Drain Cleaner Tips

Posted on July 24, 2017 by Tim Carter

Drain Cleaner TIPS for Clogs

Get a wet-dry vacuum handy
Stain Solver works and some liquid cleaners
WATCH drain-design video for reference
Suck out yucky water from drain before using clog-removal products
CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter!

DEAR TIM: My plumbing drains occasionally clog. Do the chemical products really remove clogs from plumbing pipes?

Are there safe products to use for septic systems? Do some types of pipes clog more readily than others? How can I prevent those pesky bathtub clogs? Shirley P., Marshall, MN

DEAR SHIRLEY: Welcome to the club!

Master Plumber Pipes Clog Too

When I built my house years ago, I was sure I would never have a clogged plumbing pipe. After all I installed the plumbing drain pipes and I'm a master plumber.

I used smooth plastic drain lines and sized all pipes according to code. It turns out, this wasn't good enough.

Kids Tub Clogged Solid

Several weeks ago, I took a bath in my kids' bathtub to soak my aching feet. Upon exiting the tub, I operated the drain lever. The water in the tub didn't budge! The drain was completely clogged. Attempts to remove the clog with a plunger and a drain cleaning snake were futile.

Free & Fast Bids

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local drain-cleaning plumbers who can save you lots of time.

Black Goop = Biofilm

Drano Foamer box

Every time I plunged, black goop came back out through the drain opening. This goop is biofilm.

It can be a combination of bacteria, old food particles, soap film, cosmetic ingredients, toothpaste, shampoos and conditioners, and actual body oils. The film is quite sticky on the surface and hardens as successive layers begin to build on top of one another.

It's not uncommon for biofim to accumulate and choke off a 1.5 inch diameter drain in just 25 to 30 years. The biofilm also emits mold spores when water goes down drains. The gas that ejects the mold spores from the biofilm has an offensive odor.

Hair Clogs

Hair - especially long hair - is also a major clog source for drains. Strands of hair can attach themselves to the biofilm and any rough surface or object in a drain pipe.

The mechanism within bathroom sinks and bathtubs that operate the stopper are favorite collection points for hair. I believe the clog in my bathtub drain was a combination of biofilm and my teenage daughter's long hair.

Grease Clogs

Grease can also clog drains. Pouring liquid grease down a kitchen sink or any drain is a big mistake.

It can solidify and choke off the drains or the main building drain line. Pour lukewarm or cool grease into paper towels or old newspapers and throw it away with your normal garbage.

Easy Drain Cleaning Video

Watch this video to see how to design drain pipes so you can clear clogs FAST.

Powdered Oxygen Bleach

Stain Solver is MADE in the USA with USA ingredients that are food-grade quality. CLICK THE IMAGE to order some NOW.

Stain Solver is a powdered oxygen bleach that can do a great job of clearing drains. It dissolves grease and softens biofilm. Stain Solver is certified organic, made in the USA and has no odors like offensive chlorine bleach.

You mix the Stain Solver powder with hot water, stir until it's dissolved and then pour it into the clogged drain.

It works best if you use a wet-dry vacuum first to suck out as much water from the clogged drain as possible.

Use small extension tubes or plastic tubing taped to the vacuum hose to get water out of drain pipes.

Doing this allows the concentrated Stain Solver solution to get in contact with the clog.

Liquid Drain Cleaners

The liquid drain cleaners can work very well too. I decided to try a maximum strength off-the-shelf product purchased from a local grocery store even though I knew my Stain Solver would work.

I always love to try new methods and products.

It was a thick product that poured like maple syrup. These common drain cleaners are actually a combination of regular household bleach, alkali chemicals (sodium hydroxide) and other ingredients.

Here's the product I used to clear the tub drain. There are several different formulations. CLICK the PHOTO NOW TO SEE THE ONE THAT'S BEST FOR YOU AND HAVE IT DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME.

The bleach component works great to dissolve hair, cosmetics and soaps. The alkali ingredient works with the bleach to actually soften and dissolve the biofilm deposits.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local drain-cleaning plumbers who can save you lots of time.

Foaming Drain Cleaners

New foaming cleaners are now available that coat the entire inside of the pipes. The foam attacks biofim buildup on the side walls and top of the pipes. These surfaces are usually left untouched by the liquid drain cleaners.

I've used this foaming drain cleaner on my slow-draining kitchen sink. It seems to help. CLICK THE PHOTO NOW TO HAVE THIS PRODUCT DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME.

Wet Rags & Vacuums

To make sure I got the most punch from the product I purchased, I did something different. With a wet rag stuffed down the tub overflow tube, I used my powerful wet-dry vacuum to suction out all of the water from the drain pipe and the bathtub drain trap.

This allowed me to pour the contents of the drain cleaner directly up against the clog. Within fifteen minutes, my bathtub drain was flowing like new!

Limit Use In Septic Systems

Regular chemical drain cleaners contain ingredients that are harmful to septic systems. The chemicals can kill off beneficial bacteria within the septic tank.

If you have a septic system, you should use Stain Solver on a regular basis. It can prevent clogs before they happen. When used on a regular basis and according to manufacturer's recommendations, it will not harm your septic system.

Stain Solver oxygen bleach will help to minimize biofilm buildup on the inner walls of pipes. It also adds beneficial oxygen to your septic tank.

