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How to remove rusted remains of kitchen sink tailpiece? While taking out an rusted tailpeice it broke and you can see what was left in the pvc pipe. How can I remove the rest of the tailpiece? Update: Also how would I know which tailpiece size to replace it with. Update: I ended up cutting just below the T-connect...	As far as what to replace it with, you need to measure the diameter of the existing piece and the distance between the trap and the sink. You might be able to get it out without damaging the pipe
How do I wire a two tube ballast to a single tube fixture? I am replacing a ballast for a single tube. The new ballast I purchased is designed for two tubes but states that it is also compatible with a single (more powerful) tube corresponding exactly to what I need. They apparently forgot to draw the wiring diagram f...	Sometimes, especially with rapid start ballasts, the answer is "you can't".
How can I alter these wooden towel hooks so that the towels don't fall off? We have this rack of towel hooks in our bathroom, but the hooks are so smooth that the towels easily fall off. How can I alter it so that the towels don't fall off? I'd rather not roughen up the wood, as it may pull thread out of the towels....	A dab of Sugru, rubber compound you can buy on internet.
How to repair a closed-stringer staircase? I need to replace the treads on my closed-stringer staircase. They are 100-year-old softwood with unsightly, disintegrating rubber covers glued on. One stringer is against the outer wall of the house, the other faces inwards, but removing it and getting it back on is well beyo...	Removing the old treads and replacing them is not a simple/easy task, it can be done though.
Is installing a gable fan worth the investment? We have 2 gable vents in our roof (approx 2' high or so), one at either end, and upon inspection it does not appear that there is really enough overhang in the roof for soffits. I still have to inspect it closer from the outside, but they are for sure not installed at th...	There is just too much surface area heated by the sun on a typical roof for any small fan to handle.
Should the fill line be removed when decommissioning an old oil tank? So, I have a contractor decommissioning my old 650-gallon oil tank. There is a 3" metal tube coming out of the ground from the tank that is what I believe to be the receptacle used to fill the tank when it was still active. My question here is,...	Tanks of 1,100 gallons or less may be left empty provided they are first pumped and cleaned, and have the fill line capped or plugged,below grade, to prevent refilling of the tank. I would assume that it would be included in the decomissioniing.
How to stop a leak of water through a concrete floor I live in an apartment building. Each house has a bathroom with a concrete floor covered in tiles. In the corner of the floor is a drain with its pipe going all the way through. However, I have noticed water leaking into my roof space from the upstairs neighbor's bat...	Concrete will always absorb then release water eventually but the shower tray and piping system (Without leaks)is waterproof. This will most likely include getting to the upstairs neighbor and kindly asking him to assist with this problem and if he doesn't want to assist bring that to the building management, authoriti...
How do I replace a GFCI receptacle in my bathroom? we're remodeling our bathroom and were simply looking to switch out 20 year old light almond outlets and light switches for white. While I thought this would be easy I've run into a problem with the outlet by the sink. I'm no electrician, but I do have a physics degr...	When you install an outlet, it should match the rating for the wiring.
How can I remove the old wood smell from furniture? My wife just bought an old cabinet from a consignment store. The inside has a strong old wood smell that we are afraid will infuse whatever we put inside. How do get rid of the smell so we can use it without worrying about the odor attaching to out towels? <Q> It's a...	A shellac based sealer such as Zinsser (clear finish) or BIN (pigmented, intended as a primer) should help reduce the odors. If still necessary, when you deploy the cabinet into use, for the first while (perhaps several weeks or months) place some absorbent material into each drawer, like baking soda or activated carbo...
How long should I run my pool pump for? How frequently/long for should I run my pool pump? it's a standard single speed 1.5 hp electric motor pump. I've heard different answers from various people and I am left wondering what is correct. Factors seem to include: lifespan of pump; cleanliness of water; power consumptio...	It is true that starting stopping a pump wears it more than when it is not running..
How do I wire an old furnace motor so I can use it as a garage exhaust fan? Since last I posted, I moved WAY south (lil warm down here) and the house I moved into was a foreclosure so a few things needed done, namely the AC and furnace. When the guy did the job he said he would (did?) leave the old motor behind so I c...	If not, then getting a schematic for your old furnace would be the first step, if that isn't available or known you can use some techniques with a multimeter to determine how the motor is wound and use that information to hook it up.
Can I plug an air conditioner and a chest freezer into the same outlet? I have a Gibson/Frigidaire through the wall AC unit plugged into a dedicated 3-prong outlet in my a room of my apartment. I'd like to put a chest freezer in my office for homebrewed beer. Is it safe to put a splitter on this outlet and plug both th...	This is a 20amp outlet, but before you go drawing 16amps/80% of that, you should verify that there is a 20amp breaker/fuse on the other end as well as 12 gauge wiring (thicker than the standard 14 gauge you find on most 15amp circuits). I would check to verify true ground.
Can I use old abandoned iron pipe as electrical conduit? I have an older house (1920) and I have been planning on doing some rewiring to get rid of some k + t stuff. Anyway, I just noticed today that there are some irons pipes that used to be part of the heating system. (they are no longer connected + filled with air)...	If they are at all corroded or otherwise rough on the inside they run the risk of damaging the insulation, which can lead to an eventual short and/or electrification of the pipes. It is no more dangerous than ungrounded conduit
Do you know any switches which turns on/off based on day light? I am looking for having some sensor based switches which will turn on/off the lights based on the light conditions during the day (i.e. turn on when there is less light and turn off when there is more light) Also, is there a way to connect this switch wit...	You can use the same daylight sensor with different switches or dimmers.
