If your home has a septic tank, it's important to have it regularly maintained. Tanks that are not inspected and pumped every two or three years (depending on usage) can be susceptible to breakage or failure. Not only will a failing septic tank cost you thousands of dollars to replace and restore, but it can also leak pollutants into our waterways, causing groundwater contamination. According to the EPA, avoid putting dental floss, diapers, cigarette butts, paper towels, latex paint and any harmful household chemicals down the drain.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you want to prevent wasps and hornets from building nests on your house? Instead of reaching for chemical insecticides, just fill a spray bottle with soap and water, then spray away. This simple method works because the soapy mixture clogs the breathing pores of insects and also creates a slick surface that can break down the nest. The residual soap on the surface also makes it slippery enough to prevent a new nest from being built in its place.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you’re donating old clothing and household items, there are a few things you can do to help your local Goodwill or other donation site. Use rubber bands to help keep shoes together, and be sure to separate clothing from household items (using large trash bags is fine). Battery-operated items and those with electrical cords should be tested to make sure they work; if they don’t, toss them into the trash or take them to recycling facilities that accept such items. Any fragile items should be wrapped in newspaper and placed in boxes to prevent them from breaking.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION