All Questions
85,012
questions
2
votes
4
answers
8k
views
Why does the voltage drop when my office circuit (115V) is under load?
3 circuits (red, blue, black, neutral white; approx. 100ft in metal conduit [ed: alongside 2 other similar 4-conductor MWBC]) feeding several outlets in a couple rooms. Voltage tests 110V(ish) on all ...
- 23
1
vote
3
answers
346
views
Will cutting section of 2x4 reduce strength
I have a 2x4 nailed to two other 2x4’s protruding from ceiling. This is used to hold up garage door opener. There is a light socket behind it and I wanting to attaching motion sensor socket to it but ...
- 373
0
votes
1
answer
149
views
Carport condensation issue
Recently, my carport started to collect condensation when it's warm after a cold night. This never happened before. Carport is attached to the sun-room. The change that was made to it is enclosing ...
- 45
0
votes
1
answer
238
views
I need a stronger fan for this CO2 scrubber
This image is a CO2 scrubber I'm trying to optimize. It's 3 inch PVC with a fan to draw or force air over soda lime to extract CO2 out of the air. It presently drops the CO2 level a small amount, and ...
- 151
0
votes
1
answer
197
views
How to unswitch a junction box so it is always on?
I have a single switch that controls two outdoor lights:
Lamp by my front door.
Lamp by my garage door.
I’d like to have #2 always be on so I can install a motion controlled flood light while ...
- 1
2
votes
4
answers
605
views
How to trim a cut on a hollow core tabletop edge?
I have a hollow core tabletop, which is too wide for where it will go. I'd like to cut it into two pieces. What is a good way to finish the cut edge? Or is it just easier not to bother and get a ...
- 617
3
votes
2
answers
3k
views
build 6x6 single post from 2x4s for swingset?
This is really a 1.5 part question. The first half has to do with whether it's okay t use single post for one side of a swingset (the other side will be attached to a play structure). I've seen some ...
0
votes
4
answers
8k
views
How strong can i expect wood glue to hold
Let me start off by saying I have some basic knowledge of tools (basic home repairs and patch jobs), but no experience with "actual" woodworking projects. For my first project I wanted to try and ...
- 103
0
votes
0
answers
62
views
Hot water change to cold
I experienced a diverter problem. The diverter works fine when I the hot water flow out the tub spout, but switch it to the shower and hot water will become cold after couple minutes. I switch to the ...
- 1
1
vote
6
answers
3k
views
How do I mount a power strip to the smooth metal support structure of a banquet table?
I bought a heavy-duty power strip from Walmart which I would like to mount to the metal support structure of a banquet table.
This is the power strip:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/49557487
This is the ...
- 385
2
votes
3
answers
990
views
EMT or PVC in Bathroom?
OK, so I am wiring my cabin (actually a small house, 16x24), and I have a 6x8 room that will eventually become a bathroom, and a nook that will be a kitchenette. All the wiring in the house is surface ...
- 739
1
vote
1
answer
81
views
Tilt and turn door brushes against the reveal
My door is getting a little old, 10 years, and the side of the door began to brush against the reveal (around the upper half). Searching a bit a came to the conclusion that I have to adjust the screw ...
- 145
4
votes
2
answers
24k
views
Means of adjusting fan speed on Bryant gas furnace
My home is heated by a Bryant 359AAV furnace. The thermostat controls and indicates whether the fan is ON or OFF, but the furnace has a four-speed fan. I believe the installer set the fan on "HI" and ...
- 173
1
vote
1
answer
798
views
Can I move a kitchen waste vent? If so what is allowed?
I an adding a large opening between my kitchen and living room just above countertop level, but realized the sink vent is there.
I want to move it ~30" away. See photos. My plan would be to use two ...
- 111
2
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Re-mounting electrical switch box between studs after removing plaster and lath
I am refinishing a room that had a gang of light switches mounted directly to the lath, between the studs. The lath is out, and drywall is going up next. I don't wish to change the horizontal position ...
- 617
2
votes
1
answer
3k
views
How to fix toilet jets clogged with chlorine tablet chunks
The flush on my toilet is weak. It went from strong to weak overnight. It flushes fine if I dump in extra water. I watched and the flapper does stay open until the reservoir is adequately empty. I ...
- 205
0
votes
3
answers
36k
views
How do I rip vinyl plank flooring?
