The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Your house faces off against weather conditions, insects, wildlife and more - so it's no surprise that some of these leave stains behind. Discover a product that works to remove those stains from your home's exterior. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on how to build composite decking on existing joists. Learn why you shouldn't put composite decking over existing wood, and why you should remove the old decking first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find tips for removing rust stains from countertops and other surfaces. Learn about products for removing calcium, lime, and rust deposits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what type of garage flooring will stand up to the heavy wear and tear of having cars driving over it. Get tips on looking into floating tile floor systems specifically made for garage floors. They snap together so there's no glue involved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why waterproofing paint is only part of the solution to a wet basement. Get tips on improving the outdoor drainage conditions around the foundation of your home to keep water away from your basement walls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why only half of a dual power socket is working, and how to rewire so both outlets are active. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Foundation cracks are common but how do you know if a cracked foundation repair is needed? Get tips on how to determine severity and best way to fix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to securely attach your gutters so that heavy snowfall doesn't knock them down. Get tips on using Allen head screws to create a more secure connection and adding snow guards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to add blow-in insulation on top of batt insulation. Learn why you should only use blow-in insulation in spaces you don't need access to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When grout begans to crack and crumble, it can be a sign of a problem with the grout - OR a problem with the tile. Learn how to determine the difference. Plus, get helpful tips for removing and re-installing both. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn what it takes to clean grease from a garage floor and restore its appearance - and whether or not it's a DIY project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The right whole house humidifier can improve comfort for every room in your home. But is installing one a DIY project? Get tips on best humidifier for your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to get paint off brick. Get tips on using a product called the Taginator, a biodegradable graffiti remover for masonry, to remove the paint. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover chemical and non-chemical ways to remove stubborn carbon fireplace residue, and learn why standard glass cleaner won't do the trick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to make cabinets a lighter color. Get tips on using a stain remover called Rock Miracle. Also learn why you should use a non-yellowing topcoat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why it is normal for the drain in your kitchen sink to run more slowly when you use a garbage disposal certified for septic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover the the pros and cons of various weed and moss killers. Also, learn how to protect other nearby vegetation when attempting to kill backyard moss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why it's not worth trying to redirect water from an underground spring that is causing wetness in your backyard. If the puddling area is small, you should just live with it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn the best way to remove glues tiles from you floor without damaging the baseboard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to locate a leak in your shower. Learn how to test the shower pan to see if there's a leak in it. Get tips on removing the old caulk and recaulking the seams of the shower with mold-resistant caulk to seal out leaks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to keep tree roots out of a drain field. Get tips on renting a cutter and trenching around the drain field to sever the roots from the tree so they die off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to get rid of hard water deposits on your dishes and glassware. Try changing your dishwashing detergent for a quick fix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why you should not use caulk to repair a big crack in mortar. Get tips on checking out a company called Davis Colors to find a mortar mixed with dye to give you the look that you want. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out whether Deck Restore from Synta is a good product for an old, weathered deck. Learn why you should first test the product on a small section of the deck. Get tips on restoring a deck by flipping over deteriorated boards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why you should have a structural engineer do an inspection on the crack in your exterior wall. That way, you can assure a future potential buyer that the crack was repaired according to an engineer's specifications. Also get tips on leveling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about your options for disguising ugly wood paneling. Get tips on how to cover it with wallpaper or drywall. Also find out why you should try just painting it first before you explore more expensive and time-consuming options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A quick glance at a vapor barrier shows you just how much moisture is present in your home. Get tips for further reducing the humidity in your crawlspace and your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to convert a garage into a spa or pool room. Find out how to install moisture resistant drywall that inhibits the growth of mold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why a metal roof is a durable choice for a tool shed. Get tips on using corrugated metal, which will last for the lifetime of your shed. Learn why a metal roof on a tool shed won't really improve your home's value over an asphalt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on cleaning mold in your bathroom. Find out how proper ventilation in your bathroom can prevent potentially toxic mold from growing in your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on fixing your whistling pipes. Find out why your pipes might be making so much noise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bothered by a mark in your ceiling left by a leak that has been repaired? Find out some tips on how to cover stain in popcorn ceiling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips to clean a patio of moss, mildews, mold and algae in a way that will not harm landscaping or pets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tips on how to get rid of pet odors in your carpet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to repair cracks in a concrete floor. Get tips on using flowable urethane to fix wide cracks and silicone or epoxy patching compound for narrower cracks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to go about choosing construction materials for an outdoor shed. Get tips on checking with your local zoning ordinace before you put up your structure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on how to paint around trim and crown moulding. Find out how a putty knife can be your friend when it comes to painting around the trim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to caulk a sink faucet. Get tips on using DAP kitchen and bath caulk with Microban in it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have a ding, dent or scratch in your kitchen cabinets? Learn a trick of the trade for making the blemish disappear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on cleaning the siding on your home. Learn how to get rid of algae and other plant matter that can grow on your home's siding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to get rid of the gritty gunk that is making it difficult to open and close your sliding glass door. Get tips on using a stiff brush to loosen the gunk, and then vacuuming it up. Learn about white lithium grease, which is thicker and longer-lasting than WD40. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about the most effective products on the market for softening adhesive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to remove a tree trunk that has a lot nails in it. Get tips on having a professional come out and use a stump grinder to grind the trunk down to below grade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Patched, uneven concrete can be tough to keep clean. Learn how to add to its look and smoothness when leveling isn't in the budget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to collect the rainwater that runs off your house. Get tips on installing a rainwater collection system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to get dingy linoleum looking bright again. Get step by step instructions for removing wax buildup. First mix together a gallon of white vinegar and a cup of cream of tartar until the cream of tartar is completely dissolved. Then take a Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to repair cracks in a concrete driveway. Find out how and when to apply an epoxy compound to the driveway to best seal the cracks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on how to properly drain your sump pump. Improper drainage can lead to yard and basement flooding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to patch a hole in a wall. Find out how to repair a hole in drywall with screening and spackle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to restore an old enamel clawfoot tub. Get tips on removing the tub from the bathroom and sending it to a company that refinishes enamel tubs. Doing so will give you a longer-lasting finish than if you have someone come to your house to do the work. Also learn how to install a shower kit for a clawfoot tub. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices