Camera can check troubled drain

By Glenn Haege

Q. I have an ongoing problem with my washing machine drainage. My laundry room is on ground level, and the drainpipe goes underground. There is some kind of blockage that I have had fixed periodically, with a professional coming in to snake out the drain. However, the problem always comes back.

I was told once that the only way to make certain the fix is permanent is to open up the concrete floor to get to the pipe. I am certain this would cost a great deal of money and not be in my budget.

Is there any product available that could solve this problem once and for all?

A. The problem is that you and I (and all the plumbers that you have had out to your house) do not really know what the problem is. It sounds like all the plumbers have been flying blind. That is why at least one of them suggested opening up the floor so that he can look at the problem. Snaking out the drain waste vent sometimes does not open the entire inside diameter of the pipe, so the problem returns after a short period of time.

Ask Roto Rooter to come out and use a video camera to look at the entire length of the pipe from the inside and see where the problem lies. Once you and they know what the problem is, they can suggest a cost-effective way to solve the problem.

Q. My parents' house has 35-year-old laminate paneling (it looks like wood paneling). Over the years, some of the laminate has begun peeling off. I would like to paint the walls because the house is very dark. What is the proper method to remove the top layer that is peeling off? Parts of the paneling are still in good shape. Can it be cleaned and painted like regular wood?

A. Try to repair the top layer by filling in areas with Wood Epox by Abatron. Then wash the entire area with a solution of 1 gallon of warm water, 4 ounces of ammonia and 1 tablespoon of dish-pan detergent. Rinse with clear water. Then apply high-hide Cover Stain by Zinsser (www.zinsser.com). Let dry for two hours and apply a satin or eggshell water-based paint. You're done.

Glenn Haege writes for the Detroit News. Write to Ask Glenn, Master Handyman Press, P.O. Box 1498, Royal Oak, MI 48068-1498 or e-mail askglenn@masterhandyman.com.