Clean Fiberglass Without Abrasive
QUESTION: My fiberglass shower enclosure has become dull and film-coated. I’ve been told not to use an abrasive cleaner. What do you suggest?
ANSWER: Abrasive cleaners or cleaning pads can scratch fiberglass finishes to the point where they are difficult or impossible to repair. We’ve had good luck with a cleaning product called Gel-Gloss, which is available at most supermarkets.
Once it is clean, you can make the fiberglass easier to clean and more resistant to stain with an application of automotive-type wax or polish. Try Zaino Bros. Show Car Polish, available by mail order for $14.95 from ZBCO, 5700 Arlington Ave., Suite 9V, Bronx, NY 10471. However, floors of shower base units and bathtub bottoms may become slippery, so only wax surfaces you do not walk or stand on.
If mineral buildup is heavy, consider doing something about your water quality. Water treatment experts can install filters in water lines to remove lime, rust or other potential stains.
Installing a water softener will usually stop staining by most water-borne minerals. If soap scum is the problem, soft water will leave less residue. Also, consider using an alternative brand of soap that may cause less soap film buildup.
Thudding Refrigerator Needs New Compressor
Q: We have a Hotpoint refrigerator with a top freezer. Whenever the compressor stops, we hear a sharp thudding noise. This noise first appeared about three months ago as a quiet thud which has gradually gotten louder. Now the refrigerator has started to rattle. We’re afraid it might explode one of these days. Will it? And what should we do to quiet it down?
A: There’s no danger that your refrigerator might explode, but your thudding and rattling noises sound as if one of the internal suspension springs that mount the compressor may have broken. What you are hearing is the motor and pump assembly on its subframe hitting against the side of the compressor case that surrounds the entire compressor assembly. The only real cure is to have the compressor replaced.
PVC Can Be Joined to Metal Water Piping
Q: I’m replacing some bad sections of copper water pipe. Can I use PVC pipe for the repairs?
A: Plastic water pipe can be joined to steel and copper pipe by means of plastic threaded adapters. Both male and female plastic adapters are available. One end of the plastic adapter is glued to the plastic pipe and the other threaded into a fitting or onto a pipe.
When joining plastic water pipe to existing metal piping, wrap the male threads with plastic pipe-joint sealant tape. Because plastic female adapters can expand when threaded onto male threads, a better choice is to use a plastic male adapter threaded into an iron or copper female adapter or fitting.