Replacing Electrical Outlet

Replacing your electrical outlet on your own can save you about $40 you would pay an electrician to come out to the house to do it for you. You really don't need to know much about electrical work to just replace an existing outlet, you just have to make sure you follow the simple directions below and always make sure your main breaker is turned off before you begin working.

Materials Needed
1) Replacement outlet (Match existing)

Tools Needed
1) Flat head Screwdriver
2) Voltage Tester

The first step you need to do is make sure that you turn off the breaker that powers the outlet that you are changing. Once your power is turned off make sure to check the outlet you will be replacing with the voltage tester to make sure that there is no electricity coming in.


Remove the face plate of the wall outlet.


Remove the two screws that hold the actual outlet in place and pull the damaged outlet out.


Once the outlet is out I always double check to see that the wires are not live by checking with the voltage tester at the contact points on the outlet. (Better safe than sorry)

The next step if pretty much taking one off at a time and placing it on the same location except on the new outlet. The hot wire is usually black or red and will be connected to the side that has the shorter slot on the outlet, and the neutral wire which is white will be connected to the side where the slot that is bigger. The ground wire which is usually green or bare copper will be grounded to the outlet casing which has a green screw indicating the ground.
   

Now that you replaced the outlet you simply screw the new outlet back into place and attach the cover and turn your breaker back on. You have successfully replaced your damaged wall outlet. See you soon!

Regrouting Shower

Regrouting you shower tile can be an easy job if using the correct tools. It is important to invest into a dremel or borrow one from a friend to be able to effectively regrout you shower tiles.

Tools Needed1) Dremel
2) Grout removal bit
3) Shop Vac
4) Protective Eye wear
5) Grout Sponge
6) 5 Gallon Bucket
7) Wiping rags
8) Grout Spreader

Materials Needed1) Grout
2) Grout Sealer

The first step to regrouting your shower tiles is to score the existing grout lines to at least a 1/16" deep. The best way I have found to do this is to use a dremel with a grout removal bit that you can purchase at your local hardware store. It is important to use the grout removal bit because they are specifically made to be used on grout. Depending on the thickness of the grout lines will determine the grout bit size you will need, they come in sizes from 1/16" to about a 1/4" thick.

I find it easier to start the dremel off at a lower speed until you get comfortable with the way you handle the dremel and then simply up the speed. It is important to be patient and take your time until you get a good technique to passing the dremel through the grout lines. I usually start from the top and work each line from top to bottom and work one line at a time. Once I have completed the vertical lines i move on to the horizontal lines and work those one by one also. It is important not to miss any lines because you have to score each line at least 1/16" deep so the new grout will stick.

The second step once you have removed all the grout is to clean up the mess you made with a vacuum and wipe down the entire area you were working on. Once everything is cleaned you can begin to spread the grout into the scored joints using a grout spreader. Try to not leave excess grout on the tiles it makes it harder to wipe up once you are ready for clean up.



Once you have spread all the grout into the scored grout lines it is time to wipe off all the excess grout off the tiles with a grout sponge. Make sure the grout sponge is not soaking wet because you will take the grout out of the joints you just filled.



Once you remove the excess grout from the tiles you can let the new grout dry for at least 24 hours and you can come back and seal the new grout. I usually use a grout sealer that will not penetrate the tile so you can simply spray grout joints, let it sit for about 5 minutes and wipe off the excess. You usually have to let your sealer dry for about 24 before being able to use the shower. I hope you enjoyed learning how to regrout your shower.

Replacing Above Stove Microwave

Replacing a microwave above that is attached to the cabinet above you stove is a very easy job to complete with the help of another person and can save you about a $80 installation fee. You will simply need a screwdriver and the help of a friend.

Step 1
First unplug the microwave and have a friend hold the microwave that is in place while you remove the top two screws that are located in the cabinet directly above the microwave.

Step 2
Once you have removed the two screws in the cabinet above the microwave your friend can slowly allow the microwave to come down, it is attached to a bracket behind it that allows the front of the microwave to pivot down and then you are able to lift it up out of the bracket once you have enough clearance. Place the microwave to the side. The picture below shows the mounting bracket that holds the microwave in place.

Step 3
Remove the existing mounting bracket and make sure that the new mounting bracket is installed to the height and specifications that your specific brand microwave is calling for; different companies have different types of mounting brackets. Once you have installed the new mounting bracket, you and a friend can lift the microwave into the bracket and screw the top two screws back into place. The top two screws are usually placed in the same area on the top of all microwaves so you do not need to drill new holes for the new microwave. Make sure the screws are tight and plug in your microwave and you are ready to go.