Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
17
votes
3 answers

Turn off hot water without hot water valve

I have a leaky pipe on the hot water side that I'd like to fix. Following the pipes back to the water heater, I don't think there's a shutoff valve installed anywhere in the line, not even at the water heater outlet. At least, not one that is…
Sittin Hawk
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4 answers

Technique for driving hinge screws to minimize misalignment

When fitting hinge screws I've noticed that, unless the pilot holes are centered exactly on the holes in the hinge and at a precise (within 2-3 degrees) horizontal/lateral right angle to the hinge plate, the edge of the screw head is always…
Brybeck
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2 answers

Which type of PVC for exposed outdoor use?

I'm looking at hooking up some rain barrels using PVC piping. Is there a certain type of PVC that would be best to use for this, considering that it will be exposed to sun/rain/heat/cold? Lots of people seem to use "regular" white PVC but I didn't…
Brad Mace
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1 answer

How can I open or identify this lamp?

There's a lamp attached to the ceiling of the entrance to the garages of me and my neighbours, and its bulb needs to be replaced. The problem is: I have no idea how to open it. There is no way to identify the manufacturer or model; it's simply not…
Glorfindel
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17
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5 answers

Can Teflon thread tape be reused?

I need to take off my shower head for cleaning and possible replacement. I can see there is Teflon tape on the fitting where the head connects to the arm. When I reconnect the head, can I reuse the existing tape? Do I wrap an extra layer around the…
Phillip
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17
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8 answers

Wood glue versus epoxy for doweling stripped screw holes

I've come across two schools of thought for gluing dowels in place. PVA wood glue, such as Titebond. Two-part epoxy, such as Araldite. Bearing in mind long-term stability, which is preferable for interior door hinges?
Brybeck
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17
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9 answers

How can I seal 8 inch round holes in my siding?

There is a nor'Easter coming today. What's a quick fix? My first home and just closed a few days ago! Help please. The hole is 8 inches in diameter or so.
DIYgal
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17
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12 answers

How to get locks that are keyed alike?

I'm looking to replace 3 sets of deadbolts and doorknobs with new keyed alike handles and deadbolts (they don't need to be high security or anything, just regular exterior entry). All of the big box home improvement stores I've been to don't have a…
user105037
17
votes
5 answers

What should I be aware of in buying second-hand sinks and toilets?

I am planning an extension to my house, including a new ensuite bathroom and a downstairs WC. To save money and embedded energy I'm thinking of buying secondhand basins and toilets. There seem to be plenty around, but I wonder if there is anything…
aucuparia
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17
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10 answers

What can cause a never-frozen indoor copper drain pipe to crack?

The 1-1/2" copper waste pipe than runs from our kitchen just up and cracked two days ago along its length, and for no apparent reason. The crack is in a section of pipe that runs vertically through the kitchen floor down into the basement, where it…
mrblint
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17
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2 answers

Why are these receptacles so difficult to plug into?

I just moved into a new apartment with these weird receptacles that make it very difficult to plug anything in. Is there a trick to these? Or is it normal for it to be extremely difficult to plug into them?
Lore
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17
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4 answers

240 V outlet is not delivering 240 V

I recently moved into an apartment with a 3-prong, NEMA 10-30 outlet. It looks like this: I bought an old dryer that I confirmed was working before purchasing it and hooked it up and unfortunately the dryer never heated up. I suspected something…
Clicquot the Dog
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17
votes
8 answers

How can I coil up a rope so that it doesn't get tangled?

When I get stuff for DIY projects, I regularly use rope to tie it all down to my trailer. When I coil up a rope for storage I wind it around my palm and elbow (on the same arm) then use the last approx 1 metre to bind it together. However, when I…
Highly Irregular
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17
votes
6 answers

Why is all this exterior trim rotting and how do I fix it?

We realized there was some rot on the exterior of the house when we bought it two years ago, and I knew obviously I would want to deal with it eventually. As I've been looking more around the outside of the house, getting ready for new projects…
Prototype958
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17
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2 answers

Considering doing a 100A sub panel install on my own. Any guidance would be much appreciated

My background: I am an Electrical Engineer by schooling and I'm a pretty handy guy overall. I have been working on and around just about everything since as long as I can remember. I have a good grasp of mechanical and electrical systems and am…
aveach
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