The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Find out why it's OK to use a carpet cleaner on a carpet with particle board underneath. The machine pushes water into the carpet but sucks it back out almost immediately. The particle board may become damp, but that won't cause warping or mold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apartment living can include noisy neighbors! Learn how to create a sound barrier to reduce noises from others apartments and the outside world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With no attic space to work in, insulating a cathedral ceiling is difficult. Learn the best options for insulation and ventilation to save energy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why a green switch, which means your heat pump is wired into the power company grid, could be causing the erratically high temperatures in your home. Learn why this is a problem with the control circuit, not the thermostat, and why you should Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to clean burnt popcorn smell from your microwave. Find out how boiling a bowl of vinegar and water in your microwave can help get rid of the odor of burnt popcorn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why you should choose quartz for a heat-resistant countertop. Find out why Silestone is a great kitchen counter choice because it resists scorching and knife marks can be sanded away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to warm up a cold floor. Find out how insulating the floor joists in your crawlspace and installing radiant heating can help warm up a cold floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to install an alarm to warn against freezing pipes. Find out how a freeze alarm can be part of a centrally wired alarm system that will notify you when a gas pilot light goes out so you can prevent frozen pipes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out the cause of ice on a storm door. Find out how condensation on a storm door may indicate a well-sealed door. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a blocked pipe. Get tips on snaking the drain all the way to where it connects to the street or to your septic field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what considerations you must make when deciding whether your heating system is big enough to heat your second floor. Get tips on checking the BTU capacity of the furnace and making sure you have ductwork that already goes up to the attic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to design a sliding door for a small bathroom space. Get tips on installing an exterior track system and hanging a regular wood door or plastic composite door on it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to insulate a basement floor. Get tips on laying a vapor barrier over a dirt floor when insulating a basement floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to replace a bathtub while preserving tile. Find out how to keep the tile you've got when replacing a bath tub by installing a complimentary color tile on the bottom row. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips for installing blown-in insulation yourself. Find out how much pressure to use and how much insulation to put in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you have a central AC condenser outside, you can winterize that unit - so to speak - but taking a few steps to get it ready for cold weather. Learn what you need to do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a shower leak. Get tips on running a hose directly down the shower drain to eliminate that as the source of the problem. Then test the shower pan for leaks by taking a heavy washcloth or stopper, covering the shower drain and Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to stop windows from sweating in winter. Get tips on how to reduce moisture in the home, including properly venting the bathroom and installing a whole home dehumidifier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to install flashing around a chimney. Find out how to layer flashing so that it properly seals the chimney from rain and other leaks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to realign cabinet drawers and doors by tightening the screws on the drawer fronts and door hinges. Also get tips on removing cabinet doors before you paint them, and numbering them so you can put them back in the right order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to locate a roof leak. Get tips on checking places where a pipe goes through the roof and using a garden hose to try to recreate the leak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to get rid of a white residue on the glass door of your shower. Learn why the residue is probably mineral salt deposits from hard water, and get tips on cleaning it with a white vinegar solution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to stain a pressure-treated wood railing and stairway. Get tips on using an exterior stain and learn about the different levels of transparency available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to stop your hardwood floors from squeaking. Get tips on using a stud sensor to find the floor joists. Learn how oak plugs will make the repairs invisible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to solve a leaking toilet. Get tips on replacing the wax seal. The other most common locations for a leak are the fill valve on the back of the toilet and the water-supply pipe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to put in a new tub. Get tips on putting cement down first and wiggling the tub into place. That way the tub will be well supported and won't crack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to paint a ceiling. Learn the difference between wall paint and ceiling paint. Get tips on using a special kind of ceiling paint that goes on pink, so you don't miss any spots, but dries white. Use a good quality primer, such as KILZ, and Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about gas vs. electric applicances for energy efficiency. Find out why gas appliances are almost always more energy efficient than electric applicances like washers and dryers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn whether cracks in concrete garage floors are structural or easily fixed, and which steps to take first.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why you should always leave the damper on your gas fireplace all the way open. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When it comes to partial replacement of siding, it can be tough to pin down an exact color match. Learn your options. Also, discover the benefits of hiring a public adjuster - when they're valuable, and how they're paid.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how mold forms in your closet and what you can do to prevent it from spreading. Use plenty of ventallation and circulate the air in your home to get rid of mold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to research a bathtub refinishing company before you decide whether or not to use their service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you have a small kitchen and small dining room, you might consider cutting the wall between them in half to open up the space. Ask a realtor in your area what he or she recommends to increase the resale value of your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why cracks in a wall can be normal due to settlement in the house over time. Find out how to use fiberglass tape and spackle to permanently repair the crack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what causes black staining on carpet near the edge of the room. Get tips on purchasing an electronic air cleaner, such as Trane Clean Effects, and minimizing carpet in your home to avoid aggravating your allergies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to choose the best dog door for your four legged friend that is pet friendly and weather safe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to create a soundproof room for recording. Find out why you should install rock wool insulation batting to muffle sound. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Solar Roof Shingles seem like a good idea but does the benefit outweigh the initial cost and long term maintenance requirements? Tom helps a homeowner sort it out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When brick walls age, the mortar can deteriorate and become britle. Get tips to restore loose brick and mortar and restore old walls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why the solution to a long distance between your water heater and bathroom is to install a tankless water heater. Get tips on putting your electric tankless water heater on a timer to control the cost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PEX piping has a lot of advantages over copper piping - but some detractors are concerned that it might be eaten by rodents. Get The Money Pit's take on the topic.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When paint peels, it's often a sign of delamination - and a sign that you need to start from scratch. Find out what steps to take to restore a peeling wall or ceiling and repaint it to perfection.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out whether over-the-counter pesticides can help a termite infestation, or if calling an exterminator is always necessary.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to solve the problem of a toilet that won't flush completely. Consider getting the Champ, a power-flush toilet from American Standard with a completely new bowl design that’s virtually clog-proof. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to build and tile a shower stall. Find out the steps to creating your own custom tiled shower stall, including demolition, plumbing, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Loose roof shingles that don't seal well can cause roof leaks to occur. Get tips on the best way to repair loose roof shingles once and for all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on cleaning soap buildup on your stainless steel dishwasher door. Using a slightly abrasive cleaning agent on a damp cloth can eliminate soap buildup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you are doing a bathroom remodel and want to tile the shower, learn what you need to know to keep the area leak free and draining correctly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a blocked washing machine pipe. Get tips on opening up the pipes near the T and snaking the line from there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices