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Gas leak… a real problem.

repairfinder — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:04:30 +0200

Although natural gas is by nature colorless and odorless, scents in the form of traces of mercaptans are usually added, to assist in identifying leaks. This odor commonly takes the form of rotting eggs. If this scent is detected, it is recommended to evacuate the area immediately, usually to the outside. Do not light fires/cigarettes, and do not operate electrical appliances/light switches/phones, as these may act as points of ignition. Once in a safe area, contact your natural gas provider.

Because of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 passed in the United States within the past few years, Federal Safety Standards require natural gas providing companies to conduct safety inspections for gas leaks in homes and other buildings receiving natural gas. The gas company is required to inspect gas meters and inside gas piping from the point of entry into the building to the outlet side of the gas meter for gas leaks. This requires entry into private homes by the natural gas companies in many cases.

Most state and federal agencies have adopted the Gas Piping and Technology Committee (GPTC) standards for grading natural gas leaks

A Grade 1 leak is a leak that represents an existing or probable hazard to persons or property, and requires immediate repair or continuous action until the conditions are no longer hazardous. Examples of a Grade 1 Leak are:

1. Any leak which, in the judgment of operating personnel at the scene, is regarded as an immediate hazard.

2. Escaping gas that has ignited.

3. Any indication of gas, which has migrated into or under a building, or into a tunnel.

4. Any reading at the outside wall of a building, or where gas would likely migrate to an out-side wall of a building.

5. Any reading of 80% LEL, or greater, in a confined space.

6. Any reading of 80% LEL, or greater in small substructures (other than gas associated sub structures) from which gas would likely migrate to the outside wall of a building.

7. Any leak that can be seen, heard, or felt, and which is in a location that may endanger the general public or property.

A Grade 2 Leak is a leak that is recognized as being non-hazardous at the time of detection, but justifies scheduled repair based on probable future hazard.

Examples of a Grade 2 Leak are:

A. Leaks Requiring Action Ahead of Ground Freezing or Other Adverse Changes in Venting Conditions. Any leak which, under frozen or other adverse soil conditions, would likely migrate to the outside wall of a building.

B. Leaks Requiring Action within Six Months

1. Any reading of 40% LEL, or greater, under a sidewalk in a wall-to-wall paved area that does not qualify as a Grade 1 leak.

2. Any reading of 100% LEL, or greater, under a street in a wall-to-wall paved area that has significant gas migration and does not qualify as a Grade 1 leak.

3. Any reading less than 80% LEL in small substructures (other than gas-associated substructures) from which gas would likely migrate creating a probable future hazard.

4. Any reading between 20% LEL and 80% LEL in a con-fined space.

5. Any reading on a pipeline operating at 30 percent SMYS, or greater, in a class 3 or 4 location, which does not qualify as a Grade 1 leak.

6. Any reading of 80% LEL, or greater, in gas associated sub-structures.

7. Any leak which, in the judgment of operating personnel at the scene, is of sufficient magnitude to justify scheduled repair.

A Grade 3 Leak is a leak that is non-hazardous at the time of detection and can be reasonably expected to remain non-hazardous.

Examples of a Grade 3 Leak are:

1. Any reading of less than 80% LEL in small gas associated substructures.

2. Any reading under a street in areas without wall-to-wall paving where it is unlikely the gas could migrate to the out-side wall of a building.

3. Any reading of less than 20% LEL in a confined space.

If you would like someone to inspect a possible gas leak in your home or office, the best place to go, is Repairfinders.com. All the businesses listed are hardworking, honest individuals, how are more than willing to assist you with any problem you may have. All it takes is a couple minutes of your time to find the company that is the best for you.

A couple of things to think about before...

repairfinder — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:01:46 +0200

If you are thinking about remodeling your home or office, there are many things to consider. One of the biggest is “should I do it myself?” There is no easy answer to this question, but you can help yourself decide by considering the following questions:

1. Do I have the time?

Remodeling can take a considerable amount of time, even for the experts. Most of the time remodeling is actually more difficult than new construction. One of the reasons for this is that you have to prepare the existing components of your structure to blend in with the new.

2. Do I have the know-how?

Your remodeling project will likely require some specific skills to ensure a successful result. These can include carpentry, painting, drywall finishing, flooring, plumbing, electrical, concrete work, excavation, etc. You’ll want to carefully assess your abilities in the skills you’ll need for your own project.

