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Is a radiant floor enough to heat the room? I would like to know if an electric or hydronic radiant floor is enough to heat the room or if it's just to have a warm floor. And if yes, what is the efficiency (the time it take to warm the room, the cost on the electrical bill, etc.) compared to an electric baseboard h...	Well it depends on the output of the radiant floor, but in general yes they are sufficient to heat a room.
Can re-closing a circuit-breaker be dangerous? I have a circuit breaker that keeps tripping. When i try to reset (close) it, it immediately jumps back to the open position with a noise that sounds a little scary. I have now stopped trying to do this and will get an electrician in to find and fix the short, but I was ...	It can be dangerous as if there is a short going to ground which caused the breaker to trip, when you close the breaker all the current in the line is going to try to go through that breaker.
Do I really need to use primer when painting an unfinished concrete floor? I'm turning a one car garage into an office and want to paint the floor. I bought some Behr concrete paint, and the guy at Home Depot insisted that I have to put down a layer of primer first. Do I really? This garage may have held a car a long ...	I would say you definitely need to prime, as it's really sealing the concrete so that any paint you do apply doesn't soak in too far. You really should prime anything you are going to paint.
Why does the breaker trip occasionally after I installed a new light fixture? We bought a house a couple of years ago with a covered light fixture box in the ceiling (a blank cover over a wired box and a blank cover over the switch box). I recently modified a plug-in pendant lamp (no ground) to a hard-wired pendant la...	If you don't have continuity with a simple low voltage tester, then the problem could be arcing that only occurs when 120V is applied. You likely have a short circuit and need to track down where the short is occurring.
What type of glue should I use to repair my hardwood floor? I'm replacing the tongue and grove boards in a section of my hardwood floor that were water damaged. On some of the boards, I'll need to cut out the bottom edge of the female side. On a YouTube video they recommended using a 2 part epoxy for securing the b...	We only use Titebond III waterproof wood glue on Hardwood flooring.
Can the socket in my recessed light be replaced without replacing the entire framing kit? I have recessed lighting in my living room. One of the bulbs went out. I tried replacing it with a fresh one, but no luck. There is electricity flowing to the socket, but the socket appears to have gone bad. I bought a replace...	The trick here is to get the right socket and get one that is pre-wired with lengths of wire to feed down the 3/8" flex whip to the junction box on the light.
What is a good barrier between grout and wood? A side of a tile flooring project abuts a strip of wood. How should I handle the side where the tile meets the wood so the wood won't absorb all the water from the grout? <Q> You may not want to grout that joint. <S> Caulking (using a matching color with the grout) may b...	In our house where tile meets wood, the tile installer inserted a thin metal strip between the tile and wood.
Is it safe to put a woodstove on a sheet of cement board? I'm looking at how to install a woodstove in a yurt. In this example, it looks like he put 1 sheet of cement board on the floor, and another against the wall. (click for full size) Is a single sheet of cement board enough to protect the wood floor from the he...	Covering the wood with the non combustible material removes fuel from the equation - and if the concrete board DID ever reach temperatures in excess of 525F (the ignition temperature of wood), its presence over the wood removes fuel from the equation. Every manufacturer has a safety insulation factor.
is there such a thing as a pipe brush? I've used Drano/Liquid Plumbr Foam to clean the bathroom sink drain, but that never cleans enough. There's always scum left over. I think I can clean it better if I follow up the Drano with a brush. So, I'm looking for a "pipe cleaner brush" (name?), but I can't find it anywhere o...	If you really wanted to get adventurous and are a bit handy, you could add a bottle brush (sold in most housewares areas) to the end of your snake.
Can I connect ground to neutral in a 3 wire outlet? I have a 3 wire outlet with the entrances for hot, neutral and ground. But I know that the ground entrance is not really grounded, so in effect useless. Now, since the neutral is grounded, could I connect the ground entrance with the neutral therefore "grounding" the ...	I don't know of any cases where the neutral would be compromised while a ground wire in the same sheath isn't -- except where someone mucked with the wiring.
Is it normal for an air compressor's tank to have something inside it? I recently bought an air compressor for airbrushing and other uses. I'm not familiar with air compressors so I was wondering if it was normal for the air tank to have sand/gravel inside it? When I tip it over from side to side, I can hear something...	If it is new, then it is probably a piece of scale from when the tank was welded, or some other junk that got left in the tank.
Why don't programmable thermostats automatically switch between "Cool" and "Heat"? While I can set my house to be a particular temperature, I still have to manually switch it between "Heat" and "Cool" mode, and this seems to be true of every thermostat (programmable or not) that I've seen. Is there a reason for this? <...	Some Honeywell thermostats, such as the 8000 Series, have 'auto' setting where you can program the Heat temperature and the cool temperature and the thermostat will automatically switch from heat to cool.
What's a good entry-level text/video on residential plumbing? Anything for the near-absolute beginner? I've removed the 180-degree angle dirt trap under my sink and cleaned a pipe with a motorized snake, but that's about it. Any book recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Any YouTube videos or usernames would be...	You could try the Home Improvement Stack Exchange site, I've heard there are a few guys there that are fairly good at answering most plumbing questions.
