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Q. Is it possible to put a shower in a half-bath using the closet next to it for the space? - MILDRED BUETHE OF ROUND ROCK, TEXAS

A.All things are possible, but sometimes not practical. A visit with your local remodeler would answer this for you definitively. In general, yes it is very possible and very common to capture an existing closet space to create a new shower, whether in a half-bath or a full-bath, where you want to create a shower separate from the tub. The challenge that may arise is having enough space needed to install the new unit and to provide access to the existing plumbing connections in your home. A minimum of 32” x 32” will be required. There are many shower configurations that can be utilized but this is generally the smallest we would use. The adjoining rooms may be affected so that could be an additional consideration. - TOM AND RUBY LYONS, DREAMMAKER BATH & KITCHEN OF HAVERHILL, MASSACHUSETTS

Q. What is the best way to clean and maintain the finish on new wood cabinets and wood floors? I understand the use of silicone (such as Pledge Wood Floor Cleaner) is not recommended? - J WOFFORD OF MESQUITE, TEXAS

A. Yes, ammonia and silicone cleaning products may cause damage to wood finishes if used over a long period of time. Also keep in mind that dust build-up may scratch or dull the surface if not removed correctly, and fingerprints, cooking fumes, smoking residue, etc., may accumulate and should be periodically removed to maintain the finish’s appearance. Use a cloth dampened with a non-wax containing polish or a mild detergent solution to clean your wood surfaces. You may also use lemon oil or orange oil as a cleaning product. Any excess moisture should be wiped dry as water allowed to remain on the surface of wood floors or cabinets can damage the finish. Follow any manufacturer’s or cleaning product’s directions carefully. - VIC AND DD EICKER, DREAMMAKER BATH & KITCHEN OF FARMINGTON, NEW MEXICO

Q. We have black water, mostly on the hot side. We have a chlorination soft water system and it goes through four filters. We also have a tankless water heater. No one seems to know what could be causing this. Any ideas? - SUSAN GRAY OF SILOAM SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

A. My first thought is iron or sulfur bacteria. Both can produce dark-colored water. Generally, the sulfur bacteria may also produce a foul, “rotten egg” smell. Both show up more frequently on the hot water side. You may have to flush and completely chlorinate your entire plumbing system. For a more thorough diagnosis, call your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing. - KEITH GLASS, MR. ROOTER PLUMBING OF WACO, TEXAS

Q. We have a septic tank now but city utilities will soon be available. What can we do with our septic tank? - THOMAS BUTLER OF ATHENS, TEXAS

A. Most plumbing codes require that the tank be pumped, the lids crushed in, and the old tank be filled with sand. This large concrete box is like a vault and this is a simple way to eliminate a potential hazard. - KEITH GLASS, MR. ROOTER PLUMBING OF WACO, TEXAS

Q. Why do dimmer switches get hot to the touch compared to regular on/off switches? - MONICA NEAL OF SMITHFIELD, NORTH CAROLINA

A. It is not uncommon for dimmer switches to feel hot to the touch. Inside the dimmer is a “triac” device, which actually interrupts electricity flow for a brief moment. The dimmer is actually turning the light(s) on and off. The human eye does not see this as on/off, it sees it as brightness of light. The longer the light is off, the less bright the light appears to your eye. This on/off action is what actually creates the heat. The end result is that you are creating a lighting scene by lowering the levels of light, and gaining energy savings, too! - JIM FOLTZ, MR. ELECTRIC SENIOR SERVICE PROFESSIONAL OF WACO, TEXAS

Q. How do I know there’s a short in a wall plug? - VINCENT CLARK OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

A. When experiencing a short or ground fault, the immediate indicator is no power to the outlet. Quite often, this will include outlets, and possibly lights, in the surrounding area. Check your breaker panel to identify which circuit breaker may have tripped, and reset that breaker. If you hear a humming or crackling noise at the outlet or circuit breaker, turn the circuit breaker off and call a qualified, licensed electrical contractor for further diagnosis. - ROBERT HODGE OF SEBRING, FLORIDA

Q. Is it OK to replace my old air conditioner compressor and not the furnace coils (as they are only 3 years old) on my central air conditioner? - BONNIE ATKINS OF HARDIN, MONTANA

A. It is OK to replace the old compressor. However, you should consider the cost of doing only the compressor versus the entire outside unit at this time. Normally the cost of the compressor is close to the cost of an entire low-end condensing unit which is going to have a longer warranty, be more energy efficient, and lasts longer. However, when the outside unit is replaced, the indoor evaporator coil will need an expansion valve to operate properly.

Due to changes in government regulations occurring in 2010, almost three years away, the refrigerant R22 will no longer be used in new air conditioners. We are currently seeing significant price increases and some manufacturers will not even sell a 10-year warranty on an R22 system due to the expected increase cost of the refrigerant over the next 10 years.

We recommend all our customers consider the option of going ahead and upgrading to a R410 refrigerant unit, which in your case, will require the indoor evaporator coil to be replaced. Due to higher efficiencies you should be able to recover the cost of the new outside unit and coil in about four years according to the EPA. - G. ANDREW SMITH, AIRE SERV OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS

Q. My heating/cooling system is really loud when the fan comes on. Are there newer systems that are quiet? - L. SIMMONS OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

A. There are a number of very quiet units on the market. Some of the newest air handlers are so quiet most people never hear them running. They provide maximum comfort with minimum sound. They even design the sound to be at a frequency that is least intrusive. Talk with your Aire Serv comfort specialist for what they have available. - G. ANDREW SMITH, AIRE SERV OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS