All Questions
80,112
questions
0
votes
0
answers
20
views
Miele dishwasher making occasional whining noise
Here's a video of the dishwasher making the noise while it's running: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rb33pgmhmxj3u731geu4h/2023-09-25-21.31.46.mp4?rlkey=ve5vhacfo16yst56sy15vddys&dl=0 (there's a ...
- 1
1
vote
3
answers
44
views
Replace 3-way switches with motion sensors [duplicate]
In my pass-through (i.e. two entryways at opposite ends) laundry room, where people walk in holding laundry baskets with both hands, I'd like to replace the two 3-way switches with motion-sensor ...
- 31
1
vote
3
answers
97
views
How am I meant to split the hot water tap so it can be used in two appliances?
I want to run a dishwasher and washing machine off of this hot water tap. However, the only valves I can find are Garden Hose Thread, not NPT, which would imply it wouldn't be compatitable.
https://...
- 11
0
votes
2
answers
51
views
How to stop mosquitos from living in the window curtains and drapes
I'm observing that mosquitoes are living in the window curtains and drapes during daytime like a indoor safe haven and it starts the blood sucking spree when sun sets.
I have seen people using the ...
- 105
3
votes
2
answers
391
views
Best Practices for running data conduits through basement [closed]
I'm a new homeowner, having recently moved into a 1920's house. I'd like to run Ethernet conduits throughout the house. The basement runs the full length of the house and its ceiling already hosts ...
- 131
0
votes
0
answers
19
views
What Brand faucet is this?
I have to replace the hot stem but cannot determine the brand/model of this triple bath tub faucet. It was installed about 1992/1993.
- 1
0
votes
0
answers
20
views
Pre-Padded Flooring
I am looking to install vinyl flooring in our basement which comes with pad attached. Can I use an additional pad?
Lots of research is finding conflicting answers, as well as from salesman from ...
- 1
0
votes
0
answers
42
views
What is the source of these reddish stains on my drywall?
Some of my painted interior walls have reddish spots and streaks appearing. The stain appears to be on top of the paint and not the underlying material. Age of the paint and house is about 20 years.
0
votes
1
answer
58
views
Code for number of circuits ran next to one another
I’ve looked around for an answer to this but keep finding split branch circuit topics which isn’t what I’m looking to do.
I’m planning to run 4 circuits to one side of my house. These runs would go ...
0
votes
0
answers
25
views
New refrigerator evaporator fan not working
I have an older kitchen aid refrigerator where the evaporator fan stopped working. I replaced the fan motor and it still will not work. I checked for voltage in the spade connections and the ...
- 1
1
vote
1
answer
124
views
Making changes to home that has in floor radiant heating
Making changes to a house with hot water radiant floor heating
We are considering buying a home that has hot water system installed on all 3 levels of the home (basement, main floor and 2nd floor) and ...
1
vote
2
answers
87
views
Number of posts needed? [closed]
I have no idea what math needs to be done to figure this out, but let me set the stage for you.
I'm building a BIG planter box in my yard. 27ft X 54ft X 5ft high. We want to utilize our whole yard to ...
- 13
1
vote
3
answers
663
views
Should I use a 15 amp or 20 amp breaker for a mini split with max current at 13.0 Amps?
Installing a garage mini split with AC and heat. Running <25 ft of 12 gauge to disconnect and 10 gauge whip to condenser. Unit specs say rated for 8.7 Amp with max Amps in heat mode at 13.0 ...
- 11
0
votes
1
answer
114
views
Why are house frames sheathed on the exterior side? [closed]
When houses are constructed of a lightweight frame involving plywood or OSB sheathing, why are these sheets always attached on the outer side (instead of the inner side) of the exterior wall studs?
...
- 109
0
votes
1
answer
54
views
What to use as a wall filler?
So I posted a few weeks ago here (Curtain rod ripped off wall). The issue was that the mortar or whatever was behind the plaster, was crumbling,thus making my curtain pole drop.
Eventually I ended up ...
- 11
-1
votes
3
answers
123
views
General Purpose Smart Lock -- how to approach the need to turn this deadbolt?
I can't take apart this door or handle or lock mechanism. (I rent this apartment long term.)
How do I approach adding a smart lock to a door handle like this? The need is to go over this deadbolt knob ...
1
vote
1
answer
565
views
What is the type of this window opener?
