PVC is a great material for plumbing and other projects as well. It’s easy to cut and glue and is inexpensive, and even a novice do-it-yourselfer can make repairs with it. Here is a PVC primer for those who need to know the basics.
PVC pipe comes in a variety of sizes and with a wide assortment of connectors. Make sure you are buying the right kind of pipe for your chore. There are different grades required by your local plumbing code for making these repairs.

In making repairs, you will usually have to cut out the damaged part with a hacksaw and install a new section with fittings on both ends. If you don’t have room for the hacksaw, you can cut the PVC with a pipe cutter or by using a string or cord, placed under the pipe and pulled back and forth to cut through it. Be sure to make a straight cut and remove the burrs and rough edges.
There is a special primer and glue that you will need to use. The primer is applied first, and then the glue.
The glue dries fast, so you have to be ready when it is applied. Put it on both pieces to be glued and then put the pieces together. A slight twist will ensure the best seal.
HEADS UP ON SPRINKLER
Question: I have a problem with my automatic lawn sprinkler. Two of the heads don’t pop up like they are supposed to. Can I grease them, and if so, what type of oil should I use?
Answer: You can try waterproof grease. A pool-supply place has this, if your home center does not. If that doesn’t work, new heads are easy to install in most cases, and they’re fairly inexpensive.
MORE MOLD
Q: I painted the exterior of our home with a paint that had a mildewcide in it. The problem is that now I am starting to see more mold. What did I do wrong, or did the paint fail?
A: You probably didn’t get rid of all the mildew before painting. The new coating with mildewcide is meant to prevent a new growth of the fungus, but it doesn’t kill the old crop that has now grown right through the new paint.
BULB BURNOUT
Q: One of my ceiling fans goes through a lot of light bulbs. I seem to replace them once a month or so. It uses the small, candle-tip looking bulbs. Is there a problem with the fixture? What else might be a problem?
A: Overheating is the most common cause of this problem. Are you using bulbs of the proper wattage? If not, switch to the right bulb. Also check to make sure the globe around the bulb isn’t too close to the bulb. It might not be allowing enough air circulation, which could cause overheating. Another possibility is a loose wire that causes arcing, which can also result in overheating.
AL AND KELLY’S TIP
The other day, the top piece broke off my cell phone. I knew that it would be easy to replace, but all of the local dealers were closed for the day. I decided to glue the piece into place. The glue went on easily, but then I realized that the phone would not stand upright on its own. For support, I stuck the phone in a canister of rice. I was careful not to let any of the glue drip into the rice. It worked great, holding the phone at just the right angle.