How to Disguise a Septic Tank Opening

If you have a septic tank opening that is obvious to the world, there is an easy way to fix that while still leaving ample space for pumping and maintenance.

• Planter, fiberglass, terracotta or plastic

• Circular, flat item to serve as a table top - a variety of materials will suffice such as glass, metal, plastic, mosaic etc., provided it is outside weatherproof and durable

1. Look for a suitable planter pot in a garden center or hardware store.

You will need a large planter pot, made from a sturdy material such as plastic, fiberglass or terracotta. In the case of plastic and terracotta, be sure to select thick versions that have strong wall sides to the pot.

2. Turn the planter pot upside down over the opening space of the septic tank cover.

It should be evenly placed around the opening so that it is not slanting or sitting on the opening in any way. You may need to build up one side with earth to make certain that it is steady.

3. Place the circular piece on top of the planter pot.

Use a circular piece of ceramic, mosaic, glass or metal to lay flat on the upended planter pot. Make sure that it is balanced evenly and does not wobble. It must be strong enough to stay in place during a wind and it must not be liable to tip. This will become a "table" surface.

4. Add a decorative element to the table top.

Now that you have a neat little table sitting over the septic tank cover, add an ornament or a pot plant to the table top. All of this will be very easy to remove and put to one side when you wish to pump or maintain the septic tank.

Tips & Warnings

• Another option might be to place a birdbath over the septic tank, provided that the base of the birdbath is wide enough to cover the septic tank opening. Alternatively, add a bird bath bowl to your table top, making sure it is sitting tight and is stable.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands from dirt, septic tank residues and cuts from any of the items you are handling.

I have also posted this on eHow.

Clean Dirty Windows with Methylated Spirits

Dirty windows need a little extra oomph to remove the ground-on dirt. Before heading off to buy a commercially produced product, check the cupboard for a little methylated spirits. Add some water and elbow grease and your windows will be as good as new in no time! Here's how.

1. Make up a solution of methylated spirits with a little warm water.
2. Apply the solution using a chamois. Using the chamois, rub strongly across the dirty areas of the window.
3. Rinse off with scrunched up newspaper dipped in warm water. The newspaper will remove smears.
4. Discard any of the solution leftover and the newspaper pieces. Wash your hands well.

Items needed

• Methylated spirits
• Warm water
• Bucket to combine mixture in
• Chamois cloth
• Newspaper
• Soap for cleaning your hands afterwards
  

Improve Squeaking Furniture

Does your furniture squeak when you sit on it? Here's an easy fix.

1. Melt some paraffin wax.
2. Pour a few drops of paraffin wax into the squeaky joints of the furniture.
3. Smooth out any pieces of wax outside of the joints (remove with vinegar oil if set).
4. Allow to set.
5. Test by sitting. Top up if needed.

Items Needed

• Saucepan to melt paraffin wax
• Paraffin wax
• Cloth to wipe