Home and Garden 12/31/16

HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2016

Look inside for these specials and many others.

sweep A CLE AN

• PACKING UP DECORATIONS • HABITS OF ORGANIZED PEOPLE

• CLEAR THE AIR WITH HOUSEPLANTS

PACKING UP CHRISTMAS

decorations

BY GINA CRONIN, GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

Before you know it, it will be time to take down the Christmas decorations. This may be a less rewarding task than putting them up, but if you use a few helpful organization tips the process can be quite satisfying. Organization is key when it comes to smooth re-packing of décor. Resist the urge to throw lights and ornaments in the same big cardboard box and adhere to a few guidelines instead. You will save yourself time, energy and frustration when you go to decorate for the 2017 holiday season.

SORT ITEMS

Like items should be together. Do not mix up tabletop décor with ornaments and artificial wreaths and lights — this can destroy your decorations and just make a mess in general. Even when it comes to ornaments, you are going to want to sort these out further; with strings of beads, large ornaments, small ornaments and fragile ornaments all stored separately. Some people take it a step further by placing like colors together as well. If you have any sentimental ornaments, they should get their own special and secure spot with a clear label, as these may not be as replaceable as others. Make sure to label each bin so that you know exactly what is in each.

DISPOSE BROKEN OR NON-REUSABLE DÉCOR

If you have a strand of lights that do not light up or a glass ornament with a piece chipped off, do yourself a favor a properly discard of these items. There is no reason to have unusable — or even hazardous — items getting in the way. Although most glass, plastic and treated wood ornaments are not recyclable, handmade paper ornaments can be recycled as long as any glitter or ribbons are removed.

The Home Depot and Lowe’s typically have a Christmas light recycling program in place, so you can check with your local store to get rid of any lights that are no longer of use. Scrap metal dealers may buy old lights because of the valuable copper inside the wires.

If you have a live Christmas tree, make sure to put it to the curb to be composted.

Many municipal recycling services pick up the trees after the holidays for this purpose.

If you learn that your municipality does not pick up live trees, there is likely a drop off location nearby where you can drop it off to be composted at no charge. For artificial trees that have reached their end, you can re-sell on Craigslist or donate to a thrift store, since they are not recyclable.

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RE-USE CONTAINERS

Make use of those everyday containers that typically find their way into the trash.

Whether it is the original packaging for ornaments, egg cartons or plastic apple containers, they can serve as the perfect storage for decorations. Egg cartons work great for small ornaments, while plastic apple containers work well for large ornaments.

Original packaging is often designed to be re-packed, and is made especially for the ornaments at hand, so hold onto it if that is the case. Some people even use plastic cups to hold ornaments, and layer them in a bin with a piece of cardboard between each layer. Make sure decorations are adequately secured and wrapped with tissue paper if necessary.

UTILIZE CLEAR CONTAINERS

Instead of using cardboard boxes, buy different sized clear stacking containers with tight-fitting lids. These are helpful on multiple levels. For one, the contents of the container is easily visible so that you don’t have to dig for the box you are looking for each year. Also, if you store these outside in a shed or garage, the containers will be safe from the elements; whereas a cardboard box can easily leak

or break down. You can also utilize clear Ziploc bags to organize within the clear containers, with the sorted — non-breakable — ornaments in different bags and then carefully placed in the containers.

WRAP LIGHTS

Do not make the mistake of creating a tangled mess of lights in one big bin.

Instead, grab a rectangle piece of cardboard and evenly wind the lights around it. Then wrap the set with tissue paper and layer in a container. You can even label the tissue paper with something like “front porch” or “upper level windows” to make the unpacking process that much easier next year. Extension cords can be wrapped the same way, or can be wound up and put in the middle of a cardboard toilet paper roll.

HANG WRAPPING PAPER

Instead of discarding your leftover wrapping paper or putting it in the corner of a closet where it will get squished, hang it in a garment bag in a closet. Here it will be kept safe and sound for next year’s presents. The same can be done with birthday and other special occasion wrapping paper.

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SHARED HABITS OF

organized people

T METRO SERVICES

he beginning of the year is an ideal time to get organized and set oneself up for productive months ahead. It’s also a good opportunity to take inventory of seldom-used items and clear out as much clutter as possible.

