Simple home DIY repairs

[Ct3833]

On 9/14/2023 at 8:35 PM, Lala81 said:

Problem is not my own home. So I have to bring all my gar chang there. 

Dont think I have that many type of screws. 

This is only problem 1.

 

Problem 2 is my parents storage heater uplorry. I got a like for like replacement and some Bangla went to install it. I didn't even know they went as i wasn't contacted after the purchase. Last evening then got contacted by the installer to pay via  paynow.

Checked with my dad yes done, in case the Bangla is scamming me. After that then my mum complain how come pay 140 dollars, apparently she's unhappy that the Bangla didn't do the rewiring properly? ? put electrical tape over some old wiring or what not. Cos that heater is on a dipole heater switch. But otherwise it's been there maybe for 10 years.

She wanted me not to pay, call me at work this am. But wtf I already paid like few hours ago. I just tell her I will settle it. 

And I rather trust myself to take a look since it's too small a job to ask a LEW to take a look. Even ask the Bangla to come back, I don't think there will be any improvement in fire safety... I better go look myself. 

 

one of my water heater just kaput yesterday as well. Got a guy in to replace to a joven one, am charged $730. if without PUB certification, can settle for  less than $450.  But since this is a heater, I dont want to take risk though even just reattach back the connection. 

Edited September 15, 2023 by Ct3833

[Lala81]

On 9/15/2023 at 12:34 PM, Ct3833 said:

one of my water heater just kaput yesterday as well. Got a guy in to replace to a joven one, am charged $730. if without PUB certification, can settle for  less than $450.  But since this is a heater, I dont want to take risk though even just reattach back the connection. 

I've been reading/watching videos regarding heaters. My own storage heater had a PRV leak (Pressure valve release) issue in 2022. So my helicopter knowledge is mostly there. 

Ok problem with water heaters is that the piping should be done by PUB licenced plumber. But also wired up by an electrician.
Instant heaters danger = fire risk from wire degradation, electrocution from short circuit making the metal body/shower a live circuit to ground
Storage heaters danger = pressure build up from spoilt or incorrectly sealed PRV, fire risk from the wires over time

Basically the keypoints for all are,

1. Dipole heater switch 20amp
- to cut off both the Live and Neutral circuit when short circuit happens 
2. Should have 2.5mm thick wires connecting the switch to the heater to deal with increased current load (14 AWG instead of 16AWG)
- I believe this is one step which maybe missing in some places, as the 1.5mm wire which is used for our usual light switch etc may not able to deal with the higher current over many years
- basically any oven/induction hob should also have the same thing
3. Proper wire connections to reduce fire risk
4. For storage heaters, make sure PRV is not obstructed by some blur cock installer/some handyman who wanted to stop water leaking onto the false ceiling. 

Otherwise, i don't think heaters are that complicated affairs. 

 

My parent's place the rheem 23L vertical heater is 300 dollars. Installation (hdb) is 140.
A joven would be only 230 dollars. But the Joven's inlet and outlets are all at the bottom (rheem is at the side of the drum). And the toilet has already a big steel rack for the rheem. She doesn't want more drilling to be done.

 

Edited September 15, 2023 by Lala81

[Lala81]

On 9/14/2023 at 8:20 PM, Ct3833 said:

@Lala81 alu panel usually no need to use any insert when rescrew, at times i juse use a slightly  bigger screw if the theead is worn out 😅

Has anyone drill into alu panel. 

Just realized what I bought doesn't match my mother's place hinge. Rookie mistake, just assume. 

I can't find this hinge online. 

This is a hafele hinge but it sucks. I was thinking I just might as well switch to the generic cheap pneumatic gas lift hinges which at least once the mountings are in place are easy to replace when spoilt. 

Like the below. 

Edited September 16, 2023 by Lala81

[Kb27]

On 9/16/2023 at 6:11 PM, Lala81 said:

Has anyone drill into alu panel. 

Just realized what I bought doesn't match my mother's place hinge. Rookie mistake, just assume. 

I can't find this hinge online. 

Al usually install pop rivet.

Al is easy to drill. However, need to apply pressure and drill slow.

[Ct3833]

On 9/16/2023 at 6:11 PM, Lala81 said:

Has anyone drill into alu panel. 

Just realized what I bought doesn't match my mother's place hinge. Rookie mistake, just assume. 

I can't find this hinge online. 

This is a hafele hinge but it sucks. I was thinking I just might as well switch to the generic cheap pneumatic gas lift hinges which at least once the mountings are in place are easy to replace when spoilt. 

Like the below. 

