Septic tanks are only meant to handle water, human waste, and toilet paper, so other items can cause the entire system to clog. Throw away paper towels, wet wipes, food scraps, or other solid material in with the regular trash so it can’t block the pipes. Let other people in your home know what they can and cannot rinse down the drains so they don’t clog the pipes.  Avoid using rinsing any harsh chemical cleaners down your drains since they could kill the natural bacteria in your septic tank that normally breaks down solid waste. Never rinse grease down your drains since it can solidify in your pipes and form clogs that are hard to remove. Don’t run water in your home unless you have to, or else you could cause the tank to fill up too quickly. Try to limit how much water you use when you’re bathing or cleaning so you only have as much as you need. If you have any old or leaking fixtures, repair them or opt for more efficient systems, such as toilets that flush less water or faucets with aerators attached to them. Limiting your water use will also help you save money on your utility bill. Heavy weight can cause pipes leading from your septic tank to collapse or break, so try to avoid using a vehicle over the area if you can. Plant roots can also grow into the pipes or septic tank and cause them to easily clog. If you want trees or plants, keep them at least 20–30 feet (6.1–9.1 m) away from your septic system so the roots aren’t able to grow inside.  You can always cut roots out of your pipes with a mechanical auger, but they will grow back if left untreated. Root barriers from gardening stores kill roots on contact and can protect your septic system from overgrowth. Dig a trench that’s  2 feet (61 cm) deep around your septic system so it’s 3 feet (91 cm) away from any pipes. Place the root barrier vertically in the trench before filling the dirt back in. The effluent filter is a plastic cylinder in your septic tank’s outlet pipe that prevents solid waste from escaping. Open the access lid on the tank that’s furthest from your home. Look inside for a vertical white or green pipe that’s holding the filter and sticking out from the top layer of scum. Pull the filter straight out from the vertical pipe and rinse the waste back into the tank with a hose. Push the filter back into the pipe again so it continues blocking waste.  Not every septic system will have an effluent filter. Check your filter any time you have your tank pumped or inspected so it’s less likely to clog. Septic tanks usually take about 3–5 years to fill, but it may vary depending on the size or amount of water you use. Contact a professional service to check the water levels and pipes for your system to see if you need to make any changes. If the service has any concerns, address them as soon as possible so you don’t have a faulty septic system.

Summary: Avoid putting anything in your drains besides water and natural waste. Use less water in your home so the septic system can drain properly. Don’t drive or plant over the area with your septic tank. Clean the effluent filter on the outlet pipe to improve drainage. Have your septic tank inspected by a professional every 3 years.


It's important to have every ingredient you need ready to go. You don't want to be running to the grocery store during preparation. The final product can flop if a key ingredient is left out. Be sure to have the correct size or shape of the pan. Bundt cakes require bundt pans, while others can be baked in a variety of sizes. Grease the pans to keep the cake from sticking to them. Use about 1/2 Tbsp (7 g) of butter, margarine, or vegetable shortening on a paper towel and rub the inside of the pan. Sprinkle about 1-2 Tbsp (8-16 g) of flour on top. Add a little flour to the pan, rotate it to ensure it adheres evenly, then shake and dump out any excess flour and set the pans to the side. to the required temperature from the recipe. Be sure to follow the recipe, as turning the temperature higher or lower could create issues. as accurately as possible and add them in the order specified. Most cake recipes begin combining wet ingredients (like eggs, oil, and milk), then adding the dry ingredients (such as flour, baking powder, cocoa). Be sure to take special prerequisites such as sifting, whisking or beating, and packing before adding the ingredients to the main bowl. Some recipes can be mixed with a stand or hand mixer. Be cautious as steps can instruct to fold in flour or other ingredients with a rubber spatula. While mixing, stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula or spoon to ensure that everything is mixed thoroughly. Fill the pans two-thirds of the way full, as the cake will rise during baking. Gently tap the cake pan on the countertop to release any large air bubbles in the batter. You can put the cake pan on top of a baking sheet in case any of the batter bubbles over. Do not allow the pans to touch the oven wall. If there's a time range, use the median or middle number (bake it for 35 minutes for a range of 34 to 36 minutes or 53 minutes for a range of 50 to 55 minutes).  Using the median will ensure that the cake won't under or overcook. Resist the urge to open the oven door during baking, as the heat will escape and may cause the cake to cook unevenly. If applicable, turn the oven light on and view through the oven window. . Gently insert a toothpick or wooden skewer in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few small crumbs on it, the cake is done. If not, place it back in the oven for another 3–4 minutes. Keep testing for the same amount of time until you get the correct result. Run a thin spatula around the pan edges to loosen the sides. Place the wire rack over the top of the pan, invert it, and tap it lightly to remove the cake. Let it cool completely before decorating since the heat will melt frosting and icing. Frost and decorate as desired.

Summary: Start by reading the ingredient list and directions before you begin. Prepare your cake pans. Preheat the oven Measure ingredients Mix the cake batter as specified on the recipe. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Place the pans on the center rack of the preheated oven. Close the oven door and immediately set a timer to the specified baking time. Check for cake doneness Place the pan on a wire rack to cool for 15 to 30 minutes.


Create a thick paste using water and/or club soda and apply to grout (the same way you applied it with the banking soda paste). Wipe away with a clean cloth as you work.

Summary: Turn to oxygen bleach (Oxy) if all else fails. Wait 15 minutes and then scrub.


Place the espresso machine directly on the stove. It is not necessary to use a pot or pan. Turn the stove on to low heat.
Summary: Place the espresso maker on the stove.