Q: I plan to take a fairly long vacation this summer and I worry about coming home to a basement full of water. My basement takes on water during heavy rains, and is kept from flooding by a sump pump. How can I make sure the pump will work while I'm gone?

A: You can start by making sure the pump is in working order. Check for debris that might have washed off the floor; clean it thoroughly if necessary. Also clean the pump's intake screen or ports. Finally, run some water into the sump with a hose, or pour some in from a bucket, to make sure the pump runs when the sump takes on water.

If you have a regular electrically operated pump without backup power, you are still taking a chance on getting a flooded basement. Many storms are accompanied by power blackouts during which the pump will not run. You should consider installing a pump with a backup battery that will supply power if the electricity fails. Backup power is usually supplied by a 12-volt marine battery that should be kept well charged. You can find a selection of backup systems at www.nextag.com/sump-pump-battery-backup/search-html or use a search engine and the words "Sump Pump Battery Backup."

Q: I live in a two-story house built in 1981 and recently began to notice nail heads protruding through the drywall on the top floor. What causes this and what can I do about it?

A: These so-called popped nails are usually caused by shrinkage in the wood that holds them. Many drywall installers now use special screws, which are much less likely to pop than nails.

The best solution is to drive a 1-½-inch drywall screw into the ceiling joist about 2 inches from each popped nail. The screws should be driven with a power drill so that the heads sink just below the drywall surface, but without breaking the paper cover on the drywall. When the screws are in, pull out the popped nails and smooth the surface with sandpaper. Fill holes and cover screw heads with drywall joint compound or spackling compound. Let the compound dry thoroughly, sand it smooth, then prime and paint the ceiling.

Q: I want to do a great deal of paint stripping from wood (not lead paint), but have been told that some paint removers are dangerous to use. Are there some safe paint removers?

A: There are a number of relatively safe paint removers. None of the safe removers contain methylene chloride, the ingredient that makes some paint removers work speedily and effectively, but which gives off toxic fumes and can cause health problems if improperly used.

Probably the best known and most widely sold of the safer paint removers is 3M's Safest Stripper, which 3M says can be used without gloves, does not give off toxic fumes, and can be cleaned up with water. It is sold at some hardware stores and home centers. Another possibility is SoyClean Paint Stripper (www.soyclean.biz/paint — stripper.asp), which can be purchased online, is also nontoxic and can be cleaned up with water.

Safe paint strippers usually take much longer to remove paint than strippers that contain methylene chloride. To help prevent evaporation or drying out while a slow stripper is working, cover the surface with a plastic sheet.

QUICK TIP: Another clever solution for dog scratches on hardwood floors comes from a reader who owns large dogs and a house with hardwood floors. "I put two baby socks per foot" on the dogs when they are in the house, Tribble said. She secures the socks with hook-and-loop straps. She said the socks come off when the dogs are sleeping or go outside. Socks are preferable to dog boots, she said, because the socks are washable and stay on better.