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How can I power multiple raspberry pi around the house? I am planning to power multiple Raspberry Pi 's around the house. Some will be security cameras, one will be a media player connected to TV and another one will manage home network and maybe a website or something. I have phone and cable-TV cables running through...	I could see this easily being implemented using a POE Switch, and routing Ethernet to where needed.
How do I install an insteon light switch where wire colors don't match? Electrical noob here. I know enough to turn off the breaker. I've read a couple of other answers and want to get a second opinion. I have three wires coming out of the existing switch socket, 2 blacks and a stripped copper. The Insteon switch h...	As suggested by Speedy Petey, I poked around further into the back of the wall box and it turns out there was in fact, some white wire. Most likely, the old light switch you are replacing doesn't currently use a neutral wire.
Is wood flooring in bathroom a right decision? We have decided to install wood flooring in bathroom. Is it a right decision?? <Q> I'd like to suggest an alternative: There are tile product designed to resemble wood planks. <A> TL: <S> DR - It can be done, but requires extra attention and caution <S> I grew up in a ho...	If you want a solid long lasting floor that has a "Wood" look consider a ceramic tile! That would obviously yield a much more water-resistant floor.
Putting a new finish on engineered hardwood floors Recently, I dropped a jar of pickles on my engineered hardwood floors. I cleaned it up immediately with a little Mr. Clean and water on a paper towel. It was still sticky and I used vinegar and water on a paper towel and then a little soap and water on a paper towel....	If it APPEARS fine you don't need to refinish the floors. The finish was dulled by either the pickle juice, or because you used vinegar, both of which are acidic.
How to loosen glass bulb cover from metal base? I need to replace one of the lightbulbs in my bathroom's lightbulb fixture. The bulb itself is a halopin bulb that inserts with a metal hook, but its covered by a glass cage/receptacle that should just screw unto the metal base in the fixture. That glass cage is stuck. B...	Switch between the damp cloth and setting it out in the sun to compress and decompress the glass, all the while attempting to turn it back and forth.
How to deaden the noise that bounces from cinderblock wall in backyard? I have a very large backyard surrounded by a tall cinderblock wall. Not only is it HOT in the summer (NM summers) but the noise that bounces around is bad. Someone walking on the sidewalk next to my home can hear our conversations. Help? A coyo...	You can buy sound deadening panels or sheeting - You would construct a fence-like structure inside your block wall, then hang the sound absorbing panels or sheeting from that.
Bathroom fan with no outside vent What's the purpose of a bathroom fan with no outside venting? One of my bathrooms is set up this way. I'm about to redo the ceiling, and I'd like to replace the fan unit with something better looking, but confused why a fan would not vent to the outside? Is it ok to replace with anoth...	IMO, and IME, bathroom fans should always be vented outside.
How do I remove carpet adhesive from concrete? I have a 12x15' sun room that currently has carpet over concrete. I pulled a 3' section of carpet and the entire floor has adhesive. Can I remove this using a liquid chemical or do I need a machine? The house was build in '96 so I'm assuming there's no harmful chemicals ...	I've found that some handfuls of silica sand broadcast on the floor speeds the glue removal and lessens the amount of glue clogging the disc. If you want to burn some calories grab some knee pads and a 6 inch floor scraper (and some extra blades). Breathing it can cause silicosis to the lungs.
How do I find the valves on a toilet with hidden pipes? I just came back from holiday to find that water was pouring constantly through my dual-flush toilet, as though it's on permanent flush. A little tinkering revealed the shut off valve is broken - so no matter where the float is, the cistern continues to fill. App...	I am not aware of any toilet with a shut-off valve inside the toilet.
Is transitioning to all electric heating smart? I am in the process of overhauling my home heating and plumbing. I bought a 2600sq/ft 1980s Cape Cod in southern Maine on the coast. I've reinsulated the walls and roof and am continuing to make improvements in sealing the house. Overall, the insulation is pretty good. ...	A wood burning boiler could work in your situation because it would allow you to reuse the existing baseboard heat. Long term reliability, equipment costs, and other concerns may be a different story, however.
Can a homeowner without a Section 608 EPA license legally connect his own gauges to his own air conditioner if the unit uses 410a refrigerant? It has been suggested by at least one moderator on this site that EPA Section 608, which restricts who can purchase and handle refrigerant, including who can connect a set of ma...	It seems that "epatest.com," a website by "Mainstream Engineering Corporation" unaffiliated with the EPA, believes purchasing 410a without a license is legal, but handling it without a license is illegal. Apparently, yes: EPA requires that persons servicing, disposing, or recycling air-conditioning and refrigeration eq...
How do I hang a new wooden gate so that it automatically stays closed when it is shut but also stays open at its maximum open span? I am building and hanging a new wooden double gate. How do I construct and/or balance the gate so that when I open it completely, which is at 90 degrees, it will stay open but also when I...	I believe if you shim the bottom hinge a bit out away from the post, and move it a hair left or right, you'll get the effect you're looking for, you basically make a high spot in the gate's arc of travel at about 45 degrees so it will tend to fall from that point either all the way open or all the way closed.
