoroughly.
- Study it from a distance. Sometimes, it is good to wait until the next day to gain distance. Make final changes, additions and repeat the drying, stepping back and studying it. When it is complete stop! It is easy to overwork a watercolor, so remember to use restraint.
- Mat and frame it and hang it prominently for all to enjoy. While this picture will have a short lifespan before Thanksgiving bears down and grabs attention, it will add tremendous vitality to the room. Who knows, it might even ward off evil spirits…..heh, heh, heh.
- Accept your work and skills as they are today. It is easy to imagine a more sophisticated style but, with patience and work, that will come. Don't apologize for your work. It is what you are able to do today and has its own charm.
- Keep working, thinking, drawing and painting. Knowing that you can do better or make the painting different is what keeps up wetting those paints and brushes. Save all of your paintings and, in a matter of months, you will see growth. If you get discouraged, give it a few days and tackle it again, fresh.
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| How to Manage Layered Hair Posted: 26 Oct 2017 01:00 AM PDT Layered hair is great for creating the illusion of length and/or volume. It is a look that is versatile and can be pulled off by just about anyone. Although layered hair is a great choice as a style, it usually requires more upkeep than a basic haircut. Managing layered hair, however, can be simple with a care routine that works best for you. EditStyling Layered Hair - Blow-dry your hair when you plan on styling it. Blow-drying your hair will make the layers more noticeable. Use a blow dryer on your hair after your shampoo and conditioning routine in the shower. Start drying your hair by flipping it over and going over the underside portion of your hair for a few minutes. Then, flip it back over and continue until your hair is dry or mostly dry.[1]
- Use a boar-bristle brush on curly hair. Using the wrong type of brush can leave your hair looking frizzy or messy. If you have naturally wavy or frizz-prone hair, use a boar-bristle brush. This type of brush will smooth out your hair. Use this brush like you would any other brush when it comes to styling. Avoid brushing out your hair if it is very curly, as this will only add frizz.[2]
- Use a rounded brush if you have straight hair. To use this brush, hold the brush underneath a section of hair. Then, brush it all the way down, pulling the brush towards you when you reach the ends of your hair. This will add volume to your hair.[3]
- Apply a volumizing product. Layers are often added to make hair appear fuller, so a volumizing product will add to this illusion. A volumizing product works best on those with thinner, straighter hair, though anyone who has problems with flat hair can use it. Volumizing products often come in a spray, cream, or powder form. Apply the product to your root area with your fingertips and then style your hair as usual.[4]
- Look for a volumizing product that is made to hold for long periods of time if you have trouble keeping volume in your hair after a few hours of being styled.
- Go for a volumizing product that also moisturizes if your hair is dry.
- Add curls or straighten your hair. Changing up your style every so often will freshen up your look. If you have naturally curly hair, straighten it every so often. If your hair is straight, add curls or waves to it with a curling iron or texturizing spray.[5]
- Be careful with heat styling products if your hair is already damaged. Heat styling products further damages hair and shouldn't be done very often.
- Finish with a smoothing serum. Complete your style with a smoothing serum. A smoothing serum will moisturize your hair and reduce frizz, which will keep your layers looking healthier. Apply smoothing serum from mid-shaft to the ends of your hair. Use only a few drops of serum if your hair is thin and short, but you can use a dime-sized amount if your hair is thick and long.[6]
EditKeeping Layered Hair Healthy - Apply a protectant before using heat on your hair. Never apply heat to your hair without applying a heat protectant first. A heat protectant will usually come in the form of a serum or cream. Apply the serum from mid-shaft to the ends of your hair. Then, blow-dry or use a heat styling tool on your hair as usual.[7]
- Use a moisture-rich shampoo and conditioner. Damaged ends are more apparent in layered hair. Use a moisture-rich shampoo and conditioner on your hair every other day or a few times a week, depending on how often you wash your hair. Look for a moisture-rich shampoo that is made for the texture of your hair.[8]
- For example, if your hair is curly, look for a shampoo and conditioner made for curly hair.
- Apply a deep conditioner once a week. A deep conditioner will condition your hair more thoroughly than a conditioner that is meant for regular use. Apply a deep conditioner from mid-shaft to the ends of your hair. Leave it on between five and thirty minutes, depending on the instructions given on the label. Repeat the process once a week.[9]
- Avoid using heat products daily. Daily use of heat styling products will inevitably end up seriously damaging your hair, which will leave your layers looking fried. Blow-drying and the occasional use of a heat styling tool, like a straightener or curling iron, is okay with the use of a heat protectant, but try to avoid the daily use of heat. If you do need to use style your hair with heat, limit your use of daily heat to blow-drying with a heat protectant.[10]
EditFreshening up the Look - Trim your hair every six weeks. Layers can quickly lose depth and definition. Split ends are also more apparent with layers, so frequent trims are important. Schedule a trim with your stylist at least every six weeks, but you can trim your hair more or less frequently, depending on your type of hair.[11]
- If your hair grows very fast, you may want to get a trim every four weeks.
- Enhance the look with color or highlights. Adding color or highlights can freshen up your look and make your layers more obvious. Go for subtle highlights if you don't want a dramatic change. Ombré is a good option if you want a more dramatic look, but don't dye your hair too often, since it supports the grown-out look .[12]
- Accentuate your style with bangs. You can make your layered hair appear bolder with blunt bangs. Or, you can go for a softer look with longer, wispier side bangs. Keep in mind that bangs have to be trimmed often.[13]
- Change up the type of layers you have. There are many different ways you can add layers to your hair. You can soft, long layers, or short choppy layers. If you're looking for a change but want to keep layers, alter the type of layers you have. Go for dramatic, choppy layers or layers that frame the face.[14]
- Ask your stylist for advice if you aren't sure what type of layers would look best on you.
- Ask your stylist what type of layers they recommend for your hair. Light layers look best on fine hair, and dramatic layers work well thick hair.[15]
- A haircut with layers will usually require more styling than a haircut without layers. Keep this is mind before asking for a cut with dramatic layers if you prefer a laidback styling routine.
- Avoid the use of heat styling products as much as possible if your hair is severely damaged.
EditThings You'll Need - Hair dryer
- Hairbrush
- Volumizing product
- Smoothing serum
- Moisture-rich shampoo and conditioner
- Deep conditioner
- Styling tool (straightener and/or curling iron)
EditSources and Citations
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