Monte Leeper
Q.
The wall behind my furnace is starting to bubble and turn to a powder, leaving large indentations in the wall. This basement wall also houses the chimney. How can I remedy this situation?
A.
The wall material, plaster or, more likely, gypsum board did, not receive a fire retardant painted finish and has succumbed to the heat from your furnace. It has dried out and crumbled. You will need to either remove the wall board or cover it, if there is room. Place new 5/8" type "x" gypsum board on the furring channels or wall studs. You may even have to use a construction adhesive mastic to laminate the board to the existing surface.
Be sure to check the content of the adhesive for flammability and shut the flame on your furnace until the mastic has cured sufficiently. After placing the new wall board, prime and paint the surface according to the manufacturer's specifications on the label of the can. Remember, use a fire retardant paint, and you should have years of trouble-free use without the bubbling.
Thank you for your question.
Q.
After years of reading your solutions to homeowner questions regarding leaks, contaminates, rot, and a multitude of others, I now include myself as one seeking your thoughts on a recurring condition, involving a toilet.
The part that is primarily affected is the siphon jet hole.
The condition is a build-up of lime scale that has to be removed periodically. It is as solid as concrete and has to be chiseled off with caution so as not to damage the porcelain finish. If not, then the toilet does not flush full empty. I need to flush two or three times otherwise. I would appreciate your thoughts as to preventive measures to offset this condition.
A.
. Toilets are a real frustration when they don't work, because nobody wants to get their hands dirty dealing with them. Maybe that is why plumbers just smile when you ask why it cost so much. I am not certain of the time period over which lime scale builds up on the toilet or why you have such high mineral content in your water, but there are things you can do to reduce the problem. First, you may want to check the mineral content of your water by having it tested. Your water authority may give you some idea of the amount of mineral content in your water, or you can have it tested by a lab for a fee. There are several in the Long Island area that can test your water. If you use a filtration system of one kind or another, and do not care about the mineral content, then the only idea I have left is to continue to periodically remove the scale with a plumber's tool referred to as a toilet auger.
Brushing the opening of the siphon jet hole once a week or so during regular cleaning will also be effective. While some chemicals may be added to the bowl, to effervesce, they will not remove the scale without possibly causing harm to the bowl, toilet parts or pipes. I am not a fan of chemicals. The acidic brands are not recommended, even though they claim to remove scale, since they will not prevent it and can cause problems for pets and parts.
Vaseline can be added to the edges of the opening to prevent scale from grabbing on, but the Vaseline will need to be reapplied, because it wears away.
Readers are encouraged to send questions to: HERALD Homes, 379 Central Avenue, Lawrence, N.Y. 11559
Attn: Monte Leeper, Architect.
