No Laughing When Tap Water Tastes Funny

Unpleasant tap water can be really irritating to deal with. As much of a problem as it is to have water that tastes bad to drink, what about if that water tastes so bad that cooking with it seems like a bad idea? Today's question comes from a reader who's having a problem with bad tasting water:

"My tap water tastes awful. I have two filtering pitchers in my fridge so that I always have water to drink and so I can cook with it if I need to. Is there something I can do about this?"

Varying levels of mineral content in water are a big factor in the taste difference. However, metallic tasting water may be the result of iron or copper leaching from pipes. Chlorine tastes can result from too much disinfectant being used by the water supplier or the disinfectant interacting with organic material within the plumbing system.

If the problem is a chlorine or metallic taste and it happens with the tap water in the entire house, it is most likely an issue with the water supplier. Contact the water supplier about the problem or get the well water tested.

When the taste is only coming from a single tap and it goes away after running the water for a few minutes, flush the system or call a plumber.

Another possible solution is to purchase an under the counter water purifier. A purifier with a high quality activated carbon filter will remove heavy metals, bacteria and other contaminates that can cause odors and bad tastes. Filters like this with a replaceable cartridge typically cost between $150 and $200 for the unit.

Toilets Running a Marathon

Toilet tanks that keep refilling aren't just irritating but are also wasteful and can get costly. As the parts in a toilet get older they can start to wear out and cause problems like what this reader is asking about:

"Sometimes the toilet in my guest bathroom will just start refilling on its own. Why is this happening? I'm sure this isn't good for my water bill."

Interior toilet parts can wear out over time. It's possible that water is constantly leaking out of the tank. This would cause the water level in the tank to continually lower and eventually trigger the refill mechanism. This cycle can waste 1,500 gallons every month.

Check the chain for the flapper to make sure it isn't tangled or too tight. If there's too much tension it could be preventing the flapper from completely closing and allowing water to leak out of the flush valve. Another may be to slightly bend the tube connected to the float ball. It could be too high and triggering the refill mechanism.

If neither of those solutions work, replace the valve and flapper inside the toilet tank. Kits for this are often available for under $25 and are fairly easy install for the average do it yourselfer.

Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning isn't just about cleaning, it's also a good time to make sure things are in good repair and to address any small maintenance issues. A deep cleaning provides an opportunity to take a good look at areas that may not normally be noticed. This means that keeping an eye out for water damage or mold growth is very important because it the sooner either of these issues are spotted and addressed, the less severe the damage will be.

There are a few things to make sure to check during spring cleaning:

Roof - Make sure to inspect the roof for signs of wear or damage. Any damaged areas should be addressed before the monsoon rains come to prevent water damage inside the home.

Gutters - Check gutters for debris. Clear gutters will do a better job of directing water away from a home's foundation. For homes with flat roofs, make sure that the scuppers are clear. Clogged scuppers can quickly turn a roof into a swimming pool.

Water Heater - Inspect the pipes going to and from the water heater for signs of wear or damage.      Check all connections for any signs of leaking.

Heating and AC Filters - Check filters for heating and air conditioning units. Dirty or damaged air filters should be replaced. Clean air filters will allow for better performance of the units and reduce energy costs.

Water Filters - Homes with water softening systems or other sorts of water filtration systems should have the filters in those systems checked. Worn out filters will reduce performance and can eventually lead to damage in these systems. Water in Arizona has a tendency to have a lot of minerals in it and can wear these filters out quickly.

Weep Holes - Weep holes are the small holes at the base of the window. These holes are designed to allow water to drain out of the window instead of building up in the track. Make sure these are cleared to prevent water from coming into the home.

Dryer Ducts - Inspect and clear out all dryer ducts. This will improve the performance of the dryer.

Also, make sure to watch for signs of mold growth or water damage. For tips on locating mold take a look at this article on mold identification.

