Whether you're using acrylic latex caulk to plug up a drafty window or silicone caulk to waterproof a tub, you'll usually end up needing only half a tube at one time. So it's pretty much a given that when you reach for that tube again, it'll be stopped up with dried caulk.
No need to toss a perfectly good (half) tube of caulk, though. There's an easy way to get at the fresh caulk that's trapped behind the dried-up stuff. Read on:
1. Grab a nice, sharp utility knife and use it to split the caulk tube's nozzle lengthwise. Always push a sharp utility knife away from you, not toward you. If you want to be extra safe, Consider securing the tube in a vise or c-clamp first. This will prevent a slippery tube from rolling suddenly, causing your grip on the knife to slip too.
2. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry loose the dried-up caulk. It's likely plugging up the entire nozzle, but chances are the caulk in the tube itself is just fine and usable.
3. Repair the slit nozzle by wrapping duct tape around the nozzle several times.
4. Load the tube into your caulking gun and get to work!
Got any other tips for unclogging a tube of caulk? Share them here!
Showing posts with label Unclog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Unclog. Show all posts
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Special Ways to Unclog Clogged Drains
First, it's a good idea to be proactive. If you notice that the water is draining a bit slower, fill the sink, tub, or other offending vessel with cold water. Then open the drain. Usually, the weight of all that water is enough to clear a minor clog. If not, fill the sink or tub again, open the drain, and use the cupped palm of your hand like a plunger to add a bit of pressure. This will clear most clogs.
No luck? Bring out the big guns. Connect your garden hose to an outdoor spigot. Drag it to your sink or tub, even if they're located on the second floor. Poke the hose in the drain, and stuff a towel around it. Have a helper turn on the outdoor spigot. After a few seconds, you'll hear the sweet swishing sound of freely draining water. Guaranteed.
Okay, so you may not want to toss your plunger. It may still come in handy for toilet clogs, but the hose trick works there, too. And it works for clogged dishwasher drains as well. I once talked an appliance repairman into trying it. We had to open the access panels, undo the drain hose clamp, and use duct tape to attach the hose to the tubing...but it worked like a charm.
No luck? Bring out the big guns. Connect your garden hose to an outdoor spigot. Drag it to your sink or tub, even if they're located on the second floor. Poke the hose in the drain, and stuff a towel around it. Have a helper turn on the outdoor spigot. After a few seconds, you'll hear the sweet swishing sound of freely draining water. Guaranteed.
Okay, so you may not want to toss your plunger. It may still come in handy for toilet clogs, but the hose trick works there, too. And it works for clogged dishwasher drains as well. I once talked an appliance repairman into trying it. We had to open the access panels, undo the drain hose clamp, and use duct tape to attach the hose to the tubing...but it worked like a charm.
how to Unclog Your Gas Cooktop's Burners
To clean your gas stovetop's burners safely and quickly, follow these easy steps:
1. Make sure all four burners are turned off.
2. Disassemble the individual burner units. Most cooktops have four or five burners, each one consisting of four parts: a grate (the elevated surface that pots and pans rest on), a cap, a burner and a non-removable base. The grate, cap and burner should simply lift off each base piece, no tools required.
3. Wash each burner unit in hot soapy water, rinse and dry. Stick with plain old soap or dish detergent and water, since chemical cleansers could be flammable. While you're at it, might as well roll up your sleeves and scrub the grates and caps, too.
4. Use a pin, needle or straightened paper clip to clear gunk from the burner (flame) openings. An old toothbrush might be useful as well. Lay the individual pieces out to air dry.
5. Reassemble the burners and switch each one on to ensure all systems are go. Lots of blue flame? Great. If not, check that the burners were repositioned correctly.
You'll notice there's a small hole in each of the four burner base pieces. These are called the electrodes and they are where the flames shoot out and connect with each burner unit (the parts you took off and washed). Be sure to match the electrode with the corresponding opening in the burner assembly or the flame will not ignite.
1. Make sure all four burners are turned off.
2. Disassemble the individual burner units. Most cooktops have four or five burners, each one consisting of four parts: a grate (the elevated surface that pots and pans rest on), a cap, a burner and a non-removable base. The grate, cap and burner should simply lift off each base piece, no tools required.
