All Questions
1
vote
1answer
58 views
Is it normal for water to drip from a shower head for a bit after a shower?
Water drips from new large shower head for a while after shutoff. Is that normal?
0
votes
0answers
52 views
How do I maximize the value of my home for an upcoming appraisal? [closed]
Our home is a 1972 modular that was in terrible shape when we purchased it. I have put quite a bit of blood, sweat, and tears into fixing the place up. For the most part, the main level feels like a ...
1
vote
1answer
47 views
What should I do about streaks in my finish?
I just stripped, sanded, stained & then applied fast-drying oil-based polyurethane to my hardwood table. All went well until I sanded the second coat of polyurethane with 220 grit sandpaper. The ...
1
vote
2answers
41 views
What is the best choice for patching and leveling concrete before tile install?
We have a small area of concrete foundation that we need to patch and level prior to ceramic tile installation (12×12 tiles). It is concrete that we chipped the old tile mortar off of, so there are ...
2
votes
2answers
40 views
How can I replace a single bulb light with a fluorescent fixture?
I would like to replace a single light bulb light in the closet with a fluorescent fixture. The bulb is wired with two black hots to the light bulb fixture and the white neutrals are wired together. ...
1
vote
2answers
136 views
Is it possible to have a room protected from outside GSM microwave radiation?
How can I reduce the GSM signal coming from outside into my bedroom, knowing that it's impossible to create a perfect Faraday cage because of the windows & door.
2
votes
1answer
53 views
How to reattach front door rain deflector?
The rain deflector from the bottom of our front door recently fell off when I trod on it by mistake. The door and deflector are both wooden. The deflector was stuck on, not screwed. I'm not quite ...
0
votes
3answers
110 views
How can I open a desk drawer that is jammed closed by the stuff inside?
I have a desk drawer that I need to get into but it only opens and inch. I had a lot of stuff packed inside, I'm not sure if something is jammed.
1
vote
0answers
28 views
Can poly plastic water storage tank be used to store hot water?
Another set of questions in context of my home-brew solar water heater:
Can poly-plastic water storage tanks, be used to store hot water (140deg F / 60deg C) ?
How can I thermally insulate a 50 ...
2
votes
2answers
50 views
What sound frequencies does a circular saw emit?
I'm trying to find the best way to sound proof my garage so that using a circular saw would go un-noticed by the neighbors. ( Our strata have rules for noise regulation )
But before ordering ...
1
vote
2answers
73 views
Should we use A\C in the unused second story of our home?
We don't use the second story of our home. Is it better to shut off the air conditioning completely upstairs to save money, or keep it set but at a higher temperature, such as 78-80 °F?
1
vote
1answer
54 views
Can you identify the brand of this window?
Six months ago I moved to this house built in 2007 and now I notice some issues with a window. I suspect the window is still under warranty but I don't have the name of the manufacturer. The ...
3
votes
0answers
52 views
What should I do about a horizontal crack around my porch slab?
This crack runs all the way around my porch slab but doesn't go into the foundation where the basement starts. The ranch house was built in 1956. The porch was framed in and our office is in there ...
2
votes
1answer
83 views
How do I remove black rings on a wood kitchen top formed by a tin can?
At our house we have a wood kitchen-top. We had placed on it a tin can (a typical cookies can), and probably because of some water sitting there, a black ring has been formed where the tin touched the ...
6
votes
6answers
476 views
How can I hang a shelf with no visible fasteners?
I just built a shelf for a bedroom based on instructions in this blog, but it doesn't explain how to hang it!
Can someone help me figure out a clean way to hang this shelf that doesn't involve screws ...
3
votes
2answers
40 views
How can I clean silicone mastic stains from a bath-tub and tiles?
I was redoing the silicone dilation around the bath-tub, using the silicone mastic from a tube. Unfortunately, I stained the tub and a tile with silicone. You cannot see it really, but they got quite ...
1
vote
1answer
42 views
How can I touch up a marred furniture paint job?
I recently repainted some night stands using benjamin moore advanced paint. They look great, except that I noticed some debris on the top and removed it with tweezers. I attempted to smooth over it ...
