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How can I build an automated water valve for a coffee maker? Our home has a remodeled kitchen and we have yet to install a backsplash. Before we do I was wondering if I couldn't add some functionality.We currently have a simple coffee maker sitting on our counter. Not that it's a huge pain, but it would be nice to ru...	A recent flood prevention project for an upstairs laundry included a 12v solenoid operated ball valve. We use them in the city where mechanical time delay is required by code with certain hardware configs. A closed loop system would need to measure flow or sense level, to gather feedback on the status of the fill.
Should galvanized steel pipe be used as a tub spout? I have a 90 degree fitting coming down from my shower valve. Also have a screw on tub spout trim. Right now there is a 6" galvanized pipe that connects the 90 to the tub spout trim. Is the galvanized steel the best practice for this (or even code)? If galvanized ...	Though I can't attest to its long term health issues or your local code practices, as far as durability goes for this particular application you won't have trouble using galvanized pipe feeding your shower head or the tub spout. I try to replace galvanized when ever possible.
What could cause my oven not to light? I have a Kenmore Oven (gas, slide in) which has decided not to light - somewhat erratically. Model # 362 73424200 When I turn the oven on, I can see the glow plug is getting hot, and I occasionally smell a little gas, but the gas never actually ignites and so the oven stays col...	Be advised that your gas valve may be stuck. The ignitor can glow and still be bad, so your ignitor is bad, not the safety valve.
Can I send audio through coax cables? I'd like to be able to pipe some audio from a computer in my basement to some speakers upstairs. When thinking about the best way to do this, I realized that my house is already wired with coax cable, which I'm not currently using since I don't get cable. Would it be possible to us...	For stereo it is doable but the only thing I know is S/PDIF - so search for a COAX to S/PDIF adapter.
What type of primer should be used on moisture resistant drywall? What type of primer should I use my basement bathroom walls? New moisture resistant drywall has been installed, taped and sanded, and is now ready to be primed. <Q> Very simple, don't waste $$$ on fancy primers. <S> Use PVA sealer/primer. <S> Amen! <S>...	For new drywall, do not use high hiding or shellac based primers. Always good to get a good primer but the top coat of paint is way more important.
Shall I undercut the drywall to let the baseboard cover the hardwood floor expansion gap? I am going to replace my carpet with Engineered hardwood floor(the choice would be Kahrs floating installed floor). The problem I am facing is my baseboard is thin. It's not able to cover the expansion gap required by the floor ma...	It is perfectly OK to undercut your drywall - you might have to add a few strategic screws if you cut screws out.
How can I repair these rusty electrical connections? When I turn on my air conditioner at the thermostat the vents kick on but nothing outside. Also the last time that it worked it took a few minutes to get going and was pretty loud. I checked the electric all the way from the breaker box to the outside fuse box for ...	I don't have HVAC experience but here's a few ideas you could investigate Repair For the wires, it might be best to cut off the corroded connectors strip a short part of insulation and crimp on new connectors. I recommend fixing it properly and replacing whatever seal or gasket is broken, but in a pinch squirting some ...
How do I fill a recurring sinkhole in the rainforest of Hawai'i? Aloha! My 12x20' outdoor bedroom has a sinkhole below it. The land is lava rock and here, the lava rock was bulldozed, so it was all broken up and indeed, there are lava tubes around these parts. The one below the bedroom has opened up several times and ...	Since you mention the sinkhole might be a lava tube , you may want to try GREAT STUFF™ Fireblock .
What tool should I use for carving deep shapes in a desk top? I am starting a DIY project to create a standing desk. Part of this project involves installing some electronics in the wooden desktop itself. I need to make the following cuts / carvings and am wondering the best tool to use: A 10" x 10" square on the sur...	I agree with Steven that a router is the way to go.
What is the appropriate type of caulking around a kitchen sink? The caulking around my sink has worn/rotted away and I've removed it properly, but I've been looking into what I kind of caulking to use, and there seem to be many different types, so I'm a bit unsure of what to do. Which type of caulking is used for a ki...	You need a 100% silicone clear caulk and since it is near a sink I would get something that is mold resistant.
Can I accelerate caulk drying by using a fan or heater on it? From what I've found online, caulking takes 24-48 hours to dry. For my purposes, I need to apply caulking to my kitchen sink. However, I am in a time crunch, so I would like to know how caulking dries. Specifically, can the dry time be sped up to less than ...	For your sink-to-countertop re-caulking both gentle heat (no more than ~100 Degrees F) and ventilation (not just a fan) to remove vapors released during curing will shave off a few hours extra at best. Each product has different drying times. Humidity is bad for curing silicone and latex/silicone mixtures.
