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House/Homeowner Thread: This is no longer a quick or little project

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Posts

  • SimpsoniaSimpsonia Registered User regular
    edited November 2023
    Mugsley wrote: »
    Butters wrote: »
    Got the quote back I was dreading and although it wasn't the sum of all my worst fears it was still an additional $18.5k, but fortunately the core issue had stabilized enough where I could seek second opinions. I got another service to do an inspection and they think replacing the whole line is beyond unnecessary. They identified the problem area and can do a spot repair for $9k. Still not an amount I have lying around, but its half the price so I hired them. Hopefully by the end of tomorrow I can wash dishes and take a shit in my home in peace.

    Can you claim against your homeowner's insurance for it?

    This is typically a separate policy add-on, but they are out there. I had to add one to my 121yr old building because we still have the original clay pipes which are a ticking time bomb for roots. All this gravity plumbed at 10' below the surface from a masonry catch basin. Really pulling for OP to review the policy and find it.

    Simpsonia on
  • ButtersButters A glass of some milks Registered User regular
    edited November 2023
    Calling my insurance agent was one of the first things I did and my policy does not cover it. If it's not doing tangible damage to the physical building or items inside the house it isn't covered. By now I have probably spoken to 6 different plumbing techs and multiple managers and none of them mentioned insurance covering anything.

    Butters on
    PSN: idontworkhere582 | CFN: idontworkhere | Steam: lordbutters | Amazon Wishlist
  • MugsleyMugsley DelawareRegistered User regular
    You should have sprayed a room with shit before calling the insurance company. Tangible damage!

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  • ShadowfireShadowfire Vermont, in the middle of nowhereRegistered User regular
    Mugsley wrote: »
    You should have sprayed a room with shit before calling the insurance company. Tangible damage!

    "That's technically flood damage"

  • ShadowfireShadowfire Vermont, in the middle of nowhereRegistered User regular
    Zavian wrote: »
    so my work from home PC space is in my living room, along with my TV and gaming laptop (which is always on a cooling pad hooked up to the TV), and it was just a mess of wires along with not having a power surge protector. Well, I fixed that part and got one off Amazon which I installed with two screws onto my wall where all my stuff is plugged in, so now I have everything going through that under the desk holding my laptop and switch.

    the problem is that it's still a mess of wires. I was thinking of getting some adhesive cable clips to put on the wall on both sides of the wall power strip, and maybe some cable tubing sleeves? I was thinking of maybe aligning some wall clips along right under the table so they'd be relatively out of sight. I was also thinking of maybe getting an actual small shelf or something to put over the wall power strip just for some extra protection
    p0q6noa7m2f2.png
    outlet is to the right on the wall out of picture

    Could always just zip tie the cables to the legs of the table so they kinda meld with it. The table legs being black make that kinda easy.

    Also I've had pretty good luck with these to keep my cables from falling off the edge of the desk. Neatens things up a bit too.

  • evilmrhenryevilmrhenry Registered User regular
    I have command adhesive hooks holding velcro loops on the back of my desk to hold cables.

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  • SiliconStewSiliconStew Registered User regular
    edited November 2023
    Zavian wrote: »
    How easy is it to disconnect an old broken washing machine then connect a new one? My old one that came with my condo broke last night and doesn't have a warranty so need a new one. I've replaced and installed dryers before but never a washer. I'm only a bit more concerned since it involves the water line, though I'm guessing it isn't overly complicated. I've installed an under the sink disposal before so have some experience

    Unless it was installed weird, it's simple. There should be water shutoff valves right at the hookup point in the wall behind the machine. The hoses just screw onto the valves, like an garden hose. So just shut the water off and unhook. The drain hose on the washer just sits inside the open drain pipe in the wall. There might be a clip to hold it in place, but otherwise it just pulls straight out. The electrical is just a normal wall plug, it's not permanently wired.

    Just have a bucket handy to drain any water still in the lines.

    SiliconStew on
    Just remember that half the people you meet are below average intelligence.
  • Al_watAl_wat Registered User regular
    I'm considering upgrading my kitchen, like new counters / cupboards / appliances / floor. But also I'm likely to sell this house in the 5-10 year time frame. I'm wondering, how much of the cost of these kinds of upgrades is usually preserved in the sell price of the home?

