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)
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Monday, December 7, 2015
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.
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.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