How do I level a basement floor but not the slab underneath? I'd like to install laminate floor on top of Delta FL in my basement. The basement slab is not level, it slopes (from all directions) towards a floor drain (that, via a pipe, leads to a sump pump) near the exterior door. I wouldn't like to level the slab...	If you need to level the floor more use floor leveler let it set up then drag drainage grooves towards the drain. Just flat enough so the flooring lays flat. You dont want the level to teader or have a gap under it more than 1/4"-3/8".
How do you determine the slope of a floor? What are some methods for figuring out the slope of a floor? I've always heard the slope referenced as, eg: "1/2inch over 6ft." - is this the normal way, and/or are there other common ways to say it? <Q> One way is to take a long level (the longer the better : 6 and 8' level...	Set the laser at maybe 6 inches above the floor as a nul reference, then take several measurement with a tape at several locations by setting the "0" on the floor and note where the laser hits the tape.
What options are there for converting from a wood stove to another type of heating system? My folks are into their 80's now and live in rural Maine. Their ONLY way of heating their home is with a wood stove - just a single wood stove. Up to this point, my folks have been able to tend the stove but because of health rea...	If the house was heated well with the wood stove, converting it to a high efficiently gas stove might be all you need.
What is better for a roof, plywood or OSB? While watching the builders next door do their thing, I became curious with their technique to install plywood on edges neighboring the next townhouse, and OSB for the rest (which for these narrow interior units is a single panel in the middle, but they use OSB all the way to ...	OSB, especially subfloor, holds up to moisture better than CDX. The material at the edges might be more fire resistant, so the fire will spread to adjacent buildings more slowly, allowing the occupants more time to escape.
Should a circulator pump be installed on the supply or return of a forced hot water heating system? I currently have a forced hot water heating system with 3 zones, all of which have the circulator pump on the supply side of the line. I need to install a 4th zone and am being told that putting the circulator on the re...	Hot water going through the circulation pump is more "active", and thus could shorten the lifespan of the pump (active meaning more likely to cause corrosion); and 2) When you push water through pipes, the path of least resistance will get the greatest water flow. If you have multiple zones and the zone valves are on t...
Do all wires on basement walls have to be in conduit? I need to know if, when a basement is unfinished and an outlet is on the wall, is it required to put all wires in conduit? <Q> 2005 <S> NEC ARTICLE 334 Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable: <S> Types NM, NMC,and NMS 334.15 Exposed Work . <S> ( C ) <S> In Unfinished Basem...	NM cableused on a wall of an unfinished basement shall be permitted to beinstalled in a listed conduit or tubing. If the cable is run along walls, it requires some form of protection.
Which Kitchen outlets do NOT need GFCI? I have the 2 circuits in the kitchen with GFCI outlets, but I'm not quite sure which other ones do NOT need GFCI. Other circuits in the kitchen include Microwave, Fridge, and Dishwasher. It makes sense to me to not have the fridge on GFCI though. <Q> The NEC (NFPA 70 2011 edition...	According to the 2014 version of the National Electrical Code, all 120 volt, single phase, 15 and 20 ampere receptacles in dwelling units, serving coutertop surfaces are required to have ground-fault protection for personnel.
How can I temporarily soundproof my bedroom window? I live on the second floor of a noisy NYC apartment building, and my bedroom window is unfortunately right above a busy street. I've been sleeping with earplugs for a while, but I still get woken up. Is there any way to temporarily soundproof my window? Preferably it ...	You can use some DIY techniques like can create an acoustic foam panel using the wooden materials and can fix the same in the window frame or can use a soundproof blanket whenever in need just cover the window or can opt for the double glazing of the window.
How do I choose between ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms? I need to change my smoke detectors but I don't know how to choose between ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms. I guess that there are pros and cons to choose one or the other. Should I buy a combination detector that uses both methods? <Q> On...	There are two main types of smoke alarms; photoelectric activate when the light beam is broken, and ionization react to heat and dust. Where you can, you should use combination alarms, but you can also use a mix of types to achieve the same effect, while avoiding areas that might cause them to go off when they shouldn'...
How can I figure out where squirrels are entering my attic? Squirrels keep getting in my attic but I can't figure out where they're coming in. There may also be chipmunks, as I found a bunch of sunflower seed shells inside a lawn chair bag that was laying up in the attic. I can't figure out how they are getting in the ...	Damaged or displaced materials like insulation, footprints in dust, chewed areas, droppings, etc., and see if you can follow it down. Check soffits, vents, corners, anywhere wiring or pipes enter (anywhere in the house). Find every possible point of entry and cover with hardware cloth/metal flashing, or Terminate.
Recommended web sites that help pick out interior wall colors? Is there any website where i can see what kind of color will look how on the wall? I am planning to get my living room re-painted and looking for some ideas. Any suggestions? <Q> I'd second Greebo's suggestion of buying samples, but we've found that paint...	First of all, your paint store will have color sheets - papers with multiple colors on them that you can take home and compare.