Can I share a 240V outlet between two devices? I have a single 50 amp 240 volt outlet. However, I've been using both my dryer and a welder on this same outlet, both have 3-prong (10-50P) plugs. It can be difficult to plug and unplug cords from this outlet. Are there any ways to share this outlet with both devices wi...	If your box can be mounted close enough to the existing outlet, you can cut the excess off your dryer or range cord and use that excess wire to connect the two new outlets. But I assume that since you are currently plugging your welder into your dryer receptacle, 30A will be sufficient. If you need 50A, you will need d...
What's a good way to sharpen a carpenter's pencil, without buying a special sharpener? I have a carpenter's pencil that's getting pretty blunt and I've realised I don't know how to sharpen it. How can I sharpen it without buying a special dedicated tool for it? <Q> Whatever you have handy. <S> There are many tools th...	The only way to sharpen a carpenters pencil is to a chisel point. A pocket or utility knife - cut away from you of course.
How can I make outlet wall plates mount flush after removing wood paneling? I recently removed some old wood panelling in my basement that was up against drywall. I refinished the walls and painted but now the outlet covers don't mount flush against the wall anymore because they were originally installed when the walls...	Either you can use a remodel box; these are boxes that have tabs on them that screw in to secure the box into the wall, or you can use a regular electrical box and try and screw it to the stud from inside of the box. Before doing anything else, turn off the power to the outlet. Like it has been said here a few times, r...
How to remove a tub drain with no spokes? I attempted to use my tub drain removal wrench to remove a bath tub drain. Unfortunately the spokes of the drain broke and the drain flange cracked. Not being terribly skilled at plumbing I am now unsure of how to remove this tub drain. How do you remove a tub drain with no s...	You can also use expanding pliers.
How can I remove skunk smell from house? I apologize in advance if this is off-topic but I'm in need of some help and not sure who to ask. Our dog got blasted by a skunk and went inside the house. We've got the dog under control but the house still smells awful (I think some of the oil dripped on the floor). Are th...	The combination of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish detergent did get rid of the skunk oil and smell when our dog rubbed his face and neck all over the laminate flooring after getting sprayed.
Can you use plywood as roofing? I've seen buildings where plywood was used as both wall sheathing and siding. T-111 is commonly used this way, for example. Would it work to do the same thing on a roof? I assume it wouldn't last decades, but maybe its lifespan is enough for certain short-lived projects. I guess se...	Roll Roofing is inexpensive and easy to install.
How can I filter iron out of kiddie pool water? Our well water is high in iron. In the house, we put salt with an iron remover into our water softener. The outside bibs don't run through the water softener, however. The other day we filled up the kiddie pool for the first time and after a while the water turned orange....	The only option I have found is to use a chemical additive to precipitate out the the iron and then do lots of filter cartridge changes.
When to stop putting out mouse traps? So last week my wife and I discovered some evidence of mice fooling around in our kitchen at night (e.g. shuffled cleaning supplies under the sink, hoarded dog food, and of course their droppings). After a little research, I decided to get the classic spring-style mouse traps. I se...	Setting traps will kill what you have, but you still have the problem of the mice getting in. But as you find holes, seal them up. They say if traps have not been active in five days you're clear. The best way to deal with the infestation is to attack the perimeter. So if it is working you have to go with it - if you a...
Do I run screws through the "tops" or through the "bottoms" of the corrugated steel in roofing? Suppose I want to cover a roof with corrugated steel sheets. Imagine a sheet laying on the roof. It will have "tops" - zones that are further from the roof surface and "bottoms" - zones that are closer to the roof surface (t...	In areas with extremely long and cold winters, many people prefer to put the screws in the bottom because roof rakes are less likely to to knock and displace screws. Universally, we screw through the crest of the corrugation on the roof and through the trough on the walls.
Drilling "misting" pin holes in PVC I built raised gardens this year and added cheap DIY PVC irrigation. I used a 1/16" drill bit and drilled several holes in 1/2" PVC pipe. The 1/16" drill bit was the smallest I had but the holes were still too big for the misting action I was going for; the water comes out in strea...	A slightly more robust version of your duct-tape solution might be to drill larger holes, then use a hot glue gun and a needle to form permanent tiny nozzles in place. Alternatively, another (often cheaper) version of this is a drill-style welding tip cleaner :
What alternatives do I have to cap/plug the kitchen spray nozzle I have a seasonal camp that is winterized each year. The kitchen faucet spray nozzle must have suffered from some ice damage and leaks constantly. The feed line to it comes from the mixed section of the faucet and there is no way to disconnect it. I ...	, you could cut the hose & stick a barbed hose plug in it: & hold it on with a hose clamp:
How do I fix a hole in a hollow door? My son sometimes has a temper, and has been known to hit his door when sent to his room. He has actually done so enough to punch a bit of a hole in it. I'm trying to figure out what might be doable to fix the door. Here is a photo of it: As can be seen, there is a crack on the le...	Drive a few nails around the perimeter to keep it in place until the glue can dry. If the hole completely exposes the inside of the door, you can first fill the opening will the following steps:
Where am I losing heat from my house? My house is about 5 years old and our local building codes required a 5-star energy rating (Melbourne, Australia). This means there's solar hot water and both the walls and ceiling are insulated. But it takes a lot of energy to heat the room, and as soon as you turn off the centra...	Another possibility is leaky ducts in your heating system. Without a scan you are only quessing what the problem is. One quick & easy DIY trick is to light something that will smoke (like incense) Also check around the seals of your bathroom extraction fans.
