A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
At
HOME
Home Raffle
A $100 ticket gets you the chance at a brand new $200,000 home.
Wood Walls
The design trend that’s taking over.
2 At Home
Saturday, September 10, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Table of Contents LETTER from the
EDITOR I don’t know about you all, but I can’t believe it’s September. I feel like this summer flew by in a blink of an eye and now we are getting ready for football season, the official start of fall and Halloween. While I love summer and everything that comes with it — more sunshine, warmer temperatures and lots of pool parties, fall is probably by favorite season. The return of football, cooler weather and bonfires get me so excited for this next season of life. Plus, I love all the holidays that are approaching. In this issue, you’ll learn simple tips on how to compost at home, some drain hacks and some craft lessons on autumn crafts. You can also read about how to win a brand new home in Owensboro, some tips on hiring a roofer and lots more. For the next few weeks, we’ll also be highlighting some ways you can get your home ready for fall and cooler weather. I am still looking for homeowners who have tackled some big DIY or home renovation projects. If you would like your story told, please contact me at mrichardson@ messenger-inquirer.com or 270-6917233.
— Meghann Richardson Special Publications Editor
DRAIN ISSUES? page 14-15
DIY AUTUMN CRAFTS
REPAIR YOUR ROOF
pages 10-11
pages 4-5
on the cover
photo by ashley wilkerson
Home raffle supports Owensboro Catholic School system and Saints Joseph and Paul Catholic Church. | PAGES 8-9
o t w Ho
Messenger-Inquirer Saturday, September 10, 2016
At Home
compost in your backyard
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPOT
The EPA notes that composting requires three basic ingredients: water, brown materials and green materials. Brown materials include dead branches, leaves and twigs, while greens include grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps, and coffee grounds. Chop larger materials as necessary, adding both brown and green materials as you collect them and watering dry materials as necessary. Other items that are not food-related also can be added to compost piles. It may be challenging to determine which ones are applicable. These products are usually considered safe: • paper plates with no coating • products made from bagasse, a fibrous matter that remains after sugarcane or sorghum stalks are crushed • cardboard boxes • paper towels • wax paper • wax-covered paper cups • products certified as compostable by BPI • certified bio-plastics Anything that is coated in plastic that is not a bio-plastic must go into the trash or be reused in another way.
BURY FRUIT AND VEGETABLE WASTE
When adding fruit and vegetable waste, bury it beneath 10 inches of compost material. You can do this by mixing your pile with your pitchfork or shovel. If necessary, cover the top of your compost pile with a tarp so the pile can retain moisture. Compost may take as long as two years before it’s usable, but when materials are dark and rich in color, they’re ready to be spread.
NOW
REMODELING
uirer Inq CHOICE er’ ng RS
NO JOB TOO SMALL
A
ARDS W
A compost pile or bin should be placed in a shady area close to a water source. Shade will help ensure the pile does not dry out too quickly, especially for those homeowners who live in warmer climates. Those who live in colder regions may want to locate their piles in spots that get some sun exposure to trap some solar heat in their piles. Build the pile over lawn or soil instead of
ADD MATERIALS AS YOU COLLECT THEM
Me
PURCHASE THE RIGHT TOOLS
Composting is not expensive, but you will need a few tools to help maintain your compost pile. A pitchfork or square-point shovel will be necessary so you can periodically mix or turn the compost. In addition, a water hose with a spray head can help maintain the pile.
over surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
READ sse E
Many homeowners spend substantial amounts of time and money tending to their lawns. A lush lawn can be a point of pride for homeowners, and well-maintained landscapes also have a positive effect on property value. Homeowners who want to take care of their lawns and gardens in an eco-friendly way may want to consider composting. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, food scraps and lawn waste make up about 20 to 30 percent of what we throw away each year. Composting such waste can enrich the soil in homeowners’ yards while also reducing the size of local landfills, where food scraps and lawn waste contribute to the production of methane, a potent and harmful greenhouse gas. Composting is relatively simple and serves as a cost-effective way to enrich soil and suppress plant diseases and pest infestations. Homeowners who want to try their hand at composting can consider the following advice from the EPA.