How to remove a stuck Sharkbite connector from a PEX tube? I have a Sharkbite stopper that I put on the end of a 1/2" PEX tube, and now I'd like to remove it. I've used both the official orange plastic removal tool and an adjustable wrench, and my fingers are sore from pressing on it trying to get it to budge. Any othe...	I also used a special vise grip wrench I have that has a c clamp end for holding parts together. but I have also used needle nose pliers when I didn't have the official tool handy.
Why are ungrounded GFCIs required to be labeled? I discovered in my new house that someone had incorrectly connected grounded outlets (without any ground connected) to the knob and tube wiring. I have read that the outlets can be made safe by adding a GFCI upstream. However, electrical code requires that any ungrou...	It's better to have a missing ground and a GFCI than to have a missing ground with no GFCI. There are also some pieces of test equipment that leak current to ground as an unavoidable consequence of their normal functioning.
Can I drill smaller holes in granite? Can I drill smaller holes in granite? I want to install aluminum shelves on a vertical backsplash behind the stove. I will need to drill 7 holes for screws and or mollies. If I can ascertain the studs I can use screws. Would there be an advantage of drilling a smaller hole in gran...	For best results, when it comes to drilling into stone, always use diamond drill bits. If there are many holes use carbide (they will also drill faster if the drill has an impact or hammer selection switch).
mounting 60 inch TV with steel plates? Mounting a 60 inch TV where studs are 22inches apart. Can I use 2 steel plates that are each 48 x 1 1/4 x 1/8 inch thick and then bolt them to my bracket and to the wall studs at each end and one in the middle? Will that give me enough strength and support over dry wall? <Q> So...	My tv mount is screwed into the two studs and the plywood/blocking (did this to ensure that the off center tv mounting would be strong enough) and it's rock solid!
How can I vent a bathtub trap when the drain is routed under the tub? I am … very slowly … thinking about replacing the probably circa 1950's galvanized steel drain pipes in my basement with PVC. In particular, I would like to replace the drain line under the bathtub since there is a drip there. What I am not sure abo...	I think I would just run a T on the PVC coming down to the P trap and run my vent there it would work just fine. Your drop from the tub to the P doesn't have a lot of space.
Are four brackets adequate for an 8-foot wire laundry shelf? I am purchasing wire shelving for an 8 foot wide concrete wall laundry. I will hang two 8 foot by 16 inches. Are 4 vertical wall brackets enough to support it? I understand I should space them every 24 inches. Is this correct? Do I really need the Hang Track,...	With a concrete wall (no studs to find) and an 8 foot shelf, I would not stick to 24" spacing unless some other aspect of the shelf system requires it - the end brackets can be in somewhat from the extreme ends and still support the shelf, unless you want to store anvils at the very ends of the shelves. As has been sai...
How to finish wood stair treads? I ordered the wood for my staircase and now I need to decide on which product to use. Some people recomened polyurethane or some water base resin, but I don't like that (I think it might crack and/or scratch). Apart from that there are some varnishes available that are meant to protec...	I recently put in a set of hardwood (oak) stairs and finished with a water based stain and water based coating (several coats until I liked the look).
How can I attach a metal soap dish to tile? What is the best glue to use when you glue a metal soap dish to a tile in the bathroom. <Q> My approach (depending on the mating surface available, shape, etc.) would be to use pure "clear" silicone along with a bit of foam tape. <S> Cut a small piece of foam tape to act a...	IMO silicone (or a silicone-based adhesive like Kerdi) is the best choice.
How wide does a 6x6 concrete post footing need to be using an elevated post base anchor? I'm building a pergola over a paver patio. The pergola will dimension 11'x 11.5' on center of post with 6x6 posts (4 posts), tied together with sandwiched 2x12 beams. I've laid out footer locations and am about to dig for 8" sonotu...	Get quaility cement and do a wide base to limit lateral breakage IMO.
Leaking tap after seat recutting I installed brand new Automatic washing machine taps, recut the washer seats & what I thought was impossible, happened... it still leaked. I cut the seats again with a new seat cutter.... still leaks. The seat does not appear to be an insert so I have no other ideas. Anyone have any tho...	You'll either need to get new seats, if they remove. If the seats were scratched, pitted or therefore defective, then you should've put new good ones in instead, if possible or returned the taps. Possibly you may want to try the hardware store to see if they have ready made seals. But, you shouldn't touch the seats unl...
How to install 2x10 joists of slightly different sizes? We are trying to install the joist hangers and the joists, but the 2x10s are slightly different sizes. The problem is that some of the boards are 9.25" and some are 9.5" and some in between. So if all the joists are hung at the same level, then the top of the boar...	Use face mount joist hangers and set them so that the tops of the joists are all level.
What kind of wall bolt/anchor is removeable? What kind of wall bolt/anchor will allow me to remove and replace it as many times as necessary? I am looking to attach a couple of 2x4's flat against a brick wall, however they would only stay there for a few weeks each year. How can I fix them firmly to the wall in such ...	A double acting anchor would be about the best for this type of application as it requires no setting tool and is less obtrusive to a wall application.