Is it safe to re-use drill holes in a wall? I've just mounted a 42" TV with a new wall mount that uses 3/16" bolts into some studs on the wall. I now want to use an articulating one, which means I'll need to replace the old mount. The new mount also uses the same size bolts. Is it safe to re-use the holes from the o...	If you didn't strip the holes when removing the old bolts, then you PROBABLY should be able to re-use the same holes, but to be safe, I would inject a little Elmer's wood glue (just a few drops) into each hole before you insert the bolts.
Should I install a vapour barrier if I'm using rigid foam insulation? I'm re-insulating a room in my house from the inside. I've read that polyisocyanurate (polyiso) rigid foam insulation is the best R-value, so I plan on using that. Details: The house was built in 1955 in Camrose, Alberta, Canada. And the previous ...	Rigid foam insulation is usually a qualified vapor barrier.
Are there any dangers associated with rigid foam insulation? Is there any danger of bad fumes/gasses being released from polyisocyanurate or polystyrene rigid foam insulation? I'm planning on insulating my bedroom from the inside (ie: putting the insulation between the studs), and I'm wondering if I need to worry abou...	Put the barrier on the inside of the house side and staple/tape it so that the foamboard will only offgas to the outside. Foam board releases small amounts of brominated flame retardants, and this is a serious concern. Owens corning states that extruded foamboard is not a vapor barrier in itself as it has a permiabilit...
How do I disable a locking door latch? I have the following door handle / lock combination that leads out to my garage. The key for the door has long been lost and sometimes someone will turn the internal lock and the door cannot be opened from the garage side. I wish to disable this lock, how do I do that? <Q> Glue co...	You could also bring the handle into a hardware store that cuts keys and get a set of keys made or you can get the lock re keyed to work with your front door key or another.
How can I get rid of fleas in my crawlspace forever? I have lived in my house since 2007. I have a large crawlspace (dirt floor, ranging in height) where I have a nice woodworking shop. In 2011 the shop became infested with fleas, but not the upstairs. Two rounds of flea bombs got rid of them but they came back thi...	The fleas are most likely lying dormant (deep) in the dirt floor, below where the bombs/sprays will get to. If the cat(s) is a pet, use of adult flea kill treatment (like Advantage) can provide some help; possibly enough to do the trick. Sevin dust is very toxic so wear a mask. when I have a heavy infestation, I treat,...
What information do I need to size a sawn or hewn beam? I have a load bearing wall in my house that a previous occupant decided to cut a hole in to make things feel more open. They did not add a header, much to my chagrin. I'm planning to put an exposed beam in to bear the load. What information will I need to size the...	All of this means you want to use a hewn beam that is a bit oversized for the application. It depends on what kind of wood you're using. A hydraulic jack with doubled 2x4 post works well, and fit doubled studs under the ends. It is always best to get approval from you local structural engineer/permitting agency.
How do I dig a 3 foot deep narrow trench in soft clay I need to dig a 3 foot trench in soft clay to put in a new water pipe. If I use I drain spade to dig it about 16cm ( 6 inches) wide will I have enough space to do the digger? Is there a better type of spade to use? About what length of trench can fit people did...	To keep to the 6" width you'd pretty much have to find a trencher, IME - or you could use a post-hole digger, but that would be more inefficient than digging a wider trench you can work in, IME.
Are there any differences in the quality of products sold at contractor's supply store vs. big box hardware stores? We are in the early stages of building a new house & went shopping for lighting fixtures yesterday. We get an allowance from the builder which we know will be used up very quickly after visiting their s...	When you go in to select lights, you are usually seeing consumer list prices, not the actual price us contractors pay. For lights specifically, if you find one that you like at a big box, then go for it.
What can I use as a thread "tightener" compound for a free-running bolt? (I'm familiar with thread "locking" compounds, purple, blue, and red, but that's not what I'm looking for here. They lock once and then upon breaking the joint, do nothing further.) I'm looking for a way to tighten up a free spinning clean, ea...	Based on the clarifications, I would recommend using a reusable thread-locking liquid. Vibra-Tite VC3 Threadmate You could try some really really fine sand - something that will create more friction between the threads without seizing up.
What is the max distance between top of gutter and the roof tiles? I am about to replace my gutters, one guide I have read say the gutter should never be more then 30mm below the bottom of the roof tiles, another says 50mm. What is the reason for this? What is a safe distance? (I want to get a good fall on the gut...	My understanding is that if the gutters are placed too high that a sheet of snow could slide off and if it catches the front of the gutter it can tear it off.