3. Wash each burner unit in hot soapy water, rinse and dry. Stick with plain old soap or dish detergent and water, since chemical cleansers could be flammable. While you're at it, might as well roll up your sleeves and scrub the grates and caps, too.
4. Use a pin, needle or straightened paper clip to clear gunk from the burner (flame) openings. An old toothbrush might be useful as well. Lay the individual pieces out to air dry.
5. Reassemble the burners and switch each one on to ensure all systems are go. Lots of blue flame? Great. If not, check that the burners were repositioned correctly.
You'll notice there's a small hole in each of the four burner base pieces. These are called the electrodes and they are where the flames shoot out and connect with each burner unit (the parts you took off and washed). Be sure to match the electrode with the corresponding opening in the burner assembly or the flame will not ignite.
how to Unclog your Shower Head
Hard water is water that is high in mineral content -- elements such as calcium and magnesium among others. Hard water isn't harmful to your health, but over time, its minerals can build up inside pipes and cause clogs. You can check to see how hard your water is by lathering your soap or shower gel -- the lower amount of bubbles and suds, the harder the water.
With hard water deposits in your shower head, a once-long, luxurious shower could be reduced to a drippy annoyance. You'll know that you have a clogged shower head because the shower stream will become less consistent or the water pressure will begin to decrease.
Luckily there are a few solutions to unclogging a shower head -- and none of them require a lick of plumbing knowledge!
Solution #1: Denture tablets
Yes, denture tablets! If someone in your home already has denture tabs laying around you don't even need a trip to the store to fix this one.
1. Remove your shower head if possible. You don't have to do this, but it will make things much easier. Most shower heads can be removed by hand without screws, but check to see if there are any screws first before removing. If you can't remove the shower head by simply turning it, use a pair of pliers or a pipe wrench.
2. Get a bucket and fill it with water about halfway full with warm water.
3. Drop 2-4 tablets into the water and wait a minute for them to effervesce.
4. Place the shower head into the water and soak for several hours.
5. Remove the shower head and use a small brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the shower holes clean.
6. Rinse with water and put your shower head back in place.
Unclog a showerhead with white vinegar. Photo: Ace Hardware
Solution #2: White vinegar
Once again, you probably won't need to venture out to the store for this one. Get a bucket or large bowl and remove your shower head as instructed previously. You can also use a larger plastic bag and fasten it with a rubber band at the top.
1. Fill your bucket or bag with the white vinegar; about a pint if possible.
2. Submerge your shower head and allow a few hours for soaking.
3. Remove the shower head and scrub with a toothbrush or small brush.
4. Rinse with water and re-attach.
That's it! And if your shower head is stubborn, there's no harm in trying both options together.
Now you can get back to making that shower the most enjoyable part of your day.
With hard water deposits in your shower head, a once-long, luxurious shower could be reduced to a drippy annoyance. You'll know that you have a clogged shower head because the shower stream will become less consistent or the water pressure will begin to decrease.
Luckily there are a few solutions to unclogging a shower head -- and none of them require a lick of plumbing knowledge!
Solution #1: Denture tablets
Yes, denture tablets! If someone in your home already has denture tabs laying around you don't even need a trip to the store to fix this one.
1. Remove your shower head if possible. You don't have to do this, but it will make things much easier. Most shower heads can be removed by hand without screws, but check to see if there are any screws first before removing. If you can't remove the shower head by simply turning it, use a pair of pliers or a pipe wrench.
2. Get a bucket and fill it with water about halfway full with warm water.
3. Drop 2-4 tablets into the water and wait a minute for them to effervesce.
4. Place the shower head into the water and soak for several hours.
5. Remove the shower head and use a small brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the shower holes clean.
6. Rinse with water and put your shower head back in place.
Unclog a showerhead with white vinegar. Photo: Ace Hardware
Solution #2: White vinegar
Once again, you probably won't need to venture out to the store for this one. Get a bucket or large bowl and remove your shower head as instructed previously. You can also use a larger plastic bag and fasten it with a rubber band at the top.
1. Fill your bucket or bag with the white vinegar; about a pint if possible.
2. Submerge your shower head and allow a few hours for soaking.
3. Remove the shower head and scrub with a toothbrush or small brush.
4. Rinse with water and re-attach.
That's it! And if your shower head is stubborn, there's no harm in trying both options together.
Now you can get back to making that shower the most enjoyable part of your day.
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