The amount of stuff the average person owns can affect how easy or difficult it is for that person to get organized. In 2014, professional organizer Regina Lark estimated the average American home contains 300,000 items. And it’s not just adults who love to collect and keep things, as kids contribute to the problem, too. British research, as published in The Telegraph, indicates the average 10-yearold owns 238 toys, playing with just 12 in

a typical day.

All of these belongings contribute to disorganization and lost time. A study

by Esure Home Insurance found looking for lost items accounts for 10 minutes of wasted time each day.

Getting organized can take perseverance. However, it is possible. Use these strategies to get organized in the months ahead.

OBSERVE THE “ONE-IN, ONE-OUT” RULE

Practice the rule of giving away or discarding one item per each new item that comes into your home. This approach can keep a cap on the new things you own.

SKIP THE FREEBIES

Resist the temptation to accept items

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that are being given away by family, friends, retailers, etc. Politely refuse these unnecessary items, which will only pile up.

RENT ITEMS RATHER THAN BUYING THEM

Renting rather than buying is another way to stay organized. Avid readers can rely on the public library for their weekly reads. Instead of purchasing new formal wear to wear to a wedding, rent tuxedos, suits or evening gowns.

MAKE LISTS OF WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE

Writing down tasks can help them become more manageable, and a list can also ensure a task is fully completed.

Physically checking off a to-do list can be quite satisfying, providing motivation to

finish the rest of the list.

TAKE A CATCH-UP DAY

Those who feel bogged down by a backlog of responsibilities can take a day off from work to catch up on chores and tasks. Fit a few things in over the course of the day.

PLAN AHEAD FOR MEALS AND OTHER TASKS

Use the calendar to plan out the week or the month. When you know what to expect, instead of spending time figuring out what to make or which task to do each day, you can be more efficient about getting it done.

Getting organized is a common goal. It’s entirely achievable with a positive attitude and some dedication

air

HOUSEPLANTS CAN CLEAN INDOOR

METRO SERVICES

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that can pay a host of dividends, both for the planet and the people doing the gardening.

Healthy plant life can help clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and various air pollutants, while the act of gardening can help gardeners combat stress.

Published in 2011 in the Journal of Health Psychology, a study from researchers in the Netherlands found that gardening promotes relief from acute stress. In the study, two groups of participants were asked to complete a stressful task and then instructed to either read indoors or garden outdoors for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the latter group had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and even reported being in a better mood than the group instructed to read indoors.

But gardening does more than just provide gardeners with a reason to spend some time relaxing outdoors in an effort to relieve stress. Gardeners who raise certain plants may be able to bring those benefits with them when going inside as well. According to an article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives in October 2011, houseplants can work wonders when it comes to improving overall health, removing toxins from air, soil and water by metabolizing some toxic chemicals and releasing harmless byproducts while sequestering such toxins by incorporating them into plant tissues.

Clean indoor air is important for everyone, but especially so for those people who suffer from respiratory ailments like asthma. In fact, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology considers indoor air filtration an essential part of any strategy to improve respiratory health. But

filtration systems and air purifiers are often not enough, and those who want the air in their homes to be as clean as possible may benefit from introducing certain houseplants into their homes. The following are a handful of plants that can help to improve indoor air quality.

ALOE VERA. Aloe vera might be most often associated with hand creams and hand soaps, but the aloe vera plant, a succulent that even novice gardeners should have no problem growing, can clear indoor air of formaldehyde and benzene, two common byproducts of chemical-based cleaners many people use in their homes.

SPIDER PLANT. Spider plants are resilient, and that makes them great houseplants for busy men and women who tend to be forgetful when caring for their plants.

In addition, spider plants are pet-friendly and can be used to combat benzene, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde and xylene.

ENGLISH IVY. NASA researchers exploring the possibilities of long-term space habitation found that certain houseplants were more effective at cleaning air inside energy-efficient, non-ventilated buildings than others. One such plant was English ivy, which can effectively combat the formaldehyde found in certain household cleaning products.

BAMBOO PALM. Bamboo palms also found their way onto NASA’s list. Bamboo palm plants thrive indoors where they are especially effective at filtering out the chemicals benzene and trichloroethylene.

Gardening has been proven to be a soothing hobby that can help gardeners reduce stress. But the health benefits of gardening can extend indoors as well.

BAMBOO PALM PLANTS THRIVE INDOORS WHERE THEY ARE ESPECIALLY EFFECTIVE AT FILTERING OUT CHEMICALS. Enroll Now for 2017 Colorado Gardener Certificate Training Colorado State University Extension is offering an 11 week course in horticulture education for professional landscapers and home gardeners.

Topics include: SOIL TREES TURF VEGETABLES AND MORE Classes begin January 12. Register today! http://elpasoco.colostate.edu or call 719-520-7688. Registration fee is $530 for more than 65 hours of in-depth training.

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denniS The menaCe

The Family CirCuS

by hank ketcham

Sherman’S lagoon

PiCkleS

by Brian Crane

mr BoFFo

by Joe martin

by J. P. Toomey

by Bil keane

rhymeS wiTh orange by hilary Price

marmaduke

by Brad and Paul anderson

Baldo

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by hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos

Blondie

by dean young and John marshall

muTTS

by Patrick mcdonnell

Funky winkerBean

luann

by greg evans

PeanuTS

by Charles Schulz

by Tom Batiuk

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loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword

non SequiTur

by wiley

edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis

lola

by Todd Clark

BeeTle Bailey 7 In with across 1 Not much 8 “You’re skating on thin ice” 9 “__ Weeks”: classic Van 9 SFPD alert Morrison album 10 “Nausea” novelist 15 Caravaggio masterpiece that 11 Express, say pictures Pontius Pilate with 12 Orbital maneuver Jesus 13 “Years of Minutes” author 16 Raise 14 SFPD ranks 17 Iconic building with “point” 21 Resolute policies offices 23 __ platter 18 Market array 24 One working on keys 19 What stars have 25 Wreck locator 20 Specialty docs 26 When, in Act IV, Juliet drinks 22 In order the potion 23 They’re hard to put down 27 “The O.C.” and “Gossip Girl” 26 Dauntless 28 Taverna liqueur 29 Spray holder 31 Structural pieces 30 Site of monkey business 32 Riata twirler 31 Get a winter coat?

33 Basic Latin word 32 Part of an inheritance 35 Rough going 33 River to the Severn 36 “Yes!” 34 First volume of a Beverly 41 __ block Cleary series 42 Next to 37 Cornerstone word 44 Clued in 38 Hauls 45 Glum 39 2009 A.L. MVP Joe 48 Crown 40 Spectrum band 49 Food __: after-eating 41 1969-’70 Broadway musical drowsiness that ends with a fashion show 50 Come down hard 42 Brandt of “Breaking Bad” 51 FDA output 43 Comedy team staples 52 Throw into the mix 46 Benjamin portrayer 53 “The lie that enables us to 47 Cries of surprise realize the truth”: Picasso 48 John follower 55 Volcano center?

52 Fleet destroyed by the Protestant Wind Friday’s Puzzle Solved 54 Ovid, for one 56 More expensive 57 Bought back 58 Joshua tree habitat 59 Tests using Snellen charts down 1 Bridges of Los Angeles County 2 Home of the Herb Alpert Sch. of Music 3 Hustle 4 Head of the Sorbonne?

5 Sushi choice 6 Eagerly unwrapped HG 8 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, DEC 31, 2016

by mort, greg, and Brian walker

hagar The horriBle

moTher gooSe

Tundra

by Chris Browne

by mike Peters

by Chad Carpenter

Bizarro

by dan Piraro

argyle SweaTer

by Scott hilburn

CeleBriTy CiPher by luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

B.C.

by hart

ziTS

by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

JumP STarT

Frazz

by robb armstrong

by Jef mallett

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dilBerT

by Scott adams

Sally ForTh

by Francesco marciuliano and Jim keefe

BaBy BlueS

by Jerry Scott and rick kirkman

PearlS BeFore Swine by Stephan Pastis

PooCh CaFe

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by Paul gilligan

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

ADVICE

ADVICE

Dear Heloise: Winter is here, and it is time for hot drinks. My favorite is your cocoa recipe. To it, I add 1 tablespoon of my homemade vanilla and a large dollop of real cream of coconut (not coconut milk). Delicious! — Rachel B., Springdale, Ark.

Dear Fit: People of all sizes can accurately describe themselves as “fit.” Thank you for the suggestion.

