-1
votes
0answers
31 views
Where to get oversized Trip Lever assembly? [closed]
Example
I need a 3.5 inch trip lever to replace old one. I have looked at local big boxes and online and they are all around 3 inches. I even ordered one on amazon and it said it was 3.5 but was ...
0
votes
0answers
45 views
Fix a bad dry wall patch [duplicate]
I patched a hole in my dry wall by putting a metal plate on it and pasting some spackling on it. As you can imagine, the wall is not flat enough to fool my landlord. How can I fix that? The hole is ...
1
vote
2answers
446 views
Why does my central heating system comes on on its own accord?
Can anyone tell me why my central heating comes on by itself: the radiators get hot and stay hot for around 1-3 minutes then the system turns back off again. This can happen any time throughout the ...
4
votes
2answers
63 views
Should anchors be used with screws going into framing?
I have just installed a bathroom vanity that came with screws and anchors. However, I just screwed the screws directly into the drywall, which has 2x4 framing positioned exactly where the screws go. ...
3
votes
3answers
1k views
What type of underlayment should I use for an above ground pool?
I recently bought a non-inflatable, steel frame above ground pool (12 ft diameter, 3 ft depth). I want to set it up on a slab of concrete, but I have a couple of concerns about the wear on the bottom ...
9
votes
2answers
157 views
Can I remove a wall stud to install a pet door?
We only have one option for a wall that the pet door would go in. After measuring we found that the door would have to go right in the middle of a stud. Is it safe to cut through the stud?
0
votes
1answer
36 views
Should I use thinset or silicone to reattach shower tiles? [duplicate]
My tiled shower needs to be repaired only where the walls meet the floor. While preparing for this by taking out the old grout, two small pieces of floor tile came out. Each piece that came loose is a ...
1
vote
1answer
34 views
How to install vinyl tubing for bathroom vent?
I need to replace the vinyl tubing that goes from my bathroom ceiling to the side of the house.
It had a rip in it and I was successful in pulling it out. I went into the attic crawl space and ...
2
votes
1answer
70 views
How close can speaker wire be to a recessed light before heat is a concern?
I'm currently building a home and have plans to install in-ceiling speakers in my family room when the house is finished. The package that the builder offers is obnoxiously expensive and I can't do it ...
4
votes
2answers
961 views
What are the pros/cons of Ondura for roofing?
I came across Ondura in Lowes this morning and had never heard of it. It looks pretty slick. Does anyone have experience with it to share? I found no matches when searching here and was sort of ...
3
votes
1answer
35 views
How can I insulate a stud bay containing a subpanel?
I'm putting a subpanel in the outside wall of my attached garage, which I'm also insulating so I can work out there in the winter. I'm wondering what steps are worthwhile to air seal and insulate ...
6
votes
6answers
517 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 ...
6
votes
1answer
94 views
What type of clothing is required when working around asbestos?
I find myself exploring environments rich in Asbestos, the specific type of asbestos appears to be both pipes and potentially the cladding around them (steam pipes etc), occasionally broken sheets as ...
2
votes
2answers
70 views
Should I replace an existing gas fireplace with electric?
Does it make sense to replace my existing gas fireplace with a newer electrical one? Would the new electrical one require less maintenance? Would it run more efficiently and in doing so cost less to ...
5
votes
2answers
77 views
Do exterior duplex electrical receptacles have to be on multiwire branch circuits?
I have an exterior receptacle on my house, and it is currently taking up 2 circuits (similar to kitchen counter plugs). Is there any code/regulation that indicates exterior receptacles must be on ...
1
vote
2answers
47 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 ...
4
votes
3answers
842 views
What tool should I use to cut metal roofing?
I'm getting ready to install metal roofing on my building project. Wee! But I'm not sure how I should cut it.
The roof is a simple gable, 20ft long, with 8ft rafters. The roofing I'm using is 3ft ...
2
votes
1answer
57 views
Am I required to replace a non code compliant balustrade?
I am purchasing a flat in Brisbane, Queensland Australia. Prior to purchase, I had the building inspected and they've noted that the balcony balustrade doesn't meet height requirements for my ...
1
vote
1answer
58 views
What type of equipment do I need to complete this audio setup?
I am trying to figure out how to setup audio and TV in a new home. I've got my TV in the family room. I want to buy a surround sound system for that room. I'm guessing i need 5.1 channel speakers for ...
1
vote
0answers
59 views
How can I repair my Bosch dishwasher that won't drain?
