Restoring Rusty Paraphernalia and Water on AC Units

Posted on by Tim Carter

Restoring Rusty Paraphernalia | This 50-year-old two-wheeled hand truck was neglected and left outdoors for quite a few years. With less than two hours work, it looked brand new. (C) Copyright 2019 Tim Carter

Restoring Rusty Paraphernalia

QUESTION #1: What can you tell me about painting rusty metal? I want a fast and easy method to repaint an assortment of things in my garage and shed. Do you have to remove all the rust before you paint? Are there secret non-toxic chemicals that will remove rust? What paint would you use? Thanks. Debbie M., Ely, NV

Nevada is dry. Debbie lives in the Great Basin, the place were rivers go to die. Even still, there’s enough humidity to rust bare metal.

I’ve had tremendous success over the years painting rusty metal. The good news is you don’t have to remove all the rust. Not by a long shot.

The only non-toxic rust-removing chemical I’m aware of is white vinegar. It’s an amazing rust remover for very light rust on metal. I saturate a paper towel with the vinegar and press it onto the rusty metal. Within a few hours the rust is almost always gone and I don’t even have to rub the metal!

Just this past weekend, I restored a wonderful two-wheeled hand truck that you see delivery people use. It was almost fifty-years-old and very well made. Cheap ones you see online or at home centers don’t come close to matching its strength or design. This is one reason I try to restore old things as I find that many of my older implements and tools are constructed much better than what I can buy today.

hand truck finished

Years ago, the best metal primer I used had both zinc and chomate dust in the paint. Oh my gosh was it a great rusty metal primer! I believe this paint was discontinued over litigation worries about heavy metals in consumer products.

I now use a name-brand rusty metal primer on rust-coated steel. So far it’s performed very well. I tested it just last year painting some rusty steel and on purpose I didn’t coat the primer with finish paint. I subjected the primed steel to the harsh New England winter including all sorts of salt spray from highway driving. Months later, the primer looked like the day I applied it.

Step one is to read the label instructions on the can of the rusty metal primer you decide to use. Follow the instructions to the letter. Often the instructions say to remove rust scale and as much loose rust as you can brush away with a wire brush or coarse 60-grit sandpaper. You can use a wire wheel on a spinning electric grinder to make this work go very fast. Wear leather gloves and full eye protection. A breathing mask is also a good idea as some of the old paint you might be turning to dust could contain lead.

Once you’ve got the rust under control, take an old paint brush and use it to brush away any rust dust. Apply the primer and allow it to dry. As soon as the label on the primer says you can apply the finish paint, do it. Often this is just in a few hours. Doing it this way allows the finish paint to get a much better bond to the primer than if you prime something and then paint it weeks later.

Purchase the most expensive gloss finish paint you can afford. Higher prices often, but not always, equate to better ingredients. Once again, follow the instructions on the label of the finish paint for professional results.

Water on AC Units

QUESTION #2: Tim, can you share advice about whether or not it’s a good idea to spray water on a hot outdoor AC compressor so it runs more efficiently? I saw an ad for a special sprinkler made for this purpose. It seems like it would work as water refreshes me when I’m hot. Jim McM., Boca Raton, FL

I absolutely love questions like Jim’s. I get them week in and week out on my AsktheBuilder.com website. Jim did the right thing, in my opinion, by reaching out to me to ask about something before spending money or doing something that might cost thousands of dollars to repair.

I prefer to apply critical thinking skills to questions like this. The first thing that pops into my mind would be the owners manual for the AC unit. I would want to read it to see if the manufacturer recommends for or against spraying the unit with water. I know, it rains on outdoor AC compressors, so how bad can it be to spray it with hose water?

For one, the water from the hose might be hard and lime scale could start to build up on the cooling fins of the machine. Second, water from a sprinkler might not hit the compressor the same way rain does.

I’d then think about whether I’m really saving money. In my case, I get my water from a well so the water is free. I do have to pay a very small amount of money for electric to get the water from the well, but maybe that’s a few pennies per day.

You may have to pay lots for water at your home. You’d also have to time the water so it only runs each time your compressor turns on. How much is this complex timer setup going to cost?

For all of this to make sense, you’d have to save more on the electric to run the AC compressor than you pay for the water PLUS the cost of the special sprinkler and timer setup. I’m willing to bet money that it would take decades, or longer, to just break even.

Column 1314

August 11, 2019 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

Posted on by Tim Carter

Did you just subscribe in the past week? TNX as we say in Morse. I'll do my best to save you lots of time and sweet moola in this and future newsletters.

You might be an older, not age mind you, subscriber. Thanks for sticking around and this issue might astound you. As Kenny Chesney says in his hit song, "only time will tell, but it ain't talkin' ".

Do You Think Critically?

What is critical thinking? I define it as stepping back when confronted with a problem and considering the possibilities and secondary reactions to a solution.

What the HECK does that mean, Tim?????

Here's an example. You have a roof leak around a chimney and a young roofer shows up to fix it.

He comes down the ladder after surveying the situation and goes to his truck to get a tube of caulk. You ask him, "Is caulk the best material to stop the leak?"

He answers, "Oh yes, I've been caulking leaks like this for nine months now with no issues."

Then it hits you. A voice in your head whispers, "I don't want to ruin your day, but back 200 years ago when they built those cathedrals in Europe with the steep roofs they didn't have caulk. What do you think those roofers did to keep the roof timbers dry?"

That's some critical thinking.

Several days ago I got an email from Jim down in Boca Raton, FL. Here's what he said:

"I've seen advertisements for systems to spray water on A/C condenser units which in theory use evaporative cooling to assist the cooling of the refrigerant in the condenser coils. I can see why it might help but is it a good idea?"

Jim started the critical-thinking process and then decided to get a second opinion. Good for him! My guess is his gut didn't feel the company was telling the whole truth in their ad.

I've done expert testimony work for nearly twenty years and you know that a half-truth is a whole lie, right? That's why when I'm sworn in during a deposition or courtroom appearance I have to say, "I swear to tell the truth, the WHOLE truth, and nothing but the truth."

Let's take the next step in Jim's situation. I'd step back and ask these questions out loud. When I do this sometimes, my wife Kathy is convinced she's married to a fool.

#1. I wonder what the owners manual has to say about spraying my AC condenser unit with water? After all, it does get rain on it, so it might not hurt it!

#2. Hmmm, I wonder if the water coming out of my hose is the same as rain water? After all, I get hard water stains on my faucets inside but I don't recall seeing them on my car after a rain shower? That's interesting......

#3. I get my water for free (well not totally since I have to pay a tiny amount for electric to power the well pump) since I'm on a well but others have city water that might be expensive. I wonder if I'll really be SAVING MONEY on my AC electric bill by SPENDING MONEY in extra water usage?

If you don't know all the questions to ask when it's time to do critical thinking, I can help you out. Don't forget about my simple private phone consulting service.

Small Speaker - BIG Sound

Klein Wireless Speaker

A few weeks ago, I got this speaker so I could amplify the sound coming out of my low-powered amateur radio. That's a pretty specialized use, but hang in here with me.

Let's say you want to listen to some tunes out in your garage, on your deck, next to your pool, etc.

Your smartphone has Bluetooth and you've either got stored music on your phone or you subscribe to a streaming music service.

This dandy Klein wireless speaker will make you feel like you're at a Def Leppard concert, or maybe some other band.

CLICK or TAP HERE to see lots of other photos and to see why I LOVE LOVE LOVE this little speaker.

Tim, What Books Do You Read?

I used to share with you the books I read at night before I go to Sleep Land.

I decided to create a page on AsktheBuilder.com and put all my favorite reads there. I just built it this morning and have to add MANY more, but I've got a good start for you.

CLICK or TAP HERE to see what holds my attention and interest. I'll add quite a few more by next week. You may want to bookmark this page BTW and check in every few weeks.

Cleaning Tips Series

Kathy and I are devoting LOTS more time to the Stain Solver business.

We launched Stain Solver back in 1996 I think. I can look up when we applied for the trademark.

Stain Solver is a certified organic multi-purpose cleaner. The two pure ingredients are made in the USA. We blend them together and fill the bottles in a Chicago facility.

Stain Solver Oxygen Bleach

You may have used Stain Solver for years, but for cleaning only ONE THING.

I've made a HUGE MISTAKE by not sharing with you ALL the HUNDREDS of things you can renew using Stain Solver.

Well, I began to correct that mistake last week. I started to build a very cool cleaning tips series where you get a FREE NEW short cleaning tip every three days in your email inbox. I decided on every three days as I didn't want to overload you.

You can save HUNDREDS of dollars by salvaging something you thought was ruined. You can save HUNDREDS of dollars cleaning something yourself with Stain Solver that you might hire a pro to do. Hundreds of Stain Solver customers have done this.

I URGE you to sign up for this cleaning tip series because I GUARANTEE you'll get a tip one day and say, "You've GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!! I had NO IDEA I could clean that so easily!"

CLICK or TAP HERE to sign up for the FREE series.

Here's an example of one of the tips. Imagine getting this photo in your Inbox:
Stained T-shirt

CLICK or TAP HERE to see what Kelly's gross t-shirt looked like AFTER SOAKING it in Stain Solver.

That's enough for a Sunday morning.

I'll be wearing a new real bowtie - one you have to tie - to church this morning. It was given to me by a stranger last week. It's a gorgeous tie with lilacs on it. I'm the head usher at church and people compliment me all the time on my ties, especially when I wear my flag one.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com
Certified Organic Clean Person of Interest - www.StainSolver.com
Invisible Adventure Man - www.W3ATB.com

P.S. Boy did I have a great adventure back a few days ago. Cannon Mountain!

Tim Carter Reads

Posted on by Tim Carter

The following is a list of books I've read. You'll discover quickly I'm enamored with history with a sprinkling of mystery thrillers.

In a display of shame-filled vanity, I listed my own book, Roofing Ripoff, at the top of the list. In all seriousness, it's the one you should read first as it only takes one hour and it will save you THOUSANDS of dollars.

roofing ripoff Asphalt shingles, like many things, are not made like they used to be.

My 30-year-warranty shingles started to show serious wear in less than ten years.

I was so upset I decided to find out what was going on within the industry. I sent an email to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers PR people and they blew me off. I knew then I was onto something.

Using the wisdom of the crowds, I decided to devote one of my national Ask the Builder columns to the topic. Readers from all across the USA responded to a survey form I mentioned in the column.

A deep-throat source who works in the asphalt shingle industry also stepped forward and assured I'd not reveal his identity, he agreed to a 90-minute recorded phone interview. What he told me will shake you to the core of your being.

Roofing Ripoff is available as a paperback, a Kindle download, or an Audiobook!

CLICK or TAP HERE now to get your copy. Wait until you see the full-color graphics on each page. I doubt you've ever seen a book like this one.

Say what you will about Steve Jobs, his life story is beyond interesting. I think part of the allure of this book to me is captured in the lyrics of Don Henley's hit song, Dirty Laundry.

I've been told by many of my friends that my attention to detail on craftsmanship borders on obsessive-compulsive. When you look at how I make sure the slots in the screws in switch and outlet cover plates are always straight up and down, you might be right.

Steve was OC too - to a fault. He also understood how to sell sizzle. One other character flaw was not trusting doctors. He had all the money he needed to get early treatment of his cancer. Who knows, he still might be with us and his family had he attacked the demon earlier.  CLICK or TAP HERE to see how close Apple was to going out of business back decades ago, yet Steve died a billionaire.

Although widely rumored, I'm not the grown-up Ralphie. All too often people say I look like him and wonder if I was the child actor.

When you read the actual book that inspired the classic film, you'll howl with laughter. The actual screenplay and audio from the movie are in the same voice.

It's important to realize that I did own two BB guns. I didn't have a Red Ryder, but the one I did have was very accurate.

I also owned a CO2 BB semi-automatic pistol.

In the spirit of doing stupid things as Ralphie did in the book, one day Johnny Boncutter and I decided to play real cowboys and Indians in the woods behind my house shooting at each other.

Johnny had my rifle and I had the pistol. When you first put in a fresh CO2 cartridge the BBs come out with tremendous force. One of them hit Johnny in the thigh and I shot him out of a low tree.

We were NUTS to do this with no eye protection. This is why women live so much longer than men. CLICK or TAP HERE to read some of the other crazy stuff Ralphie did that wasn't in the movie.

I can't remember how I stumbled across the Bill Travis mystery series by George Wier, but I'm glad I did. Desperate Crimes is the first in the series and I think George is up to #15 now.

Bill Travis is the main character and his diligence and determination are inspirational.

George is a good writer and he keeps the story moving.

If you think you're good at guessing the endings of mystery books, then George will put you to the test.

I'm convinced you'll feel you got your money's worth and the books get better as the series expands.

CLICK or TAP HERE to start reading or listening to Desperate Crimes.

 

Have you ever been to the Hoover Dam? I was lucky enough years ago to be able to drive across it. After the terrorist attacks by the radical Islamists on 9/11, the Federal Government knew they had to make it nearly impossible for a terrorist to blow it up, so they built the new bridge that now crosses the Colorado River next to the dam.

But I digress.

This is an insanely interesting book. Built during the Depression years, men and their families streamed to the bleak and blistering-hot desert to build this incredible dam.

The US Government solicited bids for the dam. They only wanted contractors to bid for the labor as the government was going to buy the materials directly.