I'm installing CoreTec One vinyl plank flooring and I've had trouble finding directions on how to rip it to width. Most of the "vinyl plank" installation guides I've found are for thinner, more ...
- 516
2
votes
2
answers
1k
views
30 amp rv receptacle installation
I need to install a 30 amp 120v rv receptacle. this is temporary. I have in place 10/3 wire with ground. can I use this wire with a 30amp single pole breaker in the panel and the rv receptacle on ...
- 21
-1
votes
1
answer
126
views
Loose fitting door lock in security strike pocket
It's actually for an office door with a self closing mechanism and an electronic security strike. The lock fits loosely in the security strike when latched. I had put felt pads on the door frame to ...
0
votes
1
answer
233
views
Light bulb burning problem on a two lights luminaire
I'll ask owner for an electrician, but we have a weird issue with one of our luminaire in our apartment.
It's a two bulbs luminaire and since a year or so, we've change bulb in it like... 5 times ...
- 139
2
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Will 2" x 6" treated lumber warp if used like this?
I will be using 10-ft x 2" x 6" treated lumber for a rail. Will treated wood used as a rail warp?
Let me explain the application:
I have a 10-ft 2"x6" piece of treated wood that will be attached at ...
- 2,063
2
votes
1
answer
1k
views
How do I turn off this two-pipe steam radiator?
We live in an NYC apartment with steam heat. The noise of this radiator is driving us crazy because it's in the bedroom. We want to turn it off. The solution seems to be to shut the intake, the same ...
- 121
1
vote
1
answer
948
views
How should I connect a Wink relay when two circuits are involved?
I'm installing a Wink relay that has two switches for lights. The double gang box I want to install it in also has two switches that are operating lights only. My problem is that each light is on a ...
0
votes
0
answers
877
views
wiring up new detached garage
K.I.S.S. Keep it simple stupid. Please remember this when responding because I have very little knowledge of home electrical, mechanic by trade.
My House has a 200amp service panel
House panel runs ...
- 1
1
vote
4
answers
19k
views
Do I need to seal the base of a shower and the surrounding tile?
The "seal" between my shower base (fiberglass) and the surrounding tile started to crack (it is around 5 years old). It is not regular caulking, it's more like mortar/cement. It cracked a little bit ...
- 203
0
votes
0
answers
32
views
Asphalt patching
I want to build a fence on one edge of a parking place beside my house, which is paved with asphalt. The parking place is sloped and uneven on its edge where the fence is to be installed. I'm thinking ...
1
vote
1
answer
58
views
HVAC Adding a Common
Got a new Honeywell WiFi thermostat and need to add a common. Currently the 3 common wires per the diagram (BL, BK, GY) are wired to one side of the AC Unit. Is there an issue if I piggy back a ...
3
votes
4
answers
5k
views
Does the orientation of the 'Y' in the wye strainer matter?
My wye strainer is clearly marked with a direction of flow, so how to orientate it with retaliation to that is not in question.
However, the directions are unclear if I can mount so that the 'Y' ...
- 2,567
0
votes
1
answer
126
views
Painting the old utility stairs to the basement
So the stairs to my basement(like most others) are not made of any nice lumber. It’s just 2x10s for treads and something like 1x6 for risers. No rounded over edge of the treads or anything. Where the ...
1
vote
3
answers
4k
views
Does a bathtub spout with a diverter have to be on the same side as the valve, or can I move it over to the side of the tub?
I'm putting in a shower/tub unit and we want to have the tub spout on the side of the tub in the middle. The valve unit will be in the usual place on the end of the tub, with the shower head above it....
- 51
0
votes
0
answers
724
views
Island Range Hood Not Centered above the Stovetop
He, I'm in the process of doing a small remodel to my kitchen. We took out a half wall that the stovetop is positioned in front of and are converting the wall mount hood to an island. My issue is that ...
1
vote
1
answer
2k
views
How can I remove / replace this OSB floor?
I would like to update the flooring in a carpeted room, replacing the carpet with hardwood. I've removed the carpet, carpet padding, and tack carpet strips.
Underneath the carpeting was OSB ...
- 245
0
votes
1
answer
54
views
Shower problems...
I recently had some plumbing work done to my shower. Pipes replaced, faucet, as well as the hot/cold knobs. I went to take a shower a couple of days later. Water flowed fine through my shower head for ...
