Q–The laundry tub in my utility room has a kitchen-type faucet with a swing spout and separate hot and cold water handles. Lately, this faucet’s water flow has been much lower than before. This happens with both the hot and cold water. The pressure and flow from my kitchen and bathroom faucets are still normal. Do you think there is something wrong with the pipes or water supply system?
A–If the other faucets have adequate pressure and volume, the problem is obviously just with this fixture. The first thing to check is that the water supply valves under the sink are fully open. If so, then the next most likely cause is a clogged or partially blocked aerator on the end of the faucet spout. These aerators screw onto threads that are either on the inside or the outside of the spout’s end. Unscrew the aerator carefully because it has very fine threads that are easily stripped. You may need to use pliers to remove it if sediment has “frozen” it in place. The aerator will have one or more rubber gaskets at the upper end, and under this there will be a fine mesh strainer or screen. Remove the gaskets and screen, noting the order in which they fit. Then use a brush and flushing stream of water to clean the accumulated sediment and particles from the screen. Replace all parts in their proper sequence, then screw the aerator back onto the end of the spout.
Q–I have an overhead garage door that is made of fiberglass and was factory finished in a light gray color. I would now like to paint this door white. I’ve been told that fiberglass cannot be painted. Is this true?
A–No. Fiberglass can be painted. Boats made of fiberglass are painted frequently. You can use any good-grade exterior alkyd base enamel, but for best results buy one of the polyurethane enamels that are formulated for use on fiberglass boats. Scrub the door perfectly clean, sand carefully to remove all gloss, then make sure the surface is perfectly dry before you start. Follow directions on the can as to whether a separate primer is needed.
Q–Our bathtub drains very slowly. It has one of those lever-operated stoppers that pop up when the lever is flipped to the drain position, but the actual stopper barely lifts up enough to allow the water to flow out freely. When it is open, I can lift the stopper manually about half an inch more. Is there any way I can make this “pop-up” stopper raise higher to provide a larger opening?
A–Remove the screws that hold the control lever and its plate in place near the top of the tub, then pull out the plate and the “pop-up” lift linkage that is connected to it. There will be a threaded yoke or bar connected to a coil spring at the bottom. You may have to wiggle this around a bit to get it out. After this has been pulled out, you will see an adjusting nut (there may be more than one) that can be used to increase the length of the linkage. At first, try turning it two or three turns. Making the linkage longer will increase the height of the stopper when you open the drain.
Also check the linkage spring to see if it, or the bottom of the stopper, has an accumulation of hair and/or soap scum. If so, clean it off, then replace everything by sliding the control lever plate and its linkage back into place, making sure the curved side of the linkage is facing down. Replace the stopper and its linkage, giving it a twist to interlock with the control lever linkage. Then replace the screws holding the control plate and lever in its opening at the top of the tub.
Q–Our garage floor is badly stained with oil and grease that is almost impossible to clean off. It all gets tracked into the house. Is there a paint we can apply to the floor that won’t flake off, but will make it easier to wash away the grease and oil?
A–Most paint stores sell latex masonry deck paints that are excellent for garage floors. But make sure you buy one that says it won’t come off when hot tires drive onto it because many deck paints will come off when hot tires come to rest on them. Also, be sure you clean the floor thoroughly before painting it to remove all surface grease and dirt. Use a strong detergent or good driveway cleaner, then follow with a wash of diluted muriatic acid (one part acid to four parts water). Rinse off with lots of plain water and let dry before painting.
