2 home improvement questions

[Serena]

1. We have a very old hardwood floor in our dining room. We have something, I don't know what, eating up the wood. We've tried insecticide sprays and nothing worked. The damage is mainly in one board. At least half of the board has been eaten or something, longwise.
Is there anything I can do to patch it up until I can do something? I probably could dig up the rest of the board and try to replace it, but I think that would be difficult. What I would like is to put something in the hole to keep people from tripping or things falling in. At the widest the hole is about an inch, maybe 1 1/2 inches.

2. We have some kind of leak behind our shower. I don't know if it is something minor, something that could wait, or something that needs to be taken care of before the tub falls through the floor.
Is there anyone out there that can give me a few pointers on what would be serious and what wouldn't be? I can try and describe it better, but most of the damage I can't see. I know mold is growing, I can see it eating through the wall stuff we have up.

Anybody?

 

[A kid at heart]

Carpenter ants or termites. those 2 eat wood. Have you been checked for any of those?

Where is the leak going? is there a water spot on the floor underneath the leaking spot?(assuming this is on the 2nd floor, you didn't say) Where is the leak coming from? the shower, the tub faucet? You didn't say.(I mean the spout part or where you turn the water on)

 

[janette]

In our old house the shower was leaking and it was because the grout had worn out and the water was going through. It can be pretty serious because it damages the wall behind the shower.

 

[Serena]

The leak
We only have one floor, but we do have a basement. I'm not sure exactly where the leak is from. I'm guessing from the the plumbing either up at the shower head or the length going up to it. It's not a the tub faucet.

The caulking around the tub is really worn as well. It does need replaced but we haven't done that yet.

To get a really good look we will have to tear out the shelves my husband put in. It's going to be a pain to take out. He built them to fit and they are really snug.


Wood
We have been sprayed for termites, but it's been a while. Maybe we need to be checked again.

 

[Claudia1]

I'd call Orkin or somebody and have them give you a free inspection. You don't have to go with their services but you might find it helpful in the long run.

Ditto on the plumbing. Anybody give free estimates in your neck of the woods?

At least these professionals can give you some direction. Second opinions always help, too.

 

[Claudia1]

...... and another thought.......

Leave the estimates/evaluations out where he can see them if and when he appears again.



Oops, my sarcastic side is out today......

 

[Bildmouse]

Why not have the bills for repairs sent to him even at work if necessary!