Importance of plaster repair skills/experience I have an old 1920's house in the Chicago area with many lath-and-plaster walls and ceilings. We are going to be removing a whole-house fan, which will leave a 3' square opening that will need to be patched. There are also a few other spots, such as the area around the t...	Your neiborhood drywall guy can fix this, but you can find a reputable painter that will do this type of small repair as part of their scope of work while they are painting the room.
Lights turn off when dimmer switch is at 100% I have various dimmer switches around the house. Some of them have an issue that when the lights are at their brightest the lights switch off. When switching the lights on you have to then hold it in to make the lights go just below most bright and it will then not switch...	You may have 'dirty' power and that has shortened the life of your digital dimmers. Transformers are inductive and shift the phase of the current relative to the voltage. Trying a standard switch first will tell you if the rest of the install is in working order.
Mystery pipes in basement - where do they go? Newbie to the forum here. Will upload photos this evening, but thought I'd start with the question/context: Just bought a fixer upper farmhouse in Portland, OR area. House is at least 1930s, could be older (long story). We also don't know if it was originally post and beam...	Near the sewer main you may find a bidirectional cleanout, and be able to observe the sewer flow.
Is it ok to screw those red utility hooks into wall studs, or should I use a crossbar between two studs? So, I'm hanging my tools in my garage, the wall is unfinished so I have direct access to studs. I'm using red utility hooks very much like the one pictured below to hang shovels, rakes, a few electric yard tools, et...	Still though, drill a pilot hole into the cross beams before you install the hook to prevent the wood from splitting. I would not try to hang items weighing several hundred pounds in this manner.
Peeling latex over oil, do I strip all layers of paint or just the top layer of latex? I'm trying to clean up a painting mess where a friend's tenant painted latex over oil in a couple of rooms. The latex coat was applied maybe 18 months ago. This spring my friend (aka my attorney) asked me to fix the peeling paint in ...	I was able to use a natural orange stripper to remove the paint layers and get down to the hardwood underneath.
How should I remove baking soda from my carpet? I had an issue with wet carpet in my room. I dried it using clothes and towels as much as I could but after that I put baking soda on it. Google seemed to suggest it was a good idea. I thought you could remove it easily by just vacumming it. But now i find the soda is act...	I would run a carpet cleaning machine over it to dissolve the remaining baking soda and residual water.
What pressure should I aim for when setting a pressure reducing valve? Since the time I moved into my house, I've had problems with water hammer. More recently, I've had some faucets start to leak. I also noticed that after showers/baths, the hot water would surge when the sink faucet was turned on. After installing w...	80 PSI is a typical high limit on devices (especially toilet valves, IIRC) being happy.
Door jamb wider than wall I wanted to run electric into my mudroom for a ceiling light and a exterior light. Unfortunately the walls were all painted wood paneling so while doing that I figured I would switch to drywall because I had to rip half the stuff down anyway. Plus it looked like garbage. Unfortunately after ha...	Removing the new drywall because the window frame edge is a 1/4 inch above the drywall should be the very last solution you should consider. If the surrounding drywall gets marred or damaged shouldn't be critical since you will cover the area with new molding.
Bathroom vent through existing roof vent I have a roof with two gable vents as well as slanted vents that look a lot like these one: I do not want to install an extra vent specifically for bathroom so I was wondering if I could use one of the existing top ones. It looks like from underneath there is a circular hole t...	The exhaust ducts can discharge through the roof, soffit or gable siding -- but a dampered Vent Hood should be installed as well.
How close to beam edge can I put light fixture nails? I removed a 10-15 lb light from my ceiling. Beneath, the electrical box was at an odd angle: So I pulled that off as well, which revealed this hole. Those nail holes which were holding in the box and, therefore the light, look like they're pretty close to the ...	Plastic New Construction Ceiling Electrical Box (Box is made to straddle the beam and screw in to it.) My thought is somebody removed the box, a bit too forcibly, breaking the mounting This means the installer should read and follow directions provided by the box manufacturer.
Unsure if structure is solid concrete My home was built in 1957. It has a 10x10 3foot high brick patio with a concrete slab on top. We are replacing the deck which is much bigger. The deck on the slab rotted due to water pooling in a small area on the slab. My question is, is that whole patio solid, because we'd like t...	It's very unlikely to be fully solid to the ground - that would be more than nine yards of (expensive) concrete.
Does it matter whether a bedroom door swings in or out of the room? I am looking to install french doors to help brighten the room just outside of a basement bedroom I am currently planning (egress window added and all per building codes). All the other existing bedrooms in my house have doors which swing into the room...	It really depends on the opening, if the door has room to swing outward without damaging walls or hitting furniture during a fire, I always use outswing doors. If it is some big box generic french door set, we hide them in the room. But it is usually not a good idea for them to swing out. This is highly dependent on wh...
Correct wiring of float switch into two pole contactor for well pump I have a Mars 780 61347 two pole 30A contactor: I am using this contactor to control a 220V well pump that fills a cistern. I then have a float switch in the cistern which, when closed, should cause the well pump to kick on and fill the cistern. I...	Wire the float switch and contactor coil just as if you were wiring a light fixture controlled by a wall switch.