Do pressure reducing valves also function as check/one-way valves? If installing a pressure reducing valve, is there any sense in installing a one-way check valve in series, or would it be redundant? (i.e. does the PRV also act as a one-way valve?) <Q> First, no, they don't function as a check valve. <S> They limit i...	Assuming that this is for your residential plumbing, you generally wouldn't install a check valve, because you want to be able to drain the system at the shut-off if you ever need to do any modifications.
Are CFL bulbs safe for enclosed fixtures? I just got 3 dozen CFL bulbs for free, and was planning on replacing all the non-downward exposed fixture lights in my home with these bulbs. In the past I haven't even considered switching to CFL because of the light temperature, but after seeing the 2700K bulbs and barely be...	Totally enclosed recessed fixtures (for example, a ceiling can light with a cover over the bulb) create temperatures that are too high to allow the use of a compact fluorescent bulb.
Should I install external basement insulation that does not extend above ground? Question : Is there a way to calculate energy savings for external, 2inch insulation on basement walls that does not extend above the soil surface , leaving the top couple feet of foundation wall exposed to air. Background:I am having my...	Even a small gap in the insulation can allow huge amounts of energy loss, and since you are running heat downstairs, while I don't know precisely how to calculate the long term savings, there will be one, and more importantly, your basement will be much more comfortable for year round use.
Does a grounding wire from a breaker panel to an outside grounding rod need to be in conduit? I've got a breaker panel in my detached garage (it is not a sub-panel, but is a primary forked off just past the meter). The panel seems to be wired correctly- the neutral and ground bars are tied together, and a (6ga?) groun...	The only time a ground is dangerous is if it's wired incorrectly and not actually grounding, and becomes energized. Exposed ground wires are normal.
What tools are required to unclog sink drain with garbage disposal? So yesterday someone in my family put some celery stalks (with the hard stems included) down the garbage disposal, after which our drain drained much slower. I tried filling up the sink with water and running the garbage disposal. This forced the wat...	Look under the sink to know for sure, but you likely need a combination of pipe wrenches (cast iron) or screw drivers (compression fittings) or possibly just your hand (hand-screwed PVC joints). IMHO, I'd toss the disposal, get a bit of pipe to replace it, and then get a mulch
How do I insulate a whole-house fan during the winter? I would like to insulate my whole-house fan in the winter. I've see insulating covers that you can attach with magnetic strips or velcro, but the look does not appeal to me and I don't trust how well a velcro seal would work (our fan is aluminum). I'm curious if...	But if you can get a cover designed for a whole house fan, that may be your best option.
How do I prepare patched drywall to be painted over? I am in the process of painting my room. I have some big patches on the drywall. I am yet to begin painting that wall. Before i start i wanted to take advice. Is there anything i need to do with those patches so that after paint they are not visible? Do i need to ta...	I learned that adding some tint to primer makes the imperfections obvious BEFORE you paint the whole wall, so they can be patched before finish painting. You can either sand the patch using a sanding block like the 3M®
How can I remove a plank from the middle of the field? My attic has tongue and groove planking down as the floor, and I need to do some work up there. I'd like to only remove a couple planks in the middle of the field, rather than pulling up half the floor to get to the point where I need access. The planks are nailed...	If looks aren't too important or you can't find a replacement board, measure the depth of the planks and set a circular saw to that depth.
How do I diagnose an occasionally leaking dishwasher? We are remodeling our kitchen, part of which will be replacing the vinyl flooring. When pulling out the vinyl and 1/4" plywood I found many water stains which appear to have started under my dishwasher. I've run the dishwasher every day and once was able to get it...	You might follow the drain hose back to it's lowest point as well... it could be that if something in the disposal side of the sink backs up the water a little bit during a drain cycle, overflow water might be dribbling back down the drain hose to it's lowest point, dripping on the floor beneath it. Check the seal arou...
What is the most economical and energy-efficient way to winterize windows? We have vinyl windows (mostly double-paned) and live in a shady greenbelt in Seattle (i.e. wet and dark). We don't have much severe weather to worry about, just a pervasive damp cold that settles in and makes our extremely inefficient remodeled ...	If there is an obvious gap between the window sash (the wooden frame around the window) and the structure, use some canned spray foam insulation and carefully spray foam into the gaps to create an air tight seal. As Tester mentions, new windows are the most cost and energy efficient in the long haul.
Should I test the water in my house for contamination? I live in a house that was built in the 1930's. I'm paranoid that the old pipes for hot and cold water(for the kitchen, shower, etc..) are contaminating the water. Is this something I should be worried about? What is the best way to test the water that flows throug...	Your locality should test water in the area on a regular basis, but this is via sampling, so problems specific to your home will be missed.
How do I anchor an acrylic claw foot tub? I have been working on remodeling my bathroom. As part of the renovations we have decided to replace our old tub with an acrylic claw foot tub. The tub is extremely light weight. I am assuming that it needs to be anchored some how so that there isn't constant strain on the p...	Several ways:1) Epoxy ; just glue the feet down.
Is there a way to mark/label a special use switch? I'm going to be rewiring my front porch light, and in the process I've decided to pull cable for a switched receptacle for Christmas lights. I'm going to install a 2 gang box for both switches (porch, receptacle), but I'd like to make it obvious that the receptacle is...	Use a timer switch for the switched receptacle.
When bolting down a porcelain toilet, how tight is "too tight"? Tightening bolts on the base of a toilet is the one thing about toilet installation that has me the most nervous. They say not to over-tighten, but how tight is too tight before the porcelain is subject to cracking? Do I tighten until I can't tighten any...	If you tighten it too much, you can pull the closet bolt out through the flange, ruining the flange or breaking the porcelain.
Does a device exist that can help find the source of a leak in a flat roof? My Dad has a flat roof over his garage. It's covered with tar and felt. We had an unusually hard and cold winter last year (Republic of Ireland) and since then the roof has developed a leak. We've made several attempts to patch it, with no su...	A moisture meter is what you're thinking of, but in general, a moisture meter will not help you track a leak any more than simply doing so with your eyes. Knowing the type of roofing system on the home would greatly assist in giving advice on how to track the source of the leak.
What is the proper and accurate way to measure space for window screens? One of our metal windows is missing a screen and I'd like to replace it. I don't have other windows of the same size so I can't easily copy the screen dimensions. How should I measure the window opening so that the new screen will install proper...	Take a tape measure and measure the width by putting the tape measure in the deepest channel and measure across to the other end and take off 1/4 inch.
How can I fill small holes in drywall without painting? I am taking down several items hung on our walls; this will leave about two dozen holes ranging from small nail holes to anchor holes about 3/8" in diameter. I am looking for a way to fill these holes that will look reasonable without painting – we have no matchin...	For small holes like you describe, I'd use Light Weight Spackle rather than standard vinyl Spackle.
Is there a special low temperature thermostat? I have a gas ceiling mounted furnace for my garage. I want to set my garage at 35-40° F (1-4° C). Is there a special thermostat to control furnace at that low temp? (I've seen one works as low as 50° F (10° C), but not as low as 35-40° F) <Q> Yes. <S> One example is th...	It may also be easier just to edit the code to make the thermostat turn on the heater when the temperature drops below a threshold rather than above it.
How do I remove excess wood stain that dried before I could wipe it off? While staining some wood, we had an emergency and had to leave. The stain has now dried and I'm not sure how to remove the excess; it's normally wiped off before it dries. When I get home I'm going to try to brush on some mineral spirits to loose...	Use a natural colour of stain on top of the previous one and scrub with a paintbrush to loosen the old stain.
Can a hole cutter be used with a dremel? My dremel has an adjustable speed switch, which makes it a lot easier to control the speed than with a drill. Is there an adapter I can buy so I can attach this hole cutter (which has a shank that is too big for the dremel), to my dremel? On the packaging it says maximum 500...	The Dremel tool does not have enough torque at 500RPM to properly use a fly-cutter like this
Is there a PVC piping primer/cement alternative for a non-plumbing project? I'd like to construct a case out of PVC schedule-40 bits and pieces. The case is for a rifle-cleaning rod that I want to keep from getting bent/scraped. I'll need to connect schedule-40 pipe to caps/adapters/plugs/etc. Is there something el...	A very small dab of Gorilla Glue would hold the joints of your PVC creation together just fine.
How do I safely get glue off of wood that's to be stained? I'm building a closet and I've just made doors for it. It's red oak wood with a rail & stile construction and raised panels. I was a little careless and some of the wood glue (Titebond) escaped through the joints and are visible outside (see the picture on the...	There's lots of glue solvents, and wood glue should be pretty easy for any of them to handle. For the corners you can fold your sandpaper and back it with your fingers.
Can a Dremel Circle Cutter be used on 20mm thick wood? Will the Dremel Circle Cutter cut through 20mm wood? Its just regular wood am using. The product details page on the Dremel site just states: Depth adjustment allows easy setting of the correct cutting depth without indicating what the maximum depth is. <Q>...	The depth available will depend upon the length of the Dremel bit you use with the circle cutter.
Why would a sprinkler Air Valve leak after winterization? I had someone come over my house and winterize the sprinklers. He explained to me what he did: He said he closed the main valve to the sprinkler system, hooked up a compressor and blew out all the water from sprinkler pipes. He also, opened up the air valve so a...	I think you hear is that you've removed all the water outside leaving an unbalanced pressure.
How can I override a motion detector light? I am going to be installing one or two motion detector lights to cover my backyard. I would like the ability to "override" the motion detector. What I mean by this is that I would like to be able to flip a switch that turns and keeps the lights turned on regardless of if ther...	Wire the lightswitch and the motion detector in parallel.
Why do I have a cold draft from a return air vent? I have a draft occurring in my 2 story home, usually on windy days. The main floor is fine, but in the master bedroom on the second floor, there is cold air entering the room from the air return vent. It's not much, but noticeable. In the basement (which is finished), ...	Air is penetrating the walls and getting into the ductwork, or there's a gap in your heat exchanger which is potentially deadly.
What wire gauge should I use with a 30 amp breaker for a 220V welder? I am installing an outlet in my garage for a 220v mig welder. The welder specs call for 30A breaker. The outlet for the welder is only 2 feet from the garage sub panel. The wiring refernece charts I've seen say I can use 12 gauge copper wire for thi...	So, I guess you could use 10 ga wire with a 60 amp breaker if it was only used for a welder with 50% or less duty cycle. The calculator you referenced is only appropriate for voltage drop and makes the disclaimer that the results of the calculation do not account for current specs or NEC. Longer runs may require an upg...
