Archive for March 7th, 2008

Tips on How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

Friday, March 7th, 2008
by Kaye Fretz

With the nuisance that a leaky faucet brings, and the ridiculously high costs of plumbing works, it is imperative you learn how to fix a leaky faucet by yourself. Gone are the days where you have to call up a plumber and stare wide-eyed upon the receipt of a billing. All you have to do is follow these simple and easy to understand steps in fixing a leaky faucet.

Learning how to fix a leaky faucet is actually very easy, as long as you are equipped with the right tools and materials. Basically, all you need is a new washer (preferably one that is suited to the faucet you have at home), some rags, a wrench, and a screwdriver (flathead and Philipps).

There are some things you should do before you start pulling your faucet apart. First, you should shut off the main water supply by shutting off the control valve. This can be found somewhere along the pipes under the sink. Turn the level or handle of the valve counter clockwise to switch it off.

In addition to that, plug up the drain using some rags. The worst thing that can possibly happen is when small parts like screws and washers go down the drain.

Once you have accomplished that, you can start with the process of fixing the leaky faucet. But be informed that these steps can be applied only to conventional faucets. Most unconventional faucets differ from one another depending on type and brand and you might need specific repair kits for it.

1. Under the handle, there is a nut where the faucet stem is joined to the water pipe. Use your wrench and twist the nut loose to remove it (counter-clockwise direction). With it, also turn the handle counterclockwise to take it off.

2. After you have removed the handle, you can then see a rubber-like washer that is probably very old, torn, dilapidated, and held down by a screw. This could be the reason why your faucet is leaking. Replace the old washer. Undo the old washer’s screws using your screwdriver and screw on a new washer. Remember that this new washer should be just of the same size with the old washer, to ensure compatibility and efficiency. Tighten the screws in order to secure the new washer in position.

3. Put everything back into its original place. Return the faucet handle (in clockwise direction this time), and screw the stem nut back into its original place.

4. Do the checking. Turn the water back on and see if the faucet still leaks. If it still is, either you need to screw things more tightly or, you need to buy a new faucet rather than a new washer. And if all else fails, seek professional help and call a plumber.

And there they are - easy to follow and simple steps that will guide you about how to fix a leaky faucet. Now you can do it by yourself! There’s no need for you to call a plumber, or even your handy neighbor to help you around a leaky faucet. By doing it yourself, you free yourself from irritating dripping sounds, nasty sink stains brought upon by long-standing drips, and water wastage due to constant dripping. Put these steps close to your heart and you will never be in distress again.

About the Author:

All You Need to Know About Wheel Chair Lift Vans

Friday, March 7th, 2008
by Febbe Wallace

Using a wheel chair has not been easy for many individuals. This is why wheel chair lift vans were developed and released in the market in the past decades. Indeed, wheel chairs have served a very important purpose in providing users the ability to travel from one place to another. But like many of us, you are most probably looking more into maximum comfort and convenience besides plain mobility. You’d not only want to go to places, but you’d also want to go to places faster and with less hassle.

Van features:

Wheel chair lift vans are specialized vans specifically designed for those who use scooters or wheel chairs to travel. Their major function is to make access to the vehicle itself much easier by providing a built-in device that lifts up the wheel chair. The other major function of the wheel chair lift is to provide a secure and spacious seating allocation for the wheel chair user.

This equipment can either already come with a special automated device that can lift a wheel chair from the ground and into the vehicle, or a wheel chair ramp. When used, suspensions often stiffen so that the weight of the wheel chair will be handled appropriately.

Also, they come with two doors. They may have a back door or a side door. With a back door, a lift or ramp is provided for you to be elevated into the van. A back door will allow you to go directly through the middle and into the front of the seats in the vehicle. In this case, the back area of your van is elongated to allow the ramp to be longer and less steep. Parking might become somewhat of a hindrance because of the elongated feature, but most places provide handicap parking spaces.

Those models that have side doors allow the wheel chair user to enter the vehicle from the side and travel a shorter distance to the front seat. These vans will not have a problem with parallel parking, but you may need a lot more space on the sides before accessing your vehicle at the parking lot.

Because of the lowered bearing, it allows wheel chair users to access the vehicle with ease and without the risk of slipping backwards or falling sideways.

Cost:

The cost of wheel chair lift vans vary depending on which type you go with and if you are going to have one customized. You have plenty of options when it comes to prices. Apply for grants, secure a loan, or ask financial help from the government. You can even find ways to raise money with family and friends to finance your wheel chair lift van purchase.

About the Author: