This is from the previous thread "A Crazy Night"... which got us thinking we could use a thread with common household advice Like how to find the main shut off valve, how to adjust water temperature on the hot water heater....all those things we never had to think about before our spouses became impaired.
So if any of you "handy" people out there would be kind enough to include some tips here I think it would be helpful. (Even tips about common maintenance needs would be great...like how often should I change the air filter? Up until a couple years ago I never even knew they existed:)
I recently had to have our water line repaired and didn't know that you have to call the utilities companys to have their lines marked so you won't break any digging. Here in Wyoming you call One Call Wyoming and they arrange all the phone, electric, gas, to come and mark the lines. I'm truely getting an education I didn't know I would need and didn't really want to know. I rather liked having someone take care of those things.
Great idea. I recently replaced our garbage disposal and although it took awhile, I got everything done . . . so I thought. It turns out that there are 'plugs' (can be cork or plastic) that are in some of the tubes where water flows. I didn't remove it so I ended up having water come through the backflow for the diswasher. I had done everything right except removing the plug.
Wow, DianeT, I'm impressed. I've never tried a disposal replacement, plugs or not. One thing about those water shut-off valves under the toilet tank or sink....if they are not fairly new, they really get hard to turn, so you need a wrench or pliers. But be very careful...they can break and start leaking, then you need to shut off the water to the whole house. Use a little WD40 on the threads first (if you have time).
Texas Joe, maybe it would be a good idea for all of us with shut off valves, to try and shut them off to be sure they are working ok. It won't hurt anything and just take a sec. Probally won't be necessary if they are less than 5 years old. Also, make sure you have a shut-off valve for all sinks and toilets. Our other house did not have shut-off valves for all water and gas appliances and we had to have them put in.
Had a small drip in bathroom sink; was going to replace the gasket. BUT...the hot water shutoff won't shut the water off. Cold water shuts of okay. Never had this problem and I've replaced them before. TJ - any suggestions other than shutting off the entire water to the house? Plumber has to do that here.
Vickie, I would try the WD40 in the threads for a few minutes (like 10), then try again. Beyond that, I don't have any more experience other than using the wrench, and gently turning it. I'm paranoid about breaking it off and causing a gusher, then you have no choice but to go to the water meter shut-off unless you have some other closer shut-off point. Imohr, that's not a bad idea...but I get the impression those things are a fairly low-quality item not necessarily designed to be turned off and on somewhat regularly (even monthly) like an outside water faucet.
Thanks, TJ. I don't have any trouble turning the thing - it turns okay, but when I turn it off - the water still comes through the faucet. Guess we'll call a plumber tomorrow.
A couple years ago I was working with a woman who when she got her divorce, a friend told her before he left to make her up a tool box. So she took one of everything she thought she would need and some not need. She said it was some of the most valuable advice she received and glad she did it. Suggest you do that.
Living in a MH, all tools are in one place, so that is already done for me. Taking care of maintenance is a whole other chore, but fortunately I know it all since we have always done set ups and tear downs together. For me the easiest way to shut off water is just go outside where it enters the MH and turn the switch.
For homeowners, anyone can turn the main water off. Homes are suppose to have a turnoff near them or at the meter. All you need is the wrench - looks like a big T, probably about 3-4 ft high with a 'socket' on the bottom that fits on the shut off. Every house we have bought has had one. If you don't, you might look into getting one. Also nice to have if leaving for an extended trip. You turn off the hot water tank, then turn water off and you don't need to worry about leaks while gone.
Hmm yes, I need to check on these things. I know where the electrical box is. We live in the country and have a well. I know where "something" is that relates to the pump in the yard, and I think I can find where water enters the house. We have propane, and I know where it enters the house, BUT what to do to turn it off? Gutters need to be cleaned and a better screen put on them. Wind blew most of the screens off. We live in a woods; so..... We should have chosen a cosy condo surrounded by cement for retirement. But I do enjoy birds and wild flowers--even watching the farmers "farm."
