Author Topic: Fixed Incorrect Wiring  (Read 2989 times)

Gimesalot

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Fixed Incorrect Wiring
« on: October 04, 2014, 08:10:48 PM »
When we bought our house, we had the top floor rewired to get rid of knob and tube.  We didn't notice but the hot water heaters, all located next to each other, were mislabeled.  For example, the heater labeled 1336, actually sends water to 1334.  Well in the rewire, they got wired according to the labels.  Now hubby and I have been without hot water for 3 days.  I had asked our contractor, working on structural work to fix it for me.  He didn't get around to it, so I decided to do it myself.

I cut the power to the house off.  I used a multi-tester to ensure that everything was without power.  I disconnected and rewired the two hot water heaters.  It was mentally challenging, as I had never worked with hot water heaters, and it was physically challenging, tight spaces, thick wiring, and long reaches.  But, I got it done and we now have hot water. 

I think I only saved $50 to $100, but the knowledge and self-confidence I gained are priceless.

P.S.  In the past, I would have never tried something like this.  You know, too difficult, scary, etc. complainy pants.  Thanks to all the MMM forum folks that keep inspiring me to learn more and save money!

Greg

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Re: Fixed Incorrect Wiring
« Reply #1 on: October 04, 2014, 10:24:05 PM »
Good Job!

In general folks underestimate the power of DIY.  It's not just the money, or the time.  It's knowledge and confidence and the additional not-going-to-be-bamboozled-in-the-future as well.

I am a hug DIYer, but know when to cut my losses.  Those times are few, like when I have a concrete slab done, but well worth it.  Otherwise it's DIY the whole way and damn the torpedoes.

Exflyboy

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Re: Fixed Incorrect Wiring
« Reply #2 on: October 06, 2014, 04:17:59 PM »
I'm not smart enough to hire out a concrete slab .. I mean I really should.. but even then.. Hey guess what I can now do concrete slabs as well.

I have never sent any car of mine to a mechanic either!

yes power of DIY, it makes you superhuman (almost)..:)

Frank

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Re: Fixed Incorrect Wiring
« Reply #3 on: October 06, 2014, 05:42:12 PM »
I'm not smart enough to hire out a concrete slab .. I mean I really should.. but even then.. Hey guess what I can now do concrete slabs as well.

I have never sent any car of mine to a mechanic either!

yes power of DIY, it makes you superhuman (almost)..:)

Frank


Damn, Frank. Even we hired out the slab for the house. 'Course they poured the walls while they were at it, but I'd have insisted even if not. A house slab is too much for two people, IMO. Our pro job is nice and smooth, which is good since we sealed it and called it a floor...

Exflyboy

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Re: Fixed Incorrect Wiring
« Reply #4 on: October 07, 2014, 12:34:19 AM »
Well I'm not telling the whole truth.. me and two buddies did our own slab for the shop extension and that was only 12ft*24ft and 5" thick.. still a lot of work and of course had a concrete truck.

When we extended the house we farmed it out as they have all the forms and rebar tools etc. To be honest it would have cost close to what the concrete guys did it for.

We didn't build the kitchen cabinets either.. I thought about it but was totally burned out doing everything else.. so I just hung them up and installed the countertops.. Next we're going to Ikea..:)

Frank

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Re: Fixed Incorrect Wiring
« Reply #5 on: October 07, 2014, 01:56:56 AM »
Well I'm not telling the whole truth.. me and two buddies did our own slab for the shop extension and that was only 12ft*24ft and 5" thick.. still a lot of work and of course had a concrete truck.

When we extended the house we farmed it out as they have all the forms and rebar tools etc. To be honest it would have cost close to what the concrete guys did it for.

We didn't build the kitchen cabinets either.. I thought about it but was totally burned out doing everything else.. so I just hung them up and installed the countertops.. Next we're going to Ikea..:)

Frank


12x24 is still a BFD. I'm impressed, but I think I'm still glad it wasn't your house.


We didn't build cabinets, either. Bought and stained unfinished ones and installed counter top.

Gone Fishing

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Re: Fixed Incorrect Wiring
« Reply #6 on: October 07, 2014, 09:46:55 AM »
I love wiring.  Growing up, our house had miswired 3 way switches for the exterior lights.  In order to work, both switches had to be in the proper postition.  This resulted in a lot of yelling back and forth "ARE THEY ON?-NO!-HOW ABOUT NOW?-NO!-FLIP YOUR ONE MORE TIME!".  I was about 14 and tired of this exercise, so one day when my parents were gone, using a working 3 way circut as a guide, I rewired the lights to work properly.  Problem solved.