The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Learn how to find the source of a roof leak. Learn how to use a garden hose to locate where a roof leak is coming from, and how to paint over a brown water stain on a wall or ceiling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a sump pump that makes a loud noise when it shuts off. One solution is to put in a check valve so that once the water gets past the valve, it can't get back again. The other solution is to reduce the amount of water in your basement so the sump pump doesn't have to run as often. You can accomplish this by keeping your gutters clean, extending your downspouts well away from your foundation and sloping the surrounding soil at a downward angle away from your house. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Problems resulting from structural changes - especially structural changes involving weight-bearing walls - need to be handled by a pro. Learn how to proceed when home removations result in uneven floors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out whether it's time to call an exterminator, or if indoor bug spray should do the trick. Also, short-term fixes for gathering and eliminating insects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to eliminate moisture in a crawlspace. Find out how installing plastic sheeting and improving drainage will eliminate moisture in a crawlspace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to seal gaps and repair tears in the trowel-on coating on the exterior walls of your house. Learn why your best option is an epoxy patching compound, which can be purchased at Abatron's website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about removing wallpaper. Find out about renting a steamer, using a box cutter and a bucket of soapy vinegar water to remove wallpaper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It may be called stainless steel but it doesn't hold up to its name! Get tips on how to remove stains and restore stainless steel appliances and sinks to a bright shiny color. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Roof singles properly installed extend well over the gutter. But when they are cut short, a flashing technique can fix the problem without replacing the roof. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why installing salvaged ductwork in your house is not a do-it-yourself project. You need to hire someone experienced in duct design to ensure that your central air system ends up balanced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to soundproof a room. Find out how soundproof drywall and a sound-deadening drywall glue can help you soundproof a room. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Repairing a crack in brick masonry is a pretty easy home improvement project. Get tips on the best sealants to use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you tried to replace your three-way switches and now they aren't working properly, you probably wired something backwards. Electrical work is not a DIY project, so call an electrician and have him fix the issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on how to patch holes in a kitchen ceiling left behind by fluorescent lights. Find out whether it would be best to put up new drywall or fix the holes, and learn which paint is best to use on the ceiling so that the patch doesn't show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why you should install a tankless water heater if you have cold showers. Find out how a second tankless hot water heater can be installed in an upstairs closet for even faster hot showers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to get rid of mold that forms indoors after a storm, and how to find and fix the rainwater leak that caused it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Water dirty, gritty and brown following temporary stoppage of water service? Find out the steps to take after pipe work yields dirty water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to hide unsightly wires dangling from the electronics in your home entertainment center. Get tips on using zip ties to group the wires, and then nailing them to the top of baseboard and around door frames and trims. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out which type of bathtub will work best in your home. When doing a bathroom remodel, consider resin or cast iron tubs for your bathroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to strip paint from your patio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why repairing the loose tile in your shower floor is a big project: You have to tear out the tile and replace the shower pan. If it's not leaking, you don't have a responsibility to repair it, and you'd be better off using your money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out which stain gets a cedar deck close to its original color - and how to preserve the wood's natural color for as long as possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn the advantages of installing a EPDM rubber roof. EPDM Rubber rooves are durable and log-lasting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips for repairing gutters so that they do not fall off ever again. Learn how to eliminate wood rotting beneath your gutters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to find a home inspector through the web site of the American Society of Home Inspectors. Learn how members of ASHI must stay current with their knowledge of building codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why lighting under the cabinet by itself is not sufficient lighting for your kitchen -- you should also have ceiling lights. Get tips on replacing your incandescent lights with LED bulbs, which will provide a more efficient, better quality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what your options are for building a deck. Learn about pre-poured concrete forms and the benefits of composite decking over pressure-treated lumber. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the original wood floorboards in a very old house have rotted, you won't be able to find replacements at a lumber yard or home center. One solution is to mill your own replacements to the shape of the old floorboards. Get the trick of the trade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to repair a hole that has formed at the end of your pea-gravel driveway where it meets the asphalt road. Learn why you should pour a concrete apron at the foot of the driveway to solve the problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why your hardwood floor gets wet when it rains. If it is not near any plumbing pipes or bathrooms, it is probably due to a roof leak. Find out the most common places to look for a roof leak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Puzzled by not being able to find the black plastic you used to use to prevent weeds? Learn what your best options are to eliminate weeds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's nothing worse than taking a shower only to have the water turn freezing cold. This is caused by an unbalance in the water pressure and can be fixed permanently by a pressure balance valve. Learn how. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn all about air cleaners. Find out how to choose an air cleaner for your home and how an air cleaner can help enhance the air quality in your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to shop for replacement windows. Find out why you should look for Energy Star rated windows and windows with an NFRC rating for energy efficiency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to repair a cracked concrete driveway and give your driveway a makeover. Find out how to stain or paint your concrete driveway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a sagging bathroom floor. Get tips on having a home inspector take a look at it to determine whether it's a major problem. If there's no structural damage, you can add or adjust baseboard molding to cover it up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a creaky staircase. Get tips on securing the tread into the stringers on both sides by screwing at a 45-degree angle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From plumbing to ventilation, find out which practical considerations reign supreme when turning a sauna into a shower. Also, get advice for adding decorative details to existing clay walls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn the benefits of using marine paint on your porch. Your porch is always exposed to the elements, and marine paint can help protect it from weather damage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out the most efficient approach to attic insulation, and the most effective. Plus, get advice for installing fiberglass insulation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to cover up a persistent water stain. Get tips on using an oil-based primer, which will seal in the stain so you can use a latex paint on top of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what to do about a bathroom faucet that runs when you turn the sprinklers on, flush the toilet or run the washing machine. Get tips on repairing the faucet by replacing the seat or getting a new faucet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to apply tile over a Formica laminate countertop. Find out why you should sand the laminate countertop surface first before applying tile. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to shade a concrete patio. Get tips on buying a retractable awning kit for pergolas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why it is a good idea to replace all the old knob-and-tube wiring in an older home. Find out why most insurance companies will not insure a home with knob-and-tube wiring, and how a good electrician can easily replace old wiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to deal with a carpenter ant problem. Get tips on having a pest control professional spray a product called Phantom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out whether painting or staining a deck is better for areas near a beach. Learn how to remove old materials so stain your deck and keep it looking good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bolt thrown out of your bathroom door due to an accidental hard slam by a guest? Learn how you may be able to repair broken door. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Miffed by a moldy, musty smell coming from your unfinished porch? Find out the best way to eliminate moldy smell from porch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to solve the problem of a cold shower. Learn why the underlying issue is probably a bad valve. Get tips on getting a pressure-balancing valve to regulate the temperature of your shower. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices