22ONTHEHOMEFRONT|READEROFFERSHOMEPORT
DIY Survival
T
he day has come, your loved one is
going away on deployment, and things
around the house start to go wrong. Why
does the tap-washer decide to fail two
weeks after he left, or why does that
electrical appliance go wrong now? From
repairing bike punctures to topping-up car
fluids, you are now ‘Jack of all trades’ and, Tommy’s Tips 1001 DIY Hints and Tips
perhaps, ‘master of none’. You could invest in a copy of TV DIY expert This manual is full of tricks, short cuts, how-
Tommy Walsh’s DIY Survival. From basic tos and other nifty ideas. It’s a leap up from
So, what can you do to prepare for being checks and mending fuses to assembling flat- Tommy’s book and covers all manner of DIY
the DIY Queen in your house? First, packs – Tommy’s your man. Written in an jobs – even car and bicycle maintenance and
persuade your loved one to check ‘idiot proof’ way, Tommy’s instructions are repair. You can use it at different levels: the
everything and be as up-to-date as possible simple and easy to follow with lots of pictures! basics to keep you ticking-over or more
with all things DIY before he goes. But don’t The book may also inspire you to make a list advanced projects. A book to share!
ask him the day before – or even the week of future DIY projects you’d like your loved
before he goes! Quite often tensions are one to do – but don’t give it to him as soon For details of both books, and for a chance
running high before a deployment, so he as he walks through the door! to win a copy, see page 23.
doesn’t want to be faced with a list of last-
minute DIY tasks – which always take longer Dave’s Tips
than you thought they would. Start the pre- Autumn is here and it’s time to prepare for Finally, look out for each other – if you know
deployment checks several months before if winter. Here, Dave Hanns (Kim’s dad) shares someone is on their own, let them know that
possible. Ask him to show you (or the kids) his tips to get everything shipshape before the they can call on you and your partner in an
how to repair a bike puncture, top-up the season changes: emergency, or for help with a difficult job. G
car levels or sort out the fuse box. His tool
store is probably ‘foreign territory’ to you – • Clear guttering of debris (leaves, moss, etc)
so ask him to put a basic emergency kit • Carry out any minor ‘patch-up’ jobs externally
together, and keep it in a safe place that – lick of paint or drop of oil Reader Offers
you can get to quickly. • Check there is sufficient lagging on hot and
cold pipes – don’t forget outside taps, I have Housework is
Safety Net an old tea cosy on mine!
Despite all your preparations, it is likely that • Replace any worn or missing draught excluder good for you!
something will go wrong. One answer is to • Have boiler serviced and check heating – bleed
insure for emergency breakdowns. Several radiators if necessary before it gets cold
leading insurance companies offer home I
t may be autumn, but it’s not too late to de-
junk your home and your life. You’ll feel
emergency breakdown cover. Direct Line Be able to locate and operate: better for it and you’ll have more space for all
Insurance has a comprehensive scheme (but • water stopcocks – internal and external the Christmas goodies you are going to
do check around and compare services and • gas emergency shut off valve – have you still receive!
prices). Direct Line’s Home Response 24 got the gas meter box key?
should give you peace of mind. With just • electrical consumer unit trip switch We have copies of How to de-junk your life,
one phone call you are ensured a How to stay de-junked forever by Dawna
professional to assess/fix your problem: 24 Can you: Walter and How clean is your house by Kim
hours a day, 7 days a week. Repairs are • change a fuse? Woodburn and Aggie MacKenzie to give away.
guaranteed for twelve months. The scheme • rewire a 13 amp plug?
covers breakdown of heating, plumbing and • reset a consumer unit trip switch? Just write in with your details.G
drainage, electrics and wiring, and external
locks, windows and doors. There is a choice If not: do you have the phone number for –
of two levels of cover: Home Response 24 • a reliable plumber
and Total Response. Home Response 24 • a reliable electrician
(from £7 per month) covers the call-out • a reliable handyman
charge and the first hour of work. Total
Response (from £14 per month) covers In an emergency do you have the Transco
parts and labour up to £1000 per call-out. number to report a gas leak?
Remember, keep all your insurance
documents in a safe place, where you can Do you have spare light bulbs, candles and
get to them quickly in an emergency. matches in a safe place.
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