The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Learn how to eliminate condensation on the walls or windows of your home. Find out how getting a home energy audit and reducing humidity inside the home can help eliminate condensation on your walls and windows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on how to paint over a dark or textured wall. Find out how to go from sponge-painted to flat, and how to have your primer properly tinted for painting over a dark color. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to paint over a dirty textured ceiling for a fresh, clean look. Learn how using the proper paint roller and a primer will give the best results, and how a primer can help prevent a textured ceiling from getting dirty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get advice on how to build an energy efficient home. Learn how to choose energy efficient features for your home, from the point of new construction, to adding features later, like solar panels, for a truly energy efficient home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to repair leaky flashing around a shed door. Learn how replacing poorly installed flashing with self-adhered flashing can eliminate leaks around a shed door. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tankless water heaters get you into a hot shower sooner. Find out how a homeowner with a shower far from the hot water heater can install a tankless hot water heater closer to that shower to get hot water in their shower faster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to install unfaced insulation correctly over blown-in insulation. Learn how one caller made an installation mistake and increased his chances of mold and condensation when he tried to add unfaced insulation over his blown-in attic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to insulate plastic pipes against freezing. Find out how plastic sheeting can prevent moisture wicking in a crawlspace, and how an easy-to-install product can insulate plastic pipes against freezing, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to clean salt deposit stains, caused by a backed-up sewer, from your cement basement floor. Find out how improving drainage in your basement can reduce moisture from your foundation and make it possible for you to clean salt deposit stains Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about the best roofing options for a flat or low-slope roof. Find out why a metal roof is a smart investment, and how a heat-sealed roof is another smart roofing option for a flat or low-slope roof. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about a quick insulation fix for pipes and a bathroom with an exterior wall and no insulation. Find out how to use blow-in insulation to insulate bathroom pipes and a bathroom wall without opening up the wall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to patch a laminate countertop. Find out what products will fill in knife and cutting marks for a quick fix, and how to easily replace a laminate countertop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to remove white mineral deposits from a granite countertop. Find out how vinegar will easily remove white mineral deposits from a granite countertop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to use a dedicated circuit for a hot tub. Find out why large appliances like hot tubs and air conditioners should not share a circuit, and how to safely use a dedicated circuit for a hot tub. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how often to clean creosote from your chimney. Learn which fuel source is leaves behind less creosote to clean in your chimney: wood vs. coal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to install attic flooring to support storage. Find out how to work around joists and insulation to properly install attic flooring to support storage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to prevent frozen pipes. Find out how rerunning pipes or using an AutoCirc can help prevent frozen pipes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a weak pilot light on a water heater. Learn the various causes of a weak pilot light on a water heater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what may be wrong when a baseboard heater gets no heat. Learn why Tom thinks a plumber is called for when this caller's baseboard heater gets no heat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to replace rotted wood cantilevered deck supports. Find out where to install steel I beams to safely replace rotted wood cantilevered deck supports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why a space heater may trip a circuit breaker and steps you may take to make your home more energy efficient and warm without tripping a circuit breaker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to install tile over tile and adjust toilet height to accomodate the new layer of tile. Find out how having a plumber make a simple adjustment to the toilet flange will make it possible to install tile over tile. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to match an old tile color. Get tips and tricks on how to decorate around an existing tile color when you can't match an old tile color. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn a simple method to remove candle wax from wood, fabric and carpet. Find out how a household iron and a paper grocery bag can help you remove candle wax from wood, fabric and carpet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to paint tile and re-glaze a bathtub. Find out what kind of paint to use to paint bathroom tile, and how to use a glazing kit to successfully re-glaze a bathtub. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to eliminate rain leaks around your foundation. Find out how improving the grading and drainage around your home can eliminate rain leaks around your foundation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to repair exterior mortar or parging. Learn how to apply stucco to an old home where the exterior plaster over stonework is peeling away, and repair the exterior mortar or parging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Read about how to clean grout stains from glazed tile. Learn that it's possible but difficult to remove excess grout from a porcelain tile surface. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why you should replace cracked or flaking patio bricks. Find out how poor drainage can cause spalling on brick pavers and walkways. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Understand why you should install moisture-resistant drywall in your basement. Find out how to prevent mold by installing moisture-resistant drywall in the basement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to diagnose slow drainage problems from appliances. Find out why appliances like washers and dishwashers should not drain into your basement floor drain, and how to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a leaky faucet. Learn why it's important to know your faucet manufacturer when attempting to repair a leaking sink faucet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to fix scratches in a fiberglass sink. Find out where to buy a patching kit that repairs scratches and cracks in an acrylic or gel coat sink. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn tips to get rid of mice. Find out how plugging holes with steel wool, keeping food covered, and storing firewood away from the house can help you get rid of mice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adding insulation to your attic is a great way to save money and be more energy efficient. Learn how adding insulation - even just another r20 - will improve energy efficiency in your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Replacing a water heater? Find out the advantages of installing a tankless water heater vs. a tank water heater. Find out which water heater delivers the best energy savings and return on investment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Peeling or discolored kitchen cabinets can make your ktichen look shabby. Get advice on pepping up a kitchen full of peeling or discolored kitchen cabinets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Replacing your roof is a big deal. Find out how to know when the time is right to replace an old roof and learn several options to make your roof replacement project a success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bad contractor got you in their grip? Suspect contractor fraud? Get solid advice on how to fix a messy situation with a dishonest contractor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to choose between asphalt shingles and metal roof for your roof replacement projects. Both asphalt shingle and metal roof offer distinct advantages and disadvantages that depend in part on how long you will own your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Broken sewer pipe? Learn the best options for repairing broken sewer pipes, including how to replace the pipe without digging up your yard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get options for lighting gas water heaters. Learn if it is safe to ignite a gas water heater by hand, and when it's best to call a plumber for help with the igniter switch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don't let a squeaky floor drive you crazy. Discover two ways to silence your squeaking floor for lasting peace and quiet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about some quality, affordable options for replacing a laminate Formica kitchen countertop, including how to add a new laminate on top of the old Formica countertop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Building a wheelchair ramp for your home can enable you to stay in your home as you age, or add accessibility for an elderly or disabled relative. Find out how to build your own wheelchair ramp and add an element of universal design to your Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Getting rid of cigarette smoke odor in the home -- even severe odor -- is entirely possible. Learn what to do to refresh a smoky, smelly room and eliminate that pesky cigarette smell for good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shutting off heat to unused rooms in your home can be done without turning off registers. Learn the best method for shutting off heat in the unused rooms in your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to build a deck in salty sea air that will be easy to clean and last for years. Building a deck near the ocean might raise concerns about maintenance. You want a low-maintenance deck, but you also want it to be sturdy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to avoid water damage from melting ice dams on your roof this winter. Preventing ice dams from forming on your roof is often a matter of combining insulation and passive ventilation solutions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Having trouble defogging your bathroom mirror? Condensation can be problematic, but having good bathroom ventilation is key. Find out how to defog her a mirror without losing heat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices