Fix leaking shower spout or faucet and change the cartridge (Moen).

Shower faucet is dripping or leaking.  If it is Moen, replacing the cartridge can solve the problem.  It is easy.

Switch off the main water shut off valve.

 Remove the handle and also the face plate.  In the old faucet the screw may be jammed. You can cut the head off and remove the handle.  Buy a new handle and mine came with screw.

 Face plate and limit stopper removed removed.

 Remove the retaining clip by pulling up by nose pliers. This pin stops the cartridge to come out when you are using the sprout.

 This white moen extraction tool comes with new moen cartridge. Rotate it back and forth with the help of pliers.  This will loosen the cartridge. This tool will not pull it out but will help it later on.

Romve the plastic Moen tool and then with help of pliers pull the old cartridge out.

Insert the new cartridge.  This is Moen 1225. Make sure every thing is clean.

Align then the notches at the top and insert the retaining pin back.

Put the face plate back. I even replaced the old handle.  Check for hot and cold water. If it reverse then just turn the cartridge 180deg and replace the handle. 

The moen cartridge is a snug fit. You do not have to worry about washers.

New Moen Cartridge details    

     

Moen 1225 One-Handle Replacement Cartridge

 It seemed to be hard job but turned out to be simple.

Killing mosquitoes with organic control or Permethrin based pesticide.

We have lot of mosquitoes this year in our back yard.  I avoid using chemicals in my yard.  With lot o West Nile virus in news, I tried to get rid of mosquitoes.

I tried following two products.  I went with Ecosmart first.  No effect at all.  Next day the yard was full of mosquitoes.  I think this was wastage of money.

Then I tried Bonide Mosquito beater.  I tried about 10 days back.  For one week it had good effect.  Now I can see mosquito creeping back again.  I will try this product again and see the results.

Bonide Mosquito beater covered more area than Ecosmart.  I used the same hose and it seems Bonide lasted for longer time as I sprayed.



Ecosmart 32 oz. concentrate organic mosquito and tick control kills and repels mosquitoes, ticks and other nuisance pests. The concentrate comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle that connects to your garden hose. The organic, non-toxic formula is safe to use around children and pets. This 32 oz. Bottle will treat up to 5,000 sq. ft. of your yard.

Mosquito Beater RTS
2.5% Permethrin Kills and repels mosquitoes, flies, gnats...1qt. protects 5000 sq. ft. Simply attach to garden hose and apply. Low odor, water based Permethrin.

I am looking in to foggers to get rid of mosquitoes.  Electric foggers sound s good as I can cover my whole yard with extension cord.  I am not sure about side effects.

Difference between Humidifier, Dehumidifier, Hygrometer and Humidistat

As you talk about humidity you will hear about the Humidifier, Dehumidifier, Hygrometer and Humidistat a lot.  All of them are related to humidity but their function is different.


Humidifier :  Adds moisture. Search Amazon.com for humidifier
Dehumidifier :  Removes moisture.Search Amazon.com for dehumidifier
Hygrometer : Measures humidity.Search Amazon.com for hygrometer
Humidistat : Measures and control the humidity (by controlling the humidifier or dehumidifier) Search Amazon.com for humidistat

Humidifier, Dehumidifier, Hygrometer and Humidistat

How to Maintain Humidity Level in Home?

We need to maintain proper humidity level in the house. If the humidity is too low then we have dry skin.  Low humidity causes dry nose, skin and throat.  It also creates static electricity which is pretty annoying.  It effects wood and dry wall.  On the other hand high humidity can cause mold and rot.  It will cause the wall paper and the paint to peel off the walls.

Maintain the relative humidity in your home between 30% and 50% if possible. Humidity levels above 60% may allow moisture to build up indoors and condense on surfaces, where bacteria and fungi can settle and grow. This is as per CPSC recommendations.

You can check humidity levels with Hygrometer.  Search Amazon.com for hygrometer


If  humidity level is low then you can add humidity with humidifiers.  This is very common in winter as heating makes the air too dry.   It is best to buy humidifier with built in humidity level display.  It takes away the guess work.  Search Amazon.com for humidifiers for home.