Is it possible to install a 1/2" collet on my palm router? I initially bought a router ( this router ) for some door hinge mortising. Now I need to route a few 1"x1" channels in some MDF. The 1" x 1 1/4" bit I need has a 1/2" shaft, but the collet on my router is only 1/4". Here are my questions: Can I get a new c...	In looking through the Bosch specs and accessories for the Bosch PR10E, they only show a 1/4" collet as being available which means the motor shaft size is too small to support 1/2"
Is it OK to install a TV mount when it can't be attached to a stud at all mount points? I have a TV wall panel that can only reach two studs. I was wondering if it's fine to screw the left side and the center on studs, and have the right side anchored in the drywall. My TV is 30lbs with the mount. Also, the TV would ...	When attaching something to studs vs. anchor/drywall it is very easy to overtighten the stud side.
How can I prevent a tankless propane on-demand water heater from freezing up in very cold climates? We are considering installing a tankless propane on-demand water heater in a residential setting, where multiple tenants use a shared bathing facility (presently served satisfactorily by a 40 gal electric tank heater). A...	If freezing is still a concern, look for a tankless unit that has a electric element for freeze protection.
What to look for when picking a router? I am in the market to purchase a router for the first time, and I am not really sure what I should be looking for. As a reference, this is for hobby wood working, and the best I know to categorize it as is general usage (a little bit of everything). Not sure if it makes a differe...	An adjustable-speed router will be useful in a wider range of applications.
Why is my bathroom floor raised up very high? I know that it needs to be raised a little bit so that the floor can slope towards the drain. But on my floor the slant towards the drain is shallow, but the floor of the bathroom is much higher (3cm/1.2in above tiles) than compared to the hallway adjoining it. It is a conc...	You may also have a case where the floor was damaged and during the repair or remodel they added additional layers of plywood or tilebacker to form a base for the new tile. Make sure that you have a little access below this room if you are going to be demoing it all - you will probably have to cut into the ceiling belo...
How can I soundproof a hatch door in the floor? Wooden hatch door, it's about 1.5" thick plywood but quite loud below when people walk over it, despite having carpet on top. It closes against a metal jam so I was thinking of putting some dense foam on the jam so the door would give a little. It could however be a bit...	If there's any movement of metal on metal while you're stepping on the door, you'll have a pretty strong squeak / thud that can be aggravating to fix.
How can I thoroughly blackout a bedroom window on a budget? I am renting a house that has beautiful wooden venetian blinds - that I can not remove or replace - but they are not very effective at blocking the ambient night light that is abundant on my street. This affects my sleep hygiene - it is strongly recommended ...	Put up Velcro dots on the window frame, placed strategically to match Velcro on the fabric. We put them underneath our regular curtains and the room stays warmer at night and significantly darker. That will let light in during the day and give you better coverage at night. If you want a cheap easy solution, you can buy...
How can I prevent my hoop house from being uprooted by strong winds? I am installing a 20' x 100' hoop house with 5' spacing between each of the hoops. The arch is about 10' tall. The hoops are galvanized chain link fence top rail. 3 rails inserted into one another makes one arch. The hoops are inserted into 2.5'...	Another possibility for enhancing uplift resistance may be employing ground augers intended for anchoring mobile homes. A significant factor is how strong the wind can be expected to be in your area.
Should I drywall and/or insulate my garage wall? I'm in the process of a few projects in the garage, including raising the ceiling and insulating with spray foam. This has left me with a fair amount of leftover fiberglass batts. There is a room above 70% of the garage (minus the front), and 2 walls are attached to the...	We finished that wall off with insulation and wallboard and it vastly reduced the amount of heat in the garage.
What is involved in ripping out carpets and put in fake wood floors for an apartment floor overhaul? I'm caught between living very frugally and hating cheapo, dirty carpets that spread wall-to-wall in every apartment I've ever leased. I'm probably handy enough to put in vinyl flooring myself, but was wondering how muc...	Installing flooring (be it vinyl tiles or engineered hardwood) is also fairly easy in the grand scheme of DIY projects. If you put something decent in there a majority of landlords would let you do it - given the job was finished right and you didn't mess up other things. A pro takes 3-4 hours by himself for 300 sqft.
How do I clear a drain pipe clogged with dried soap? I think we have a clog of dried soap in our pipes, past the U-bend and down the pipes from upstairs to the drain at ground level. How do I clear them? <Q> Moving water, preferably hot. <S> If you can get a small flow thatdoesn't <S> back up then it will dissolve a...	I would skip all the chemicals and just use a drain auger on it to clear the build up.
Is it safe to install this hot water tank from ebay? Is it safe for me to replace my electric hot water tank with this continuous electric unit that I bought on ebay ? (I'm in Australia) Technical Specificationsrated power 6.0KWrated voltage 220V-50Hzworking pressure 0.02-0....	It may not be safe.
Do you have to have (or does it help) to have a garbage disposal with a dish washer? I have a in sink garbage disposal but rarely use it. I just had to replace it because it burned out from a children's plastic spoon getting 'eaten' ... more than just seized there was smoke coming out of the unit. So I have thought...	Dishwashers usually have a built in food disposer, so having one is not required.
How can I install modern locksets on these interior doors? I've recently bought my first house which I'm very excited about, got into the decorating phase and decided to replace the door handles - some of which were damaged - with nice new ones. Being a definite rookie when it comes to DIY, I was pretty much unaware of...	Call a door shop in your town and have them drill the door for your lockset.
