October 26, 2009

     Dear Ken: When we flush one of our toilets, we get a loud humming noise. Do you think it could be our pressure regulator downstairs? Terry

     Probably not. When the fill valve in a toilet starts to wear out, it can make all sorts of unpleasant noises. There is a little rubber disk inside most of these mechanisms that can develop a tear or a tiny hole. Water rushing through it starts to make that low vibration, humming-type sound you describe.
The fix is pretty easy. Buy a new fill valve kit. And, as long as you're in the tank messing around, you may as well buy the other major part in there: the flapper valve. They are available in a combo shrink-wrapped pack. I like the FluidMaster brand because they are extremely homeowner-friendly. You can buy both for less than $15.
     The other most common toilet-makes-a-noise symptom is an occasional, but persistent, "flushing" noise. It's usually a leak through the afore-mentioned flapper. You can test it yourself by dumping a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait a half hour or so to confirm the diagnosis.

     Dear Ken: We have a pretty good sized shed that we want to heat for the winter. Which systems do you like?
     If you have access to natural gas, I think you'd like a ceiling mounted heater, just as you see in commercial tire shops. Why? Because they're up and out of the way of flammable items you‘re apt to store in the shed. They also make electric versions of these same mini-"furnaces". In that case, you'll have to run a 240 volt line underground into your out-building. So, all other factors being equal, I'd choose the gas model because it's cheapest to operate.

     Dear Ken: There is no vapor barrier in my attic insulation. Yet, I hear you say on the radio to put the barrier towards the living space. What do you mean?
     If you're going to use batt insulation, you should put that paper face closest to the living area, so water vapor doesn't get into the colder ceiling or wall cavity, where it can condense and form mold. Typically, with blown insulation, there is no vapor barrier, so the water vapor passes right through the insulation and into the attic- and then outdoor-spaces. The absence of a vapor barrier in that case, allows humidity to travel back and forth to establish equilibrium.

     Dear Ken: I have a mess. I'm trying to get wallpaper off the bathroom wall. It evidently was glued directly on the sheet rock, and when I pull it off, the drywall gets fuzzy. What do I do know?
If the fuzz is minimal, you may be able to get it to "lie down" with a coat or two of primer, like KILZ. Otherwise, apply a thin coat of drywall "mud" with a wide blade putty knife or trowel. Then prime. If your goal here was to paint this wall, you may be disappointed. The paint topcoat may raise that fuzzy grain on the wall again. That's why I usually say that once a room is wallpapered, it's usually best to stick with that system.
If you're not a traditional wallpaper fan, don't worry. There are textured finishes and faux designs that look nothing like your mom's sitting room.