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Eliminate Musty Indoor Odors
Dear Pat: I live in an old house, which seems to always have a moldy odor. Various sections are built over a dirt crawl space, slab and basement. Where is this odor coming from and how do I eliminate it? — Sheri J.
Dear Sheri: A moldy odor is …Read more.
Install Wood Wainscoting
Dear Pat: Much of the drywall has been nicked by my kids over the years. I would like to add wainscoting in the dining room instead of replacing the drywall. How can I do this myself to save a few bucks? — Wendy M.
Dear Wendy: Wood wainscoting …Read more.
Install a New Toilet
Dear Pat: I think it is time for a new toilet. I want a stylish attractive one, but it must also flush well and be quiet. Once I pick one, is it a project I can do by myself, or do I need a plumber? — Kat L.
Dear Kat: You should be able to …Read more.
Stop Smoking Fireplace Problem
Dear Pat: Whenever we use our great room fireplace, some smoke comes out into the room. I am going to add one to the master bedroom. How can I keep the new fireplace from being smoky like the old one? — Patty M.
Dear Patty: You definitely are …Read more.
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Here's How, September 3Dear Pat: My current house has an overflow problem from the gutters and the downspouts. I am planning to build a new house and I don't want the same problem. How should I build this one differently? — Judy M. Dear Judy: Often, you may not have a gutter drainage problem in the first several years, but one can develop over time and get worse. If your house is built on a slab, the overflowing can be a problem for the landscaping and may leak onto some flooring. If your new house will have a basement or crawlspace, the water problems can be much more serious. The best method to avoid overflowing gutters is to select gutters that are large enough for the size of your roof and typical intensity of rain in your area. Once the gutters capture this water, a proper underground drainage system is needed to carry the water away. Depending upon the type of soil and the slope of the land around your house, you may be able to get by with splash blocks if you are on a tight budget. The water from the downspout just drops onto blocks and is dissipated into the ground. This is most effective in areas with well-drained, loose soil and climates with little rainfall. This does not work well with hard clay soil because the water just runs off over the ground surface. Even if the ground slopes away from the house walls, it will eventually erode ruts in the ground. One inch of rain on the roof of a 2,000 sq. ft. house results in 1,000 gallons of water to be carried away. The best method to eliminate overflow problems for any climate and soil condition is to install a satisfactory drainage system initially. If you can run the roof drainage directly into the city storm sewer system, this is the simplest method to use. Unfortunately, many municipalities do not allow this method. The other option is to drain it to a low location on your lot far from your house. Be aware of your neighbors' houses because you don't want to flood their houses with water from your house. Once you and your builder have determined the best path and outlet for the drainage system, discuss the drainage pipe to be used. Builders typically use black corrugated or 1,500-pound crush weight drainage pipe. It may not hold up for the life of your house and the corrugated type is particularly difficult to clean out. A better pipe to use is schedule 40 PVC pipe. This is the same type used inside of houses. It has a very thick wall, which can easily withstand the weight of the soil above it. Each section is solvent welded together to eliminate leaks. Leaky spots in drainage pipes tend to attract tree roots, which eventually grow and break right through it. Another pipe option is SDR 35, which has a slightly thinner wall. When the drainage pipe is laid in the ground, try to minimize the number of bends. If a right angle bend is required, use two 45-degree elbows with a one-foot straight section between. This tends to reduce clogs. Send your questions to Here's How, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com. To find out more about Pat Logan and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS.COM 
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