It may be the most cliché home issue in existence but just about everyone has had to suffer through the pains of a leaky faucet. It’s amazing how such an innocent issue can drive homeowner’s crazy and many find themselves paying a plumber to fix an issue when almost anyone can repair a leaky faucet themselves. Note: There are several types of faucets on the market. The following steps apply to traditional compression faucets that contain two hot and cold water handles. If you start working on your faucet and the steps don’t make sense, you likely have a different style of faucet.

Steps to Repair a Leaky Faucet

1. Shut off the main water supply to the faucet. To be extra careful, shut off the main water supply to the house and your hot water heater as well.
2. Disassemble the faucet. There should be a screw on the top or side of the faucet but they can be hidden by a decorative cap on some models. Loosening these screws with a Philips-head screwdriver should allow for easy disassembly of the faucet.
3. Use a padded pair of plyers (pad with electrical tape) to remove the stem of the faucet. Make sure you pad your pliers or you could scratch the finish on your faucet. Unscrew any nuts to lift or unscrew the stem from its base.
4. Take this time to clean the opening for the stem with white distilled vinegar.
5. Examine any threads on the stem. If they are stripped, bent or missing you can carry it to a hardware store to have it matched and replaced.
6. Loosen the nut of screw at the bottom of the stem to gain access to the washer seat and O-ring.
7. Locate the washer seat and O-ring inside of the faucet. You can likely tell if it is torn or otherwise worn out.
8. Remove the damaged washer seat or O-ring and replace it with a new one. Lubricate the washer seat with plumber’s grease.
9. Carefully reassembly the faucet in reverse order.
10. Turn the water back on and test out your fix. If the leak has stopped, you’ve fixed it.

There are several online tutorials and videos for other types of faucet repair. If you ever feel uncomfortable repairing your compression faucet, ask a plumber or expert for help.

The winter months have arrived and for many of us and that means the presence of snow and ice along with the painstaking task of removing it. City ordinances and personal convenience often dictate that we must remove snowfall as soon as possible to create clear and safe walkways. There are some things you can do to make this chore less time consuming and back-breaking.

Removing Snow with Hacks

All you need is a tarp and this snow removal method may appeal to you although it does need a little effort. Before a snow storm lay your tarp over the walkway you wish to keep clear. After the snowfall remove, the tarp carrying the snow with it and your task is complete. You will want to make sure that while your tarp is laid out you have marked the area so that passing pedestrians do not trip on the tarp. The easiest way to do this method of snow removal is by using firewood or rocks to weigh down three corners of your tarp while tying the fourth corner to a post or upright shovel. By tying one corner in this manner, you will not have to dig through the fallen snow to pick up the tarp. Remember that snow is heavy and this method will need some strength to remove the tarp snow and all. If you do plan to shovel fallen snow you may want to keep this second tip in mind before doing so. By spraying your snow shovel with cooking oil before snow removal, you will avoid snow sticking to the shovel making your task a little easier. As discussed before, snow is heavy enough and you don’t need it sticking to your snow shovel. Mechanical spray lubricants such as WD-40 may be substituted for non-stick cooking oil in the event you do not have any on hand. You can create a home deicing solution that can make the snow removal process easier by eating away at thick layers of built up ice. If you have the necessary ingredients it is better to make a solution at home rather than buy a commercial ice removal solution as the commercial ones tend to be toxic to the surrounding environment and concrete surfaces. You can make a safer and more cost-effective ice removal solution by combining rubbing alcohol or vinegar with water. For vinegar, the ratio is three parts to one part water and for rubbing alcohol, the ratio is two parts to one part water.

Once again mother nature has brought the biting cold and blowing snow of winter to many of our states. The winter snow brings many fun outdoor activities but its effects can wreak havoc on a home if proper precautions are not taken. The most common winter dangers to a home can be avoided through proper insulation. For instance, in states where snowfall is common snow can become built up on the roof of a home and result in damaging ice dams. If a home is not properly insulated the heat from the attic can melt built-up snow and cause water to drain underneath roofing materials damaging the home.

