Oven repairs.
When your oven's broken, you know it right away. A broken oven isn't something that can wait for the winter - when you need something cooked, you need it cooked for tonight's dinner! That means that your repairs can't wait, and neither should you: that's why this article will give you a quick summary on how to repair a broken oven and how to address some of the most frequent problems that arise.
The first thing to consider is the oven type itself. Most ovens will either be an oven run by gas or by electricity. If you've cooked before, you should probably have an idea of which one it is, but if you're new to the place and haven't had the time to investigate, now is the time to double-check. Do you have an electric oven or a gas oven?
Once you know the type of oven you have, it's important to understand the type of problems these different types frequently face. For example, a gas oven will usually have problems that effect the ignition of the gas or the supply of the gas. IMPORTANT NOTE: With gas stoves, make sure there are no leaks. If you're not sure, you'll want to call in a professional.
The other most frequent oven type, the electric oven, has its own typical problems. When it comes to these electric appliances, you'll usually encounter your problem with the heating devices located within the oven itself. If you really want to find out what's wrong with your electric oven, be sure to be careful that you don't touch anything that is charged. It's best to be extra cautious when working with either a gas or an electric oven.
Once you've made sure that the gas and electricity to your oven are turned off, you'll be able to finally make some repairs. The first thing to do to fix your broken oven is actually to take the oven apart. If you've never worked with an oven before, you'll want to keep detailed notes about how you took the oven apart so that you can put it back together again.
Huh? Take the oven apart? You heard me right. As you take the oven apart, you should be able to find the problem, if you haven't already. Taking the oven apart will help you to identify the problem, and either fix it or identify the need for a replacement. In doing so, you'll also learn about how your oven works for future reference.
Photo Credits: SuperFantastic
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Posted by Fix Handyman on October 12, 2009 in
appliances, home repair, kitchen
Bubblebath anyone?
For many people, the bathtub isn't just a way to get clean, it's an oasis away from the stress and worries that come with daily life. Whether you indulge in a luxurious bubble bath every night or just enjoy a good soak now and then, it's important to keep your bathtub clean, neat, and most importantly, functioning. So how can you fix some of the most common bathtub problems? I thought you'd never ask. Here are the answers to some common bathtub questions.
Fixing a Bathtub Faucet Clog
One of the most frequent problems you'll see with a bathtub is that the faucet gets clogged. This isn't like unclogging a toilet - you actually might have to do some plumbing. But before you conjure up images of tool belts and blue jeans, remember that plumbing isn't complicated every time.
In each bathtub faucet there is a screen that helps make sure that any loose debris doesn't get plopped into your bubble bath, allowing you to enjoy clean, pristine water. The problem with this screen is that it can sometimes collect too much debris and actually clog your water from coming through with a full flow.
If you can, remove the faucet head in order to get to the screen. Take out the screen and wash it with warm or hot water, and use that time to clean out the inside of the bathtub faucet. If you have further problems but don't want to explore before you do further damage, call a plumber.
Fixing a Drain Clog
The next and perhaps more unpleasant problem with bathtubs is that sometimes the drains clog. You don't want to bathe today in yesterday's bathwater, so it's important that you get this drain cleared as soon as possible.
Though you'll want to clean the part of the drain you can see first, this rarely solves the problem itself. You'll want to plunge the drain like you would plunge a toilet, trying to remove as much of the blockage as possible. Fill a little water in your tub before you plunge.
If that doesn't work, you'll have to use a plumbing snake to get the clog out. Be patient with a plumbing snake, as oftentimes you'll have to go very deep before you can reach a clog. Once you do, voila! Good as new.
These are two of the most common problems that occur with bathtubs because they get in the way of the flow of our daily lives. The bathtub drain, for example, also effects the way we take showers. Even if you're initially frustrated, stick with your plumbing efforts as long as you're not doing any damage. You'll probably learn something.
Photo Credits: Darrius Thompson
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Posted by Fix Handyman on August 18, 2009 in
Bathroom, Bathtub, Handyman, How to Fix
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