Use dehumidifier to collect moisture
Q. During the summer, my basement floor gets very damp. Should we seal it now in hopes of solving the problem before it happens again?
A. You probably don't want to seal the floor. You will want the moisture to come up all the way through the concrete instead of trapping it. Try using a dehumidifier, which should completely eliminate the condensation problem you are having.
If moisture is a problem throughout your whole house and not just your basement, look into a whole house dehumidifying system. These systems can be built into your existing central heating and cooling system and operate transparently. Actually, the positive impact of heating and cooling are enhanced when you control humidity as well. Several companies manufacture built-in systems.
Q. Often when I turn off my kitchen faucet there is a sudden fierce banging. This also occurs after my washing machine has completely filled and the water shuts off. It's very annoying. What is it, and is there something that I can do about it?
A. It sounds as if the condition which you are describing is a perfect example of what is called "water hammer." This noise generally occurs when you turn off the water at a faucet or an appliance quickly. The water in the pipes slams to an abrupt stop, causing this hammering noise.
In some cases this could be caused by pipes that are loose or not properly anchored. The remedy here is quite simple: Just add some pipe straps or cushion the pipes at existing straps with rubber blankets, or both. Remember, never use galvanized straps on copper pipe -- electrolysis will occur and break down the metal.
The most common cause of water hammer is faulty or nonexistent air chambers. These air chambers are constructed of small lengths of pipe installed in the wall behind fixtures and appliances.
Air chambers are designed to hold air that cushions the shock when flowing water is shut off.
However, they can get filled with water and lose their effectiveness. They can be restored by turning off the water supply at the main valve and draining the system at its lowest point, (this is generally the hose bib located at the point where the water enters the home). There are retro-fit air chambers that can be installed after the fact that don't require tearing into the wall. See your local plumbing parts supplier for these very handy devices.
Another cause of water hammer is water pressure that's in excess of 80 pounds per square inch. Most modern plumbing systems have a pressure regulating device at the main water inlet valve. If your home doesn't have one and the pressure in your system is high, it would probably be a good idea to have one installed.