I know that this is a very old window opener, it has a body like espagnolette window opener except that the working principle is quite different. There are two metal bars passing by the upper and ...
- 13
2
votes
4
answers
744
views
How can circuits be prioritized depending on real time demand?
I have a 125a service that’s part of a multifamily setup. I have been told by a licensed electrician contractor that upgrading my service to 200a would likely require $10k+ due to also needing to ...
0
votes
0
answers
65
views
is it ok to plug a 220/240v fan into 110/127v (to make it much less noisy)? [closed]
is it ok to plug a 220/240v fan into 110/127v (to make it much less noisy) ?
I am talking about simple electrical motors WITHOUT any electronical parts in the whole fan! It is just a plain simple ...
- 1
1
vote
2
answers
110
views
What is a bent star-shaped washer found in shower door handle called?
My shower door handle became loose and when I pulled it off, there was this bent washer-like bit of metal. There is another one inside the tube of the door handle. (See photos) I googled "star ...
- 113
0
votes
1
answer
48
views
How do I remove the faucet handle as pictured
Hi, I have been struggling with removing the faucet handle and looking for some help. As shown in the picture, the handle consists of 2 parts, the upper one controls the water flow and the lower part. ...
1
vote
0
answers
57
views
Plastic / weird odor coming from outlets
None of the outlets are grounded and two of them are omitting a strong plastic/ electrical smell. We rent our house but dont have a lease. Our landlord threatened to "find new renters" if ...
- 11
0
votes
1
answer
32
views
Buzzing noise at cold air return inside
I've already sent a message by chat to the heat pump company and also going to call them in the morning. But just curious as to any ideas...
We have an old and I mean a very old Goodman heat pump. It ...
- 1
2
votes
2
answers
175
views
What is this purple substance that grew under my carpet?
I moved into my house this past spring. One floor with linoleum/vinyl-looking floor had a reddish stain. No big deal! I covered it with a carpet. Today noticed that the formerly light red stain is now ...
- 21
0
votes
1
answer
32
views
Door pulls on closet worn through
Just got a house and the handle insert for one of the closet folding doors is completely worn through. Would rather not replace the door. Any suggestions for a fix?
0
votes
2
answers
104
views
Can I run Armorlite 12/2 wire through one side of a wall to the other side?
I have a shared wall from my garage and living room. My breaker panel is located in my garage and is on the shared wall with my garage and living room. I am wanting to add a dedicated 20amp outlet to ...
- 1
0
votes
0
answers
44
views
Should I replace wet wood siding, or can I just paint it?
I had new wood siding installed on the front of my shed about 6 months ago,I haven't painted it or treated it yet. The bare wood has been exposed to the weather this entire time. It's T1-11 siding ...
- 1
0
votes
0
answers
24
views
1931 home repairs. Radiator connections need redoing
Radiator valves cracked and was corroded/welded on. Removed all the corroded parts and got replacements but accidentally cut the steam in line at a diagonal, one side is untouched but the other is ...
- 1
0
votes
1
answer
81
views
Drywall anchors fell out - any suggestions?
I'm trying to hang several of these floating shelves
using these self-drilling wall anchors
The shelves are small and each one only weighs about 3-6 lbs each. I don't plan to put anything very heavy ...
0
votes
2
answers
100
views
Getting rid of an old saddle valve
I've been living in my current house for almost a year now, it was built in 1955, so there is a lot of work to be done.
During the pre-purchase inspection I was told that a saddle valve in the ...
- 191
0
votes
1
answer
33
views
Spa/pool plumbing leaking without water flowing?
I installed a electric tankless heater for our spillover spa and discovered a couple leaks on the 2in PVC piping going through the heater even though the valve is not oriented that way. The leaks ...
- 209
0
votes
0
answers
28
views
Waterproofing covered porch floor with basement below
I have a covered entryway that is exposed on one side, with an unfinished basement below. The original flooring was 2x6's which have been removed. My plan is to replace them with a stone mosaic. The ...
- 23
0
votes
1
answer
76
views
Are Polybutylene pipes safe & reliable for potable water systems (UK)?
We are having extension work done and noticed the builder has used Polybutylene pipe for all the cold and hot water systems.
I noticed on the label it says "Not for sale in America", and ...
