Practical tips & advice for theHome Repair & Maintenance course

Six Town Housing6 Knowsley Place, Angouleme Way, Bury BL9 0EL

Tel: 0161 686 8000 Fax: 0161 764 5078

The content of this leaflet is to raise awareness and provide tips, it is not aformal training guide. We cannot be held responsible for any injuries that may

occur. For further guidance please refer toThe Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)

www.rospa.com/homesafety/advice/general/preventing_accidents.htmor call: 0121 248 2000

Contents

2 Hand Tools Safe Working Practices

4 Power Tool Safety

7 How to Saw Wood with a Handsaw

8 How to Put up a Shelf

10 DIY Tips - Decorating

14 DIY Tips - Electrics

16 Plumbing

First of all, try placing the palm of your hand over the plug hole and pump itup and down a few times, to see if the water level begins to drop. Of coursethis is a very simple way to plunge the sink but it can work. There are thegood old fashioned sink plungers - a suction cup on the end of a stick - whichworks just as well. Placing the plunger cup over the plug hole, cutting off theair (cover the overflow with a damp cloth) and then pumping up and down,can dislodge any item that is small enough to be moved by the current.

With DIY now becoming one of the fastest growing leisure pursuits, thereare always new tools coming onto the market, the latest is known as the‘Blast Plunger’. This is effectively a pump which covers the plug hole but youforce air in and out using a pump handle.

Removing the U BendThere may be occasions where a plunger won’t dislodge items and solveblockage issues. If this is the case you will need to undo the U-bend. To dothis you should have the following to hand:

Bucket •Waterproof Tape (P.T.F.E. Tape) • Plunger (if necessary)Screwdriver •Towel or Cloth

You will notice the U-bend has two sets of threads - one directly the sinkand one further along where the bend finishes. Unscrew the first set ofthreads, underneath the sink, and then slowly and gently pull it free. Youshould place a bucket and towel underneath the the sink to catch any wateror debris that may be stuck. Then undo the second set of threads, at the endof the bend. This will allow you to move this section of pipe, which is theshape of the letter U.

If there is a blockage it will most likely be in this section of pipe and you canuse a screwdriver or a piece of flexible wire to clean out the inside. Onceyou are satisfied that the blockage has been cleared, replace the pipe,screwing the threads tightly shut - but not too tightly or they may crack. Usea few strips of waterproof tape to seal around the edges just to ensure thereare no excessive drips and then plunge the sink again.

After you have completed this procedure you should find the sink is blockagefree.

Silicone sealingTo help smooth the silicone when applying, use WD-40 spray or washing-upliquid.

To help keep straight lines use masking tape.

When sealing around a bath, you should fill the bath first with water to helpstop movement when the bath is in use.

Plumbing

Tools are the means by which you are able to do agood job.

They are part of your skill and so they must alwaysbe respected.

General• Never use tools with rough, splinteredor badly worn handles

• Do not use tools with mushroomed or broken heads• Use the proper tool for the job

Hammers• These must be fitted with good balanced handles• Keep hammer heads tightly wedged on their shafts• Renew wooden handles that are split• Always keep the striking head clean• Cracked, burred or badly worn hammers shouldnot be used

Hand Tools - Safe Working Practices

The supply pipes can be connected to the other end. Once they have both been connected they can be tightened with a spanner.

• When the taps have been connected the water supply can be turned backon. Any new pipework should be checked for leaks. If any leaks occur theycan be stopped simply by tightening joints. Otherwise the system willhave to be drained and a closer more thorough investigation undertaken.

How to unblock a sinkAt one time or another you may well be called upon to unblock a sink inthe kitchen or the bathroom.

The kitchen sink is the most common sink to be unblocked simply becausefood gathers in and around the plug hole and gather.

Both the sinks and toilet in your home are attached to what is referred toas the “foul water drain”, a drain which takes waste water and wasteproducts away from the home and into the main sewage system.

The U BendMost blockages occur in the sink’s ‘U-bend’ and this is usually the bestplace to start.

The shape of the ‘U-bend’ causes larger pieces of food and debris tobecome stuck causing the blockage.

Blocked sinksThe first thing you will notice when it comes to a blocked sink is that thewater may still continue to drain, but will take longer to do so. If you noticethis problem, it is better to act sooner rather than later. Likewise blockedsinks will fill with water when there is no plug in the plug hole.

If you have children in the household then it is best to tell them what notto put down the plug hole. Many DIY enthusiasts have themselves removedcotton buds, cotton wool, disposable kitchen towels and all manner ofthings including - as we have already mentioned - foodstuffs.