Can buried gas pipe conduct flame between two structures? If my detached garage has natural gas connection to the house via a buried black pipe and if the house got caught on fire, can that pipe, say 25' in length, conduct the flame to the garage so that it catches on fire with no other source of ignition? I was think...	But if the pipe has air in it because it was vented prior to some work, gas is turned back on, the air mixes with the gas to become combustible. If there should be any work done on pipework close to your connector pipe, it must be purged of all air.
How should I deal with a full ground bus bar in an electrical panel? My (main) GE panel's ground bus bar is full. Is it better form to a) put multiple ground wires in the same hole b) put some of the ground wires in the neutral section My research seems to suggest that either option is safe and code-legal. Is one co...	So putting the new ground wires on the neutral bar is okay.
Attach partition wall to lath and plaster wall I am looking to add a small closet (2×4 ft) in the corner of a room with lath and plaster walls. I would like to frame in two sides and attach it to the existing wall. Do I have to limit myself to the existing stud locations to anchor the new walls or is there a way to add...	If the long wall is across the joists, and portions of the wall that are supported by these joists will be fine. Actually, the wall should be so light in weight there will be, or should be, little or no concern.
How can I store Latex paint for the long term - a decade or longer? So I have a bunch of partially used latex paint in 1 gallon and 5 gallon buckets. How could one store and keep the paint viable for years to come? Could I just vigorously shake the buckets once a year or so? For now I store the paint in my basement. <...	The best way to preserve a gallon of paint would be to add a plastic or rubber membrane so as to increase the seal between the can and lid.
What kind of drain rod do I need to get around this bend? Had to have this drain unblocked professionally the other day, because I don't have the right kit. It blocks yearly, and so I'd like to be able to sort this myself. The problem is, that the drain pipe goes in the direction of the arrow, away from the wall as sh...	Try using the universal drain rods that most plumbing supply stores offer.
Safe and low-liability way to determine whether a circuit draws more current than allowed? When I saw several electricians commenting on not knowing of a tool which tests peak current draw from an outlet in this question: " Is the Electrician trying to scam me? ", it made me wonder: Is there is a safe and low-liability...	If you are worried about improper taps between circuits, you can try shutting off all the breakers, and then one by one turning on a breaker and checking for voltage on the hot wire of all the other powered off breakers.
Why is my outlet voltage abnormal? I just moved to a house which was built in 1958 (almost 60 years ago). One GFCI outlet has the indicator light on but no power when plug in appliance.So I opened it and measured the voltage with a multimeter. It is very strange. See below diagram: I guess A and B is input line whil...	The light being on on the GFCI indicates a ground fault, which is why the outlet has no power. Since C & D are " floating ", the 5.5 volts could be phantom voltage induced by other electrical lines in close proximity to these lines, or any other magnetic field. However, since lines C & D have no reference to the electr...
How can I hang a poster on a metallic surface? I want to put a poster on the sliding door of my closet, but the doors are metallic, so I can't really punch holes in them. Also, it goes behind the other door when it slides, so the system holding it cannot be much thicker than the poster itself or the other door won't b...	For posters, I've always had the best luck with the blue colored varieties of sticky-tac or similar non-permanent doughy adhesives.
What size air hose would a mechanic's garage require? I'm looking for a retractable air hose for my husband as a birthday present...he is an airplane mechanic and has many air tools, also has a large air compressor already (not sure of the hp, but it is 220 volt). I have my eye on a unit called Zillareel that offers 15...	Generally, larger hose can deliver more air and some types of tools need a lot of air (like rotary air tools).
What type of wall sheathing is on my house? My house sheathing is not a plywood - but some dark brown material. Click for larger view Does anyone know what that is? P.S. here's more higher quality images: pic1 pic2 pic3 <Q> It was made by Celotex as well as some other companies. <S> I don't know that it's ...	It comes under the nickname Buffalo board and Beaver board depending on where you're at. If it is newer it could very well be the exact same thing that is sold at Home Depot mentioned in the link that was provided in the first answer .
8 channel camera system - can i put more than 8 cameras? I purchased a lorex 8 channel camera security system http://m.costco.com/Lorex-8-Channel-IP-NVR-with-2TB-HDD,-8-1080p-Cameras-with-130-Night-Vision.product.100217003.html . Everything works fine however, I would like to add additional cameras. Can this be done...	If originally the NVR can pick 8 cameras, you cant exceed the 8 channel
What is the easiest way to cut a 2 inch groove in concrete? I have a 5 foot wide concrete side-walk running next to my house. I want to cut a 2 inch groove from the wall to the yard in order to run a PVC irrigation pipe from the faucet on the wall to the trees. The primary question is: What is the easiest way to cut t...	Stick a hole in your slab.
How do I remove wet latex paint from carpet? I have just stepped into latex paint and walked onto the carpet by accident. I haven't done anything yet it just happened. How do I remove the paint from my carpet? <Q> You will be OK, it's only latex paint and you have time on your side. <S> Pour a bit of water on the d...	Use a dry paper towel to suck up any wet paint.