How can I install a ceiling fan that needs a 4" box where I only have a 3" box? As part of a home renovation project I discarded my old ceiling fan and have bought a new one. When installing the new one the electrician tells me that I have a 3" junction box and that I'll need a 4" junction box to install the fan. Now, ...	If you can't modify the box, chances are good, being embedded in concrete, that it'll still hold the heavier load of the fan designed for the bigger box, and you can modify the fan bracket, or use an adaptor.
Should I insulate air conditioner coolant pipes? I recently replaced some rotted insulation on the coolant pipe that runs out of my AC unit and into the evaporator in my house. When cleaning inside the actual AC unit itself I noticed that the coolant pipe running out of what I believe is the condenser (has a insulation...	So it's very important to insulate the outside pipe because it will absorb a lot of heat.
Would a normal ethernet cable survive the conditions in an air conditioning vent? I am currently renting a flat, which prevents me from making modification to the walls. However, I still would like to run ethernet cables between rooms. Between all the rooms, there are AC vents connecting them together. Assuming that th...	You can use the cold air return ducts, but you must use plenum rated cable. that is a no.
How to rescue exterior door paint job? I have a newly installed exterior metal paneled door that was still dirty when painted. Also embedded in the paint job are bits of foam rubber from the brush, lint from a paint roller and hair from an exuberant dog. Oil paint was used because this is a southwest facing door that g...	Purchase a top quality acrylic paint.
Is it possible to make my own solar water heater? After blowing (what I consider) a lot of money on 2 residential solar water heaters, over the last 6 years, dealing with 3 set of rather expensive inner-tank replacements, evacuation pipe changes I am considering a DIY approach, using good quality materials to make one ...	Yes, it's doable. There are a huge number of well-tested DIY projects you can find here: http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/WaterHeating/water_heating.htm
What advantages does bending copper pipes have over joining many parts without brazing? These questions are in context of a DIY solar water heater I am planning (another separate question). The copper pipes in question, are supposed to carry around hot water using thermo-siphon mechanism. Are there some specific reaso...	Bending a radius will provide less resistance within the pipe, so water will flow smoother. Bending copper has to be done with annealed copper.
How can I hang a shelf with no visible fasteners? I just built a shelf for a bedroom based on instructions found at Happy at Home . Problem is: the blog doesn't explain how to hang it! Can someone help me figure out a clean way to hang this shelf that doesn't involve screws on the exterior of the shelf? <Q> Another o...	You could use a keyhole router bit to cut keyhole slots in the back to hang it.
How do I remove black rings on a wood kitchen top formed by a tin can? At our house we have a wood kitchen-top. We had placed on it a tin can (a typical cookies can), and probably because of some water sitting there, a black ring has been formed where the tin touched the wood. However, the tin does not show any signs o...	Oxalic acid, either in crystal form or as part of a pressure treated deck cleaner/brightner will chemically dissolve the stain.
How can I remove tile grout from floorboards? We've removed old ceramic tiles that cover a tongue and groove bathroom floor. What is a good way to remove the hard tile grout that now covers the floor? EDIT: updated title as we've found Rimu is a podocarp softwood EDIT: To answer the comment below, yes we would like...	It takes a tremendous amount of time and energy to use a scrapper and it has to be sharpened constantly to be effective. If you don't own an air compressor you'll need to purchase or rent that too and don't forget you'll need hearing protection if you go this route.
Is it possible to vent two exhaust fans through a single wall penetration? I have two bathroom exhaust fans that need to be vented out of the house, but I'd like to do it using a single wall penetration. Is there a code compliant, safe way to do this? Both bathrooms are on the same level of the house. There is no g...	That being said, the only plausible workaround is to install no fans in the washrooms. No other solutions exist nor work. Then add an 'inline fan' to the remaining leg of the Y adapter and run ducting to vent outside. But run only the ductwork with a Y adapter. I have an 80cfm panasonic in a small bathroom and a 110cfm...
Why does wand shower head drain at unusual times? We recently moved from using a stationary shower head to a new version that has a wand. While I love the new one we have noticed that the wand shower head will release water at random times. For example, in the middle of the night up to 15 hours after being used maybe ...	Replace/fix your shower valve.
How to find areas where heat/coolness are lost? I live in a 2-story rental townhome (basically an apartment with 2 stories). Our central air/heat system isn't really the best at keeping the upstairs and downstairs the same temperature whether in winter or summer. I think this is partially because the thermostat is do...	get a thermal imaging camera and point it at the outside of your house when the temp difference inside and out is significant (though it works best is the outside is cold and inside is warm)
What is this old 1/16" thick floor-covering, and how do I remove it? We recently pulled up the carpet in our bedroom, and found this gray covering over the wood subfloor, which seems to be adhered to the wood with a black adhesive (some previous owner scraped away a small portion of the gray/black stuff off the wood, b...	I agree, it does looks like Linoleum. From memory we took off as much as we could of the top layer and them steamed it and scraped it.
Why would my TV image turn black when electrical appliances turn on? I have my computer connected to my TV via HDMI. Every time something electrical happens (fridge turns on, stove sparks, etc), the image on the TV goes black for a second and then comes back on. And before anyone asks, trust me, I checked other options...	If you don't want to do any electrical changes, you could also get a voltage stabilizer to plug your TV / home entertainment system into.
How to solve the problem of sticky Danish oil? I ignored the warnings about not getting spray disinfectant on our oak kitchen surface which is finished with Danish oil, and now the surface has become really sticky, attracting dust and crumbs and is now really hard to keep clean. It's been like this for a couple of mon...	I just used a regular Pledge furniture oil spray, nothing special.
What's causing the popping noise from my speakers? Several weeks ago, I moved into a new home. In office, I have my computer set up with a set of media speakers (older model of Logitech Z-550's). Every now and then the speakers will make a popping sound that is quite painful to my ears. I can recreate the sound when I ...	You can also get so-called "ground loops" when different components have different grounds, which can cause a voltage difference—
Will I lose water pressure going from a 2" pipe to a 1/2" pipe then back to 2"? I have jimmied up a pool heater from an idea on YouTube, but just expanded it. I have a water line of 2" PVC, piped down to 1/2" copper, so it can run through a coil, then increased back to 2" PVC, and re-connected with the original pool h...	There will be some loss of pressure.
Is a high electric bill for a pump house caused by a well pump running constantly? I recently had to turn on the electric for a shared well in my name. I got a bill and it's as high as what my house bill is. The well is the only thing connected to the electric in the well house. We rewired it and replaced the pressure ...	If the pump is running all the time but the water pressure is low (and never recovers to the point where the pump can shut off): it's a problem with the pump, check valve, or line between the pump and the tank.
Can a TV be mounted directly into a heavy wooden entertainment center? My dad has a built in entertainment center that is buit to accommodate an old CRT television. As such, the entertainment center itself is fairly deep (call it 24" or so), but the cavity for the television itself exposes a 24" high by 27" wide area....	You could run a big L bracket down to the floor of the shelf, where you've installed a slot for the bracket to slide into and secure the display.
What can I use to stop drawers in an organizer from sliding out all the way? I have purchased several of these small drawer units : However, when I open the drawers, they come straight out - there is no mechanism to ensure that the drawers stay in the slot. In the past, I have seen inexpensive drawer units use a sm...	A woodscrew into the case above the top of each drawer, and recessed a bit over 1 drawer-front thickness into the case should work.
How can I remotely monitor a GFCI receptacle? How can a sump pump in a crawl space only accessible by crawling down a hole in a closet have its GFCI protected outlet monitored from the living room? I am imagining the best way to run the pump is to run a dedicated 20 amp circuit to the pump outlet and put in a GFCI br...	Even better, plug in an "emergency rechargeable flashlight": the kind that plug into the wall, but turn on automatically when you unplug them or the power goes out.
What features should I look for in a full-house surge protector? How does one select a surge protector for a typical home? We get surges and slight drops in line voltage. We are the last pole on a small town electric provider, three miles from town. Surge protectors cost from $180 to thousands. How do I determine wha...	Calculate the total amperes of all your circuit breakers and chose a surge protector that is between 10-15% more than what you have calculated. Avoid surge protectors that offer $250,000 (if you are choosing them for that particular reason) as they will never pay out and those guarantees bump the prices up.
What are the drawbacks of not attaching deck to house? I am planning on building a small deck on the side of my house where there is no door or window. The level of the deck is below the top of the basement, so I need to drill through the concrete for the ledger board. However, because there is no door, I am thinking a...	The big disadvantage is that you don't get stability of hooking to a big immovable house, so if the deck is a second-floor one, you will probably want more diagonal bracing on the posts to keep things stable.
How can I remove a stuck overhead light fixture? I recently decided that it's time to install some less hideous lighting in my apartment. Since it's an apartment, my options are limited because I must be able to restore whatever is there now if I move. I got a track lighting set and figured out everything I need to do,...	Use a knife and pry around the outside of the light fixture in an attempt to loosen the fixture.
How can I stop a barbed coupler from leaking? This seems to be a common issue (drip line barbed couplers leaking) and I can't find any answers about this online. I'm wondering how others have fixed leaks in the fittings that are supposed to just work by popping them into the polyurethane tubing. It's a pretty basic se...	I've tried plugging the hole with the large end of the drip irrigation plug and sometimes that will stop the leak.
Can I use a vent that was over an electric oven for a dryer instead? I just bought an apartment built in 1980 and it does not have a washer and dryer. There is a vent above an electric oven. I am remodeling the kitchen and moving the oven to the other side of the kitchen and would like to put a stackable washer dryer...	Most dryer vent hose is 4" diameter, some oven vent is 6", so you might need an adapter Be sure you dryer exhaust is strong enough to open the louvers or you may have to replace it for one with lighter duty springs. Again, your local building official/permit office can tell you if a permit is required. One thing I woul...
