So here I sit, waiting for a plumber to call me back….
Came downstairs to the kitchen this morning to find a small lake on the kitchen floor and chunks of dry wall hangning from the ceiling above. At first I thought it might be a roof leak (we had TONS of rain yesterday), but once we started ripping out the trashed drywall we found the leak - a TINY little spring at a corner joint where a hot water pipe takes a turn. TINY. TINY. TINY. But enough to do plenty of damage in a short amount of time. We had to to turn off all the water because just turning off the hot didn’t do it. Thank goodness it wasn’t the roof, we found the leak, it can be fixed, AND we weren’t on vacation - which we will be NEXT WEEK!
But now I’m worried about if and when TSHTF - first, we had to turn off our precious water supply. Second, we have to try and get someone to come and fix the leak (hard enough to get done normally let along if PF). Third, dh is going to the hardware store to try and find something to plug the hole so we can at least run some water to clean up all thecaked on dry wall all over teh floor andcabinets. This means exposure to others if TSHTF, if a hardware store would even be open. Fourth: it really hits home how little I know about how my house functions. I was turning all kinds of knobs in the basement to try and figure out what did what. No clue.
So, we need to beef up our hardware supplies for the fixing things in and around the house. We need to learn more about how our house works and hopw to do basic repairs (any recommendations on “Home Repair for Dummies” would be appreciated. Finally, we have to get a hand pump for the well. We have a genny, but if for some reason we ahd to turn off teh water again, or simply ran out of propane, we’re screwed.
I’ll ask hubby for a list of supplies that would do the most good for home repairs. We have a storage room FULL of tools, nails, screws, machines, and odds and ends, that he just HAS to have just in case. But I’m sure there is a “boiled down” list of “must haves” he could make.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining really about all the stuff. He can fix just about anything short of the roof, and thats only cause it’s really steep and 3 stories up LOL.
ok Ill leave it up to you to look it up but there is a tape that stretches and then solidifies around your pipes that will stop even a big hole from leaking. Its quick and dirty but it works. Second I suggest a trip harbor freight as they have the cheapest knockoff tools and supplies (they still are decent quality) anywhere and spend a decent amount to stock up on whatever you can find that would be useful. Imagine there is no lowes or home depot, can you fix it with what you have on hand?
wow, where is the coffee lol
Carrey in VA — You are SOOOO lucky to have someone handy in the family! I am so in trouble that the handy one in our family is — me!
LauraB — I would also appreciate a list of home repair supplies to keep on hand — could also use a book — like “When there is No Repairman” (a version of “When there is no Doctor”!) (-: I imagine forst of the list will be — duct tape. I already have a LOT of that!
“forst of” = first on
Excellent books to have (and you can probably find used at garage sales, used bookstores, ebay, etc); “Reader’s Digest Fix-It-Yourself Manual” and “Reader’s Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual”. Also one called “Wiring, Basic Repairs Advanced Projects” by Mort Schultz, published by Creative Homeowner Press, ISBN 0–932944–38–8. I’m pretty handy and have done LOTS of repair and remodeling around the house and still refer to these books frequently.
Everyone should take time NOW to identify and clearly label the shutoffs for all utilities right now. Make some tags out of bright-colored paper and attach them in a visible spot where each shutoff is. Show each family member where each shutoff is and how to operate it. Don’t forget that you may need a wrench for gas and some water shutoffs, hang a suitable wrench nearby.
Annoyed Max:
Is THIS the type of product to which you referred?
I agree ACM, the only person in this family that is handy is me- too! I’ve been married to my non-handy hubby for almost 40 years and don’t get me wrong he is fabulous but… last year he changed the batteries in the flashlight and it worked the first time! We were all so proud.
PBQ --- (-:
Kim — I’m putting those books on my “look-around-for” list — thanks!
Yeah, something just like that. I dont remember it costing that much but its still cheaper than a plumber.
They make both spray and tape that will plug small leaks. You have to turn the water off first, dry the area to be sprayed or taped extremely well and then follow the directions on the package.
Since it was a hot water pipe I assume you are talking about copper piping. Ask your local hardware store for a list of materials to “cap off” a hot water line.
Alternatively you make want to find someone to install a turn off valve just for the hot water line(s) in your home. We have several turn off valves around our house. If they are in PVC they are relatively easy to install … metal pipes usually require welding which is something I can do but haven’t done since I was a teenager. Yea, I know … bit non-stereotypical for a girl, but I still managed to be a “girly-girl” even with that spot torch in my hand. <grin>
My suggestion is you take a look around you house and see what needs repairing and get it done now. Also, make a list of things that could go wrong.
For water, if the water is still on think about these questions:
1. If I still have water but have to turn the water off to the house due to a plumbing emergency, where do I turn the water off at?
2. Does turning the water off, only turn it off inside or does it also turn the water off to outside spigots?
3. Can I have turn off valve(s) installed so that I can turn the upstairs/downstairs off separately?
4. Can I have turn off valve(s) installed so that I can turn the inside/outside off separately?
5. Do all of my separate sinks and toilets have their own turn-off valve(s) installed and are they in good working order?
6. Can I have a separate turn off valve installed on the hot water tank(s) if I don’t already have one?
7. Do I know the location of each turn off valve and what they operate?
Kathy in FL – at 10:21
When we moved into our current house, the plumbing was in terrible shape and all needed replaced. To turn off the water, I had to open the manhole and turn off the valve at the meter. As I replaced the plumbing, I put shut-off valves everywhere I thought they would be handy. Now if I have a problem, I can shut off just part of the house and still have running water in the rest. It has been quite handy on more than one occassion.
The gas shut-off wrench should not be steel, because that could make a spark and cause an explosion if there’s a gas leak. I have an aluminum shut-off wrench. Here’s my elementary understanding: Soapy water is the way to check for leaks (not a match, of course, or you may make the Leno Headlines comedy bit). Also if you think your house has a gas leak, you should take the phone off the hook so it won’t ring, I’ve heard. Don’t turn anything electric on (or off?) (Does that mean flashlights too? I suppose you could turn on a flashlight outdoors first?) If you shut off your gas, the gas company is supposed to be the only one to turn it back on. (Think of all the pilot lights that may have to be relit. Don’t know what else is a danger.)
:-) I have a pipe under my kitchen sink that started leaking late one night. I slapped some of that “nursing” plastic tape,that came home in my scrub pocket. It worked, and had not leaked for the past 5 years. Guess before things get interesting, I really should fix it properly.
The Readers Digest books I mentioned at 09:46 are both available on ebay (I looked) for prices ranging from less than $1.00 to several dollars. Think I got both of mine at garage sales.
The gods are shining on me. A great plumber came and fixed the leak (and yes KathyinFL it was a copper pie. It sprung a hole right at an elbow). He showed us how to shut everything off, drain the tanks, pipes, etc. so now I feel much more comfortable leaving the house while we are away. And from now on I think we’ll turn off the water anytime we are gone more than a day or two. It’s just good practice - a TINY little leak can do so much damage in no time. A contractor who has done work for us in the past is going to fix the drywall right after Thanksgiving. Then I just have to line up a painter and someone to refinsh the hardwood floors. Our library is having a big used book sale this weekend so I will scour that to try and find some repair books, more cookbooks, etc. DH is going to hit the local hardware store for advice - it’s little mom and pop place where the people acutally KNOW something (unlike Home Depot) and they cover all the important supplies. Again, we were lucky and it could have ruined our cabinets, double oven, etc. A costly but valuable lesson.
Is it too early in the day for a Mojito?
Is it too early in the day for a Mojito?
It’s 5:00 somewhere….
I saw a Black and Decker book about all plumbing repairs. I meant to buy it. I did suggest it here in the preps thread. It looked very comprehensive. Everything from toilets to sinks and all piping problems.
My DH is a great mechanic and whenever anything has gone wrong in the house he’s been able to fix it.The problem would be not having the parts needed even though he has a 4 car garage and a 2 car garage full of “stuff”. We have a friend who was a plumber and always has a part if need be. My point is actually that we won’t be able to do everything on our own. I don’t care how detailed a book is if it involves a wrench I’ll either break the wrench, strip the bolt or make the problem worse. I will reach out to others and we’ll do the same in return. It’s how they did it 50 years ago and we’ll have learn to help our neighbors.
I agree with the recommended books you can find used at a very decent price. Got one when we got married 27 years ago, has taught me loads. I also have a not so handy husband and not so much money, have to do repairs at home and at Mom’s house sometimes. I learned if I have an idea for something I want to do at home, or a repair I need to learn I head to the library, come home with a stack of books. My leasure time I would read through them, and learn.
Doesnt anyone watch this old house, buy a tote bag and turn on PBS. You can learn everything you need to know in a few hours of watching tv.
Tape may be X-Treme Tape available at Duluth Trading. I’ve used it and it definitely works.
Also, if you have the time, some Home Depot’s and Lowe’s have “classes” for various do-it-yourself projects. Check out their schedules. The classes don’t last long and you get an actual hands-on example.
There are also some life-long-learning typeing classes available at most community colleges and universities that might be worth a look-see.
Don’t want to sound like I’m bragging. But several years ago I was going to be out of town during December, so I shut off the water, drained the system and left the facets open. I came home and turned it back on, and it sounded like it was raining in the attic. There was a big split in one of the copper pipes. (Texas may have mild winters, but they never should run pipes through the attic.) In the garage, I found my propane torch with gas still in it, copper fittings, tubing, solder, flux and even tubing cutters. Had it fixed in no time. Thank goodness, I was prepared. When I buy something cheap for the house, I go on the premise that, if one is good, then two is better. Just like prepping for the flu.