2016 2014 GOLD WINNER
CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
3
ROOF REPAIRS
& REDOS
Messenger-Inquirer Saturday, September 10, 2016
At Home
Tips to know when hiring a roofer BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON
The roof on your house is subject to all kinds of weather and damage. Harsh winds can rip shingles and hail can cause holes — even hard rain can cause thousands of dollars in damage. The National Roofing Contractors Association says that there are certain key areas to inspect that may reveal some telltale signs of roof damage.
CURLED, CRACKED OR MISSING SHINGLES
Inclement weather can test the strength of even the most durable roofs. Even though many roofs are designed to last up to 30 years, some may need to be replaced early, particularly when they have been exposed to harsh weather over a period of years. Individual shingles can be replaced as spot treatments, but if the damage is widespread, a new roof may be necessary.
ATTIC LEAKS
Leaks in the attic or water elsewhere might signal issues with the roof. Figure out if water inside the home is coming from the roof. Water stains do not always indicate problems with the roofing, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Both gutters and downspouts should be in good condition. A roof is the sum of its parts and that includes downspouts and gutters. If the gutters are clogged or damaged, they cannot direct water away from the house properly. If your roof needs to be repaired, there are several local options to look at. David Boggs, owner of Affordable Roofing in Owensboro, has been a pretty busy man since May when the hail storm blew through Owensboro damaging roofs, homes and cars in its path. With all of the roof work around town, he offered some advice for those looking to hire a roofer. “Find a contractor who does not require money up front,” he said. “So many people get burned with deposits
and no work.” He also suggests checking the contractor to make sure they have insurance and to check the companies Better Business Buraeu Report and make sure they have a good rating. Boggs said when hiring a roofer he suggests using a local company and someone who is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Affordable Roofing has been in business for 25 years and is locally-owned and operated.
5
Roofing Co., said he and his crew have worked on roofs that have had everything from hail to wind damage this summer. While homeowners might not have noticed roof damage at first, over time the roof expands and contracts with the heat and cold, and damages appear. Patterson’s tips for hiring a roofer is to find someone who is local and reputable. He said lots people come into weathered damaged towns pretending to be reputable roofers, when in reality they are nothing but a scam. “These people are coming in and putting the fear factor into homeowners,” he said. “They are trained sales professionals who catch you off guard and try to get you to pay for a new roof. They are well versed and ready to sell, when in reality they may have only worked on a few roofs in their life.” Patterson said he encourages people to take of their house like they would take care of their mama’s house. “We have the internet in our hands, if you don’t anything about a roofer or their company, Google them,” he said. “Ask to see their identification to see if they are truly local. Do your research.” On average, a roof should last a homeowner around 30 years. Companies also have to offer a one year manufactory warranty by law, so male sure you read all paperwork carefully before signing anything. “Don’t let them go fast,” he said. “Ask questions. You never met a con man you didn’t like.” “80 percent of the job is showing up,” Patterson said. “If you wouldn’t do it to your house, then don’t do it theirs.” Patterson said he is also big supporter of local business and buying Boggs said recently he had a local. customer who’s insurance policy “I try to order all of my materials in did not cover her complete roof Owensboro,” he said. “I don’t even like replacement. going across the bridge if I don’t have “As a service to this 70-year-old to.” widow we have agreed to replace Get to the root of issues with your her roof and cover the difference her home’s roof before they become insurance isn’t covering to help her,” bigger problems once winter arrives. Boggs said. “We want to be a part of A thorough inspection can reveal the community and give back where we problems that may prove costly if can.” ignored. Remember to use caution Another local roofer, Adam when hiring a roofer to get the best Patterson, owner of Ohio Valley bang for your buck.
6 At Home
Saturday, September 10, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
THREE POTENTIAL TROUBLE SIGNS FOR DRIVEWAYS
Saturday, Septemeber 10, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
At Home
7
Popular driveway surfaces
Homeowners have many options at their disposal when choosing a driveway material, and the right material for one home may not be the best fit for another. The following is a rundown of popular driveway surfaces and what homeowners can expect of each of them.
