The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
First Aid For The Ailing Houses
Mark each weak spot with chalk. Cover the seal at these places with several tliicknesses of friction tape or black plastic tape, to increase the thickness of the seal. Do this until the dollar bill resists being withdrawn while the door is closed.
Motors require little maintenance and care outside of oiling properly, according to the manufacturer's directions. If the motor has an oil cup filled with felt at each bearing, see that the felt is kept moist, but not wet, with oil, A couple of drops every month or two should do the job. Universal motors require occasional brush changes, especially where they are run constantly. The brushes are usually accessible by removing small slotted plastic plugs at the sides of the motor case. Underneath these plugs will be found small springs with carbon pieces attached. If the carbon brushes are worn down almost to the spring, they should be replaced. Replacement brushes may be obtained by visiting an electrical supply shop with one of the old brushes as a model.
Doorbells in older houses are often battery-operated. A large, cylindrical, 11/2-volt dry cell is usually hidden in a box somewhere near the bell itself. When such a doorbell goes dead it is frequently the result of this battery having run down. A little searching will usually discover the hiding place, and the battery may easily be changed. More modern doorbells have transformers which are connected with the 110-volt house circuits. These seldom require care or repair.
Underwriters Labels Electrical equipment, cords, and appliances should come with an Underwriters Label fastened to them at some point. These are various sizes, colors, and shapes, depending upon the unit it is attached to, but such a label indicates that the appliance or cord was manufactured to comply with the National Electrical Code, and does not present a hazard in operation. Before buying, insist on being shown the "U.L." seal.
Illuminating Light Switches Painting wall switch plates with luminous paint makes them easy to locate in the dark, and is a good safety precaution for plates which are located near stairways, heating pipes, radiators, etc. Many switches are made with tiny, dim bulbs which glow when the light is off. These are excellent.
LEARNING THE PLUMBING
ON OCCUPYING A HOUSE, each member of the household should be made familiar with the shutoff valves, so that, in case of a leak or other accident, damage by escaping water can be reduced or avoided.
Without delay, the plumbing should be explained by an architect, builder, plumber, or someone else familiar with it. A tag should be attached to each part describing its purpose and use. Ordinary baggage tags can be used. Examples of the wording may be as follows:
