Six Easy DIY Steps

Six Easy Steps to Becoming a

Genuine Mr. or Ms. Fix-it

Lesson one:

It’s never a good time for things to go “clunk…” in the night, but, they do.  The costs of living: gasoline, groceries and utilities have risen dramatically.  Service calls are unbelievably high.   During this recession keeping the money in our pocket, and our house in good running order, has never been so important.  

Our disposable income is shrinking rapidly.  Job security is a thing of the past.  If ever there was a time when the average homeowner needed to learn how to “Fix-it” and reduce costs; it is now.  

There are three basic components to every house which are: mechanical, electrical or hydraulic (plumbing) in nature.  Understanding the mechanical, electrical and plumbing around your home is a major key to keeping your costs low.   Contrary to popular belief, it is not at all difficult and you actually save thousands of dollars by doing the work yourself.

It is always less expensive for you to make repairs around the house.  Example: The wall switch stops working.  A quality UL listed single pole switch will cost you between three and five dollars at your local home and garden center.  However, hiring a licensed electrician to install that $3.00 switch can run anywhere from $125.00 to $150.00.  Save yourself a lot of money.  For only ten minutes of your time you can install the switch yourself.  It’s legal, it’s clean, it’s educational and most importantly, It’s not expensive!

When something fails to work as it was designed you begin by asking two very basic questions:  what “is” wrong and what “isn’t” wrong with the device. 

The answer to these questions is very valuable indeed.   The answer to the first question obviously identifies the problem.  The answer to the second question hopefully stops an over zealous “Mr. Fix-it” from ripping apart a portion of the device that wasn’t broken to begin with.  Nothing is more discouraging than having completely dismantled something only to learn the problem is elsewhere.  

When troubleshooting, a step by step procedure for locating, identifying and solving problems is a valuable resource. A methodical and systematic approach is an absolute time saver.   If it is an electrical or a plumbing problem always start at the source.  If it is a construction related problem, start at the base and work your way up.

For grins and giggles let’s troubleshoot a malfunctioning table lamp.  Just as a side bar keep in mind that table lamps generally come in pairs.  If we can’t fix this one lamp, then we may need to buy two lamps to maintain the balance of the room.   Let’s proceed.

The following 6 step procedure takes less than five minutes and is the same troubleshooting procedure for most electrical devices.

1)      Disconnect the source.  Unplug it!  Inspect the cord for obvious breaks.  Pets are notorious for chewing cords.

2)      Verify the source.   That is, use a basic two wire voltage tester and test for currant in the receptacle. We don’t want to dismantle the lamp only to learn the receptacle was bad.   If you have a Receptacle circuit tester (An inexpensive device that, by a pattern of lights, indicates wiring errors in receptacles) simply plug it into the receptacle.  The code on the device will inform you as to what, if any, problem there may be.

3)      Next, using your continuity tester remove and check the bulb by touching one probe to the tip at the base and the other probe to the threaded side.   It is not uncommon for the tungsten filament to be broken in a new bulb.  If the bulb is good the tester will beep or buzz.

4)      Using a jumper, connect an end to each spade on the plug.  Again, with your continuity tester probe the inside wall of the threaded socket and then touch the other probe to the center where the bulb tip would make contact.  If the tester does not sound off (make a buzz or continuous beep) turn or press the on/off button a few times.  If the continuity tester still fails to make a sound you have just narrowed the problem down to just one of two problems.

5)  Now we can start taking things apart.  A) Gently remove the outer shell of the socket from the base cap.  B) remove the insulating sleeve from the socket thus exposing where the two wires from the cord attach to the socket and visually inspect the connections.   C)  Clamp the continuity tester to the large spade on the plug and then touch the other probe to the silver screw at the base of the socket.  The tester will beep or buzz if the integrity of that side of the cord is good and has no internal breaks.  Now do the same with the small spade of the plug and the brass screw at the bottom of the socket base.

6)  Using the jumper again jump a connection to both spades of the plug.  Again use the continuity tester and touch one probe to the threaded side of the socket and the other probe to the center of the socket and activate the switch until the continuity tester sounds off.  If there is no sound, you have just located a bad switch.  The switch/socket assembly can be purchased at any home improvement center for less than 5 dollars.

Any one of these six steps will locate and identify an electrical problem.  With the exception of step 3 this procedure can be followed to troubleshoot just about any electrical appliance or device.

In lesson two we will put together an inexpensive household electrical tool kit.

About the Author

Brian Pacatte is a light commercial/residential builder of 18 years.

Entertaining, down to earth and easy to read information and/or instructions are offered for the homeowner wanting to stretch their remodeling budget.

If you are selling your home and wish to get the highest return for your investment, his articles are a Must Read.

Brian heads up a 24/7 forum where you are invited to ask questions regarding ‘How To’ projects.  Questions are typically answered in 24 to 48 hours.

They also manage Creative Building Solutions   where the DIY novice is guided through various home improvement projects.