Jan 26, 2016
Best way to caulk the seam between our backsplash and kitchen counter?
Jan 27, 2016

First, clean out the existing caulk the best you can with a utility knife, flat razor or a putty knife.  To get it extra clean and depending on what type of caulk was there before, you can use baking soda and a rag to remove hard water build up and caulk residue.  Once you've done that, I recommend GE Silicone 2 or Dap Kitchen and bath caulk.  (I like the small hand tubes, not the kind that goes in a gun.)  Water based caulks are easier to work with, but silicone has it's advantages.  To apply silicone, clean and dry the area, apply a small bead, then spray the area with soapy water.  This will keep the silicone from spreading up the edge of the splash or onto the counter.  Then wipe once with your finger and your done.  The waterbased caulk can be applied in a small bead and then cleaned up/smoothed with a wet rag.

Jan 26, 2016
Best way to caulk the seam between our backsplash and kitchen counter? We have a marble counter and backsplash, and in the area behind the sink the caulk is deteriorating. What is the best way to fix this?
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Kay Liunas asked:

Jul 10, 2015
Can I report a plumber for not doing work that I was told they had done? It has been 4 years since said work was done and we recently had to inspect the attic b

Sorry to hear of your troubles.I would first start with calling the company; they might not know that the installation was not done correctly.Given the opportunity most contractors will correct the mistake.If that does not work then I would call the local Better Business Bureau. Also most states have a home improvement regulatory commission of some fashion. In our state, Maryland, contractors must be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.Dissatisfied homeowners can file a complaint to the commission for unsatisfactory work.

As with everything the BUYER MUST BEWARE. It is you the homeowners responsibility to do your homework BEFORE you buy. The home improvement industry is full of smooth talking salesmen that promise the world. Hire contractors that have a long history of reliable service. They usually are not the cheapest contractor in town; but high quality reliable service does not come cheap. In the long run they will be your cheapest option... considering the fact that now you have to do the same job twice!

Apr 14, 2015
Can a tankless water heater be installed in my condominium?
Sep 1, 2015

A tankless water heater can certainly be installed in a condominium - similar to any other structure. The easiest model is one that mounts externally - typically near the highest use of hot water or midway between multiple usage points. If there is some distance between the use locations, you can also install a D'mand pump to "call" the hot water so you are not wasting water waiting for the hot water to arrive. If you install a unit on the interior of your unit, e.g., in the previous water heater closet, the unit will require venting.  And - FYI - one reason people love to install an on-demand is that you can actually repurpose a former water heater closet creating more useable space in your condo.   One last piece of important information, you will need to check the size of your incoming water line.  Typically water lines are 3/4 inches in diameter.  On-demand units require incoming water lines of one inch.  So you may need to upgrade your plumbing to accomodate the increased size of your incoming water lines.  I hope that helps.

C E asked:

Jul 16, 2015
The base of my downspout where it meets the ground has a piece of ceramic broken away. What type of contractor do I call?

A good quality roofer, exterior remodeler, plumber or landscaper.

Kay Liunas asked:

Jul 10, 2015
Can I report a plumber for not doing work that I was told they had done? It has been 4 years since said work was done and we recently had to inspect the attic b
Jul 22, 2015

It all depends on the companies policy. Here we would of course be more than happy to come out and look at everything, and fix them for you, but we also do provide 10 year warranties to our customers, so it may be different for the company you worked with. I would definitely call and let them know when the work was done, everything seemed fine, until you had an attic inspection scheduled and they had informed you about how poorly the job was done. Most companies should be more than happy to fix mistakes on their end for any customer they've had! 

Good luck with everything, I hope it all works out and gets fixed for you!

C E asked:

Jul 16, 2015
The base of my downspout where it meets the ground has a piece of ceramic broken away. What type of contractor do I call?
Jul 22, 2015

Looks like you could use help of a good plumber or handy man who knows how to work with PVC piping. It's not complicated job, but there are few technics to it. Hope it helps. 

C E asked:

Jul 16, 2015
The base of my downspout where it meets the ground has a piece of ceramic broken away. What type of contractor do I call? For some reason, this one is not built like the others where it's a solid plastic pipe going into the ground. It has a ceramic bowl that it went through. A big piece has broken away. There was a big gap where the downspout met the pipe in the ground. The ceramic bowl covered this gap, but now the gap is exposed because part of it has broken away. I used water proof duct tape and taped the gap. Then I put a piece of curved plastic over that and ducted taped that. Then I with small rocks I positioned the piece of ceramic bowl so it would hold that in place. This is just a temporary fix to prevent water running under the foundation. What type of repair person do I call to fix the downspout at ground level? Thanks.
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Apr 25, 2015
I have a 50 gal. gas Bradford water heater in my house that is almost 12 years old. I want to replace in the near future. What are my non-tankless options?
Jul 10, 2015

Boy, I would go with the tankless.  I just put on in my home after checking out all the otions.  I don't think anything beats a tankless.   Other than than what Sam said about going solar

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling Berkeley Ca

Kay Liunas asked:

Jul 10, 2015
Can I report a plumber for not doing work that I was told they had done? It has been 4 years since said work was done and we recently had to inspect the attic b A pipe was to be installed from the drain pan under our water heater to allow any accumulated water to go outside of the house. Recently our water heater burst (in the attic) and caused a lot of damage. the pipe was only 4 foot, capped off and hid under insulation.
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Apr 25, 2015
I have a 50 gal. gas Bradford water heater in my house that is almost 12 years old. I want to replace in the near future. What are my non-tankless options?
Jun 2, 2015

Go Solar!

Apr 14, 2015
Can a tankless water heater be installed in my condominium?
Jun 2, 2015

Yes you can. However every condominium association has its owns rules and regulations.

Apr 25, 2015
I have a 50 gal. gas Bradford water heater in my house that is almost 12 years old. I want to replace in the near future. What are my non-tankless options?
May 30, 2015

Your question is a technical question. We would suggest that you go to our website (http://www.benningtonbuilders.com), to our Vendor Page and contact Plumbing Parts Plus who will be able to answer your question.

Apr 25, 2015
I have a 50 gal. gas Bradford water heater in my house that is almost 12 years old. I want to replace in the near future. What are my non-tankless options? I am looking for a good manufacturing warranty with a good consumer track record. I have heard that the new water heaters are not as good as the old ones? Could you recommend some 50 gallon gas models that have a good warranty and history behind them? Thanks
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