Remodeling

Karen · #1 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008, 07:37 AM

This weekend we're putting in some new kitchen cabinets, counter top and sink. I think we're all right with the cabinets and counter, no toxic stuff to worry about. But I am fretting about the sink and plumbing. My Husband bought some Plumber's Putty, which is a caulking and sealing compound. All it says on the packaging is; All ingredients are non-hazardous. Is this safe? I guess he plans to use this around the drain and sink edge. He also says he has to use a glue on the PVC pipe. Is there a glue that is safe?

I plan to close the french doors to front room where the birds are while we're working but I am still very worried.

Macawlvr · #2 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 08:07 AM

The cleaner/primer and the cement/glue for PVC piping is very toxic. Any chance of running a fan in the kitchen window to exhaust those fumes out of the house?

Counter tops are 'some times' glued down with a bead of silicone. 'Something' will be used, some times silicone, to seal the sink to the counter top. Silicone fumes are also very toxic. I would check with the counter top and sink installer to see what they plan on using.

Even if you close the french doors, the central heat/ac system will still pick up the air and circulate it throughout the house.
You could close the vent in the bird room and temporarily seal it off. You could also put a fan in the window of the bird room 'blowing inward' to create a positive pressure in the bird room to help keep fumes out.

I don't know your weather conditions but could you take your birds outside for the day?

Karen · #3 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 08:34 AM

This is so stressful! I have been so worried about this project. I don't see any way around not using that PVC glue that smells so bad. They do have outside aviaries but...

Weather Report: There is a slight risk for severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and into the early evening for Western New York and Northern PA. The main threat would be damaging winds and large hail.

We had golf ball sized hail storms just the other day. Check out his video from one of our news sites; News Tracker >> Videos >> Hail Storm 061608 Tonawanda

Report from two of our local stations:

If I'm able to get them outside, what is a safe time limit after using that PVC glue for them to come back in.

Karen · #4 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 08:58 AM

James, my apologies, I was hoping you would see my post and reply and then I forgot to thank you for your response. Thank you!

The seal around the sink where it goes onto the countertop as well as the seal around the drains are being done today. The countertop with sink won't be brought into the house until tomorrow. So I think my worry mainly lies in that PVC glue that will be used for the plumbing set-up. Is there a non-toxic glue available?

Macawlvr · #5 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Is there a non-toxic glue available?

Not that I'm aware of...and if there is, it would probably have to be ordered and wouldn't be available in time for your project.
In your situation, if you have to keep them inside, the best thing to do would be to exhaust the fumes out the kitchen window.

Quote:

If I'm able to get them outside, what is a safe time limit after using that PVC glue for them to come back in.

You wouldn't have to wait all that long at all if the fumes are exhausted via fan out the window.

I don't know what size kitchen window you have but a economical fan of any size would greatly help.