| Show WATER IN THE BASEMENT Water usually gels into basements through Foundation walls says John Molski a waterproofing technician with UGL Labs in Scranton Pa Many basement leaks can be solved by Cracks or open joints can be plugged with hydraulic cement Most drainage problems can be solved by cleaning and repairing gutters In some cases the ground must be regraded to move water away from the Foundation walls If all else y fails application of a waterproofing paint usuIf will water water stop penetration seeps up through the ally floor install a sump pump in a hole made in the basement floor When water fills the hole the pump moves it out POWER FAILURE When you lose all power it's often the utility's fault Turn off or unplug appliances to guard against parts being damaged when the power returns Store flashlights and spare batteries in one spot that everyone in the household is familiar with suggests Sally Stewart of lire Arizona Public Service Co "Chemical sticks that light up are safer than candles says Anthony Visnesky of the Illinois Commerce Commission If only some appliances or lights aren't working check the circuit breakers Unplug the appliance and switch the circuit breaker back on or replace the fuse If that doesn't work you may have a problem with your wiring Call an electrician Faulty electrical systems need expert attention NO HEAT When die furnace shuts down check to see if the thermostat setting is too low or in the wrong mode COOL instead of HEAT Then check the furnace's emergency switch and its electrical circuit If your furnace uses oil check the fuel level If it uses propane gas check the feed valve to make sure it's on If none of this works call a serviceman SEPTIC SYSTEM BACKS UP First caution everyone in the house not to use any device that requires water Then call your serviceman To reduce the chances of a backup have your septic tank periodically pumped FROZEN PIPES "To keep ice from forming in pipes close to the outside walls open the faucets to let a trickle of water flow because running water won't freeze says John Spinella a retired plumber in Greenlawn NY Pipes can be insulated or wrapped with special tape with a w ire that heats up w hen the pipe gets cold Call a plumber to thaw the pipe or let it thaw naturally Leaks may occur away from the point where the pipe froze If you hear w ater running inside a w all K close the main water valve leading into your house New The good-qualit- F the C$tkr& which liitt free psMieftikwt ret&ir mi other topic cart to pm UJT jweefcdey frtm 8 m home tm Torn Philbin has written SO books on home improvement I j 4 cleans and dries hard floors quickly and easily : 4999 Px Soon Low RoomMatt vacuum -- lightweight With 0 pivvoMftg btvihmB s LfwdeepdeenfnQv I Ktrt -- fr 308)6 (Mfr v-- - 084000) 12999 Seen Low Prtct Ultra Iwtvat Glide" S I I w Outstanding maneuverability with swivel casters - AsWerM 12 amp motor and extra long bos trk system Two ft V f t lk I' J T I 3 M08410S) Powerful vacuum I squeegee 9999 Seors low Pnc Map Vdt New! Dispenses cleaning solution then vacuums it up leaving your floor dean and dry Use on bard floor surfaces only 80810 (Mfr y s MV30CO) Dirt Devil Come seethe many odes of Sears $mn PARADE MAGAZINE DECEMBER T T997 PACE It tkMwtteyf T dSrty " 30814 Mfr ! Roctoueftt and 0 SWachon Guaranteed or wr Monty Back 1 |
