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March 2007 Dear Craig, The mounting news about mildew, mold and other creepy stuff growing in our homes is beginning to get to me. Is it really as scary as it's made out to be?Morbid in Minneapolis Dear Morbid, Yes, it is scary. I've been reading everything I can find on how to prevent and combat these multiple problems. Black Toxic Mold, particularly, is no joke and neither are the other culprits. Some can cause disabilities severe enough to incapacitate its victims for life. One of the best collections of information I've found on mold, mildew, radon, biological contaminants and other "nasties" has been assembled in the How-To Info section at the Do-It-Yourself website (http://www.doityourself.com/). There you will find many descriptive articles, plus remedies, cautions and ways to avoid having these things affect your house and your loved ones. I hope this helps. Dear Craig: I want to replace a toilet that I bet has been in our 50-year-old cottage for decades. Is it a job for do-it-yourselfer?Hopeful in Hackensack Dear H-in-H: You bet. But it's an easier job for two of you. Toilets are heavy and they have a way of putting out your back unless you engage your brain first. Here's what to do: Organize the project and write down the steps. Figure out where the water comes into the tank. It should be on the lower left side. Before you can get rid of the old toilet you will have to turn it off at the wall. If it is so old it doesn't have a working turn-off valve....call a licensed plumber. Have him or her put one in - because if you, as an amateur, break off that elderly pipe accidentally inside the wall, you will not have saved a penny! If it will turn off relatively easily, you're in luck, but hold it steady when you first try. Assess the pipe. How sturdy is it? Can it be cut with a pipe cutter and rethreaded if it sticks out too far for the new toilet, which you have already and have read the directions that came with it, of course... Most new toilets come in a box with the stuff you need to put it together. The exceptions usually have to do with the floor sewer connection. So make sure you come home with a wax seal and a new flange, if they're not included. All plumbers also carry clear silicone caulking for use around the floor edge on the outside of the toilet and Teflon tape for all pipe connections. You should, too. Now you know what you need. It's time to get the old toilet disconnected. Do not disconnect it if it's the only toilet in house UNTIL you've told every family member that it's happening and that they'd better use in now because there can be a delay in the exchange, no matter how well you plan ahead. ..... I won't go into the step-by-step setup of a new toilet because you should have clear directions that came with your new model. If you don't, check out precise directions at www.doityourself.com or treat yourself to a comprehensive home improvement manual from www.sunset.com or another reputable publisher. |
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