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Spa Panel with 50a breaker I had a spa panel installed when the home was built for a future spa. Now we've found a spa and it requires 60a breaker at the panel. The panel has a 50a breaker in it. The panel inside the house at the other end has a 60a breaker. The wire between the panels is 6 AWG copper. I've read ...	If it's a 50 AMP panel then you'll need to upgrade it to a 60 amp panel with a 60 AMP breaker. Usually the cheapest way to get a shutoff is to use a sub-panel with a main breaker (just using the breaker as a switch, not a breaker). And this is one of those applications where you have a lot of slack.
Is 10/2 wire ok for a 125 foot run? Previous owner of house ran 10/2 to his outbuildings which are 125 feet. He has lights and would run power tools like a mitre or smaller air compressor. At the breaker is a 20 amp for each run. Is this ok? I won't be running anything other than what he had and I don't plan on doing ...	The 10-2 could go to a 30 amp breaker but your standard outlets would limit that to the 20 AMP breaker. Anyway, if one were being silly like that, you are just within limits on that cable. If you are willing to fit a 10KVA transformer at the outbuilding, the circuit can deliver 7200W of 120/240V split-phase at 0-3.25% ...
How might one trip a breaker from a GFCI outlet? Somewhat derivative of How can I trip a breaker from the outlet , how could someone relatively safely and quickly, with basic tools, trip a breaker at a GFCI outlet (relatively safely meaning not getting electrocuted or starting a fire)? If something conductive and ...	So, if you want to induce a trip on the breaker without tripping the GFCI outlet, you simply need to draw more current than the breaker's rating from the hot wire, and return The circuit breaker will trip if more current leaves the hot wire than its trip rating, such as 15 or 20A.
Put table saw table on wheels I would like to put this table on 2 wheels so I can wheel it around and move it outside to my patio. I have these but not sure how to mount them on the legs. Edit: Thanks for the suggestions, here's what I did: <Q> 1) Cut a sheet of plywood so that all 4 legs fit on it.2) <S> Mount t...	I suggest some "L" brackets and screws through the legs but other means could be devised.
Diagnosing RCD tripping to decide whether to fix or junk basic electric oven Excuse any incorrect terminology in this question (I will correct if advised). I'm in the UK. I have a house with relatively new wiring (past 5 years) which has circuit breakers on the power and lighting circuits and two RCD devices (I think ...	The next step up is using a megaOhm meter that is designed to test for these faults in appliances.
Do n95 masks provide ANY protection against asbestos? I think you can read between the lines here. i had on a typical n95 mask while doing a little demo. I didn't have raised suspicions about there being asbestos in the walls, as i already researched my home's primary wall material prior and it's not prone to the stuff...	When worn properly (with the mask making a tight seal with the user’s face), it can protect against hazardous airborne particles. N95 masks do not protect against gases, vapors or asbestos, and they do not provide oxygen.
Wood glue to reinforce screw holes in an oak frame? This is for load-bearing bronze screws in an oak frame, carrying a heavy oak door. Four of the screws were removed momentarily for maintenance work. Two of the screw holes may have been stripped slightly when the screws were around 3/4 of their length out of the fram...	I have used tooth picks and matches with glue for many years.
AC is dead, should we open the windows to release the heat and humidity? Live in Central Texas where the temp is in the upper 90's, low 100's. My AC went so I had to put a single room AC unit for my Master bedroom and bath. Square footage for coverage is 600 sq. feet. Well, it's humid in the rest of the house and my Mo...	Heat is actually pretty easy: if it's cooler out than in, then you want to increase ventilation to get the heat out of your house. At night, open windows (as soon as felt temperature outside gets lower than it is inside).
Can I hang shelves on painted walls without using penetrating fasteners? I live in a 40 m2 apartment with 2 cats. I was thinking maybe I can add shelves to the walls without drilling anything. Do you think that sticking shelves can whitsand the weight of a 6kg and 4 kg cats? Have you done that before? I want to go a...	If you can’t screw into the walls no matter how minimally invasive, consider a storage unit that sits on the floor, one that looks like a group of geometric shapes (boxes.) Having more than a handful of cats myself, I know how active the little fur-balls can be - and those shelves will end up seeing dynamic loads far i...
How to fix leaking bathroom sink drain where PVC meets ABS connection? My bathroom sink drain began leaking recently. The PVC connection that meets the ABS connection is the culprit. See picture with red arrow below. After taking everything apart and cleaning the parts, I discovered the ABS threads look to be dented (...	I'd get one of those rotary tools with a cut off disk and start cutting right where the dent ends and cut all the way around the circumference of the fitting. You might also try a different style slip-joint washer (they come in plastic or rubber).
What can I do with old locks? I replaced my doorknob locks and deadbolts when moving into my new house. I have the original locks still, but don't know what to do with them. It seems unlikely that anyone would want to use them, especially as part of a private sale or exchange as they wouldn't be able to trust that I do...	Give the locks to an inquisitive relative or neighbor kid who might like to tear them apart, see how they work, take a swing at re-keying them himself, etc. You could sell them on ebay or yes, give them to Good Will.
