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On the Level: How to Hang a Picture Properly

Hanging a picture may seem like the simplest of all home improvement projects. While it is quite easy, there are factors like wall type and object weight that you need to consider before hammering away. If youre a beginner or if youve hung pictures before but always done some in a hit or miss kind of manner, these tips will come in useful.
The first thing you need to do is purchase the right fasteners for your picture and your walls. The most common fasteners for hanging things are picture nails and hooks. While these are the most common type of fastener, they are not the most appropriate or effective ones to use in all cases.
If you are going to hang anything on a concrete, stucco or brick wall, then you should not try to use a regular nail. A concrete screw will securely anchor your object and will prevent you from chipping the walls surface. If you use a nail in a concrete or stucco surface, you can end up removing chunks of the wall around the nail when hammering.
If your object is heavy, then you might want to insert a plastic anchor or molly bolt-for fastening into the hole to ensure that there is no damage to your wall. Make sure that you are using the right type of fastener for your wall surface.
Once youve figured out the type of wall surface and the most appropriate fastener to use, you will need to decide on placement.
The first thing you want to decide is how high you want to hang the object. The basic rule of thumb is to hang pictures so that the center of the picture is at eye level. Have someone hold a tape measure against the wall and then stand back and see what number is at your eye level thats where the center of your picture should be.
Once you decide on the height on the wall, you need to measure the picture itself to determine the mounting height. You will then measure from the bottom of the picture to the highest point of the hanging wire. You can then figure out the hanging height by subtracting half of the pictures height and adding the difference of the eye-height level you measured before.
Your measuring isnt done yet though. You want to take that figure and measure that distance on the wall so you can make a mark where the bottom of the hook will hit. After you have that vertical mark, you want to measure horizontally to ensure that your picture is in the center of the space. Next you will mark where the vertical and horizontal lines cross.
Holding the faster in place, you will nail or screw the fastener into the wall. After the nail or screw is in place, you want to carefully hang the object on the wall. Make sure you are careful not to mark or scrape the wall with the frame.
Once the picture is on the hook, you should step back to see whether it is level. You can shift the picture to either the left or the right to adjust the level.
If you find (after hanging) that the picture is either too low or too high, you can adjust the wire on the back of the picture rather than making a new hole.
If you are planning on hanging multiple pictures and/or objects on one wall, then you want to plan out your measurements very carefully. Start by holding up your pictures or laying them on the floor in the pattern you want. Measure the wall space and measure each picture to ensure that you have enough space. You want to make the vertical and horizontal marks for each picture rather than just guessing. It is often easier to offset the pictures when you estimate. If you do want all of the pictures even, then you need to use a level and be really exact in your measurements. A laser level can be useful in these types of situations.
Dont be intimidated with all of these steps if this is your first time hanging a picture. Taking your time and doing all the prep work outlined above will ensure that your picture is centered, level, and really adds character to your space.

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When Its Time to Call a Plumber


One of the most important lessons in owning a home is learning when to throw in the towelor the plunger and call for professional help. It does not mean you are stupid or ignorant. It just means you know when to give up. It is a smart person that knows when to give up and stop killing yourself over trying to do it yourself. For most people it is a last resort and many times it should be. Plumbers are generally overpriced and you pay for travel time and several other hidden fees. Please be sure that you absolutely have to call a plumber before you do. If you have to call a plumber to take on a project there are a few things you can do to keep some of your money.

COMPARE PLUMBERS:

The first thing most people do is call the plumber with the lowest rates. This sounds like the logical thing to do, however it is not always the wisest course of action. This is because hourly rates are hard to compare. Some plumbers charge mileage. Some plumbers start charging as soon as they start the car on the way to your house. Some charge by the minute. Some charge by the quarter hour. Some charge by the half hour.

The best way to choose the best plumber is choose a plumber with a good reputation for customer satisfaction. When you call, see if they have any references. Ask your friends and family if they know of anyone and if they were satisfied. Satisfaction is important. You may spend more at first, but you will only pay for one visit as opposed to several.

MINIMIZE YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS:

The best way to avoid spending too much money on a plumber is to avoid having to call one. The main reason most people call a plumber is drain backups and other drain problems. These can usually be fixed much cheaper than calling a plumber.

Grease clogs are the most common drain problem. This can be fixed by experimenting with several things around the house to see what works best to keep your drain clean. What works for most people is pouring some hot water and vinegar down the drain daily. If your drain is clogged from grease, pouring some hot vinegar down the drain and letting it set for about 20 minutes and then follow that with some boiling water will usually clear it up. Pour the water and vinegar slowly so that it has a better effect on the clog.

The other main clog problem is hair clogs. Usually a mesh catch will remedy this problem. If the drain is clogged, then a drain cleaner from your local grocery store or department store, will fix this problem. You will need to let this sit for fifteen to twenty minutes. Just follow the directions on the package.

BUY YOUR OWN FIXTURES:

Anything that you are going to need to install, such as toilets and sinks, can be bought in advance. Plumbers will try to sell you what they have. They usually mark up the price, so it is way over priced. Buying these in advance will save you a lot of money. However you may want to check with the plumber in advance to see what brands are the best to minimize any confusion later. Some products are made cheaply and many plumbers will not use them or work with them. Discussing this with your plumber in advance will ensure you buy the best item.

REDUCE YOUR NEED:

One of the most overlooked ways to save money on a plumber is to simply check all your fixtures and make sure everything is tightened and attached properly. Sometimes simply checking these things yourself will save you from having to call out a plumber. If there are any leaks or clogs that need to be fixed, make a list of all of them. When the plumber arrives give him the list. Tell him this is exactly what needs to be done. He will get right on it, rather than trying to access the problem. He will be in your home for less time, hence saving you very valuable, hard earned money.