1
vote
4
answers
197
views
When using a Hand Saw (or Hack saw), Dust hides line
Whenever I start cutting a piece of wood with either a handsaw or hacksaw (i.e. manual saw), the dust covers the line I drew, thereby making following the line very difficult if not impossible.
I am ...
- 119
10
votes
5
answers
11k
views
Why are kitchen base cabinets usually screwed to the wall?
I can see a few reasons, but so far none are compelling.
Depending on how large plumbing access holes are you may want to ensure that
it doesn't shift. (I did mine with 1.5" holes for water lines, ...
- 3,719
0
votes
1
answer
8k
views
How thick to pour slab over existing brick patio
I have an old brick patio, cracked in some places. I want to pour concrete over it and stamp the concrete with a texture. What is the thinnest I can go? 1 inch? 2 inch? I have 5000 square feet and ...
- 301
1
vote
2
answers
827
views
Can I connect unused ceiling fan wire with neutral?
I have a dual gang light switch box which was previously hooked up to a ceiling fan with light. The two switches controlled the fan and light separately. I recently replaced the ceiling fan with ...
- 11
0
votes
0
answers
536
views
Can I cut a 4x4 stud to frame a pet door without carrying load?
I want to frame in a pet door in an exterior wall, next to the man door in my garage. Cut a small section to see what I was up against and found a 4x4. Can I safely cut this to install a header/jack ...
3
votes
1
answer
459
views
Will garage door insulation improve cooling efficiency?
I use half of my two car garage as a garage and the other half as a gym. I am lucky enough that when the house was built they routed AC ducts to the garage but since the thermostat is inside (and I am ...
- 365
0
votes
2
answers
131
views
Connecting mirror heating pads to switch in bathroom
I'm trying to wire mirror heating pads that are placed behind the mirror. The heating pads have two wires coming out of them. The wires are blue and brown although i think they should be black.
Im ...
- 103
2
votes
2
answers
6k
views
20 amp circuit breaker trips after using 15 amp miter saw
Over the past few days I've been doing some cutting with a miter saw rated at 15 amps. And afterwards, when I would be cleaning up with my shop vac (11 amp) the circuit breaker would trip. Both times ...
- 21
0
votes
1
answer
930
views
Lighted medicine cabinet needs GFCI outlet and Dimmer - why?
I'm having my GC prepare electrical for lighted medicine cabinet and I'm trying to understand the wiring instructions so I can make sure he does the work right before the walls go up. My confusion is ...
- 57
3
votes
2
answers
1k
views
What's the name for this piece attached to the kitchen faucet hose?
Some time ago, I had a lot of rust and debris come into our plumbing due to some maintenance work my city did. Since then, my kitchen faucet cold water has been coming in pretty slowly. When I finally ...
- 143
1
vote
0
answers
350
views
How do I open this flush mounted light fixture?
Having trouble opening this light fixture to replace bulbs. The blue/white glass appear to be one piece. No visible screws or on base. I tried twisting it open, but whoever installed the box behind ...
- 11
0
votes
1
answer
707
views
How can I stop sap from seeping out?
I have some sap seeping out of a fur/pine door I installed and stained last year, how do I stop that from coming out?
Carlo Manzella
0
votes
1
answer
439
views
Weird 3 Way Chandelier Stopped Working
I have a 3 way switch connected to a chandelier which is somehow not getting power. All the light bulbs work, but none switch on.
I know it's getting power because an electronic timer connected on ...
- 190
10
votes
2
answers
5k
views
Tandem breaker needs both thrown to break circuit. Incorrectly wired?
I have a tandem circuit breaker in my main breaker box with two 20 amp breakers. To turn off power my wife's office, I need to throw both breakers. I can throw either one and as long as the other is ...
- 211
0
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Romex cable tidying in basement
Old house, crazy town in the basement in regards to wiring. I'd like to clean it up a little, at least visually - happy to get contractor out if needed - but not sure what to ask for. So what would be ...
- 1
0
votes
2
answers
109
views
"3-in-1" kits for maytag refrigerator
Would a "3-in-1" kit (SUPCO seems common) help, or should I be budgeting for a replacement refrigerator?
Maytag PTB1953GRW takes several attempts to start the compressor - 10sec buzz; 2min pause; ...
2
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Can I install a switch between two GFCI outlets so that only one can be used at a time?
I have a GFCI receptacle installed on the side of my house in a weatherproof box. It is on a dedicated circuit. I need another receptacle on the other side of the wall in the car port so my wife can ...