I need to pressurize a room and I'm kind of at a loss as to how to do it, hoping someone out there might have some advice I'm setting up a small packaging operation for edible products for pets. There are certain government standards we have to hit to be able to do this. The actual packaging takes place in a 420 sq ft...	It looks like filtering is one of your requirements, so you'll probably want to use a squirrel cage type fan, which is capable of developing the requisite pressure to push air past a filter. Another example: On the "cheap but prone to fail" side, a home kitchen range hood fan.
how to deter children from opening an interior door I have extensive work being done in one of the rooms in the house. For their own safety, I would like to keep curious 3-to-6-year-olds out of that room. The door to the room has no lock, and opens inward into the room. I will of course explain to the children not to ...	You can use the provided pin key to open the door. If you go with the same brand as is on there now (so it mates with the bolt latch), it's a 60 second install. Tie the door handle to a heavy weight (e.g. a full bucket) that children cannot move 2)
Can I connect 12 gauge wire to 18 gauge wire for an outdoor light post and plug? I am replacing a front yard light post that has a GFCI outlet attatched.The old post has 12 gauge wire connected from the house thru the post and outlet to the the light.The new post is prewired with 18 gauge wire and also includes a GFCI ...	The fixture is a listed device and manufacturers don’t have the same limitations for the wiring that electrical wiring in your home has. YES you can connect the 12 AWG wire to your light pole fixture. So yes this is normal for a fixture.
Old drain clogged with a lot of ceiling spackle The man that fixed the ceiling over our tub cleaned his tools, pan, buckets in the little tiny bathroom sink. Now the drain is clogged and the area below is too small for my husband to get into. Because it was left empty so long the stuff in the sink has really hardened. ...	You could try lye (sodium hydroxide). If it's not the trap, get a cheap drain snake and run it down the drain with the trap off.
Fan is turning on air conditioner but no air movement A few weeks ago I changed the outside unit's starting capacitor and that got the fan on that unit to rotate and the air conditioning on the enclosed back porch started working. Today I came home and the main part of the house was hot. I turned down the thermostat...	If it's fooling us, then look at ductwork: if you have flex duct which had an internal collapse, air flow could be blocked.
Is a 3 way switch required at the stairs to a basement with no other entryway? Is a 3 way switch required at the stairs to a basement with no other entryway? We were given a violation for not having a 3 way switch in a basement with no entryway. <Q> Stairway Lighting is Required, with light switches at top and bottom o...	I do not know the codes but I would guess that if you are in the basement during the day and you stay there until night time, then they want you to be able to turn on the lights for the stairs as a safety concern. Nowhere is it written that the lights must be switched at all.
Portable AC not getting ride of condensate I have a portable AC (LG lp1015wnr) which does not evaporate the condensate. It doesn't matter if it is in Dry or Cool mode. In both modes the water is drained from the drain pipe at the same rate. ------------Edit (Further explanation)--------- The AC has two drains, on in ...	A portable A/C tries to get rid of that water by evaporating it over on the hot side.
Exhaust fan in lighting circuit There is an exhaust fan in the lighting circuit, Is it acceptable as per NEC to accommodate Exhaust fan and lighting load in same circuit <Q> Since there are plenty of combination kitchen exhaust fan + light and bath exhaust fan + light (and even bath exhaust fan + light + heat) devices,...	Code doesn't care if an exhaust fan is on the same circuit as lights.
1920s stove pipe walled off behind kitchen I have a giant metal pipe filled with concrete or something, it doesn't go anywhere, it's just taking up space in my closet. I assume there used to be a big wood burning stove in the kitchen, and this is where the pipe led to. They removed the stove but left the pipe, and wal...	I would be careful removing the vent pipes in the other rooms , many times closed off with what looks like a metal pie plate that if painted with a picture may be valuable, other than that repairing the lath and plaster was easy compared to removing the pipe through a working kitchen or family room The asbestos could h...
Repair of antique standing lamp light fitting (UK) I have broken this light fitting off an antique wooden lamp stand. It's a bayonet fitting, which screws onto a brass screw thread. Is this a standard fitting? Does anyone know where I could get one in the UK? Thanks. <Q> The last time I was in Broken & Quick <S> they s...	The brass screw threads are standard but the rest of the fixture looks unique.
How weather resistant are Fire Bricks? I’d like to build an outdoor cooking area and use wood as fuel. This area would be an elevated platform, 2-2.5 feet off the ground and about 6 square feet in surface area, to use with a grate and/or cast iron cookware. I planned to line the combustion area with fire brick. Th...	I expect fire brick would be as weather resistant as regular brick unless you mean a porous insulating brick which would absorb water.
Can I run a gas hot water heater on propane? I have property where I am boon-docking an airstream. I've been looking into a passive solar hot water heater design, For the holding tank I was looking at using an old hot water heater, I found a used gas hot water heater online, and it made me think, is it possible to use ...	Some manufacturers have conversion kits available that can allow you to convert the water heater.
Will a hammer drill also fix screws? I’ve just purchased my first home and have many improvements to make but seem to have way too many useless tools cluttering the garage and as they are outdated I’m looking to replace them for a multi purpose tool or two. I need a tool which will be lightweight ( weak wrists) c...	An impact driver, which you mentioned, is for driving screws and nuts at a fairly high torque (think of the tool a garage mechanic uses to remove wheel nuts).