Answer: Many women experience hot flashes after breast cancer treatment, because some treatments trigger menopause. We think trying acupuncture to control the symptoms is a smart move; hormone treatments are generally ruled out, even for women who didn’t have estrogendependent cancer. Fortunately for your sister, the results of a recent study showed that for women who had hot flashes, electroacupuncture was just as effective — and in some cases more effective — than gabapentin, an anti-seizure drug sometimes prescribed to ease menopausal symptoms.

Acupuncture’s been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for over 3,500 years, and there are almost no downsides when done by a licensed practitioner. Electroacupuncture, an amped-up version of the traditional form, has been around since the mid-1900s, and it is applied by using a slight electric current passing between a pair of needles inserted along meridians and on trigger points.

While traditional acupuncture tries to get your qi (energy) flowing again, electroacupuncture aims to jump-start stagnating qi. The frequency and intensity of the electricity used varies, based on the patient and the condition being treated.

The only reasons someone shouldn’t try electroacupuncture is if he or she has a history of seizures, epilepsy, heart disease or stroke, has an infection near the acupuncture point, is pregnant or wears a pacemaker. And electroacupuncture shouldn’t be used on someone’s head or throat, or cross over the midline from nose to bellybutton.

So find a licensed acupuncturist/electroacupuncturist — your sister’s oncologist should be able to recommend someone — and get her jump-started.

Send questions to askamy@tribune.com or to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.

Email your health and wellness questions to youdocsdaily@ sharecare.com.

AMY DICKINSON

Dear Amy: My middle-school daughter recently came out to our family; we are all very supportive of her. She has a girlfriend the same age, and the girlfriend’s family does not know of their daughter’s sexuality.

The girls want to have a sleepover to celebrate a birthday, and I am inclined to say no to

this.

I wouldn’t let any of my other children have a boyfriend/girlfriend sleep over at this age. The girlfriend’s parents may question why, but I feel it is not my place to tell them.

If I allow the sleepover, and the parents later find out that I knew the situation, there could be fallout. — Worried Mother Dear Worried: I agree that you should not permit this sleepover. I also wonder if middle school is a little early to be having a parent-sanctioned romantic relationship.

If your daughter is in middle school, I take it that she is in sixth, seventh or eighth grade. Aside from having crushes, did your other children have boyfriends/girlfriends at that age? This is the first issue I would clear up with her. And yes — I agree with your logic that romantic couples don’t have sleepovers in your house.

It is not up to you to out this other girl to her parents. However, you should encourage her to be open, if it is safe for her to do so. She may be less sure of her sexuality than your daughter is, and you should not push her, or do this for her.

I applaud your supportive attitude toward your daughter. But it is as important for you to discuss relationships, dating and sexual behavior with her as it would be with any other child her age.

Dear Amy: Responding to “M,” the thin woman who was “skinny shamed” by strangers, I correct people by referring to myself as “fit.” — Fit and Healthy

—

Question: My sister just went through chemo after breast cancer surgery, and now she’s getting major hot flashes. SomeDR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN one suggested electroacupuncture to help her get through it. What do you think? — Margaret H., Syosset, New York

—

Dear readers: Happy New Year! The first of the year is a good time to schedule an annual exam for your pets. Regular preventive medicine can enrich the life of your pet, and catching something before it gets worse is betHINTS ter for the pet and your pocketFROM book.

HELOISE What does an annual exam cover? Here’s some of what to expect. The doctor will look at, among other things: • Teeth: signs of decay and pain.

• Coat and skin: lumps, bumps, hair loss, itchiness, etc.

• Ears and eyes: discharge, redness.

• Feet and legs: toenail trouble, limping, etc.

• Breathing and heart: coughing, runny nose, shortness of breath.

The doctor typically will ask you about the animal’s diet, how much exercise the animal gets, any tummy trouble (vomiting, diarrhea, constipation) and any changes in temperament and behavior.

Be prepared: Keep a journal of your animal’s health, and ask lots of questions — your animal’s well-being depends on it! — Heloise

Rachel, wonderful! Readers, my cocoa mix is pretty easy: Blend 2 cups of powdered milk, a dash of salt, 1/4 cup cocoa and 1 cup powdered sugar. For a richer taste, add 1/3 cup powdered nondairy creamer and/or a tablespoon of malted-milk powder.

Mix 4 tablespoons in a cup and fill with boiling water. Enjoy!

I’ve compiled a collection of my favorite flavored coffee and tea recipes in a handy pamphlet.

