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How To Remove A Downspout Clog

10/27/2017

 
It's starting to rain in the Pacific Northwest and time to perform some simple maintenance on your gutters and downspouts. Downspouts are often connected to gutters with an elbow fitting. Because of the bends in the elbow, these are prone to clogs from pine needles, leaves and other debris. It is important to make sure your gutters and downspouts can actually drain the roof before the rainy season starts. Follow the steps below to make sure your downspouts are ready for the next few months of work.
Ladder under a downspout
Tools needed for this project - ladder, gloves, screwdriver or nut driver and a cleaning tool.
Picture
My preferred clog removal tool, a stick found on the ground.
Tools Needed:
•Ladder
•Gloves (sharp edges on the downspout sheet metal)
•Screwdriver - typically slotted or a nut driver - usually 1/4 inch or 5/16 inch
•Clog Removal Device - I'm using a stick I found on the ground
•Colorful Language (optional, but satisfying)
Gutter downspout fastener
Step 1 - Find the sheet metal screws holding the downspout fittings together. These are usually slotted type fasteners located at the fitting junctions.
Removing a sheet metal fastener
Step 2 - Remove all the fasteners of the downspout piece you want to remove.
Removing a downspout
Step 3 - Pull the joint apart. This may require some wiggling and the liberal application of colorful language.
Removing a downspout
Step 3 - Remove both sides of the elbow joint. Colorful language still helpful if needed.
Pine needle clog in a downspout elbow
Step 4 - Remove any clogs or debris from the elbow. This one is clogged with a large amount of pine needles.
Clearing a downspout clog
Step 4 - Using the "clog poking device" clear out any clog from the gutter to downspout connection.
Clogged gutter to downspout connection
Step 4 - View from below at the gutter to downspout connection. This still needs to have debris removed.
Replacing a downspout elbow
Step 5 - Once the downspout is clean, replace the elbow. It is usually easiest to start from the bottom connection. Once again, colorful language is helpful to get things to fit.
Replacing a downspout elbow
Step 5 - Almost done. Once the bottom of the elbow is in start to work on getting the upper end back in place.
Securing a downspout elbow
Step 6 - Once you have found the screw you dropped on the ground, put it back in place to secure the elbow.

How To Lubricate A Garage Door - Simple DIY Project

10/20/2017

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Double Keyed Deadbolt - Not a Good Idea

10/13/2017

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Picture
This is something I see in houses every once in a while. The deadbolt is keyed inside the house and lacks the normal handle to lock and unlock. Most people who have these installed believe that it is a security feature. This door has a window next to the deadbolt and the thinking is that if the window is broken by an intruder they wouldn't be able to open the deadbolt if it requires a key. 

While this is possibly true, if an intruder or burglar really wants to get in there are other ways they could do it (other windows, sliding door, kicking the door in). In reality, most people with a double keyed deadbolt leave a key in the lock anyway.

The real issue with a double keyed deadbolt is the danger it poses to occupants of the house. Code requires that any means of egress (exit) during an emergency to be able to be operated without any special tools, procedures or knowledge. If there is a fire inside the house that is the day that someone would have taken the key out of the lock. You need to make things easy on yourself during an emergency - adrenaline and panic do not necessarily lead to rational thought and problem solving. If the means of exiting your house requires a key from the inside you are putting all the occupants at risk of injury or even death.

This deadbolt needs to be replaced with a standard lockset with a handle on the inside. This is a fairly simple fix that can be done by most homeowners.
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Crawl Space Inspection - Hidden Leak

10/6/2017

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Plumbing problems aren't always evident from inside the house. Inspecting your crawl space for problems is a good way to find hidden leaks and damage. Follow along in the video with a crawl space inspection that finds some hidden problems.
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    Author

    Brian Jovag, owner of Jovag Home Inspection.

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