How do you protect solar panels for storage during house rebuild? I am in the process of preparing to demolish my house so I can rebuild. We are taking the solar panels off the roof and plan to put them back on to the new house. Does anyone know the best way to store them in the meantime? Would heavy duty bubble wrap a...	Just stack em using batons(bareing in mind weight) and then cover the entire stack in foil and possibly some polystyrene and or bubble wrap on the corners and top to prevent shock damage in case something hits or falls on it
How can I fill this gap between two areas of flooring I have two half-inch gaps in the flooring in my kitchen. One between the kitchen and the living room (first image) and another between the kitchen and the outside door (second image)! at their widest the gaps are an inch wide and about a half inch deep at the dee...	If they are uneven, you might need to put a filler under the saddle that levels them. You can maybe find something with a stepped profile that will match the tile height. This is an area that needs attention to avoid insulation problems, moisture seepage and even insect incursion. For the gap at the living room try a s...
Should I install an exhaust fan in a new garage? I'm having a new garage built in my home and I'm wondering if it's a good idea to have some sort of ventilation/exhaust/fan system installed while they're at it? I'm thinking of doing some spray painting in there so I figured having a vent in there would be a good idea. ...	If it is typical consumer based spray enamel then opening the garage door should provide sufficient ventilation, however if you plan on doing any automotive painting (especially with the older non-water based enamels) then it is critically important that you have a custom ventilation system installed as well as wearing...
How can I shorten barstools temporarily so I can reattach the bottom of the legs? I have a couple solid-wood-legged barstools that I want to temporarily (for a year or so) shorten by 6 inches. Is there any good way to cut the legs so they'll be more stable upon reattachment? Or any good way to reattach them solidly? ...	In theory you could cut off the lower end of each leg and later reattach using a double ended lag bolt (really a screw):
Why is ENT rarely used for electrical wiring? As best I can tell, the National Electrical Code 2011 allows electrical non-metallic tubing ("smurf tube" or ENT) to be used for running 120 V electrical wire. But everywhere I look, I see remarks to the effect that its use is mostly confined to low-voltage wiring (communic...	As mentioned in the comments to the question, this stuff is often put into poured walls and floors. It can be toxic or result in excessive smoke generation when it is subject to products of combustion. Given that it meets NEC code, I can't come up with a good reason why specific localities might forbid it, other than p...
Can I add four 20Amp circuits in a subpanel with a 10-3 feeder? My garage has two 20 Amp circuits and an unused 10-3 w/ground connected to two 30 amp breakers. I want to use those unused wires for a subpanel but i'm not sure how big of a panel could I install? I would like to add four 20 amp circuits.Will I also need...	That said, you can generally add as many non-dedicated general recep circuits as you want, because they are considered to be part of the lighting load, which is calculated by area, not by number of receps. Be sure to keep the ground bus and neutral bus separate in the subpanel . If the garage is attached to the house, ...
Do I need an air space between insulation and flooring in the attic? As part of a local council grant, I am getting my attic floor insulation (2 inch thick fibreglass) replaced with 4 inch thick insulation. It will lie between the joists, on top of the plasterboard which forms the ceiling of the rooms below. I then pl...	It's very important not to compress the insulation to allow 'lofting' Install raised storage stilts.
I might have accidentally vacuumed asbestos. Is the vacuum ruined now? If an ordinary shop vacuum has sucked up asbestos, should it be considered unsafe after that and thrown away? I don't know if this is the right kind of question for this site but I thought I would try. The story:I was vacuuming some debris from a ...	You can also clean out ac vents by vacuuming them. Put the hose thru the window and seal it off good. Keep you clean clothes in a bag. Yes, we are talking about very small quantities, if any. This material is not to be taken lightly. If I were vacuuming asbestos I would get a 20 foot hose which you can buy from Home De...
Options for replacing an at-grade hose bibb The problem My house is built on a crawlspace and the floor of the house is just a few inches above grade. The hose bibbs come straight out of the crawlspace and are thus very close to the ground. The guys who installed them 60 years ago knew this would be awkward, so they p...	If you do end up installing a frost-free sillcock, you can winterize it by simply shutting off the sillcock and disconnecting the hose. Take a regular spigot, attach to a 90 degree elbow, and put a hose adapter on the bottom. Another option, which is probably easier, would be to make up an adapter of sorts for the outs...
How should I insulate a bedroom in the attic? After doing lots of research and reading lots of different opinions I would like to know what is the best way to insulate and vent a 1 1/2 story house that has a bedroom upstairs in the roof/attic area. I live in Minnesota and want to know the proper way to do this so the u...	You'll need to consider either or both more efficient insulation and some soffiting to get enough room for proper insulation. At a bare minimum you're probably going to need R-19 wall and R-40 roof, if not more.
Why do touch ups on flat paint show? I just had my whole house gutted and renovated due to a fire. I am having a problem with the paint they used. The contractor insisted on using flat paint as it could be touched up and would not show. Well, every place they have touched up shows a different color even though they ...	If the original paint was applied with a roller, and the patch with a brush, there will always be a noticeable texture difference.
What is a GFI outlet used for, and where should I install them? What purpose does a GFI serve? Where should they be used? <Q> It works by comparing the input current on the hot side to the output current on the neutral side. <S> If there's the slightest difference in current, on the order of a few milliamps, then ther...	A GFI, or GFCI - Ground Fault Circuit Interupter device protects us from receiving electric shocks from faults in the electrical devices we use in our home.
