INSIDE & OUT : Refrigerator May Need Own Circuit to Prevent Lights From Going Dim

Q. We have an old refrigerator that actually works quite well, however, periodically the lights in the kitchen dim and even the fridge light will dim. I think it has something to do with the refrigerator taking more power than it should from the circuit. Is there a way to correct this without replacing it?

A.F., Tustin

A. It’s very common in older, less energy-efficient appliances to see surges in power. The refrigerator has a motor that’s thermostatically controlled and when it comes on, you might see the lights dim a little. If it’s a problem, and you’re sure the refrigerator is operating correctly, you could have the refrigerator placed on its own circuit to prevent those periodic “dim-outs.”

*

Q. My pet peeve when painting is that after going over my closet with a final coat and giving it a day to dry, the rod that runs across it still gets scratched up after I carefully put the hangers back on. Is there a way to protect the rod so that it remains white?

N.T., Laguna Niguel

A. You’re probably using a flat paint, which is what people generally use in closets, says Jim Craig of Decratrend Paints in Anaheim. A flat finish scuffs easily, and even though you may be able to wipe off some of the scuffs with a sponge, you won’t be able to get them all. Next time you’ll want to use an enamel on the rod, and you may want to try one of the newer latex enamels that set very hard, very quickly. You could also try painting the rod with an alkyd-based enamel, which would probably provide the best scuff protection.

*

Q. We recently bought a condominium that has fairly new faux-marble countertops in the bathrooms. We’d really like to maintain these to keep up their appearance. What’s used to clean them?

M.M., Brea

A. Without knowing what brand it is, I’d look underneath the cabinet up to the underside of the top, says cabinet installer Mike Jarret of Santa Ana. There might be a sticker that indicates the manufacturer or shows what products can be used. Most people have problems with their countertops after using a harsh cleanser or a scouring pad that scratches the surface. Once the top has been scratched, grime and deposits get into the scratches and the top becomes very difficult to clean. Make sure whatever you use is non-abrasive and that you wipe with a sponge or soft rag.

*

Q. I’m going to be painting the molding and trim of the interior of my house with an oil-based enamel. However, I’m not looking forward to living with the fumes for days until the paint cures. Are there any tricks besides opening all the windows to get rid of the smell?

P.C., La Palma

A. Those odors are inevitable when using an oil or alkyd- based paint, says Chris Vidovich of Imperial Paint in Anaheim. Don’t try using any kind of additive in the paint since that could affect its composition. You could try setting a pan of vanilla extract in the room. The scent of the extract as it evaporates could help mask the odor. You’ll also want to be sure to coordinate your painting job with the weather. When it’s cool and rainy, not only does it take longer for this type of paint to dry, you’re probably not going to want to leave your windows open.

*

Q. We have a leak in the water pipe that leads to one of our garden hose bibs. It’s a slow leak, but the ground around that pipe is always wet, and it tends to attract insects because of the moisture. I really don’t want to have to replace the pipe because it seems like a big job. Are there any ways to just stop the leaking?

B.N., Costa Mesa

A. You could try using one of those emergency patches for water leaks, says plumber Jim Yablonski of Fullerton. That could stop or slow a minor leak. However, they’re not designed to permanently fix a leak, and you’ll have to make another repair. You’re probably better off just having someone come out and replace the pipe. You may be damaging your lawn with so much collected water, and if it’s attracting mosquitoes, it’s a health hazard.