3
votes
3answers
128 views
What advantages does bending copper pipes have over joining many parts without brazing?
These questions are in context of a DIY solar water heater I am planning (another separate question). The copper pipes in question, are supposed to carry around hot water using thermo-siphon ...
2
votes
2answers
56 views
Is there a way to make my own chalkboard paint without using unsanded grout?
I'm trying to create my own chalkboard paint (where I'm from, we don't seem to have any stores that sell chalkboard paint, nor unsanded grout in the entire city) and I see all the DIY posts out there ...
2
votes
0answers
58 views
Is it possible to make my own solar water heater?
After blowing (what I consider) a lot of money on 2 residential solar water heaters, over the last 6 years, dealing with 3 set of rather expensive inner-tank replacements, evacuation pipe changes I am ...
3
votes
0answers
51 views
How can I reduce the bounciness of a floor?
My apartment is on the second floor of a low-rise building. There are no units directly under it; the apartment sits above the open-air garage.
I feel basically everything that my next door ...
3
votes
2answers
71 views
How can I use cordless drill batteries in projects?
I found this project on Make for an automatic ball thrower for your dog, and am in the process of wrapping it up.
For power, I'm using a cordless drill battery. (Specifically, a Ryobi lithium one+ ...
4
votes
1answer
58 views
What is the proper personal protective equipment and procedures for removing mouse nesting that may contain Hantavirus?
Me and my uncle are working on cleaning stuff (various auto parts and tools built up over the last 60 or so years) out a garage on my parents' property prior to demolishing it.
There are multiple ...
2
votes
1answer
31 views
What is the recommended way to clean oil based stain out of a spray gun?
I would like to know what the proper or recommended way to clean the oil based stain out of my spray gun after use is.
I am using this stain product.
I have the following antique spray gun:
2
votes
1answer
42 views
How can I estimate square footage of fencing for stain?
I have a fence that looks like the following:
I plan on staining this fence with a paint sprayer and this stain product. The product notes that one gallon will cover Coverage Area (sq. ft.) 250 ft². ...
1
vote
1answer
69 views
How can I connect coaxial cables to my wall?
I have cables that my cable company laid running all over the place. How do I connect these cables to the wall? What is the name of this part, so I know what to buy?
2
votes
1answer
34 views
Should I repair or replace a dryer heating element and housing connector?
I have a Samsung dryer that has a burnt out heating element. I purchased a new one and removed the old one from the dryer. I have no problem with any of this.
My problem is that the element ...
1
vote
1answer
51 views
What is a quieter alternative to gas forced air heating?
My small 1BR apartment has an old gas furnace that works great, but costs my landlord too much to insure. He plans to install gas forced air, an in-unit upright furnace. I'd love to suggest a ...
4
votes
2answers
90 views
How to rescue exterior door paint job?
I have a couple of questions to ask here. Last week we had a new steel entry door installed. Over the weekend while I was out of town, my wife decided to paint it. She went to our local Lowe's and ...
1
vote
3answers
154 views
Would a normal ethernet cable survive the conditions in an air conditioning vent? [duplicate]
I am currently renting a flat, which prevents me from making modification to the walls. However, I still would like to run ethernet cables between rooms. Between all the rooms, there are AC vents ...
-1
votes
1answer
89 views
Should I triple up 2x6, or 2x8 to help level a floor? [closed]
I want to level my first floor dining room.
The joists supporting the floor is 2x8", 13' long on that side of the main support beam.
They are spaced between 16 to 19" apart, there was some moisture ...
3
votes
1answer
110 views
How should I repair drywall seams that have developed cracks?
The second floor of the house was built 17 years ago. Every seam has fiber tape, and every seam on the ceiling and wall cracked. It's only the second floor that's cracking.
Can I just Spackle the ...
1
vote
2answers
70 views
Should I insulate air conditioner coolant pipes?
I recently replaced some rotted insulation on the coolant pipe that runs out of my AC unit and into the evaporator in my house. When cleaning inside the actual AC unit itself I noticed that the ...
7
votes
1answer
117 views
How do I wire this motor with 240V?
