Your kitchen sink's garbage disposal performs the important task of managing waste before it enters your plumbing. Like any other fixture or tool within your house, your garbage disposal needs a little TLC from time to time to keep it running well. Be conscious of the way that you are using your garbage disposal so that it can serve you for years to come. Here are three tips for keeping your garbage disposal in good working shape.

Water damage to the edge of your roof or the top of your home's siding is often caused by a gutter issue. Fixing any damages and keeping the gutters in good repair can help you avoid major water damage later. Common Signs of Exterior Water Damage Taking the time to look up and inspect your gutters and roof line will prevent most issues from becoming a real problem. Signs to watch for include:

Many homes built before 1950 have plaster walls. These homes can be beautiful, with amazing structure and woodwork. However, if you are ready to update your home with drywall you will want to follow these tips. Why Get Rid of Plaster Plaster can begin to chip and fall apart, especially if the walls get bumped repeatedly. Moisture can cause the plaster walls to crack. Many home decorators find that it is difficult to hang pictures and frames on plaster walls.

Many states require that homes are tested for radon, but what is the big deal? Most people are unfamiliar with radon and what the risks associated with this gas are. Even if you don't live in a state where this testing is required, it is important that you do it before moving into a home. Here are some frequently asked questions, all about radon. What Is Radon? Radon is a gas that occurs naturally in the earth but is harmful to humans.

Who says an indoor playroom has to be dark and quiet? Between bad weather and busy chore days, there are probably plenty of times that your kids find themselves stuck inside when they would rather be out running around. So encourage your kids to benefit from daily physical activity rain or shine by bringing the outdoors into their indoor playroom: Have the Air Ducts Cleaned Dust and debris gets built up in air ducts and when left unchecked, the debris can be forced into the air when the air conditioner or heater is turned on.

It's easy to monitor your energy and water use when it's just you and your partner, but when a child or several children are added to the mix, keeping your utility bills low becomes a little more challenging. Here's a look at four simple, child-friendly ways to keep your utility bills in check in spite of your growing family. Turn your water heater temperature down. Most people set their hot water heater to 140 degrees F.

A flooded basement can be a nightmare for homeowners. The excess water can damage the floors, encourage mold growth and is expensive to remove. That is why you should try to prevent flooding in the first place. Here are five tips to avoid basement flooding. Look for Foundation Cracks If there are cracks in your home's foundation, water can easily seep in and damage your basement. It is a good idea to check for cracks in your foundation about every month.

If you are going to have a deck installed on your home, you will want it to look unique, which is something that can be done with things like lightweight decking ideas, railings and other materials that you use on your deck. You may want to do something such as finish your deck with a variety of different materials, such as wood, tile and epoxy finish. The railings can also be different with materials such as glass.