BRICK
Though they are often easy to overlook, driveways are durable parts of a home that can greatly impact a home’s curb appeal. Driveways endure quite a bit of wear and tear over their lifespans, and homeowners who have not given their driveways much thought may want to start looking for potential trouble signs that indicate a need for some driveway maintenance. According to the online home improvement resource HomeAdvisor. com, the average cost of a driveway installation in 2015 was just under $3,700. Those costs are influenced by a host of factors, including the size of the driveway and the material it’s made of. Damaged driveways do not necessarily need to be replaced, as some may just need minor repairs. But homeowners who see any of the following trouble signs in their driveways may want to consult a professional contractor to determine what their next steps should be.
drive on the pavement, and potholes may even expand over time.
ACCUMULATION OF WATER
Puddles that form during a rainstorm may not be indicative of anything other than a rainy day. But water that pools or runs down the middle of the driveway may indicate drainage problems. Such problems may be the result of structural problems with the slope of the driveway, which can cause bigger issues down the road. When water is not absorbed into the ground or directed away from your home, it can then flow into the house, potentially making your garage or home susceptible to water damage.
CRACKS
Cracking is one of the more noticeable issues that can plague driveways. Many driveways experience cracking as materials inevitably succumb to the elements. Driveway cracks may develop for POTHOLES various reasons, including poor Potholes might be most often initial installation. Tree roots that associated with heavily trafficked grow beneath the driveway surface roadways, but even driveways are may also contribute to cracking as susceptible to potholes. As the ground the driveways ultimately succumb beneath the driveway expands and to the pressure created by the contracts, the pavement above that growing roots. Some cracks may ground weakens and becomes more prove less problematic than others, susceptible to damage. That damage but homeowners should still speak may ultimately lead to large chunks of with a contractor if they notice their the driveway breaking down, creating driveway is starting to succumb to holes as a result. Homeowners who cracks. live in areas that experience heavy Driveways may not draw the snowfall may see their driveways attention of homeowners too often, develop potholes after they are but damaged driveways that go shoveled or plowed. Potholes that are ignored may ultimately lead to very not fixed may damage vehicles that costly problems.
Many homeowners believe brick driveways provide the most aesthetic appeal, and it’s hard to argue with the beauty of brick driveways and walkways. Brick driveways come in various colors and hues, and many homeowners opt to have the color of their brick driveways match their landscaping, which further adds to curb appeal. But that curb appeal is only appealing if the driveway is designed and installed correctly, and homeowners can expect to pay a premium for that, as brick driveway installation is very labor intensive.
GRAVEL
Gravel driveways may not be as commonplace as they once were, but this cost effective driveway material is still an option. Homeowners who live in regions with mild winters without snow might benefit most from gravel driveways, which can be difficult to negotiate when shoveling snow. Gravel tends to be the least expensive driveway material to install, but professionals may recommend that a new top layer of gravel be laid once or twice a year to replace material lost to wind and everyday usage. Asphalt
ASPHALT
remains a popular driveway material, thanks in large part to its practicality and ease of installation. Unlike other driveway surface materials, asphalt is available in just one color, black, and that lack of versatility has led many homeowners to consider other options. But asphalt remains an affordable driveway surface material that’s relatively easy to repair. Cracks and holes in asphalt are somewhat common, but resealing such blemishes once every three to five years is typically enough to maintain the appearance of an asphalt driveway.
CONCRETE
Concrete driveways are popular thanks in large part to their affordability and aesthetic appeal. Concrete can be susceptible to extremely cold weather, but many homeowners prefer concrete because of its versatility. Concrete can be stamped or dyed to provide a unique look, which can increase curb appeal. Concrete can be expensive to maintain, particularly when the material cracks. In addition, gas and oil spills are more noticeable on a concrete surface than other driveway surface materials. When replacing an existing driveway, homeowners have an array of new surface materials to choose from, and each material has its pros and cons.