How can I predict now the heat sinks that will appear in winter? I've just moved into a house where I'm concerned that an energy audit might find problems. The clue is that the windows appear to be old single-pane windows. Once it's cold out I can borrow an infrared camera and go around checking to see how bad things...	Any air leaking will either bow or suck in the plastic. Those walls, windows etc that are loosing heat faster than other surfaces or parts of surfaces show up.
Why do all shower cubicles have open tops, and does it have to be this way? I have a small bathroom with a traditional 2 sided shower cubicle in one corner. Like all shower cubicles it has an open top. The bathroom has both an opening window and a working extractor fan. If the first person to use the bathroom in the m...	Obviously, the simplest solution is to leave a gap above the walls.
Plumbing toilet and sink into same drain Please see attached sketch for more details, but we want to avoid cutting through the joists below the bathroom and also avoid creating a bulkhead in the family room below. We are located in Toronto, Canada. We are thinking of using a wall mount toilet with an in wall tank from...	Yes, the sink can tie into the same drain.
3-way light switch mysteriously works, then stops working, then starts working again I have a three-way light switch that is exhibiting really odd behavior. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. For example, just now the following happened. Lights are off. I go to switch A and flip it back and forth. Nothing...	Turn the power back on and try operating the switches, carefully, and see if you solved the problem.
How to find stud when magnets indicate there's one present, but can't find it with a drill I've got a wall that I'm trying to mount a relatively heavy painting on (~25lbs), and am trying to use magnets to locate the stud. Here's where they stick: I've tried to drill into where I expect the stud to be, but I'm not hit...	Clean the bit before starting; if it emerges with any metal shavings then you'll know you drilled through more than just drywall.
How to safely unplug an outdoor extension cord that got wet? I plugged a indoor floor lamp outside using an indoor extension cord not realizing it was going to rain (i know - stupid!). Now I am afraid to unplug it, as everything is wet. What can I do to disconnect without getting electrocuted - I have kids. I need some...	If you know which circuit the outlet is on you can turn off just that breaker.
Should I switch to a vertical exhaust fan to avoid 90 degree bends? I am replacing the original kitchen exhaust fan on my 1950s house. The old one vented sideways to an immediate 90-degree bend (to 8-inch rigid ducting) and then straight up about 24~36 inches to the roof cap. I purchased a new unit with the same s...	A possibility of using a adjustable 90° fitting would do you right in this scenario and you could get the identical roof pitch in that fitting. Certainly two gentle bends are better than a sharp bends, and smooth interiors are better than corrugated - but it's not that critical unless you are planning on long runs (and...
Sink drainage leaking into dishwasher inlet Just installed new dishwasher. Dishwasher fills, cleans and empties without issue. Hours later found water in bottom of dishwasher. Turns out when I empty say a pitcher of water into the sink, water trickles into the dishwasher from the inlet, not the drain. Faucet is not on ...	Without an air gap, siphoning action of the water left in the drain tube can cause water in your sink to get sucked back into the dishwasher.
Supporting Ridge Beam Post with LVL? I want to open this span (about 12') and planning to purchase 2 x 10" LVL's which will sit beneath the double top plate that is already there (so our beam will be 12.5" tall x 3.5" thick). There is only roof above (no floor) and it pitches away from the camera in the kitchen. The ga...	What you may need, is a post running from the blue beam directly up to the ridge. Moving the post is not advisable.
Federal Pacific 200a main panel problem with oversized 100a 2pole breaker There is a 200a FPE breaker box (yes, I am aware of all the problems). It is not in the homeowners budget to replace at this time. He has 2 issues: His panel is full His electric furnace is an older 100a furnace. The 100a breaker in the panel...	Size your breakers to the wire size with the right grounding and bonding.
Can I use coax outlets for cable modem? I recently moved into a home where each room has a coaxial wall plate. My ISP provides internet through a cable modem, where unfortunately the cable input is in a non-ideal location. Next to that cable input from my ISP, there is a wall plate where I could connect the coax cable....	You'll need to find the two cables that go to the rooms involved (or simply place your modem there). All your coax will tie into it. You should be able to find RG-6 readily, and probably RG-6 quad shield as well. This would eliminate a lot of signal loss back to the cable connection point.
Cable TV, Antenna, Coaxial - what is this thing? I'm looking to add an OTA antenna to my home. Over the years, many different cable and dish installers have left thier mark on the home, prior to my ownership. In fact, a dish and all its cables are still on the house. I'm thinking of replacing the dish with an antenna i...	A regular signal splitter would suffice.
How do i turn off the hot water so i can fix a leaking hot tap My laundry hot water tap is dripping. I want to change the washer inside the tap but im unsure how to turn off the hot water. <Q> In an ideal world, there will be an isolating valve (see below) under the sink which you just turn. <S> Given you are asking ...	On a basic system, then you need to turn off the incoming water supply to the dwelling and that stops the supply to everything, then you can work on the laundry tap, water may still come out due to air getting in and gravity.
Coupling two 15 Amp circuit breaker for 20 Amp My Bosch micro/oven need 120 volt 20 Amp receptacle. I do not have a 20 Amp circuit breaker for this purpose. Can I couple two separate 15 Amp breakers as a dedicated source to provide higher Amperage limit (20 Amp)? Theoretically this will increase wire cross-section area...	As already stated, your only two options are: Exchange the appliance for one which can operate on a 15A circuit, or Run a proper 20A circuit to feed your microwave. "In theory" this would work as you expect (the part about increasing the wire cross section), but it's forbidden by code because there are a lot of dangero...
Is wiring the neutral in a circular path correct? I have a bathroom that was re-wired to add a bathroom fan some years ago. I am wondering if it was wired correctly. Originally, I believe the overhead light was wired in a switch loop to a single wall switch. When the fan was added, two new switches (for the fan, and th...	So for example if only the fan is powered there will be current only in the hot conductor for the fan, but the current in the neutral side will be divided between two separate cables. I think you've figured it out, but here it is in diagram form anyway, for future readers who may be more visually oriented:
How can I prevent curtain rings from catching on the joint between rod sections? I have a plastic curtain pole (unlike that one). The spot where the extension starts creates a bigger edge than on the pic, and curtain rings always bump into it. It's really, really annoying. Because the window is so wide I need to use s...	There's a product called Ezyglide Tape that is the best way to fix this - not only does it smooth out the join, but it provides a smooth, slick and silent sliding solution along the whole pole - permanently! On my specific rod, the plastic piece is not that smooth, so you may need to shop around, open boxes, and take a...
Powering a Window Air Conditioner -- 10' 12/3 SJTW extension cord vs new outlet? TL;DR: Is it fine to use 10' 12/3 extension cord or should I really have an electrician come out & install a new outlet? I recently installed 8,000 BTU window air conditioner (the LG LW8016ER). Unfortunately, there isn't an outlet near th...	If you or anyone else are going to be tripping over an extension cord, we all know that's not good... Extension cords are fine, for temporary situations. #12 THHN wire will suffice, presuming it is actually a proper, mains-listed surface conduit system like Legrand Wiremold, and not merely a cord-organizer intended for...
How can I put in a screw in a concrete ceiling without power tools? I want to hang my plant but my ceiling is concrete. I don't have a drill. I have a hammer and screwdriver. <Q> Unfortunately I don't think you can depend on anything hand installed into concrete, if you want a good hold. <S> Possibly ask a friend if ...	You could get a Tapcon™ screw and hit it with a hammer enough to cause a small hole, then use the screwdriver to turn it endlessly until it drills its way into the concrete.
How can I separate a drain pipe from a sleeve protruding from the floor? I am assuming that this late 1940s, early 1950s, drain pipe, which goes into a pipe protruding up through the floor, is simply sealed there with putty. Is that correct? Should it be dislodged and removed by twisting the drain pipe a few inches ab...	If you can't turn it initially, heat the sleeve with a plumbing torch, trying not to heat the upper pipe.
Should I use pigtails for pass-through split outlet connections? I have some outlets that are set up in a split circuit (separate lines for top and bottom). I was going to replace the outlet to update it to a more modern looking one and found that there are 4 power lines coming in. Power in and out and for each circu...	As such, some of us recommend using a 2-pole breaker instead - they are very easy to find for modernish panels, and they cost the same as 2 singles without having to pay for a handle-tie also. So pigtail with a wire nuts or get back and side outlets.
Can I connect a water heater to an existing dual-pole breaker? Using a Reliance 10 Circuits, 125/250 Volts, 30 Amps, 7,500 Watts, Model# 30310A unit to my panel. I was interested in running my water heater which in my panel has a two 30 amp breakers. Can I run this breaker to the dual pole 20 amp breaker on the transfe...	If you're committed to this water heater, and you have spaces in your main panel, I'd start by shopping for a generator interlock kit for your existing main panel. It sure sounds to me like your transfer switch is limited to 20 A. It's far simpler, safer, and more versatile to use an actual $75 subpanel with a $30 gene...
What is on my shower drain and why is my shower not draining? I just moved into an apartment and the shower does not drain well. It floods above my feet every time i shower. I've tried running vinegar down it after showers and this sort of helps, but eventually i need to use a plunger on it to get it to drain, since it...	What you wipe probably find is a wad of hair and soap scum.
Nails sticking out of balusters Recently purchased a house and noticed some nails sticking out of the balusters on a staircase. They are pretty sharp so I'm worried about someone stepping up brushing their foot up against it. What are my options for fixing this? Try to pull them and nail back in with new nails? <Q> ...	In the short term you should look in the local hardware store for a nail set, which is a small steel tool designed to set finish nails below the surface.
GFI outlets tripped after power outage I live in a rural area that has frequent power outages (Several per month. Less than a minute in duration). When the power is restored, several GFI outlets always trip. I am trying to track down the cause of these trips, as one of the outlets powers a livestock water heater ...	During a power surge, it may be that your circuit is shorting out somewhere.
Help, can I still fix this? A few weeks ago, the door knob started to become loose with greyish wood/sand chunks falling out of the gap between the doorknob and the door. Currently thinking of getting a handyman in to have a look but just want some opinions on whether it’s still fixable and if it’s worth it. TIA <Q> Ye...	The proper fix is to replace the handles with ones designed for that size of hole or to replace the door.
Can I replace a 30 amp breaker on my panel with a 25 amp for my new hot water heater? My New Hot Water Heater requires a 25 amp breaker rating at the panel. I currently have a 30 amp at the breaker at the panel for the hot water heater. Should I change it to a 25 amp? <Q> Read the instructions carefully. <S> 30A is ...	it is always ok to reduce the breaker size if the wiring is legal or compliant with the larger breaker.
tile over concrete slab My condo has a concrete slab. We put down engineered wood flooring. There has been some flooding in neighboring condos, which has damaged the flooring. Does anyone have a suggestion for flooring that would resist the water damage? Would ceramic tile work ? There are cracks in the slab that we...	If you are concerned about future floods it could be an idea to look into decking floor tiles.