3. Do I have the tools and equipment needed?

Since so many skills are involved, most property owners do not have the needed tools and equipment. If you can get the tools by purchasing, renting or borrowing them, do you have the skills to use them effectively and safely?

4. Do I have enough help?

Remodeling can be very labor intensive; two hands are often not enough. You can always use someone to help carry materials or equipment, or you might need skilled help in order to complete the job in a reasonable time. If you need help, will you have access to the kind of help you need, when you need it?

5. Am I physically able to do the work?

Remodeling is usually strenuous work, involving climbing ladders, working on scaffolds or heavy lifting. You’ll need to decide if you’re physically able to do that kind of work for the extended period your project may take.

6. Do I have a clear idea of what I am trying to accomplish?

Can you draw the necessary building plans, or will you need to get someone else to do this for you? You may need to hire an architect if your remodel is very complex. An architect can help with traffic flow and other factors that may arise when you change rooms, or move walls and doorways.

7. What is my budget?

You should make a careful estimate of all the costs of your project before any work is started. Calculate the costs of all materials, equipment rental, tools, labor, subcontractors etc. Don’t forget to add a budget for any unknowns or surprises that may be revealed later!

8. What kind of subcontractors am I going to need?

You will probably need some skilled subcontractors to perform specialized work that you can’t do. Do you have the time to deal with those subcontractors personally, and do you have the knowledge needed to negotiate with them? If you are unprepared in this area, it can cost you a lot later on.

You may decide when you’ve finished answering these tough questions that you’ll need some help. If you decide to hire a professional remodeling contractor, you should expect someone with years of experience in construction who can provide all the services listed above, including management of all the necessary subcontractors. Your contractor should take care of everything, and manage your project until it is completed in a timely and efficient manner.

Here’s how to find a good remodeling contractor:

1. Go to Repairfinders.com

On Repairfinders.com you will find only the best qualified professionals in your area. All it takes is a couple minutes of your time to find the right one that is best for you.

2. Check out references

Get previous customers’ opinion of the contractor and the work that was done. Talk to local vendors and suppliers to see if that contractor pays his or her bills.

3. Is the contractor local?

Does he or she have a local office, address or phone number? It’s easier to keep track of a local contractor; avoid hiring from out of town or state unless you thoroughly check them out.

4. Look at the contractor’s work

Make sure you look at previous projects or photos of completed work.

If you’re looking for someone who has roots locally and is likely to be around to stand behind the work done on your project, you might also find out if the contractor you’re considering is involved in the community or in non-profit organizations, or provides support for community projects.

All you will ever need to know about App...

repairfinder — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:29:57 +0200

Home appliance repairers, also known as in-home service professionals, install and repair home appliances. Some repairers work on small appliances such as microwave ovens and vacuum cleaners. Others specialize in major appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers, and window air conditioning units. (Workers whose primary responsibility is the installation and repair of heating and central air conditioning units are covered in a separate Handbook statement on heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers-although some worker responsibilities may overlap.) Home appliance repairers install household durable goods such as refrigerators, washing machines, and cooking products. They may have to install pipes in a customer’s home to connect the appliances to a gas or water line. In these cases, once the lines are in place, they turn on the gas or water and check for leaks. Home appliance repairers also answer customers’ questions about the care and use of appliances.

When problems with home appliances occur, home appliance repairers visually inspect the appliance and check for unusual noises, excessive vibration, leakage of fluid, or loose parts to determine the cause of the failure. Repairers disassemble the appliance to examine its internal parts for signs of wear or corrosion. They follow service manuals and use testing devices such as ammeters, voltmeters, and wattmeter’s to check electrical systems for shorts and faulty connections.

After identifying problems, home appliance repairers replace or repair defective belts, motors, heating elements, switches, gears, or other items. They tighten, align, clean, and lubricate parts as necessary. Repairers use common hand tools, including screwdrivers, wrenches, files, and pliers, as well as soldering guns and tools designed for specific appliances. When repairing appliances with electronic parts, they may replace circuit boards or other electronic components.

When repairing refrigerators and window air-conditioners, repairers must take care to conserve, recover, and recycle chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydro chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants used in the cooling systems, as is required by law. Federal regulations also require that home appliance repairers document the capture and disposal of refrigerants.