And most things have problems on the weekends- right?? I know all about our electric box, down one flight of stairs to a dirt basement (100 year old house!) - everything is marked - I marked the breaker box. DH can't go down there anymoer and wouldn't know what he was looking at if he did! Know about the icemaker, hot water heater, etc. I have my box of tools, but have a hard time keeping DH out of it! He loves to fool with tools and will move them around and I have to round them up again! Have a wonderful handy-man who does stuff for me, but hesitate to bother him on the weekends unless an emergency.
My frig kept "peeing" on the floor (LOL) and I finally figured it must be the water pipe that goes into the frige to make the ice cubes. Well, i tried to turn off that valve, and wound up with no hot water in my kitchen sink. I guess, for the time being, I'll just wipe up the floor everytime the refrigerator leaks. Can't figure how to stop it, stort of buying a new one.
Chris, there should be a "drain pan" to catch condensation and defrost water. Maybe it needs repositioned. There should be a valve behind your frig but evidentally not. If you end up buying a new hose be sure and have a valve put in or else you can disconnect the hose and not use the icemaker. My friend did that.
Chris, I had the same problem several years ago. Turned out it was the solenoid switch/valve at the back of the 'fridge that was leaking and needed to be replaced.
Incontinent refrigerators sometimes have a switch for high humidity and the normal cycle defrosts the freezer and it drains to the bottom pan. Occasionally, the small line will get clogged, and water will accumulate in the bottom drawers. Also, the bottom drip pay usually evaporates, but during high humidity, more water flows an it sometimes need to be emptied. I have also seen where the small plastic tube going to the icemaker develops a crack, and then will leak when the icemaker turns on. That sometimes accounts for the peeing.....Solution, replace the plastic tube or get a xxxxxxxlarge depends..... I also do not recommend testing the water shutoffs....It seems like when they are turned, they tend to leak a bit afterwards. Also, the new shutoffs are made of plastic, and the valve stems become brittle. Often times, they will break and then you have a more urgent problem. Experience has taught me that if it's not broken, then leave it alone. Usually you need the shutoffs when you have other plumbing problems. Sometimes, best solution is to shut the entire house line.. Hope this helps.
Charlotte, I've done that - he just likes mine better! :)) Guess I'm going to have to put them in the stairway going down to the dungeon basement where he can't go!
House inspectors have mentioned to me that all turn-off valves and circuit breakers should be turned off/on regularly. The turn-offs under sinks/toilets have washers that dry out, so they leak the infrequent time we really need to use it. Breakers can stick if not "turned off" occasionally. It is not the turning off that is the problem, it is the infrequent turning off!
As for the tools, I never let DH use my tools. Even before AD they were a dangerous combination. As I hear the stories of others, I am glad I'm the one who always took care of house stuff.
I had the water supply lines to my washer replaced several years ago with metal ones--someone told me the rubber ones can dry rot after a while and if that happens, you have a flood on your hands. That actually happened to friends of ours.
Shoegirl--I loved the title of this thread. My husband was our handyman for the first 20 yrs or so of our marriage--then it became clear I had to start hiring people.
I have been self employed for the last 15 years as a handyman. I renovated 8 houses that were built by the military in the 1940's and 2 that were built in the 1920's. I have done everything from replacing doors, windows, roofs, drywall, electrical, and all the houses have the most beautiful hardwood oak floors that I refinished to perfection. So if anyone needs any help or advice, feel free to email me. I have found that "professionals" often gouge people pretty seriously, just like auto mechanics will sometimes do. Often times, homeowners are talked into doing unnecessary work , and I found that the elderly are particularly susceptible. Anyway, my talents are available if you need them...just email me anytime..
Hot water heater advice. I noticed a water leak and found it came from the Hot water heater. I looked at the top of the Unit and the iron connection pipes were corroded and leaking. I went to price a new heater and they have really gone up in price. $500.00 for a 40 gallon propane unit. I pulled the old unit out and then decided to repalce the 50 cent parts. I also replaced all the valves and the most important part is the anode rod. The anode rod which is suppose to corrode instead of other parts was almost gone. The point being every 3 years you need to replace the anode rod and that will keep the rest of the metal parts from corrosion. I spent 50 bucks on parts and the unit should be good for another 5 years.
Golly, moorsb, you mean you drained it, disconnected the gas, disconnected the input and output pipes, and exhaust, then pulled that son-of-a-gun out of the cabinet? Hats off to you! I could never attempt that. I guess my 12 year old heater will be replaced by an energy star gas unit installed by a plumber and lighten my wallet by about 800 bucks. Darn! Wish I were younger and more adventuresome.
Charlotte, out of desperation I put a few of my most used tools in a drawer upstairs. DH could never use tools, but he sure liked to lose them around the house.
Far as handyman around..........well. I never had one living here. When my Dad was well he helped with everything around my house. DH called him for all sorts of fix-it jobs. Then Dad started to make alot of mistakes. He also has AD diagnosed about 5 years before my DH was, but we were sure 10 to 12 years before Dad's diagnosis that he had AD.
Way back, when DH was still pretty functional he just was not good at fixing things. He was an executive type, too busy to be bothered...and just used to having people hired in to do car work or repairs around the house. Me? By choice I often did my own oil changes on my car, including the filter. Knew how to change a tire. Change wiper blades, check all the fluids. It was something DH would boast about. "My little mechanic" he'd say.
I had more of a curiosity about things (appliances, etc.) and didn't want to pay someone else 5 cents until I investigated it myself first. Then when/if I became stumped on what to do I would call a pro. I change the filters on the furnace, I've put in two fawcets and did have to call a pro on the second one. I had him put extra shut off valves on the hot and cold supply lines so I didn't have to keep running to the basement to turn it off down there. When we first moved here I put in a garbage disposal for which the wiring was already put in. I just put it in and connected the wiring myself. Couldn't believe the people before had never put one in. The last couple years I had to keep fixing the outdoor yard equipment for DH. This year, after being told our brush mower "probably had a blown transmission" (cha-ching $$$$), and finding the chain broken I decided to investigate the possibility that the mower shop was wrong about the tranny. Got the chain, put it on, and I've been using the mower alot. Saved lots of dough. They wanted to charge me $100 just to pick up and deliver it back after fixing it. I hate to think the worst, but I wonder if they would have replaced the transmission anyway. It was gonna turn into a potential $350 job that turned into $31.
I will confess.....I have gotten myself in over my head more than I care to admit, and ended up making a couple situations worse by not calling a pro first. But I'm getting better with age. LOL
At least you are trying Diane.That is good. Do what you can and it will save you money.
Early in our marriage I did everything so hb could do whatever he wanted. This about destroyed our marriage. It was really hard to sit back and let the grass get long, the oil need changed, etc until he got around to doing it. Eventually he took over the 'man' jobs and became my handyman. Here at my sister's he is also the handyman fixing many of the problems that come up. He still can do that and do it well.
My dad had a rule for all of us kids when we got our license: before you could drive a car you had to do an oil change, check tire pressure, change a flat and put tire chains on. OF course we couldn't drive a car until we bought one!
LOL....Charlotte, my Dad had exactly the same rules for us girls (I have 4 sisters). We had to learn these things in case we ever got "stranded." Only difference is the tire chains. We lived in southern California so never had to deal with those.
Congratulations Diane on your bravery to attempt fixing things yourself. As long as you keep in mind that whatever you are fixing is broken, what can you do to make that worse?? It is broken and any attempt to repair it is better than leaving it broken. I cannot tell you how many times I was called to repair broken items, and found that they were not plugged in, the circuit breaker had tripped, or some other minor problem had occurred. Sometimes it was so simple that I could not even charge for the call...most of the time, the owner was embarrased that they overlooked the obvious. So be brave...if it's broken, then every attempt to fix it is worth the effort..You can always explain that it was broken before you broke it.....
TexasJoe Taking the water heater out took about 30 minutes. Putting it back took nearly a day. The biggest issue was getting it back up into the closet. I was able to lift the bottom first and the raised the top end into place. It works great now
I tend to err on the side of caution with do-it yourself projects, it if involves electrical, plumbing or heating and air conditioning, I call a pro, I know it costs a few bucks but when it's finished I have reasonable confidence that is fixed correctly. Then if anything is not right I'll call them back to correct it. I won't even attempt to replace or hang an outside or inside door. I have been on the operations side of the construction business all of my working life and do know when things are installed correctly or incorrectly.