Contractor cut joist hangers to make them fit (edited with additional info re. header) We are removing a couple of load bearing walls as part of renos in our home. The engineer specified a W8x21steel beam to replace the load bearing wall. The floor joists are 2x10. It appears the contractor put the bolts into the "...	However, the main issue is that these hangers are not designed for this application. If you're able to get to a lumber yard, you may be able to get a 3" x 12" wood joist and use this in place of the header that's affixed to the I-beam. Sounds like your contractor should be to blame for most of this in my eyes, although...
What's the best way to keep humidity down in crawl space? I have a nominally dry crawl space that is around 22' square and about 4' tall with a concrete floor. It has no indication of leaks and is dry, but too moist during the hot Maryland summers to keep anything that is not durable in there. It has the air vents from...	adding outlets from your air-con system that feed dry air to the crawl-space should work.
How can I fix a framing mistake so I can drywall? I’m demoing a kitchen and discovered that the top plate sticks into the room a half inch farther than the studs. The current drywall is attached to the studs and therefore is even with this top plate which leaves the problem of how to drywall the seam where the wall me...	Removing all the old drywall allows easy access to any electrical boxes in the wall along this stretch so that they can be remounted to provide proper projection through the new drywall that you will install. Get some Durabond (or similar) setting-type joint compound.
Can I use ratchet straps to lift a dolly into a truck bed? I may be moving a 200lb appliance without help. I have some 1" width strap ratchets rated at 500lb from home depot (4pack). Could I stand in the bed and ratchet up the dolly backwards? Anyone done something like this and tips? I also have some 1000lb pulleys...	Were I you, I would lever the appliance upward, tighten a strap to hold it there, and then take a small break and re-set the lever for a higher lift. I have a local delivery service and use a hand truck and the sides of my tray as ramps to load and unload large furniture on my own. Use cardboard under it if you don't w...
What is this next to the kitchen bar sink? What is this next to the sink?! <Q> It looks like my glass/ bottle washer. <S> Is there a knob that turns the hot water on? <S> Mine only had hot water ran the sink until hot set the glass on the wash push the button it would go for 20~ seconds great for rinsing home brew bott...	If you rinse a pint/beer glass with cold water just before you fill it with draft beer it will prevent the the beer for foaming to much which will result in to big of a head on the beer.
Home Security Camera that is easy to turn off I live in an apartment and want to install security cameras. However, I want the cameras to be activated (ON) only when no one is at the home (or when I want it to be ON). I do not want it to monitor (and possibly broadcast) me. I am sure this is a feature lot of other pe...	If you trust Amazon's security/privacy features, their CloudCams have a "geofence" feature that works in conjunction with the location service on your smartphone - it will turn the cams on when you're away from home, and off when you're back home.
How to make a reverse bend in a sheet metal box I need to bend sheet metal in a box-like shape, but with one flap in the reverse direction as shown below: Currently I only have a simple flat brake, however, I don't see how to do this, even if I had a $3000 pan and box brake with fingers. The only way to do this that...	Then, for folding the other two sides, the Z shape would be laid on the brake with the downward-facing flap off one end of the brake. Many of the vendors' offerings are priced approaching $3000, but maybe seeing how the part could be made with a magnetic brake will give you ideas how you might create a special tool aro...
Why is my fire extinguisher emptied after one use? I'm planning to make a small DIY gas tank and I saw people using old or used fire extinguishers but I don't understand why my fire extinguisher can't hold pressure after one use. I have this fire extinguisher about 3 years and it was holding pressure but few weeks ago...	The answer is that because there can be leaks for other reasons - e.g., fire extinguisher dropped but did not activate, corrosion of parts, etc. Because the price is low (which encourages people to buy an item that they will hopefully never use!)
How to safely clean rust and prep on a section of HVAC ductwork before insulating So I have a small section (about 1.5 ft) of non-insulated ductwork with some rust right above my HVAC blower/furnace in the basement. The rust seems to be caused by the water that sweats on that section when I'm running the AC. I bought...	You probably would not need a top coat since the duct work is protected from the elements, but you could possibly get useful extra protection from a top coat. I have used naval jelly for many years and have had great results. The safest removal would be simply hand or light power sanding and then priming. Vinegar shoul...
Fasteners for securing cabinets together I'm planning on using GRK Cabinet screws to fasten cabinets to the walls, but plan on using GRK trim screws to secure the cabinets to each other, like these . Are these appropriate? The heads seem a little small, but I figured drawing force wasn't so critical on securing cabin...	Screws are a bad idea.
Identify this bathroom extractor fan? I have a bathroom extractor fan that has gone bad, so I need to replace it. If possible, I would like to just replace the motor, rather than opening up the ceiling to put in a whole new enclosure. The problem is, I don't know how to find a replacement. Here are a few pictures: ...	That is a newer NuTone fan cover that has been drilled to fit over the center post on what is a very old vent fan.
Is my sink P-trap too low? Just put a new sink in and was not lucky enough to have the plumbing line up. I have it roughed in and wanted some insight/opinions on whether this will work, or what I need to do to fix it. I have a slope leading from the disposal to the trap, but with the new larger sink, my p-trap is about...	You could cut your drain pipe shorter so the sanitary tee is lower.
Flexible Metal Conduit length limits with grounding Basic question - if I have a long run of flexible mc, 12/2 with a green equipment ground wire inside, am I limited in my overall length of this run as long as I meet the support requirements? I see conflicting statements online about 6’ limits unless I provide another...	You can exceed the 6' limit on FMC if you run a ground it it.
Is it ok to add an outlet from an Exit sign? I'm trying to install WiFi expanders in our mostly brick building. The barrier is a lack of outlets where we need them. There are literally no outlets in locations were the WiFi expanders could also connect to the main WiFi router. The easy solution would be to tap the junct...	Some require dedicated circuits but if the router could be classified as part of the critical equipment it would be allowed even in a hospital.
Is it a concern that 120v cables hang down from the ceiling in my crawl space? Recently went in my crawlspace to fix some plumbing issues and noticed that all the electrical seems to be just hanging, with some on the ground. I'm fairly certain that this is nowhere close to code, but what I want to know is how dangerous...	Since that may not be an option here, the next choice is to nail small "runner" boards to the bottoms of the joists, then staple the cable to those.
Can I use polyurethane sealant with Plexiglas? I have a below-grade basement window in a lightwell. In heavy rain, the lightwell fills to the bottom of the window and then the water leaks into the basement. I've been through a lot of options and my current plan (plan D) is to screw a clear plexiglass sheet to the win...	If so then it would be illegal and dangerous to block the window by screwing plexiglass to the window frame. Perhaps by putting in a drain at the bottom of the window well and channeling the water away from the basement with drainage tile/pipe/gravel into your yard.
Wired to Wireless Doorbell I am looking at replacing my doorbell (original to the house, circa 1978) with something more modern looking. Now, the problem I have is that most of the modern doorbells are wireless. Mine is wired...and I can't find any information about terminating the power to the doorbell and ideally bur...	There are "wireless" doorbells that can actually take power from the low voltage doorbell wiring, though you may need to adjust the wiring to make it a power delivery circuit instead of a "short-circuit to ring" circuit. To decomission the wiring you'll have to find that transformer and remove it.
Safely hang a mirror that does not have hooks I would like to safely secure a mirror to the drywall. The mirror itself is pretty light (probably under 5kg), the weight is not an issue. However, its back surface does not have any hooks or anything that can be used to secure it. I was going to use a string and some nails...	You can get mirror brackets/clips intended specifically for this use.
How do I clean sealant/silicone from a glass mirror? I did a poor job of applying silicone sealant to the seam between a glass mirror and the splash back below it. I need to clean-up the smears that I got onto the mirror and the splash-back. How do I do this? <Q> Wait until it dries and use a razor blade to scrape it...	On the mirror specifically, you may be able to use acetone solvent, however this may harm the splashback.
How can I repair this gas leak on my new range? Teflon tape isn't working I'm trying to install this GE gas range , so I attached everything and tightened all the nuts. Unfortunately, there's gas leaking at the base of the stove (where the flare connects to the stove). I first tried without teflon tape at the base, ...	If you tighten the fitting enough, there are no leaks. Further attempts to fix it can cause things to get worse. So I took apart everything, cleaned everything well, and then attached both "flare-end" fittings directly to both ends of the hose for a metal-to-metal seal. Even if you live in an area where you don't have ...
What can I do when coats of paint won’t hide/cover the shadow left on a wall by wooden shelves I have a wall in my dining room that has had a pine wood bookcase hanging on it for 13 years. Today, I unscrewed it from the wall so that I can paint the wall. But every time the paint dries, a ‘shadow’ remains on the wall ex...	You could cover the flat spots with a texturing compound or texture paint that either matches the existing texture or has a complimentary texture. I use a shellac based primer for things such as this.
Any chance a studded wall is a supporting wall? I'm taking out a wall between two bedrooms to make it into one. This is a studded wall that was the back of the closet in one of the bedrooms and the wall in the other. This is underneath a flat roof single story. This is the ground floor with a basement below and the fl...	If plywood, OSB board or 2 layers of gypsum board on either side of the wall, then the wall could be a structural wall. If so, that is a strong indication that it’s a bearing wall. Because you mentioned that your roof is flat, there is a strong likelihood that roof trusses that span the entire width of the house were n...
Is there such thing as automatic hot cold water mixing valve? We have a shower that is being used multiple times throughout the day. For each use the target temperature is always ~30C. Unfortunately, the water in hot water pipe tends to cool down if someone was not using shower for longer time. If this happens, then th...	You could also choose to manually set the water heater to the "perfect" shower temp so that 100% hot water will always be the correct temperature.
How can I heat a hole in my pond efficiently in the winter without using a pond heater? I'd like to heat my pond to create a hole in the ice during the winter to help a few goldfish survive. The fish are not expensive but I'm trying to save them. The pond is about 50 gallons, about 12 inches deep at the most. Pond is a...	The only way to be "more efficient" than a resistive heater is to use a heat pump, and the upfront cost will probably make that a non-starter.
