All Questions
69,502
questions
0
votes
0
answers
9
views
Fix toilet flange in concrete or leave it?
Getting ready to do a levelling/flattening pour on bathroom floor but need to decide what to do with the flange first as it is was put in too low originally. The floor around the flange shouldn't be ...
- 153
0
votes
1
answer
14
views
Can I use asphalt shingles as a base for a concrete slab?
I am making a porch with 5 inch concrete slab on top. I also have at least 800 sqft of asphalt shingles removed. Can i use these shingles and stone and dirt to fill 180 cubic ft and then pour concrete ...
0
votes
1
answer
17
views
Create own missing lighting fixture cage
I have this lighting shade that I love, but the fixture to keep it around the socket/bulb is missing. Typically with these types of shades there is a cage that socket can screw into, but I bought the ...
- 101
0
votes
0
answers
18
views
leaks at PVC/Metal joints
Have a 1-1/2" irrigation supply system (i.e. PVC run) with at least a dozen joints (PVC to PVC and PVC to metal sections). I left the main pump on too long without water passing through (auto-...
- 1
2
votes
0
answers
28
views
Is it safe or even code to place a furnace on top of a main water line?
This is a new build. Builders have allowed this but I anticipate if I ever have a problem it will be a complete disaster.
The furnace is sitting on top of the main water line coming out of the cement ...
- 21
0
votes
2
answers
51
views
Is 12mm too much of a transition on flooring?
Debating tearing up tile that is 1/4” high or just leaving and putting vinyl floor over it. Is a 12mm transition down to the hardwood floor too much? What would I use for transition strip that would ...
- 1
1
vote
1
answer
31
views
Should I set sunshade posts in concrete or on piers?
I have a concrete pad that is 12’x22’ that is standard 4” thick that we use for an outside dining area. We would like to add a sunshade to cover 90% of the concrete. The height of the sunshade will be ...
- 11
6
votes
3
answers
203
views
Best way to cover exposed THHN cables where conduit has been pulled out
There's a set of exposed THHN cables before they enter a junction box below my home's load center. The wires are currently capped so I wanted to know what the risk was of having this gap when/if the ...
- 71
1
vote
0
answers
41
views
Replace in wall communications panel
There's a cutout panel on one of my garage's exterior wall where I'd like to install a weatherproof plastic enclosure on top of.
There's a hole in it where the satellite installer got the coax cable ...
- 71
0
votes
2
answers
71
views
Why is my vanity bathroom light not working?
My vanity light was switched out in my bathroom. Before that was done I was able to turn bedroom light on and then go in the bathroom and turn the vanity light on. Now after the new vanity light was ...
- 1
0
votes
0
answers
59
views
How to remove this kind of hinge with a hidden screw
How do I get to the screw to replace this hinge?
1
vote
1
answer
105
views
Quieter drilling into concrete
I need to drill some 1/2 inch holes in a 4 to 5 inch slab. A typical hammer drill is going to give us 90-92DB. I'd like to knock that back maybe 8-10DB to around 82-84DB. is that possible? Are ...
0
votes
2
answers
34
views
How to install triple 2x deck beam into post base with 5-1/2" width?
I'm building a deck and designed it with Simpson's online designer. The design calls for beams made from triple 2x8s to be installed in a ABU66Z post base. A triple 2x will have a width of 4.5", ...
- 401
2
votes
2
answers
49
views
30 amp extension cord with 15 amp outlets
I have a 30 amp RV outlet in my garage that I want to use to power a couple of 10 amp battery chargers. The battery chargers have 15 amp plugs.
I'm thinking of getting a 10 gauge copper cable, ...
- 730
2
votes
3
answers
250
views
What's involved in mounting double glazed window panes?
I've been thinking about buying double glazed glass panels to mount directly into a timber frame building, rather than buy complete uPVC units.
I don't need them to open and I'm wondering if it's as ...
- 224
1
vote
2
answers
49
views
How to proactively detect a clogged sewer drain pipe?
Is there a way to detect that a sewer drain pipe has clogged and is in the process of backing up? I'm not looking for a) advice like "don't put grease or tampons down the drain" or b) here ...
- 265
1
vote
2
answers
22
views
Why does my irrigation timer leak at the spigot connection?
I've been trying to set up a drip irrigation system in my small backyard. I bought a 3-outlet orbit irrigation timer, and have been trying to get it hooked up to a drip irrigation kit. I already had ...
- 11
0
votes
1
answer
20
views
What connector to join/extend 1/4 in stainless steel fridge water line
I am running about 6 feet short and need to extend brand new 1/4 in stainless steel fridge water line.
The water line is already behind the cabinet and even though there was supposed to be enough ...
- 103
0
votes
0
answers
40
views
Any problem with cutting a hole through one section of attic to another attic? for ventilation
I have an attic that has no vent and another attic (I assume) that has a vent on the outside of the house, a "gable vent" I think is the correct term.
I want the hot air to get out of attic #...
- 1
0
votes
0
answers
48
views
How should I repair cracks in my basement slab?
The slab in question as been down since 1973. I've been in my home for 16 month and noticed almost straight away there was water coming up the side of the base till I could see it. I've been telling ...
0
votes
1
answer
24
views
For my sump pump system, am I correctly calculating Total Dynamic Head? Have to replace both my pump & discharge line
I'm calculating TDH (Total Dynamic Head) for the purpose of replacing my sump pump. I also need to replace the discharge line (pvc + check valve), however, the structure is forcing me to a very ...
- 1
3
votes
3
answers
1k
views
What should I do if I overheated my drill motor and made it smoke?
I have this Milwaukee corded drill: .
Recently, I pushed the motor too hard while mixing thinset mortar. I got a burnt motor smell and bit of smoke. I have now learned that bigger mixing paddles are ...
- 681
0
votes
0
answers
23
views
Fiberglass Shower Drain Removal
1974 Condo on a post tension concrete slab. This was an original fiberglass shower enclosure. I can’t figure out how to remove this drain.
Any advice is appreciated.
- 273
1
vote
1
answer
21
views
Proper Flow under Kitchen Sink connected to Disposal
Hi all, I really appreciated the feedback on my last post pertaining to bathroom sink p-trap, so I thought I'd try to get some advice on this situation. It's been like this since we've moved in, (...
- 21
0
votes
0
answers
30
views
Shower still leaking with epoxy grout
I redid my shower with Starlike EVO grout. It's a corner stall shower with tile on two walls, a shower enclosure on the other two, and a fiberglass pan with two weep holes.
The shower is leaking on ...
- 1
5
votes
2
answers
1k
views
What is this electrical box next to the switchboard?
Black wire is coming from a hole to the brick wall so possibly outside. It looks like it’s falling apart and it’s connected to the main switchboard to the house. No idea what it is.
- 153
1
vote
2
answers
68
views
Re-Insulating a Shed with 2x4 Walls [closed]
I am working on re-insulating a shed (350 sq. ft.) that has been used as a workshop. It has T1-11 siding and 2x4 walls. I've taken down all the interior paneling and had electrical updated. Now, to ...
- 11
1
vote
2
answers
51
views
Is it ok to paint on fresh plaster once it appears dry?
I've just had a skim coat of fresh plaster put on plasterboard (mixture of screwed to stud walls and dabbed on to brick/block) in a new extension and it appears to be drying very fast. Can I rely on ...
- 113
-1
votes
0
answers
21
views
Waterproofing masonry [closed]
I need some advice regarding preventing damp through an external wall. From what I have seen a masonry cream is what I need. There are two choices, just wondering if anyone had experience with this?
...
- 1
0
votes
0
answers
32
views
My RHEEM Gas hot water tank keeps shutting Off with code 2
The Plumber said it's the gas valve assy. So I ordered a gas valve. After installing, the problem still exist. The plumber even broke the sight glass to "let more air in". After breaking the ...
- 1
0
votes
1
answer
37
views
Running 2/0 Individual feeder wires through a mix of SCH40 PVC and LiquidTight Flexible Conduit
I need to run a feeder cable (3 individual 2/0 Al for HOT/NEU and one 6AWG Cu for ground) from an external main panel to a subpanel inside the house.
The wires need to enter the crawl space before ...
- 363
12
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Ok to put bleach in toilet tank?
My toilet's tank has a lot of dark brown scum growing on the walls. I assume it's some kind of mold or bacteria. The water itself isn't cloudy, but when you flush, some of the scum comes loose and ...
- 221
-2
votes
0
answers
51
views
6 story building sways when a heavy truck passes by. Normal? [closed]
It's quite unsettling when it happens.
Its quite small but noticeable particularly on the 6th floor.
Now the thing is:
It's in Mexico City, very seismic
The city is built upon a former lakebed which ...
- 1
1
vote
2
answers
37
views
Is there a limit to the change in direction of a p-trap assembly at the vertical swivel?