I am pretty good with carpentry, caulking and painting and can do a lot of that type work myself.
If you have a garbage disposal in your house, be sure that you keep the L shaped allen wrench in your kitchen drawer and learn how to use it, you can clear up the majority of garbage disposal malfunctions with that little wrench. You also need to know were the reset button on the disposal is because when you get through using the little L shaped wrench you will need to push the reset button to turn the electricity back on to the disposal.
These two little tricks can save you a bunch of money.
If you have a leak in a plastic drain line, don't try to tighten it up to tight, you can cause it to leak.
Plastic drain lines and traps under the sink are easy to replace, as they age they get brittle and can break quite easily. When you replace a trap be sure to use all of the gaskets and seals that come with the unit and again don't tighten them too tight as they can cause it to leak.
When you take the trap off be sure and put a dish pan under it as they are full of water and some gunk.
Know where the sewer line clean outs are located around and in your house, They are very handy to open and use when you have a clog in a sewer line.
If you have a sewer line that is clogged or stopped up, you can open the clean out, If it's ouside, push a garden hose with a nozzle open full force (no spray patterns please) down into the line as far in as it will go (it will go a long way is the hose is stiff) and then turn the water on full blast when the hose stops. You will be able to keep on moving the hose deeper and deeper in the line. The water pressure from the nozzle will open the line. Helpful hint, those tiny little non-adjustable brass nozzles work the best.
I know this sounds like a Tim Allen solution but it really works and normally very quickly. It will clean out most sewer line clogs.
Jimmy, here's one for you. I have tree roots growing into my sewer line, and I have to have it rotor-rooted out by a plumber every year or so. For the last two years, I have used Root-X to kill the roots, but unless it is rotor-rooted, I cannot put any solid down (even just a couple of sheets of toilet paper) or it will stop up. Liquid only goes down in normal time (10 seconds to flush). I had one plumber tell me the fix is to jack-hammer the slab (at $1200 per hole) to fix the break. Home ownership is not for the faint of heart financially.
I haven't used Root-X, I've never had a root problem. I have a big sweet gum in the front yard, they have humongous roots and I keep thinking that they could get into the sewer and do some damage. I'll have to try some Root-X.
I still have the little brass nozzle we brought with us when we moved here to WA. We have a "STEP" system for sewer, and the city is responsible for it. They've had to be out here on numerous occasions because the pump wouldn't pump or the floats go stuck, or the alarm keeps going off, or............ Ugh! My immediate neighbors all have the same issues with their STEP systems and I'm content to let the City deal with that. As far as the cleanouts, I know where the one is for sewer that I can access for minor issues, but haven't had to do it yet. That one is for clogs or back ups in the house, and that hasn't happened. Phew!
Forgot to mention that on Friday I finally took care of a long needed "Fix-It." Our doors were leaky. I could see daylight between the door jamb and the door, and between the flashing (?bottom of door) and threshold. I learned from a friend how to adjust the metal thingy that the door knob latch goes into when it's closed. I made adjustments on the front and back doors, and the basement to outside door. But to get to the problem at the bottom of the door in the living room to deck it had to come off. Our doors are metal with glass, but not that heavy. I took the door off, resecured the bottom flashing, and now have tight closures. Our heat a cooling is by Heat Pump, and it really runs up the electric bill. I put up the floor length drapes to keep sun out when it is hottest, and keep the air conditioning flow away from the windows. I am sure hoping to see a difference in our electric bill.
New Realm, I admire your fixing your doors. I'm glad you got them tightened up for sealing off air infiltration. In order to save on heating/cooling costs, I had additional insulation blown into the attic for an R30 value rating. I also had 2 of my 12 windows replaced by Pella fiberglass low-e insulated windows. Only two at this time due to cost. Will do two more this fall/winter. We have gas heat and elect. A/C, even though I would LOVE to be able to run a/c with solar energy!
This is so great. I wonder why I didn't pay attention. I'm starting small. I've repaired the projection TV. It's the most important item in our home. I'm not into yard work but I'm doing some and hire others for help. A little overwhelming at times.