8 At Home
Saturday, September 10, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
WIN A HOUSE
FUNDRAISER RAISES MONEY FOR OWENSBORO CATHOLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM AND LOCAL CHURCH BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON
For the third time, Saints Joseph and Paul Catholic Church are teaming up Martin Custom Building and raffling off a brand new, $200,000 home. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is located on 4135 Mayflower Drive in the Bon Harbor subdivision on Owensboro’s west side. The home offers an open floor plan, split bedrooms, beautiful flooring, granite counter tops and self-close cabinets and drawers throughout. The living area features a tray ceiling with ceiling fan. There is a spacious tiled laundry room and the 2-car attached garage is finished with drywall and painted. The home raffle, which began in
2010, happens every three years and is a fundraiser for the church and the Owensboro Catholic School system. There is a maximum of 4,000 tickets sold for the raffle and are $100 each. In 2013, more than 3,700 tickets were sold. Sts. Joseph and Paul Catholic Church split the profit with OCS. The church then takes its portion and sponsors children who attend the parish and an Owensboro Catholic school. Ashley Wilkerson, coordinator of religious education for Sts. Joseph and Paul Catholic Church, said the church takes their portion of the earnings and gives it back to the church and school system by sponsoring a family in their parish.
Sponsoring a family means instead of the family paying the average $6,000 tuition for child, they only pay about half. Wilkerson said the family must attend regularly and be involved with the church. The fundraiser takes place of the traditional parish picnic or other fundraiser. “Instead of trying to do something different every year, we thought about what we could do every three years,” she said. This year’s home was built by Martin Custom Building. She said a lot of the work and supplies were donated by workers in Owensboro. The home is staged by Kristi Coomes who owns Home Inspired. Both Martin and Coomes are
parishioners at Sts. Joseph and Paul Catholic Church and believe in the mission of supporting Catholic education. There will be open houses from noon to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday until the weekend before Thanksgiving. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the open houses, any Catholic school in Owensboro, Sts. Joseph and Paul Catholic Church, any Independence Bank location in Owensboro or online at stjpc.org. Wilkerson said to make people even more excited about the house, all of the colleges in Owensboro have agreed to loan their mascot out during the open houses. “I encourage families to come out and take a look at the house,” she said. “It’s gorgeous and the money all goes to a good cause.” The drawing will be held 10 a.m. Dec. 3, 10 a.m. at Sts. Joseph and Paul Catholic Church.
d
Messenger-Inquirer Saturday, September 10, 2016
At Home
• 3 BEDROOMS
• KITCHEN APPLIANCES
• 2 FULL BATHS
• SOFT CLOSE CABINETS
• OPEN CONCEPT
• 2-CAR GARAGE
• SPACIOUS KITCHEN
• LAUNDRY ROOM
• GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
• OUTDOOR PATIO
9
10 At Home
Saturday, September 10, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
HARVEST YOUR
own home decor
Warm up your home with this Har vest Fall Lanterns created by season’s trendiest looks. Put your the crafting exper ts at Jo-Ann Fabric personal touch on your home’s and Craft Stores. The lanterns lend decor with crafting projects that a copper y sheen to complement the highlight the best of fall: copper seasonal hues of the pumpkins and detail, animal icons and pumpkins of gourds. Place them atop a swatch of ever y color, including white. soft plaid for a multi-textured look Create a seasonal tablescape that celebrates the season indoors. or mantel decoration with these For a unique outdoorsy look,
Birch Wreath CRAFTING TIME: 1-2 HOURS SUPPLIES AND TOOLS: Burlap garland Dark brown raffia Florist wire (22 or 24 gauge) Burlap-wrapped wreath Hot glue gun and glue sticks Wire cutters Beige twig stems Brown floral tape 2 pinecone pick stems 2 onion grass cattail stems 5 fall leaf foliage 5 bags medium birch rounds Craft bow out of burlap garland and dark brown raffia. Wrap wire around middle of bow and poke it into burlap wreath in desired location. Secure with hot glue. With wire cutters, cut twigs to length and tape together with brown floral tape. Add pinecone stems to twigs and tape together with floral tape. Wrap twig and pinecone stems with wire and poke wire into wreath under bow. Use hot glue to secure. Add cattails and fall foliage to accent. Attach to wreath in desired locations with hot glue. Cover remainder of wreath with birch rounds using hot glue.
