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1500 questions
23
votes
4 answers
What's the most common cause of A/C refrigerant lines freezing?
I noticed my house wasn't getting under 75°F this weekend when I had the thermostat set for 70°F. Since I'd done a lot of drywall sanding inside recently, my first idea was to replace the filthy air filter.
My first indication that the air filter…
Doresoom
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23
votes
2 answers
Why exactly is WD-40 not a true lubricant?
According to this answer WD-40 is not a true lubricant. I don't get it - even Wikipedia says
The long-term active ingredient is a non-volatile, viscous oil which remains on the surface, providing lubrication and protection from moisture.
which…
sharptooth
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23
votes
11 answers
How can I fix a garbage disposal with crushed glass in it?
I have a garbage disposal that had a shot glass fall in. It got ground up. The disposal got jammed; I unjammed it and now it makes a glass grinding noise because of the shards inside.
How do I clear the glass?
What do I need to do to fix this?
kacalapy
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23
votes
11 answers
What is the proper way to install/paint baseboard?
I've installed some new baseboards, though I'm not really sure I have the right method down. Here's what I do:
Paint baseboard
Paint walls
Cut and install baseboard (using brad nailer and/or liquid nails)
Sand outside corners so they're not as…
gregmac
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23
votes
8 answers
Is switching the neutral OK?
What’s the worst that can happen if I put a switch in the neutral instead of the phase?
I just found out that 3 light bulbs sockets in my home are connected this way. It came to my mind to fix it, but then I recalled the flow of current from…
GoatZero
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23
votes
2 answers
Lutron LED/CFL Dimmer switch turns lights off the wrong way, up is down and down is up. What's the problem?
I bought the $20 Lutron Dimmer Switch (TGCL-153PH-WH) from my local big box hardware store. It dims the Cree LED bulbs great. There is just one problem... no matter how I install the wires the switch always tuns off in wrong position. The dimmer is…
John
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23
votes
4 answers
What are the different types of drywall anchors, and what are the advantages of each?
I recently put up wire shelving in my pantry, and spent forever figuring out what type of drywall anchor I should use. I even found several types that I didn't even know existed. It might be good to have a reference page for drywall anchors. So,…
Doresoom
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23
votes
6 answers
Should a gas water heater be shut down if the water main has to be turned off?
I have a brand new AO Smith 50gal gas water heater. Today there was a burst pipe from the cold spell we're having currently, so I had to turn off the water main to the house until the plumbers get here tomorrow.
With that, nobody had used any hot…
Chris W.
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23
votes
4 answers
Should the backer board be in front of or behind the tub flange?
I'm installing a new bath tub and shower. I've removed the old tile down to the studs.
Should the backer board be in front of or behind the tub flange? I put it on the rear tub wall from floor to ceiling at first, but I can easily remove it if it…
SAM MCKNIGHT
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23
votes
5 answers
Should I cover my air conditioner (the outdoor compressor/condenser portion of a split system) for winter?
Should I cover the outdoor portion (compressor/condenser unit) of my air conditioner for winter? It's difficult to find an appropriate cover, but finding a cover for an evaporation cooler is easy (and because they allow for air flow from the…
JYelton
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23
votes
3 answers
Troubleshooting why my hammock fell
The hammock was installed a few months ago and I've been using it regularly. Today was the day it decided to fall, of course while I was looking up so the bar bonked me on the head. I was just sitting in it normally and heard it creak. The screw eye…
Angela
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23
votes
6 answers
Is it OK that the frame of my house doesn't line up with the slab?
My new house is being framed. I saw that the frame extends 1-2" from the foundation:
Click photograph for full size
The builder told me it happens often and the city inspector will catch it if this is a problem.
Is this OK? Should I ask a 3rd party…
Derek C.
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23
votes
2 answers
What is this tool used for?
I can’t figure out what this old tool is.
Does anyone know?
Honey
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23
votes
3 answers
Is white wire with grey stripes positive or negative wire?
I want to re-wire an AC to DC power adapter for an ONT (Optical Network Terminal - AKA Fibre Box mounted on a wall) and replace the adapter with a standard DC plug. This is because I want to connect it to a UPS (uninterrupted Power Supply).
How do I…
Romans
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23
votes
5 answers
Why does the shower get cold when I flush, and how can I prevent it?
When the shower is running and someone flushes a toilet, why does the shower get cold (or sometimes hot) in some houses, but not others?
More importantly, would fixing that require replacing the water heater, or re-doing the piping in the entire…
BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
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