The Home Problem Solver The Essential Homeowner's Repair And Maintenance Manual

by Vandervort

• ISBN13: 9780738201221
• ISBN10: 0738201227
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-10-18
• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books

Summary

What should you do when insulated windows fog up? Why is the refrigerator making a buzzing sound? Who do you call when the floors sag? How difficult is it to eliminate moisture in the basement? From what to look for before buying a house to how to repair basic system glitches and plan cosmetic makeovers, The Home Problem Solver is the complete source of essential information for every homeowner. Easy-to-use, clearly illustrated, and designed for solving problems quickly and effectively, The Home Problem Solver helps readers pinpoint the sources of common home problems, determine the easiest remedies, and take appropriate action.

Table of Contents

Introduction	ix
How to Use This Book	x
Emergency!	1	(8)
Major house fire	1	(1)
Small house fire	2	(1)
Kitchen grease fire	2	(1)
Chimney fire	2	(1)
Electrical sparks or smoking	3	(1)
Gas leak	4	(2)
Burst or leaking water pipe	6	(1)
Water heater overheating	6	(1)
Roof leak	6	(1)
Frozen pipes	7	(1)
Power outage	7	(1)
Drain clogs	7	(2)
House Sense	9	(14)
Troubleshooting tips	10	(1)
Buying a house? Eleven things to inspect	10	(3)
Should you do the work?	13	(1)
Hiring home repair help	14	(3)
The versatile handyman (or handywoman)	17	(1)
Contractors	17	(1)
Choosing good help	17	(1)
Hiring a general contractor	18	(1)
A good contract	19	(1)
Building permits	20	(1)
Do-it-yourself repair tips	21	(2)
Applicance Problems	23	(48)
Appliance basics	24	(2)
Air conditioner	26	(1)
Dehumidifier	26	(4)
Dishwasher	30	(7)
Dryer	37	(3)
Garbage disposer	40	(2)
Humidifier	42	(3)
Microwave oven	45	(1)
Oven	46	(2)
Range	48	(3)
Refrigerator and freezer	51	(7)
Washing machine	58	(5)
Water heater	63	(8)
Plumbing Problems	71	(28)
Plumbing basics	71	(2)
Plumbing tools and techniques	73	(2)
Drains	75	(6)
Faucets	81	(4)
Toilets	85	(4)
Tubs and showers	89	(3)
Water supply system	92	(3)
Outdoor sprinklers and piping	95	(4)
Electrical Problems	99	(24)
Electrical basics	99	(5)
Electrical tools	104	(3)
System problems	107	(1)
Conventional lighting	108	(4)
Fluorescent lights	112	(1)
Receptacles	113	(3)
Doorbells	116	(3)
Telephones	119	(4)
Heating and Comfort Problems	123	(22)
Understanding heating systems	124	(2)
Cooling and heating/cooling systems	126	(1)
Air conditioners and heat pumps	126	(5)
Fans and ventilation	131	(2)
Forced-air heating	133	(6)
Gas burner fixes	139	(1)
Oil burner fixes	140	(1)
Hot water heat	141	(1)
Thermostat	142	(3)
Interior Surface Problems	145	(34)
Cabinets	145	(4)
Carpets	149	(3)
Countertops	152	(3)
Hardwood floors	155	(3)
Resilient floors	158	(2)
Stairs	160	(2)
Tile and grout	162	(3)
Wallboard and plaster	165	(9)
Wallpaper	174	(1)
Woodwork	175	(4)
Door and Window Problems	179	(18)
General door problems	179	(2)
Exterior doors	181	(2)
Interior doors	183	(3)
Locks and latches	186	(4)
Windows and screens	190	(7)
Exterior Problems	197	(32)
Basements and driveways	198	(2)
Dealing with roof and siding leaks	200	(1)
Flashing	201	(1)
Gutters and downspouts	202	(2)
Roofing: Asphalt shingle	204	(2)
Roofing: Built-up and roll	206	(1)
Roofing: Masonry tile	207	(1)
Roofing: Metal	208	(1)
Roofing: Wood shingle	208	(1)
Siding: Common problems	209	(3)
Siding: Paint problems	212	(5)
Siding: Synthetic	217	(3)
Siding: Wood	220	(3)
Stucco, brick, and masonry	223	(2)
Yard: Decks and concrete	225	(4)
Resource Guide to Manufacturers	229	(4)
Index	233