Copper = Natural Biocide

Copper drain lines seem to have the fewest clogs. The copper actually poisons the biofilm slowing its growth and buildup.

Plastic drain lines are also resistant to clogs although biofilm will attach itself to the smooth insides of these pipes.

Galvanized iron and cast iron pipes clog most frequently due to their rough inner surfaces. If you're installing a bathtub in a new home or remodeling project, put in a 2 inch diameter trap and 2 inch drain line. The larger pipe size will be more forgiving and easier to clean out.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local drain-cleaning plumbers who can save you lots of time.

Column 246

Lot Clearing Tips

Posted on July 24, 2017 by Tim Carter

Lot Clearing Tips

DEAR TIM: I'm going to build a home on a wooded lot that I own. To save money, some friends and I intend to do all the clearing ourselves.

What's should I know about lot clearing? Do you think this is a good thing for me to do?

What are the biggest challenges and how might you best prepare for them? The estimates I got for this task took my breath away, so I'm trying to save money. Randy C., Moultonboro, NH

DEAR RANDY: I understand your desire to save money.

Get Some Estimates

With the economy sputtering along it makes sense to be as frugal as possible. As crazy as this sounds, I wonder if it might not be worth the time to get a few more estimates. Many contractors are not too busy, and you could get some really competitive prices. I'd exhaust that avenue first before I'd do anything else.

Free & Fast Bids

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local excavation contractors that know how to clear lots.

Create Simple Specifications

If you do decide to go get more estimates, be sure that each contractor is bidding the same thing. This means you must write out a very accurate job description that says exactly what you want done.

You must specify what happens with the trees, the branches, the stumps, and any large rocks that might be in the way. You need to describe exactly what the lot will look like, using photos if possible from other cleared lots, when the job is finished.

Timber = CASH $ $ $

Be aware that you could have a substantial amount of money in the trees on the land and not be the wiser. It would not be the first time a naive land owner was taken advantage of by a contractor that cut down valuable timber.

I know of land owners who paid to have high-priced timber cut down and carted away, and then the contractor makes additional money selling the logs to a timber mill!

Get Bids From Brokers

If you think you have valuable timber on your land, then you need to call in lumber brokers to get quotes on the value of the timber. Once again, you need to be very careful and have them mark exactly what trees are the money trees and how many of each there are.

Understand most loggers are going to leave your land looking like a moonscape with lots of slash left behind and ruts from the giant skidders that move the logs from the forest to the logging yard where the logs are loaded onto street-legal trucks to be carted away.

Skidder Video

These odd-looking machines can traverse just about any land. If it's muddy, they tear up land.

Let's say none of this works out, and you and your buddies become weekend lumberjacks. The first thing I want you to know is this is very dangerous work, it's hard, and if you're not used to it, it will wear you out faster than running up the Mt. Washington Auto Road.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local excavation contractors that know how to clear lots.

Here's a short list of the equipment you'll need to make a dent in this project. You'll need several powerful chainsaws with 18-inch blades, all the safety equipment for each saw operator (chaps, helmet, visor, heavy gloves, etc.), a timber jack tool that will allow you to lift logs to cut them, chains, a tractor, possibly an excavator, etc.

The odd tool with the lime-green handle is a timberjack. It has a moveable claw that has bitten into the log. You roll the log about 90 degrees and it elevates the end of the log up in the air so you can cut off links without getting the chainsaw blade in the dirt. CLICK THE IMAGE TO HAVE ONE DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME NEXT WEEK.

Tool rental businesses should be able to rent you all the mechanical equipment you need, but you'll have to be trained on how to operate them. Be aware that these machines are extremely dangerous, and if you don't know how to make them stable in wet, slippery or sloped ground, be extremely careful.

DIY Excavator Video

You can rent a machine like this to help you clear your land. It takes about 30 minutes to discover how to manage the joystick controls.

As for a plan of attack, you should think about the best way to access the building area so you put the driveway or road in the right spot. Think about drainage and ensuring the road is slightly elevated so it doesn't wash out.

Small Ones First

You should go in and cut the smaller trees out of the way first so you have room to work when you have to bring down the larger trees. Think about what you're going to do with all of the slash.

Slash is all of the tree material that's not taken away to a lumber or pulp mill. You generally have to burn it, grind it up or pile it on the lot so it naturally decomposes. If you decide to burn it, be sure to find out what the laws are about this. You'll undoubtedly need a permit to burn slash.

Firewood Plan

If you're going to turn the trees into your own firewood, you can either cut the logs up into links as you work, or stack the long logs off to the side to cut up later. Be sure you stack the logs at least 20 feet away from where a foundation wall might be.

You have to make sure you give the builder room to work. The last thing you want to do is move giant logs twice.

Stump Removal

Stump removal is an art. If you want to do it quickly you'll need large heavy equipment. It can be done with a bulldozer, but you must plan ahead. If you use a bulldozer to remove stumps, you need to leave about 3 or 4 feet of the tree sticking up out of the ground.

The bulldozer raises its blade and leverages the stump out of the ground. It can't do this if you cut off the tree close to the ground.

If you have access to a large tracked excavator machine, the bucket on the arm can be removed and in its place a large single-toothed blade can be installed. This monster claw looks like that of a raptor and within seconds an experienced operator can make three swipes and the stump is out of the ground. It's both an impressive and terrifying thing to watch thinking of the raw power those machines possess.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local excavation contractors that know how to clear lots.

