St. Petersburg Times Online: Home and Garden


The glue comes first when you install carpet

Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 15, 2002

Question: When installing indoor-outdoor carpet, should I trim, then glue to concrete or glue, then trim?


Answer: Glue first, then trim.

First, be sure that the concrete slab is clean and dry. Check for moisture problems by securely taping a 12-inch-square piece of plastic sheeting to the slab, using duct tape. If moisture appears between the plastic and the slab, it should be sealed with a high-quality concrete sealer.

Use a stair tool (a large chisel-like tool) to seat and crease the edge of the carpet into the joint between the floor and the wall. Finish the job by trimming the carpet with a utility knife.

Effects of Magnetic Creations

Question: What effect does Magnetic Creations wall treatment have on computers, pacemakers, cell phones, etc.? (Magnetic Creations is painted on walls as a primer and allows magnets to stick to walls.)

Answer: Magnetic Creations has no effect on any high-tech piece of equipment (computer, pacemaker, etc.). The product is not magnetic, but merely is receptive to magnets. It is just like any piece of steel in your house -- refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes dryer, etc. All of these items are inert when it comes to interference with other items.

What is an anode rod?

Question: My water heater, supplied and installed by a plumber, has an anode rod that is supposed to be removed and checked annually, according to the owner's manual. But the manual doesn't say how to remove it, and the plumber also seems baffled. Can you help?

Answer: The anode rod, usually aluminum or magnesium, is designed to prevent corrosion of the water heater's tank by attracting to itself the elements that would cause corrosion. In short, it sacrifices itself to protect the tank.

An anode rod is usually removed by unscrewing it -- but only after the water heater is shut off and drained.

Because it is a rather tricky project, many anode rods never get checked (which is why many water-heater tanks develop leaks).

If the manufacturer recommends an annual check, instructions for removal should be provided. I think your best bet is to contact the manufacturer for specific instructions.

Some water heaters do not have replaceable anode rods. Owners should check their maintenance manuals for information on whether anode checkups are needed.

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