Harvest Fall Lanterns CRAFTING TIME: 3-5 HOURS SUPPLIES AND TOOLS: 2 boxes fall pumpkin and gourd decorations 1 bottle (2 fluid ounces) cloud white paint Black sponge paint brush 2 metal and glass lanterns Hot glue gun and sticks
Select two pumpkins to paint white. Paint them and let dry. Choose multiple sized pumpkins and gourds and attach them to the inside bottom of each lantern with hot glue to begin building a design. Add more pumpkins and gourds, and glue them to each other. Insert leaves and berries to accent pumpkins and fill in any empty spaces.
Messenger-Inquirer Saturday, September 10, 2016
piece together a birch wreath using natural supplies such as twig stems, cattail stems and foliage. When you grow bored with your furnishings or want to change up the look and feel of a room, you may find yourself tr ying to put of f redecorating until you have a bigger budget. Instead, you can
At Home
11
give the furniture you already have a unique, fresh look at a fraction of the cost. These projects from the crafting exper ts at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores show how easy it can be to transform a tired old desk into a one-of-a-kind piece that complements your space per fectly.
Balloon Tails Chalk Acrylic Paint Desk CRAFTING TIME: WEEKEND PROJECT SUPPLIES AND TOOLS:
painter’s tape FolkArt Home Decor Chalk: Imperial or color of choice 2-inch paintbrush hand sander and 80 grit sandpaper soft cloth dark wax Using painter’s tape, tape off areas not to be painted. Paint desk. Allow to dry and recoat as needed. When dry, distress edges with hand sander until desired look is achieved. Using soft cloth, wipe on dark wax and buff.
CRAFTING TIME: 1-2 HOURS SUPPLIES AND TOOLS: Fresh greenery or natural dried raffia Jumbo confetti balloon Jumbo Balloon Time Helium Tank String or ribbon Lightweight flowers or autumn leaves Purchase light, fresh greenery that has a flexible stem. A florist or local farm stand can help identify the greenery best suited for this project or natural dried raffia. Buy jumbo confetti balloon. To make the balloon instead, pick up a clear jumbo balloon at a local party store. Cut tissue paper into small pieces and add cut tissue into the balloon before inflating. Inflate confetti balloon with helium tank and tie with string or ribbon. Take strand of green leaves and wrap greenery around string, starting at the balloon stem. Cut small pieces of lightweight flowers — such as Baby’s Breath — or autumn leaves and stick them into greenery or raffia where desired. Notes: Be aware that popcorn ceilings and hot ceiling lights can pop balloons. If high ceilings are a concern, tie balloons to a jar of decorative rocks or candy in the party’s color scheme.
12 At Home
Saturday, September 10, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
wood walls make a modern BY KIM COOK
t n e statem
ASSOCIATED PRESS
The phrase “wood walls” should no longer conjure up images of gloomy paneled basements or cabins sheathed in dated, knotty pine. Today’s wood walls are riding high on the decor trend cur ve. Some pay homage to wood walls’ early or midcentur y roots. Wainscoting, that charm-filled wall treatment in old timey colonials and capes, might now be painted a dramatic deep violet, decked out with a lattice motif, or be given an exaggerated scale higher or lower than the standard chair rail. Then there’s the reclaimed wood wave, popularized by celebrity renovators Joanna and Chip Gaines of HGTV’s “Fixer Uppers” series. The couple frequently uses rough-hewn boards from old barns and farmhouses. Fans of their Waco, Texas, store Magnolia Market can buy T-shirts hash-tagged “shiplap.” Designers suggest creating feature walls with either a Designers sleek contemporar y look or a rustic suggest modern vibe. creating Horizontal, vertical, feature walls herringbone or mosaic patterns with either add depth and a sleek contemporary dimension. Peter Glassford look or a rustic of San Antonio modern vibe. fused his studio art background and his marketing and design job with a high-end Mexican furniture maker to create sculptural installations with the tropical hardwood off-cuts left over from furniture making. He now produces mass-market collage squares representative of his original signed art. The dramatic 3-D designs, which can be lacquered in custom hues, evoke the Abstract Expressionist work of American sculptor Louise Nevelson. “Each panel is unique, like a small curation of random shapes that Marie-Dominique Verdier/Selle Valley Construction/Stikwood via AP celebrates chance, free of patterns,” This photo provided by Stikwood shows a bedroom with a wood wall. Wood walls are a strong décor trend, and they’re a far cry Glassford says. from the dowdy paneling of decades past.