PlungingThe first way to establish if you have a blockage that cannot easily be re-moved is to try and plunge the plug hole. Plunging is simply a case of addingand removing air to the pipe in order to dislodge anything that might bestuck.

Plumbing

Screwdrivers• Use the correct size of screwdriver for the job• Never hit a screwdriver with a hammer• Do not use a screwdriver as a chisel• Do not carry long screwdrivers in your pockets• Keep the ends square and in good condition• Do not use screwdrivers on work held in the hand

Chisels• Always keep chisels clean• Protect the sharp edges of chisels when theyare stored or carried

• Keep your hands behind the cutting edges when in use

File• Make sure that every file has a handle• Do not use a file as a cold chisel or level• Always grip the file firmly

Spanners• Do not use a spanner as a hammer• Ensure that the correct size of spanner is used• Ensure that your hands will not get stuck• Never use a spanner with worn jaws• Use a rigid spanner rather than an adjustable spanner• Do not extend a spanner to increase the leverage

Hand Tools - Sa

fe Working Practice

sRemoval of old tapsIf you are replacing existing taps the basin or bath, without replacing a newbasin/bath, the first thing to do is disconnect the water (see “Cutting off thewater supply”). Turn the taps on fully to drain any water still in the system.The process of removing the existing taps can prove quite problematic dueto restricted access.

Use a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner, tap key) or a tap tool to undo thenut which connects the supply pipe to the taps. Some water will come fromthe pipes, so have a clean cloth ready. Once the supply pipes have beenremoved, use the same tool to loosen the nut that is holding the taps ontothe bath/basin - single taps will have to be stopped from turning during thisprocess. Once the taps have been removed the holes in the bath/basin willhave to be cleaned, removing any old sealing compound.

Before fitting the new taps compare the pipe connections of the old taps tothe new taps. I the old taps are longer than the new taps then a shankadaptor is required so that the new taps will fit.

Fitting new taps• If the tails of the new taps are plastic then a plastic connector is required to prevent damage to the thread; one end of the connector fits on theplastic tail of the tap and the other end provides a connection to the existing water pipes.

• If a monobloc is to be fitted then reducing couplers will be required. Thereducing coupler allows the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to connect tothe standard 15mm supply pipe.

• Then to fit the new taps, position the tap in the mounting hole in thebath/basin ensuring that the washers are in place on top between the tapand the sink.

• Then secure the tap in place with the back nut provided. When the tap issecurely in place the supply pipes can be connected to the tails of thetaps.

The taps can either be connected with normal tap connectors or by usingcorrugated copper piping (flexi hoses/tap connectors). Corrugated pipinghas the advantage that it can be bent to compensate for misalignment ofthe supply pipes to the taps. The corrugated pipes have a tap fitting at oneend and a compression fitting at the other. The corrugated pipes should beconnected to the tap ends first, tightening by hand only.

Plumbing

When using any kind of power tool, safety must be yourfirst consideration.

Eye protection is essential and ear defenders are a goodidea for prolonged use.

Some form of dust extraction is also beneficial with heavyuse to avoid respiratory complaints.

Get to know your power tools; knowing how your powertools work will help you stay safe when using them.

Always find a comfortable and secure way to grip themachine.

White fingerExcessive vibration from all power tools can cause “White Finger”; this isdue to the vibration restricting blood supply to the fingers, although it canalso affect toes, the ears and nose. Should you notice any numbness it is ad-visable to stop working and seek medical help immediately.

DIY safety tips• Read everything! Manuals contain essential advice on how to operate andmaintain your new power tool. Thus is especially important if this is your first time using a tool of this type

• Do not use inappropriate tools. Do not try to make do with tools that are not designed to do the job

• When not using a power tool switch it off at the wall to avoid it starting accidently

• If using a drill with a chuck key, always remove the key from the chuck. A flying chuck key can cause nasty injuries

• If you are using cutting or grinding discs make sure you have the correctdisc for the material being cut to avoid shattering

• Use appropriate safety gear. Including gloves, goggles, boots etc.

Power Tool Safety

Plumbing

Cutting off the water supplyWhere you cut off the water will depend on the type of water supply youare dealing with - a cold water supply or a hot one, and whereabouts yourtaps are being fed from. Below are some easy steps to follow for fourdifferent situations.

If your tap is connected to the mains, it is relatively simple to cut off thesupply. Turn off the indoor stop stop valve. If it is stiff, it is advisable to use aspanner, or to apply a little oil. When this has been done, simply drain theremaining water away by turning on the taps until the water flow hasstopped.

If your hot or cold feeds off pipes from the cistern, there should be either agate valve or mini stopcock available to turn off . The stop valve can be found alongside thecold water tank. When these have been turned off, switch on the tap untilthe water flow has stopped. N.B. If you find that neither the gate valve northe stopcock is present, then the cistern itself will have to be drained.

To drain the cistern you must first prevent water entering the the systemby switching it off at the mains. Alternatively you can tie up the ball valve byplacing a piece of wood across the tank and tying the arm of the ball valveto it. Either way, the flow of water will be stopped. The bath room taps canthen be turned on to drain the remaining water.

If for some reason you wish to turn off the outdoor stopcock, you will firstneed to find it outside your property. If you cannot locate it, get in touchwith your water company. Take the cover off and insert the stopcock key.When you have reached the handle at the bottom , turn it clockwise to cutthe flow off.

Fitting new tapsThere are a number of reasons for replacing your taps - a new bath, basin,faulty or worn taps or for domestic reasons.

The types of taps you can have are dependent upon your bath/basin.

If there is only one hole for the taps, then you will require a mono-blocmixer (these have two smaller diameters coming out of the single hole forhot and cold).

If there are two holes then you can have separate hot and cold taps or atwo hole mixer (two holes one spout). Some mixers have a lever on themfor controlling the plug (i.e. opening and closing).

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• Ensure others around you know what you are doing and what areas toavoid whilst you are working

• Make sure that your electrical supply is safe. Check the condition of anycables, extension leads, plugs and sockets before commencing work

• Ensure that electric cables are a good distance away from the materialyou intend to cut

• Never use electric power tools in wet conditions

• Ensure that a power tool has completely come to a stop before placing the tool down or inspecting its settings. It is always a good idea to unplug a tool before making an adjustment, to avoid it starting accidently

• Do not carry a power tool by its cord, this can loosen any connection inside the machine, should you fall on the tool it could seriously hurt you

• Clamp everything down. If drilling or cutting do not rely on hand pressurealone to keep the work piece from moving

• Use a pipe/cable detector on walls and floors. Avoid drilling into pipes andelectrical cables

• Keep children away from all tools

• If you are using a tool that produces sparks or hot material, do so only in an area with no flammable material or liquids

• Keep your working area well lit

• Do not be tempted to remove or hinder any safety features onpower tools

• If cutting through old wood, ensure that all nails and screws have been removed. If a circular saw blade hits one it can cause the saw to jump

• Always make clear marks where you intend to cut or drill. This willenable you to focus on the job rather than have to keep checking your alignment

Power Tool Safety

Plumbing

Here are some tips to help you, don’t forget you may needto turn off the water first.

Replacing a washer in a tapFirst the water supply to the tap has to be turned off. This can be done eitherby a stopcock near the tap, service valve or, if all else fails, switching off thewater to the house (see “Cutting off the water supply”). Once the watersupply has been turned off, turn the tap on as far as it will go. Insert the pluginto the plug hole, this will save any small objects that might fall from he tapduring repair.

Dismantle the head of a tap If the tap has a metal cover then this needs to be removed. Be sure toprotect the tap surface from any tool, ideally unscrewing by hand. A block ofwood to support the spout can be quite useful for opposing any forceapplied with a spanner. With the cover removed, the nut which contains thetap spindle and washer should be revealed. Use spanner to unscrew and liftout the tap assembly from the base and spout.

The washer should be at the bottom of the removed assembly The washer isattached in one of two ways; it is either held in place with a small nut orpushed on over a centre point.

If the washer is held in place with a nut then it could be very difficult toremove. In this case oil the nut with a penetrating oil to ease any corrosion.Once the old washer has been removed fit the new washer. Reassemble thetap in reverse order.

• If you feel fatigued or if your concentration wanders, then stop working

• Tuck in or change any loose clothing and tie long hair back. Remember, anything that gets caught in a power tool can quickly cause bodilydamage

• If a tool appears damaged or makes an unusual sound when running then do not use the tool until you have checked it thoroughly or soughtprofessional advice

• Do not attempt to repair power tools yourself unless qualified to do so

• Always use proper support when cutting large pieces. Your own body is not proper support, enlist the help of another to provide safe support if required

• Power tools with a plastic outer casing are considered to be doubleinsulated and may not require electrical grounding. However, this doesnot eliminate the risk of a shock

• Don’t operate power tools if you have drunk alcohol

• When drilling into walls, stop brick dust from going everywhere bymaking a paper envelope out of A4 to catch the brick dust under the holeto be drilled out, fixed with Sellotape or Blu-tak

Power Tool Safety How to fit a plug

Tools required:-• Side cutters (snips)• A medium cross-head or flat screwdriver depending on plug top• A Stanley knife and if you have them• A pair of wire cutters.