Column 933

Patio Paver DIY

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Tim Carter

Patio Paver DIY | This patio paver job is being done by a 65-year-old man. If he can do it with no helpers, so can you! The large-format pavers can be heavy so only buy what you can hold and place with relative ease. This was featured as "Quick Story" in the July 30, 2017 AsktheBuilder Newsletter. (C) Copyright 2017 Tim Carter

"Ask five different paver contractors the way to install the paving stones and you might get five different methods. What really matters is the strength of the underlying soil under your patio, the size of the pavers you intend to use and how much weight will be placed upon any given paver."

Paver Patio DIY TIPS

Visit different suppliers to see all the varied pavers
Lift the stones to see if you can handle them
WATCH the videos below to help you understand sand strength
Use concrete sand for simple backyard patios and walkways
CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter!

DEAR TIM: I’ve decided it’s time for a patio in my rear yard. After visiting a local business that sells a vast variety of different patio pavers, I’m ready to start.

Do you think this is a real DIY job or am I being too ambitious? After watching a number of videos on YouTube, I’m more confused than ever about the best base material.

Have you installed these patio stones and what method do you recommend? Are there any hidden surprises with precast concrete patio pavers? Sue T., Racine, WI

DEAR SUE: You must have been in contact with my wife. She loves patios and has been wanting one here at our New Hampshire home for a few years. I had constructed a huge brick patio for her many years ago at our last home and she misses it.

I'm using 2x4s to guide me so I don't dig out too much dirt.The parallel 2x4s have been set using a builder's level and slope away from the house. The 2x4 on top allows me to ensure I only dig out 3.5 inches of dirt. Next to the deck you can see how the loose dirt was compacted using the heavy steel hand tamper. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Where Do You Purchase Patio Pavers?

We did the same thing you did just a week ago. We went to a large local business that stocks just about any type of natural stone or precast concrete paver that’s available. It was exciting for me to see how the patio paver industry has matured.

I can clearly remember how limited the selection was many years ago when the first generation of this building material hit the marketplace. Decades ago all you could get were simple brick that measured about 4 x 8 inches. Now there are dozens of shapes, colors and textures.

Free & Fast Bids

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local paving stone contractors in case you feel like you can't do your own pavers.

What Type of Textures Are Available?

Kathy decided to go with a stunning paver that has a textured top surface that resembles slate. This design creates a random texture with deep shadow lines that might fool some into thinking it’s real slate.

Be sure you visit several stone and paver suppliers to see all the different patterns, colors and textures that are available. Not every business stocks every precast concrete paver.

Conflicting Installation Information Out There - BEWARE!

I happened to watch some of the videos online and shook my head. Installation methods meant for city streets were being touted as the way to do a small residential backyard patio that may have a lawnmower ride over it instead of a 40-ton loaded concrete truck!

Here's an example of a somewhat confusing video. This is a great video, but the deep gravel base they used will work to support large trucks on a driveway. The work being done was for a backyard patio that will just support the weight of people walking on it.

If you're a contractor reading this column, before you get your knickers in a knot, think about driving your car or pickup truck on nothing more than sand.

Yeah, I'll bet you never gave that a thought. Watch the following video and think about the concentrated loads at each tire. Some of the pickup trucks you see in this video weigh about 6,000 pounds.

The contact area where each tire touches the sand is only a small square about 6 inches on a side! Compacted sand that can't move sideways is very strong!

That means compacted sand alone would work fine for a simple backyard paver patio. Read more of Tim's comments on compacted sand in the May 13, 2018 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.

Do You Have To Put Gravel Under The Patio Pavers?

Ask five different paver contractors the way to install the paving stones and you might get five different methods. What really matters is the strength of the underlying soil under your patio, the size of the pavers you intend to use and how much weight will be placed upon any given paver.

Realize that compacted sand can be incredibly strong and is an easy material for a DIY person to handle.

Do Driveways Require the Gravel Base?

Precast concrete pavers that have to support the weight of cars, trucks and the like need a deep compacted base of crushed gravel. Compacted concrete sand is often placed on top of this. A thin final layer of setting sand is the actual surface you place the pavers onto.

Are Large Pavers An Advantage?

Larger paving stones act like building footings. They spread the weight put upon them across a greater area. This is why Kathy and I decided to use a three-piece set of pavers where the largest one measures 16 by 24 inches! Because our patio measures 10 by 24 feet, the large format also looks more to scale.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local paving stone contractors in case you feel like you can't do your own pavers.

Can Just Sand Support A Car or Truck?

Here’s something that many installers seem to forget. You can drive your car or truck on many sand beaches here in the USA.

I’ve done it with my full-sized pickup truck!

Sand Is Just Small Rock

Realize the vast majority of sand you see is just small pieces of rock. On some beaches it can be tiny pieces of sea shells or broken coral. In other words, compacted sand can provide a sufficient base for a paver patio that’s just going to have you walking across it.

Is a Paver Patio Really a DIY Job?

I fully believe if you’re in decent physical condition you can do this entire job yourself. Your only limitation is going to be if you can lift and hold the paving stones with your two hands. You need to be able to place the pavers very carefully so they drop onto the final layer of sand as flat as possible. When you visit the businesses that sell the stone, try to lift the largest paver you’re thinking of using.