Customer Feedback - Jim Blair

We were recently approached by Cherry Creek Radio's Jim Blair about some work that we did for him. Jim has been a a subscriber to our newsletter since it began and asked if he would be able to write about what we did for him as a feature in the newsletter.

Jim writes:
I had SSVEC come to my house and do an energy audit. Their findings let to them suggesting that I replace my old doors and windows with more energy efficient ones. I got bids from several contractors and the bid I got from Mr. Fix It ended up being lower than the others. The work was done very well and the work site was always cleaned up when the guys left for the day. Since then I have noticed a significant drop in both my gas and electric bills. I was very pleased with the job and I recommend Mr. Fix It to people that I know.

We really appreciate your feedback Jim and we're glad that we could help you with your project.

If you have a Mr. Fix It experience that you'd like to share, just contact us on our Facebook and let us know how we did!

Roof Inspections

Monsoon rains are still a few months away but this is the time to inspect the roof for signs of damage and get repairs scheduled. This time of year gets really busy for companies who handle roof installation or repair so it's very important to not put off scheduling repairs that need to be done before the monsoons start.

This brings up an important question though; "What should I be looking for?". For homeowners who aren't roofing experts, it can be hard to know where to start.

So what's the first thing to look at? As strange as it may seem, the first thing to do when inspecting a roof is not to look at the roof itself at all. The first step is to look under it.

This means to look in the attic. If the home does not have an attic, check to see if there is an access panel for a crawlspace of some sort. If that isn't present then check the ceiling.

Look for the following when inspecting the attic:

• Signs of water damage or leaking - Vent pipes, chimneys, skylights and valleys are places that will most commonly exhibit these problems
• Dark spots or trails - Press into the wood with a sharp screwdriver to see if the spots are wet. Soft wood is a sign of rot. If the area is dry and there has been rain recently than it may be an area that had been repaired in the past.
• Pinpoints of light - Run some wire up through the hole so the area can be located on the roof. Make sure not to widen the hole at all.
• Sagging sheathing between rafters - This is a sign that a roof is old and in serious need of repair. Check for cracked or sagging rafters and make arrangements to have them replaced.

By checking the attic first, problem areas can be identified without even stepping foot on the roof. This helps to provide a reference of where to look for problems.


After the underside of the roof has been looked at, it's time to go on top and take a look. While on the roof, make sure to check for these things:

• Damaged, loose or missing shingles - Check for blistering, curling or splits. A few can be replaced but if it's a widespread problem then it could be time to re-roof.
• Excessive shingle grain in gutters - Asphalt shingles have a granular surface. As the asphalt ages, it becomes brittle and these granules will fall out. A lot of these grains in the gutters is a sign that the roof is aging. Dark patches on the roof are another sign that this granular surface has worn away.
• Signs of moss build up -
• Exposed nails - These are a common cause of leaks.
• Roof flashing - Inspect all flashing, including flashing around chimneys, vent stacks, roof edges, dormers, and skylights. Make sure it isn't rusty or loose.
• Louvers and Vents - Check to ensure air movement, clean screens and remove bird nests or other obstructions.
• Gutters - Check gutters, downspouts, hangers and strainers. Check for leaks, rust and sagging. Clean out any debris and make sure downspouts are directing water away from the foundation.
• Roof sheathing - Inspect lower edge for water damage. 

 Metal roofs are designed to have a life span of 50 years if properly maintained. These roofs usually come in galvanized iron or steel, aluminum or copper. Look for the following when inspecting a metal roof:

• Open seams or joints.
• Pitting, rusting or corrosion.

Tile roofs are very popular here in the southwest. They are commonly made of slate or clay tile and will last for a very long time if properly cared for. These tiles are often brittle and can be easily broken. Using binoculars is usually the best way to check for broken, chipped or missing tiles.

Flat roofs are also very common in this area. These roofs usually need to be re-coated every 2 or 3 years. Make sure to keep drains clear and check for the following when inspecting these roofs;

• Blistering or peeling in coating.
• Depressions around vent pipes.
• Separations in flashing.

