How to Replace your Broken Oven Element

The oven element in your electric range can burn out at any time. Unfortunately it always seems to happen at the most inopportune times, such as the week before Christmas or Thanksgiving.

How to Replace your Broken Oven Element

How to Replace your Broken Oven Element

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How to Replace your Broken Oven Element

How to Replace your Broken Oven Element

Most elements do give warnings before burning out. They will often have a bright spot that will be noticed by the homeowner, just prior to burning out. If your element has a bright spot replace it as soon as possible. Waiting for the element to burn out is inadvisable because the oven thermostat or other electric components can be affected.

In all aspects of this job safety must come first. Use only the manufacturers original parts, not a cheaper substitute. Only attempt this repair when you have enough time, and patience, to do it properly. Remember, you will be dealing with 240 volts - that's twice as much power as flows through your regular household circuits. Only attempt this repair with another adult present.

If you feel confident in your ability to safely replace an oven element then try the following method:

1... Disconnect range from electrical power, either by unplugging or turning off breakers. Pull range away from wall so all sides can be accessed.

2... Remove rear panel of range to expose the element wiring. Identify which element you suspect being burnt out.

3... Carefully remove the element wiring. They are usually screwed on connections. Avoid breaking the connections or stripping the screw head with your screwdriver.

4... Go to the front of the range. Locate the screws securing the element within the oven cavity. This may require a flashlight because they are usually covered in debris. Again use caution not to harm the screw heads. The screws may be very tight and will require patience to remove without harming. If the screws will not turn they will have to be drilled out using a high-speed drill. If this becomes necessary use caution not to chip the oven interior.

5... Remove the oven element. If it's broken avoid touching the pieces with your bare hands. The pieces can be very sharp. Plus, the white powdered insulation contains harmful chemicals.

6... Proceed to a parts store to obtain a replacement. Make certain you have your make, model, and serial number. Manufacturers use a vast variety of elements. Each model, type, configuration, and wattage requirements will determine which element was installed in your range.

7... Install the new element and secure it with the screws. If the holes in the mounting plate don't align you will have to drill holes in the cabinet interior. Carefully drill holes in the cabinet using a high-speed drill. Use caution not to let drill slip to avoid damaging or chipping the interior liner.

8... From the rear of the range reconnect the element wiring. Don't bent the electrical connections or allow the screws to strip the threads. If the wiring is burnt the insulation must be cut back to expose undamaged wire. Cut the insulation back using a knife or wire-stripping tool.

9... With the new element installed plug the range back into the electricity. Start the oven and allow to run for five minutes. Disconnect the electricity and quickly feel the wiring insulation at the element connections. They should feel slightly warm, but not hot. A hot connection indicates a poor connection, or the possible failure of other components associated with the oven. If hot, it will be necessary to remove it and redo. Once satisfied with connections replace the rear panel and reinstall into counter.

10... Test the oven operation. All elements should go off and on as per normal.

11... Final step is to do a test run of the oven temperature. If you have an oven thermometer allow the oven to cycle off three or four times at a regular baking temperature. The thermometer should indicate same temperature at which the oven dial is set. As a confirmation bake something such as muffins or cookies as your test substance.

As the preceding has shown, replacing a burnt element is not a difficult repair. But, it is certainly one that should only be attempted by someone who is confident around electricity. If you are uncertain about your ability around high voltage, telephone an appliance repairperson for help.

An appliance repairperson can have your element replaced, tested, and operating in less than an hour. Less time than it will take you to find the part. Also, they will have all the tools and testers required to do the job quickly and safely.

How to Replace your Broken Oven Element

How to Cure a Smelly Washing Machine

In my time as a domestic appliance repair man, I have been asked many many times "how can I get rid of that smell from my washing machine?" - here is my PERSONAL method and reasons why your machine smells in the first place.

How to Cure a Smelly Washing Machine

How to Cure a Smelly Washing Machine

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How to Cure a Smelly Washing Machine

How to Cure a Smelly Washing Machine

Why does your machine smell?

There are a couple of reasons you get a smelly washer, firstly mould and fungus - this is caused mainly by our modern liquid detergents that, although great for our clothes and much better for the environment than the old fashioned bleach based powders, they unfortunately leave a residue in the machine that bacteria just love. This bacteria eventually forms into mould and or fungus. This is most easily identified by a nasty black staining around the door seal, and I bet if you remove the dispenser draw, there will be the same black mould all over the back wall of the hole.

The second most common reason for a smelly washing machine is quite simply a clogged drain and/or pipe work. Most UK households machines are plumbed in via the under sink pipe work. The problem with this is that you are sharing the waste pipe with all that food waste and sludge that we all put down the sink, or comes out of our dishwasher. Invariably, when a washing machine has finished pumping out there will be a certain amount of water that will run back into the waste pipe. This water running back into the waste pipe can bring food waste with it and so you have, animal fat, vegetable matter, pasta - you name it, it could be lying in your pipes going mouldy and causing a nasty odour that finds it way back into your home.

My personal cure.

You need to do a "maintenance wash". This means run the machine at its highest temperature wash, with no clothes in the machine - in effect "boiling" the insides of the machine. I personally put a couple of handfuls of old fashioned washing soda into the drum every time I do maintenance wash just to help it along and leave it smelling fresh. Take a look at your plumbing and see if you can install a vertical "stand" for the machine waste to loop in to - this way its impossible for the food waste to get back into the machine or associated pipe work. Finally, try scrubbing the door seal with a non metallic scourer, if the mould has taken a good hold then you will probably need the seal replacing. The mould behind the dispenser will normally scrub off as the plastic does not let the mould cling as much as the rubber seal.

So there it is, do a regular maintenance wash with soda crystals for an odour free machine.

How to Cure a Smelly Washing Machine

The Benefits of Using a Portable Dehumidifier in Your Home

There are many reasons why you may need a dehumidifier for home use. If your home has a problem with mold formation either in cupboards, wardrobes or in your walls, the air is probably too humid. Mold is not only a problem in that it ruins whatever it comes in contact with, but in many cases it can also be a real health hazard as well.

The Benefits of Using a Portable Dehumidifier in Your Home

The Benefits of Using a Portable Dehumidifier in Your Home

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The Benefits of Using a Portable Dehumidifier in Your Home

The Benefits of Using a Portable Dehumidifier in Your Home

It is also usually extremely expensive to have your home professionally de-molded, especially if it is allowed to exist for too long. Unfortunately, mold sometimes remains hidden in walls, behind wall paper or wall coverings until it has managed to firmly entrench itself in your home. There are some tell tale signs, however, that your home may be too damp.

Some of the earliest signs of too high humidity levels are shoes and clothing left in drawers and wardrobes being covered in mold. This problem may be much worse during winter or when there is a lot of rain falling in the area, or it may be worse during a hot humid summer. If you see mold forming on any of your clothes or on anything else around the home it is time to think about buying a dehumidifier.

If only certain rooms are affected you may want to purchase a few portable single-room dehumidifiers. These are usually fairly elegant looking and they can easily stand in the corner of a room without distracting from the overall appearance of the room. Some portable units are made to sit on top of benches or counters, while others are on wheels and can be moved from room to room very easily.

There is very little maintenance needed with a dehumidifier. Most have a section, usually at the front, where water moisture taken from the air collects. This will need to be emptied whenever it fills up. Depending on how humid the air is, and the size of the dehumidifier, you may need to empty it once or twice a day. You will notice, when the air is less humid, that you can wait for longer periods before needing to empty it. Most of these units simply plug into a wall socket. A dehumidifier for home use should operate fairly quietly, many are barely audible.

Buying a portable dehumidifier for home use is a great idea if your home has problems with mold, as it can be moved from room to room or placed in the room that has the worst humidity problem. It should quite effectively remove excess moisture from the surrounding air. You may also want to place some moisture absorbing materials inside your closets and cupboards as an extra preventative measure.

The Benefits of Using a Portable Dehumidifier in Your Home

Crawlspace - Underhouse - Floods - Water Under Your House Can Cause a Variety of Problems

Standing water or wet soil in your home's crawlspace can come from a variety of sources. These may include but are certainly not limited to the following.

Crawlspace - Underhouse - Floods - Water Under Your House Can Cause a Variety of Problems

Crawlspace - Underhouse - Floods - Water Under Your House Can Cause a Variety of Problems

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Crawlspace - Underhouse - Floods - Water Under Your House Can Cause a Variety of Problems

Crawlspace - Underhouse - Floods - Water Under Your House Can Cause a Variety of Problems

(1) A leaking freshwater supply line, usually galvanized, copper, pvc or pex.
(2) A leaking sewer drain line, usually cast iron, galvanized, clay or ABS.
(3) Naturally high groundwater table.
(4) Over watering of plants around your home (creating a man made high water table).
(5) Sprinklers spraying through the crawlspace vents.
(6) Leaking swimming pools (this is rare).
(7) Improperly directed gutter downspouts.
(8) Stream or river flooding.

Standing water or extremely damp soil in your home's crawlspace (under house) can cause a variety of structural problems and health concerns. Excess humidity caused by the evaporation of standing water or wet soil in your crawlspace can cause mold growth on the wooden foundation and the bottom of sub flooring. It can also cause warping or buckling of sub flooring and mold growth in the living area of the building. If your home has H.V.A.C. (heating , ventilation, air conditioning) ducting in the crawlspace and the system is compromised with excess moisture, microbial amplification may result. All of these issues can possibly create unhealthy indoor air quality. A broken sewer line in your crawlspace and the subsequent release of raw sewage onto your crawlspace soil can create an awful odor problem in your home. Also there are possible health concerns to the constant inhalation of sewer gas from an open or broken sewer line.

Some solutions to the problems mentioned above. Try to determine the source of the water intrusion and correct it yourself. This may be as simple as redirecting sprinkler heads, fixing leaky outdoor faucets or redirecting gutter downspouts. If you suspect plumbing problems, you should call a licensed plumber.

Often, there is too much water under your house for a plumber to properly inspect the pipes, you may need to call a Water Damage Restoration company. Many water damage companies offer crawlspace de-flooding and or sewage cleanup, should the leak be from a sewer drain line. After the water is removed and the crawlspace made accessible a plumber can check for leaky pipes. If your foundation is wet you may need a water damage restoration company to dry it for you, in order to prevent mold growth.

If you have over watering problems or a high water table you may need to contact a landscape engineer or a water proofing contractor to design a French drain system or other remedy to keep water from accumulating under your home. Many plumbing companies or water proofing contractors will also install sump pump systems in the low area of your crawlspace to help combat water pooling. You may also want to consider having a crawlspace dehumidifier installed to regulate the relative humidity to a level that will inhibit structural damage or mold growth. Another way to keep air flowing through the crawlspace (and thereby promoting evaporation) is by installing crawlspace ventilation fans over your existing crawlspace vents. There are also companies who can completely encapsulate your crawlspace with thick plastic, thereby effectively sealing your home off from the ground.

As you can see there are many problems that can arise from excessive water or moisture in your home or buildings crawlspace and just as many solutions. Should you suspect a problem that may need a professional solution, a good place to start is on the internet with your favorite search engine and a search for "crawlspace". This should get you started in the right direction with any crawlspace (under house) issues you may have.

Crawlspace - Underhouse - Floods - Water Under Your House Can Cause a Variety of Problems

Paul Davis Restoration, Wilmington, NC --Major baptize acknowledgment and restoration

Paul Davis Restoration, Wilmington, NC --Major baptize acknowledgment and restoration Video Clips. Duration : 3.77 Mins.

Entire 4000+ sq ft wing of the house (including 5 car garage) was flooded over a weekend, two story loss, no power ***on site power sources (two diesel generators), 5500 dessicant dehumidifier, dried in 3 days, and then fully restored.

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