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  • Clearing out the Clogged House
  • Poor indoor air quality calls for some serious maintenance and repair work.
    From "Finders Fixers"
    episode DFFX-213


    Fix Dishwasher Leak

    Materials and Tools:

    drill
    wrench
    bucket
    mirror

    1. Remove the cover from the air gap. Check to make sure that there is no debris obstructing the gap. Next, underneath the sink, disconnect the line that connects the dishwasher to the garbage disposal. Drain the wastewater into a bucket.
    PHOTO

    Figure A
    2. Once the line is disconnected, use a mirror to check to see if the knockout plug has been removed from the garbage disposal. It should only be in place if there is no dishwasher. To knock out the plug, first disconnect the garbage disposal.
    Then, drill a hole through the plug (Figure A).

    3. Reconnect the garbage disposal. Hook up the wastewater line that connects the dishwasher to the garbage disposal.

    4. Test your work by running the dishwasher. With the knockout plug cleared, the waste water from the dishwasher should be draining into the garbage disposal, not through the air gap.

    Eliminate Moisture in Bathroom

    There are two parts to this fix. First we'll install a new exhaust fan.

    Materials and Tools:

    new exhaust fan (90 CFM)
    screwdriver
    safety glasses
    gloves
    dust mask
    drywall saw
    pencil

    1. To remove the old exhaust fan., turn off the power at the circuit breaker. In the bathroom, unscrew the cover plate. In the attic, disconnect the exhaust flue from the fan as well as any wiring. Then remove the fan from the ceiling.

    2. Cut a new hole to size in the bathroom ceiling for the new exhaust fan. Hold the box in place, and trace an outline as a guide for cutting the new hole.

    3. Put the fan in place and connect the wiring and the exhaust flue. Always follow the manufacturer's directions.

    The second part of this fix is to repair the leaky bathtub faucet.

    Materials and Tools:

    new faucet escutcheons or trim rings
    wrench
    stem puller
    drill
    pipe sealant
    mold and mildew cleaner
    sponge or rags
    rubber gloves
    drop cloth
    painter's tape
    paint
    paint brushes and rollers
    PHOTO

    Figure B
    Steps:

    1. Use a screwdriver to remove the existing handles. To remove the metal trim rings (escutcheons), unscrew them counterclockwise. Use a stem puller to remove the old stems (Figure B).

    2. Before installing the new stems, place a coat of pipe sealant around the tip of the stems. This will ensure a tight seal. Install the stems.

    3. Screw in the new fixtures, following the manufacturer's instructions.

    4. To complete the bathroom fix, we'll repaint the moisture-damaged walls. First, lay down a drop cloth on the floor and on any surfaces that you want to protect from any paint spills. Next, clean the wall surface with a mold and mildew cleaner. Apply a primer coat to the walls. Once it's dry, begin painting the walls.

    Clean the Air System

    Materials and Tools:

    new air filter
    screwdriver
    narrow brush
    safety glasses
    glove
    dust mask

    1. Begin the fix at the intake vent. Use a screwdriver if necessary to remove the cover at the intake vent. Remove and dispose of the old existing filter. Clean out any dust or debris from the surrounding area and vent cover. Replace with a new, clean filter, then replace the vent cover.

    2. Shut down the air handler by turning the "service disconnect" off. Now that it's safe to start cleaning, use a narrow brush to clean the dirty "squirrel cages" or fan. Clean out as much dirt and debris from the system as possible. Use safety glasses and/or mask if needed.

    3. Finish by cleaning any other dirty air vents in the home. Turn the system back on.

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