    My kitchen is pretty small and dated. A reno would make it more spacious (changing counter layout from U to L) and modern. I wouldn't go like, super expensive top of the line, but not shit quality either.

    I'm in Southern Ontario and while things have slowed down because of higher interest rates, the longer term fundamentals of our housing market mean that things will heat up again and when they do, shit old kitchen or new kitchen, house'll sell either way. So I'm weighing the choice here between like, house definitely needs a better kitchen vs is it worth it money wise.

  • That_GuyThat_Guy I don't wanna be that guy Registered User regular
    Zavian wrote: »
    How easy is it to disconnect an old broken washing machine then connect a new one? My old one that came with my condo broke last night and doesn't have a warranty so need a new one. I've replaced and installed dryers before but never a washer. I'm only a bit more concerned since it involves the water line, though I'm guessing it isn't overly complicated. I've installed an under the sink disposal before so have some experience

    Unless it was installed weird, it's simple. There should be water shutoff valves right at the hookup point in the wall behind the machine. The hoses just screw onto the valves, like an garden hose. So just shut the water off and unhook. The drain hose on the washer just sits inside the open drain pipe in the wall. There might be a clip to hold it in place, but otherwise it just pulls straight out. The electrical is just a normal wall plug, it's not permanently wired.

    Just have a bucket handy to drain any water still in the lines.

    To add to this, the place that delivers it will usually hook it up for you, for a small fee.

  • MugsleyMugsley DelawareRegistered User regular
    Al_wat wrote: »
    I'm considering upgrading my kitchen, like new counters / cupboards / appliances / floor. But also I'm likely to sell this house in the 5-10 year time frame. I'm wondering, how much of the cost of these kinds of upgrades is usually preserved in the sell price of the home?

    My kitchen is pretty small and dated. A reno would make it more spacious (changing counter layout from U to L) and modern. I wouldn't go like, super expensive top of the line, but not shit quality either.

    I'm in Southern Ontario and while things have slowed down because of higher interest rates, the longer term fundamentals of our housing market mean that things will heat up again and when they do, shit old kitchen or new kitchen, house'll sell either way. So I'm weighing the choice here between like, house definitely needs a better kitchen vs is it worth it money wise.

    Kitchens and bathrooms always give best return when selling a house. 5-10 years is a long enough horizon that you will get your value out of it before selling.

    A newer kitchen will help the house sell closer to your ask, *in general*

  • JebusUDJebusUD Adventure! Candy IslandRegistered User regular
    Zavian wrote: »
    How easy is it to disconnect an old broken washing machine then connect a new one? My old one that came with my condo broke last night and doesn't have a warranty so need a new one. I've replaced and installed dryers before but never a washer. I'm only a bit more concerned since it involves the water line, though I'm guessing it isn't overly complicated. I've installed an under the sink disposal before so have some experience

    Unless it was installed weird, it's simple. There should be water shutoff valves right at the hookup point in the wall behind the machine. The hoses just screw onto the valves, like an garden hose. So just shut the water off and unhook. The drain hose on the washer just sits inside the open drain pipe in the wall. There might be a clip to hold it in place, but otherwise it just pulls straight out. The electrical is just a normal wall plug, it's not permanently wired.

    Just have a bucket handy to drain any water still in the lines.

    I'd get some channel locks too just in case the hose connection is hard to turn. That's the proper tool.

    and I wonder about my neighbors even though I don't have them
    but they're listening to every word I say
  • Kane Red RobeKane Red Robe Master of Magic ArcanusRegistered User regular
    Mugsley wrote: »
    Al_wat wrote: »
    I'm considering upgrading my kitchen, like new counters / cupboards / appliances / floor. But also I'm likely to sell this house in the 5-10 year time frame. I'm wondering, how much of the cost of these kinds of upgrades is usually preserved in the sell price of the home?

    My kitchen is pretty small and dated. A reno would make it more spacious (changing counter layout from U to L) and modern. I wouldn't go like, super expensive top of the line, but not shit quality either.

    I'm in Southern Ontario and while things have slowed down because of higher interest rates, the longer term fundamentals of our housing market mean that things will heat up again and when they do, shit old kitchen or new kitchen, house'll sell either way. So I'm weighing the choice here between like, house definitely needs a better kitchen vs is it worth it money wise.