Should bottom wall plates in a basement be treated lumber? Question for those who are well versed in framing and then maybe some code as well. I got into a discussion the other day between a couple other trades, they were suggesting I was wasting my time using treated plates in all of the basement walls I built. The ...	In my state the bottom plate is required to have the foam seal and treated lumber for external load bearing walls only.
3-way and 4-way switches My kitchen lights operate with 3 wall switches. Two of the switches work properly only if the third (3-way) switch is in the on position. I assumed that the third (3-way) switch was malfunctioning, so I replaced it. There was no change. The other two switches operate only if the third (3-wa...	The usual mistake when swapping 3-ways is that every 3-way switch puts its screws in a different position.
Is there a dimmer to control both incandescents and LEDs at the same time? My church has the Sanctuary lights on a dimmer switch. The fixtures currently have 200 Watt incandescent bulbs. As those bulbs burn out, we would like to replace them with the equivalent in an LED bulb. We know we will need a new dimmer switch, ...	Most high voltage LED equivalent bulbs will work fine with a standard incandescent dimmer.
How to keep Structolite from cracking as it dries I have a house that was built in 1901 and needs a lot of plaster work. I've tried both Structolite and Gypsolite as a base coat over bare brick. Both of them crack as they dry, less than an hour after the structolite starts setting They look like a dried up lake bed. I'...	I've had good success with wetting the brick underneath and with mixing the material very dry, with just enough water so it becomes a paste and spreads.
Garage door sticks on a bolt My garage door sticks on the way down, apparently when the bottom roller meets a bolt in the track (see photo). A shot of garage door lube on the bolt head helps it close for the first couple of times. After that I need to give it a little tug. I don't see any way to adjust the roller posit...	I would remove that bolt, then re-seat the track so that the channel shape matches and weld it so it has a smooth run without any bolt there. Another thing that very well might be going on is the bracket might not be level.
Do I need to replace the wall after a shower head leak? So I was going to replace my shower head, but it was on there pretty good and started twisting the shower arm. I twisted the shower arm back into place maybe too tight and tested the water and didn't see any leaking. I was going to buy a new shower arm the next ...	If you can quickly and completely dry out a surface, it should be fine.
What would happen if I build a half bath without permits? What happens if we build a half bath in Minneapolis without getting permits for any of the work? Specifically, if we intend to sell the home at some point in the coming years? <Q> Non-expert information ahead... <S> For the most part, nothing happens... immed...	Most places that expect you to file permits will fine you heavily from the earliest date they can figure you started the work on, to a tune that is FAR more than simply getting the permit in the first place would have cost you. Depending on [many things] you can do non-permitted work, not lie, and the buyer will be hap...
rust-proof solution for attaching 2x4 to 4x4? What screws can I use to securely attach a 2"x4" to a 4"x4" treated lumber? The solution would need to be rust-proof. I recently used a structure similar to the image below for a small fence, but some of the screws are completely full of rust, due to treated wood humidity ...	Stainless steel deck screws will not rust.
Chandelier socket removal for arm replacement Hi I need to remove this light socket from a crystal chandelier I’m restoring. I need to replace one of the arms and I can’t seem to figure out how to get this weird screw loose. Everything I’ve looked up so far tells me to unscrew it but there isn’t a traditional screw it’...	Best option would be to remove the whole thing together if possible and try to find a matching one at the hardware store (I know my local store has a good variety of such sockets with attached brackets from Servalite). That is a rivet, which was set in a rivet press at the factory which manufactured the socket.
Flickering CFL on 3-way switch 2 three way switches control two cfl fixtures (2x13W) in stairwell. 1 Switch and light at top and 1 of each at bottom. Power(black) into to Switch 1, then Red and Black to Switch 2, then black to Light 1, then White continues on to Light 2 via Switch 2 box, and back to Neutral from pane...	Doesn't sound like the lights are wired in series. True Neutral (must be white) If you follow my color advice, things get a whole lot easier , especially if 3-way circuits are involved, which (without wire remarking) are confusing on a good day.
How do you reinforce round deck footings? I'm building a covered deck on some weak soil (clay/sandy clay). I'm going to use 24" round footings that I was planning on reinforcing with a bunch of left over rebar. How can I effectively reinforce my footings? My though was to just cut a few lengths and tie them together u...	Typical would be to bend L shaped bars to tie footing to column, with the foot of the L radial, and tie rings (a fancier bending job) or octagons to those radials.
Trying to install 2 smart switches but neutral wires in box are not connected I'm trying to install 2 smart wifi switches to replace 2 dumb switches in a box. 1 switch powers a dining room light. The other switch powers two kitchen lights that turn on/off together. As expected, I found 3 wire bundles entering the bo...	Some locations (switches) may have a neutral, others may not. But for something permanently installed, it is a big deal. Also note that NEC requires all metal boxes to be grounded if a ground wire passes through them.
How can I prevent water trail stains on bathroom drywall? In an upstairs bathroom, I found these water trail stains on a wall. There's no plumbing behind the wall so I imagine these are from humidity. What I'm curious about is whether there's any way to prevent such stains from occurring. Is there a special type of ...	If moisture still accumulates on the walls, then at least it won't cause mold issues. Either the vent fan may not be running long enough, or it is moving an inadequate amount of air. As I often say, your bathroom isn't a bathtub. I would then suggest priming the walls and ceiling with a latex primer that is rated for i...