Many Patios = Tested Methods

I’ve installed many paver patios. As you might suspect, I decided to test different methods for patios trying to discover the best method requiring the least amount of work. Using my geology degree and some common sense, I finally settled on using concrete sand under my patio pavers. The method I’d use for a paver driveway differs from what I’m about to share.

How Much Sand Is Needed?

Just a few days ago, I excavated the soil and then used a hand tamper to compact any disturbed soil. I then set wood forms on the soil that extended a minimum of 3 inches beyond the edge of the finished pavers. Just as roads have shoulders to support the pavement, I wanted my compacted sand to extend beyond the patio edge.

The upper left of the photo shows 3.5 inches of uncompacted sand that was dumped in between the two parallel 2x4s. I used the other 2x4 to scrape off any excess. Then I used the hand tamper to compact it. You can clearly see I was able to get it to compact 1 inch. I then gently sprinkled it with lots of water to help further compact it. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Concrete Sand Is Best

I like concrete sand because it has a wide variety of rock particles in the sand that range from fine sand all the way up to stones that are about the size of green peas. This sand is easy to shovel and place. I put down 3.5 inches and used my hand tamper to compact it. The tamper compacted this at least 3/4 of an inch. In some areas the sand compacted 1 inch.

Is It A Good Idea To Water The Sand?

I then used my garden hose with the garden nozzle set to shower to thoroughly wet down the compacted sand. The water flowing through the sand further consolidates the sand just as the sea water does at the beach.

The next step is to place the final thin layer of concrete sand on top of the compacted sand. You set your pavers on this layer gently making sure the edges of the pavers touch one another and they are set flat on the sand.

What Is Polymeric Sand For Joints?

The final step is to use new polymeric colored sand to fill the joint between the pavers.

Here's but one type of polymeric sand. This is very fine sand, usually silica sand, that's got Portland cement or other polymer adhesives that work like cement. They come in different colors to match the color of your pavers. You broom the sand into the joints between the pavers then wet it to activate the polymers and cement. CLICK THIS IMAGE NOW to view all the different brands and colors.

This special sand helps prevent weeds from growing in the cracks. My only complaint about the precast colored concrete pavers is they eventually change color as the colored cement paste wears off the top surface of the pavers. Do NOT pressure wash your paver patio as this accelerates the loss of the colored cement paste.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local paving stone contractors in case you feel like you can't do your own pavers.

Column 1205

Air Filter Particle Size Chart

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Tim Carter

Air Filter Particle Size TIPS

Cheap fiberglass furnace filters are for catching HUGE things
Paper pleated filters are superb
WATCH filter VIDEO below
HEPA filters are affordable and they work.
CLICK HERE to Get Tim's Free & Funny Newsletter!

Dust. pollen, mold float around your house every day in massive numbers. Now, I'm not trying to scare or upset you, it simply is a fact. Well, how would you like to be able to sift many of these particles from the air economically and efficiently?

Planes, Trains & Cars

What in the world do these things have to do with air? Well, all three of these massively complex machines have engines which use sophisticated air filtration equipment. Most of these filters are pleated paper filters, not spun glass. These paper filters easily trap extremely small pieces of dust and dirt that can cause costly damage.

What's more important? An engine or your lungs? So, why in the world are you still using one of those inexpensive fiberglass filters in your furnace or air conditioning equipment? I'll tell you why. For years, we (you & me) thought that those were the filters to use.

Did you know that those filters are not meant to purify the air you breathe? I'm serious. Their sole function is to keep LARGE particles of dirt, dust, hair, etc. from clogging the furnace and air conditioning equipment. Dirt, hair, etc. can clog coils, coat electric motors (causing overheating), and coat fan blades (causing inefficient air movement). It's your job to watch out for your own body.

Great Filter Overview Video

Watch this video to get an idea of all the different filters. You'll see how the crap fiberglass ones have low MERV ratings.

Free & Fast Bids

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local HVAC contractors who can install HEPA filters in your equipment.

If you want to STOP things from getting into your lungs in your house, then you need HEPA filters like this. CLICK THE PHOTO now to have these delivered to your home.

If this is a shock to you, well, welcome to the club! Until I did the research for this particular column and bulletin, I too, thought that the spun glass filters did a fairly decent job of air filtration. They do, it just depends upon who they are working for (the furnace or your lungs!).

Efficiency vs. Arrestance

Air filter performance is measured using a quite sophisticated testing procedure. Two of the things that are measured are the filter's efficiency and its ability to "arrest" or stop particles dead in their tracks. This is called arrestance. These two things are really quite different.

Efficiency is a measurement of how quickly a filter is stained by test dust. The measurement is determined by how much light passes through the filter at different time periods. As the filter gets more clogged with dirt, the less light it will transmit. Spun glass filters are so inefficient, that they do not even qualify for this test! They simply don't have the capability to trap enough fine test dust particles.

Arrestance a very interesting test. In this test, a certain weight of very specific test dust is fed into the test chamber. This test dust is made up of dust gathered from the desert area of Arizona, powdered carbon, and cotton linter fibers.

Prior to the test, the filter is accurately weighed. After the test, the filtered is weighed again. It's increase in weight is compared with the total weight of the test dust introduced. Comparing these two simple numbers enables you to see how effectively the filter traps or "arrests" dirt and dust.