Does a neutral-to-ground voltage of 0.0 indicate a bootleg ground? As described here (for example), in a correctly-wired receptacle, there will be a small potential difference between the neutral and ground wires that increases slightly with increasing load. I'm thinking that with a bootleg ground , this voltage wil...	The only way to know for sure, is to actually inspect the wiring. If there's no difference, it's bootlegged.
How do I patch a hole in concrete sidewalk over open tunnel? There is a sidewalk running over an old tunnel. It's near a grade school, and is used often by faculty and students. The tunnel is completely open, but blocked at both ends so there is no access under the sidewalk. A 6-inch hole has developed in the sidewa...	If they don't own the tunnel, contact local utilities (gas, water/sewer, electric, etc.) Depending who does what in your area, "cellular concrete" might be another option (effectively "foam cement.")
Breaker box that is full My box is full and I have a gas water heater and trying to switch to a electric tank. Could I just take out two of my 110s and replace it w a 220v for the new tank.? <Q> Assuming that there are no service capacity constraints, you have a few options: <S> Replace some of the breakers with tan...	So you'll want a sub-panel, or a larger main panel, unless your panel is listed to use dual-circut breakers in enough spaces that are not already using them so that you can replace 4 120V single breakers with 2 120V dual breakers and the 240V EWH breaker. If you remove two breakers, whatever was powered by those circui...
Do i need a backflow preventer for drip irrigation system A gardener just installed a drip irrigation system in my backyard. He didn't installed the back-flow preventer. When I asked him why, he told me for drip irrigation you don't need the back-flow preventer! His argument was that in drip irrigation, we have to inst...	Any irrigation system that is connected to a public or private potable water supply must be connected through a commission-approved backflow prevention method.
Why would hot water pipes be smaller than cold water pipes? Just bought a house and am finding the hot water pipes are smaller than the cold water pipes. Why? <Q> It will take more than twice as long for hot water to reach the fixture travelling through a 1/2" pipe than a 3/8" pipe (because there is roughly twice as mu...	Hot water delivery times are highly dependent on the size of the pipe.
Will 2 multi-port USB chargers overload a 13A socket? I am a bit confused about some supposedly basic electronics concepts :/ (I kind of have an answer but just want to confirm) So let's say I have got this setup: A 13A 220V mains socket A 13A powerstrip connected to the above socket Two 60W 5V USB chargers, such ...	If the voltage and current waveforms are of different shapes and/or are not precisely in phase then less power will be transffered..
how to cut multiple 2x4 to a same length with a circular saw I need to cut three 2x4 pieces (about 2 feet) and their size should be exactly identical. What would be a good way for doing that with a circular saw? The articles I found recommend using a miter saw and a stop block but I have only a circular saw. I am think...	And, yes, if your only power tool is a circular saw, than to get the most precise and exact lengths, cut them in a gang cut.
Connecting PEX and my existing Boiler Heating System I was thinking of running oxygen barrier PEX under the floor between the joists in a cold room with a crawl space below and then putting rigid foam insulation below to keep the heat in. I have an existing boiler that is used to supply the hot water radiators. Can I...	An important factor to consider is that maximum floor temperature should never exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit, so you might need to add a mixing valve and a separate circulator pump. Looks like you can easily find PEX rated for 200 degrees at Home Depot
40 bulb chandelier wiring project - Does dimmer affect amps? I am a DIYer and have made pendant/ chandeliers before with great success but I may be over my head with this one... The question is boiled down to this: is the current wiring I have adequate for the job and do dimmers have an effect on the wire load? Here...	To address your amps question, yes, in an indirect way dimmers do reduce the amps drawn on a circuit, but this has no effect on circuit design.
Copper pipe through cinder block wall: corrosion issue The pipe in the picture runs from my oil tank through my basement wall and to the outside (guessing it's the vent pipe for when they fill the tank). Should I be concerned about what it going on at the pipe/wall interface? The white stuff is very crumbly. Any ad...	I always sleeve the pipes either with plumbing tape or use insulation or conduit.
How to get squirrels out of inaccessible attic before plugging their entry hole? I have a low pitch roof that has an attic between it and the ceiling which is low enough to be useless for storage and access. I have had a problem with squirrels entering for a while and I finally found the hole they are using to enter. ...	Usually the way this is handled is by installing one-way doors so that the squirrel can exit but not re-enter.
Utility sink close to 220v dryer outlet We would like to put in a utility sink in between our washer and dryer and the 220v dryer outlet is about 6" to the right and 6" below the top of the sink. I know code doesn't require GFCI for this, 120 washer outlet is GFCI, but is this safe or common practice? Thanks. <Q> No bi...	If the circuit is wired correctly, then the housing of the dryer (and of the washing machine next to it) is grounded and won't become a shock hazard. It is very common to have outlets, even panels near sinks.
How can I make a bluish "white" LED less blue? I recently bought this white LED reading lamp. I like it a lot, but the "white" light produced is significantly blue; I'll guess its color temperature is about 5000K. I've noticed that, when this is the only source of light, printed text appears slightly fuzzy, and is...	I'd try to correct this with cinematic gels - sheets of tinted plastic used to correct cinematic lighting. On the other hand, cataracts do block and scatter blue light more than the lower end of the visible spectrum.