What do you think the winning bid was for the labor?

Can you imagine what it took to create the two diversion tunnels that had to built to channel the mighty Colorado River as the dam was being built?

Can you imagine pouring concrete NON-STOP for years no matter what the weather was? Think of those logistics.

CLICK or TAP HERE and be ready to be blown away.

My college degree is in geology. I'll never forget going out West for the first time.

I went with Pete and Charlie in Pete's new 1970 Volvo. I had never seen such scenery and I feel that trip sold me on studying geology.

Rough Hewn Land is a book written by a geologist, but it's for people like you that don't know the difference between a piece of schist and a strike-slip fault.

Wait until you see the sense of humor Keith shares in the captions in his photos. BWHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAHA!

Did you know that The entire state of California is built from rocks scraped off the deep ocean floor like you'd shave a wafer of wood using a plane?

Did you know that the astounding Sierra Nevada mountains were made by melting an enormous slab of ocean floor as they are sucked beneath the North American continental plate?

Do you like to invest in ocean-front land before the prices go to the moon? Keith shares why you might want to visit Las Vegas and start looking around for vacant land out in the desert.

I could go on and on and on about all the things you'll discover about what you see out West, but Keith does a better job.

CLICK or TAP HERE and be prepared to be amazed. The next trip you take out West, you'll have such a great appreciation for what you see.

Do you live in the Pacific Northwest? Do you have family and friends that live there?

You'll want to read Cascadia's Fault. It reads much like a thriller as Jerry Thompson peels back the onion of clues that reveal the Northwest is going to have an earthquake that will end up in the geologic history books.

Do you remember the earthquake that shattered Mexico City back in 1985? No one ever thought that was possible.

The plate tectonics theory that's now widely accepted was just beginning to be understood. The locked-up plate that finally snapped hadn't moved in recorded history.

Guess what other plate hasn't snapped in hundreds of years? Who would think that the appointed local scribe in a Japanese shoreline village would provide one of the key clues to what's going to happen when he wrote about the devastating tsunami that destroyed his village hundreds of years ago.

Cascadia's Fault will mesmerize you and you'll be ordering an earthquake rider on your insurance policy if you live in the Northwest starting in Mendocino, CA. CLICK or TAP HERE now to start reading this book. WOW is all I can say.

 

Klein Wireless Speaker Review

Posted on by Tim Carter
klein wireless speaker

Klein wireless speaker | Don't let the size fool you. This smallish speaker puts out a BIG sound that's clear. CLICK or TAP HERE or the photo now to have one in your hands in a day or two. This column was shared with Tim's 31,000 subscribers who read his August 11, 2019 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.

Klein Wireless Speaker | AEPJS-1

I tested the Klein wireless speaker a week ago and I fell in love with it. Too many other job site speakers are too big or they just don't have the features that make them spectacular.

CLICK or TAP HERE for the full specifications and order form.

Does it Have a Rechargeable Battery?

Yes, the battery is internal and you charge it with a normal micro USB cord.

klein wireless speaker

This little door is on the side of the speaker. You charge the internal battery here and you can see the round 1/8-inch jack for auxiilary wired input from some other device that might not be Bluetooth. CLICK or TAP HERE or the photo to have this speaker playing at your home or job site.

Is it Easy to Bluetooth Pair the Klein Wireless Speaker?

You bet. As soon as you turn it on, it puts out the Bluetooth call. You'll see it on your device.

klein wireless speaker

These are the controls. The Bluetooth comes on with the on/off switch. You can take phone calls or reject them. The volume controls and back and forth are intuitive. CLICK or TAP HERE or the photo to own one now and be the cool gal or guy in your tribe.

Does the Speaker Have a Rear Magnet?

You bet it does! You can attach the speaker to an electric panel, steel garage door, steel door, or any other piece of steel so it's not on the ground.

klein wireless speaker

The magnet is right there in the center. Sound also comes out through the holes in the back. It's like surround sound! CLICK or TAP HERE to get one before they're SOLD OUT! HURRY!

 

Flushable Wipes Testing Video

Posted on by Tim Carter
flushable wipes test

This is the testing setup I used when I accepted the challenge from the Responsible Flushing Alliance to update my May 2019 column about flushable wipes. (C) Copyright 2019 Tim Carter

"It’s important to realize I knew the Responsible Flushing Alliance would challenge my video findings...."

Flushable Wipes Test Video - The Truth is Out There at the End of the Pipe

You may have been one who responded to me three months ago. Remember the column I wrote about how flushable wipes clog sewers? I received hundreds of responses from readers who shared their expensive horror stories about how flushable wipes had caused clogs in their homes.

My favorite response was from a public relations hired gun representing the Responsible Flushing Alliance. They took umbrage with my column and said, “...we want to follow up with you to consider an update to your story...” I responded to them that I would gladly update my original story but would do it with a video, not words. You can read the letter they sent to me with all their counterclaims. Go here:

Responsible Flushing Alliance Letter

I wanted you, and millions of others, to see in real-world conditions what name-brand flushable wipes look like after you flush them down your toilet. I wanted you to see what condition they were in just before they enter your septic tank or drop down into your city sewer system where you pass ownership of the problem to all the other taxpayers of your community.

Here's the flushable wipes test video I did to respond to the letter I received from the manufacturers:

My original flushable wipes column was inspired by a man who lived in South Carolina. His sewage ejection pump was ruined to the tune of over $3,000 by “sewer and septic safe” flushable wipes. I’ve been a master plumber since age 29 and have seen the insides of decades-old building drain pipes under concrete slabs. I know how easy it is for drain lines to get clogged with things other than toilet paper.

It’s important to realize I knew the Responsible Flushing Alliance would challenge my video findings even though I know a thing or two or three about plumbing. I asked for their input on the testing protocol methods so they couldn’t cry foul.

They did provide me with some documents outlining how they test, but at least one thing in their method is against just about every plumbing code I know of. They said to install two 90-degree bends in the drain line. These fittings are the worst plumbing practice for buried lines for a host of reasons. If you need to turn 90 degrees, do it with two 45-degree fittings spaced 6 inches apart. I ignored that part of their protocol and installed my drain pipe as is called for in the Uniform Plumbing Code.

Last week, I spent several days getting ready for the test. Prior to this, I had purchased a special crystal-clear container so you could see what came out of the drainpipe after the toilet flushed. I erected my own pipe scaffolding with a platform 10 feet off the ground simulating a normal toilet height above a basement building drain. I went to the local home center to buy all the plumbing pipe and fittings. A new 1.6-gallons-per-flush toilet was used for the test. Finally, I prepared a script to follow so the video would be as professional as possible.

You can view my flushable wipes test video by going to:

Flushable Wipes Test Video

I didn’t want to have any preconceived ideas about what the results might be, but my decades of experience told me that normal toilet paper would start to degrade quickly as the paper is jostled around by the turbulence of the flowing water inside the drain line. Because flushable wipes are made similar to paper towels, I was fairly confident they’d not suffer too much from the flushing experience.

My local grocery store stocked three different brands of flushable wipes. I purchased a package of each one for the test. While there, I also bought a roll of cheap single-ply toilet paper as we use a more expensive and durable two-ply paper in our home.

The results of the video test were remarkable. One of the flushable wipes did start to degrade slightly after tumbling through 70 feet of the drain pipe. This is an average length of piping that you might have at your home before your sewage makes it to your septic tank or the city sewer.

The other two flushable wipes suffered no visible damage in the test. You can see in the video that the water from the toilet was crystal-clear in the container at the end of the pipe. The two flushable wipes appeared to be in the same condition as I dropped them into the toilet bowl.

The single-ply toilet paper turned to mush and broke apart into many small and medium-sized pieces. Surprisingly, the two-ply toilet paper didn’t fall apart too much. A large wad of it survived the journey through the piping.

I decided to flush a high-quality paper towel down the toilet. It survived the experience with no damage and the water in the container at the end of the line was also crystal clear. Trust me, never ever flush a paper towel down your toilet!

I urge you to watch my video of the test. This simple video might save you thousands of dollars. Share it with your friends, neighbors, and co-workers too. This is a rare opportunity to show exactly what happens beneath your concrete basement floor or under your lawn.

Finally, if you must use flushable wipes, please don’t flush them. Dispose of them in your home as you would a soiled baby’s diaper.

Column 1313

Flushable Wipes Test Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Flushable Wipes Video | Watch this video to see what happens with name-brand flushable wipes when flushed in a normal household toilet. This was part of the March 17, 2020 AsktheBuilder Emergency Alert regarding COVID-19.

Flushable Wipes - Not Great for Septic Systems Not Terrible For Covered Bathroom Garbage Cans

Please read my original column about flushable wipes.

Read the complaint letter I received from the Responsible Flushing Alliance about my column.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When you watch the following video, pay very close attention to the end where Tim Carter is back on camera. He'll tell you exactly what you should flush down toilets. If you don't hear him mention a product you didn't see in the video demonstration, then that means DO NOT FLUSH it down your toilet.

