A plumbing plan illustrates the system that will bring water in and take waste back out. It typically includes water supply lines, drains, vent pipes, valves, and fixtures such as toilets and sinks. These plans often use a variety of official plumbing symbols to denote different elements, and it’s relatively easy to produce plan views and riser drawings by hand or computer. Making detailed drawings will save time and expenses later....

This annual grass is a universal problem to homeowners in the U.S. It pops up in spring and develops into large, flat, thick clumps that spread widely, crowding out surrounding lawn grass and other plants. Because it’s an annual, crabgrass dies after the first frost in autumn, which leaves behind patchy, bare spots in your lawn. If left untreated, those bare spots will fill in with more crabgrass or other weeds next spring when their seeds sprout....

Line-voltage thermostats operate at either 120 or 240 volts and control gable vent fans, electric baseboard heaters, and similar appliances. Replacing them is different but no harder than replacing a furnace thermostat. There is one important—and potentially dangerous—difference between the two, however. A conventional low-voltage thermostat operates at 24 volts. An electric baseboard heater may operate at 240 volts. Always make sure the power is off when working on either type of thermostat, but be doubly cautious with a line-voltage thermostat....

Loose-lay vinyl has a heavy fiberglass backing that allows the sheet to lay flat on the floor without glue. You can purchase the flooring at most home centers and flooring stores. Standard sheet vinyl is not heavy enough to be installed in this fashion—it will slip and curl over time. To prevent loose-lay vinyl from curling up in high traffic areas, secure the material with double-sided tape at the doorways....

Note: This gate is designed for a stair base with posts on both sides. This project can accommodate any hallway or staircase opening up to 48 inches. Tools Miter sawDrill¼-inch drill bitFraming squareTape measurePencilSander blockSandpaperPaint and paintbrush Materials 1x3x48-inch pine board (actual width is 3½ inches)(4) 1x6x72-inch pine boards (actual width is 5½ inches)1x4x72-inch pine lumbers (actual width is 3½ inches)48x96-inch bead board(1 box) 1¼-inch drywall screwsWood glue2 extra-heavy gate hingesGate latchExtra long zip ties (20 inches)...

Supplies Needed Two-way garden hose connector (1/2" faucet hose fitting)Irrigation timerPressure regulatorMainline drip irrigation hose (1/2" poly drip irrigation tubing)Plant containersTape measureTapePVC pipe cutting saw, or a PVC cutting tool (for cutting the poly tubing)Poly tubing end capHammerIrrigation micro tubing (1/4" vinyl micro tubing)Drip irrigation hole punchDrip line connectorsDrip hose goof plugs (to patch holes that are mispunched)Potting soilPlantsIrrigation drippers with spikes, one for each pot Step-by-Step Instructions You can opt to pick up the list of supplies from the hardware store or use a pre-assembled drip irrigation kit ($42, The Home Depot)....

We’re starting to see Instagram posts under #FourthofJulyBoard and #FourthofJulyCharcuterie, and we only expect to see more of the red and blue food creations as we get closer to the holiday. The best part is, it’s easy to make your own! There’s no right or wrong way to make a charcuterie board—and you can add anything you like. With a few easy styling tips, you can turn any combination of foods into a festive holiday treat....

How to Make Baked Brie en Croûte Refrigerated puff pastry is the baking hero of the encrusted Brie dish. Light and layered, quick to cook, and extremely adaptable, it makes it possible to have Brie en croûte in the oven in a matter of minutes. Step 1: Roll Dough and Cut Circles Lightly dust your work surface with flour, and unfold one sheet of packaged frozen puff pastry. Roll dough to a 16x10-inch rectangle....

Drought-Tolerant Groundcover Plants If you live in an area that doesn’t get a lot of rain, you might be used to a brown lawn. Instead of planting turfgrass, try these hardy groundcovers that can withstand the heat. Growing Conditions: Full sun in well-drained soil Size: Up to 12 inches tall Zones: 5-9 Buy It: Red Creeping Thyme ($33, Breck’s) Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade in well-drained soil Size: Up to 12 inches tall, depending on variety Zones: 3-10 Buy It: ‘Angelina’ Sedum ($23, Etsy) Growing Conditions: Full sun in well-drained soil Size: Up to 6 inches tall Zones: 3-8 Buy It: Hen and Chicks Collection ($21, Walmart)...

Big brush strokes of color draw up the eye through the landscape. Here, a bright red stretch of astilbe beckons at the top of the path. Bright blooms of yellow sedum soften the geometric angles of the path and edging. A terra-cotta container offers a no-fuss way to integrate additional flowers and foliage at the base of the slope. Are you using retaining walls to manage your hillside? Find out how to keep them in great shape....

Our Best Mac-and-Cheese Recipes Mexican Favorites from Your Slow Cooker Slow-Cooker Beef: Our Greatest Hits Learn how to cook ribs in the slow cooker like an expert

Pair it with: A lighter-bodied red like a Bordeaux makes a lovely red wine food pairing for the cured meats. We recommend 2015 Château Greysac Cru Bourgeois Médoc. Pair it with: Wildly affordable, effervescent Vinho Verde from Portugal. Try Broadbent Vinho Verde ($10, wine.com). Pair it with: A crisp Provence rosé along the lines of 2018 Trés Chic Rosé ($19, winc.com). Pair it with: One of the best tips for pairing wine with food is, “What grows together goes together....

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