Add an electric socket to an existing light circuit (230v AC) I have an existing single light controlled by a single switch in understair storgae space. Now I need an additional electric socket there as its an ideal location to power my security alarm. (No heavy load, its just a 12v adaptor to be plugged into the 230v ...	If this is the case you most definitely cannot safely add a socket. Someone could plug in a high current device into the lighting circuit. That would address both problems. Cable for electric sockets is normally 2.5mm diameter, suitable to carry 20Amps. It sounds as though you have phase, neutral and earth available to...
Screw is turning within wall plug and not tightening In attempting to fix a toilet roll holder to a wall in my bathroom, the screw within the wall plug fails to tighten and grip the bracket. It does screw in but doesn't tighten against the wall. There are 2 holes and it's the same for both. I don't believe I over tight...	If the anchor is not spinning, you may be able to create grip within the anchor so the screw will hold. Be careful not to overtighten.
Will joint compound / drywall mud clog my drain? If I wash my tools (knives and mud pan) in my laundry tub/sink after use, will the drywall mud clog my drain pipes? <Q> I think it would depend on the amount of compound you're putting down the drain, what size drain, how much water is used to flush the tools, and probab...	Though typically it's not a problem, as long as you're not pouring a whole tray of mud down the drain.
My goodman furnace is not igniting my burners I have a goodman furnace and when it is calling for heat the ignitor comes on and goes off and comes on again and the burners never comes on what could be the problem <Q> No fuel. <S> Verify that you have gas supplied to the unit. <S> Also, an automatic gas valve someti...	In any case, have a licensed gas fitter with furnace service experience look at and repair your furnace.
Using indoor-only Xmas lights -- in the outdoors, where they'll get wet Imagine that you bought a few strings of incandescent Xmas lights. They are rated for indoor use only. The tag says not to use them outdoors. They aren't any cheaper than the outdoor-rated lights sold in the same store; but you feel that the ind...	This is generally a bad idea.
Should it take a while to get supplies to rewire a 1100sq ft house? I'm dealing with some contractor problems and I'm trying to get some information to figure out if the contractor is lying to me or just incompetent (or if I'm unreasonable). We had a long delay of no work being done and they just started to do some wo...	He probably hasn't managed his time well and doesn't have time to do your job right now.
Removing Wallpaper Glue - All of it or can I leave faint bits behind? I'm removing wallpaper right now. Removing the paper itself was easy. The problem now is there is a ton of glue left over. I'm removing the glue using water+vinegar and then scraping it off. Most of it comes off easily, however there are a few spots...	You will have to remove all of the wall paper paste otherwise the spackle will not get a solid bond to the wall surface.
West facing master bedroom getting hot from afternoon sun I am renting a townhouse where the master bedroom is always getting way hotter than the rest of the house. It's the only room on the top floor on the west side of the house and only has one window on the west facing wall. The downstairs is fine as the trees outs...	A step up from tin foil, you can buy radiant barrier insulation - it looks like mylar bubble wrap - and stick that to the windows. If you just spray plain water on the window and press on the bubble wrap, it will hold on for quite a while, and can be removed without a trace.
Popup outlet on kitchen island - is it against building codes? California I've seen these small round popup outlets. I spoke with a contractor we have doing a remodel of our kitchen and he said it would violate building codes. Didn't even give me a chance to show him what I was talking about. So I was just hoping to g...	That would be a violation of the NEC for a kitchen counter receptacle. Your building dept can tell you what electrical codes your area follows. If there is an outlet inside the cabinet where you can plug in the popup, that outlet will need to be GFCI protected etc.
How do I check my upstairs bedroom for insulation in the ceiling? I have a bungalow home in Michigan that has plaster ceiling. How do I check if the ceiling is insulated between ceiling and roof with no access point? The upstairs room was meant to be an attic but converted to a bedroom. Now, in winter it is freezing an...	Be mindful of any added can (recessed) lights that were put in later, they need to be IC (insulation contact) rated or keep the insulation off them too. If the house is old enough to have a plaster ceiling, there is a terrific chance there is no insulation.
Is it possible to replace the lock on this door that has been painted on? I have a very old door with a very old lock, pictured here: It doesn't close because the previous owner stuck some wood in the latch, and there doesn't seem to be any place for the lock. I'd like to replace this, but I'm not sure if it will be ...	This is almost certainly a bit key lock with just a few levers; a good locksmith could get it all working again and give you an appropriate key if you want to maintain the history.
What is the optimal screw drive hole shape to get the maximum torque for a steel screw? What is the optimal screw drive shape (such as philips, internal hex socket, or slot) that will allow the maximum amount of torque to be applied without having the drive hole stripped? The torque can be applied to the drive hole lik...	I would say the optimal screw hole shape that will allow the maximum amount of torque to be applied , would be no hole .
What can one do with shower water? A relative is rebuilding his bathroom. Since he has a garden and he is all about "thinking green" he was wondering if he could use the shower water (or any other) in any way, like water plants. I found the idea interesting when he told me and we googled a bit around to see what solut...	You can pipe it to a tank and use it to flush lower-floor toilets.
