Water Heater Just Sharing Its Sediments

Question: Just before we bought our condominium, the previous owner replaced the water heater. When the water is being heated, there’s a noise like rocks bouncing around inside of the tank. I assume this is the result of some kind of deposits. Can I do the job myself, or does this require a plumber?

D.C.

Orange

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Answer: What you’re hearing is calcium being separated from the hard water and dropping through the tank, says Scott Blanke of Central Plumbing & Heating Supply in La Habra. It’s normal, and it’s more annoying than anything else.

Some plumbers have a special vacuum that can be used to pull out the sediment and deposits from the water heater, and that will stop the noise for a while.

While you’re at it, replace the anode rod, which helps protect the inside of the tank and which should be replaced every three to four years.

By flushing and vacuuming your water heater and replacing the anode rod regularly, your water heater could last a long time.

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Q: I have recessed lighting in my kitchen, and when I have to replace bulbs, they’re usually hard for me to reach. When I turn the bulb, the metal base often breaks off in the socket. Is it safe to rub a little petroleum jelly on the metal base before it’s installed to make screwing it in and out easier?

C.N.

Irvine

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A: Because the metal base of the bulb is part of the electrical circuit, it’s not a good idea to put any kind of lubricant on that or in the socket, says Mike McCoy of Current Supply in Westminster.

It might make it easier to get the bulbs in and out, but it would decrease the metal-to-metal contact.

Make sure that you’re using good quality name-brand bulbs. Cheaper, off-brand bulbs will have a tendency to break on installation or removal. Also, when installing a bulb, remember not to screw it in too tight; that will make it harder to remove.

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Q: We painted with a sprayer and got paint on the window screens. I’ve tried going over them with a cloth and paint thinner, but that hasn’t worked. Suggestions?

K.K.

Yorba Linda

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A: You should be able to remove paint from the screen frame with thinner or some other type of solvent fairly easily, says Katy Jackson of Martin Glass & Mirror in Laguna Hills.

Removing it from the screen is a different story. Whether the screen material is aluminum or fiberglass, you’ll probably ruin the screen in any attempt to remove the paint. You’re better off replacing painted screens.

If you have a question about your home or garden, Helping Hand will help you find the answer. Send questions to John Morell, Home Design, The Times Orange County, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.