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Rhona's problem with the flickering fluorescent light bulbs may have to do with her not using completely mechanical light switches. If she is using switches with some kind of electronics built in, it is likely that they are simply not cutting off all of the electricity in the circuit.

I've seen this in a number of instances. For example, there are light switches that have a little light bulb built into them so that you can see them in the dark when the light is off. So, an electrical charge is always flowing through the unit, even when it is "off". This small amount of electricity isn't normally a problem with incandescent bulbs, because the amount of voltage isn't enough to illuminate them. However, it is enough to cause the more efficient fluorescent bulbs to flicker.

Rhona can try changing the light switch to a fully mechanical one or choosing a switch that is specially made for use with compact fluorescent bulbs.

Often the electronic switches don't work the best with compact fluorescent bulbs. Best to use pure mechanical (no electronic circuitry) or the ones specifically made to work with fluorescents.

The same goes for dimmable compact fluorescents. Use the dimmer switches that have sliders or dials, and no self-illumination, or electronic control.

HTH,
Cosmo

I think the Box Column is called a
Plate and Channel Box Girder.

Well, I heard ALL the answers people called in last time, and I'm beginning to think the quiz is kind of impossible.

Could it be . . . rosebud? (j/k)

And Tony? Try the Mr. Clean wall erasers. They are AMAZING!

For the plumbing question, couldn't they insert a piece of PEX tubing between the copper and galvanized pipe?

How do you stop a running toilet?

repeat the quiz question please

I took up old vinyl floor, should I put down plywood or leveling compound before I put down new sticky vinyl tiles?

NYC Building Code is absolutely available for free! Online edition is on Department of Buildings web site.

We bought a new condo in Brooklyn. The HVAC unit is supposed to be a sealed unit, however we get cigarette smoke coming through the ac unit from the downstairs neighbors.On the weekends it is unbearable and we have to sleep in my so's room. What could be the problem?

I am going to be remodeling my bathroom and am looking to relocate the tub/shower on the wall with the window so that the window is "in" the tub/shower. We have received much conflicting advice about whether this is a good idea. One contractor insists on closing up the window opening to have the window ledge at about shoulder level, replacing the wood window with a vinyl swing out window. He says otherwise we are asking for trouble with leaking.

Another contractor told us that there is no problem with windows in tubs/showers and that he can seal up the tiling (or marble ledge) on the ledge so that it will not leak.

Who is right?

Thanks!

About the caller's AC question, if its not draining outside, how do you get it to tilt slightly so it does?

How can I replace a gas fireplace with a woodburning fireplace?

Your e-mail isn't working.

Is the enclosure called a "soffet"?

With all the talk of cleaning gutters, can the Ubells give us any ideas for how to find a reputable person for doing that sort of job, and also warn of any red flags for someone to be avoided?

For those of us seeking repairmen, in general, if one doesn't have an extensive network of neighbors to go to for recommendations, what else can we do? Are there any online resources we can turn to?

I am renting an condo and my twins daughters have a tendency to put dirty hands on the walls, or create other small (1/4 inch) dark marks.

How do I fix this?

Tony