November 29, 2010
Dear Ken: I have a puddle under the kitchen sink. I can't seem to find its source. Any ideas? Jay
If you've checked around all the couplings and valves in the drain lines plus the top and bottom of the hot and cold water lines, then it's most likely the spray hose. Whether yours is off to one side or part of the faucet arm itself, there is always a little dribble that runs down the hose and settles at the bottom loop when you quit using it. Most of these kitchen sink cabinet floors are made of cheap particle board that doesn't handle moisture well. That's why I always recommend a layer of vinyl floor covering in there; the dribbles will simply evaporate over time.
Dear Ken: How many strings of Christmas lights can I put on one circuit? John
It's simple. Just look at the AMPS ratings on each string, add them up, and stop at about 12 amps when you're on a 15 ampere circuit. You'll probably never get there, because each 100 light incandescent string uses only about ½ amp.
Remember that outdoor strings should be plugged into a GFCI circuit only. Plus, you need to wrap each cord connection with a plastic shopping bag-and elevate it off the ground.
Dear Ken: I want to insulate my garage walls. What should I use and will I have to sheet rock afterwards? A.B.
There is a relatively new product which makes this easy as pie. Look for encapsulated insulation at the lumber yard or home center. It's usually ordinary fiberglass batts totally enclosed inside a plastic "bag"-and it comes pre-cut in standard lengths, like eight feet . Since it's wrapped on all sides, it's easy to handle without contaminating your skin. This material comes in R-11, 13 or 19 thicknesses, depending on your wall framing depth. You can use a manual hammer or air-powered stapler to secure the individual bats to the studs.
Unlike the older, flammable, tarpaper coated insulation systems, this plastic encapsulated material can be left in place without sheet rocking-although I wouldn't. The drywall will yield more energy-savings by eliminating drafts.
Another huge energy waster in your garage is that big door. If yours is a newer steel version, you can buy insulating panels from the manufacturer or dealer. Once they are installed, the door will be, of course, more energy efficient plus it will be much quieter as it cycles up and down.
Speaking of garages, David wants to know how to heat his. He has an oil-filled electric heater now that just doesn't cut it.
David, you need more air movement. That heater you have now relies on convention only, so it warms the space too slowly and unevenly. You could use one of those small ceramic heaters or one of the electric styles designed for interior rooms, like the Eden Pure. My favorite, however, is a ceiling mounted, fan style (whether electric or gas) like the tire shops use. They are up and out of the way, but most importantly, they will heat up that space in just a few minutes. I'll let you decide which fuel source you want. Although gas is cheaper to run than electric, the gas meter is usually a lot farther from the garage than the electric panel!
Dear Ken: We have little fruit fly like bugs. Where could they be coming from? S.D.
You could have brought them in from the fruit section of the grocery store. Wash whatever you brought in most recently. They can hang out in and around house plants, too. Set out glasses of sweet liquid-like cheap white wine. After a day or two, you'll probably notice little drowned victims floating on the surface.
House plant hygiene is important, of course. If these little guys persist, take plants outside on a warm day and wash the leaves with a few drops of insecticide soap in a sprayer.
