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How can he stop the leaks?
Q.I'm writing to you out of a bit of desperation on where to turn. I live in a brownstone SE southeast of Boston and we have chased water leaks for the 15 years that I've been here. We have repointed the brick exterior, put on a new roof, completely rebuilt our wood bay. We have hired about a half-dozen contractors over the years and spent close to 100k $100,000 but the leaks continue especially with wind-driven rain.( 01/02/2013 6:00 PM )
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Why does his bathroom sink only leak occasionally?
Q. Our problem is that there is an occasional leak under our 1929-era, pedestal bathroom sink as well as an occasional leak from one of the pipes going into the wall. The two leaks are not always synchronized. How can the leaks be only occasional, and what could be causing the leak from under the sink?( 12/26/2012 6:00 PM )
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Why does the water in his washing machine stink?
Q. Peter, the water in my clothes washer when it is washing smells bad. The washer works fine, but the gray water stinks. Any suggestions? PETER NOONAN, Albany, N.Y. A. Try this: Put the washer on the smallest capacity with 2 or 3 small white towels. Add a cup of bleach and put the washer through its paces. There might be mold or other organic matter stuck in there. If not, call your appliance dealer. ( 12/20/2012 1:18 AM )
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What do you need to know before getting a new roof?
Q. I'm ready for a new roof. I'd like to know from you everything I should be aware of concerning roofs. R.R., Sudbury A. Good idea. Years ago when I needed a new roof, I called Jack Clifford, who heads a roofing company in South Boston, and banged his ear for two hours, and brother, did I get the information. He has done my roof twice, and we are mutually pleased. ( 11/29/2012 1:55 AM )
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Why is the water very hot sometimes and other times not?
Q. My condo is six years old. Sometimes I get really hot water in my shower, and sometimes I don't. My plumber removed the regulator, but now it can be very hot and other times not so hot. What do you suggest? GUEST, in Hotton's chat room A. The regulator in an anti-scald shower faucet is very sensitive, and should be left in place. Have your plumber replace the entire valve. ( 11/15/2012 1:29 AM )
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How can she get rid of a bird's nest in an exhaust fan?
Q. I recently discovered a bird's nest in the exhaust fan over my kitchen stove. I usually hear them chirping in the early morning, but then the noise goes away. How would I take care of getting rid of it? MARION, from Newton A. That exhaust fan is exhausting to the outdoors, where presumably a flapper closer pops down when the fan is shut off... ( 11/08/2012 1:11 AM )
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Should she treat her new oak threshold?
Q. I just replaced my threshold at the back door leading to the porch. Home Depot did not have a pressure-treated threshold so they installed oak. How should I treat it to protect it from the elements? ( 10/18/2012 2:58 AM )