If getting up onto the roof isn't an option, contact a professional to handle the roof inspection. Roofs should always be inspected at least once a year.

Curse of the Sink Stink

Few things are as frustrating to live with as unpleasant odors. Generally, the presence of an unpleasant odor is a sign of something wrong in the home. The dank and musty smell of mold is a good example. Unpleasant smells in the bathroom may indicate a problem with the plumbing lines or ventilation. This reader has a problem of another sort:

"I've got a rotten egg smell in my kitchen. I think it's something with my sink but I'm not sure. I tried using some garbage disposal cleaner but that didn't end up working. How do I fix this?"

The rotten egg smell in this case is likely caused by bacteria producing hydrogen sulfide gas. These bacteria could be growing in your sink or in your plumbing.

There are some techniques to determine where the bacteria is growing. Check the drain by filling a glass with hot water and pouring it down the drain. Step away from the sink and smell. If there isn't a sulfur smell anymore, the bacteria is in the drain.

Bacterial growth in a sink drain can be addressed very easily. Simply take a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide, available at just about any drug store, and pour it down the drain. This will kill the bacteria.

If the sulfur or rotten egg smell is only present when the hot water is on, the problem is in the water heater. If this is the case, contact a plumber to disinfect the water heater or replace the tank's magnesium node.

If both the hot and cold water smell then the problem may be outside of the home. Contact the water supplier. If the home is supplied by a well then contact the health department.

Flickering lights

Few things irritate in quite the same way as a light that flickers or just doesn't behave the way it should. However, these problems can be more than a minor inconvenience. Sometimes they can be a sign of a more serious electrical problem. This reader writes: 

"The overhead light in my bedroom keeps flickering. It doesn't happen every time I turn it on but it just seems to flicker sometimes for no reason. I've tried replacing the bulbs but that didn't work."

Usually a flickering bulb is due to the bulb being loose or needing replacement. Simply tightening or replacing the bulb will fix the problem in those cases. If that isn't the cause then the problem becomes much trickier.

If there is flickering or dimming when an appliance turns on, then the problem could be an overloaded circuit. A short term solution would be to find another circuit to plug the appliance into. If that isn't an option, or a more permanent solution is desired; the circuit will need to be upgraded to handle the amount of power being used. If a large number of lights flicker, such as all the lights in an entire room or lights in adjacent rooms, there could be a loose connection in the electrical panel or somewhere else. If this is the case then electricity is arching (jumping) over the gaps. This is a very serious problem and can cause fires.

If the problem is more than a loose or damaged bulb then calling a licensed electrician is the best course of action. Replacing a circuit or electrical panel isn't likely to be a cheap repair but it's much less expensive than recovering from a fire.

Fire Prevention and Safety

 Home fires are a serious. An estimated 3,500 Americans die as a result of fires every year. There are approximately another 18,300 injuries every year as a result of fires. This is not taking into acount the number of lost homes and cost of property damage.

The solution is fire prevention and preparedness.

By taking a few precautions, it's possible to reduce the chances of being a home fire victim.

The following is a short list of fire prevention steps.

• Never overload circuits or extension cords. Always replace any old or frayed electrical wires and appliance cords. Watch appliances for signs or wear and damage, including sparking or strange noises, have them repaired or replaced.
• Cover unused outlets with safety caps, particularly if small children are present.
• Follow manufacturer's guidelines and safety procedures for portable heaters. Make sure they have enough space and that all combustibles are kept at least three feet away. Never use camp stoves to heat a room.
• Never leave burning candles unattended. Use candles in a safe location, away from combustible materials. Make sure they are in a place where won’t be tipped over. Keep all matches and lighters stored where they cannot be accessed by children. Make sure chimneys are cleaned annually
• Store any flammable liquids, such as gasoline or paint thinner, outside of the home.

 These steps will help prevent home fires from starting. Read this article on fire prevention and safety for more in depth information.

Who's That Knocking?

Knocking sounds from the wall can become really irritating. It's a problem that many homeowners experience, particularly in older homes. This reader asks:

"I have a strange knocking sound coming from the wall in my bathroom. I think it may be the pipes but I don't know what I can do about it."

Air chambers cushion the shock wave from shutting off water.

Fast moving water coming to a sudden stop will cause a shock wave. This shock wave will cause the pipes to move and vibrate causing a knocking sound when the water is turned off. This effect is commonly called a "water hammer". Water pipes usually have a short, specially designed piece of pipe called an air chamber to absorb the shock and prevent this from happening. What could be happening is that there either is no air chamber or it has filled with water. If there is an air chamber in place, it should be located near the faucet. Shut off the water to the faucet, drain out the air chamber and put it back in place. If there is no air chamber then installing one should stop the pipes from making the knocking sound anymore. Draining an air chamber is a pretty straightforward process for anyone comfortable with plumbing but some homeowners may feel more comfortable calling a professional. Installation of an air chamber is a process that is usually best left in the hands of a plumber.

In some cases, knocking can be coming from metal heating and cooling ducts. This happens because the ducts are expanding or cooling as the furnace switches on and off. There isn't a whole lot that can be done about this problem although a heating and cooling (HVAC) company may be able to offer some additional insight and assistance.

Sources of Water Damage

Today we're talking about leaks and water damage. Our reader asks;

"I know that there are a lot of things that can cause water damage but what are the biggest ones? How can I prevent them from being a problem?"

Water damage can happen very quickly and seemingly without warning

It's true that there are almost unlimited sources for water damage, leaks and flooding can come from almost anywhere. However, the key to preventing most water damage incidents is in maintenance and observation.

Two huge sources of flooding are burst pipes and broken appliances. Visually checking pipes for signs of damage and making sure any exterior pipes are insulated can help prevent this. Worn and damaged pipes can get progressively worse over time and uninsulated pipes can freeze and burst. Regularly inspect appliance water supply lines for signs of damage and to make sure they aren't becoming dislodged at all.

Roof leaks are another common source of water damage. Always inspect the roof at least twice a year. In Sierra Vista, before and after monsoon season are good times to perform these checks, this will help to identify and repair any damage before the summer rains come and then identify any damage that the storms may have caused.

While there is any number of other possible causes for water damage in a home in addition to those listed above, the best method for prevention is to make sure that the home is properly maintained. Addressing potential problems before they cause damage is always easier (and less expensive) than trying to clean up the damage of a water disaster.

What to Know When Hiring a Contractor

Be Cautious of "Cash Up Front" Requirements

Some jobs are simply beyond the scope of the average homeowner. Whether the size is too big, or requires specialized equipment or experience, there are some things that most homeowners need to call in a professional for.

When hiring a contractor, most homeowners find themselves faced with a number of different companies they can choose from. Each of these companies will do nearly everything they can to convince a homeowner that they are the best choice for the job. This may be done trying to convince the homeowner that the company has the best quality work or materials, or that they're the least expensive or even that they can complete a project in the shortest amount of time. While each of these approaches will appeal to different customers there may still be some important things that the homeowner doesn't know, doesn't even know to ask, and may not be volunteered by some contractors.

If you are looking at hiring a contractor for remodeling a room, performing home repairs or doing just about any other work on or around your property, do you know what information you need to know about your contractor?

The first, and perhaps most obvious, question to ask is if the contractor is properly licensed. There are different types of licenses, such as commercial or residential licenses or licenses for specialized types of work as a few examples, and it is important that the contractor has the correct one for your project.

Get quotes from multiple contractors, particularly on large jobs. Be cautious of any contractor who is significantly lower than any others, this can be a sign that the contractor is cutting corners and may not actually be properly insured or keeping all his licenses up to date.