If you’d like to receive one, send a self-addressed, stamped (68 cents), business-size envelope, along with $3, to: Heloise/ Coffee and Teas, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. — Heloise —

Send hints via email to heloise@heloise.com or via post to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000.

TODAY’S HOROSCOPES BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS ARIES (March 21-April 19) Tame the wild beast hidden within. Your competitive nature can tempt you to take too many chances.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Pop the cork on the economy brand of Champagne.

You might be less inclined to spend extravagantly.

Your romantic nature may be aroused by saving a few pennies for a rainy day.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Your New Year’s resolutions can cause a revolution. You may be amazed to learn that someone is fascinated by your ideas. Your powers of persuasive communication are at a peak.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Ring out the old year surrounded by new friends.

You might be just as contented to entertain children as the older crowd.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Someone who is obsessed by taking shortcuts could convince you to take unnecessary risks or make unwise expenditures.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Don’t settle for anything less than the best. Don’t forget to include your inner circle of friends and loved ones as you make a worthy New Year’s resolution. Take aim to achieve your goals.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You are too preoccupied to be mystified. A headlong rush into new adventures might put worries on ice this weekend. You may be overly analytical when dealing with your emotions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Some spontaneous spending is good for the soul.

Someone in your family circle may be delighted to share a treat or to receive a thoughtful gift.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Decorum and self-control might distance you from others at a group gathering. This may be beneficial as you can avoid getting entangled with people who could upset your careful plans.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Don’t depreciate a diamond in the rough. You can make a New Year’s resolution to discard what is useless and to enjoy what you already possess.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Only time will tell if romance will go well. Stay up late and watch the clock strike 12 with a special someone.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Get gung-ho to go out on the town. You are now in better standing with loved ones and friends. Be prepared to engage in conversations that operate on a more cerebral level than usual.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dec. 31 Your social network may expand during the upcoming three to four weeks. In February you may be overly competitive, so wait to put your ideas into play. March is the best time to make longrange financial plans, launch a business or initiate any new project of importance. If you are offered a job or given an opportunity, it is probably in your best interest to accept it.

March is a good time for a romantic getaway or a vacation.

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that looks back on the “buzziest” stories from the past 12 months. Their guests include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Simone Biles and Dana Carvey. 7 p.m., NBC. TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

EVENTS

Noon Year’s Eve — Music, crafts, silent auction and more, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd., $25-$35. Advance tickets: pikespeak childrensmuseum.org/nye.

Holiday Storytime — “Hap-pea All Year”

by Keith Baker, 11 a.m., Barnes & Noble, 795 Citadel Drive East; 637-8282, barnesandnoble.com.

Happy New Year Celebration — 7 p.m., The Pinery at the Hill, 775 W. Bijou St., $145.

Reservations: tinyurl.com/jgqvf7l.

‘80s New Year’s Eve Bash — 8 p.m.2 p.m., The Gold Room, 8 S. Nevada Ave., $57.50-$80. Advance tickets: ticketfly.com.

Randy’s New Year’s Eve Dance Party — 8:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Antlers hotel, 4 S. Cascade Ave., $68 and up. Advance tickets: randysinatra.com.

Suga Bear’s New Year’s Eve Dance Party — 9 p.m., Stargazers Theatre and Event Center, 10 S. Parkside Drive, $30; 476-2200, stargazerstheatre.com.

ON TV Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb offer up “A Toast to 2016!” It’s a two-hour special

Dear Ken: We’re leaving the house for three weeks pretty soon.

Should we turn the water off while we’re away?

– Dick

BIRTHDAYS Actor Anthony Hopkins is 79. Actress Sarah Miles is 75. Actor Ben Kingsley is 73.

Actor Tim Matheson is 69. Actress Bebe Neuwirth (“Cheers”) is 58. Singer Paul Westerberg is 57. Actor Val Kilmer is 57.

Actor Lance Reddick (“Fringe,” ‘’The Wire”) is 47. Singer-actor Joe McIntyre of New Kids on the Block is 44. Cellist Mikko Siren of Apocalyptica is 41. Singer Psy is 39.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BOB JONES GORENWITH BRIDGE

©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

WEEKLY BRIDGE QUIZ

SOUTH 1♣ ?

WEST NORTH EAST Pass 1♠ Pass

Q 2 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠Q854♥ K865♦ A82 ♣K7 NORTH 1♦ 2♥

EAST Pass Pass

SOUTH 1♥ ?