Here's a photo of the test setup I used to create this video:

flushable wipes test

This is the testing setup for my video. It's a true test for what happens in your home. Copyright 2019 Tim Carter

Responsible Flushing Alliance Letter to AsktheBuilder.com

Posted on by Tim Carter

This is the actual text I received from the public relations person who represents the Responsible Flushing Alliance. This letter, in the form of an email, was in response to my Flushable Wipes Clog Sewers column that was published by many newspapers all across the USA.

Responsible Flushing Alliance - Letter Challenging AsktheBuilder.com Column

I've got screenshots of the actual email below the following text:

Hi Tim Carter,

I represent the Responsible Flushing Alliance, and we want to follow up with you to consider an update to your story from yesterday evening on, Flushable wipes are bad for plumbing.

We appreciate the issues faced by wastewater systems and your effort to educate consumers and agree there are products that should not be flushed – but we are concerned that blaming the problem on “flushable wipes” is missing the mark.  There are many types of wet wipes out there, such as baby wipes, disinfecting wipes, household cleaning wipes, facial wipes and more.  But there is a small but separate category of wipes designed, marketed and tested to be a “flushable wipe” for personal hygiene in a bathroom.  We know through extensive sewer collection studies that these “flushable wipes” are not the problem.

In those studies, 98 percent of materials contained in sewer systems were garbage, debris, and non-flushable wipes. Non-flushable wipes and paper products like paper towels were by far the biggest culprits, making up nearly 91 percent of problem-causing debris. Results of a New York City study can be seen here.

Additionally, we would like to clarify statements made in your article regarding the small portion of wipes that are marketed as “flushable” wipes.

“Flushable” wipes differ entirely from non-flushable wipes. It should be noted that the fibers used in flushable wipes are the same chemically as wood pulp, which is used to make toilet paper. And, like toilet paper, has been developed to biodegrade in wastewater treatment systems.

To be considered “flushable,” our industry has developed manufacturing guidelines that require wipes undergo a flushability assessment involving seven must-pass tests to ensure any wipes marketed as “flushable” are compatible with wastewater systems.

More specifically, flushable wipes must pass through the wastewater collection and treatment system with a minimal pump power increase and ultimately disintegrate in the treatment process.  In septic systems, flushable wipes sink, not float like non-flushable wipes, so they are exposed to the biological treatment process and, being cellulosic, are digested by that process.

Importantly for your readers, if you’re unsure how to dispose of a product, check the “How to Dispose” instructions.  If you see the “Do Not Flush” symbol on the packaging, that is a sure sign that a product should not be flushed.

As you update your story, you are welcome to attribute any of these comments to a spokesperson for the Responsible Flushing Alliance. And, if you’d like to speak with an RFA representative who can provide more detail for you, I would be happy to make someone available to you.

Kind regards,

Alfred Breuer

Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Austin, TX

responsible flushing alliance

responsible flushing alliance

 

August 4, 2019 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

Posted on by Tim Carter

Are you a new subscriber? Welcome, this is a pretty interesting newsletter for your first one if I don't say so myself!

Have you done the rodeo with me a few times being a seasoned subscriber? I think you'll agree this is a dandy newsletter edition.

This and That - Save $$$$$

I often share things that I've had a great experience with or that save me money.

I want to put out a great word for AAA. Yes, the American Automobile Association. I'm not getting anything from them for this mention.

I used to be an AAA member back 45 years ago. You'd get those crazy paper TripTiks to show you how to get to your vacation destination. You'd get the paperback books with all the lodging suggestions. There were other benefits too. I stopped being a member decades ago.

Anyway, fast forward to a year or two ago. If your auto insurance is like mine, your agent, or the company, tells you that you get "roadside assistance, free tows, blah blah blah" as part of your car insurance policy. It's all FREE FOR LIFE.

That's a crock of you-know-what. I had to have my truck towed twice two years ago because of a broken brake line. I had to call my agent about a piece of broken glass on my other car. I was paying for full glass coverage with no deductible and she said, "Oh, wait. You have two claims already this year. I wouldn't put in a claim for this glass if I were you."

You know about the well-hidden 'three strikes and you're OUT' rule in insurance, don't you??? CALL YOUR AGENT and ask about it.

"What? What CLAIMS???" I retorted.

"Well, I see here where WE had to PAY to have your truck towed twice."

"But that's FREE!"

"No it's not. Those are CLAIMS."

I was fuming. Yes, I know nothing in life is free, yadda yadda yadda.