Always get the ROC (Registrar of Contractors) number of the contractor prior to signing any agreement. This will allow you to look up their license online to make sure that it's up to date and see if they've had any complaints against them. Alternately, you can look them up by business name prior to even meeting with them.

Please refer to the ROC website for more information on the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and their consumer tips and information when hiring a contractor as well as a video on hiring a contractor. To get your home renovation or improvement project started with a licensed, bonded and insured contractor in Sierra Vista, Arizona, visit mrfixitsv.com or call Mr. Fix It of Sierra Vista, LLC at 520-227-8194 today!

Six Home Improvements to Increase Property Value

Any time you are thinking of starting a home improvement project it's important to know what kind of return you can expect for it. Some remodeling projects will make your home more enjoyable to live in but will not do much in terms of raising the actual property. This may be absolutely fine if you like your home and have no intention of moving any time soon but if there's even a possibility of the property going on the market it's important to know what kind of return you can expect from the investment.

This reader is looking to get the most bang for their buck:

"I'm planning to move in the next six months or so and I want to make some improvements to my home before I put it on the market, what can I do that will actually let me raise my asking price?"

Here are 6 areas you can look at improving that will show you an increase in property value, actual percentage of return can vary.

6) Deck - Building a deck can be a good home addition. Returns usually range 65%-90% with 73% being a safe amount. This is an improvement that can vary a lot depending on what materials are chosen and the complexity. A nice deck will also provide a good selling point for a home and will help it to stand out.

5) Windows - The addition of energy efficient windows can generate a return of 60%-90% with 80% or 81% being most common depending on the type of window being used. On top of the increase to property value, this is an improvement that will result in a savings in energy costs and may qualify for tax rebates.

4) Adding a room - While the actual addition of a room will add square footage and improve the property value, it can be very expensive and usually results in returns between 50%-83%. However, a more cost effective alternative may be to transform an existing space into a living area. Most common methods for this involve remodeling a basement or attic. If these aren't an option then closing in an attached garage or Arizona room may be a good way to go.

3) Siding - Installation of vinyl siding can show a return as high as 89% - 94%. The highest returns will be seen in cases where the existing siding is very old or there is none. This can be a good time to evaluate your current insulation, adding this as an upgrade can help lower your heating and cooling costs which will improve the long term returns.

A nice kitchen adds value but be careful with high end upgrades.

2) Kitchen - This room is considered to be the home's heart. Improvements here can not only raise the property value but increase the likelihood of the property selling. Return on investment figures estimate that you can recoup 60%-120% of the remodeling costs with a 98% return being very common. As a point of caution though, in most homes, an expensive, high end remodel isn't as likely to get as high of a return as a mid-range one, especially when it doesn't fit with the home or is unusually expensive for the neighborhood. Generally speaking, a modest improvement in this area will give the highest return. Consider updating appliances, adding fresh paint, updating cabinet hardware, replacing old faucets, a new counter top or updating the lighting to get the biggest return for the money you spend and give your kitchen a real "wow" factor.

The best bang for your buck is in the bathroom.

1) Bathroom - Remodeling a bathroom or adding a new one, particularly if your home only has one bathroom, generally provides the highest return on investment. It is estimated that 80%-130% of the costs associated with a project like this can be recouped and 101% is considered a realistic return on many projects. Turning an extra room or other unused space into a new bathroom can take some time and be costly if there aren't water supply lines nearby already so be careful when choosing a location. Improvements that will provide the best return include tile flooring, tile surround for the tub/shower, adding a recessed medicine cabinet with lighting, updating hardware and updating faucets.

While some of these projects, or at least parts of them, can be done by the average home owner. For improvements beyond your ability though it's a good idea to find a skilled general contractor.

Stuck on Stucco

Today's reader asks a question that may be a pretty common one among homeowners in this area, particularly those with older homes. Our reader asks;

Make sure to match the texture of your stucco wall.

"How would I repair the stucco on my home when it is showing signs of "falling" (the stucco is separating; seeing cracks appear) and it is on top of brick. The previous owners (contractor) used some kind of caulking (I have no idea as to what it is); advise would be appreciated."

There are a number of companies that make a textured caulking for this sort of repair. One of them actually has a video on stucco repair up on their website along with a list of instructions and needed equipment. The instructions say to use quickrete products for the repairs, of course, but similar products from other manufacturers will do just fine as well.

Make sure to use a textured patching material and always use a trowel or similar tool to smooth and texture the patch. This will help to ensure that the patch doesn't stand out from the surrounding area. After the stucco has cured it will be ready to paint. Simply paint with the same color as the rest of the wall and it should look as good as new!

Brick and Mortar: Fixing Your Brick Wall

Brick is nice because it doesn't require a lot of maintenance and gains character as it weathers. The only problem is that it can be difficult to make repairs those times when damage does occur. This reader's question is about making repairs to brick and concrete:

"A friend's house is showing signs of a cracked/sinking corner of the house foundation. What can be done to remedy this problem? What is the best way to repair the cracked exterior brick and interior walls?"

Brick walls can be a tricky subject

The cracking and sinking could be the result of the house still settling. If this is the case then it will continue to be an issue unless the area is excavated and the foundation is re-poured. Work on this type is generally best handled by a licensed contractor. Projects like this can be a serious undertaking and are usually best left to professionals and with a licensed contractor there is the additional security of a two year warranty as mandated by the state of Arizona.

Other than the foundation repairs as mentioned above, the only real alternative is to repair the grout or replace bricks if needed. This will make it look better but is ultimately only a temporary fix because without addressing the foundation problem the walls will continue to develop cracks.

The best course of action would be to contact a few contractors who are experienced in this area to take a look at it and provide a quote. This will give a good idea in how serious the problem is and what it would cost to make the repairs. As always, call Mr. Fix It of Sierra Vista at 520-227-8194 for a free quote on this or any other home repair issue!

Turn Up the Heat (or Cool Things Down): Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats are a useful addition to a home, especially in places with extreme temperature fluctuation like Arizona. The installation of a programmable thermostat allows the heating and cooling of a home to automatically change to fit the needs and schedule of the home.

Reduce energy costs with a programmable thermostat

This reader writes; "We have a non-programmable thermostat for our heater and a dial that we turn for our swamp cooler. Can these two things be combined into one programmable thermostat?"

Installing a programmable thermostat is a relatively simple procedure that most home owners can do themselves (here is a video with step by step instructions on installing a programmable thermostat) but it may not be possible to control both a furnace and swamp cooler with one.

Programmable thermostats have an output of approximately # but a control unit for a swamp cooler will usually have an output of about #. This difference in output required from the units is the reason that programmable thermostats are not available for swamp coolers.

While you can replace the thermostat for your heater with a programmable thermostat, it seems you will be unable to use it to manage your cooling without getting an air conditioning unit installed as well.

Mold Prevention: Educate Yourself

Although there hasn't been a specific question on this topic, its an important subject that any property owner should be aware of.

Mold growth can be devastating

When it comes to mold growth, the old saying "one ounce of prevention is worth one pound of cure" really is true. Mold removal is usually an expensive process with the average cost of a claim often ranging from $15,000 to $30,000.

The key to preventing mold growth is to eliminate the conditions where mold will thrive. Mold needs moisture, darkness and heat to grow. This means that a pipe leaking in a wall can make an ideal environment for mold growth in a very short time.

By controlling and limiting the conditions that lead to mold growth the chances of having a problem with mold growth can be dramatically reduced.

For more in depth information, read this article on preventing mold growth. It goes into more detail on ways to prevent the conditions for mold growth.

Water Damage: One Drop at a Time

Today's question is about identifying water damage in your home. Since the potential sources of water damage are almost unlimited there are times that you could have water damage and not even realize it. The most obvious signs are damp areas or pooling water but what about when those aren't present or when the damage is in an area you can't see? Our reader asks:

"I'm worried that I may have a leak in my home, what are some ways I can identify water damage when I can't see any water?"

Locating leaks can be difficult if you can't see the source

If the source of the water isn't continuous, such as in cases of condensation or a roof leak, or the damage is happening in an area that you can't see, it can be difficult to identify the fact that there is water damage in the first place.

When there is no water visibly present the most helpful sign may be a smell. If you notice a damp or musty smell it could be a good indicator of the presence of water damage. This can be very helpful in locating where the damage is as well, just follow the smell.

On walls and ceilings signs of water damage include peeling paint or wallpaper, discoloration, mold growth or even sagging or bowing.

Flooring may exhibit a dank or musty smell, this is especially true with carpet because of how it will trap and retain moisture in the pad and the carpet itself. On other types of flooring, signs include peeling or warping, discoloration or moldy patches. When there is serious water damage to a floor it can result in damage to the subfloor or even a loss in structural integrity.

For additional information you can refer to this article on water damage and how to identify it.

If you suspect you have water damage but are having difficulty locating the source you should consult a professional water damage restoration company.

Drafty Doors (or How to Keep the Cold Out)

Don't let money slip out the door

When the mercury drops and the wind howls, there's nothing like being warm and snug inside. But drafty doors and windows will quickly put a damper on that as cold air comes in causing unpleasant chills and a rise in energy costs.  This reader is experiencing that first hand and writes;

"I have a draft in my house, I think it's coming from my front door. I've tried putting blankets in front of it and even bought a draft blocker but it just gets in the way. I'm looking for a way to stop this draft without having something sitting in front of my door and getting in the way, is there something I can do about it without having to replace my front door?"

 The first thing to check on is the weatherstripping around the door and the sweep underneath it. These get old and can crack or may get damaged in other ways. Replacing these can help improve the seal around your door which will significantly reduce drafts, it's also much less expensive than getting a new door.

To replace weatherstripping the only tool that is typically needed is a utility knife or pair of sharp scissors. Simply remove the old weatherstripping, use the knife or scissors to cut the new weatherstripping to the right length and then it should snap right into place.

Replacing the door sweep is typically only a little bit more complicated and will usually require a utility knife or pair of sharp scissors and possibly a screwdriver. In some doors the sweep simply slides into a channel under the door. If this is the case, simply slide out the old sweep, cut the new one to length and then slide it in. Some doors have a metal channel that slips around the door. For these doors a screwdriver will need to be used to remove this channel. Then the old sweep can be removed and the new one cut to size and put in place before the metal channel is reattached.

This process is usually not particularly complex and is something most home owners can handle on their own. If a professional is needed a handyman or licensed contractor should be able to perform the job in a fairly short amount of time.

Locating and Identifying Mold Growth

Mold growth can catch you by surprise if you don't know what to watch for and if it's just left alone the consequences to your health and pocketbook can be very high. This reader may be facing just such a problem:

"A week ago I noticed that my bathroom sink had leak, it was just a small leak and I was able to fix it myself but now I've noticed that the bathroom has a musty odor to it. When I looked under the sink I saw some small black spots on the wall. What should I do?"

If your leak went unnoticed for a long enough time there could be serious water damage under the sink. That unaddressed water could have provided the moisture needed for mold growth. The longer that pipe leaked, the more water was provided and the more mold growth will present.

For more information on finding and identifying mold growth you can read this article on how to tell if there is mold in your home, it goes into more detail on what to look for. When small mold growth spots are visible they are often just the tip of the iceberg and there could be mold growth absolutely covering the inside of the wall.

If you suspect mold growth in a room it is strongly recommended that you call a professional. When mold is disturbed, millions of spored get released into the air and they can be harmful when breathed in, especially to children, the elderly and anyone with allergies or a weak immune system. If the area is not properly cleaned and disinfected there is a chance that the mold growth will return after time.