You really need to pay attention to how a filter is advertised. Most good paper filters can arrest maybe 90% of the particles, however they may only have an efficiency of 20 - 30%. Purchasing a filter that is 20 -30% efficient is a huge improvement over the spun glass filters. Some of these filters are only 6 - 8% efficient. That is a HUGE difference!

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local HVAC contractors who can install HEPA filters in your equipment.

Pleats

The paper filters are made like car air and oil filters. These filters use pleated paper. By folding and pleating paper, you dramatically increase the square foot area available to trap dirt, dust, and pollen.

The pleats work to your advantage with respect to periodic replacement. Often a pleated paper filter might have 2 - 4 times the square foot area of a similar spun glass filter. This means that you quite possibly can leave it in your furnace for 3 - 4 times longer than a spun glass filter. When this is considered, these paper filters cost just about the same per month, as a spun glass filter.

Even if you have to spend twice as much per month, they are worth it. These pleated paper filters can keep your house and lungs quite clean.

Synthetic Fiber Filters

You can also purchase efficient air filters made from synthetic polyester fibers. Sometimes these filters are treated with an adhesive which helps trap dust and dirt particles. Efficiency and arrestance capabilities can match those of the paper filters.

Microns

A micron is a form of measurement, just like an inch or a mile. But, it is much, much smaller than both of those. A micron is one-millionth of a meter or equivalent to 1/25,400 th of an inch. Man, that's small!

The filters we have been talking about can trap some pretty small particles. For example, some of these filters can trap mold spores and pollen. These particles often range in the differ size from 5 - 10 microns in diameter. To put that in perspective to things we are more familiar with, lets look at a strand of ordinary hair. I think you will agree that a piece of hair is pretty darned thin. Guess what, an average hair is approximately 150 microns wide!

That should give you an idea of how effective some of these paper and synthetic fiber filters can actually be.

If you want to STOP things from getting into your lungs in your house, then you need HEPA filters like this. CLICK THE PHOTO now to have these delivered to your home.

Bacteria, Viruses, Mold, etc.

If you suffer from allergies related to the above items, these filters may be of interest to you. In certain cases, they can stop certain molds and fungi. They are somewhat less effective in stopping bacteria, as bacteria range in size from .1 microns all the way up to 60 microns. Viruses are another story. Most of these are quite small. They usually range in size from .01 to .2 microns in size. To trap viruses, you need special air filters and modifications to your furnace blower. The filters that trap viruses are also expensive. They are used in hospital environments to limit the spread of disease.

Most of us do not need this level of protection. Shop around for a pleated paper filter and the trip will be worth it. Once installed, you will readily see the difference in your home. No more dusting of the furniture!

Particle Size Comparison Chart in Microns

The below chart illustrates the relative size of some common dust, dirt, pollen, mold, etc. particles that you might recognize by name. Particles of the same thing are not always the exact same size. In fact, there can be huge variances. That is why they are shown, on this chart, by a line. The line dictates the size range of each particle.

Air Filter Particle Size

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local HVAC contractors who can install HEPA filters in your equipment.

Column B79

Fixing 3 Way Switch & 4 Way Switch Wiring Problems

Posted on July 15, 2017 by Tim Carter

Fixing a 3 Way Switch TIPS

Use a voltage tester to help with this job
You just need to identify the continuous hot wire and the wire that goes to the light fixture
WATCH the EASY VIDEOS below
Be careful working with energized conductors
CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter!

Existing 3 Way Switches

Virtually every house has at least one set of three way switches. They may be at the bottom and the top of stairways. Often they can be found at either end of a hallway. If one breaks or you wish to replace them with more decorative switches, you can often confuse the wires.

How to Wire a 3 Way Switch Video

If you hook up either one or both of the three way switches incorrectly, they will not operate properly. One switch may turn the lights on and off, while the other switch does nothing.

Which Wire is What?

Let's assume you are in a mess right now. The switches don't work. You don't have a continuity tester. Here is how to fix them. The first thing that must be done is to identify the two common or traveler wires. WATCH THE ABOVE VIDEO to see what those wires are.

FREE & FAST BIDS

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local electricians in case you're too scared or frustrated to fix your 3-way switch.

Find the HOT Wire First

Identifying the travelers at each switch is done by finding the continuous hot wire at one switch and then discovering the wire at the other switch that goes to the light fixture.

One of the wires in the two three-way switches is ALWAYS hot assuming the circuit breaker is on.

Start by turning off the power to the switch circuit at the circuit breaker.

Disconnect all the wires from BOTH switches.

Be sure the wires are NOT touching anything and the bare copper ends are sticking out of the boxes and not touching anything.

Using a Voltage Tester

Use a voltage tester to find it. Watch this video to see how to use a voltage tester while a wire is HOT:

Be Careful

To identify the hot wire with a voltage tester, you need to work with the electric while it's energized.

Once you identify the HOT wire, connect that wire to the black screw at the switch you're working on. Refer once again to my own video above. Watch it again.

Go to the other switch and now find the wire that goes to the light fixture. You can do this using an extension cord that's plugged into an outlet. When you insert each of the wires at the second switch ONE AT A TIME into the hot plug socket on the extension cord, the light above will come on.

Take this wire and attach it to the black screw on the switch.

Attach the remaining two wires at each switch to the brass screws. It doesn't matter which wire goes to with brass screw.

VICTORY!

Congratulations on your success!!!!

