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13 Nov 2006 10:41 PM Have a Worry Free Winter!
Make a few simple fixes to keep plumbing, heating and appliances running smoothly through the coldest months. Now that the temperatures are dropping, it's time to get ready for the colder months ahead, which means undertaking some basic maintenance and reapair chores. Even systems that seem to be in fine working order require regular care to stay in tip-top shape and help you avoid big reapair bills through the winter. Rest assured, you won't have to break the bank there are plenty of plumbing, heating, appliance and other projects that are pretty easy to do yourself, no matter how little experience you have. Stay Clean Your appliances be working extra-hard through the holiday season, so rejuvenate them with some TLC. Extend the life of your washing machine If the intake hoses show signs fo wear or bulges, they can spring a leak--and send your money down the drain. A blocked outley hose can cause water to back up into the washer and strain the motor. Tackle it! If the intake hose looks smooth and in good shape, pop out the small filter screen and soak it in white vinegar to remoce sediment that slows water flow; then replace it. If the hose is damaged, buy a replacement at a hardware store and follow the installation directions carefully. Tackle it! Remove the outlet hose from the back of the unit, postion one end into the drain or tub and run water through the other end until it flows clear to banish obstructions. To prevent buildup in the basin where your washer empites, attach a lint trap (nylon or mesh) to the loose end of your washer's outlet hose. Stay Fresh Save money and quard your family's health by checking your refrigerator and drains. Rejuvenate your refrigerator. Leaking door gaskets and overloaded compartments can overwork the refrigerator. Tackle it! Test the gasket: Close the door in a dollar bill at three locations, then try to remove the bill. If there's resistance, the gasket is fine-just clean it. If the bill pulls out easily, remove the gasket and replace it using the original retaining strip or with new adhesive. Tackle it! Remove dirt and hair from condenser coils, located underneath or on the back of the fridge. Use a condenser coil brush to clean up. Tackle it! Test the fridge temperature with an appliance thermometer. The inside fo the freezer should be 0 degrees, and the refrigerator should be 40. If it's too warm, adjust the controls andretest it after 24 hours. Make drains run more smoothly. Drain buildup will lead to major clogs and expensive bills. Tackle it! Remove the stopper (pull out a pop-up stopper, but remove a locked-in on form under the sink). Scrub the inside of the drain withan old toothbrush. For stopped sinks, try a plumber's snake-a cable that's inserted into the drain by turning the handle clockwise. once the drain is cleared, replace the stopper. No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags home Discuss this article
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