I'm also against unethical business practices and the telling of half truths.

You know a half-truth is a whole lie, don't you?

That's why when you're sworn in on a witness stand you say, "I swear to tell the truth, the WHOLE truth and nothing but the truth." I've had to swear that countless times in my career as an expert witness.

Days later, I received in the mail a promotion - I wonder if AAA has my phone tapped????? - for AAA, I opened it, saw what the price was and immediately signed up.

Guess what? I had to have Kathy's car towed because we thought an idler pulley issue might have been a timing chain going bad, I had to have my truck towed again because of a minor issue and two weeks ago, I had to buy rear brake rotors, pads and one caliper for my truck for a grand total of $450.00.

The salesmen at my local NAPA store said, "Are you a AAA member?"

Heck yes I am!

BOOM, I saved $45 on that order!

The bottom line is I've already PAID for my membership in savings this year and MORE.

I'm sure there are other discounts I'm missing out on at other businesses.

CHECK OUT AAA for yourself. You don't even have to own a car to belong.

Flushable Wipes VIDEO!

Well, it took days to setup, record and edit. It's also got a very interesting ending for you!

But the video is done. I had some fun producing the video. I'm pretty certain you'll laugh at parts of this video. Do you have grandkids? You may not want them to see this as it will give them a few ideas!

Kathy helped me as I needed a second hand 70 feet away to hit the record button each time I flushed the toilet while I was up on the pipe scaffolding.

Suffice it to say the flushable wipes manufacturers are going to be none too happy!

Would you consider doing me a huge favor?

If you use social media at all, would you consider SHARING this video????

This video has the potential to go VIRAL because it can save millions of people BILLIONS of dollars in sewer-cleaning or septic-tank service calls.

All I ask you to do is post the following URL to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or whatever network you use. SHARE the following URL far and wide please.

Flushable Wipes Clog Sewer

Just say something about how you know me and let's see if we can't SAVE people LOTS of SWEET MOOLA as well as frustration from having their sewers clog up!!!

You'll see the video near the top of my column. See that clear plastic bin with my hand in it???? That's the video.

Flushable Wipes Clog Sewer

CLICK or TAP HERE to watch the video now.

How To Stay Cool

Look at the following thermal image of the roof above my front door. It faces due south. Can you see the white cross-hairs and the temperature reading???

roof temperature

It’s no wonder your attic is blistering hot. My roof temperature exceeds 162 F and that heat radiates into my attic and then into my home. (C) Copyright 2019 Tim Carter

Yes, your eyes are correct.

162.9 F

That's hot enough to cause second-degree burns on your skin in about two seconds. That's the voice of experience talkin'.

That's hot enough to get your roof framing (timbers, trusses, sheathing, etc.) hot enough to radiate heat like embers in a campfire.

That's hot enough to make sure your inside attic temperature is 140 F or so.

What's the best way to offset this wretched summer heat?

CLICK or TAP HERE for a list of things you can do to help lower your electric bills and to be more comfortable during HOT weather.

Heat Pump Research

Do you heat and cool your home with a heat pump? I need your help.

By any chance do you have a geothermal system that tricks the heat pump inside A coil into thinking it's 50-55 F outside?

If you use a heat pump I ask that you help me get some data for one of my national columns I'm about to write.

CLICK or TAP HERE please and fill out the very short survey. You'll need to know the AVERAGE amount you spend each month for electricity. I'm just talking about your entire bill, not the portion for your heat pump.

You will NOT have to enter your name or address. I don't need to know that, but it would be nice to know your postal code so I have an idea if you live on the frozen tundra!

THANKS in advance and I'll be SURE to share this column with you very soon.

Dvorak Typing

Last issue I left a tantalizing breadcrumb at the end of my newsletter about how I type. I use the Dvorak typing method.

Just about every computer known to woman or man has the Dvorak keyboard BUILT INTO it. Yes, you still look at and use the QWERTY keyboard on your machine, but when you press the different letters on the QWERTY keyboard, DIFFERENT letters appear on your screen.

I switched over about fifteen years ago to minimize fatigue from typing all day and to get MORE done FASTER. Dvorak typists can type so much faster than those who type the QWERTY way.

CLICK or TAP HERE to discover more about this unique way to type and to render your stolen laptop useless. Why? When the person starts to type on it, jibberish comes out! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Discover how to turn this feature on and off if you work on your office computer so that your wretched spying office-mates can't hack into your computer while you're at lunch!

That's enough for a Sunday morning.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com
Clean up Cat Puke! - www.StainSolver.com
I'm Giving a Speech in Boxborough, MA 09/06/2019 - www.W3ATB.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

P.S. Is it faster to drive to New York or by train?