How can I stop high water pressure from causing leaks at the connection to my washer? First of all, I've tried searching the questions for this but I haven't found anything that matches, but if this is a duplicate, my apologies in advance. I've just moved into an apartment, and in contrast to the abysmal water pressur...	A lot of shower heads these days come with a small washer and people complain about the low pressure - replacing the washer can improve the pressure
How do I widen a hole in wood for flex tube? I bought some 1" smurf tube so that I could run coax, ethernet, and speaker cable to various low voltage outlets in my house. I used a 1-1/4" speedbor bit to make a hole in the floor from my crawl space but discovered that the smurf tube was 1" inner diameter and 1-1/4" oute...	The easiest thing would be to plug the hole and drill a proper sized hole nearby. And sanding a six inch deep hole .... I think carpenter's glue would less likely gum things up than other glue types.
Is it safe to use a former furnace flue to vent my dryer through the roof? Our dryer is located in the center of our house. The current vent situation has tubing that makes several bends between the dryer and the crawl space before hitting metal duct that takes it about 25' across the crawl space to exhaust under our ...	The problem is that lint will quickly clog the vent since once any lint collects on the walls, it will slow down airflow enough that lint will accumulate at the bottom of the vent. The only way you could use an existing flue for a dryer vent is if you can run a smooth 4 inch metal duct down the flue to the dryer.
Can I vent my dryer into the crawl space without creating mold and moisture problems? We have a crawl space with a combination of sandy and clay soil in it. The crawl space is about 3' deep. To eliminate a long dryer vent run, I'd like to vent the dryer directly into the crawl space. We have vents built into the fou...	After you vent it outside, run the dryer and put your hand over the vent and you will see what I mean. Do not vent it into your crawlspace or basement since you will definitely have moisture problems. I am breathing that lint all the time. Vent it outside to avoid any issues. (I have lived here 25 years and never had a...
How can I replace multiple 3 way switches with motion sensors? My tenants never turn the lights off in the stairwells of my 3 family house, so I'd like to replace all of the light switches with motion sensors. Here is a crude diagram of how this is set up now. Each number indicates a 3 way switch. 2 questions: Can ...	You can probably replace the switches with those sensors, but you're going to have to do some creative wiring to work around the fact that they're not 3-way switches, but the switches you're replacing with them are. You'll likely end up with the light being on whenever either of the switches is on. (An example vacancy ...
Do USB sockets draw power when not in use? I would like to replace a couple of electrical outlets in my house with ones that have USB sockets. My concern is that they will continually draw power, even when I don't have a phone plugged in to them <Q> It is very unlikely that they won't. <S> Nearly all AC to DC convert...	You could conduct the test yourself by buying one such outlet, wiring it temporarily to a plug, and using a plug-in power meter or clamp meter to measure the current/power draw.
Is an ungrounded GFCI outlet safer than a plumbing-grounded non-GFCI outlet? I'm in the United States. I have a handful of three-prong outlets that have been grounded to the underground water main just as it enters the crawlspace. All of the ground wires are home runs to the same clamp on the water main. This rules out...	Yes, the GFCI could fail to open when it should (so test it regularly), but the counter-objection is that having a ground on the outlet doesn't guarantee that the circuit breaker will operate when a loose wire in an appliance touches the chassis.
Why would a CFL bulb dim by itself after 60 seconds? I have some GE Energy Smart CFL bulbs which are advertised as "Bright from the Start". This is true, except within 60 seconds after I turn the bulbs on, they will dramatically and immeidately become much dimmer. I assume that this is not the intended outcome, so.....	The theory is that the halogen is used when the light is first turned on, providing instant light.
Do I really need a small fan inside my fridge? I have a three years old fridge without "no-frost" or anything similar to avoid ice build up. Yet there's a fan in the main compartment - about 90 millimeters in diameter and running simultaneously with the fridge compressor. The salesperson couldn't explain why it is need...	But it is needed to circulate the cold air properly within the compartments it self..
Can teflon tape be used on a threaded joint behind a wall? I'm remodeling my bathroom. Last night I took the cement board off the wall where the pipes run for the shower. One of the pipes that carries water to the shower was corroded. Upon further inspection, I noticed a small leak at a threaded joint (more or less whe...	If so, these threads definitely require tape and/or pipe dope. I wonder if the corrosion that you mention might be mineral buildup on the outside of the pipe due to the small leak. Many modern valves have replaceable cartridges that can be swapped when they wear out rather than having to replace the entire valve. Obvio...
What actions can I take to reduce moisture on basement floor? In one corner of my basement, after a few heavy rains, I see a darkening of the concrete floor. To touch, the concrete feels damp-ish. I say damp-ish, because when I pull my hand away, I don't see any moisture on it. There is also no beaded moisture on th...	If it's the water table, then you'll have water seeping up through the floor. Make sure that your eaves expel the water far away from your foundation. Make sure the area is clean, so that there's nothing for mold to feed on.
How can I trim veneer edging? I've been applying some adhesive-backed veneer to some shop cabinets just to get some practice since I've never done it before. Didn't have much trouble getting it on, but trimming it has been another story. I've tried going nice and slow with a utility knife with a new blade, and then I ...	A trimmer with a skewed cutting angle can also help.
Is the ability to save pictures worth it in an inspection camera? I am about to run a whole ton of communication cable in an existing two-story house, and so I am considering buying an inspection camera to help with this. As I started looking around, they range in price from about $75 on sale to $800. I'm not a pro con...	However I believe you can get USB inspection cameras that are cheap and allows you to record/view on your laptop - they may be a better option for DIY. Control - as soon as the camera is out of your fingers, there is no good way to control where it looks.
How can I determine what is in my water? My question is, how can I determine exactly what these "floaties" are that I see in my drinking water? I know that I sound crazy and more than a little obsessive-compulsive....my wife tells me this all the time. For a while, we had a Brita water pitcher that had a replaceabl...	You can use a simple drinking water test kit to prove to yourself that it's safe.
How can I mount a TV when I can't find studs inside my wall? WARNING: I'm not the greatest handyman. I bought a TV mount the other day, expecting to hang my heavy 40" TV above the fireplace. However, the instructions specifically say to first screw the mount into the studs in the wall. Unfortunately, I don't seem to...	If your wall is masonry then the TV mount can likely be mounted directly to the masonry (or mounts are available which can). Studs can usually be found beside original electrical boxes (as the boxes are mounted to the side of the stud).
How do I clean ballpoint pen marks from an LED TV screen? My kid was playing with a pen and she drew a few lines on the TV screen. I tried to remove it with water just after it happened, but it didn't work. Now the lines have been on the TV for a few days, so how can I clean it? <Q> A simple pencil eraser works well...	Nail polish remover (100% acetone is best) will get rid of permanent marker
What is the best way to remove pet odor from concrete? The concrete floor in my garage had been home to a large dog for several years. There is a visible stain and strong smell in one area of the garage floor. The concrete does not appear to be sealed or painted. What is the best way to remove the odor? <Q> Let me s...	NONE of those specialty pet odor removal products worked. I believe they also sell something that will etch the surface of the concrete so the Drylok will adhere better.
Should gloves be worn when working with concrete to prevent it from coming in contact with skin? I was told recently that concrete is slightly corrosive. Should gloves be worn when using concrete or is it fine to handle concrete as long as its not done on a regular basis? <Q> Cement (the active component of concrete...	My suggestion if your going to be using concrete or cement even for a few minutes is to wear gloves.
Does one wall socket share power between both ac plugs? In a standard wall outlet (two three-prong sockets) do both sockets share power? Say I plugged a surge protector into one and a surge protector into the other and have 5 devices connected to each surge protector. Would that be the same as if I plugged both surge p...	On almost all outlets, those sockets are connected by small tabs of brass that feeds the connections from one socket to the other. The neutral side may or may not be connected depending on several factors that are not critical here. In general, try not to overload your domestic circuits. Plug everything in and try it. ...
What can I do about mild water/moisture damage to laminate wooden flooring? Yesterday, I accidentally left the window open while it was raining heavily. Some rain poured in for a while (maybe a half-hour or so) before I noticed. After I had wiped off the floor, some dark areas remained in the vicinity of the seams betw...	Although I'm not certain Andrea's floors were laminate, if they were they would not be able to be properly dried out if they sustained water damage.
Why is sewage backing up from this outdoor pipe? I just recently moved into my first house this morning and when I went outside I noticed this: What happened? What should I do? I have no idea what that pipe even is. I don't believe there is a septic tank on my property because we use city utilities? <Q> My guess, a...	It could also be a cleanout for the sewer line from the house to the city main.
Why do the oven and burners work but the pilot light won't ignite? Texas Gas Service turned off our gas for the weekend. We just got it turned back on, and the stove and oven will both light -- but the pilot lights won't. They worked fine before Friday. Obviously this has something to do with the fact that they turned...	There are some gas systems that require heat on a key point (usually provided by a lit pilot) before a valve will open to allow gas to flow.
What is the best way to fill a 3 inch gap under my concrete front porch? I'm in need of some help with my concrete foundation. As I was leaving the house this morning I discovered two or three skunks crawling into a gap under my porch. The hole is on the bottom of the porch where the grass and porch meet. The gap is ab...	The easiest way would be to excavate some of the gravel until you reach some stable foundation (I'd guess it's around one foot deep) and put new concrete forming an extra "step". To remove the animals I'd hire an animal control company to get rid of them for you.
How can I fabricate a custom one-off plastic part? Here's some background: I just moved into a house and am in the process of fixing up the bathroom. I want to keep the two florescent lights that frame the medicine cabinet but the plastic covers are probably 30 years old and one is cracking. Question: Does anyone kn...	As others have said, you will often spend more on the part than on new fixtures, especially if you add in your time to find it or make it. In the UK there services popping up that offer profesional 3D printing
Why does my fluorescent light fixture take minutes to turn on in high heat and humidity? Our kitchen fixture won't come on for 3 to 5 minutes when the temperature goes over 90°F (32.2°C) and 90% humidity. It flickers and only reaches 80% brightness after that. It will occasionally flicker in lower, but still warm tempe...	Humidity can cause corrosion of the metal fixtures on the ends of a fluorescent bulb, impeding its ability to transmit electricity. This can happen with older canister capacitor starting 'cans' or solid-state ballasts.
Can I install sub floor over carpeting? Part of my basement has carpet laid 25 years ago The area is dry: never a water, mold or odor problem. We tested a small area and it was a nightmare to remove the glue from the concrete. We are thinking about installing a sub floor on top of the carpet, constructing a grid of ...	You may not have any moisture problems now, but any occurrence of water (flood, broken plumbing, spill) getting in that hidden carpet in the future will cause you more grief than you could dream of. i've since removed (all) the dust mite infested carpet and replaced the wall.you will void any warranty for material and ...
What is this knob for on my fireplace? I have the pictured "knob" beside my gas fireplace. Can anybody tell me what its purpose is? I also have an on/off switch beside the fireplace. I'm guessing this is for the gas. Is there any harm in turning the switch off while the fireplace is on to test my theory? <Q> Having bui...	The knob raises or lowers the flame in the fireplace.
How do I install this wall mount bathroom sink? I'm replacing a sink that was on a vanity cabinet and hoping to do as little busting through the perfectly good tile as possible. I heard a rumor that I need to make very sure that the sink is adequately supported. I'm more than happy to add legs. I bought this Glacier...	You want a thin buffer, maybe plastic or rubber just under and aroung the holes, then a large washer (bigger than the holes) under that, then the head of the legs, which should adjust by being rotated up to abut the washer and rubber.
How can I puncture an eaves trough full of water and not get wet? I bought my first house this past spring and I am fixing it up. My property has a tear down type garage on it that I'm currently using as storage. (I'll get a new garage eventually at some point but not today) The foundation is cracked and I believe it ...	The water should have evaporated and the gutter should be dry.
Is there a tool I can use to cut out the templates for door hardware? I just bought some new hardware (knobs and latches) for the interior doors of my house. Currently the latches look something like this: (source: homedepot.com ) And the new latches look something like this (at least the square shape, though I rea...	A router (along with a special guide) can be used to cut part of the inset you need, but is not the easiest tool to use if you are not experienced, and it does not cut square corners, which still require a chisel to finish.
Should I spray down the shower with a diluted bleach solution after using it? I have a tile shower in the basement that is not very well ventilated. My mother-in-law suggested a spray bottle of 1/2 bleach, 1/2 water, and spraying it around the surfaces of the shower after using it to help prevent mold. Is mother-in-l...	Laundry Bleach is a dangerous oxidizer that can burn your skin and lungs and it is actually a very poor solution for mold.
How do I remove calcification from a screw head? I have two screws holding on the metal disc covering the shower drain. Neither appears to be stripped. I would like to remove these screws to clean out the drain. The problem is that the screwdriver won't go into the slots. I think there's some calcium buildup on the...	Most of the time you can chisel it out with a scratch awl and a utility knife .
Safe way to close gaps around copper pipes? I have baseboard heaters in my main living space. I can't see for sure without taking the covers off (which I haven't done yet) but it appears 2 copper pips come up from the basement (through the hard wood floor) to power them and the holes cut seem to be WAY too big around ...	Don't use spray foam such as Great Stuff around heat sources: it will melt and produce toxic fumes. I would use a plastic or metal escutcheon as suggested by others, however I would make sure that the escutcheon did not fit up tightly to the sides of the pipe. I would fill the hole with steel wool to stop the mice, the...
How can I resheathe behind brick fascia without removing the brick? The original builders of my house used a material called "Aluma Sheath", also known as Dennyboard, to sheathe my house. Dennyboard is a radiant coating on two sides of a 1/8 sheet of a fiberous material similar to what pegboards are made out of. It dis...	There is but one sane option in this situation: remove the sheetrock and insulation, then spray foam into the cavities up against the backsides of the bricks, essentially creating a rigid monolithic foam structure that envelops the studs and joins everything together.
Any ideas on how to keep a refrigerator from moving without wheel locks? I've got a frig on a tile floor without any wheel locks, and it likes to slide forward every time I open a refrigerator door quickly. So far I have tried: toilet shims shoved under the wheels. Since they are plastic onceramic tile, they kept s...	Most refrigerators have adjustable feet that can be "unscrewed" in order to level the fridge. Think I've solved problem by getting a rubber cord protector (what you use when you have an extension cord that needs to go across an aisle). We used a liner that grips on shelves or anything you use it on.
How should I fill 1/8" nail holes in a hardwood floor? After an anti-squeak effort, we've got a bunch of 1/8" holes in the hardwood floor. These are aligned with the original nail holes, so they will blend in if darker than the wood. What putty should we use? After that do we apply a little dot of polyurethane? Sand...	Just use some of that colored wood putty to fill the holes and put a dot of clear shellac on the putty holes after 3 days of drying.
Does this Dewalt corded drill have multi-speeds? I can't tell if this Dewalt drill has multiple speeds. <Q> More to the point VSR stands for: VariableSpeedReversable <S> which means the drill/tool can run from 0 RPM to the max RPM for the drill/tool in forward and reverse. <A> I have one of the cheaper Dewalt cord...	If you see the letters VSR in a description for a drill, that means it is variable speed.
How do I install a coat rack on drywall over concrete? Ok, here's the problem. I have a coat rack that was installed poorly by the previous owner, who firstly installed it upside down and then secondly didn't use any drywall mounts. It came right out of the wall. I purchased some toggle bolts and some dry wall anchors ...	As suggested by others, to attach to the concrete, you can use tapcons, concrete expansion bolts, or expansion anchors that you put screws into.