    Kitchens and bathrooms always give best return when selling a house. 5-10 years is a long enough horizon that you will get your value out of it before selling.

    A newer kitchen will help the house sell closer to your ask, *in general*

    Agreed, you'll get 5-10 years of enjoying a much nicer kitchen even if it doesn't have an effect on selling the house. But usually a newer, nicer kitchen is a big selling point so I bet it will help when the time comes.

  • ShadowfireShadowfire Vermont, in the middle of nowhereRegistered User regular
    That_Guy wrote: »
    Zavian wrote: »
    How easy is it to disconnect an old broken washing machine then connect a new one? My old one that came with my condo broke last night and doesn't have a warranty so need a new one. I've replaced and installed dryers before but never a washer. I'm only a bit more concerned since it involves the water line, though I'm guessing it isn't overly complicated. I've installed an under the sink disposal before so have some experience

    Unless it was installed weird, it's simple. There should be water shutoff valves right at the hookup point in the wall behind the machine. The hoses just screw onto the valves, like an garden hose. So just shut the water off and unhook. The drain hose on the washer just sits inside the open drain pipe in the wall. There might be a clip to hold it in place, but otherwise it just pulls straight out. The electrical is just a normal wall plug, it's not permanently wired.

    Just have a bucket handy to drain any water still in the lines.

    To add to this, the place that delivers it will usually hook it up for you, for a small fee.

    And also that is often worth it just to make someone else maneuver it around your house. That's the worst part of installing a washer/dryer.

  • ShadowfireShadowfire Vermont, in the middle of nowhereRegistered User regular
    Imagine finding what you thought was the perfect chase, running your glow rods down, going into the basement, and realizing that you can't reach the damn thing through the holes that are there. Then finding another decent chase from the attic to the basement, but realizing as you're pulling wires up that it's not quite wide enough to pull all three. So you, being tired and covered in sweat, think you're going to be smart and drill a wider hole next to it to fish the wires through. But then pull your bit back up and realize it's covered in shredded copper and plastic.

    So anyway I spent all day successfully running two wires from our basement to office. I was too tired to run a third at that point, it's easy enough now that I can add one if I want later. Also ran an ethernet to the living room, and one across the basement for the fiber install next week. Took way too long and I'm sore and don't want to look at my attic again for a while.

  • evilmrhenryevilmrhenry Registered User regular
    Zavian wrote: »
    How easy is it to disconnect an old broken washing machine then connect a new one? My old one that came with my condo broke last night and doesn't have a warranty so need a new one. I've replaced and installed dryers before but never a washer. I'm only a bit more concerned since it involves the water line, though I'm guessing it isn't overly complicated. I've installed an under the sink disposal before so have some experience

    To add on to what everyone else said, this is probably also a good time to get new washing machine hoses. The rubber ones can only really be trusted for around 5 years, and are filled with pressurized water 24/7. (Braided steel ones last longer.)

  • ButtersButters A glass of some milks Registered User regular
    JebusUD wrote: »
    Zavian wrote: »
    How easy is it to disconnect an old broken washing machine then connect a new one? My old one that came with my condo broke last night and doesn't have a warranty so need a new one. I've replaced and installed dryers before but never a washer. I'm only a bit more concerned since it involves the water line, though I'm guessing it isn't overly complicated. I've installed an under the sink disposal before so have some experience

    Unless it was installed weird, it's simple. There should be water shutoff valves right at the hookup point in the wall behind the machine. The hoses just screw onto the valves, like an garden hose. So just shut the water off and unhook. The drain hose on the washer just sits inside the open drain pipe in the wall. There might be a clip to hold it in place, but otherwise it just pulls straight out. The electrical is just a normal wall plug, it's not permanently wired.

    Just have a bucket handy to drain any water still in the lines.

    I'd get some channel locks too just in case the hose connection is hard to turn. That's the proper tool.

    Agreed but be careful not to over tighten your connection to the new washer with said channel locks. Try a quarter turn past what you can do with your hand and open the valve a tiny bit to check for leaks. If it leaks, shut it off and check the sealing washer before going any tighter. Once brass fittings expand from over tightening they never go back.

    PSN: idontworkhere582 | CFN: idontworkhere | Steam: lordbutters | Amazon Wishlist
  • zagdrobzagdrob Registered User regular
    I'd recommend Teflon tape or thread compound as well. Over time the threads can corrode together and make it nearly impossible to get back apart (without breaking something) even with channel locks.

  • edited November 2023
    This content has been removed.

  • CarpyCarpy Registered User regular
    If you're buying the install Lowe's will move the old appliance to the garage for free, can probably use offer up to have someone else take it off your hands for free as well.

    Alternatively Costco install includes haul away

  • This content has been removed.

  • CarpyCarpy Registered User regular
    Anyone got strong feelings about smart thermostat lines? Need one that supports a remote sensor so I can HVAC based off of the kids room. I have a Nest remote sensor already but I'm not particularly married to the brand and $30 isn't much of an investment to move on from. I was eyeing the ecobee since it seemed a little fuller featured plus had some add-ons like the door sensor to turn off heating if the kids leave the slider open but I'm open to suggestions.

    Has to be energy star certified for my rebate

  • webguy20webguy20 I spend too much time on the Internet Registered User regular
    patching my tub. I'm annoyed. We just put it in a bit over 5 years ago and it already has a small crack. drilled out the ends of the crack, prepped the surface, applied the epoxy and fiberglass sheet and then more epoxy. It's curing right now. Going to sand it down tomorrow once it's cured and touch it up with a bit of spraypaint.

    Steam ID: Webguy20
    Origin ID: Discgolfer27
    Untappd ID: Discgolfer1981
  • PailryderPailryder Registered User regular
    edited December 2023
    Carpy wrote: »
    Anyone got strong feelings about smart thermostat lines? Need one that supports a remote sensor so I can HVAC based off of the kids room. I have a Nest remote sensor already but I'm not particularly married to the brand and $30 isn't much of an investment to move on from. I was eyeing the ecobee since it seemed a little fuller featured plus had some add-ons like the door sensor to turn off heating if the kids leave the slider open but I'm open to suggestions.

    Has to be energy star certified for my rebate

    i really love my ecobee. often local utilities will have rebates for buying one.

    Pailryder on
  • MugsleyMugsley DelawareRegistered User regular
    I went a bit crazy over the weekend and bought a DeWalt PEX-A expander.

    I have a Milwaukee one but I'm in the DeWalt ecosystem. I've never used the Milwaukee one.

    Offering it here to anyone interested before I throw it on eBay (where I bought it originally). Shoot me a PM.

  • Trajan45Trajan45 Registered User regular
    Has anyone setup a security camera on the ground facing up to help with package security? We have a massive package theft issue going on, but doorbell cameras are useless since folks have hoods pulled down or folks will put their hand on it. A camera up high wouldn't really help. I've yet to see any examples of of anything on the ground facing up, so I'm wondering if it won't work? Will the sun or rain make it kind of useless?

    Origin ID\ Steam ID: Trajan45
  • YamiNoSenshiYamiNoSenshi A point called Z In the complex planeRegistered User regular
    Pailryder wrote: »
    Carpy wrote: »
    Anyone got strong feelings about smart thermostat lines? Need one that supports a remote sensor so I can HVAC based off of the kids room. I have a Nest remote sensor already but I'm not particularly married to the brand and $30 isn't much of an investment to move on from. I was eyeing the ecobee since it seemed a little fuller featured plus had some add-ons like the door sensor to turn off heating if the kids leave the slider open but I'm open to suggestions.

    Has to be energy star certified for my rebate

    i really love my ecobee. often local utilities will have rebates for buying one.

    Seconding this. Integrates nicely with everything. One caveat: it will show up as a castable device for audio if you have an Android phone. The speaker on it is weirdly good?

  • CarpyCarpy Registered User regular
    edited December 2023
    Trajan45 wrote: »
    Has anyone setup a security camera on the ground facing up to help with package security? We have a massive package theft issue going on, but doorbell cameras are useless since folks have hoods pulled down or folks will put their hand on it. A camera up high wouldn't really help. I've yet to see any examples of of anything on the ground facing up, so I'm wondering if it won't work? Will the sun or rain make it kind of useless?

    I don't have a camera rec but I've seen people talk about having success reducing theft with a package delivery box. Basically a large container that delivery people drop the package off into. Doesn't stop a mildly motivated thief but breaks the opportunity chain of grabbing a visible package.

    Example setup tweet in here

    Carpy on
  • CarpyCarpy Registered User regular
    Pailryder wrote: »
    Carpy wrote: »
    Anyone got strong feelings about smart thermostat lines? Need one that supports a remote sensor so I can HVAC based off of the kids room. I have a Nest remote sensor already but I'm not particularly married to the brand and $30 isn't much of an investment to move on from. I was eyeing the ecobee since it seemed a little fuller featured plus had some add-ons like the door sensor to turn off heating if the kids leave the slider open but I'm open to suggestions.

    Has to be energy star certified for my rebate

    i really love my ecobee. often local utilities will have rebates for buying one.

    Seconding this. Integrates nicely with everything. One caveat: it will show up as a castable device for audio if you have an Android phone. The speaker on it is weirdly good?

    That's kinda wild but as long as the kids can't mess around and cast Netflix to it that's not a big deal

  • Trajan45Trajan45 Registered User regular
    Carpy wrote: »
    Trajan45 wrote: »
    Has anyone setup a security camera on the ground facing up to help with package security? We have a massive package theft issue going on, but doorbell cameras are useless since folks have hoods pulled down or folks will put their hand on it. A camera up high wouldn't really help. I've yet to see any examples of of anything on the ground facing up, so I'm wondering if it won't work? Will the sun or rain make it kind of useless?

    I don't have a camera rec but I've seen people talk about having success reducing theft with a package delivery box. Basically a large container that delivery people drop the package off into. Doesn't stop a mildly motivated thief but breaks the opportunity chain of grabbing a visible package.

    Example setup tweet in here

    Not a bad idea! Of course I'll probably have to clear with HOA. I was also looking into the Amazon garage thing, where they can open your door and put stuff inside. Not sure why, but not sure how I feel about that.

    Of course the discourse around the neighborhood today is to start putting used baby diapers, pet excrement bags, and such, in amazon boxes and leave them outside haha.

    Origin ID\ Steam ID: Trajan45
  • YamiNoSenshiYamiNoSenshi A point called Z In the complex planeRegistered User regular
    Carpy wrote: »
    Pailryder wrote: »
    Carpy wrote: »
    Anyone got strong feelings about smart thermostat lines? Need one that supports a remote sensor so I can HVAC based off of the kids room. I have a Nest remote sensor already but I'm not particularly married to the brand and $30 isn't much of an investment to move on from. I was eyeing the ecobee since it seemed a little fuller featured plus had some add-ons like the door sensor to turn off heating if the kids leave the slider open but I'm open to suggestions.

    Has to be energy star certified for my rebate

    i really love my ecobee. often local utilities will have rebates for buying one.

    Seconding this. Integrates nicely with everything. One caveat: it will show up as a castable device for audio if you have an Android phone. The speaker on it is weirdly good?

    That's kinda wild but as long as the kids can't mess around and cast Netflix to it that's not a big deal

    It's so wild. I put on some music while board gaming and didn't notice it was coming from the wrong direction for like 2 hours. But yeah, it doesn't show up for video content, just audio. Not watching Bluey or whatever on the 3 inch screen. Yet.

  • ShadowfireShadowfire Vermont, in the middle of nowhereRegistered User regular
    Trajan45 wrote: »
    Carpy wrote: »
    Trajan45 wrote: »
    Has anyone setup a security camera on the ground facing up to help with package security? We have a massive package theft issue going on, but doorbell cameras are useless since folks have hoods pulled down or folks will put their hand on it. A camera up high wouldn't really help. I've yet to see any examples of of anything on the ground facing up, so I'm wondering if it won't work? Will the sun or rain make it kind of useless?

    I don't have a camera rec but I've seen people talk about having success reducing theft with a package delivery box. Basically a large container that delivery people drop the package off into. Doesn't stop a mildly motivated thief but breaks the opportunity chain of grabbing a visible package.

    Example setup tweet in here

    Not a bad idea! Of course I'll probably have to clear with HOA. I was also looking into the Amazon garage thing, where they can open your door and put stuff inside. Not sure why, but not sure how I feel about that.