How do I repair laminate damage on a kitchen drawer? The heat from our oven has caused significant damage to the laminate coating on a drawer and a cupboard door, is there a way to repair this type of damage or do i just have to replace it? <Q> It may be possible to repair, but depending on the underlying material, I w...	There is a laminate repair paste that may work.
Why does my kitchen faucet have low pressure after the water heater was replaced? I recently replaced my water heater, and since then, the water pressure for my kitchen faucet is really, really, low. None of my other faucets seem to be affected (bathroom, shower, etc.). I can't really tell if my dishwasher is affected,...	There's a chance that the plumber "fixed" the pressure reducing value (PRV) on your mainline, although that seems less likely since your other fixtures aren't affected.
Where do I buy a weather proof combination padlock? I have a shed that I use a padlock to secure. The last lock I had lasted a year before failing. It cost about $40. My wife prefers combination so she won't need her keys just to work in the yard. I can't find a good quality, weather proof combination lock in the US...	I've had a cheap MasterLock for over a decade on my shed and it's not showing any signs of wear.
Why are bulbs burning out quickly in newly installed light fixtures? I installed five incandescent, recessed light fixtures in the cathedral ceiling of my living room. The fixtures are wired in parallel series (A connects to B connects to C ...). All the wiring is done correctly. However, the fixtures are burning ou...	I have found that a loose neutral wire can also cause premature burn out with incandescent bulbs
How to introduce more run into roof? I have a 16'x20' deck roof that is attached to my garage on one side and (3) 4"x4" posts on the other side. The rise over the 16 feet is about 2 inches which is not enough for the water to get off the roof. It's pooling in certain spots. Probably because the 16 foot run is unsuppor...	Remove the existing sheeting Shore up the roof structure with extra beams, and shim it asneeded to make it true and consistent from high point to low point.
Need a gas cooker but have no gas supply I am not sure about the terminology, i.e if it's called an electric cooker, burner, stove or something else. So I'll just refer to it as a electric or gas cooker to simplify things. We don't have a gas supply to our house in the UK as we have moved to a more remote location. ...	So, basically ... figure out where you're going to get the gas from first, as they'll be more likely to be able to tell you about what type of installations they can supply, and either tell you the codes & regulations in your area and be able to install it or tell you who in the area can.
How can I find a replacement aerator for this faucet? We have the following faucet, which is missing an aerator. I don't see any identifying marks, nor anything to unscrew at the end of the faucet (i.e., it doesn't seem to be a standard screw-in aerator). How can I find an aerator that fits this faucet? <Q> Does that w...	Faucets typically use standard inside thread dimensions, so you should be able to use any screw-in aerator that suits your taste.
What are the pros and cons of UV window film? I have just finished renovating my house and am now considering adding UV film to some of my windows (those that catch the most sun). On paper, they sound like a great solution as they reduce the heat entering the house and furniture fading but I have not had any experience...	I feel that whilst there are advantages like light and glare reduction, heat reduction and UV reduction, the actual glass pane becomes very hot which reduces the efficiency of the film in stopping heat getting inside in the first place.
Best Conditions for Sealing Asphalt Driveway What are the best conditions for sealing an asphalt driveway? What time of year, and under what kind of weather would be best? <Q> Pick a sunny day, with ABSOLUTELY no chance of rain that day. <S> If it rains within a few hours of the sealing job, you won't be happy. <S> 24 ...	The perfect day would be sunny, but not incredibly hot, as sealing a driveway would be miserable work on a blistering hot day.
How is pre-wiring done for motion sensors / alarm system in new construction? In new construction, how is pre-wiring done for alarm systems, when then alarm may not be installed right away (or ever)? It makes sense to me to actually install recessed door contacts (they're only a few dollars each) and run the wiring ba...	Since I knew the alarm I was going to install and knew where the sensors and control panels would be, I ran the cables to those locations and just left them there to be plastered over.
How do I fix radiators that come on at different times? We have radiators in all rooms but the ones in the bathrooms come on at different times to the rest of the house. This is particularly annoying when getting up at 6am and stepping into a freezing bathroom while the rads are on in other rooms. Why does this happen...	Based on the answers in comments it sounds like you simply need to turn the thermostat up in the bathroom, and make sure the hallway isn't so warm that it keeps the boiler from turning on.
What can I do to solve the moisture problem in my bathroom? My bathroom walls are done in concrete not drywall. I installed a ceiling fan. After showering, the walls are covered with moisture. What can I do to eliminate the moisture? <Q> You'll always get some condensation, but there are a few things done to mitigate...	Condensation happens whenever hot air meets cold surfaces, and the air after a shower is hot and very humid.
Do I need planning permission to build a roof terrace over a flat roof in the UK? We're thinking of building a roof terrace on the flat roof at the rear of a property. The property is in the UK and is not in a conservation area. Do we need to seek planning permission to do this? If so, how likely is it to be difficult...	It is best to ask your local council or pop into a local surveyor and pay a few bob for reliable advise about this.