I have 240 plug with a switch dedicated for Air compressor. I have compressor that supposedly can be wired for 240V
2 pictures show sticker and current wiring. How do I update wiring to make it 240V? ...
3
votes
2answers
78 views
How can I install T molding on concrete subflooring?
I'm at the point where I want to install some T molding for the transition from our main room to the bedrooms. I just took a look at the directions and they only show screwing the track into the ...
3
votes
2answers
116 views
How do I take apart a wooden pallet without cracking the wood?
I'm trying to save the wood from some wooden pallets and have been unsuccessful. I have been hammering close to where the nails are and then pry the nails out; however, before the wood comes out far ...
0
votes
0answers
13 views
Aggressive grass seed? [migrated]
My lawn is a hodge podge of different grass types - notably Bermuda grass on my front lawn.
Is there a grass that you can seed that will push other grasses out?
For reference I live in Maine.
-2
votes
0answers
69 views
What is the best way to get an elliptic transparent plastic surface? [closed]
I want to develop some weird augmented reality glasses, with a projector illuminating the glasses inner side, and the light reflecting straight to my eye. The point is to keep the glasses transparent ...
2
votes
1answer
38 views
How do I know which mold agent is best?
I've had several mold remediation specialists come to my home each touting their preferred EPA approved mold killing agent including: Cal-brite, Fiberlock Shockwave, Microban BotaniClean. I've looked ...
5
votes
0answers
59 views
How can I install a ceiling fan that needs a 4“ box where I only have a 3” box?
As part of a home renovation project I discarded my old ceiling fan and have bought a new one. When installing the new one the electrician tells me that I have a 3" junction box and that I'll need a ...
3
votes
2answers
75 views
How can I install modern locksets on these interior doors?
I've recently bought my first house which I'm very excited about, got into the decorating phase and decided to replace the door handles - some of which were damaged - with nice new ones. Being a ...
0
votes
0answers
22 views
How can I stop a dead trees roots from popping up in the grass? [migrated]
I dug up a tree a year ago and the roots seem to still be spreading under ground. Every once in a while I will see it sprout above ground. I keep pulling it out but it comes back. How do I kill ...
1
vote
1answer
53 views
What causes seasonal doors and how do you prevent it?
I understand that wood expands and contracts based on temperature, humidity, and other factors...
However in our house the doors are really subject to seasonal changes. For instance my bedroom door ...
3
votes
3answers
81 views
Do you have to have (or does it help) to have a garbage disposal with a dish washer?
I have a in sink garbage disposal but rarely use it.
I just had to replace it b/c it burned out from a children's plastic spoon getting 'eaten' ... more than just seized there was smoke coming out ...
1
vote
2answers
71 views
How can I convert switched receptacles to half switched receptacles?
In my new house, I have two outlets which are both fully switch, and can be controlled by two different switches (three way of course). I would like to convert the outlets both to half switched, but ...
1
vote
1answer
52 views
Should you chemically treat wood that is outside and under a roof?
My friend said yesterday that houses that are built with birch don't need to be chemically treated.
The wood what is now 50 years old has dark dots on the surface, but it seems to be strong. The wood ...
-4
votes
1answer
54 views
Can't get into a wall without gouging it out
My house was built in 1948 and is in St. Louis County, Missouri. I don't know what its walls are made of, but nothing is on them except paint AFAICT. For many of the walls, whenever I try to hammer a ...
0
votes
0answers
11 views
How to replace my gas hedge trimmer rope starter [migrated]
The rope starter for my Craftsman Gas Hedge Trimmer disconnected from the engine while pulling to start.
Please explain how to reattach this rope starter. I am a DIY individual.
Thanks for your help.
...
2
votes
1answer
50 views
Does outside air conditioning compressor fan run all the time?
Had some electrical issues with an air conditioner and after I rewired it, I noticed that the fan was stopping every 30 seconds or so. Is this fan supposed to shut off when unit is running?
4
votes
1answer
62 views
Is it OK to vent a first floor bathroom with a fan and a duct running through the basement?
I have a bathroom on the first floor of a two-floor house where the popcorn ceiling has dilated and cracked open twice within a year, and some mold is always coming back next to the ceiling, so I need ...