How do I secure the shower valve without removing tile? The plumber didn't secure the new valve to the frame, so the shower valve and head were left loose and it is wiggling. The new tile is completed and we do not want to redo it. What is the best way to secure the valve and shower head? <Q> You'll have to be creativ...	Get an adjustable fan brace and install it right over or behind the valve.
Are there any reasons not to upgrade to 200A service? A sub-panel is already installed on a second floor. It draws power from a 100 amp main panel downstairs. The sub-panel is feed by a 60 amp double pole breaker. The panel was installed for or by AC techs who were installing mini-split AC units. The sub-panel contains...	If the distribution system is at, or near its limit, the provider will have to make upgrades to the system before it can offer an upgrade to you.
How do you level 1/2" x 6" flooring planks? We have a 1920's house with some 1/2" X 6" planks. Unfortunately the floor is in quite rough shape with finger wide gaps in some spots, I started to attempt to sand and flatten it but I think it will be too much work. That said, would the proper course of action be to put dow...	You don't want to have large potmarks (anything greater than an inch) in your floor and leave it thinking the pad and laminate will cover it. It looks daunting but its not as bad as it looks. Cut out your floor boards, true up/replace/sister your floor joists using a site laser or string line and power plane if they ne...
How do I connect the common wire in a Carrier air handler? I am trying to install a new wifi thermostat in my home and need to locate the common terminal for my air handler. I have a Carrier model FB4CNF030. It's a new construction home and I have the blue common run but it is not connected at the air handler side ...	After exhausting every possibility for a failing common I found a splice of old wire and new wire where the air handler was swapped out but not the thermostat.
How can I build a screen door? I have a guesthouse with an unusual door, 32" x 76", and it needs a screen door. Home Depot has tons of cheap-o screen doors that could be cut down to maybe 32" x 78" safely, but an additional two inches will probably cost my screen door structural integrity. I've thought about building...	I would use a prebuilt screen door and cut out section of rail with screen and reattach with dowels and glue The materials to actually make the door are pretty cheap.
Can I warm up a swimming pool by submerging black-painted milk jugs in it? I know they make solar covers for pools, but I that is a bit of a pain to put on and take off all the time and my cover (from a well known manufacturer) from last year was easy to rip and became brittle and fell apart in a few thousand pieces at...	If absorbing all sunlight isn't enough to warm the whole of a lake, it certainly won't be enough to heat your pool with several black milk jugs.
Can I install lights on a 20 amp circuit that has receptacles already wired? I have never been able to ask the following question and get a simple straight answer and would like to know why there is a controversy, and what the answer really is. The question: Can a 20 amp 12 AWG circuit for receptacles that are general...	The wiring for the light has to be 12 gauge, and the light switch has to be rated for 20 Amps. Different areas have rules for load on a circuit.
What is the cheapest way to make well water with 800ppm TDS suitable for bathing and washing dishes? I have a 200 foot bore for water in my home. The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) value of that water is around 790-800ppm. I want to make this water safe for bathing, dish-washing and clothes washing. I don't need to mak...	A good water softener is the right product for your needs.
How do I extend outlets after installing a backsplash? I have installed a back splash in my kitchen, if I use the plastic spacers how many should I use or is there a limit? I understand that this can cause to much air space around the receptacle or light switch. <Q> If your problem is that the thickness of the back spl...	If the box is less than 1/4" from the finished surface, you can use as many spacers as needed to mount the receptacle in such a way that the yoke is held rigidly at the finished surface. You can google a product called the "Electrical Outlet Spacer" or find it on Amazon.
How can I improve ventilation in my room with a window fan while filtering pollen from a nearby tree? This is a campus building in Aalto University where you have a tree about 10 cm away from the window. The Espoo city does not allow the student organisation AYY to cut down the tree. There is a poor air-conditioning in...	Then after the pre filter use a HEPA filter. an extractor fan running the other way (taking air form outside pumping into the box) will do a decent job. The downside of air-conditioning system is the energy consumption.
How do I troubleshoot a ceiling fan that suddenly stopped working? I've got a ceiling fan in my kitchen that all of a sudden stopped working one day. No lights, no fan. Power is still up in the rest of the kitchen, and no breakers tripped. Is it common for a ceiling fan to stop working? It's less than a few years ol...	If power is passing through the switch to the fan and light unit then it is a pretty good guess that something has gone wrong with the unit itself.
What type of washcloth bar should I put inside a fiberglass shower? I have a fiberglass bath and shower. I would really like to mount a bar inside it on the back wall for hanging washcloths up to dry. I've tried the suction cup mounted ones with moderate success. They stick for a few weeks at a time but after that t...	Most fiberglass enclosures don't go to the ceiling, so a "single rung" towel bar could be stud mounted just above the fiberglass.
How do I connect 1/4" plastic tube to 3/8" plastic tube? I am installing a R/O filter under my sink. The drain for the waste water attached to my dish-washer drain hose provides a 3/8" connection (Watts Premier 164020 DLA-D Drain Line Plumbing Adapter). But, the drain with my unit is a 1/4" hard plastic tube. I am not ...	Also, given that 1/4" tubing is a standard size, you can adapt it up in size to 3/8" by using an appropriate brass compression fitting.
Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping? Every time I switch on one specific circuit breaker, the residual-current device (RCD) switches off. I've disconnected every device that's on the group, and even took out all light bulbs, but the problem doesn't go away. I think there are two options now, either there's som...	Try tracing the wiring from the circuit and look at each junction box, socket, and fixture for a short.
How can I deal with waste water from a washing machine in a non-plumbed room? My wife wants to build a small add-on to the house in the current carport for the washer/dryer. It's not a huge project. The washing machine will be about 30ft from it's current location. I don't want to run plumbing outside the house to the ...	In homes where there are no drain lines in the basement floor, it's common practice to use some form of cistern containing a pump. A quick search at Home Depot turned up the SANISWIFT® , made by a company called Saniflo .
What causes a breaker to trip? In a normal, properly-wired home, what are the possible causes of a tripped breaker? At 110-120V is there a maximum wattage throughput on a single breaker? I'd like to understand the system to be able to know how best to lay out the electrical system in a brand new house. I'm not an ele...	Overcurrent Protection Breakers that offer overcurrent protection, trip when a current higher than the rated current is drawn through the device over a specific amount of time.
How can I repair an air conditioner drain line that is broken flush with the wall? As you can see below, I broke the drain line off flush with the wall. There appears to be either a union or an elbow embedded in the wall with a broken off piece of pipe in the fitting. The joint appears to be glued because I can't remo...	In your case you may be able to cut the pipe off on the other side of the wall, remove the old pipe from the hole, then simply slide a new bit of pipe through the existing foundation hole. They make expensive specialized heating tools for this, or you can burn it out!
Should I use a roller or a brush for painting exterior walls? I'm about to embark on painting my house. I have researched all the info here and on painting sites I can find about preparation and safety etc., but I'm still not sure the best choice regarding applying the actual paint itself. I have HardiPlanks on the ou...	So, definitely use paint brushes for your task. Using a roller will make the job much easier and faster, and the covering much better.
Can blue (lightweight) drywall compound be used for all coats? I had a guy come in to do some drywall taping today and I had a bag of 20 min hot mud and a bucket of each green (regular) and blue (lightweight) joint compound. I always though that the green should be used for the first two coats cause it is stronger and...	I have personally used both all the way through more than a few times and have mixed.
Why is my Nest thermostat not working with A/C? I installed Nest thermostat a few weeks ago, replacing an old Lux programmable thermostat (there was nothing wrong with it). I connected 4 wires (R,W,Y and G) to the Nest. But as soon as I'd connect the Y wire, the Nest would give me an E4 error saying there was no pow...	This has been idle a while, but my guess is you need to connect the Nest to the R terminal of thermostat 1 on the controller instead of R1.
Can I curve an L-shaped shower curtain rod myself? My hall bath has a partially enclosed tub. I have researched an L-shaped shower curtain rod and know that they exist, however, I would like the longer part of the "L" to be curved to allow for more room in the tub when taking a shower. Can I curve the longer portion ...	It's possible you could use a pipe bending tool, like the one intended to bend conduit for running electric wires.
What can I do about a toilet flange that is 1/4" below the finished floor? I used two wax seals to set my toilet since the flange is 1/4" below the new tile. At first it seemed to be water tight but after a few flushes I noticed water seeping and pulled it out. As can be seen in the photo, the wax ring slid off center....	The Set-Rite Toilet Flange Extender Kit ; described in the answers to this question , Comes with different size spacers, which allows it to compensate for various sized offsets.
How long should I wait before painting or staining pressure-treated wood? My husband is installing a new deck with pressure-treated lumber at our home in Tennessee. How long does he need to wait to paint, or should he stain the deck now? <Q> I am a painter <S> and I build also <S> and I personally will not warranty t...	You should wait about 1 month for the wood to dry out. In a dry basement wait 2-3 weeks before installing drywall over (they want you to use PT for everything in the basement and they make good points) outside you should wait 2-3 weeks before painting or staining in moderate temps with no to little rain.
How to independently switch a GFCI outlet? I would like to add a plug outside where each plug would be independently switched. The use of this is to be able to switch a rope light and a fan separately. This is being added to a new breaker so can be treated independent of everything else. I know how to do this with a s...	If this is new, I would do this: Run a wire from the panel to a GFCI outlet in your garage (or wherever -- it may even be in the same box as the switches). Or you can install a weather proof 2 gang box outside with the following steps, which leaves you with an extra unswitched GFCI outside.
How do you release the wires from a push-in wire connector? I would like to reposition some pot lights - before drywalling the ceiling. They have been wired using push-in wire connectors. How do you release the wires from a push-in wire connector ?? <Q> The wire is being held in by this: You can see you'll need to ...	Just twist the connectors back and forth while pulling them off of the wires. If you're talking about an outlet - or a similar concept fixture - the best tool I've found is a flat head jeweler/precision screw driver.
Is it OK that the frame of my house doesn't line up with the slab? My new house is being framed. I saw that the frame extends 1-2" from the foundation: Click photograph for full size The builder told me it happens often and the city inspector will catch it if this is a problem. Is this OK? Should I ask a 3 rd part...	No, it's not ok. A good contractor with personal integrity just wouldn't allow something like this to happen in the first place, IMHO. The holes for the anchors need to be on center of your framing. My answer about the construction is that it depends: In New Zealand for instance, you MUST have the bottom plates beyond ...
How well do whole house humidifiers work? We are moving to an area where it gets cold and snows in the winter. We come from a desert area where it is never very cold except for the dead of winter, and where we use the heater very seldom. We noticed then that the heater made us feel dry and uncomfortable. We are thinkin...	The whole home humidifiers are the way to go and all in the house can enjoy it.
hydronic floor heating system efficiency - using concrete as thermal energy store or not? I am renovating my house and would like some advice on floor heating for my living room. I have dug this room out to a depth of 97 cm to create a lower level. I have lined this box with 2.5 cm thick polystyrene and then a double l...	A very important factor in deciding to use a thermal mass to store energy is the energy source.
Do wooden cabinets absorb grease in kitchen? I had my mind on wooden countertops - but I will likely be a heavy duty user and so I have settled on the idea of using wooden cabinets (such as here ) with a corian/marble type countertop. My partner has raised questions about the wood absorbing the grease - and so I would...	Finished cabinets, those that have been treated with lacquer(best) or oil-based paints(good), will not absorb cooking oils.
Should I remove a broken piece of the pivot rod from the trap in my bathroom pedestal sink? I have a pedestal sink in my bathroom and my horizontal pivot rod for the pop-up stopper broke. I was going to simply swap out the pivot rod, however, the short end that broke off fell down the drain into the trap. From the sink...	It's probably best to pull out the broken piece because it will obstruct the flow of waste water, collecting hair and soap scum and so on, so that you'll have to clean out the trap eventually anyway. Since you have the pivot rod out, you should be able to lift out the stopper and use a pair of needle-nose or long-reach...
How can I cut/route a small, straight slot through a piece of wood? While I'd like to keep this question as generic as possible, I specifically want to cut a slot that's 1/2" long x 3/16" wide all the way through a piece of 3/8"-thick oak. My primary options are probably a router or Dremel. However, I need the slot t...	In a pinch, you can also use a Dremel/rotary tool (which is essentially just a tiny, low-torque router) along with a router attachment and multipurpose spiral bit, but a router will give you slightly better results.
How long can a refrigerator be stored without being used? I purchased a refrigerator 8 months ago, but it will not be used right away. It came directly from the showroom. Must I use it now, or I can wait longer before using it? <Q> Clean empty refrigerators should be stored upright and kept dry. <S> You should prevent ...	If your refrigerator was stored any other way find the manufacturer's guidelines on how long it needs to be upright.
Do I need more than just Drylok to insulate concrete basement walls before framing out some walls? I have a large unfinished basement. Concrete blocks walls. French drain. All but the top 18 inches or so are underground. It's got great potential to be finished (9 foot ceilings). The basement has a sump pump, which ki...	I would suggest putting in water-proof (rubber) planked flooring - HD sells this. Metal studs are fine in this case, as you're going to stud out an inch or two away from the wall so they can spray in behind. Whether this is the right solution for you depends on your house and how long you expect to be there. If your ya...
Why won't my hose bib handle turn either way? The handle on my outdoor hose bib won't turn at all. The faucet is currently partially on and the handle will not turn either way. How can I fix it so it will work properly? <Q> The acme thread that allows the valve to open and shut has either galled or seized due to mine...	If the screw threads or handle is stripped you will likely need to replace the valve.
How do I remove paint from a wood floor? I have a coat of non-transparent paint (not sure what type, it was painted about 20 years ago) on my floor. I'd like to see the wood grain. So I am trying to figure out a simple DIY way to remove the paint without damaging the wood. I've looked into this, but I have never done a...	If the floor is very small, hand scraping is possible, but again, masks and vacuuming are essential and again, a final sanding is necessary to get it ready for finish coats. If the wood is thick and you have access to a professional sanding machine, this can be done, but this process generates a great deal of dust that...
What is the best method of hanging drywall on ceiling? I am hanging more drywall and will be doing a basement ceiling. I generally start in a corner and work my way out. I use glue on the joists and then drywall screws. Is the glue needed? I learned to use glue on ceiling from an old drywall pro. He said his cal...	Glue is OK; the only advantage of glue is to use less screws, but I would not recommend using less screws on a ceiling; only walls. I find that it's best to attach 1x3 furring strips across the joists. Furing strips can also solve this issue. Make sure your boards are staggered and the butt joints don't line up with ea...
Should I insulate my roof on the inside or outside? I am renovating my house and am completely redoing my flat roof: ceilings, insulation and roof covering (I am planning to use EPDM rubber). In case it is relevant, I am living in the Netherlands. My plan was to use rockwool on the inside as insulation, but now my bui...	The most thermally efficient insulation material is polyisocyanurate, or PIR, sold as lightweight rigid foam boards – Kingspan, Celotex, and some other brand names.
What type of flooring can be used on a concrete slab? I have a split ranch house in NY and the downstairs hallway and half bath / laundry room currently has vinyl tile on a concrete slab. I would like to cover the vinyl tile with a new floor. What is the best flooring material to use in this environment? I was ori...	Tile floors can be installed with a radiant floor heating system such as this one It is imbedded in the floor below the tiles and is controllable with a wall mounted thermostat. You can purchase carpet that is tough as nails and will withstand water sand etc without wearing for much longer than anything else.
How should I install a plywood subfloor that will be covered by granite tiles? I am replacing my entryway floor and I have removed the old mud bed. I'm left with planks perpendicular to the joists. However the room is defined at a 45 degrees angle from the joists, so the planks and the joists underneath them appear dia...	Fastening on diagonal joists requires more precise work because you have to "aim" at joists of a different direction than the edges. The second layer should be offset from the first layer, not following seams.
How can I connect a timer to my bathroom exhaust fan? I have a bathroom fan, but it only runs when the light is on (i.e. no delay). The fan itself is really good, but it should really run on after (I think this might be part of the Building Regulations here in UK). I don't want to replace the fan, so was wondering if ...	If you only have a single-gang box then you will need a combination timer/switch. If you have a permanent live at the fan, you also might look into a fan with a humidity sensor.
How to open the lid of this toilet water tank? Water is contantly leaking so I want to open the lid of the tank and fix the leak. However, I can't open up the lid! Any ideas? Picture 1: The water tank from above. The two buttons lifted out from their places. Picture 2: The lid pushed up as high as possible. A vertica...	With some you press down hard on the outer ring around the flush knobs and then turn it counter clockwise to remove the button assembly.
Can a NEMA 6-15 Device be connected to a NEMA 6-20 receptacle? I have a new -80 deep freezer that calls for NEMA 6-15R receptacle, but the old one it is replacing called for a NEMA 6-20. I note that the plug actually seems to fit in the 6-20, but is there a reason that this would cause a problem? The machine should o...	If you had multiple 15amp receptacles on one circuit you can then use a 20amp breaker. The outlet is not the fuse or the breaker, so as long as everything is rated it'll be fine.
What kind of saw should I use for cutting thin metal? A rather strange issue has occurred where I moved into a house and there was a lot of junk, the majority of which turns out to be useful, but there is a big set of blinds encased in a 2 meter unit made of metal. To get rid of this, I either have to drive to the loc...	A hacksaw would definitely get the job done.
How can I hang heavy objects on a wall, without leaving any marks? Command Hooks don't hold very much weight wise and I would like to mount heavy objects - e.g. a whiteboard ... any ideas? (yes this is drywall - I cannot leave any marks in it ). context: college dorms; they're not happy with any holes of course. ...	The strongest removable glue bases hooks, such as Command , appear to be rated to to hold a maximum of only 7.5 lbs. A possibility, one I have not tested, is the use of a tension pole system, such as ZipWall
Can I fill the void behind the shelves in a tub surround with polyurethane spray foam for added strength? My wife and I plan on putting up a tub surround. I have researched a bunch of these and on a few of the reviews I have read that the shelves are flimsy. The surround she likes (therefore the one we are going wit...	I really really suggest filling large (non-shelf) voids with fiberglass batts.
What kind of lightbulb(?) is in this chandelier? I've come across images from a chandelier by Mathieu Lehanneur for Chateau Borely . Even after looking at it quite for a while and going through everything I've ever seen, I couldn't really imagine what light source/bulb (I don't know the English word) this is. After re...	The white tubing must act like a diffuser (think lampshade).
Can a built-in dishwasher be plugged into a receptacle? We just bought a house in California. Can a built in dishwasher be plugged into an outlet or must it be hard wired? <Q> It can definitely be plugged into a receptacle. <S> Some new dish washers come with the cord already attached and some give you directions. ...	Some local codes require the dishwasher to be plugged in with the receptacle accessible, like in the sink cabinet.
Why does my window air conditioner cool but not dehumidify? I have a brand-new 5000 BTU Frigidaire window air conditioner, and it seems to work fine except that it doesn't reduce the humidity in the room. I turned it on last night, and the temperature was 81 °F with 63% humidity, and when I woke up this morning it was...	If using a window unit and you want low humidity too, the solution is to add a dehumidifier which can be had in many cases for around $200 in 2019, not counting any new tariffs.
How long can I store a bag of Quikrete? I had planned to find a nook in the low-humidity house in which to shove it, but it would be interesting to know how long the bag will keep in various humidities. The main question is: How long can I store a (new, sealed) bag of Quikrete in the house with central AC and heat? I...	If you want to keep it around as long as possible without becoming a brick, put it in a seal-able plastic tub with desiccant packs and keep it in your house (as you said you were).

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