Apartment plumbing woes difficult to diagnose

Question: I live in an eight-storey apartment building constructed in 1967 and reside on the sixth floor. Last fall I noticed the water in my toilet bowl would drain to just above the siphon jet hole whenever the tenants on . . .

Posted: 2015-09-26

Taking SIDES

Western red cedar a DIYer's dream material

Is western red cedar a DIYer's dream siding?Bruce Morrish pondered this question when it became obvious that his 20-year-old home needed a facelift.Originally sheathed in three-eighths-inch ranch wall, a paintable or stainable plywood with an embossed figure with incised parallel . . .

Posted: 2014-08-30

Oriental Pearl

Quebec architect designs home in strict traditions of Japan

Nestled on the shoreline of the Lake of Two Mountains in Quebec is a property that looks as though it could have been plucked right out of Japan and placed on Ile-Bizard. The house and grounds are the dream child . . .

Posted: 2010-09-18

Are you ready to garden?

Horticulturist Melinda Myers shares smart tips to help you grow your best garden

The 35th Annual Gardening Saturday will be held on April 9 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. Sponsored by North Dakota State University Extension and the Grand Forks Horticultural Society, the theme for this year’s event is Renew in . . .

Posted: 2022-03-19

Water is key to growing terrific tomatoes

Question: I've tried to grow different kinds of tomatoes and the same issue occurs (they look healthy, but bottom rot appears). I've tried spikes, and other products to help curb this and end up with the same results. This is . . .

Posted: 2015-08-08

CONNIE OLIVER: Decorate your firebox for the holidays

My husband and I are fortunate to have a real, woodburning fireplace in our rec room. It's great during the winter and especially cosy on Christmas morning. However, when it's not in use, the firebox is a gaping black hole . . .

Posted: 2009-12-12

Layer sheeting and insulation to avoid moisture

Question: I have an attached garage that is not insulated. I store some odds and ends in the ceiling, such as shovels, Christmas lights, etc. I am planning on insulating my garage soon.The walls are straightforward, but there are many . . .

Posted: 2017-01-07

Air admittance valves usually OK if installed correctly

Question: I kept your details from an interesting plumbing article in the Free Press some time ago. Your writing dealt with under sink issues and the use of an air admittance valve. I would like to know if these devices . . .

Posted: 2020-06-06

Stop down jacket from leaking feathers

QUESTION: I very much enjoy and appreciate your solutions in the paper. Here is one challenge that I have and haven't noticed mentioned before. I have a lovely down-filled jacket that is warm and comfortable. But it is a few . . .

Posted: 2012-03-12

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Checking in to the green room

London hotel focuses on eco-friendly living

Because I travel constantly for business and pleasure, I have the opportunity to view first hand the many changes taking place in the hotel industry. I have witnessed shifts in style and colour trends, and the move in popularity from the . . .

Posted: 2009-08-02