Should I be concerned about fridge/freezer airflow? We just recently had the following counter/cabinet system put into our basement family room. After everything was done, I started to get concerned about airflow. The enclosure was built in such a way that I can easily slide the fridge (left) and the freezer (right) ...	If you provided enough clearance, then the heat is likely not an issue as the fridge/freezer is designed to dissipate heat given the specified clearances.
Can I branch off of 1/4" copper tubing to a standard hose connector? I would like to branch off of the tiny 1/4" copper tubing that supplies my refrigerator with water and connect the branch to a hose timer that will auto-water some plants that I have in the kitchen. This is a picture of the 1/4" copper hose that goes...	After all this, there probably isn't much pressure left, meaning you could probably transition from hose to 1/4" drip fittings for the run from controller to plants, keeping the installation less obtrusive. Cut out a small section of tubing for which the tee replaces. If you can't find the proper mates, get a short nip...
What's the signalling voltage on hardwire smoke detectors? Mix and match? What is the signalling voltage on hardwire smoke detectors? Is it acceptable to mix brands? Is it acceptable to have detectors on different electrical circuits, connected only with an interconnect wire (will that cause the interconnect to be r...	I believe many use the same voltage on the interconnect, but still it is a code violation to interconnect them if it the combination is not specifically permitted in the instructions.
How can I make these concrete columns? I want to make a narrow concrete, decorative column like the ones found in this garden.. What is used as a mold for these types of columns? What gives the concrete those subtle color changes (the red and/or blue hues)? <Q> You make the pillars using any round type of tube or p...	The major home centers (Home Depot, Lowes, etc) sell round cardboard forms for pouring round concrete columns.
How can I attach a pipe to a flat surface? What type of fitting is used to attach a pipe to a flat surface such as a barrel or other container? The reason I ask is because I have built a tray out of sheet metal that is intended to contain plants. I now need to tap a drainage pipe into the bottom of it for the excess w...	You could attach a flange to the outside of the tray under the hole.
How can I hide the wires to a self-made ceiling light fixture? I have a simple self-made ceiling light fixture, but it currently lacks two things: some kind of a pipe to hide the wire. a cover to hide the ceiling junction box. I'd like to use something similar to what's used on this fixture to hide the wires in th...	On electric failure the cup may be on the high potential. A good system was used by many IKEA lamps. For hanging pendants, provided the shade isn't really heavy, the wiring is the cable.
How to remove moss from my roof? My roof seems to be growing moss and I'd like to remove it. I did some research and it looks like the solution is to mix water and bleach, spray the mix on the moss and then scrub the moss off about 30 min later. My concern about this is wont the bleach run off the roof and kill my gr...	The bleach mix will be dilute enough that it will not be of harm.
What's a doorway that doesn't have a door called? A doorway? passageway? archway? lintel? soffit? I have to label one on an architectural drawing, and it occurred to me that there may be a more technically accurate term for it than "passageway" or "archway." Don't know if this question is more appropriate for Home Im...	Chief Architect software calls door-sized openings without casings "archways" regardless of the shape of the top of the opening.
Can p-trap be installed higher than drain entry? I have p-trap entry in drain at 16" above the floor. However, vanity that I got has lower drawer which has top at about the same height. There is also about 4" clearance behind drawer.I was told that the only way to install p-trap would be to cut back of the drawer. So ...	As long as the p-trap is lower than the drainage from the basin then you can install it.
How do I wire this Australian ceiling light? I want to install a ceiling fixture. I have the manual and it looks pretty easy, but in the manual, it looks like I should have 2 cables coming out of my wall. Instead, I have 3. I don't know what to do now. The old fixture on my wall has 3 holes for wiring, labeled N , ...	The 'loop' terminal on the wall switch is utilised when multiple switches are used to operate the lights in one light circuit. You should call a qualified electrician.
what caused this new small dark hole on my hardwood floor recently? I'm seeing a new small hole on my hardwood floor since last week. It almost looks like it was a black spot before and then it became a hole. Is this because I didn't maintain the floor? or is it some sort of insect that did it? <Q> It's likely a knot t...	Same thing happens on tree trunks when small branches die and don't break off. Get a dehumidifier to reduce relative humidity to at least 50%.
What's the easiest way for me to cut thin metal? Will someone at Home Depot or Lowe's be able to cut this for me? If not, what tool should I buy and use? Edit Thanks for all the help! I ended up buying a Dremel. I went through 6 cut-off wheels in order to finish all my cuts. I was customizing an IKEA drawer to fit u...	For example, on steel, I'd go with an angle grinder as the fastest way to make the cuts, and a way to make a fairly straight cut. A jigsaw, or oscillating multitool, or hacksaw will all cause the material to bounce around. Angle grinder Let the sparks fly! An Oxy-Acetylene, or Plasma torch will make short work of this ...
How can I install a recessed light container in an abnormally thick ceiling? We are in the middle of our home remodeling and we have just noticed that our ceiling seems to be a bit thicker than what the maximum our recessed lights allow for. As shown within the picture link below, our ceiling is comprised of different...	Now you will have about a half inch of the clip in the vice so just re-bend the clip and it will be shorter. My ceiling is 1 inch thick. The tools come in corded and cordless version, and at various price points. I just had the same problem when I tried to put in Halo cans. I'd say your best bet is to take those cans b...

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