Is a lip necessary on an HVAC ceiling register boot for use with flexible ducting? I've installed some new ceiling register boots to use with flexible ducting and realized after install that they have a smooth connection with no lip. I'm assuming they are made for metal ducting, as I think flexible requires a lip for a...	If the coupling pipe solution is not feasible, then attach your flexible ducting directly to the boot with a large hose clamp which can be tightened sufficiently so that these parts will never come apart.
How can I quietly tear down drywall? Is there a way to remove drywall without exerting brute force? Being that I live in a condo, I don't want to go all happy with a hammer to my wall and disturb my neighbors. It seems there would be a way to saw lines into the drywall so that it could be easily pulled away. While a...	Sawing drywall is pretty loud. Punching holes and tearing it down is a horrible idea. It would take several passes but it will work. Using a utility knife to cut it is quiet but takes far, far longer. It took us forever to shovel up all the small pieces and haul them out to a dumpster.
What would cause a Varathane EZV sander to rip the sandpaper? I have recently been appointed FSA at a Lowes store in Allen Park Michigan. I was ask if i could find out why the Varathane EZV sander was ripping the sand paper. My knowledge on the subject is minimal so was wondering if you could help. <Q> If the ripp...	Any deviation on the floor can cause ripping.
How to connect primer tubing to non-laundry faucet? The previous owner of my house didn't know what the trap primer tubing was when he installed an expensive kitchen faucet and stainless sink in the laundry room, so left the tubing dangling. Is there a trick to connect it without replacing the faucet? <Q> Another optio...	Depending on the diameter of the tubing, and I'm guessing it's not very large since it hardly needs to be, you might be able to install a saddle tap valve to the cold water line and the primer tubing to it.
What is this 110/24V 60Hz transformer in the breaker room for? My friend sent me a photograph of this transformer, which is installed above the main breaker panel, with leads running from the panel into the transformer. The stamped labels read PRI. Volts: 110 SEC. Volts: 24 CYCLES 60 However, the leads out from t...	No doubt it's a doorbell transformer.
Can I safely use a switch rated for "1A at 125V" with 240V, assuming I stay below 125W? I recently purchased a foot switch for a standing lamp. The switch is rated for 1A at 125V. I would like to use this switch with a low energy lamp (typically 10W or below) but with a 240V supply. Is this safe? <Q> Also the circui...	Likely you cannot - the insulation rated for 125 volts might fail at higher voltage and this might lead to an arc starting and causing a short.
How does a water-heater know when to turn on? Now that it is getting colder, we have noticed that when we get home from work, our water is not that hot. It was warm at best after a four-day trip. The water heater is in an unheated basement, next to the furnace. It's not freezing by any means. After a shower or some...	All you need to do is hook up a garden hose to the drain at the bottom of the tank (make sure it can take the warm water), run the other end to a floor drain or utility sink, and open the drain on the bottom of the heater.
Can wind force rain into the soffits? There is 1 and only 1 leak (thank God) that is driving me crazy. When the wind blows from the south and hits the house from that side, there is a drip that develops and comes from above the top of the window (the little 3 " overhang inside the window). The water is not coming from ...	I think your cinder block wall, will be designed with a ventilated gap do allow any water that gets into the wall to dry out. The exposure and strength of the wind, and the size and design of the overhang also should be considered.
Soundproofing a floor: How about cement backer board w/ Green Glue and mass-loaded vinyl? I've been researching soundproof underlayments for floors, but the selection seems to be very paltry. It appears that you're pretty much stuck with mass-loaded vinyl (MLV), QuietWood, and a few other sheet-type materials. The ba...	I'd suggest a sandwich of XPS foam, topped with cork underlayment, then your finish floor (which, ideally, could be dry-core subfloor panels topped with carpet).
Can I use a 23 W CFL in a fixture that's rated for a 60 W incandescent? I have a lamp that is rated at 60 Watts for an incandescent bulb with a disclaimer to use a 13 Watt bulb instead when using a CFL replacement. Do I really need to respect that disclaimer? Would not a 23 Watt CFL be just as safe to use? It still dra...	There is one issue I see not addressed by other answers, and that is, a 23W CFL is not appropriate in any kind of lamp that has a dimmer unless it is specifically a dimmable CFL bulb.
What's the procedure for stripping wires with pliers? In this answer to this question on stripping wires pliers are mentioned as a tool suitable for that job. I guess it can be done, but I feel quite paranoid about damaging the conductor which is made of rather soft metal and effectively reducing the conductor cros...	For the average homeowner, it's going to be easier (and safer) to stick with using the proper tools.
What are my non-gas alternatives to a wood burning fireplace? Our house has a wood burning firplace that we want to convert to something else but we have no gas lines in the area. What are our options for heating benefits and esthetics? <Q> All very nice and stylish.. <S> Electric fire place! <S> This will be the ea...	But assuming that the chimney is good, you might also want to consider a wood pellet fireplace insert.