Tips to Prevent Ice Dams

[caption id="attachment_1514" align="alignright" width="300"] Anyone can prevent ice dams with a few extra steps.[/caption] Adequate insulation ensures that the underside of the roof deck remains cold allowing snow on the roof to melt without creating standing water. There is a misconception among some contractors that heat passing through an attic will help to prevent ice dams. In fact, attics should be ventilated so that heat can escape when cold air is introduced into it. There are many homes that have a furnace in the attic and this presents a problem when trying to prevent ice dams. It may not be possible to guard against them if a furnace is present in the attic but increased insulation can help mitigate the threat posed by ice dams. Homes that do have ice dams on the roof will show signs on the interior ceiling in the form of dark, shadowy lines. This is the result of trusses in the attic that have been left exposed while the spaces between them have been filled with insulation on the floor of the attic. The trusses are exposed to the low temperatures and create cold strips where condensation begins to build and results in the growth of mildew in the ceiling of a home. If mildew growth is present it can be cleaned with a solution of three-quarts warm water and one quart of bleach. The dark lines that have formed as a result of the mildew growth may have to be painted over after the mildew has been removed. It is important for homeowners to be vigilant and address the first signs of ice and snow buildup that can result in the formation of an ice dam.

There's no better way to support your local community then by supporting a local home service professional who lives, shares and supports local economic growth. It all started in the small city of Castle Rock Colorado. Last year, Castle Rock was pounded by hail and because of that, residents yards were flooded with out of town, and even out of state 'door knockers' to replace their roofs. While some of these 'out of towner's' are probably legitimate, many are not. Shortly after this, BCC launched "Castle Rock Roofers," a place where residents can confidently engage in a n ethical, top rated roofing contractor who has their best interest in mind. Here's the video: Next time you need a home improvement contractor, hire local - check out BestContractors.co to connect with a proven, local favorite contractor!

Snowy winter months can leave your car hidden in the driveway. Here are some tips and tricks to keep you out of the cold and get you on your way on those snowy mornings.

Tips to Remove Snow From a Car

Begin by starting your car and turning on both the defrosters and defoggers. Never leave your car unattended while running. Neither of these are intended to melt snow or ice, however, they will clear the fog on the inside of your vehicle before you start. Check your brush. It’s important to invest in a quality snow brush to ensure that the paint on your car is not damaged by snow removal. Begin by brushing off the top of the car, all of the windows, then the hood and trunk, and finish by clearing your headlights and brake lights. When brushing the snow off of your car, be sure to clear away everything. Driving with piles of snow on top of your car can be dangerous for you and for other drivers on the road. The lightweight powder will blow as you drive, and can impair your visibility and that of drivers around you. Heavy, wet snow will add weight to your car, requiring extra fuel to get you around. Once you’ve cleared the snow from your vehicle, be sure to scrape the ice entirely from all of your visibility areas. All too often, people believe that stopping short, and clearing only a small viewing area from the windshield is good enough. This is a safety hazard to you and other drivers on the road. By taking an extra minute to clear all of the ice, you are making treacherous road conditions safer for yourself and for those around you. Check your fluids, and be intentional about topping them off before a snowy commute. Topping off your windshield wiper fluid prior to hitting the road will prevent mucky visibility and dangerous driving. The same goes for your gas tank. To ensure your maximum safety, experts suggest that you have a minimum of a half tank of gas before commuting during a snowstorm. This is a precautionary measure, and is intended to keep you safe longer, should you find yourself in a ditch, or off to the side of the road due to road conditions. Having gas in your tank will keep your car running longer and ultimately keep you warm and visible, should something threaten your safety during a snowy commute. Before you get on your way, be sure to clear the ice from your windshield wipers. If ice is left on your wipers, they are completely ineffective while you drive. In addition, make sure that your windshield wiper blades are safe and ready to use in between snowstorms, to prevent obscured vision on snowy mornings. Ultimately, nobody likes standing out in the cold. However, taking a few extra minutes before your snowy commute, could increase your safety, and the safety of other drivers on the roads with you.

April showers bring May flowers. When the October frost dates come around, those beautiful spring and summer gardens are vulnerable to winter weather damage. Protect your garden during cold winter months with these tips from gardening experts.

What Should You Do Before the Snow Hits?

Start by “winter-proofing” your garden during the early fall months. Most autumn frost dates fall sometime in October. This is when the first frost is expected to freeze over your garden and lawn. Before the autumn frost date in your area, it’s important to adjust your plants and garden accordingly to best absorb the winter weather. Professionals suggest that you move planters under a shed or porch for the winter months, to keep freezing water from expanding and breaking containers. Tie your plants and shrubs up in a cone shape with plant netting to prevent breakage and deformities.

How to Remove Snow From Your Garden, Plants and Trees

Using a broom or your hands, gently sweep snow off of plants and shrubs. Avoid sweeping downwards as this could break or detach an already twisted and vulnerable branch. It is important not to shake or pull the plants, as branches covered in snow will be brittle and stressed, so the least amount of manhandling will result in the best care. Remove snow from plants as it accumulates, rather than all at once. Brushing snow off of plants every few inches, prevents the plants from taking on too much weight from heavy snow.

What Should You Remove Snow From and What Should Be Left Alone?

