WARNING - FIRE DANGER Kids Hoverboard

It's being touted as the hottest gift this Christmas - HOVERBOARDS. These two wheeled machines have a tendency to catch fire. Many people have reported house fires due to this defect.

DO NOT BUY THESE DEVICES OR IF YOU DO, KEEP THEM OUTSIDE WHEN CHARGING.

Also, check that the machine is UL or CSA rated (many toys from overseas do not comply)

GARAGE DOOR LIFT LIGHTS NOT WORKING?

I have had two inquiries about inoperative lights of garage door lifts. As it turns out, often the contact in the light bulb base gets corroded.

 When the bulb warms it expands at a different rate as the plastic base. This cycling eventually loosens the bulb. During that period the contact may lose contact, causing an arc which further promotes corrosion and heat.

In this example, the plastic base melted from the heat.

You can clean the contact and lift the contact up to provide a more positive connection. CAUTION UNPLUG THE UNIT BEFORE TRYING THIS FIX

I don't like the design of this type of socket and wish they were made more robust.

SHOPPING FOR A HOUSE? PAY ATTENTION TO THE WATER PIPES

Recently I've been touring homes with a customer who is looking to move.  I am not an inspector but there are some things that raise red flags. One is the type of water pipes used.

Plastic water pipes are convenient for the installer but some systems have a reputation of failures. Although the pipes may appear good, they can actually be rotting from inside out. Chemicals in the water can cause this.

Newer systems use better materials and procedures for installation but if it were my home, I would not have it. I'd rather have good old proven copper.

When shopping for a house, inquire about the type of piping and if plastic, ask if there have been any insurance claims or repairs due to ruptured pipes/fittings.  Inquire also about insuring a property with this system.

The corrosion visible in the photos can be caused by the water according to a professional plumber. "It is because of the water and possibly lack of treatment. Either the treatment system needs servicing or there may not be one in place" says JB.

These photos were of a well water system.

WEAKEST LINK

Recently I was asked to repair a door latch mechanism on a microwave. I discovered a broken piece of the moulded  plastic inside the door where a spring attaches. The weakest link.

This is yet another example of poor engineering. A part under load like that should, in my opinion, be made of metal.

To make matters worse, I discovered that the plastic, being "food grade", is next to impossible to glue. So, in this case, the part- the outer section of the door - would have to be replaced. Problem is, it's not available.

More junk to the landfill?

Wait a minute! I refuse to see an otherwise usable machine be trashed due to such a "minor" issue.

Check back here later for an update with photos when I'll post my solution. Hint: It involves a 50 cent bolt and nut and some black paint....

NEWS NEW HABITAT RESTORE NOW IN VICTORIA

Saving money while doing good for the environment and a good cause is a recipe for success.

Habitat for Humanity recently opened another  ReStore retail outlet at 3311 Oak Street near the Uptown Shopping center.

ReStore accepts donations of used building supplies and materials which it sells (usually at 50 per cent of new, depending on the item) and proceeds go toward building housing for low income families. Their west shore store did $850,000 in sales last year!

I am a long time supporter of ReStore and believe in their philosophy. Check out their store on a regular basis, you may just find a real deal.

new ReStore at 3311 Oak S

new ReStore at 3311 Oak S

CHINESE DRYWALL CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS

Recently I discovered that Chinese-sourced drywall can cause off-gassing, leading to corrosion of metal in the house structure and components. This was primarily an American issue and I have not heard of it in Canada.

If the metal in your house turns black, you may have this drywall installed. The corrosion can attack copper pipes, metal studs and the metal on faucets etc.

To view the Toronto Star article, click on the link, below:

"Chinese drywall creating crisis

The issue of toxic Chinese drywall may well become the biggest environmental crisis to hit North American homeowners and builders in decades." Toronto Star

 http://www.thestar.com/life/homes/2009/06/20/chinese_drywall_creating_crisis.html

TILE BACKER BOARD INFORMATION

I choose this product because it will not absorb water. I did a control test leaving a piece of the material outside for two years and it did not deteriorate or mold. I love this stuff! 

 

 

DensShield® Tile Backer

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Engineered to prevent damage to the sub-floor or wall cavity if moisture seeps through grouted tile, DensShield® Tile Backer is the first backer board with a built-in moisture barrier. It integrates a moisture-resistant core and microbial barrier* with fiberglass mats and a unique heat-cured acrylic coating.
DensShield conforms to requirements of the 2009 IBC/IRC Code for tile backer in wet areas. It is the ideal ceramic tile underlayment for new construction, bathroom remodeling, pool areas, and many other high humidity or wet areas. It can also be painted or used in non-wet areas. It is available in convenient sizes, including a 5/8" Type X board (per ASTM C 1178) for use in appropriate fire-rated assemblies.
With millions of square feet installed, DensShield has a long and successful track record. Easier to handle than cement board, it cuts and installs like drywall, without special tools or fasteners. Lightweight and strong, DensShield is built for speed on the job site.

DANGEROUS LAMINATE FLOORING

In the news this week were reports that some Chinese sourced laminate flooring products may contain toxins harmful to human health. Some products are not CARB 2 compliant.

To see the 60 Minutes story about this check out this link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E7M69cLDjc

Looking out for your health and safety....more useful information from One Good Handyman.

HOUSE INSURANCE MAY NOT COVER FLOOD DAMAGE

CBC News  (GO PUBLIC) reported today (April 20/15) that in some cases if a homeowner leaves their home for more than FOUR DAYS  IN THE WINTER and there is a flood due to BURST pipes, they may not cover the damage. Apparently there is a clause in most policies which require the homeowner to have someone check the house on a regular basis for heat.

I always recommend that homeowners TURN OFF THE WATER when leaving the house for extended periods.  A toilet that breaks can flood the house for example.

During extreme cold where there is a risk of the water supply freezing (such as happened in Toronto this past winter), leaving a cold water tap open enough to allow the water to flow constantly may prevent freezing.  The cost in water is much lower than having your pipe thawed or repaired due to expansion splits.

I DO HOUSE CHECKS so please call me if you need your property monitored while gone for extended periods.

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE www.cbc.ca/news/gopublic

 

JUNE 17/15 - CBC radio's GO PUBLIC published a story regarding a Waterloo, Ontario, couple's dilemma with their insurance company which refused to cover flooding from a sprinkler system which burst while they were  on vacation. They had turned off the water but left the sprinkler system active in accordance with city/fire codes. Makes sense to leave that on in case of fire but who could predict the system would freeze? The insurance company refused their claim and it's now before the courts.

Another example of how insurance companies find ways to deny claims and one more reason to check carefully the full policy and get in writing any EXCLUSIONS so as to be on the same page regarding what's covered and what's not. 

DRAIN & TILE REPAIR

A clogged drain led to replacement of a section of pipe (done by a plumber). The trap section broke off due to corrosion of the metal which made it impossible to attach a new fitting.  About a foot of hair was removed from the pipe!

If you  have a hole in your wall due to a repair like this, I can fix it. Complex plumbing issues I leave to the pros.

BACKSPLASH INSTALL

Customer designed the pattern which was challenging due to differing thickness of mosaics. Metal edge helps tie into other metal work in the space.

APPLIANCE PROBLEMS? NEWS UPDATE SEE BELOW

CBC TV recently ran a good report about appliance issues.  Some of my customers have experienced major issues with new appliances which proves the point. Consumers need to demand manufacturers make products that last!

Here is the link to the episode:
http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/episodes/2014-2015/appliances-repairmen-unplugged

WARNING!!!  (Updated April 24/15)
LG Refrigerators issue: Does your fridge's lights stay on? Look at this CBC news i em

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYZM4N4w2Yc

WALTEC NOW OWNED BY DELTA

Looking for parts for your WALTEC faucet? Look for DELTA parts. Delta apparently bought up Waltec (says the plumbing guy at Home Depot)

Does your WALTEC kitchen faucet drip? The culprit is a rubber spring-loaded  washer in the base of the water inlet  under the cartridge. Parts are cheap but tough to replace. Plumber's grease will help to insert it.  www.waltecfaucets.ca