Messenger-Inquirer Saturday, September 10, 2016
Architects are adding wood feature walls to contemporary homes. Angela Robinson used horizontal boards on a bedroom wall at Inn the Estuary, a bed and breakfast in Nanoose Bay, British Columbia. The panels blend a modern sensibility with a respect for the wilderness. “I love to incorporate natural textures and materials,” says Robinson. “Wood adds warmth and, depending on how it’s finished, can make a space feel more traditional, contemporary, rustic or refined.” When using wood, appreciate its characteristics, Robinson advises. “Keep in mind that wood is a natural material that dents, scratches, swells and ages in time. I think that the more wood is used and aged, the more unique and beautiful it looks.” If you’re interested in trying wood tiles, check out sites like www. pebbletileshop.com, which sells wood
reclaimed from old Southeast Asian fishing boats. Marine-grade material like this makes a great kitchen backsplash. There’s also a good selection at www.naturalmosaictiles. com . Woodworker Jerr y McCall of Sacramento, California, band-saws reclaimed wood into thin planks that can be adhered to a wall with adhesive or peel-and-stick tabs. His company, Stikwood, offers weathered versions of the planks, as well as oak, fir, maple and cherr y boards. Salvaged flooring from sports arenas, complete with game markings, makes a unique statement. McCall thinks the appeal lies in wood’s warmth, histor y, and a comfort and calmness it brings to a space. “The perfect antidote to the chaos of our modern lives,” he says.
At Home
13
Above: This photo provided by Stikwood shows a baby room with a wood wall designed by Carrie Rodman. Reclaimed wood is sawn into thin planks that can be attached to walls using adhesive or adhesion strips ready for mounting directly out of the box. Weathered finishes as well as richly-toned smooth finishes are available, expanding design options. Corey Gaffer/Martha O’Hara Interiors/Stikwood via AP
Left: This photo provided by wood artist Peter Glassford shows one of his collages made out of offcuts of Parota and Rosa Morada, two Central American hardwoods. The offcuts come from furniture making. The positive response to his original wood art collages led him to create panels for the mass market, which can be used as screens, wall art and feature walls. Peter Glassford via AP
14 At Home
Saturday, September 10, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
DIY
DRAIN TIPS AND HACKS Made in the USA
Available
Exclusively at
APPLIANCES•BEDDING•FURNITURE•ACCESSORIES
1130 J.R. Miller Blvd. Owensboro, KY Buy Sofa and Chair, get an Ottoman $99
270-215-0307
www.go-greenriver.com
Messenger-Inquirer Saturday, September 10, 2016
BY FAMILY FEATURES
gel work for 15 minutes then run hot water for a few minutes to rinse When it comes to fixing household away any remaining gel and lingering clogs, don’t be afraid to do it yourself. strands. Place mesh screens over With proper maintenance and the all drains to catch hair and food right products and tools on hand, you particles. This is a simple task, but can skip the plumber and keep your can help alleviate clogged drains. drains running smoothly at their maximum capacity. HOW ABOUT A DRAIN CHECK? From hair-ridden showers to If possible, transfer water that food-filled kitchen sinks, these tips won’t drain and any lingering dregs will help conquer even the most in the sink basin into a bucket. demanding and difficult drainage Carefully remove stoppers and issues. strainers from your drain. If you’re TOUGH HAIR CLOGS removing screws, make sure to keep GOT YOU HARRIED? a close watch so they don’t fall down Hair is the main culprit in the drain. If you need to remove most bathroom clogs. If you or a stopper parts from under the sink, household member has long hair, keep a bucket underneath