When I first started in the lumber business in 1953 right out of the Navy, things were so different. No one did things themselves. But that is all different now. Every week I hear of new things that will help a homeowner. New products and ideas that make doing things around the house easy, and save you money. We didn’t have soaker hoses to put around the foundation, so it wouldn’t move. You never heard of that back then. You didn’t try and unstop your sink, you called a plumber. Not today, you can use Drain Out and in 15 minutes it’s unstopped and you are back in business. If you had doors that didn’t slide on the track, you called a contractor to fix the problem. Today we just spray the track with Tri Flow, and you don’t have a problem with the door anymore. If you wanted to paint a room, or cover up wallpaper, you called a painter. Today we use the right paint, Coronado Tough Walls, and Coronado Grip and Seal, and paint it yourself. If you had a septic system, and you had problems with it, you called someone to pump it out. Now you can drop One Flush in the toilet, once a month and keep your system running smoothly. In San Antonio, as in Houston white roofs turn black and we used to have to get on the roof and wash them down with bleach and a broom, now you just hook up your hose to a product called Spray and Forget. So see the good old days were not always yesterday, they are today. With the right product and the right help- everything is easy – if you know how to do it! So think of me as that friend that you can depend on to help you.

Now to the mailbag…….

Question: Hi Johnnie! We are new to the Houston area after living in the North for 30 years. I really appreciate all the wonderful tips I have read in your articles. Our problem is the drain in our jack & jill bathroom sink. When the air conditioner is on the sink makes a continuous clunking noise. Is it possible that the drain to the sink is tied into the drain for the A/C units in the attic? And what can be done to stop the constant noise?
Answer: It is possible that the sinks and the A/C drain are connected. So check the vent on the roof and run some water through it. But check the drain for the AC unit; make sure that it is clear.

Question: Johnnie is there a better cleaner to clean the plastic domes on skylights than Windex?
Answer: Yes, try the product, All in 1, it cleans and polishes all in one step. It works on chrome, corian, fiberglass, Formica, granite, leather, plastic, rubber, stainless steel, and vinyl.

Question: Some time ago I ordered some filters from you. I loved those filters and was so impressed because they lasted so long. Now since your column is back are we going to be able to order the filters again?
Answer: We opened a new store in SA. Check out our website – we will be adding different products as the time goes on. We can ship out filters, but only a case at a time.

Question: Have you heard anymore on the epoxy finish for bathtubs you saw at the International Hardware Show? I have 2 tubs that I need to refinish.
Answer: I am in the process of trying a new product XIM Tile Doc, so keep reading the article. If it looks good, you are going to hear about it here first.

Question: What window film will provide the best heat reflection without darkening the interior? UV protection is secondary; reducing the heat is the first priority. Products on the internet seem to be good for UV, but vary on heat reflection. I notice on the newer buses that the windows really reduce heat transfer to the inside, but I am not sure if it’s the window, or a film. Any suggestions are welcome. Love your article.
Answer: Gila has the best selection, there # is 800-528-4481 – I have used the Smoke, which can be removed during the winter.

Hey Folks, after much deliberation on our part, the website is finally open. So check us out!

Got a question for Johnnie? Tune in to Johnnie's radio show Saturday mornings on KKYX from 11-12 or call (21) 341-1573. Reach him on the web at www.AcmeLumber.com.