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1500 questions
18
votes
4 answers

How can I override a motion detector light?

I am going to be installing one or two motion detector lights to cover my backyard. I would like the ability to "override" the motion detector. What I mean by this is that I would like to be able to flip a switch that turns and keeps the lights…
Kellenjb
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5 answers

What is "pipe dope"?

People often refer to "pipe dope" when talking about sealing threads of pipe fittings, but when I go to Home Depot or Lowes or whatever, I've never seen anything on the shelf labeled "Pipe Dope". This seems to be an old-fashioned word that people…
JPhi1618
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4 answers

When to use holes instead of side terminals to wire an outlet

This question comes from Shirlock's comment on this GFCI wiring question. When and why should you use the holes on the back of an outlet rather than the side terminals? I always assumed the holes on the back were only for lazy electricians and…
BMitch
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18
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6 answers

Why do I have shiny patches where I touched up paint on my walls?

We recently had some remodeling done and the walls were all freshly painted with Behr Premium Plus Ultra Matte paint. A lot of the walls got marked up from the workers still coming in and out, so I used the EXACT paint, from the SAME container that…
Mary
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18
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6 answers

Does voltage play any role in choosing the appropriate wire gauge?

Online, most household wiring guides suggest 14 gauge wire for 15 amp circuits, 12 for 20 amps, and 10 for 30 amps. Do these assume the voltage is 120, or does voltage not come into play when choosing wire gauge? For example, I have an appliance…
trw
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18
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9 answers

Which home improvement projects produce the highest return on investment when selling?

I am looking to put my home on the market in the next few months (in Ohio). Which home improvement projects produce the highest return on investment when selling? Should I invest in exotic landscaping? A modernized bathroom? Granite counter-tops? My…
YeahStu
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18
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4 answers

Is it safe to connect two air compressors together to increase the air flow output?

I have two air compressors with about 8 bar max. pressure and 150 liters per minute output at 2 bars. Now I need min. 220 liters per minute at 2 bars and think I need to connect the two compressors together. I've found several instructions on the…
marsh-wiggle
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4 answers

French Drain: Why do I need 3" of rock bedding beneath the pipe?

I'm having issues with a leaky basement in the Portland area. There's dirt, mud, and vegetation outside of my foundation wall, and it's absorbing lots of rainwater. 4 feet of it is inside my property line, but my neighbor has a wide grassy driveway…
M -
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10 answers

How to ensure silicone gun products last as long as possible

Over time I have used many products that require a gun. The issue I have is I do not use these often. Meaning I will buy some silicone, apply to the silicone to an area in my bathroom and then return the tube with 95% of the silicone still inside.…
MyDaftQuestions
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18
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5 answers

Toilet bolt broke free from floor...recommendations?

I was recently tightening the nut on a loose toilet (it was rocking) when the bolt surprisingly broke free and came up. There was no real "breaking free" feeling...it just seemed to be floating there. What could cause this sort of thing to happen?…
jbwiv
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18
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2 answers

Is 3/16" plywood subfloor sufficient for a shower floor?

My contractor is installing a 3/16" plywood as a shower pan subfloor on 16" floor joists. It is for a curb-less shower. I think they did that because they built the floor too low to allow water drainage and now has to Cut into the joists for the…
manni
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18
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13 answers

How can I get a bolt with no head out of my wall?

I tried to screw this bolt into a stud to secure a 2x4. The hex head snapped off, and now the bolt is stuck. I managed to slide off the 2x4, but I have no idea how to extract the bolt. IIRC it's a 6" long, 1/4" wide bolt with about 5 inches in the…
Elliot G
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18
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6 answers

How to convince plumber that there is a gas leak?

I had some gas lines replaced in the crawl space and the next day after the plumber left I noticed a minor gas smell. I got into crawl space with a HomeFlex leak detector and it is clearly going off full blast around one connection. However, I…
Uncle Meat
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18
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3 answers

Bosch Drawer Microwave causes ARC Faults

I have a brand new Bosch Microwave (model: hmd8451uc) installed as the only device on the entire circuit. Anytime I use the Microwave on this circuit, it triggers the breaker's ARC Fault. Breaker (Murray MP-GAT2 20AMP). I bought one of these guys…
Arian F
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3 answers

240 V dryer outlet is reading 245 V

My 30 A dryer outlet reads 122 and 123 V on my multimeter (a total of 245 V). Will this be a problem for a new modern dryer if it is higher than 240 V? It is a three prong outlet.
user129694
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