the pipes. you are likely to have a greater Remove all of the ghastly gunk and amount of it in your drains. For goo from stoppers and strainers. hair-clogged drains, pour an Run water to flush down remaining entire bottle of a product specially material and test the flow. formulated to break down hair clogs, such as Liquid-Plumr Hair Clog PLUNGE RIGHT IN Eliminator, which has 70 percent Avoid over-flushing your toilet more hair-busting power than other to prevent flooding the bowl and formulas. It works to destroy clogs your bathroom floor. The best tool within minutes and is safe on all to unclog a toilet is a plunger with pipes, even old rusty ones. Let the a flange, which is a smaller opening
At Home
on the bottom of the plunger that resembles a cup. The flange fits perfectly into the toilet bowl drain to give your thrusts more power. Place the plunger into the toilet drain straight and vertical. Create a tight seal with the drain, with the plunger fully submerged in water. Plunge gently at first, then vigorously, in an up and down motion. With a stubborn clog, don’t be shy; add some strength to your thrusts. If the clog remains, or the toilet still isn’t flushing properly, you may need additional support. A drain snake can help break up the clog or a closet auger can help remove larger clogs or foreign objects, such as flushed toys.
a drain: • Grease or oils from cooking. • Meat, poultr y, and fish bones, as well as egg shells. • Gum … it seems fairly obvious that something that is basically a sticky ball will get hung up somewhere. • Hair. Human, pet, doll, fuzzy pillow, or stuffed animal hair — it doesn’t matter — just tr y to keep it out of your drains. • Cat litter, even the flushable kind. • Other “flushable” products — including toddler wipes and sanitar y products. • Prescription medications, lotions, and cosmetics. • Paint, paint solvents, nail polish, KEEP CLOGS FROM or nail polish remover harm our COMING BACK groundwater and in many places are Even if you have short hair or your illegal to put down drains. drains aren’t currently clogged, it’s a • Toys. While adults know not to good idea to do a little maintenance stuff toys down the drain, toddlers to prevent future problems. Products, might think of it as a game. Drain such as Liquid-Plumr Maintenance, stoppers can help prevent wandering are designed to help keep pipes clear minds from playing ‘cram the and clean, prevent new clogs and washrag down the drain.’ keep them smelling fresh. • Feminine products. Not all are Things you should not put down flushable and can clog drains easily.
Professionals who provide QUALITY Results! REGISTERED BUILDERS AND REMODELORS©
have the team of suppliers & specialty contractors to complete your project
On Time t e g d u B n O As Planned
15
GET THE LIST! HBAO.com 270.688.0353
16 At Home
Saturday, September 10, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
w o n k u ? Did yo
An outdoor movie night can be a fun way to get friends together. Such parties produce minimal mess because the festivities take place outdoors. Projectors, many of which can now hook up to mobile phones capable of streaming movies, and a “screen” are all hosts need to host a fun outdoor movie night. Large, white sheets or the side of a home can work as a screen. But homeowners can purchase screens from electronics retailers as well. Arrange picnic blankets and lawn chairs throughout the yard so guests have somewhere to sit and enjoy the show.
Find us on facebook!
For your beautiful Bath and Kitchen Cabinets We have the ideas for you. Come visit.
Plumbing - Lighting Bath & Kitchen Cabinets Home Accessories Irrigation - PVF Septic Systems 2110 Grimes Ave. Owensboro, KY 42303 270-691-6040 www.bathandkitchenideacenter.com
2400 Highway 81, Owensboro KY 42301 270.688.8080 • 270.685.0887 Fax www.phillscabinets.com