Remember:Brown = LiveBlue = NeutralYellow & Green = Earth

Remove approximately 5cm of outer sheath from the flex. To do this scorearound the flex with your knife, taking care not to cut into the conductorsinside. Just bend the flex at the score mark once or twice and it should pulloff. Prepare the plug top by unscrewing the top and loosening the cable inside.

Now place the flex where the cable grip will hold it in place and mark the thelive conductor for cutting. Cut and strip sufficient insulation from the conductorto provide enough copper for the terminal screw to screw down on securely.

Once the live conductor is terminated I normally fit the cable grip around theflex to hold it in place, this is down to personal preference, you can of course fitit last if you prefer. Measure the Neutral conductor to length, strip and connect,then finally measure the Earth conductor to length, again strip and connect. Nowfit the appropriate fuse to suit the appliance and put the top back on securely.

Broken bulb If your bulb has broken at the holder, turn the power off at the mains. Makingabsolutely sure no one can turn it back on by mistake, push a carrot into thebrass connector and use it as a handle to twist the bulb out.

DIY Tips - E

lectrics

A clean cut depends on a steady hand.Follow these steps for cutting wood safely with a handsaw.

• Measure the wood with a tape measure and mark it with a straight edge for cutting. Draw along the desired cut - this is your “cut line”

• Clamp the wood to a workbench or sawhorse ensuring the area to becut is easily accessible

• Rest a handsaw on the far edge of the cut line, with most of the teeth on the wood. Angle the saw tip down slightly. The handle should be slightly above the level of your elbow

• Grasp the saw handle with one hand, maintaining a firm but relaxed grip. Hold the wood steady with your hand a safe distance from the saw - this will be your guide hand

• Loop the thumb of your guide hand over the top of the wood

• Pull the saw towards you once, pressing down firmly. Pick up the saw; replace it in your original position

• Repeat until until you have cut a notch in the wood’s edge

• Level the saw slightly and continue sawing back and forth

• Press down less heavily as you come to the end of the task to avoidsplintering the wood

Wood cutting• Twice I’ve cut this piece of wood and it’s still too short: -Whatever you are doing at home or in the garden, remember this,measure twice.............cut once!

Tips and warnings

• If you lose sight of the cut line in the sawdust, stop sawing, close youreyes and blow the dust away, before continuing

• For milled timber use a small-toothed saw. For tree limbs or wood that can be cut roughly, use a saw with bigger teeth

• Avoid cutting through knots in the wood whenever possible

• Watch your fingers

• As you finish cutting, be careful not to drop the saw through onto your leg

How To Saw Wood with a Handsaw

DIY Tips - Electrics

Fortunately, the majority of household electrical itemsbought today are fitted with a moulded plug and thecorrect rated fuse, but it is worth having a range ofdifferent rated fuses at home, then at least when theyneed replacing you have a suitable fuse available.

Fuse ratings in plugsAll electrical items in the house should have a plug fitted with theappropriate fuse rating. The load (amps) of electrical equipment andappliances can be calculated as follows:

1KW = 1000 Watts Volts = 240V

So if you have a 240 volt heater rated at 3KW (3000 watts) it will have aLoad of 12.5 amps.

Therefore it requires a fuse rated 13 amps. Fuses rated at 3, 5, and 13 ampscan be bought from most DIY stores. Fuses rated at 2 and 10 amp are harderto buy unless you go to an electrical wholesaler. The problem in most homesis that if a replacement plug is fitted to an electrical item it will more thanlikely be fitted with a 13 amp fuse, regardless of what wattage it is.

The one item in the house that is usually fused incorrectly is the bedsidelamp. It probably has a lamp of no more than 60 watts so has a load of 0.25amps and may be fitted with a 13 amp fuse.

If the lamp develops a fault there is a good chance the cable will melt beforethe fuse blows and could even cause an electrical fire. So fit the lowest ratedfuse available, either 2 or 3 amp.

• Kettle = 13 amp • 500 watt = 3 amp• Table lamp = 3 amp • 1 KW = 5 amp• Hi-Fi System = 5amp • 2KW = 10 amp• 3KW heater = 13amp • 3KW = 13 amp• Radio = 2 or 3 amp

The following colours are used to identify conductors in a 3 core flex.

Brown = LiveBlue = NeutralGreen/Yellow = Earth

KWVolts

= Amps

3000240

= 12.5 Amps

DIY Tips - D

ecorating

When you have chosen your shelf, you have to choosethe right fixings.

Choosing the correct fixings for your wall is very important.

For brick or concrete block plaster walls, use heavy duty plastic wall plugsand wood screws. 3.2mm (No. 8 - refers to the size of the screw head) or5.5mm (10)

To work out the length of screw you’ll need, add the thickness of yourplaster to the depth of the bracket/track, then add a further 30mm

For lightweight block and plaster finish, use “universal” plugs

For stud walls with skimmed plasterboard, it’s always best to screw into thewooden studs (use a stud detector). Don’t use wall plugs, screw straightinto a pilot hole. If you can’t screw into a stud, use hollow wall fixings butlimit the load on your shelves

Treat dry partition walls the same way as stud walls with skimmed

plasterboard

Getting prepared• Use cable/pipe detector and mark the position of any cables or pipes.Move all your furniture out of the way and put down a dust sheet

CrackingSometimes called ”checking”. This usually happens in regular crackingpatterns on the surface of the paint. Applying the top coat of paint beforethe one beneath it is completely dry will cause cracking as both coats dryat different rates, causing shrinkage.

PeelingIf areas of paint can be easily peeled off it is usually due to a contaminatedsurface or use of the wrong primer.

No shine to glossThis will happen if the primer used is too thin, or if insufficient primer orundercoat has been used. The absorbent timber will soak in paint tooquickly and leave a poor finish.

Slow dryingGenerally caused by moisture contamination, old paint whose drying agenthas evaporated or low temperatures.

WrinklesToo much paint applied in one go....vertically, it just runs!!

How To Put Up A Shelf

DIY Tips - Decorating

How To Put Up A Shelf

Faults in painted surfacesFaults in painted surfaces can be a nuisance and can sometimes be avoided.Here are some common faults.

Grey or white surface hazeSometimes it is called “blooming”. This is a result of moisture during drying.The moisture can be from condensation in an unventilated room or waterfrom another source such as rainfall.

BlisteringAlmost always caused by moisture in the timber which has been paintedover, without being allowed to dry properly.The moisture tries to evaporatebut can not get through the paint. The paint will eventually crack and peel,allowing more moisture in. Window sills are very prone to these blistersbecause the end of the sills have not been prepared properly, allowing themoisture in.

This fault often occurs on metal surfaces as well. This is due to the surfacenot being prepared properly before painting, including rust removal and theuse of a primer. The interaction between the different metal surfaces cancause “electrolytic corrosion” which may also cause blistering.

Hanging a shelf on brackets• Make a mark on the wall where the bottom of the shelf will be. Draw ahorizontal line from this point using a spirit level.

• Mark the ends of the shelf on this line and vertical lines where thebrackets go i.e. 100mm to 150mm in from either end of the shelf.

• Hold a bracket against the wall, with a piece of wood on top of it, where the shelf would be and line it up with the vertical and horizontal marks on the wall. Mark the screw holes with pencil

• Use a hammer drill and masonry bit to drill holes to suit the wall plugs orfittings that you are using

• Insert the plugs and screw the brackets to the wall

• Lastly, screw your shelf to the brackets to make sure it doesn’t tip whenin use

• If you want more than one shelf simply follow the same procedure, usinga spirit level to make sure they all line up

Decorating is not everyone’s favourite hobby.

We’ve highlighted a number of tips that can save you time.

Masking alternativeMasking tape can be a pain to get off and can easily leave marks, which areworse than the paint would have been. Spend some time cutting newspaperinto strips and damp each strip before using it as masking tape. Thedampness will allow you to manoeuvre it in to position and keep it stuck tothe glass long enough for you to paint the frame. It falls off easily afterwards!

Roll it upIf you have finished with your emulsion roller and brush for the day, but in-tend to carry on tomorrow or in a few days, wrap them tightly in a carrierbag. They will stay soft and usable for up to a month if wrapped properly.

Gloss over itLikewise with your gloss brush, but this time keep it in a jar full of water, orat least over the bristles and retaining band....shake it out on the next dayand carry on.

DIY Tips - Decorating

DIY Tips - D

ecorating

Sticky tinWhen you have opened and stirred a new tin of paint, tie a piece of stringtightly between the two rivets where the handle connects. This will enableyou to wipe your brush and rest it, without getting paint all over the tin andyou.

Paint thinnersDo not waste your thinners. Cut the top from a plastic drinks bottle anduse that for cleaning your brushes. The thinner the bottle, the better.

Old brushesHard brushes can be rejuvenated after a spell in hot vinegar. Comb thebristles with a fork afterwards and keep the shape with an elastic banduntil dry.

Messy handlesKeep paint off the handles, hinges and locks by applying some Vaseline on apiece of tissue, to them before you start painting. The paint won’t stick tothat.