Protecting CSST Through Studs - Are there no off-the-shelf solutions? I am having a hard time meeting the protection requirements outlined in the manufacturer's specifications. I'm installing HomeFlex CSST in California - California's plumbing code defers to the manufacturer for most of the installation requirements ...	So you could always use schedule 40 steel pipe to protect the pipe. Use a flat steel plate designed for framing applications (Simpson Strong Tie makes plenty).
How to cover exposed attic wall insulation I have a small walk (crouch)-in attic from the closet of one of my upstairs bedrooms. It has insulation on the walls that form the bedroom closet/wall. Given how small the attic is, whenever I go in there and place/remove things I tend to brush up against the insulation pull...	Covering the whole wall in any kind of sheeting or additional insulation can cause moisture problems.
Connecting gas logs to small propane tank I'd like to install some propane-gas based logs in my fireplace to use as an auxiliary heat source this winter. Mainly for when the power goes out (I have electric heat pump), or for very cold morning while eating breakfast. As such, I don't want or need a massive buried tank...	One issue for you might be if your logs don't have the proper flame, it may be due to the hose used to connect to the tank being 1/4".
How can I center a TV on a wall with a centered stud? I have a 60" Panasonic Plasma TV that weighs 81 lbs. I want to hang it on the wall using a full-motion wall mount made to handle 175 lbs. The wall is drywall with wood studs. I plan on using the 4 lag bolts provided on two studs. I don't know the size of the lag...	If you want it right on center, you could put two lags through the center of the mount into the center stud, and a pair of Snaptoggles into the drywall on either side. I believe that most manufacturer's will have the plate long enough to span 2 wall studs.
How do I display the US flag at half staff with a standard house flag pole holder? I recently purchased one of these (in the picture below) and a few flags to be on display. However, how should I display the American flag at half staff? Should I manually adjust it on the pole I have (it doesn't have pulleys to adju...	The flag is lowered by moving the pole into the lower part of the bracket so the pole is more parallel to the ground.
Install plastic between drywall ceilings and rafters? We are building a new house and are getting ready to install the drywall on the ceilings. We have installed a 6 mil plastic barrier on the underside of the rafters to act as an air & moisture barrier. The barrier will be sandwiched between the drywall and the rafter...	If you have very cold winters in your area without very high summer humidity, then a vapor barrier near the inside will help keep your insulation dry when it is cold outside and your house is relatively warm and humid, otherwise take the plastic out. Where I live, Canada, the building code requires a vapour barrier lik...
Is it safe to encapsulate lead shot with epoxy? I hope this is the right SE for this question. If not please point me in a better direction. I'm working on a project that requires a counterweight in a tight/organic space. I'm trying to maximize the weight so I need a dense material -- the denser the better. A mater...	As long as you avoid eating the lead shot or breathing in lead-bearing gasses (e.g. from deliberately inhaling smelting fumes or gunsmoke), you really have nothing to worry about. Quickly looking at metal density tables, you may also be able to use tungsten (much heavier than lead).
New House Wiring in Attic + Conduit I own an old house (50s) for which the electrical is outdated (no ground, etc), so I am in the process of rewiring the whole house. The attic has tons of insulation (loose insulation atop fiberglass batts, etc), and below the insulation often it has plywood boards (subfloor). Navigat...	Unless the attic is accessible via a permanent staircase or ladder, then you'll have to protect the wiring run across the floor (or within 7' of the floor) throughout the entire attic.
Is slightly high voltage bad for a refrigerator? I had a mini freezer fail. I bought a new one which worked for a day or two, but I came home today and it was not running and the compressor was hot and everything in it melted. I measured the voltage and it read 124V AC. The listed voltage for the freezer is 110V. Coul...	Higher voltage than nominal+10% can saturate the magnetic cores of a motor, causing rapid overcurrent and overheating, which exponentially gets worse as the supply voltage is increased. 124V is within the typical range.
What type of pipe joint is this, and how do I repair it? The plastic pipe under my kitchen sink is leaking. This top pipe seems to simply be resting on the bottom section. Is this how it is supposed to be? I can freely pull the pipes apart with a little bit of force... Where can I get more information on this type of j...	The trap should be attached to the bottom of this piece, probably using another slip joint. Looks like it's a waste tee similar to this. It should be just tight enough, so that the pipes don't easily come apart. It looks to be a 1 1/2 inch diameter pipe (as opposed to a 1 1/4 inch).
Mounting a TV on the wall I am trying to mount a 20 inch TV on a plasterboard wall. There are only two studs in the wall. One where I won't be able to see the TV and the other above an electrical socket. I do not want to put the bracket on the stud with the socket. Nothing is in line in my house, so god only knows wher...	While mounting to studs would be preferable, one strategy I've seen done involves getting a sheet of plywood larger than the mount and mounting this to the wall - giving you the ability to use more anchors/screws than the TV mount allows.
Installing a Pilot Light Electrical Switch I want to replace a single pole wall switch that contols a closet light with a single pole pilot light switch. The pilot light is supposed to light when the closet light is on. The current wall switch is outside the closet. I looked in the switch box and there are two wires (a...	Switches that feature a light which illuminates when the switch is " on " require a neutral conductor.
Digging a well, hitting a rock I am digging a well with a hand-powered auger. I am 20 feet down and I am hitting a rock. How can I break up this rock so I can continue digging? <Q> You might want to check with knowledgeable people about drilling in your area. <S> Perhaps you have dug into bedrock. <S> Or there is a...	Also if you are digging into bedrock you might try dropping a really heavy pipe down there to break it.
How to anchor through .5 inch drywall/.75 inch wood/concrete block Installing a TV wall mount. The issue is that the wall is 1/2" dry over 1x2 wood spaced 24 inch on center and then concrete block. What is the best fastner to to use considering the first 1 1/4" would not hold a TV mount for a 70 lb TV. Would like to...	Use a "wedge type" expansion anchor, you can buy them in lengths that will work fine for your application, assuming the block is filled, not hollow.
Quick flooring for uneven floor We're having an HVAC unit replaced. The unit has been removed and the contractor is coming back Monday to start installing the new unit. We'd like to do something about the terrible floor that is in that closet. The existing floor is many layers of old, uneven, cracked tile. The topmost...	Once the tile is out, put a new subfloor down. Keeping the floor damp while you rip it out, will reduce the dust and the risk of asbestos becoming airborne. If the original subfloor is wood, use 1/4 to 1/2 plywood screwed over the old floor into the joists. The tiny amount that may be in the closet, is probably about a...
Best way to take wood glue off of tools? I try to clean my tools after working with wood glue but i always miss a spot here or there. My square is covered with wood glue because i didn't clean it fast enough. Whats the best way to take the glue off? I don't want to damage the plastic or metal on this precise part. <Q>...	Regular white or yellow wood glues are not so bad, I'd try soaking the square in paint thinner, but that might even damage some types of plastic.
What are these nail pops that keep popping up in my house? I've only lived in this house for six months and there are these weird dimples that keep raising. It started with one and has now gotten to be around 7-8. All but one are on the upstairs ceiling. The one that isn't is on the lower part of the wall on the front ...	If it was nailed close to the walls the drywall nails would pull through or pull out of the framing of the truss. Unless you notice multiple nail pops it shouldn't be a problem. Cut away any broken and jagged paper and spackle as needed.
How to maintain a Saniflo waste water macerator pump? A few years back, I installed a Saniflo pump to service a basement toilet + shower. Putting it in was a lot of fun, but I've always been worried about having it break. So every once in a while I try to descale the inside. But what product to use? In some countries...	The advantage to vinegar is that while it is acidic, it is not enough to kill off the useful bacteria in the entire waste system nor is it so strong as to damage plastic or rubber seals. Just thought I'd throw my answer in here for others searching, I found a post somewhere advising Zep Drain Care Buildup Remover, an e...
How to prevent half wall (drywall, steel studs) from wobbling I want to make a half wall beside a staircase (on the edge of the upper floor). One end will be attached to a concrete column, but the other will be (so far) unsuported. Something like the picture below: What is the best way to ensure that It stays put and ...	Though the I-beams nearly doubled the cost of framing the stud walls my basement, I liked having the added rigidity for hanging things:
why using self-tapping screws? I am just wondering what the advantage of self-tapping screws would be as compared to normal screws. Does it fasten more strongly? I know, with most self-tapping screws, pre-drilling can be skipped. Is this the only advantage? Or, is there any other advantage? <Q> If you're pre-drilling a...	Not having to pre-drill is the benefit, and that's actually a huge benefit in terms of time and labor.
What size conduit should I use for Coaxial and Ethernet? I'm looking at feeding both a coaxial and an Ethernet(probable cat6A) cable too multiple locations in my house shortly.I was wondering what size conduit should I use? <Q> After a quick google search, I've estimated the dimensions of the cables as follows: <S> ...	If you run two of each cable (4 total cables), you'll need 1" conduit.
High Water Bill - No Leaks Four months ago I moved into a house built about 10-11 years ago. With our first water bill, billed semi-monthly, we were billed a usage of 3750 gallons. Our next bill showed a usage of 9100 gallons. I raised the flag to the utility and they sent a tech. No one was home and the tech said ther...	It's also possible that your hose bibb has been leaking.
Is it okay for one curtain hanging bracket to be screwed into drywall with no anchors? I'm trying to hang curtains from near the ceiling. I have 5 brackets. 4 of them have successfully been screwed into wood, at least with the top screw (the bottom screw was as a wall anchor into drywall, because the wood runs near the...	You may be able to use the metal to your advantage.
Must Electrical Adapters Be Inside Gang Boxes? I'm replacing a wall sconce light with a bluetooth speaker so I have AC wires coming into the spot where the speaker will be but I'll be removing the circular gang box that the sconce light connected to. The bluetooth speaker has a DC adapter that I can wire to the existi...	You cannot splice wires in a wall without boxes (except for certain approved in-line splices), and you cannot bury a box in a wall without an accessible cover.

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