Natural snow cover is actually believed to be safe and beneficial to your garden. Windblown drifts and even heavy snowfall actually creates an extra layer of insulation for your garden. Snow melts to provide the dry plants with the water that they need during the winter months. Natural snow drifts usually don’t cause damage to your garden. Manmade snow drifts and snow fall from the roof can both cause serious damage to your garden. The snow that is shovelled or blown by a machine is heavy, dense, and slow to melt. Be conscious to not pile snow on top of your plants, and remove it gently if you do. The snow that falls from roofs can quickly break and destroy garden plants and shrubs. If you can safely remove snow from your roof, experts encourage you to do so. If not, it is suggested that you build a temporary protection shelter for your plants out of wood. Garden experts advise you to not remove ice from plants or branches, as this will likely break fragile and frail branches. Professionals also encourage people to be safe, and not to remove snow or ice that is above your head, as it may fall on top of you and be a safety hazard.

Colorado weather is notorious for bringing extreme weather conditions to places all along the front range. On average, the state sees anywhere from 60 inches, to 80 inches of snowfall, annually. Many areas have strict snow removal laws, requiring residents to clear the sidewalk within 24-hours of when the snow stops falling. Shoveling can be a tough job, and often results in sore muscles, drowsiness, and an aching back. According to WebMD, over 11,000 adults and children are hospitalized each year, simply from shoveling snow.

Remove Snow Properly with These Tips

To prevent injury while shoveling snow, experts tell people to start with an ergonomic shovel. This is anything that will remove the snow with optimum comfort and effectively avoids stress or injury. While using an ergonomic shovel, it’s important to make sure your body is facing the snow you intend to shovel, and your hips and shoulders stay facing forward. Use the strength in your legs to lift the snow, rather than forcing your back to strain in the lifting process. Avoid tossing or throwing snow from the shovel by walking to the designated area or pile to clear your shovel. Shovel in shifts, and remove small amounts of snow frequently as it falls, rather than letting hefty amounts of snow accumulate on your driveway and walk. Like any physical activity, it’s important for your muscles to have oxygen and your body to be hydrated. Exerting energy in the cold will cause your body to sweat, and lose vital nutrients that must be replenished quickly. Drinking water before you begin to shovel, and throughout the day that follows, allows your body to absorb some of the fluids and oxygen that is lost while shoveling. This also prevents you from becoming dehydrated, and losing consciousness. Colorado’s high altitude can be another cause for concern when it comes to shoveling snow. Staying hydrated and well fueled is the best way to approach the daunting task of shoveling. Pacing yourself and listening to your body is ultimately the best option when it comes to tackling that snowcapped driveway, and preventing yourself from falling victim to a snow shoveling injury.

In recent years, more and more people are discovering the cost-effective benefits of using household items in place of expensive cleaning products. Save a little green while you clean, with just one item that most people have in their kitchen. Vinegar contains acetic acid which is used to kill off fungus, viruses and bacteria, and unwanted plants and mold. Using vinegar for all your cleaning needs throughout your home is a safe and effective way to save money and sanitize your belongings. The following are some helpful tips for getting the most out of this nifty household item.

5 of the Best Ways to Use Vinegar to Clean

Disinfecting Office Your Office Space

Vinegar is a great alternative to some of the harsh chemicals that are safe on computers and equipment. Start by turning off all your office equipment. Then mix equal parts of vinegar and water and dampen a cloth with the solution to wipe down all your office materials. Don’t forget the mouse and keyboard, and use a Q-Tip for those hard to reach places.

Sanitizing Your Kitchen and Appliances

Remember that leftover pasta that’s left a stench in your fridge since last Wednesday? What about the Tupperware rings from months of refrigerated storage? Or how about your microwave that has a droplet of food from every meal you’ve eaten this month stuck to the inside of it? Wipe away the leftovers with a mixture of vinegar and water. To clean your refrigerator, combine equal parts of vinegar and water, then use a cloth to scrub away the mess. In your microwave, try heating one ½ cup of vinegar and a ½ cup of water in a microwave safe bowl for five minutes. Remove the hot bowl from the appliance, and use a rag to wipe away the softened food remnants. This will leave your fridge and microwave smelling fresh, and sparkling clean.

Removing White Rings from Furniture

If coasters aren’t your thing, it’s likely that you’ve developed water stains, or white rings, on that wooden coffee table of yours. To remove marks left by glasses on your furniture, mix one-part vinegar with one-part olive oil, and apply it to the damaged surface.

Disinfecting Bathroom Surfaces

Science shows that your bathroom is the dirtiest place in your home. Experts say that it’s a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and mold. Kill off all those germs and bacteria with just vinegar and a cloth. Sanitize your bathroom surfaces such as the sink and bathtub with a diligent wipe down. Remove toilet bowl rings by pouring a full cup of vinegar in the toilet and letting it sit overnight. In the morning, clean it well with a toilet brush, and flush a couple of times to rinse.

Stop Static Cling

When washing your clothes, add ½ cup of vinegar to your wash cycle. The acetic acid reduces static and prevents dryer lint from clinging to your clothes. Save a little green while you clean, and tidy up that collection of products under your sink by replacing household cleaners with vinegar.

BCC is pleased to announce the launch of our Facebook page, Best Contractors. When completed, the Best Contractors Facebook page will serve as a social resource and tool for home owners to get advice, tips and information from, and about local home improvement contractors. Why are we different? We understand that there are countless 'contractor connection' websites. Like those, BCC screens our home improvement partners but we take it a step further. When you hire a Best Contractor through BCC your project is guaranteed up to $10,000. Additionally, we require all partners to adhere to a strict code-of-ethics and customer satisfaction guarantee. To learn more visit www.bestcontractors.co.

BCC is headquartered in Castle Rock, Colorado so for us, it was a no-brainer to launch a website promoting our local roofing contractors. Last year, and the year before, there were a lot of hail storms that blasted Castle Rock. It blew my mind by how many residents were supporting out of town roofers. Some reputation, some not. In fact, I remember a crew behind me that got busted by OSHA for not wearing safety harnesses which left the clients roof exposed for almost a week - without tarping! Today, Castle Rock residents can connect with not only local Castle Rock Roofers, but they can rest assured that they're going to receive top-notch service. Watch Castle Rock Roofers on YouTube! What is our criteria to be an approved roofer on CastleRockRoofers.com?

• Locally owned and operated
• Licensed & Insured
• Pass a Online Reputation Assessment

Should at anytime a home or business owner be unsatisfied with their selection, we can replace the contractor or remove them from our network completely.

Best Colorado Contractors is pleased to announce the newest addition to the BCC family, Denver Flat Roofing. Denver Flat Roofing, or DFR is a consumer advocacy firm that brings experience and offers a 100% complete customer satisfaction guarantee when it comes to re-roofing your home or office. When you hire a roofing contractor through DFR you can rest assured you'll get a fully licensed & insured provider who is dedicated to professionalism, high standards in craftsmanship  and much more. Get your free estimates now at denverflatroofing.com.

Everyone wants a nice, green lawn. However, did you know there is more to maintaining your front yard other than just cutting it on the weekends? Consistent and dedicated lawn care is essential to have a healthy front yard. To ensure an incredible and perfect yard, first find out if you have a cool season or warm season grass. This will make maintaining them different according to which variety you have. Here are three tips to make sure your yard looks good all year long. 1) Height of Blade Blade height is crucial when it comes to grass. If you cut your grass too short in the summer, it will cause stress to the grass and also reduce its resistance to weeds. It is also more likely to dry out and die because of the stress the short blade. A good rule of thumb is to not cut your grass more than a third of the total grass length. Grass variety also depends on the length you should cut, depending on if it’s a cool season or warm season grass. As long as you know which kind you have, one simple Google search will tell you the optimal length for your grass.      2) Fertilize. Fertilize. Fertilize. For an incredible lawn, fertilize every six to eight weeks. Think about it as 2-3-3. Fertilize twice in the spring, three times in the summer and three times in the fall. The key is to make sure the application of fertilizer is even among seasons and you’re not over fertilizing or under fertilizing. For cool season grass, do not fertilize during the dead heat of summer. The growth has already slowed down and fertilizing it can cause the grass to weaken. For warm season grass, start fertilizing in late spring and into the early fall. 3) Water but Don’t Drown Your Yard While you shouldn’t neglect your yard by not watering it for long periods of time, you also should have the sprinklers running all day, everyday. The recommended amount of water per week for you lawn is up to an inch. The optimal time to water your lawn is during the morning so the grass will have time to dry during the day. Have you tried artificial grass? Also be aware of your grass, if it looks like it needs more water, then water more often and if it appears to be healthy, cut back on your water usage to conserve it.

Hello and welcome to Best Colorado Contractors! Finding the right contractor you can trust can be a daunting task. When hiring a contractor you likely are unaware of their criminal past, licensing or their background leaving you to trust in their sales pitch. Best Colorado Contractors was founded to help Colorado home owners connect with reputable home improvement contractors who have been screened and highly rated. When considering hiring for a home remodeling project, it's always good to get at least 3 quotes. When you use Best Colorado Contractors we'll provide you multiple quotes for your project to ensure you get the best deal possible. Thanks for stopping! BCC