John - you don't have to explain which end is up to me. Contrary to your notion that I'm just guy trolling the internet for reading material - I actually have 25 + years in the building/remodeling business. All I'm trying to get through your thick skull is that UPC and local codes are not always the same ( even with in the same country) and local customs may differ in their enforcement of them ! What may be the law of the land in Vancouver may have no bearing in Greenwood SC. Also , let me spell out for you what I mean since you are having trouble grasping this: "plumbing inspects don't mind if the tile guys install Kerdi Drains" [sic] This is not the same thing as saying: The plumbing code is WRITTEN in this jurisdiction to allow the tile guy to hookup plumbing !!!!! What is happening - are you listening John? - is that the inspectors are using their judgement and discretion on a case by case basis like they normally do to move the project along. It's a wink wink nudge nudge situation, you know - social graces, a$$ kissing, politiking, back slapping , ect... Perhaps you don't. You see, the bright ones are not there to be an autobot checking off the boxes of the CODE, they are there to ensure that the public get a safe house. Hooking up the drain PROPERLY ( can be) accomplished by a plumber , homeowner, general contractor, architect, salesman or anyone really. It can also be IMPROPERLY installed by all including the plumber, and a license is no guarantee either way. I AM NOT SAYING THAT IT IS WRITTEN IN THE UPC THAT THESE PEOPLE CAN DO SO ! I am saying that it is not that hard a task or requiring a huge amount of skill or experience - especially the kerdi one. So just about anyone with decent motor skills and a bit of instruction could do it. Am I being clear enough for you? I am also NOT SAYING/ADVOCATING that people should run out and get their ob/gyn or cousin Sally to actually preform the work. Still clear ??? Anyway I'm sure you've seen the opposite happen, crumudgeon inspector shows up and has a longstanding issue/personality conflict with your plumber or sparky so your job gets failed out of hand - doesn't matter if there is anything deficient. We've even run in to instances where the local enforcer won't approve a Kerdi install no matter how many drawings, approvals, letters, or engineering stamps we submit to them- just ain't going to happen! I know that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, but don't worry we didn't use Nobel or Hydroban, simply put in a $200 fiberglass unit and ripped it out after inspection and C.O. and built them a curbless, doorless, walk in. Client wanted Kerdi, so we facilitated that, and the local guy was not going to impede that because he didn't agree with the product or procedure. Are you getting this point ??? He just didn't want to accept a membrane type shower, it wasn't against UPC or Local CODE, he simply wouldn't pass / sign off on it. So our "cowboy ways" made the client happy, and met CODE, it simply wasn't rubber stamped by the building police. Getting this ??? An NO, I didn't forget to mention where this took place , and NO, I'm not going to - so don't ask! And don't try to guess, It wasn't even in our region. Oh , so now you're on board that a homeowner can install the drain in his highrise condo?? What if it's a co-op or condo in which the bylaws strictly forbid the homeowner doing work themselves ? In that case they wouldn't be able to despite the local laws! Then we could debate the merits of the fella that thumbs his nose at the board and undertakes the work himself claiming "it legal". Again - I am not questioning your assessment of how a good shower is generally arrived at or how the UPC is written. What I am trying to point out is that local codes are not the same everywhere, and enforcement is sometimes a grey area, and the indiv. signing off may or may not be abreast of the current code in it's entirety. Then there is the inspector's "interpretation" of the CODE. SO, I think you've got a lot of nerve trying to tell me what's what in my own backyard, especially since you have ZERO experience is this neighborhood.

Your problem is you didn't wet the walls first. Hardi is VERY thirsty, and will soak up a lot of water. It actually sucks the water right out of the thinset. You need to wet it down really well, and then wet it down some more. It takes a LOT of water. A lot of people end up putting a coat of primer on it first, to alleviate the problem. I would pull down the Kerdi and start over. You might be able to scrape the thinset off of the Kerdi and re-use it. Cleaning the thinset off of the Hardi should be relatively easy.

Yes, someone mentioned it recently at the Money Saving Tips Forum. I read through the FAQ there, and see one will have a new area code and number. Q:Can I use my existing phone number as my Magicjack number? A:Yes, but not yet. You will be able to transfer or port your existing local phone number to magicJack, for a nominal fee, in the coming months. I'm left wondering then if all calls 'into' this new magic jack number will be a toll call from my close local friends and neighbors. A speed of 80 kbps is required. Sue...considering it maybe Here is a link that might be useful: Magicjack FAQ

I had a 6-burner Dacor gas cooktop with a separate downdraft unit. I've almost completed a kitchen refresh that involved changing the gas cooktop to induction. I bought a Bosch Benchmark 36" induction cooktop with a Zephyr 36" separate downdraft unit. Like you, there was no possibility of using a hood. I had to stick with the downdraft. Not optimal, but it was what it was. Here is what I learned in the process. Both the Best and Zephyr downdrafts telescope up to 18" making a larger area for drawing. That's the biggest available. They both come with a led light that lights up your cooking surface. That's a surprisingly nice benefit. While not perfect, it's better than what I had in the past with a 8" telescoping unit. They are very similar. Buy the one that your appliance store will install. You will need a motor for anything you put in. Because you are not venting natural gas by-products, you don't have to worry about the draw being less than optimal. It's good enough given the engineering limitations involved. It takes some work to adjust to the induction cooktop. But, the powerboost option to boil water quickly is eye opening. The ease of cleaning is life changing. This is from a professionally trained chef who loved her Bluestar rangetop. You will need to have an electrician run a new powerline to the unit and you will want to cap off the gas line. It's a process, but it was pretty easy with a good end result. I think that you will be pleased with the change. I found the reviews at Yale Appliance online to be very helpful.