How to make smoke to test a smoke alarm ?
I don't smoke tobacco or have joss sticks lying around the house. What's a good way to test a smoke alarm ? Flaming bits of paper tend to leave smudges on things, and candles make soot not smoke.
Answer:
The way the pros do. Fire alarm test spray.
http://www.homesecuritystore.com/p-859-sm-200-smoke-in-a-can-smoke-detector-test-spray.aspx
http://www.brooksequipment.com/Fire_Alarm_Products/Fire_Alarm_Inspection%2C_Testing_and_Maintenance_Products/Smoke_Detector_Testing/SOLO
http://www.alertelectrical.com/prod/1741/fire-alarm-detector-test-spray
PS - the battery-powered alarms have a button to test the electronics. Since the test chamber itself uses a tiny particle of radioactive Americium to test for ionized particles produced by flames, it has essentially nothing to go wrong except for over-age (the useful life of such detectors is seven years); so the test button is really a very reliable test. The AC-powered photoelectric detectors actually detect smoke density and really should be tested with something that obscures visibility the way smoke does.
Incidentally the best protection is to have both types, since the ionization detectors respond quickest to fast blazes, and the photoelectric ones respond quickest to smoldering fires.
How to stop bathroom floors from being wet?
Okay so I have 2 brothers and my mom complains of the bathroom floor of being wet because were in and out from the bathtub to the sink. Sometimes water is dropped to the floor and sometimes people slip and fall. She always puts towels to dry it up but that doesn't work that well. So can anyone tell me ways to reduce water on the floors on my bathroom, tips would also help. THANKS!
Answer:
You could put some bathroom rugs down. I have some in my bathroom. Hope this helps!
How to get rid of black ants in the kitchen?
I have a black ant problem in my kitchen. I was wondering if anyone knows how to get rid of them without killing them?
Answer:
The ants are looking for food to take to their nest. Some dry cereal like cream of wheat will give them something to take to their nest and this can take a couple of days.
Baby powder or talcum powder with talc in it will make them leave. They will not cross talc.
How to get rid of waterbugs in the home?
I've been having a slight (ok a big) waterbug problem in my house. I've tried using Borax to get rid of them, but it did not work for long! How do we get rid of them long-term? Besides an exterminator and the obvious stomping with your foot? Thanks!
Answer:
long term you need to make sure there is no rotting wood or water leaks around the house, otherwise the best you will do is apply a residual insecticide around the entry points and re apply as it breaks down
How to removing pet stains and odors from carpet?
Previous tenant of my apartment owned dogs.
How do I remove dried pets urine from the carpet?
Answer:
Use baking soda and vacuum your carpet.
How to block a smell in an apartment?
I just moved into a condo and I share an entrance with another person the person has a dog and apparently must sit in their house and smoke all day because the minute you walk into the joint entrance that horrible smell smacks you right in the face. I bought plugs ins but I want to seal my doors to block the dog cigarette smell so that isn't in my house. ANY suggestions? I hear weather stripping but will that work with the smell?
Answer:
Weather stripping keeps cold air out and the air you have inside inside. It can be put on the bottom of the door too.
How to you measure an above ground round pool liner?
I guess I worded that wrong. I need the pool measurement of my round pool so I can get a new liner.
My mother-in-law says I have to count the panels around the pool and I really don't think that is right.
Answer:
Pool diameter and height are all you need. The height is usually four feet, and the liner extends beyond that so it wraps over the top edge of the metal frame.
How to keep squirrels out of my garage?
Lately, I've been finding squirrels in my garage every time I leave the door open. There's no food or anything in there, just a few things in the freezer, but they can't get into that.
I chase them out when I see them, and it doesn't look like they've chewed holes or anything... I wouldn't mind them in there except I don't want them getting into the house. I DON'T want to hurt them, just keep them out. Any repellents I can use?
Answer:
find a driveway alarm and place it at the door. Has a ringing tone when the laser is broken. will make them run off.
I use one on the drive way, cost $20 or so and we found it in a catalog years back. laser alone might bother them. sound will surely run them off. ours runs from 9 volt battery and the base can be plugged in or run on batteries as well. Do a little internet search.
squirrels are bad news, eat holes in our trash cans. enters neighbors home for the weekend. ate the windows molding and kitchen cabinets. $40K in total damage trying to get out and eat. stop them now.
How to get cactus needle out of my finger?
First I would like to say that I'm typing with one hand so please ignore my bad grammar.
I got a cactus needle in my middle finger, I tried pulling it out with tweezers but it's not working. How do I get it out then? My parents are yelling at me saying it's stupid that I just can't pull it out with tweezers but I tried! I keep trying and it doesn't come out. It's really making me mad. Please tell me what to do.
Answer:
put your finger in a town of hot water. it will loosen the skin and it will most likely just fall out. If not then when its loose then you will be able to with tweezers. Then put anti-biotic on it soo there is not infection.. hope that helps:)
How to treat chopped wood for indoor use?
I have a ton of chopped wood and branches of all widths and lengths at my disposal due to recent landscaping we had done in the backyard. I have ideas to use some of the wood inside, but I've been told I may need to treat it before using it inside (as place mats, for decoration, etc) to avoid bringing in any insects or having the wood rot over time. It makes sense, but I'm not sure where to begin. Help?
Answer:
you should try a paint applied to the wood that you could preserve its color and also at the same time treat it. it prevents any kind of insect to chew on your wood.
