Homeowner Wants a Whistle Stop
QUESTION: Our waterline has developed a loud whistle whenever a faucet is turned on. This occurs with both hot and cold faucets, indoors or out. Can you help?
ANSWER: A whistling sound in the plumbing system is often caused by water flowing at high velocity past a constriction. Since you hear a whistle when any tap is opened, the problem probably lies in the section of pipe common to all taps--the inlet water service pipe, which connects to the water meter and, in many communities, a pressure-reducing valve. We suspect the problem is in either of these two components.
To check this out, get permission from the water company to bypass the water meter. The meter and reducing valve usually have union fittings for easy installation and removal.
If the water meter is the culprit, ask the water company to repair or replace it. If the pressure-reducing valve is the problem, check for sediment in the strainer that could be constricting the flow.
Some older reducing valves have brass strainers that tend to disintegrate. If a replacement strainer is not available, replace the reducing valve. Newer valves have stainless steel strainers that can be cleaned.
You can also try momentarily adjusting the pressure reducer to a higher or lower pressure. This might dislodge sediment buildup.
Formica Countertop Repair Won’t Last
Q: Is there any way to repair small defect holes (one-eighth-inch in diameter or less) in a permanently installed Formica preformed kitchen countertop? The damage is not the result of cutting or misuse.
A: There is no good permanent repair that can be made to the surface of laminates such as Formica, especially for countertop usage. The material is so hard and dense that patching materials such as adhesives and epoxies just won’t stick permanently.
If the countertop is not very old, discuss the matter with your local Formica distributor. They will have one of their representatives look at the countertop and evaluate the problem. If it has a manufacturing defect, they will replace it.
Stairway Carpeting Shows Sign of Wear
Q: My stairway carpeting is showing wear along the leading edge of the treads. The carpeting is a one-piece runner. Is there anywhere to hide this wear, since the rest of the runner is in good shape?
A: Remove the runner and shift it toward the bottom of the stairway about 2 inches, enough to reposition the worn areas so they are out of sight under the nosing of the treads and at the very top of the risers. When you reinstall the carpeting it will now be too short to reach the nosing of the floor above, so leave the top riser uncarpeted, or install a new, matching piece.
Asphalt Shingles Can Be Glued Down
Q: The asphalt shingles on my 14-year-old house are turning up at the corners and have lost most of their white mineral surface. My roof is still serviceable, but I prefer an unweathered, white roof. Can the corners be made to lay flat, and can the old shingles be treated so they look white again?
A: When the corners curl and turn up, the roof deck and underside of the shingles become vulnerable to water penetration by wind-driven rain.
If you don’t have too many curling shingles, rescue them with quick-setting asphalt roofing cement. Apply a dab about the size of a quarter under each corner and press the shingles down so they lay flat. You may have to lay a weighted board over badly curled shingles.
This repair should be done on a warm day when the shingles are pliable. Quick-setting roofing cement is available at hardware or roofing supply stores. If the curling is widespread, you’ll have to reshingle to get your white roof.
For further information on any home problem, write to Popular Mechanics, Readers Service Bureau, 224 W. 57th St., New York, N.Y. 10019.