Repairers write up estimates of the cost of repairs for customers, keep records of parts used and hours worked, prepare bills, and collect payments. If an appliance is still under warranty, self-employed repairers will talk with the original appliance manufacturer to recoup monetary claims for work performed.

Work environment. Home appliance repairers who handle portable appliances usually work in quiet and adequately lighted and ventilated repair shops. Those who repair major appliances may spend several hours a day driving to and from appointments and emergency calls. Repairers sometimes work in cramped and uncomfortable positions when they are replacing parts in hard-to-reach areas of appliances. Repairer jobs generally are not hazardous, but workers must exercise care and follow safety precautions to avoid electrical shocks and gas leaks, and prevent injuries when lifting and moving large appliances.

Home appliance repairers usually work with little or no direct supervision. Many home appliance repairers work a standard 40-hour week, but may work overtime and weekend hours in the summer months, when they are in high demand to fix refrigerators and window mounted air-conditioners. Some repairers work early morning, evening, and weekend shifts and may remain on call in case of an emergency. Therefore, if you need someone to fix your toaster, dryer, Refrigerator, or any appliance you have, repairfinders.com can help you find someone today! Jack is over and out.

Information is from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos193.htm

Do you know what it takes to be a genera...

repairfinder — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:21:09 +0200

Hello folks at home. I hope yall are having a wonderful day, wherever you may be today. I was thinking about children’s today, and how they all want to be musicians, actors, and fashion & graphic designers. But what I would like to know is whatever happened to the days, when kids wanted to be like their pa’s and become plumbers, engineers, carpenters, and such? Today let us talk about general contractors and so on; it is a nice aspiration for anyone who wants to live a comfortable life.

General contractors coordinate and supervise the work at construction sites from early development to final product. They own the contracting firms in charge of construction, or they may be salaried employees of property owners and developers. Sometimes they have different titles, such as construction managers or project engineers. While some general contractors undertake many kinds of work, most of them specialize in one type and size of construction project. Residential contractors may oversee some commercial buildings, for instance, but they rarely take on large-scale public-works projects, such as bridges, sewage systems, and industrial sites.

Before contractors begin a project, they must submit a bid or price quote to the individual, company, or government agency that will pay for it. To make an accurate bid, contractors study the building plans and specifications while keeping in mind material, labor, and safety considerations. They may hire a cost estimator to do this job. The lowest bid is usually, but not always, accepted. Other factors, such as the quality of a contractor’s past work, may be taken into account. Construction projects are usually a series of tasks, each completed by a different subcontractor. The bulldozer operators clear and level the land, so the structural steelworkers or the carpenters can put up the skeleton of the building. General contractors hire or supervise the hiring of the subcontractors who do each of the many tasks. Contractors must communicate well because they need to motivate many different types of people.

Contractors either own or rent the equipment needed for the job. They contact companies that supply concrete, steel, electrical equipment, lumber, and other building materials to arrange shipments, and they get the necessary permits and licenses for construction and see that building codes and safety regulations are followed. At all steps in the construction, contractors track and control expenditures. Depending on the job, contractors may have several people to help with management details. They may hire estimators to help prepare bids, expediters to oversee material shipments, various job supervisors, office staff, and others. However, contractors shoulder the full responsibility and risk involved. On repairfinders.com, you can find general contractors, in your area, so if you need a job done they can do it for you! Jack is over and out yall.

All about Electricians!

repairfinder — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:00:49 +0200

Hello folks at home, I was thinking earlier about something quite profound, it made me chuckle and sigh at the same time. It was about how we underestimate electricians. You see, electricians bring us electricity. They put in the wires that carry electricity through our homes, offices, and factories. They also fix electric machines. Without these workers, there would be no lights, no computers, and no TVs plugged into our walls. So today, let us talk about the complexity of being a hardworking electrician.

