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2
votes
1answer
106 views

Can I wash and continue to use dishes that were in a sink with a brush used for varnishing?

A brush used with varnish has been put into a sink, full of water with dishes. The dishes have not come into contact directly with the varnish, but with the varnish diluted in water. Is throwing all ...
0
votes
0answers
46 views

Is it normal for the steam-out of a electric thermo pot to melt down over time? [closed]

A few days ago, I discovered that some bars of the steam-out of my electric thermo pot (which has been used for about 2 years in my house) have been melted down. (Note: This is not the photo of my ...
2
votes
1answer
195 views

Should a tenant be relocated while asbestos is removed from the ceiling?

I would really appreciate your advice, or if you are unable to give it can you please who can give me impartial advice. I own a property which a few weeks ago had a leak. The plumber cut one hole in ...
7
votes
3answers
780 views

Should gloves be worn when working with concrete to prevent it from coming in contact with skin?

I was told recently that concrete is slightly corrosive. Should gloves be worn when using concrete or is it fine to handle concrete as long as its not done on a regular basis?
6
votes
3answers
310 views

How can I determine what is in my water?

My question is, how can I determine exactly what these "floaties" are that I see in my drinking water? I know that I sound crazy and more than a little obsessive-compulsive....my wife tells me this ...
6
votes
1answer
193 views

When to replace respirator filters?

I've got a respirator like this one: I assume with the particulate filters (for dust) you just change them when they get hard to breathe through, but what about the organic vapor or chemical ...
7
votes
3answers
271 views

Do Old Houses Have a Pre-determined Lifespan?

Taking into consideration the building supplies that were available in that time period for that particular geographic area (say, a major metropolitan city in the mid-western United States), do homes ...
4
votes
2answers
460 views

What are effective ways to frame a return air duct?

Consider an in-floor return air duct that is 32" x 22". A standard air filter that closest fits the register is 30" x 20". What materials should I use to frame the duct so it will snugly hold the ...
1
vote
3answers
146 views

What is the difference between mold in air duct and mold that grows in crawl space?

Specifically, are they both dangerous to human health?
5
votes
6answers
2k views

Why is my brand new PEX clear tubing turning green near the hot water heater?

I just moved into my house with brand new PEX (uponor) plumbing. I used clear for the hot and cold instead of red and blue, because I bought everything myself and I thought it would prevent wasting ...
7
votes
3answers
389 views

Would running a band saw or cnc machine in my basement be safe?

I'd like to get a band saw and drill press but I don't have room in my garage so I'd like to put it in my basement. The problem is I don't have any ventilation to remove sawdust so would having it in ...
1
vote
1answer
135 views

Does covering a mattress with sheets prevent dust mites and their allergens?

Does covering a mattress with sheets prevent dust mites and their allergens?
7
votes
2answers
176 views

How to detect mildew or fungus?

We live in an apartment, and since a couple of months, my girlfriend suffer from all sort of lung/breath/throat problems. ( Multiple visits to the Doctors give the same result: she has nothing, might ...
1
vote
3answers
365 views

Does wifi have any effect on one's health?

Does wifi have any effect on health in home?
3
votes
1answer
55 views

Home lead testing kits

Are home lead testing kits accurate or should I hire a pro? What should I being looking for when purchasing home lead testing kits?
4
votes
8answers
792 views

What substances should you avoid contact with your bare hands?

I started thinking about this yesterday because I currently have a weird feeling second skin from the polyurethane adhesive I used to attach my kitchen backsplash on Sunday. I foolishly assumed since ...
3
votes
3answers
667 views

How do I keep my pool water clean without nasty chemicals?

Is there a chemical-free way to keep pool water safe and healthy, that is without chlorine or bromine? How about using UV radiation to sterilize the water?
5
votes
2answers
4k views

Must I remove asbestos from my heating vents?

I've got an old house with some asbestos tape on the heating vents, and some old floor tiles which are asbestos suspects as well; duct cleaning firms won't do cleaning on the vents with the tape ...