The Working Dads DIY

How to update an outlet

2010-12-05T19:21:00.000-08:00

Warning : Before attempting this project please be sure to cut the power off to the outlet you will be working on at the breaker box!!! Then with a voltage tester ,test your outlet to see if the power is off,if it is the tester should be silent.

Step one: Remove face plate and mounting screws from old outlet
Step two: Pull outlet out of the wall and take note where the colored wires are placed (black with black ,white with white,and ground with ground)
Step three: unscrew the wires one side at a time using a phillips screwdriver and unhook the wires using a pair of needle nose pliers,then unhook the ground wire as well
Step four: With the new outlet in hand take note at the screws on the sides of the outlet,the copper side is where the black (hot wires) will be connected .The white (common wires) will be connected on the other side. Connect them using your pliers. Then connect your ground wire to the ground screw usually located at the bottom of the outlet on the common wire side.

Step five: Carefully put the the new outlet back into the wall,screw in the mounting screws and install a new face plate. Turn the power back on at the breaker box and with your voltage tester ,test to see if the outlet is hot,if so your tester should beep

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Thanks for reading!

Geoff

Clogged Drain???

2010-12-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

Found this link to be helpful ,pretty much covers how to uncloge any drain type in your home. http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-clear-bathroom-clogs/index.html
And honestly this will sound stupid but the best thing i have ever bought to help with small clogs in the sink or even shower was the "as seen on tv" turbo snake . Bought it actually thinking it wouldnt work ,like most as seen on tv stuff . But i used it for my shower that was draining slow,and well lets just say i pulled a wookie out of my shower drain lol .
Take it from me invest in the Turbo Snake!
Thanks for reading!
Geoff

Home Winterizing Tips

2010-11-30T16:38:00.000-08:00

Heres a link i found to some tips for winterizing your home. Tips such as Weatherstriping,Door Sweeps,Sealing Cracks,Storm Windows,Hot Water Heater Wrap,Clean Gutters,and a Furnace Check up! http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/111035/home-winterizing-tips-that-work?mod=realestate-homeimprove
Click the link to get detailed descriptions of all these tips
Thanks for reading !
Geoff

winterizing your home part 2

2010-11-28T17:44:00.000-08:00

Yea thats right there is a part 2 to this blog . Simply because you can always find drafts in your home during the winter. For example around your door frames . An easy insulation solution is a can of spray insulation you can get at any hardware store or even walmart
Step One: carefully remove the trim from around your door . Once the trim is removed clean out any debris or old insulation
Step Two: Spray insulation between door frames and wall all around the door inside and outside .
Step Three: Let insulation harden per the instructions on can ,then trim off excess to make smooth,put trim back up .
This is an easy and inexpensive way to winterize your home and save on your heating bill .

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help winterize your home

2010-11-21T16:20:00.000-08:00

How to apply caulking to the inside of your windows:

Step one : Wipe all the dirt ,spider webs,and gunk off of the inside of the windows . This helps the caulking to make a tight seal

Step two: Put caulking tube into caulking gun ,cut the tip of the tube at a 45 degree angle ,then take a long screwdriver and puncture the seal in the caulking tube.

Step three : Hold the gun at an angle and start at the end of the window ,squeeze trigger gently and slowly pull the line toward the center of the window . Repeat this same step on the oppisite side of the window to meet the line in the center.

Step four: Smooth caulking line with your finger being careful not to remove it ,just smooth it down and let it dry ,repeat steps 3 and 4 on all sides of the window. Most caulking will dry clear

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