What are my options for dealing with/getting rid of storage items I do not want/need? I am moving into a new house and have some movers moving all of my stuff out of storage and bringing it into my house. Unfortunately, there are some large furniture items (couch, table, etc...) that I do not want/need in my new place....	You can hire "get rid of your junk" companies to make it go away; they may try where possible to profit from its sale, however the same warning applies. There are always people looking for that kind of stuff for free. Recently Goodwill picked up some things but they would not take my chairs because they had worn places...
How should I disconnect my gas stove? We want to replace our natural gas stove with an electric stove. I've never worked with gas lines before, and the installers who will deliver the electric stove won't disconnect the gas stove for us. When I go to disconnect the stove, are there steps I should do in a particular ord...	Call the gas co. service to do it for you. Disconnect the flex line from the wall and the stove so you can take it with you to get a cap to put over the valve.
Is it a problem if a bookcase isn’t fully touching the floor? IKEA assemblers have screwed a large bookcase (180cm height x 160cm width x 40cm depth) into my wall where the top is 10mm from the wall and the base is 17mm from from wall, meaning the bookcase doesn’t sit squarely on the floor and the outer edge is lifted ...	Screwing to the wall prevents the bookcase from falling forward on you - most people don't bother securing bookcases to the walls. The only time I'd be worried was if aesthetically the book case looked like it was tipped forward but given the minimal difference on the front edge
Extending wood studs or adding wood to cover over the studs So the problem is this. I bought a house and it has this super awesome movie room. When I moved in, I took my stud finder out and it wasn't working on that side of the wall, but it was working on the other side. I took the recessed power plug off the wall ...	If the stud doesn't sit where you'd like to center the tv then either go with the sheet of plywood that is secured to the studs or open the drywall and add a cross piece. That wall system is a “sound control” system. The metal stripping is called “RC-1 channel “.
GFCI conversion trouble: receptacle not screwing into outlet support plate I'm trying to convert old "razor only" receptacles to GFCI protected ones in bathrooms. Since the old outlets are large 2-gang 4" boxes, I had to get GFCI conversion kits ( manufacturer's specs ) with a 2-gang, 1 centered receptacle support plat...	Deeper "mud rings" only work if you're lucky and the mud ring itself allows for those Decora screw positions.
Why has my electricity bill doubled? In recent months, my electricity bill has been steadily going up, from 20% to 40% to, now, 100%. It's doubled. I don't see any appliance running continuously except several ceiling fans. All my appliances are regular, meaning what one would find at home, such as fridges, cooktop, w...	The electric sourcing utility that you are attached to may have increased your electrical usage rate so you might have to factor that into any cost investigation that you do.
How can I extend a 1.5" galvanized plumbing vent up a 6:12 pitch roof? Relocate to make clear area for solar I'd like to extend the following plumbing penetration to a spot higher on the roof. At this time I have access from above to the pipe embedded in the wall, and access to the roof below the 6" dimensional rafter...	A second elbow connected to the first can redirect the pipe so it goes parallel to the rafter at any elevation/angle. See Is PVC an acceptable pipe for a vent stack through the roof It unfortunately can't be done in galvanized due to the lack of a 22.5 degree fitting. If it's done with 45 degree angle elbows then the a...
Should I hang doors before or after drywall? Should I hang doors before or after I hang drywall?What are the pros and cons of each choice? <Q> You wouldn't want some of your most expensive and vulnerable woodwork hanging around through that. <S> Also, the hangers will likely use rotary cutters to zip around door ope...	Then you hang drywall, tape, paint, then hang doors. You don't really want your woodwork in the building at that time due to the chance of warpage and joint movement after installation. Also means the doorways are wider and less obstructed... There's a huge amount of mess and potential for damage during the hanging, ta...
Choice of processed lumber for large shelves I am looking for recommendations to choose between a diverse spectrum of 3/4" thick plywood-y materials, such as MDF board (or similar) as well as stratified but sanded plywood. In this particular example, my dimensions are around 14"x60" but I have other application with si...	I would use plywood, it is much stronger than MDF.
How to run 10/2 THHN outdoor wire in finished basement along ceiling? I need a 220v (intermittent load will be 14 A max) single phase outlet about 30 feet from my distribution panel in my finished basement. The distribution panel is outside on the first floor. I do not want to tear out the finished drywall and popcorn ...	But a ceiling > 8' out of arm's reach with NM-B supported properly (even by hooks) in a non living space would not be a hard no. Finished square footage isn't free; hiring a "get anything through walls and ceilings" sort of electrician to do the job soup to nuts, is where you pay for that square footage. For that matte...
How can I attach deck railing boards to the top of the rails? What's the best way to attach a board to another board that's resting over it? The rail is a 2x4 and it will be held, on each side, by a 4x4. Under the 2x4 rail I'll have another 2x4 that will keep the top 2x4 straight. This is basically it: I only have a...	For all the decks I've built I've just use the same technique you'd use for the floor decking--screws from the top.
What could cause a wall mounted sink to fail? I went to the restroom before I was gonna eat at the restaurant after using the restroom I flushed and attended to the sink to wash my hands as I put just the pressure of my elbows on the sink to scoop a splash of water on my face the sink came off the wall hitting my knees...	The bracket is what holds the sink firmly on the wall, the lower holes in the sink are for keeping the bottom of the sink from being pulled away and up from the wall once it is lowered down onto the bracket.

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