Burying Electrical Wire

Posted on by Tim Carter
underground wire short burn

Burying Electrical Wire | Here’s a piece of shorted electrical cable pulled from the ground. It caused arcing house wiring in my yard. It was rated for direct burial and was damaged by frost movement in the soil. (C) Copyright 2021 Tim Carter

 Burying Electrical Wire - It's Allowed, But Use Conduit

QUESTION #1: Tim, can you settle a debate between me and my wife? We have to have electric cables buried in the ground for all sorts of things around our home. She insists on putting the cables in conduit and I say, after doing online research, that the use of code-approved cable for direct burial is good enough. I’ll add that we live in a colder climate where the ground does freeze all winter if that makes a difference. Brad P., Burlington, VT

I hate getting involved in these marital battles. More often than not, I tend to side with the wife because women seem to apply more critical thinking skills to the conundrums. Perhaps that’s why they live longer too!

Brad’s wife is on the right side of this issue in my opinion. I defer to a personal encounter I had at my own home with buried underground electrical cables. It’s very important to realize the house I currently live in was built by someone else, not me.

CLICK or TAP HERE to get FREE BIDS from local electricians who can bury electric wire.

Why Does My Post Lamp Not Work?

This past spring, I discovered that the post lamp at the end of our driveway no longer turned on. I checked and the circuit breaker had tripped. I went to reset the breaker and it immediately popped indicating a dead short in the circuit. Dead shorts are bad.

How Do You Discover the Broken Wire?

While not a master electrician, I’ve done lots of residential wiring to code and I knew how to quickly isolate the sections of the circuit to determine the location of the short. Within minutes I discovered the short was in a section of wire that was buried between the corner of the garage and an oak tree where an above-ground junction box was located.

Where Was the Short?

Fast forward and the short was at the end of a single piece of PVC conduit that the builder, or his electrician, had placed under our blacktop driveway. No conduit was used anywhere else, just under the driveway. The wire exited one end of the conduit and made a sharp turn. The up and down movement of the frost action here in New Hampshire had rubbed the plastic insulation off the cable where it contacted the sharp edge of the PVC conduit.

Do Rocks Move in Soil?

Sharp rocks are brought to the surface slowly by frost action. They can cut into unprotected wire and cable even though it’s rated for direct burial. Garden spades, shovels, and deep-cutting roto-tillers can chop into unprotected cables. Conduit prevents damage from almost all of these accidents.

I shared my woeful tale back in the spring about my shorted electric cable in my AsktheBuilder newsletter. One of my subscribers who lives in northern Maine shared how his electrician protects underground electrical cables.

Can Conduit Cause Problems?

This older master electrician discovered that conduits in deep cold climates can be problematic for a host of reasons. He experimented years ago digging a 2-foot-wide trench and putting in one foot of sand in the bottom. He’d then lay the wire in a zig-zag fashion on the sand to allow for movement. The cable would then be covered with another foot of sand. My subscriber claims the electrician has never had a failure putting in buried electric cable this way.

Should Conduit Be Used in Warm Climates?

Those who live in warmer climates where soil frost isn’t an issue should always bury cables in conduit in my opinion. Code-approved PVC conduit is affordable. It’s easy to install and comes with pre-bent fittings allowing you to go around tighter corners.

Should I Photograph and Video Conduit Before Covering It?

Should you decide to use conduit around your home always take photos of where it is before you cover the conduit with soil. If your digital photos are stored online, create a public album and place the URL to it on a piece of paper that you put in a zip-lock sandwich bag next to your circuit breaker panel. Mark on it: PHOTOS of BURIED EXTERIOR CONDUIT.

Believe me, a future homeowner, contractor, or electrician will thank you profusely for these photos showing where the wires snake about under your lawn, driveway, and gardens.

Should Large Blank Conduit Be Under Pavement?

While you’re at it, be sure to install sections of larger conduit, no less than 2 inches in diameter, under sidewalks, driveways or other paved surfaces. You may not need to run a cable now, but believe me, it’s so nice to know you can go under a paved surface with ease in the future. Make note of these conduit locations and put that drawing in the same sandwich bag next to the electrical panel.

Follow the NEC

Another key point is to follow the National Electrical Code with respect to all provisions dealing with conduit and the required depth of burial. Even though you bury the cables the recommended depth, they can be damaged by an inexperienced equipment operator. The key, in my opinion, is to have a clear record of exactly where all underground cables are buried on your land.

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