The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Find out how to repair cracks in plaster walls. Learn your options from installing new drywall, replastering, and using fiberglass drywall tape to repair cracks in plaster walls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to install tile over tile. Learn why you should be concerned about clearance under your appliances when installing tile over tile on a kitchen floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to install a salvaged hardwood floor. Find out how to lay the floor boards, sand the floor, and apply protective polyurethane when installing a hard wood floor salvaged from another location. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Read about troubleshooting the causes of rippled floors. Find out how an incorrectly installed flooring product could result in ripples, and how to reduce humidity in the home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how runnng out of hot water may be caused by a bad gas valve. Learn why it may be smarter to replace your older water heater instead of replacing the gas valve if your shower water is slow to get hot in the morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to replace a section of cracked drywall. Discover the best methods and materials for installing, taping and spackling a new piece of drywall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why you should take precautions with a vent-free gas fireplace. Understand the dangers and learn how to protect yourself with a vent-free gas fireplace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to diagnose and eliminate yellow water. Find out the causes of yellow water, and how testing your water for iron and installing a water filtration system may eliminate yellow water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Read about roof vents, and why fan or turbine vents are not as efficient as ridge vents. Find out why fan vents don't work, and how a ridge and soffit vent system is better for your roof and attic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix peeling paint on aluminum siding. Learn how to remove old paint, how to prepare to paint, and why using a paint sprayer is the right option when you repaint peeling aluminum siding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about alternatives to carpet in the basement. Find out why you should avoid installing carpet in a basement, and how laminate flooring with area rugs can create a cozy effect in the basement without carpet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to remove sealer from a tile floor. Find out how using a floor buffer or acetone may help remove sealant from a tile floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to replace copper pipes with pinhole leaks. Learn how pinhole leaks form inside copper piping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to remove permanent marker from stained wood. Find out how a product called Goof Off will remove sticker residue, crayon, ink and also remove permanent marker from stained wood surfaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to make a stone backsplash glossy. Find out how using a high-gloss sealer on natural stone can help make your backsplash look shiny. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to apply latex paint over oil-based paint. Find out how sanding and using an oil-based primer will allow you to use latex paint over oil-based paint. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Read about icynene vs. fiberglass attic insulation. Find out how Icynene works, and how ventilation is important in insulating your attic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out when to repair exterior stucco. Learn why it's best to wait until warm weather to repair cracks and peeling exterior stucco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to repair crumbling grout. Find out if you can use caulk to repair your grout, or if you need to remove your crumbling grout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to prevent attic condensation with fiberglass insulation. Find out how to apply batts between floor joists to avoid condensation issues with your fiberglass insulation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to clean a laminate floor. Find out how a damp mop is usually enough to maintain the beauty of laminate flooring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to repair a bubble in a laminate countertop. Find out how to use contact cement and a solvent to lift and relay the laminate to flatten a bubble in the counter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how long paint lasts. Learn what you can do to ensure your paint color is correct when it's been in storage for several years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get step-by-step instructions on how to paint over a glossy uneven wall. Find out why you should avoid glossy paint on an uneven surface, and why sanding is important when painting over a glossy wall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to lay brick over concrete steps. Find out how to improve the look of a concrete staircase by adding brick and mortar to the surface of the steps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to calculate energy savings in turning off the TV, lights, et cetera. Learn where to access a kilowatt-per-hour calculator that shows money saved by turning off lights and electronics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to repair a leaking refrigerator or freezer. Find out how a clogged tube in a self-defrosting refrigerator or freezer can be the cause of a leaky freezer or refrigerator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about tankless water heaters, gas vs. electric efficiency. Find out why tankless water heaters are highly energy efficient when run on gas, but electric tankless water heaters are not efficient. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Read about the easy maintenance of composite decking. Learn how building a deck with a composite decking product offers the look of real mahogany, durability and easy cleaning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to improve water pressure with a new shower head. Find out about WaterSense rated products with new technologies that increase shower pressure with less water through the showerhead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to seal your countertop against moisture. Find out how to remove old sealant and properly apply a new sealer to seal your kitchen counter from water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to install faux stone over painted brick. Find out how to cover up ugly painted brick on a fireplace by installing an artificial stone face. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips for cutting energy costs in a manufactured home. Find out how weatherstripping and insulation in your attic and crawlspace will help you save money and energy when heating a manufactured home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to repair crumbling cinder block. Find out how to remove old paint and use an epoxy patching compound to repair cracked or crumbled cinder blocks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get step-by-step tips on troubleshooting a cold area of a home with forced air heat. Learn how to check for duct blockages and promote proper air flow before you call an HVAC contractor for your forced air heating system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to install sub-tile electric radiant heat panels in your bathroom, including how you can tile over the electric radiant heating panels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to troubleshoot your tankless water heater. Understand how making sure you have the right size gas line can affect the water temperature and performance of your tankless water heater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get advice on how to check your roof for signs that it's time to replace, like curling and cracking shingles. Understand how layers of shingles wear faster than a single layer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to relaminate a damaged Formica or laminate countertop. Listen to Tom's tips for refreshing a vanity top with cigarette burns that have yellowed and deformed the laminate, without having to replace the entire damaged vanity or sink. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover your options when you don't like your pink bathroom tile. Learn how it's possible to tile over tile, but it's a big job -- and how decorating to minimize or compliment the pink tile may be a better bet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why draining your water heater isn't always necessary. Find out how homeowners with hard water can benefit from draining a water heater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how easily an old toilet can be replaced with a new one. Hear about the finishing touches that make a toilet replacement successful, such as replacing the wax seal and using fresh bolts on your new toilet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Understand why condensation forms on the concrete slab under your home, and how you can prevent moisture from forming under your carpet. Learn how steps like keeping your gutter system clean and sloping soil away from your home can help redirect Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn the proper way to insulate a cathedral or sloped ceiling. Find out why a ridge vent and a soffit vent are important to proper ventilation when insulating a sloped or cathedral ceiling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to repair synthetic chinking for a pre-fab log cabin. Learn where to go on the web to purchase synthetic chinking for a pre-fabricated log home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to repair a water damaged tile wall around a bathtub. Find out how to select fiberglass face drywall to prevent future water damage, and how to avoid color matching problems with the new tile installed around the bathtub. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to install laminate flooring over existing tile. Get schooled on the simple details that will make your floating laminate floor look great over existing tile. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to repair a laminate floor that's buckling or bubbling. Discover a simple fix that may spare you from having to rip up a laminate floor because of a bubble of buckle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how a home energy audit works and how it can identify heat leaks in your home. Learn how to save money and energy by having your utility company perform a home energy audit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to remove old caulk from around a bathtub and faucet without damaging chrome by using a caulk softener, a product which softens layers of caulk and makes it easier to remove. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices