A: Medical, schmedical. Obviously, this is a female urologist colluding with your interior decorator. Take back your bathroom and install the ultimate in 21st-century must-have home luxuries — a urinal!
Q: In some parts of Southeastern Asia, people literally stand over the toilet (or an opening in the floor) for any number of different duties. So maybe these people can teach us a thing or two?
A: You make my point so very clearly! You can be assured that in those stand-up countries, there is no such thing as that largest of all poxes on American culture: the ubiquitous line outside the women's restroom. Paraphrasing my favorite comedian, Larry The Cable Guy, "Git in, git 'er done and git out!"
OK, now back to the normal part of the column ...
Q: You mentioned induction cooktops recently. I am having a heck of a time finding one locally. Who carries them, and how much are they?
A: Almvig's in Seattle (www.almvigs.com) carries the Diva model — a 36-inch unit is $3,595, a 30-inch one is $2,695 and the 12-inch unit is $1,295, all presently on sale.
Q: I have a gas fireplace with a pilot light. It has a sealed-glass front and vents to the outside without a chimney. The fireplace has worked well in the past. I turned it off at the main pilot control valve for the summer back in May to avoid wasting gas as the weather warmed up.
I tried to light it again for a spell of colder weather recently, using the normal technique of pushing the valve (while in pilot position) and simultaneously using the sparker. The sparker works. No flame.
I am afraid I will blow up the house if I push the valve for too long. Can you help me?
A: If it was operating not long ago, you likely have a bit of air or moisture in the line. Try bleeding the line by pushing on the pilot valve to let gas push the air or moisture out.
This might take 45-60 seconds or more. Bleed the valve well, and let it sit for a few minutes to clear any accumulated gas from the combustion area.
After waiting, go through your normal lighting routine, and it should light right up.
If this doesn't work, possibly because of soot or dirt blocking the pilot orifice, you might need to call a service person to repair the pilot assembly.
Darrell Hay is a local home inspector and manages several rental properties. |