My Bosch dishwasher stopped draining. At the end of the cycle, it gets stuck at 1 minute remaining. When I open the door, there's water that hasn't drained.
Here's what I've tried:
Following the ...
3
votes
1answer
81 views
Should I drywall and/or insulate my garage wall?
I'm in the process of a few projects in the garage, including raising the ceiling and insulating with spray foam. This has left me with a fair amount of leftover fiberglass batts.
There is a room ...
2
votes
3answers
95 views
How can I fix a small slightly damp area in my basement wall?
I am in the process of converting a bedroom in our walkout basement, into an office. Back in 1999, the previous owner had finished the basement. The basement foundation walls are hollow cinder ...
0
votes
3answers
118 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.
2
votes
1answer
48 views
How do I remove an unknown stain from my carpet?
I just moved into a place and underneath my bed there's a weird spill. I'm Not sure what it is: it's dark red and thick and dry. Is there any way to clean it or if not cover it up so it doesn't spread ...
5
votes
3answers
960 views
How can I prepare uneven concrete basement floor for vinyl planks?
I have roughly 600 sq ft of basement that needs new flooring after some unfortunate flooding this past summer. We had carpet over concrete and are now looking to lay vinyl planks down. There is about ...
3
votes
1answer
196 views
Would adding new basement windows jeopardize the integrity of the foundation?
We are finishing our basement and would like to install 4 new hopper windows onto the front side of the house. My question is what is the largest reasonably sized window that can be cut from the ...
12
votes
5answers
2k views
Why does the shower get cold when I flush, and how can I prevent it?
When the shower is running and someone flushes a toilet, why does the shower get cold (or sometimes hot) in some houses, but not others?
More importantly, would fixing that require replacing the ...
1
vote
1answer
48 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
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?
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. ...
0
votes
0answers
53 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 ...
0
votes
1answer
69 views
How can I find a replacement external tub drain if the original has no identifiable markings?
We are rebuilding a bathroom in a house in Long Island, New York. We would like to replace this external tub drain with the same. It has no identifiable markings. We need the make or model, or even ...
2
votes
1answer
58 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 ...
2
votes
1answer
126 views
How can you tell when a vacuum breaker needs to be replaced?
The one in the master bath just started "leaking" recently and now my daughter reports the same problem in her bath. Is this just a part of their normal function or do they need to be replaced or ...
3
votes
3answers
137 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 ...
1
vote
2answers
139 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.
9
votes
4answers
1k views
How can I prevent spillage from my bathtub?
Let's set the scene:
The horizontal surfaces of the bathtub in my apartment are flat. We have a double shower curtain (with the waterproof bit that hangs on the inside of the tub and the fabric bit ...
0
votes
1answer
42 views
What lamps available in the UK are compatible with BS 546 plugs?
We have lots of spare BS546 plug sockets in our rented house (we are located it London, UK). In the bedroom, these are linked to the lighting circuit but we only have one lamp so the room is very ...
6
votes
7answers
2k views
What tool should I use to cut memory foam?
I need to cut 2x2 ft square pieces from a sheet of memory foam. Not sure what tool is best for this. Any ideas? In the future I'd like to cut circles and eventually sculpt irregular shapes, I don't ...
17
votes
3answers
28k views
Options for adding “C” wire to thermostat
So, the spiffy new wi-fi thermostats want power on the C wire from thermostat, but the old thermostat doesn't have a C wire at it. What's the easiest way to add the C wire/24 volt to the thermostat ...
1
vote
0answers
31 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 ...
1
vote
2answers
74 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?
3
votes
2answers
2k views
How can I identify the manufacturer of my windows?
So, the seals on one of the double pane windows in my parent's home have failed (moisture and mold between panes). I want to contact the manufacturer to see if there is a possibility of warranty ...
2
votes
2answers
51 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 ...
4
votes
2answers
99 views
Are there any advantages to using higher priced sealers?
I want to use a water based sealer on my pavers to bring out the color and also for some resistance against dirt and fading. I went to the store and saw sealers varying in price from about $11 per ...
2
votes
3answers
882 views
How do I determine which wax ring to use under my toilet?
Other questions almost answer this question.
What is the purpose of the flange on the wax ring? I can purchase a ring with or without the flange.
How do I know whether to get the standard ring or ...
2
votes
1answer
35 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
56 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
54 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 ...
7
votes
1answer
436 views
My radon manometer has a red reading, what should I do?
We purchased a home a few years ago and it has a radon mitigation system. I just happened to go downstairs and look at it and noticed this reading. What should I check? Should I be alarmed?
EDIT
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