Hour 1
Safely Turning on Unused Showers
Joane asks, “If a bathtub and separate shower have not been used for a year or more, will they leak within the wall when we start to use them again?”
Plumbing fittings often rely on moisture to swell and tighten them, so there could be issues. To check, slowly turn on the shower and gradually increase the water flow. Make sure the water flows normally, as opposed to rushing out.
Next, walk around the house, listen for banging pipes and check for foul smells. Then, flush the toilet while the shower is on and continue the inspection. Check the home’s perimeter for signs of puddling, which could indicate a leak under the slab.
Since this bathroom is on the second floor, turn the shower on, flush the toilet, and then walk downstairs and check your ceilings for leaks.
Finally, test the drain and make sure it properly functions. If you need more help, call a professional plumber.
Hour 2
The Fix for Rusted Deck Nails
A homeowner worries about his deck on the Jersey Shore — the stainless steel nails have rusted and the result is unsightly. “Is there anything I can do to clear up the rust?” he says.
These nails are set below the deck’s surface, but you could find some putty that matches the wood’s color and cover these problem areas.
If you have a Dremel, you could grind the rust off the tops of the nails. Then, clean them (use a rust remover designed for metal surfaces, following the manufacturer’s instructions), and spray each one with a protective sealer.
In fact, I’ve taken a paper plate, put a small hole in it, and sprayed a little urethane on top of deck nails.
Ultimately, this is a cosmetic issue. The most important thing is to seal the area to keep moisture off the nails. This will prevent rust.
Solutions for Your Home’s A/C ‘Hot Spots’
During the summer, you want the house to stay cool, but that’s recently become a problem for one homeowner.
“We’re having a lot of air conditioning hot spots on our second level,” he says. “Wanting to know what you think about booster fans.”
I’ve used booster fans, usually when the run of the duct is very long. For instance, you’re trying to tap into your existing HVAC system and you’re running it out to an enclosed garage or bedroom much farther away.
In this case, you need to get an air conditioning pro in your home to assess the problem properly. First, interview them. Ask, “Have you worked at balancing existing residential air conditioning systems?”
A lot of times, you may simply be getting more air than you need in one area of your home, maybe downstairs, and you need to divert more of it upstairs.
Take good notes for the air conditioning contractor who visits your home; include a map, room by room, with problem areas indicated.
Remember: they’ve never been to your home before. They need all the information you can provide so they can make the best recommendation.
Best New Products
 | Save Water & Money With Rachio’s Smart Sprinkler Controller Learn more>> |
Simple Solutions
Wall Protector—When prying off baseboard molding, it’s often necessary to pry against the wall. However, if you’re not careful, the pry bar could dent or bust through the drywall. Prevent this by placing a 1×4 or 1×6 or even a 2×4 between the pry bar and wall. And be sure to cut the board about 24 inches long so it spans two studs. The board will protect the wall and act as a fulcrum, making it easier to pry off the molding.
Drilling Concrete — When drilling large holes into concrete, brick or stone, save time and simplify the process! Start with a small bit, say, a 1/8- or ¼-inch-diameter carbide-tipped masonry bit. Then, use a progressively larger bit until you create the desired size hole. This is particularly useful if you’re using a drill, not a hammer drill.