Too much humidity creates its own problems.  Humid air can cause mold and mildew to grow inside homes.  

To reduce humidity use dehumidifiers,  dehumidifier is typically a household appliance that reduces the level of humidity in the air and these can guard against mold and other allergens.

Humidifiers

Humidifiers Need Regular Cleaning During Winter Months

    How to clean humidifier? As lot of us in cold climate are using heat to heat our houses and run in to the problem of the dry air and then we use humidifiers.  Humidifiers need special care as they may become source of airborne microorganism.   Below is recommendation by the CPSC.

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs

Portable Humidifiers Need Regular Cleaning During Winter Months

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With the onset of cold weather, many consumers are turning up the heat and turning on the humidifier. It's a good time to review the importance of keeping your humidifier clean. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, microorganisms can grow in the humidifier's tank and possibly become airborne. These microorganisms have the potential to cause respiratory problems, so the prudent thing to do is always keep the humidifier clean.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) recommend that consumers always clean new portable humidifiers before the first use, and regularly thereafter.

All humidifiers perform an important function -- adding moisture to dry, indoor air -- and several types of portable models are available to do the job.

Portable humidifiers include all types except furnace- mounted varieties and range in size from small, table-top units to floor consoles. Units designed for single room use include steam vaporizers, cool mist impeller humidifiers, and ultrasonic humidifiers. Two other types -- warm mist humidifiers and evaporative and wicking humidifiers -- come in a smaller size for single rooms or larger size for multiple rooms.

Some units may require special maintenance steps so carefully follow the manufacturer's cleaning directions. In general, these are the "basics."

For portable humidifiers with capacities under five gallons:

• Clean Daily
• Empty leftover water, wipe all surfaces dry with a soft towel, and refill with clean water.
• Sanitize Every Seven Days
• Empty leftover water and fill with a weak bleach solution (one teaspoon bleach per gallon of water). Let the solution "soak" for 20 minutes, swishing it around the sides every few minutes. Rinse with water until you can no longer smell bleach. Remove any scale or mineral deposits using a soft brush or towel and a vinegar solution (half vinegar, half water).

For portable humidifiers with capacities of five gallons or more:

• Sanitize Every Two Weeks
• Follow the sanitizing instructions above and refer to the manufacturers' directions for additional information.
• Besides frequent cleaning, manufacturers recommend these maintenance and safety tips for good humidifier performance.

1. At the start of the humidifier season, clean the humidifier first before operating it.
2. Disconnect the appliance whenever cleaning or filling.
3. Always use clean water for cleaning and filling. (Although most humidifiers use tap water, distilled water is recommended by some.)
4. Position the humidifier where air circulates freely, preferably near a return air register.
5. Don't over-humidify. A sign of too much humidity is moisture on walls or windows.
6. Sanitize and thoroughly dry the appliance before storing it away for next season.

Have safe winter.

ProTec Humidifier Tank Cleaning Cartridge :Model PC-1. Your humidifier stays cleaner, longer. Simply drop in tank for fresh, clean mist; Works in all humidifiers; Keeps cleaning for 3 days; Safe and non-toxic. Concentrated antimicrobial cartridge. Continuous protection against slimy build-up in humidifier. The Protec Cleaning Cartridge features a patented antimicrobial Aquastat, to continually inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria and mold in the cartridge as well as help prevent the buildup of slime in your humidifier. In addition the Protec Cartridge provides peace of mind that the mist is fresh and clean. Safe, non-toxic the Protec Cartridge uses the same antimicrobial that has been used for years in the food and drinking water industry to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. The Protec Cleaning Cartridge is antimicrobially treated to help prevent the growth and migration of mold, fungus, algae and odor-causing bacteria on the cartridge.

Humidiclean, 32 OZ, Extra Strength Humidifier Cleaner, Dissolves Calcium Scale, Lime & Rust, Helps Control Odor, Prolongs The Life Of Ultrasonic, Vaporizer, Evaporative Console & Table Type Humidifiers.