What should I do about ceiling tiles that potentially contain asbestos? A family member is considering purchasing a house, built in the Midwestern United States in 1958. In the basement, there are nine inch ceiling tiles on the ceiling. The home inspection mentioned that it cannot confirm that these tiles are not asbes...	If you suspect asbestos you need to be very careful. At this point in the house buying negotiations, it would be wise to insist the "Seller" have the material sampled by a licensed tech and tested by a certified lab with a copy of the results given to you before proceeding to a closing.
Should we install carpet before the baseboard and door casings? We just had a carpet layer come in for measurements and a quote. We've not put in the baseboard or door casings yet, but the carpet layer has suggested that this will make things easier. Is this true / good advice? Are there any pitfalls to watch for when...	If you're doing a long wall, it can make lining up the pieces of baseboard a little trickier because the tack strip and carpet can get in the way.
How do you remove paint from hair? We painted a closet recently with a latex/acrylic based paint and no plastic hair caps. This lead to the issue with some unsightly paint splotches on our hair. After several washes the paint still hasn't faded and is very noticeable. Please let me know what methods are available fo...	Water dispersion paint (latex/acrylic is a flavor of those) is not fully water-resistant - it will get much weaker and softer once you leave it in damp conditions for long enough (which is something like several hours). This E-How article says that a soak with your normal shampoo, followed by running a fine-tooth comb ...
What could cause the battery in a smoke detector to heat up? One of my smoke detectors was chirping and when I removed the 9V battery, I found it was hot. In fact, it was making a 'cooking' sound. Was it the smoke detector causing the battery to cook itself or was it a defective battery? <Q> Wow- <S> A smoke detector...	The smoke detector was chirping, so I removed battery (which was almost to hot to hold!), put another in out of same packet but in the correct orientation. Fortunately after 15 years the detector hasn't changed all that much.
How can I wire an array of ceiling lights for easy reconfigurability? I want to put in 16 new recessed lights (roughly a 4x4 grid), and I want to control them with two panels (one on each entrance to the room) of switches. But since we are constantly rearranging the furniture, I don't know which groups of lights I wan...	Wire from the switches to a centralized "patch panel" with one input for each wall switch and one output for each light where I can mix-and-match the switches to the lights conveniently (shown switch 1 to light 1 and 3, switch 2 to light 2, 5, and 6, and switch 3 to light 4). Incandescent, low voltage, LED and some scr...
What would cause a furnace to shut off prematurely? I've got a Carrier Weathermaker 8000 furnace that shuts off about 90 seconds or so after ignition, started doing this recently. I get flashing code "33" which indicates: The code indicates: 33 LIMIT OR FLAME ROLL-OUT SWITCH IS OPEN - If open longer than three minut...	Make sure that the outlet vents are clean, and clear of debris. If the furnace is allowed to continuously over heat, It's likely the high limit switch has burned out.
Why won't my gas dryer stay lit? My Amana gas clothes dryer is not heating properly. The gas ignites when the dryer is first started, but after the gas turns off the igniter glows and then turns off, without relighting the gas. Many websites I found said that this was typically due to bad coils. I removed the coils an...	I decided to replace both coils and the dryer has been working fine over the past 2 months. If it isn't burning, and the thremocouple isn't heated up by the flame, the gas valve is shut off to prevent excess gas buildup.
How can I light picture frames from the floor? I would like to light up three picture frames with something from the floor. They will be behind a sofa so we wouldn't see them and the picture frames are about at 1.5 meter above the ground. I have thought of using LEDs, but I think an LED strip wouldn't be enough to lig...	Track lighting allows you to position the lights where you want them, as well as allowing you to point them in any direction you like. If you cannot move it out from the wall because of restrictive space you might end up with a lighting technique called wall grazing.
Troubleshooting of lamp which refuses to work after bulb change The lamp on the ceiling of my living room consists of two bulbs. One of them recently got broke, so I removed it, checked it, and bought a similar one (60 W all of them). I fixed the new one, and now both of them refuse to work, even the existing one. Also...	If you want to check the continuity on the switch, remove the switch from the wires and put the continuity checker on the screw terminals.
Does a bedroom have to have a closet? I'm finishing my basement (actually its the second basement I've finished). And I've built what I think is a bedroom in the basement. I had the ELECTRICAL inspector in here the other day and as he's going through the inspection he says: "So this isn't going to be a 'legal' bedroo...	so I just did some googling around and it seems that, if anything, some lenders might require a closet for a room to be included in the bedroom count for the house. It seems to depend more on the agency listing the property, and Honestly, this is a good safety requirement since people usually end up using the basement ...
What is the most effective way to get rid of silverfish? I recently moved to an apartment near the ocean and the air is more humid/moist than any of my previous homes. I've noticed that at night a few silverfish always come out in my bathroom (linoleum floors) and when I try to catch them, the would often escape throug...	If they are getting in your carpet, make sure you are vacuuming regularly.
How can I ground old 2-prong receptacles? (120V) I have several old receptacles that are 2-prong. There is armored cable running from the breaker panel to each receptacle. What do I need to do in order to install and properly ground new 3-prong receptacles? <Q> The correct answer is that you cannot install a 3 prong...	The only way you can do it is if what you are calling armored cable has enough room in it to fish a ground wire through. In your case, you should be looking at some new wiring.