Column B141

July 13, 2017 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

Posted on July 14, 2017 by Tim Carter

I think it's been three weeks since we last communicated, unless of course you're a new subscriber and this is your first issue! Welcome!

The last week of June, I was on the Norwegian cruise liner Dawn and had a marvelous time. It was my first cruise and WOW was I impressed. The Dawn left Boston at 4:00 p.m. on June 23rd and arrived in Bermuda the morning of June 25th.

I had the unique opportunity to interact with many of the crew, including Alain Magnier, the Hotel Director. The hotel director is just below the captain on the ship's organizational chart. Alain is completely in charge of the passenger and crew experience on the ship. It's a huge responsibility.

I'm in the process of writing a big story about the Dawn and how it compares in a way to your home. I know that seems crazy but wait until you read my story, see my photos and videos.

I had the pleasure of conducting a one-hour interview with Alain and then we ate a delicious lunch in Cagney's Steakhouse on board the ship as it made its way back to Boston from Bermuda.

In addition to speaking with Alain, I also had the great good fortune to meet and talk with:

CLICK each of their names above and read the stories about each of these super professional crew members. If you go on cruises and don't reach out and talk to the crew, I feel you're missing something. Most are very congenial and will engage you in conversation.

Here's a photo of Linda and I taken the night before we got back to Boston:

Electronic Stove Igniters

Yesterday I solved a pesky problem with Kathy's stove. The gas burners ignite using a spark igniter. The igniter is supposed to stop clicking and sparking once the flame starts.

Well, ours kept sparking. I was able to solve the problem in minutes using some rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs.

All you do is soak the tip of a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub the grease and dirt off the tip of the entire igniter and the burner area where the spark jumps to from the ignitor.

It only took me about five minutes to clean all eight ignitors.

Try this is you're having issue with your stove.

Car Rental Experts - Please Help Me!

My next adventure is in one month. I'll be doing a factory tour where the magnificent KEEN shoes and boots are made.

CLICK HERE to understand why I'm investing the time to travel 3,000 miles to this factory.

The KEEN headquarters are in downtown Portland, Oregon. WOOT! The list of US states I haven't visited will now be down to three after this trip! I've never been to Oregon. After that I need to get to North Dakota, Alaska and Hawaii. But I digress.

About ten days after the KEEN tour ends, I need to be in San Francisco for a meeting. It seemed nuts to fly all the way back to New Hampshire and then a week later fly back out, so I'm staying out west.

This is where I need you if you're a SUPER EXPERT about renting cars. I'm looking for the absolute best deal on a one-way car rental from Portland, OR down to San Francisco. I already know you can usually get better deals not picking the car up from the airports.

But what are the other secrets?

If you're a car rental expert, please consider reaching out and help me get a super deal. I'd pick up the car mid morning of August 4th in Portland and I'd return it to the SFO airport early on the morning of August 16th.

It can be a tiny car. I'm not particular.

Oregon / N. California Meet Ups???

This trip will produce opportunities for a few meet ups if you live in Portland, OR or San Fransisco, CA or in between these two cities. Reach out to me if you want to do a meet up and let me know where you are so I can see if we can make it work.

Dishwasher Money-Saving Tips

About two months ago, I noticed that the glasses coming out of my dishwasher were not really clean. They had a film on them.

I do have a water softener and it was operating just fine. The rinsing agent reservoir in the dishwasher was also filled with the magic blue liquid.

I traced the issue to a DISGUSTING grease-clogged filter in the bottom of the dishwasher under the rotating arm that squirts water.

GROSS!!!! I was able to get the filter looking like new soaking it overnight in my Stain Solver oxygen bleach.

Stain Solver really does a great job of attacking grease. Once the filter was clean, the glasses looked great again.

While we're at it on dishwashers, here's another tip.

You know the little dispenser you fill with detergent that gets the dishes clean? Do you fill those all the way each load?

STOP doing that. Start TESTING NOW.

I've discovered that I only need to fill the main reservoir only about 1/3 of the way with a name-brand liquid cleaner to get perfectly clean dishes.

I also fill the pre-wash reservoir only 1/2 way.

You'll end up buying far less detergent if you find the sweet spot for your machine.

My guess is the dishwasher manufacturers oversize the reservoirs in case you buy a crap detergent that doesn't work so well so you need to put more in.

New Columns For You

Here are a few new columns for you to help increase your knowledge:

Tub Tile Grout Repair

Treated Wood Rot

Blacktop Driveway Types

New Videos Coming

I'm about to tape a series of videos showing how to cut and thread black iron pipe. I think you're really going to be amazed at how SIMPLE it is.

That's enough for today. Help me out on the car rental please if you like challenges.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

Emelinda Nonato Norwegian Dawn Assistant Maitre D

Posted on July 13, 2017 by Tim Carter

Norwegian Dawn Assistant Maitre D

The last week of June 2017 found me at sea on the Norwegian cruise liner Dawn as its pointed bow plowed through the deep blue sea heading to Bermuda from Boston, Massachusetts.

It was my first cruise and I was like a kid in a candy store.

Weeks prior to departure I had reached out to the public relations team at Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) asking them a few questions about my ham radio.

I informed them the adventure was a mix of work and pleasure as I wanted to write a story about how a cruise liner compares to the homes you and I live in.

That's how I came to meet Emelinda Nonato a few days into the cruise.

