To Fix or Not to Fix?

                         I am a fixer by nature.

      When I see something in need of repair, I usually will attempt to get it functional. Case in point: Vacuums. Many people simply throw out these appliances due to simple issues such as a broken belt or being simply clogged.

     When it comes to more complex issues, repairs can be a challenge. Recently I acquired a rug shampooer. It needed a new belt. Easy fix. However, the accessory attachment was broken.

     Plastic piece gone. I could have purchased a replacement on eBay but the cost was prohibitive.

I can fix it!

     With my experience using fiberglass and Bondo on my various cars over the years, I have become good at using these materials. Such was the case with the shampooer part.

     I first had to find a piece of plastic suitable for the purpose. I happen to also be a bit of a hoarder of usable things. I had a piece of clear plastic from a car dash panel. I cut a piece to fit the part and used fiberglass to attach to the part. I finished it with Bondo (an automotive plastic body repair material) then painted it.

     Almost as good as new! Yet, if I were hired to repair this it probably wouldn't be economical.

     I believe in repairing rather than throwing out. It's green and I get satisfaction knowing something gets a new lease on life.

     So, if your vacuum has an issue, don't give up on it. There are good videos on YOUTUBE to learn how to fix it. A belt usually costs less than $20.

Slow Draining Sink? Easy Solution

    Pop-up stoppers (usually found in bathroom sinks) often get clogged with hair.  It's a relatively easy fix.

 
    I can do it or you can try this: Look under the sink and locate the horizontal rod sticking out of the back of the upper drain pipe. Where the rod enters the drain is a round nut that holds the rod in place. Turn the nut counterclockwise to remove the assembly. The stopper may drop into the drain so pry it out carefully and remove the stopper. This is where the hair collects.

   Remove the clog and check the lower part of the drain for any other obstruction.  Reassemble the stopper and rod making sure the rod goes through the slot in the bottom of the stopper. Hand tighten the nut and test the drain for free-flowing action. There shouldn't be any pooling when the stopper is open.

Tankless Hot Water Heater Maintenance

Flush out your water heater to maintain its performance. Good video here.

https://youtu.be/T4FaqGod3VU

EXCELLENT PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICAL TIPS

Information here is for general information only. Do not work on your electrical system if you are not experienced with electrical work. This information is for those more experienced with electrical work.

Electrical Wall of Defects for Home Inspectors

Click on this link to an excellent video on YouTube

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkYYsuWs6g0

 

ENGINEERING'S WEAKEST LINK

I have an engineering  sensibility, this is why I enjoy the work I do. However, I often run into issues with things that seem well engineered until they break, then the weakest link of the design becomes apparent. It can be quite frustrating.

Being a problem-solver, I can usually overcome these oversights yet it leaves one to ask: What were the designers/engineers thinking of?

Case in point, a recent project assembling a child's play station. It's one of those kits in a box. The main supports, 2x4's, were divided in half to reduce packaging dimensions. Normally no big issue. However, since this is a load-bearing member, the splicing mechanism used was, in my opinion, not the greatest design. You have to figure the load limit of the structure would not always be adhered to and jumping up and down by kids would induce greater loads etc.

So, the main problem is how to provide strength. It would have been ideal if metal plates were part of the design.  Two metal plates attached with through bolts would have been my suggestion.

I would have emailed this suggestion to the manufacturer but they don't provide one on their site!

Mending plates used to augmnt the spliced 2x4

 

Rotting Rubber? What's up with the water?

This has got to be one of the weirdest  cases of rotting rubber I've encountered. This device is a water valve from a toilet. The odd-shaped black thing (see close up photo, circle) is a seal that prevents water in the toilet tank from leaking around the base of the valve. Rubber is not supposed to do this.

I have heard the water in Victoria might be problematic, especially for hot water tanks. I don't claim to know if this is an actual issue but it does leave one to wonder: HOW SAFE IS YOUR WATER?

Check your toilets' water tank yearly. Look for odd residue or stains in the bottom of the tank. Feel the rubber seals and if your finger is soiled with black, that's an indication the rubber is rotting and should be replaced.

Also, when going away for extended periods, turn off the main water shutoff (usually located in the basement on the street-side of the house) for peace of mind. This practice helps keep the valve moving smoothly too, which is important should you have to shut off the water for service to the plumbing system.

Hot water tanks have an average life of 10 years so make sure you consider replacing it when it's older. This could save thousands in insurance/flood claims.

Always consult a professional to take care of your home's mechanical issues.

Tour of granite counter top factory

This is an excellent  video on how granite countertops are made

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwduxdBsvLA