Weekly Columns

Both current and archived weekly newspaper columns. The date of the column and a teaser of the column appears below. Click on the date to see the entire column.

October 1, 2018

     Dear Ken: You mentioned that you need to replace the disposer rubber splash guard when it gets worn. Is this an easy job? John

     I’m glad you’re working on this. Yes, the splash guard keeps dirty water from spraying backwards up into the sink. But more importantly, it is a vital safety device that can keep small pieces of bone, plastic and glass contained within the disposal body. The best indicator that you need a new one is visual. If you can see the...

September 24, 2018

     Dear Ken: I just purchased a 25 year old home that has a strong musty odor in the garage. Is there a drywall sealer for this? Tim

     I'd attack this problem on multiple fronts. Check the outside drainage (downspouts extended? soil sloped away?) so you're sure that water is not getting under the building.  Also, siding should be at least 6 inches above the dirt. If not, regrade or install a small retaining wall to hold the dirt back. Moisture may be...

September 17, 2018

     Dear Ken:  I fertilized my lawn with an iron product and now have rust stains on the sidewalks. How do I get them off? Sam

      Try oxalic acid crystals. You may be able to get hold of some at a paint store (it's used to bleach wood). ZUD and Bar Keepers Friend cleansers also contain this chemical. Sprinkle either product on the spots, wet it down, let it sit for a few minutes, scrub and then rinse (protect vegetation from the runoff). 

September 10, 2018

     Dear Ken: We have a hydro massage type bathtub. Often the jets spew out black particles of scum. How do we prevent his? Danielle

     These tubs aren't as popular as they once were--precisely for the reason you mention. When you drain it, water is left behind in the hidden hoses and the pump. The combination of body oils and soap scum develops into that disgusting material you describe. The answer here is to use the tub often--at least three times a week. That...

September 3, 2018

      Dear Ken: My front door is made of wood, but the sun has really eaten up the finish.   How can I refinish it so it'll last? Dan

     Wood doors which are stained and varnished don't do well here, especially with south or west exposures. Scuff sand the finish to deglaze it, then apply a good primer, like Bullseye 1-2-3, and then two coats of a good acrylic latex exterior paint (not too dark a color). That way, you can renew it any time you want.

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August 27, 2018

     Pests of every variety are apt to be more bothersome this time of year as the weather cools. Here are some ways to un-pest your place...

     Mice can sneak in through the most amazingly-small cracks, so sealing up perimeter areas near the ground is helpful. One area quite often overlooked is the gap often left by careless framing between the siding and the foundation. Use a small mirror and flashlight to spot cracks which could let the little critters sashay into you...

August 13, 2018

     Dear Ken: Our son has a 3 bedroom house and is running out of room for his growing family. He would like to know how difficult it would be to dig a basement in his existing 5 foot crawl space.  Is this a practical way to solve a crowding problem? Mitch

August 6, 2018

     Dear Ken:  I've got some brick columns on my front porch which hold up the roof.  They seem to be sinking. What should I do? Jeremy

     These columns are quite heavy, but in most cases the roof above is self-supporting. This settling is probably water-related, so check out whatever that source might be. For instance, you may need to reroute or extend a downspout or re-grade the soil in this area. You can then fill in the gap at the top of the column with...

July 30, 2018

     Dear Ken:  We'd like to install a wall-mounted air condi­tioner in our living room. Can we hang it in the wall between the house and the garage? Kate

     Absolutely not. That would violate the integrity of the "fire wall" your builder installed between the garage and your living space. The extra-thick sheetrock protects the house from a garage fire to give the fire department time to get there. So, “no holes allowed”.

July 23, 2018

     Dear Ken: Do you have a feel for how far away sprinkler heads should be? I'm getting advice of from 6" to 3 feet. Laurie

      I'll go with the longer recommendation. Three feet should be the minimum--in fact, for a new house, I'd prescribe 4 or even 5 feet of separation from the foundation.