An electrician is a tradesman specializing in electrical wiring of buildings and related equipment. Electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical infrastructure. How do they do this you say? Well I will tell you! Electricians start by reading maps (called blueprints) that show how electricity flows. Blueprints show where to put wires, electrical equipment, and outlets for plugs. When working on a new building, electricians draw new blueprints. Then, electricians put tubes or pipes inside the walls. They also put small boxes on the walls to hold switches and outlets. They pull wires through the tubes to connect the boxes and make a path for the electricity to follow. A path for electricity is called a circuit. Electricians also add circuit breakers, transformers, and other equipment to control how electricity flows. They make sure the right amount of electricity goes to the machines that use it. Electricians follow strict rules about how to wire buildings. After they finish wiring, electricians use ohmmeters, voltmeters, and oscilloscopes to measure the amount of electricity running through the system. Electricians also install wires for telephones, computers, and fire alarms. Sometimes, they use fiber optic cable.

In most countries, the job of an electrician is a regulated trade for safety reasons due to the many hazards of working with electricity, requiring testing, registration, or licensing. Licensing of electricians is controlled through government and/or professional societies. Maintenance electricians fix electric machines or broken wiring. Some focus on houses. They might rewire a house. They could replace an old fuse box with one that can run more appliances. Some electricians work in factories. They might fix motors, generators, and robots. They also inspect equipment and fix it before it breaks. They tell managers when equipment needs to be replaced. Electricians put in new electrical equipment, too. Electricians use wire strippers, knives, hacksaws, and power tools. Some electricians stand for a long time and climb ladders. Some work in dusty, dirty, or hot places. But others work in clean places. They need to be careful to avoid falls, cuts, and electric shock. They need good hand-eye coordination and to be good at seeing the different colors of wire.

As you can see, it is not easy at all to be an electrician. Not only do they have to work in a potentially dangerous environment but they also have to be smart. They have to do very well in math and science. Even after an electrician get their licensing and what not; they still have to spend 3 to 5 years as an apprentice before they are able to stretch out on their own. These are important facts we all must consider. When you are looking for a trained highly qualified electrician the best place to look is… you know this! That is right, repairfinders.com. Why? Because at repairfinders we only list the best in the industry, so not only will you get excellent service, and a hardworking individual, you will also get a reliable electrician for life. So why are you still here reading this? You should be getting free quotes from electricians in your area right now on our site! Until the next time, Jack

What kind of Handyman?

repairfinder — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:47:43 +0200

I was asked a very interesting question a couple of days ago, and I have decided to expound on it. A young woman came into my office, she wanted some minor handy work done around her house, and she wanted to know if she would be better off hiring someone with or without a license. So today folks I will explain to you the general facts of a handy man, and whether it is better to get one who is or is not licensed for different needs.

A handy man is a person competent in a variety of trade skills, repair, and maintenance work. The term often describes someone who is paid for the application of these skills around the home. Tasks for which a Handyman may be employed range from minor to major, and may include such jobs as painting, drywall repair, remodeling, minor plumbing work, minor electrical work, and furniture assembly.

Some, but not all, handymen are licensed and insured. Some jurisdictions require licensing and/or insurance. For safety reasons, they may disallow them from performing plumbing, electrical wiring, or gas-fitting services without being licensed in the applicable trade. If you decide to hire a non-licensed handyman they can only do miscellaneous non-structural repair work. This is a list of what they can and cannot do.

CAN DO	CANT DO
Awning Installations	Adding or changing existing windows
Minor Carpentry	Adding, removing, or cutting away walls, portions, or partitions
Door Repair	Chemical treatment of pools
Dry Wall	Electrical Repair
Non-structural Masonry	Addition, alteration, replacement or relocation of any plumbing piping, electrical wiring or mechanical equipment
Painting	Pool Installations
Paneling	Roofing Repairs
Paving (excluding driveway apron)	Well Drilling
Small Appliance Repair	Mechanical H.V.A.C. repairs
Soffit & Fascia	Removal of any structural beam or load bearing support
Non-structural Stone	Removal or change of any required means of any egress or rearrangement of parts of a structure
Texture Coating	Gas-fitting services
Tile Installation
Trim Work
Window Repair

On repairfinders.com you will find a large selection of licensed and non licensed repair people, it is up to you to choose which one would be best for the work that you need done. Think about the differences in price, quality of work, and the time it would take. However, don think that just because a handyperson is not licensed it makes him less qualified to do the job. If they are on our site, they are hardworking, honest, and reliable. So if you need a general handyman today, I suggest you hightail it over to repairfinders.com right now. Jack is over and out.