- 277
2
votes
2
answers
67
views
Fridge keeps making noise
I live in an apartment building. Every time my upstairs neighbor uses their water, it causes the back of my fridge to loudly shake. How can I stop this from happening? Thanks!
- 21
1
vote
3
answers
386
views
How can I loosen a faucet cartridge nut with shallow flats?
My faucet nut has very little edge to work with. Please help (see picture for clarification). The nut size is slightly smaller than 1 inch. My 1 inch socket couldn't loosen it.
- 11
3
votes
1
answer
625
views
Converting 3 prong plug to turnlock plug
I recently purchased a jet dust collector which is 230v motor 15amps. However, its plug is the regular 3 prong plug. In my garage, I have a separate 250v outlet with 20amps circuit breaker but it has ...
- 345
-1
votes
1
answer
100
views
Can I install a window behind a window? [closed]
Can I install a window behind a window?
This is useful for soundproofing. Window inserts do this, but an inswing casement window is better.
I have a double hung double pane window.
frame dimensions:
...
0
votes
0
answers
50
views
Why does my circuit breaker trip when I turn off a surge protector?
We recently had a room painted, and we asked the painter to replace all of the power outlets and light switches in order to match the trim color (white pieces now instead of beige).
While moving ...
- 101
0
votes
1
answer
59
views
Can a grounded metal electrical box be mounted to a metal plate?
I only have space to mount a grounded metal box to a metal wall plate in my ceiling. Any issues with this?
- 334
0
votes
1
answer
31
views
Outdoor carpet over trex decking in screen room
I have an enclosed room that has a Trex decking on the floor currently. I would like to put outdoor carpet in the room over the tracks decking and was wondering do I need to put some form of barrier ...
3
votes
1
answer
74
views
Should I oversize conduit and grounding wire size?
I'm getting ready to place my materials order and have a few last details/checks I could use help with. This is for installing a subpanel in a detached pump house. I'm putting a 60 amp two-pole ...
- 99
0
votes
2
answers
81
views
Why are there cracks on my ceiling beneath my skylight?
I have 2x Skylights in my kitchen. On the ceiling directly beneath one of them, there is some pretty nasty cracks/paint bubbling occurring.
There were very small cracks present prior to the ...
- 1
-1
votes
0
answers
38
views
3 wire to switch, then 4 wire to single pole light....then onto the next room?
I've got three wires coming into a dimmer switch, then four wires out to a single pole light. I changed the switch to a dimmer for LEDs and now the switch controls the single pole AND the lights in ...
- 1
0
votes
0
answers
23
views
how to disable a zone damper and shut it OFF?
My system has a trol-a-temp mastertrol mark v model MABS-V-3 (three zone system) for HVAC.
I like to permanently disable zone 1 and physically shut off its damper for two reasons: Zone 1 is in an ...
- 1
0
votes
1
answer
124
views
How can an outlet work when the neutral and hot are not connected to the screws opposite each other on the same side?
I see this outlet that works but the neutral and hot are opposing. Both plugs work. How is this true?
yellow is hot white is neutral
0
votes
1
answer
97
views
What is this pointy window tool?
I found this in an old toolbox containing things used to fix windows-- glaziers points, spline rollers, glass cutters, etc. Anyone know it is and what's it used for?
Mystery Tool
- 3
0
votes
1
answer
38
views
NEC 220.82c Panel Load Calcs and Multi-zone HVAC
When doing panel load calcs, the section on HVAC loads isn't quite obvious to me regarding multiple zones—hopefully one of you sparkies can clear things up. My house has two-zone HVAC—downstairs is A/...
- 2,252
0
votes
0
answers
51
views
Hooking Up Portable Dishwasher in Kitchen with Pull Out Faucet
We recently bought a house that does not have a built in dishwasher. We have got a portable dishwasher and are considering how best to connect it to water.
Currently, we have a Moen Pull Out Faucet. ...
1
vote
1
answer
55
views
Mixed up wires in a j-box, need a little help
Had a leak in my ceiling a few days ago, and in my haste to remove the light fixture there, I failed to pay attention to how the wires were grouped together in this jbox (picture below) and I need to ...
2
votes
1
answer
85
views
Bringing Garage Wiring Up to Code in NY
I am currently looking for advice or recommendations on how to bring the electrical wiring in my garage up to code. I reside in New York State, and I am specifically concerned about several wires that ...
- 45