    Of course the discourse around the neighborhood today is to start putting used baby diapers, pet excrement bags, and such, in amazon boxes and leave them outside haha.

    :rage:

  • MichaelLCMichaelLC In what furnace was thy brain? ChicagoRegistered User regular
    I think Trajan45 means the owner of the box setting traps for the thieves, but I could be wrong.

  • Trajan45Trajan45 Registered User regular
    lol actually the HOA has no power over poop box thief traps. However they have control over all exterior stuff since it's one of those town home communities where we only have bushes and such but no yards. Our fronts are so small, just a cement pad in front of the door, so I'd have to put the box to the side on the mulch (which is maintained by the HOA).

    Origin ID\ Steam ID: Trajan45
  • DoodmannDoodmann Registered User regular
    Trajan45 wrote: »
    Carpy wrote: »
    Trajan45 wrote: »
    Has anyone setup a security camera on the ground facing up to help with package security? We have a massive package theft issue going on, but doorbell cameras are useless since folks have hoods pulled down or folks will put their hand on it. A camera up high wouldn't really help. I've yet to see any examples of of anything on the ground facing up, so I'm wondering if it won't work? Will the sun or rain make it kind of useless?

    I don't have a camera rec but I've seen people talk about having success reducing theft with a package delivery box. Basically a large container that delivery people drop the package off into. Doesn't stop a mildly motivated thief but breaks the opportunity chain of grabbing a visible package.

    Example setup tweet in here

    Not a bad idea! Of course I'll probably have to clear with HOA. I was also looking into the Amazon garage thing, where they can open your door and put stuff inside. Not sure why, but not sure how I feel about that.

    Of course the discourse around the neighborhood today is to start putting used baby diapers, pet excrement bags, and such, in amazon boxes and leave them outside haha.

    HOAs should be illegal.

    Whippy wrote: »
    nope nope nope nope abort abort talk about anime
    I like to ART
  • webguy20webguy20 I spend too much time on the Internet Registered User regular
    Trajan45 wrote: »
    Carpy wrote: »
    Trajan45 wrote: »
    Has anyone setup a security camera on the ground facing up to help with package security? We have a massive package theft issue going on, but doorbell cameras are useless since folks have hoods pulled down or folks will put their hand on it. A camera up high wouldn't really help. I've yet to see any examples of of anything on the ground facing up, so I'm wondering if it won't work? Will the sun or rain make it kind of useless?

    I don't have a camera rec but I've seen people talk about having success reducing theft with a package delivery box. Basically a large container that delivery people drop the package off into. Doesn't stop a mildly motivated thief but breaks the opportunity chain of grabbing a visible package.

    Example setup tweet in here

    Not a bad idea! Of course I'll probably have to clear with HOA. I was also looking into the Amazon garage thing, where they can open your door and put stuff inside. Not sure why, but not sure how I feel about that.

    Of course the discourse around the neighborhood today is to start putting used baby diapers, pet excrement bags, and such, in amazon boxes and leave them outside haha.

    If i did the garage thing I’d build a little mudroom so there would still be a locked door.

    Steam ID: Webguy20
    Origin ID: Discgolfer27
    Untappd ID: Discgolfer1981
  • SteevSteev What can I do for you? Registered User regular
    I finally installed the kitchen faucet I bought back at the end of September. I originally intended to put it in during my staycation in October, but then I found out the cold water shutoff valve didn't work properly and had to hire a plumber, and it took me a while to build up the desire to install it after that. I suspected there was no way it would take me only an hour to install it like I saw in various DIY videos, and I was correct: it took me 5 hours (complete with breaks out of frustration). Seems like it's working fine so far, but I guess we'll see if any leaks show up.

  • edited December 2023
    This content has been removed.

  • VishNubVishNub Registered User regular
    So we have two bathrooms stacked on on top of each other. One on the main floor and one in the finished basement.

    In the lower bathroom we’re noticing peeling paint on the drywall box that covers where the toilet sewer pipes from the upstairs bath run.

    If you scrape away the peeled paint, the beginning of water damage and maybe a very small mount of mold starting to show. Presumably something in there is leaking a little.

    I’m guessing we start with a plumber and hope they can go in through the top to fix whatever it is? Otherwise someone will have to some demo to access the problem area.

This discussion has been closed.