How can I repair rusty tools? Should I use sandpaper to clean the rust from the tools (e.g. Needle-nose pliers), or can I soak them in vinegar or lemon juice? Would I be better off just buying new tools (which can be an expensive choice for expensive tools)? <Q> While I don't use hand tools much, I certainly own a lo...	"For more heavily rusted metal, try a spray-on, wipe-off, acid-based rust remover like Rust Free.
Apartment building's thermostat located in unheated common area is cooking the tenants In my apartment building, we have a steam heat system with radiators in each of the six apartments. The thermostat is located in the stairway/common area, where there is no radiator or exposed heat pipes of any sort. Very bad desig...	You can also get thermostats with remote temperature sensors, in which case you could install the sensor in the apartment Install a radiator in the common area, so it at least somewhat reflects the temperature of the apartments Install a multi-zone system, with a thermostat in each apartment and independent solenoids t...
What's the easiest way to carry 4x8 sheets of 70-lbs drywall by yourself? This past weekend, I had some help carrying eight 4x8 sheets of type X drywall up a flight of stairs. It was not easy. I know the sheets couldn't have weighed more than 80 lbs, but it felt like they weighed a ton. I need to get more up the sam...	Lock one arm straight down with fingers under the drywall, and the other arm over your head to steady it. Although the Gorilla Gripper might be ok for carrying it across an even surface, in my experience such tools do not work so well to tackle stairs or uneven terrain. It also helps to lean the sheet of drywall into y...
Line tester reads power to 220V outlet when the breaker is off Bought a house in May that came with a window air conditioner connected to a 220V outlet. The air conditioner is gone with no plan to replace so I want to remove the outlet. I went to the breaker, flipped the double pole 20A breaker to "Off" and then use my...	In my experience, a breaker can become locked due to the contacts being welded internally and WILL NOT disconnect power/voltage from the circuit. When you flip the breaker, it should go off. This setup is not legal, but it sounds like it may not be wired correctly anyway I called the electrician that wired the house, a...
Environmental protection for computer equipment in unheated garage I live in Minnesota, and I have an unheated, detached garage. I would like to place an "offsite" data backup device (possibly a NAS) in the garage, which I should be easily able to connect to the wireless network in the house (in case of fire, burgling,...	As long as you have a little bit of air, and can keep it at an acceptable temp, low airflow won't be a problem. I would get a used dorm-style fridge (working) and build a PC inside of it.
How high can I stretch my washing machine drain hose? The waste hose through which the water is removed from my washing machine is inserted into a vertical pipe extending from the floor with a U shape at its end. The problem is that there is foam coming out of the pipe where the waste hose is inserted. Can I extend t...	Experience tells me that at least some models of washer won't hold water unless the drain hose extends above the water level of the wash basin. Foaming products, such as those made for manual washing of delicate garments, and other foaming products such as hand dish soap or soaps for hand cleaning, should never be used...
How to remove screws with stripped heads? I have wood screws whose heads are stripped from trying to remove them with a drill. The drill (or screwdrivers) can't grip the heads anymore. What can i use to remove these screws easily? <Q> Damaged screws are extracted by drilling into the screw with a drill bit, then using ...	To remove a stripped/damaged screw easily, you can use a pair of specialized screw pliers.
What steps should I take to figure out which alarm model I have and how to go about installing a missing sensor? My home has a central alarm system with keypad and every door and window set up with a sensor except for 1. This 1 sensor was removed when the previous owners replaced the frame, and it keeps the entire sy...	You may be able to short out the door sensor. Installing the sensor may or may not be easy.
What is the best tool for cutting up scrap wood? I have some wood left over from building a patio, mainly some planks. Normally when I'm creating firewood, I just use an axe a split the wood, but these are too long for that. I really don't want to try and cut them with a wood saw or an Axe. The only tools I can thin...	A good bow saw can cut through sticky, sappy, green branches in seconds, so seasoned lumber will be no problem.
How much gap to leave between basement concrete floor and bottom of drywall board? We have a dry basement with a concrete floor. When putting on the wall boards, how much (if any) gap should there be between the concrete floor and the bottom of the board? The boards are 3/8 inch, I was thinking about using a scrap p...	Drywall should definitely not touch concrete as moisture will wick (ie flow up the surface as in a candle/lamp wick) into the drywall and encourage mold growth.
How can I figure out why half my house is cold? I just purchased my home a few months ago, and the AC was sub par during the summer. Now that winter is here, the house is extremely uncomfortable (cold). My furnace shoots hot air up to one main exit, then branches to the two sides of my home. I discovered two hinge...	If the damper itself is fine, the problem may be a clog in the duct itself which is easier to clean with the duct opened up. If it is a manual damper, there is usually a wing nut that attaches the handle to the shaft of the damper. I've used the dryer vent cleaning brushes from Gardus which would work well for this job...
How do I control a heat lamp with a thermostat? My girlfriend is crazy about making bread. However, as the temperature is often very cold around here, I would like to make her a box in which the temperature can be controlled. I have purchased a thermostat and have figured out how to wire it to a heat from a heat lamp ...	Just use an extension cord so that you can put the thermostat inside the proofing box.

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