Pay Heed to Squeak in Dryer
Q Our gas dryer is 5 years old, and while it dries clothes fine, it has an awfully loud squeak when it runs. Is there any way to tell if this is a serious problem? Are there any “normal” squeaks?
G. F.
Brea
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A There are no normal squeaks in a dryer; it’s always a sign that something is wrong with the appliance, says Tom Houlihan of Orange County Appliance Parts in Garden Grove. What is wrong depends on the make. A squeak in a Whirlpool dryer might mean one thing while the same noise in a General Electric model means something else. Usually a squeak indicates that a bearing is wearing out or a tensioner pulley is ready to go, but it has to be examined by a professional to determine the problem.
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Q We moved into a condominium that has a 10-year-old dishwasher that has a painted door. The door seems to have some rust on the edges and we’d like to paint it white to match the rest of the kitchen. How should it be prepared?
J. K.
Santa Ana
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A Take a good look at the door first, says Rich Zelle of Hal’s Paint & Decorating in Fullerton. Many dishwashers have removable panels on the doors. On one side is one color and on the other side is another color, which might keep you from having to paint. Otherwise, take some steel wool and rub out the rust spots before cleaning the door with paint thinner. Spray a metal primer on the door, then use an appliance enamel, which is usually easy to apply with a spray can. Spray light, thin coats over the door and let it dry completely between coats.
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Q We recently bought a 25-year-old, two-story home, and we’d like to replace the smoke detectors, which we think are at least that old. Where should they be placed in the home for the best protection?
H. G.
Huntington Beach
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A It’s best to have at least one smoke detector on each level of the home, preferably outside the sleeping areas, says Tiffany Kretzschmar of the Orange County Fire Authority.
When installing one in the kitchen, make sure it’s a good distance away from the dishwasher and sink because steam will sometimes cause smoke detectors to go off. Also try not to install them near a forced air vent window or door because dust and drafts can collect and create false alarms.
Smoke detector batteries need to replaced regularly. The Orange County Fire Authority recommends that when you turn your clocks backward and forward twice a year, you should also change your smoke alarm batteries. For more information about home fire prevention, contact them at (714) 744-0496.
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Q My gas water heater has worked fine for years, but lately I’ve noticed that the water doesn’t seem to get as hot as it used to. I’ve turned the heat up on it, but that hasn’t made much of a difference. What could be causing this?
S. V.
Tustin
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A Over time, scale builds up on the bottom of the water heater, says Joel Gwartz of B.J. Discount Plumbing & Heating Supply in Garden Grove. This buildup can cover the temperature sensor inside the tank, which would distort the readings. If you’re getting hot water in the morning but it doesn’t stay hot and it takes a long time for the water to heat up again, this could be the problem.
Turn off all the hot water taps in the house and check to see if the burners on the water heater are running continuously. If they are, that could mean that there’s a leak in the system and you’re losing hot water somewhere in the house.
Another possibility is a problem with the tube that carries the incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank and pushes the hot water out the top. If this tube is broken, the cold water might be entering near the top of the tank and cooling the hot water.
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If you have a question about your home or garden, A Helping Hand will help you find the answer. Send questions to: John Morell, Home Design, The Times Orange County, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.