Aluminum Wiring May Be Culprit When Lights Flicker

Q: My house was built in 1968. When the lights are first turned on in several rooms, they flicker for up to a half hour before settling down to a steady light. What causes this and how can it be corrected?

A: My answer assumes you have regular incandescent bulbs, not fluorescent or compact fluorescents with faulty ballasts. Several possibilities exist, not the least of which could be aluminum wiring.

Only during the Vietnam years ('65-'73) did the National Electrical Code allow aluminum wiring for 110 volt circuits. Aluminum is still allowed and not considered a problem for 220 volt and greater wiring.

But aluminum wire in smaller sizes tends to expand, contract and corrode at its junctions when heated. This caused many house fires as the connections came loose, and its use was subsequently banned. There were several new connectors designed to be "fixes" in the '70s. But only connectors designated as CO AL/R (for copper aluminum) are considered an acceptable fix today by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Rewiring of aluminum circuits is the only other option.

Loose connections in the aluminum wiring may cause the flickering to occur and then lessen as they heat up.

If you have copper wiring, there are other possible problems, including power surges, low service voltage, loose neutrals or faulty breakers not tripping at overload. These are all potentially serious safety issues that need to be thoroughly analyzed by an electrician.

Q: My septic system backed up into the house last fall. I had the tank pumped and the guy said I would likely need to have an entirely new drainfield system installed. I thought he was just trying to get the job. But recently the drainfield area is getting wet and stinky. I had no idea I needed to pump my septic tank. People told me they have gone years without pumping. What do I do?

A: Septic tanks need to be pumped every three years on average (depending on number of occupants and tank size). If they are not pumped, the solids in the bottom build and have nowhere to go but out into the drainfield lines. This plugs the pipe perforations and robs the gravel around them of the capacity to absorb water. Gray water leaches to the surface. The pipes eventually plug and water is forced back into the house - not a pretty sight. By the time your toilet backs up, the damage is done to the system. It's been trashed from the end of the system back.

Many people believe the myth that they have caused no damage to their system after 15 years of no pumping because it hasn't backed up. But they may have a plugged system, it just isn't plugged all the way back to the house yet. So yes, you need a new system and a new permit, which will most likely fall under the newest code requirements. You will likely see a tank, a pump tank, a sand filter or mound system, new electric circuits to power the pumps, new landscaping, and a bill well in excess of 10 grand to do the job - what a bummer. Spending the few hundred dollars every three years is about equivalent to a city sewer bill. Pumping is money well spent.

Q: I am concerned about the siding on my home which is growing little bits of mosslike things and what appear to be tiny mushrooms along the lower edges. I clean it off and it seems to come back. It is only 6 years old.

A: You most likely have Louisiana Pacific Inner Seal Siding (commonly referred to simply as LP siding) on your home. It has been the subject of a major class-action lawsuit. This siding, as well as many other composite sidings, are made from waste wood products (sawdust and wood chips) bonded with resins. A false wood grain is imprinted on the face. LP has had well-documented problems and and the company is settling claims by compensating owners.

Composite sidings have many advantages, not the least of which is initial cost. If you believe you may have this siding, you can go to this Web address: http://www.hunt.com/lpsiding.htm to see pictures and get information or you can call 800-245-2722.

Yes, there may be a check on your horizon, which is certainly better than the last reader, who has check writing on the horizon. Ask The Expert answers readers' questions every Saturday. Send questions to Ask The Expert, Seattle Times, P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111, or call 206-464-8514 to leave your questions on Ask The Expert's recorded line. E-mail address is dhay@seattletimes.com

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