I have some IKEA vanities and they are extremely particular about the placement of the p-trap. The p-trap has to be very close / parallel to the wall for the drawers to not bump into the p-trap. I've ...
- 8,006
1
vote
1
answer
45
views
How do I fix a low spot under vinyl plank flooring?
There is a low area right beside my island where two planks abut. One of the planks at its edge where they abut can be pushed down with the weight of a chair or a foot. It is a small area maybe 2 x 1 ...
1
vote
1
answer
59
views
Power to Electrical Panel in Shed
We bought a storage shed that is wired with outlets and an internal light/switch running to the breaker box. Attached is picture of the breaker box in the shed. This panel will only be powered by ...
- 13
0
votes
1
answer
55
views
How do I fasten NM cable to a concrete wall?
I have a finished basement with some concrete walls, and romex running along the wall (which will be behind drywall). How can I fasten the NM cable to the concrete to support it? It is not running ...
0
votes
1
answer
55
views
Can I reuse a faucet with new vanity cabinet and counter?
I have a Delta Faucet. We are thinking of installing a totally new vanity, bathroom cabinet and counter. Is there an issue reinstalling the same faucet, installation or maintenance wise? Just curious, ...
- 247
1
vote
3
answers
50
views
Which circuit breakers should I purchase: Standard, AFCI, GFCI, Dual Function (AFCI/GFCI)
I understand the need to have GFCI outlets in areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms, but when I was upgrading my electrical panel, I saw there are multiple options for circuit breakers.
The ...
- 275
3
votes
2
answers
279
views
Alternatives to running a single Neutral wire?
I have a switch box with two switches. I'd like to replace one of them - a single-way switch controlling a light in the hallway (which is controlled by no other switches) - with a smart switch. The ...
- 237
9
votes
6
answers
4k
views
How to open a door with no handle
Long story short, my door handle fell off today while the door was closed. Luckily I was outside the room. I've attached a photo. Any ideas how to get it open? I've tried the old credit card trick but ...
- 127
1
vote
1
answer
57
views
What is the function of this dado-like groove on the inside-face of this strip of wood on the window
I am removing the punky exterior casing trim and part of the sill of a window that a woodpecker attacked.
There is a vertical piece of wood about 3/4 x 1 on left and right partially below the casing ...
- 584
0
votes
1
answer
52
views
Any downside to using fan box as wall sconce box?
I went to Home Depot, Platt and All Phase yesterday and oddly no one has round boxes in stock.
I’m using the round boxes for wall sconces.
I ended up buying some overpriced fiber “fan boxes” which ...
- 117
0
votes
0
answers
59
views
Portable Generator with Manual Transfer Switch Troubleshooting
When I hook up a generator to my house via a transfer switch it does one of the following:
Trips the main breaker on the generator immediately. It does this when the generator is neutral bonded.
Or, ...
- 233
1
vote
2
answers
71
views
Did my LED luminaire fail because of an underpowered driver?
My LED luminaire has recently stopped working. First it started flickering, then stopped altogether, so that instead of the proper amount of light I get an extremely faint glow.
Taking it apart, here ...
- 2,375
3
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Are new aircons with less BTUs more efficient than the older ones?
I am trying to replace the air conditioning device at home but I am not sure how to compare my old Panasonic that was bought in 1999 (possibly model of 1997 or 1998). Some facts:
I was not able to ...
- 131
2
votes
4
answers
104
views
Can an inverter be supplied by a battery with lower AH than required for designed VA?
I'm looking to provide backup power to a home CCTV system.
The PoE switch has a maximum rated dissipation of 78W. Each camera draws a peak of 7W. Since each camera is powered by the PoE, I assume the ...
- 331
0
votes
2
answers
92
views
How do I plug in a grounded device when the ground pin has broken off?
I just bought a 15,000 BTU window AC unit. The plug is supposed to be 3 prong, but
it was broken when I took it out of the packaging. The 3rd prong was missing and looks to have been snapped off.
Can ...
- 1
0
votes
0
answers
27
views
2 gang 2 way switch wire diagram for 2 lamps [closed]
I have 2 lamps, both of them already have live and neutral cable.
So I have 4 wires which are 2 wires (live and neutral) from lamp1 and 2 wires (live and neutral) from lamp2.
How do I connect them ...
- 111
1
vote
2
answers
96
views
Is there an adapter to raise the tank on a toilet
A long standing complaint with low flow toilets is they often don’t flush well (even if it had a high MaP rating).
I’ve tried most of the tricks on mine of adjusting the float, the flusher, etc.
It ...
- 729