Homeowner Forum / Repair / October 2008

After having a new oil-fired hot water boiler installed, I’m
considering the value in replacing some of my convector radiators with
cast-iron.  But, not sure if it's worth the hassle.  Which would feel
more comfortable and/or be cheaper to run in the long run?  For

My well is 44 years old, 100 feet deep and 5-inch diameter, with a submersible
pump. What is the recommended chlorinating procedure for the novice? TIA

How much liquid should be left on the bottom of a septic tank after
being cleaned 1", 2" or more?

I am writing this post to give an indication to others what my
experience has been with my home warranty company, First American Home
Buyers Protection Organization. http://homewarranty.firstam.com/  This
is not a statement of complaint or praise, merely facts.

This is my first crack at concrete. Small job and I figure I'll need a
bit over 1.5 cubic feet, and I'm planning to do the work this afternoon.
I've almost finished my forms and am reading the instructions in my
Reader's Digest Complete DIY book.

Bought a 1967 brick rancher two months ago.  The termite inspector
yesterday told me yesterday I had a water pipe leaking rather badly.
The plumber came and fixed it but also told me there is no insulation
under the house in the crawlspace.  He says there are staples there but

Our family is in the process of buying our first house and wanted to
ask a few questions about doing renovations. This is the first time
we've owned a house, so we know nothing about renovations - who to
hire, how to do them, how to plan timing, etc.  - so we wanted to ask

We have a Maytag Atlantis washer that won't spin/drain at times...like
it forgets the last cycle.
It may go for a month and then give problems for a day or two.
It's 5 or 6 years old.

Do submersible pumps have a checkvalve built in? There is a check
valve at the pressure tank. Wondering because if there is NOT, I'd be
able to shock the well without opening the well-head (which is buried)
** Posted from http://www.teranews.com **

I've had this tool for over two decades and never had any
issues prior (other than surprise at how much material a belt
sander can chew through with each revolution).
I was using it this past weekend on some green wood and instead

I have had burst pipes, so I know it happens.
Just as an experiment I took 8" of 1/2" copper and capped one end.  I filled
it with cold water and stuck it in my freezer.
After 30 minutes it was somewhat frozen, and solid after an hour.  But 4

My showerhead leaks when any other water source is running (i.e. wash
machine, dishwasher, faucets, upstairs shower).....what is the
problem?  It is driving me crazy!!!!

There are now downdraft range vents being made by a number of
manufacturers, Kitchenaid, Broan, GE, etc, that pop up and are
typically used with island cooktops.     They are similar in concept
to the original downdraft vents invented by Jenn Air.   The Jenn Air

My lawn mower (Craftsman 6hp) starts fine and works for a bit but then
starts dying.   After trying this for a few times, then I have a
harder time to start it.    When I prime it and keep trying to start
it, I check the spark plug and it is not wet from fuel, so maybe there

It's an old mower that was given to me.  The cap says unleaded gas,
the manual says four stroke, so I didn't use premix.
Tank was dry, I put in gas, when I yank the starter cord it's like I'm
pulling against compression and gas squirts out the exhaust.  Lots of