September 14, 2009
Dear Ken: I want to get the new HDTV signal into my TV and get rid of the satellite to save some money. But in my retirement area, we are limited as to what we put on the roof. What can I do?
Julie
HDTV antennas are usually much smaller than the big old VHF ones we used to strap to the chimney. If you remember the onset of UHF channels (14 to 83 in the old days), their antennas were small and square with wire mesh on the backside. Most HDTV antennas resemble that size and shape. As far as I know, your association is prohibited from restricting video signals to your home. Reasonable accommodations must be made-that's why satellite dishes less that one meter in diameter are almost always allowed. Take a picture of what you have in mind to the manager of the association for their approval.
HDTV signals are touchy compared to their analog predecessors. The old signals could "bend" around obstacles. This new technology requires a direct path ("line-of-sight") to the antenna. So, if you can see the mountaintop where the TV stations' towers are located, you're probably OK. If there are trees or buildings in the way, however, your reception may be problematic.
Dear Ken: We have an area of black mold under our basement carpet. Someone said we should replace all the carpet down there. What do you think?
If you're sure it's just that one area, I would leave simply treat that one spot and leave the rest of the carpet in place; mold that is this isolated seldom causes an indoor air problem. I assume that the area is next to a window or door that let moisture come in. So, if that water source has been removed, the mold is probably dead anyway. Here's a treatment scheme for you: roll back the carpet and cut out and discard the molded pad; scrub the stain on the concrete with some Clorox and warm water (a cup to a gallon); after it dries, spray the area with a couple of coats of our old friend KILZ; finally, hire a professional to treat the stained backing on the carpet, and while they are on site, have them clean the rest of the room using the hot water extraction method. Nancy
Dear Ken: One of my sprinkler zone valves is making a humming noise all of a sudden that echoes through all the plumbing. What do you think is going on?
It may be damaged or dirty. There should be four Phillips screws on top of the valve body that, when unscrewed, allow you access to the innards. Expose and then remove the rubber valve flapper and check it for rips or holes (one or two tiny holes are intentional, by the way; I'm talking about random penetrations). If it looks intact, you may be dealing with contamination. Gently flush out the valve body and all parts with some clear water. Before you put it back together, check the O-ring to make sure it's also undamaged. If it still makes noise, I would replace it. Paul
Dear Readers: We discussed garbage disposer odors a couple of weeks ago here (go to the www.aroundthehouse.com web site, and use the search box to find the specific column). But there are a couple of safety concerns with your faithful garbage grinder that I want you to check. First, that rubber splash guard-the split rubber "leaves" that cover the drain: if it's worn-out, it must be replaced. That will keep pieces of bone, egg shell and glass from ricocheting back into your face. I also use one of those perforated, white disks over the drain as a backup. The guard is easy to replace. Undo the drain pipe, then simply reach under the sink and twist the disposer a quarter turn or so. It will drop it into your partner's hands so you can snap the new rubber into place.
Also, check the cord where it enters the disposer bottom with a flashlight. If it lacks a bushing-clamp to hold it into place, add one. Many owners who change disposers simply shove the cord into the bare hole, but the clamp is vital in protecting against short circuits.