Alu is a lot easier to drill than metal. make sure your drill bit diameter is smaller than your screw, best is same size as the core of the screw.  If you want rivet, i have a rivet tool for  loan. Self pick up though. Riverts foc if of the right size.😅

Edited September 16, 2023 by Ct3833

[Lala81]

On 9/16/2023 at 6:27 PM, Kb27 said:

Al usually install pop rivet.

Al is easy to drill. However, need to apply pressure and drill slow.

Hmm going to be difficult to drill with the panel above. Probably need to take down first? 

[Ct3833]

On 9/16/2023 at 6:43 PM, Lala81 said:

Hmm going to be difficult to drill with the panel above. Probably need to take down first? 

Not necessarily have to take down the panel  but make sure your face is not directly under the debris coming down from your drilling.  wear a pair of goggle. But to take down the panel would be easier to work and the taking down is easy, maybe 4 screws only ? 

[Ct3833]

 Delete

Edited September 16, 2023 by Ct3833

[Gunzy]

On 9/16/2023 at 6:11 PM, Lala81 said:

Has anyone drill into alu panel. 

Just realized what I bought doesn't match my mother's place hinge. Rookie mistake, just assume. 

I can't find this hinge online. 

This is a hafele hinge but it sucks. I was thinking I just might as well switch to the generic cheap pneumatic gas lift hinges which at least once the mountings are in place are easy to replace when spoilt. 

Like the below. 

iirc , ur parents stay at clementi, u can bring the old part to the hardwareshop nearby to see if they have

[Ct3833]

@Lala81  did you check the various type of lid support hinges ? Maybe can find what you need. 

 

https://shp.ee/7hh3uzc

[Lala81]

On 9/16/2023 at 7:00 PM, Ct3833 said:

@Lala81  did you check the various type of lid support hinges ? Maybe can find what you need. 

 

https://shp.ee/7hh3uzc

Its a hafele branded hinge. Searched Lazada and shopee quite a bit. Don't have. Can go hardware shop to find. But problem is that it's not even a good system. So replacing like for like is pretty waste time imo. 

The normal cheap China gas lift hinge is better than this lol in terms of function. 

[Ct3833]

@Lala81  you  probably would have  searched this site below but just in case not. But agree, if you do not mind drilling, then some cheaper common parts makes sense. 

https://www.hafele.com.sg/en/products/furniture-living-solutions/flap-fittings-stays/47/

[Mkl22]

On 9/15/2023 at 9:57 AM, Lala81 said:

I think fridge most common problem is overloading the fridge until there is poor air circulation leading to ice formation in the system and that leads to a not cold system.

I have 2 fridges. The reason is my older fridge gets this problem when overloaded.

Just need to shut down for 1 day. remove everything, let the ice in the system melt. then start back everything, good to go again. But cannot overload the fridge. 

Also check the seals. Maybe letting too much air. 

[Lala81]

On 9/16/2023 at 7:53 PM, Mkl22 said:

Also check the seals. Maybe letting too much air. 

Happpened few times liao. I usually take the chance to clean the fridge out also. 

The door magnetic seal is bit weak. can no longer keep the door closed without setting off the door open alarm. 

Lol what I did was to duct tape a 50cent coin as a spacer. Think almost a year liao, duct tape still holding up lol. Downside is that fridge light is disabled. 

Edited September 16, 2023 by Lala81

[Kb27]

On 9/16/2023 at 7:57 PM, Lala81 said:

Happpened few times liao. I usually take the chance to clean the fridge out also. 

The door magnetic seal is bit weak. can no longer keep the door closed without setting off the door open alarm. 

Lol what I did was to duct tape a 50cent coin as a spacer. Think almost a year liao, duct tape still holding up lol. Downside is that fridge light is disabled. 

maybe install some neodymium magnets, those with a hole in the middle where you can attached a screw to.

https://www.amazon.sg/LOVIMAG-Waterproof-Neodymium-Countersunk-Workplace-Pack/dp/B0B1M7FVSF/

[Lala81]

On 9/17/2023 at 3:48 PM, Kb27 said:

maybe install some neodymium magnets, those with a hole in the middle where you can attached a screw to.

https://www.amazon.sg/LOVIMAG-Waterproof-Neodymium-Countersunk-Workplace-Pack/dp/B0B1M7FVSF/

ha dont need an elegant solution. I love duct tape.

[Fcw75]

Any recommendation for companies to change toilet door?

[TangoCharlie]

On 9/18/2023 at 7:22 AM, Fcw75 said:

Any recommendation for companies to change toilet door?

changed mine 2 years back with xin lucky star pte ltd.  simple bifold, top roller, bottom track. About 280 a set.