Question: We would like to know if we can install pink fibreglass batts in our attic over existing blown-in cellulose. We were told that the weight of the batts would reduce the insulating value of the cellulose as it would compress it and reduce the air pockets. The value of the existing … [Read more...] about Fibreglass Over Cellulose In Attic
Dryer Vent in Attic
Question: Hello, Recently, I purchased an older house in Kenora that appeared to be in good condition. However, prior to purchasing it I failed to look into the attic. Yesterday I decided to have a look and noticed that the dryer vent goes directly into the attic. Then I checked the crawl … [Read more...] about Dryer Vent in Attic
Water Main Leak
Question: Good afternoon Ari. I read your column religiously and as a new home owner, find your information most valuable. Recently, the City of Winnipeg located a water leak affecting the water line to my house. After detecting the leak from a routine street check on the water main, … [Read more...] about Water Main Leak
Water Leak From Bathroom
Question: I have a 10-year-old house and have recently begun noticing that there is water leaking through the floor in the bathroom in three distinct spots. The grout between the tiles seams to be in pretty good shape and I recently sealed it. I also re-caulked around the tub. The water appears … [Read more...] about Water Leak From Bathroom
Water Hammer & Caulking in Tub
Question: We moved into our 4-level split house last year, and performed numerous renovations as the house was quite run down, even though it's only 14 years old. However, we noticed a couple of problems within the house that we haven't been able to resolve. Our 4-piece bathroom on the third … [Read more...] about Water Hammer & Caulking in Tub
Slow Draining Sink
Question: I am seeking your advise on a slow draining bathroom sink. I installed a new bathroom sink with pop-up. The basin is a one piece 37 X 22 vanity top, made by General Marble purchased at Home Depot. The hole for the water overflow is about the size of a quarter. As part … [Read more...] about Slow Draining Sink
Sewer Gas
Question: We are having an ongoing problem with a sewer gas smell in our en-suite. We have checked numerous things to find where it is coming from, including opening up walls in several places to check for cracked pipes or other points where this may be coming from. One place that we opened the … [Read more...] about Sewer Gas
Sewer Backup Prevention
Question: My house is situated at the bottom of a hill, just above the Assiniboine River. It is really a beautiful location, except for the fact that all the precipitation that falls on the neighbourhood above us (one city block) tends to end up in our back yard. For the most part that is not a … [Read more...] about Sewer Backup Prevention
Plastic Supply Piping
Question: After having our house built approximately 1 1/2 years ago, the basement floor moved. It is my understanding that this is normal since they call it a floating concrete floor. Unfortunately, the copper pipes from the hot water tank were placed tightly against the roof and subsequently … [Read more...] about Plastic Supply Piping
Pipe in Basement Floor
Question: Hello: We had noticed a “soft” spot in the carpet in our basement but did not think much about it until we decided to re-do the rec-room this fall. When we lifted the carpet we found a pipe opening (about 4 inches across) coming from the concrete. It’s dry, so we are not sure what it … [Read more...] about Pipe in Basement Floor