Emelinda is a pro. It was very nice of her to allow me to have this photo taken of her and I together inside the Bamboo restaurant.

Emelinda has been working on cruise ships for thirteen years I believe and she's climbed high on the ladder to become an Assistant Maitre D in a few of the fine restaurants on the Dawn.

The NCL public relations team goes out of its way to extend courtesies to members of the media like me. One of them was a very nice invitation to eat breakfast and lunch at a few of the exclusive restaurants on board the ship.

I decided to try breakfast at Moderno Churrascaria. It's an enclosed restaurant in the middle portion of the ship on Deck 13. It's got large windows that overlook the outdoor pool area.

This restaurant is very formal and I'm quite sure the Dawn's Hotel Director, Alain Magnier, puts his A team members in these high-profile assets. The passengers that visit these upscale restaurants on the ship pay to dine here and expect the best service and dining experience.

Yes, that's French press coffee made fresh just for you. Look at the presentation of the fruit for breakfast. It's well worth it to splurge and visit these top-tier restaurants on the Dawn. It's a dining experience you'll never forget. If you're lucky, Linda Giga may come and take your photo while dining! Copyright 2017 Tim Carter

I can tell you I was not disappointed and neither would my close friend Dan Murray who appreciates white tablecloths over plastic forks and foam bowls when dining.

Emelinda was the Maitre D on duty the first morning I dined for breakfast in Moderno Churrascaria. She was professional and made sure my meal was perfect.

Here's the menu I looked at while dining that morning at Moderno Churrascaria. I guarantee you'll get something you like. Want something different? My guess is your waiter and the chef can make it happen! Copyright 2017 Tim Carter

As I was leaving the restaurant that morning I mentioned that I'd be having lunch with the Hotel Director and asked her how to spell his name.

"Oh, you're going to have a great time with Alain," said Emelinda. She kindly corrected my spelling as she saw me write down his name forgetting to add the letter "i".

Little did I know that she'd be on duty that afternoon at Cagney's Steakhouse where I was to have lunch with Alain after my interview with him.

While I can't speak for the official duties of the other assistant maitre d's, Emelinda worked at no less than three of the fine restaurants on board the Dawn. She was kind enough to pose for our photo together while on duty at Bamboo.

I hope when you cruise on the Dawn you'll remember Emelinda and take a few moments to engage her in conversation. Ask her if she remembers the silly old goat with the white hair who asked too many questions!

Rene Boy Rapal Norwegian Dawn Junior Stateroom Steward

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Tim Carter

Norwegian Dawn Junior Stateroom Steward

The last week of June 2017 I had the most pleasant hotel experience of my life.

I was in a moving hotel, the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship, as she carved her way through the deep blue sea from Boston to Bermuda and then back again.

My stateroom was 9611 and Rene Boy Rapal was my steward.

Here's Rene with his great uniform. I don't think he likes to have his photo taken. No, Rene didn't steal my razor. I hadn't shaved for a few days. You can forget to do that on cruises. Copyright 2017 Dan Murray

This young man was polite, efficient and congenial.

I talked to him early in the cruise and we became instant friends. How did he know that I LOVED to have ice in my room?

Yes, he would automagically fill my stainless steel ice container twice a day.

Because he's a pro, he would memorize the schedule of the passengers in the fourteen staterooms he was in charge of. When I left my cabin early in the morning to walk around or get coffee, he'd make sure he'd clean up, make the bed and have the room perfect by the time I got back. It was magic.

I thoroughly enjoyed the turn-down service Rene performed each night when I was at dinner. When I'd come back to the room some amusing creature made from tightly wound towels would be in my room. I'd never seen anything like it before!

Rene was a real pro and I only hope you're lucky enough to meet him if you travel on the Dawn.

Building & Remodeling Magazines & Associations

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Tim Carter

Here are just a few of the covers of Fine Homebuilding. They put out two special issues each year, one about amazing houses and the other about dream kitchens and bathrooms. CLICK THE PHOTO to subscribe.

Construction Magazines & Articles

For topics concerning construction, there are many good magazines to read. One is called The Journal of Light Construction. This magazine is an excellent monthly publication directed towards smaller building and remodeling contractors.

However, any homeowner could easily follow each article. The articles are written using non-technical information. They attempt to show different installation techniques and/or how certain products (paints, caulks, shingles, etc.) should be installed.

A similar magazine, Fine Homebuilding, has an almost identical format. Many years ago when I first started to subscribe, issue 28, it focused on unique home building projects and large-scale remodeling projects. The articles are expertly written and edited. The photographs are spectacular.

Fine Homebuilding has gravitated more towards what the Journal of Light Construction has done for years. Now Fine Homebuilding focuses primarily on everyday topics and challenges that the average builder faces.

I've always loved the full-color 3D cutaway illustrations in Fine Homebuilding. A subscription to this magazine is money well spent.

Free & Fast Bids

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local remodeling contractors. Ask them if they subscribe to Fine Homebuilding and Journal of Light Construction.

Certain areas of construction have hundreds of books and articles. Concrete is one of these areas. The Portland Cement Association has a catalog of their publications. There are hundreds of books, pamphlets and videos available. While some are technical, quite a few are written specifically for homeowners.

The associations listed below have excellent literature. Your library has a wealth of books. Your newsstand has or can get numerous magazines.

Building & Remodeling Magazines

Remodeling
www.remodeling.hw.net
An excellent trade publication. Free subscriptions are available to those in and around the remodeling field. Homeowners can purchase subscriptions as well. An excellent source of new product information and design ideas. Also, inside information on the business aspects of remodeling contracting.
Journal of Light Construction
www.jlconline.com
An excellent publication if you are an ardent do-it-yourselfer, or want to learn how things are done so that you can make sure you hire the right person.
Fine Homebuilding
www.finehomebuilding.com
This magazine is considered by many custom builders and remodelers as the ultimate publication. The articles are written by experts in their fields. Often the projects featured can offer you dramatic design ideas. You can always find this publication on my coffee table!
Kitchen & Bath Business
www.kbbonline.com
Everything you wanted to know about new kitchen and bath products and designs. It is primarily a trade publication available for free. If you wish to subscribe, you can as well. Great magazine if you want to be the first on your block with the "in" cabinets and tops.
Qualified Remodeler
www.qualifiedremodeler.com
A trade publication like Remodeling. Can be had for free if you are in the remodeling business. If not, you will have to pay!

Manufacturing & Trade Associations

Following is a partial list of manufacturing and trade associations. Virtually every one listed has an abundance of literature that speaks about their group. For example, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association has an incredible booklet that shows you just how your roofer should be installing your shingles. The same is true for just about every association listed. I highly recommend that you contact the associations that interest you and request literature. You will not be disappointed.

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
National Association of Home Builders
National Kitchen & Bath Association
Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association
Gypsum Association
Portland Cement Association
Window and Door Manufacturers Association
Vinyl Siding Institute
APA - The Engineered Wood Association
Tile Council of America
Carpet and Rug Institute
National Wood Flooring Association
Resilient Floor Covering Institute
Home Ventilating Institute
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association
American Lighting Association
Brick Industry Association
National Paint & Coatings Association
Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local remodeling contractors. Ask them if they subscribe to Fine Homebuilding and Journal of Light Construction.

Linda Giga Norwegian Dawn Photographer

Posted on July 11, 2017 by Tim Carter

Norwegian Dawn Photographer

The last week of June, 2017 I was fortunate enough to be on the Norwegian Dawn. I was invited to go on the cruise by a close friend as a last-minute cancellation had created an empty cabin.

I decided to turn it into a work / pleasure experience and write a story about how cruise ships compare to the average home you and I live in.

It was my first cruise. The ship left Boston harbor at 4 pm on June 23rd and headed to Bermuda.

Everything about the adventure was new to me. I spent my first day exploring the ship and trying to talk to as many crew members as possible.

The first night at dinner is when I first saw Linda Giga. She's a young Dawn crew member hailing from Latvia and was employed on the ship as a professional photographer.

The ship has about five white-tablecloth restaurants and Linda was going table to table taking photographs of the passengers. Norwegian then sells the photographs to the passengers in packages. When you sign up for a cruise, you can pick a photo package as one of your amenities in certain instances.

This is an example of a photo Linda would take at the bottom of the stairs in the Grand Atrium. I'm not an expert, but many families travel together on cruises and they love professional photos of themselves in the moment. Linda would have taken a much better photo making sure everyone was looking at the camera! Copyright 2017 Tim Carter - rookie photographer

Early in the cruise, I think it was Sunday night, I was wandering around the ship after dinner and found Linda in the Grand Atrium.

She was on duty near the grand staircase and in great discomfort. Linda was crouched down, and appeared to be staring at the floor although her eyes were closed.

She was rubbing her temples. You didn't have to be a first-year med student to realize she had a monster headache.

Having gone through my wretched kidney stone attack three years prior that required emergency surgery, I knew she was at level 7 on the pain scale. She was avoiding and limiting her required physical activity.

This is a pretty good depiction of the stages of pain. I can tell you that Linda was very close to 7 on the chart. Chart courtesy of Shadowtwin.com or whatever website they stole it from.

I watched Linda for a few moments and couldn't take it any longer. I wanted to do something to help ease her pain. I approached her, she immediately stood up with a smile and I said, "I can see you're suffering. Would you like me to go get you some medicine?"

Linda immediately refused and thanked me for my offer. I believe it took every ounce of energy for her to put on that smile and give the appearance that nothing was wrong.

The next morning, I saw her taking photos at the end of the gangway as passengers got off the ship to enjoy the day on shore in Bermuda.

"Linda, how are you feeling today?"

"Oh, much better. Thanks so much for asking! You're the only passenger that's said anything last night."

"Well, I knew you were hurting and I just wanted to help in any way I could."

She thanked me again and I went to operate my ham radio at a nearby miniature golf course.

The last night of the cruise I saw Linda working in the gallery where passengers could view photos and purchase albums. Her energy and smile were infectious and it was great to see her one last time.

She was kind enough to allow a friend of mine, Alycia Murray, to take the above photo. Linda's great attitude and laugh were one of the highlights of the crew members that I had the pleasure of speaking with while on the ship. Norwegian Cruise Lines is lucky to have her on the Dawn.

Here's one of the decorative mood lights up on deck 13 above the pool. I shot this in Bermuda, but no doubt Linda could do a much much better job. Perhaps one day she'll send me a photo or two of the ship she took. Copyright 2017 Tim Carter

Linda, I hope that you have no more headaches in the future and that all your future cruises are pleasant and filled with good times and great memories!