Old Shower Diverter Valve
A customer called asking for help on an old shower valve. He has three handles: one for the hot water, one for the cold, and a middle knob that shifts the water from the tub nozzle to the showerhead. The problem is that the middle knob didn’t fully shift the water, so he would end up standing under a […]
Swamp Cooler Spider Replacement
If you notice that an area of the pads is dry, check to see that you have a full flow of water coming from the spider. If not, you might try sticking a thin piece of firm but flexible wire through the end. It has to be flexible enough the make the 90-degree bend. The […]
Variable Speed Pool Pump Estimated Payback
A variable speed pool pump can dramatically cut your energy usage. When compared with a single stage pump (like I have), the savings are dramatic. Most manufacturers claim that the payback is 1 to 2 years, but that is based on several assumptions, many of which don’t hold true for me personally. So when you […]
Can’t Find My Water Heater Anode Rod
A water heater anode rod sits inside the water heater where it contacts the water. They will be located at the top of the tank (where they can be serviced). To find the location takes a little sleuthing. You will need to get access to the top of the water heater, which for some people […]
Baseboard Installation Has Plenty of Options
Installing baseboard is an easy job that gives you a lot of bang for the buck. You can go from boring to breathtaking in an afternoon. To change the baseboards and door casings, first remove the old ones without damaging the walls. You can do this by placing a scrap block behind a hammer […]
Removing a Pedestal Sink That is Glued to the Drywall
Removing a pedestal sink is normally pretty easy unless someone has used construction adhesive or adhesive caulking to make sure it doesn’t move. Then it becomes challenging. This is one of those cases where you hope for the best, but expect the worst. A pedestal sink sits on a base. Under the sink you will […]
How Often Should I Replace the Toilet Wax Ring?
Underneath your toilet is a wax ring that compresses to keep the waste from leaking out. The wax compresses against the underside of the toilet and the flange that the toilet bolts to. I get homeowners that ask “how often should I replace the wax ring?” It’s not a difficult job, but if you’ve never […]
Gate Latch Loose in Stucco
If you have a gate on the side of your house and the latch is secured through the stucco, you should probably prepare yourself for some maintenance. If you have to choose which side of the gate to hang on the stucco, I guess the latch would be preferred because it is not as heavy […]
Balcony Drain Clogged and Leaking into Garage
A balcony is a great feature, but you have to check the drain or drains every so often. A large balcony will generally mean a large roof and that has the potential to cause problems when a downpour occurs. Some of my neighbors have a balcony in front and several have water stains on the […]
Installing Baseboard around Stairs
Installing baseboard around stairs certainly gives you the opportunity to use the miter saw. It takes much longer to install baseboard around stairs rather than walls, simply due to the number of cuts and the short pieces you will be using. With a wall, you may be able to do 20 feet in a matter […]