Welcome to my website. If you feel comfortable doing so, please post under the "sticky" topic at the top of the page - "Welcome New Members" - and tell us a little about yourself and your husband.
You have come to a place of comfort for spouses who are trying to cope with the Alzheimer's/dementia of their husband/wife. The issues we face in dealing with a spouse with this disease are so different from the issues faced by children and grandchildren caregivers. We discuss all of those issues here - loss of intimacy; social contact; conversation; anger; resentment; stress; and pain of living with the stranger that Alzheimer's Disease has put in place of our beloved spouse.
The message boards are only part of this website. Please be sure to log onto the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com - and read all of the resources on the left side. I recommend starting with "Newly Diagnosed/New Member" and "Understanding the Dementia Experience". There are 3 sections for EOAD members - two of which focus on the young teens whose parents have EOAD (early onset AD). There are sections on finances, Medicare, drug trials, elder care services, and many more. Do not miss the "previous blog" section. It is there you will find a huge array of topics with which you can relate. Log onto the home page daily for new blogs; news updates; important information.
I hope you will visit often and get the support and information you are looking for.
Currently, the message boards and all of the resources can be accessed for free, but due to the high cost of maintaining the website, anyone who is able to make a payment in any amount to help defray the costs may do so by clicking on the "sticky topic" - Payments to this website. Any purchases made through the Amazon links. The Alzheimer Store, and Zazzle Marketplace also help keep this site up and running. Thank you.
May I have a volunteer guy to list all of these tips and send them to me in a word document? I will make a new resource on the home page just below "Tips for Male Caregivers". This one will be for the women who need tips for plumbing, carpentry, and all those household chores we have left to our husbands. I'm okay with a screwdriver and wrench for small jobs.
The plumber came and fixed the toilet! Yay! And he checked all the shut-off valves in the house for me. Replaced the one in the other bathroom because it wouldn't turn. And he showed me where the water main shut off is.
So hopefull an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.
TexasJoe - we have the problem here at my sister's - the roots get into the top section of the sewer. She only has it pumped once every 4-5 years and they 'roto rooter' the roots. When we lived in Donald they had a two step sewer system - the solids went into the tank and the liquid was pumped to the two sewer system. We also had trouble with the alarm going off when nothing was wrong.
If you ladies want to know who to call next time you need a plumber, his picture is on my blog site. http://travelinglloyds.blogspot.com/
I have one for you and it may help with toilet that will not flush properly. Does the bath tub drain ok and not the Toilet. I had this and the Toilet was probably 20 years old. The inside holes will get clogged up. Replace the toilet with new low water and now they flush great. It had nothing to do with the drains.
In this case, moorsb, it is the sewer line. Here's what happens: first, the toilet almost overflows...that's the first hint. Then, when I do a clothes washing, the washing machine pump-out of the wash water makes the toilet "boil" with air bubbles but does not back up enough to overflow. But as that is happening, the stall shower adjacent starts to fill up to about an inch of sudsy water along with some gross pieces of dirt, etc., then over the next few minutes gradually drains down. Nice, huh??
TJ, It sounds like you have some sort of a partial blockage in your sewer line. Have you tried using a closet auger on your toilet, sometimes it is amazing what these things will find in a swer line. They will go in about 3 feet from your toilet and are a lot more effective that a plunger. They are not real cheap but are a very worthwhile tool investment. You don't need it often, but when you do it is worth it's weight in gold.
Phranque and the other guys who have much knowledge about home stuff, please don't tell us to email you with our questions because all of us need your answers here. Joan's idea of putting these under a topic for women caregivers is great.
A handy idea for all is to think well ahead. Do not buy anything non-flushable(example whole dill pickles) that your LO may decide to dispose of by flushing. Saves on cleanup and unplugging, and plumber bills if you can't get the line clear. In the case of pickles, now we only get spears, slices, or relish. This applies to wipes, cotton pads or gauze squares,etc. A hoyusehold router will only reach a few feet in. If the block is further down, you'll need a really long router or a plumber.
Also, even if you cannot physically deal with shut off knobs or reach the things for caring for the car---find out where they are and how to do the checks and changes. At least then you can coach someone else if needs be, or watch that whoever does it, does it completely and correctly.