DYI with real replacement parts

When Wing got home, we headed to Bunnings and picked up a 1981-2000 Coroma cistern valve gasket set. Don't get me wrong, my rigging worked perfectly, but it probably wouldn't have lasted as long as a proper set of gaskets/washers.

Dismantled the cistern valve, removed all the old rubber gaskets/washers, replaced them with new silicone ones, reassembled the valve, once again, forgetting to put the anchor collar on.

Turned the water on, and I had fountain! In my hurry to get the job done, I forgot Number 1 rule when replacing gaskets/washers:  turn the water on slowly to allow the water pressure to properly seat the gaskets. *sheepish grin* 

It's all working.  But boy is my back stiff and sore from staying slouched over the cistern. 

DYI Repairs

The cistern of our on suite toilet kept running. 

I typed in "Caroma Cistern Valve" in YouTube search bar, and watched.

I then, armed with grips, pliers and scissors (yes, scissors. Reason will become apparent) and took apart the cistern valve (removed float, arm, adjustedment screw, level, anchor collar).  Lo and behold, the  gasket on the threaded pipe was disintergrated, and the rubber washer on the valve stop was no longer 'springy' enough to lift the floatation arm to the shut off point.

Hmm, I didn't have any washers or gaskets handy, so this is where the scissors come in.  I got a rubber band, the same thickness as what was left of the original gasket on the threaded pipe. Bevel cut, so the cut ends would rest against each other.  Then I got waterproof bandaging tape, and cut about a 1cm piece. Folded it in half, so the sticky sides faced each other. Then cut it to the size of the rubber washer on the valve stop.

Reassembled valve. Replaced floatation arm. Turned the water on. Waited until the water got to the level line and adjusted the screw until the water stopped filling.  And it stopped filling without continuously running.  Then I noticed I forgot the anchor collar.  I will put it back only if I see there is a problem without it.  On a nifty aside, I probably saved the household $300 in parts and labor getting a plumber in here to do it.

I'm so glad I have a sewing machine

But not so glad I need it as often as I do.

It seems that most of the times I use it, is to repair piss poorly put stitched together items.  Just got through finishing off the end of a zipper on a laundry bag, and stitching the zipper and fabric together.   This is the 6th one repaired, and two I had to toss because the zipper head came off.

Now, I know these didn't cost a small fortune (only $6 for a pair) but if you get them, use them once or twice, then they fall apart, and you get more, the cost can add up quickly.

And it's not just laundry bags. I've had to re-seam shirts, dresses, 'delicate underthings'. Wear once, wash once, repair.