WEST NORTH EAST 1♥ Pass 1♠

SOUTH ?

What call would you make?

Q 5 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 5 4 ♥ A K 8 2 ♦ 10 9 5 3 ♣ 9 8 5

What call would you make?

WEST Pass

What call would you make?

Partner opens one diamond and righthand opponent doubles, for takeout.

What call would you make?

Q 6 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A Q 9 6 3 ♥ Q 5 2 ♦ K 6 ♣ 10 6 4

Q 3 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH 1♣ 1♠ Dbl* 2♣ Dbl ? *Negative, values with no clear bid

♠ A K 10 8 6 ♥ 10 3 ♦ A J 3 ♣ J 8 4

What call would you make?

Right-hand opponent opens three diamonds. What call would you make?

Q 4 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠AKQ2♥ 7♦ AK53 ♣AJ82

It’s a good idea this time of year. You don’t need to drain or blow out the system, but by simply turning off that main water valve in the utility room you will have depressurized the piping. That way, if there is an unusual event — like a freeze up somewhere in the walls — you’ll have dribbles, not a flood.

There are a few other simple steps to make sure you have an anxiety-free vacation. After that main valve is shut off, go to a nearby sink and turn on the hot and cold faucets to drain down most of the water from the upper parts of the house and from inside the exterior walls; turn off the water heater, pilot included; lift up on the icemaker lever so the fridge isn’t calling for a water refill while you’re gone; set the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees; and finally, open cabinet doors under sinks that are on outside walls. Enjoy your vacation, knowing that your plumbing system will be just fine!

KEN MOON

GOREN BRIDGE

♠ J 5 ♥ 7 5 3 ♦ A K ♣ K Q J 10 3 2

Water system fixes

BY KEN MOON, SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Q 1 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

AROUND THE HOUSE

Look for answers on Monday.

(Bob Jones welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001. tcaeditors@tribpub.com)

HG 12 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, DEC 31, 2016

Dear Ken: We have black junk coming out of our Jacuzzi tub jets every time we use it.

How can we clean this up?

– Julie Try running the tub jets for 20 minutes or so with a few tablespoons of a dishwashing powder, like Cascade. Drain, and then run a tub full of plain warm water for another 20 minutes. That should flush out whatever is polluting your tub. These systems do much better when used more often than perhaps you’re used to. So if you treat yourself to a good soak every few days, the system should stay clean and fresh.

Dear Ken: My hot water heater makes sort of a rumbling and gurgling sound when it runs. Is that OK and normal?

– Todd Older water heaters develop small areas of mineral deposits on their insides — especially in rural areas where the water

can be extra hard. Because these points have a relatively large — though microscopic — surface area, they provide small boiling points as the water is heated. That’s what makes some water heaters sound like tea kettles. There’s no harm here, but this is a good time to remind you to perform a basic test. Gently lift up on the lever on that pressure/temperature relief valve. Let water flow through until all the rust and scale deposits are flushed out of the valve and the output runs clear. That way, you’ll be assured that the valve will be ready to protect the tank from any over-pressure condition.

Dear Ken: Our eight year old electric water heater only produces enough hot water for a ten minute shower. Is it possible for only part of the heating element to work?

– Jerry Most electric water heaters have two heating coils — one high and one low. It sounds like the lower element in yours is on the fritz. If you’re comfortable around electricity, you can change this yourself.

First, unplug the heater or turn off its breaker. Lock the breaker panel cover or post a little warning sign on it, so no one reenergizes the circuit while you’re working on it; you’re are dealing with 240 volts here!

Drain the tank, remove the heating element access cover and disconnect the relevant wires, carefully labeling each one so they go back the same way. To make sure you have the right one, do a simple resistance check with your workshop ohm meter. If the gauge shows “open” — no current flow — then you know that’s the naughty one. Take the part with you to the hardware store for an exact match.

Sometimes sediment build-up in the bottom of the tank contributes to a failed lower element. So, while you have everything broken down, it’s a good idea to drain the tank. After you install the new part, open the drain at the bottom of the tank and blast jets of cold water on-off-on-off to stir up the settled material and send it down the drain.

Ken Moon is a home inspector in the Pikes Peak region. His radio show airs at 9 a.m.

Saturday and is carried on KRDO, AM 1240 and FM 105.5. Visit AroundTheHouse.com.