Question: We have an original Del Webb, 2-lamp, kitchen ceiling fluorescent fixture that is flickering and hesitant to light up. The bulbs have been replaced with no effect. I believe it is the ballast that is dying. We also have several older 4-lamp fixtures in basement that are acting up too. Can you recommend a local electrical handyman that can repair fluorescent fixtures?
Answer: Fluorescent light fixtures are so inexpensive that you are usually better off replacing the whole fixture, rather than paying someone to disassemble the old one and replace the ballast. There are also design considerations to replacing with a modern fixture that you can install yourself.
Question: We would like to paint the shutters on our 12-year-old Fox. Do you know if the shutters are vinyl?
Answer: Take a knife and whittle a small strip of the plastic off an area where it won’t show. If the plastic is relatively soft, it is probably vinyl. Be sure to get approval from the Modifications and Compliance department for any changes you plan to do on the exterior of your house.
Question: I have a Dearborn model home and need to install two grab bars on the shower: one on the wall when you first step into the shower where the showerhead is located and another on the long wall across from the double doors without punching a water line. Do you know where the water lines are located in the shower area?
Answer: The water lines usually go straight down from the shower control knob, but if the carpenters got creative when studding the wall the plumber may have had to get creative when locating the water supply lines.
The wall of the shower also impacts how the grab bar gets mounted. This wall may be a cultured marble slab, ceramic tile, or a plastic surround. Just by the way you asked this question I would recommend you hire a handyman to install your grab bars.
Reminder: If you have a basement with a sump pump there is a black hose where the discharge pipe exits the house to guide the water away from the house. This hose needs to be disconnected before the first freeze so an ice plug doesn’t develop that can cause the pump to burn out.
Tip: Sun City houses are aging, and if you haven’t lubricated the deadbolt lock in the last few years, you should do it now. Put the hose from a WD40 can into the key-slot of the deadbolt lock. Press the actuator on the top of the can one time to get oil into the lock. Insert and gently remove the key five times to distribute the lubricant to the tumblers inside the lock.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com
