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1500 questions
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5 answers

Is there any code for running Ethernet cable (through attics)?

We have an unfinished attic - the insulation-everywhere, step-in-the-wrong-place-and-fall-through-the-ceiling kind. I'd like to run Ethernet cable through the attic. I know for Romex, I'd have to staple the wire to the joists, drill holes when…
BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
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How do I fix a door frame that my dog chewed?

My dog chewed the bottom part of the doorframe to my bedroom. I live in a rented apartment, so this is not OK. Is there any way to fix it and make it look somewhat presentable (doesn't have to be perfect)? How do I find a matching frame? How do I…
Jeff
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How do I fix a leaky toilet that only leaks from underneath?

I am noticing some water spots on my concrete in my (unfinished) basement. When I look up for the cause of the water I can see water dripping around the hole that is used for the sewer pipe for the toilet (upstairs). (Note: there is a lot of duct…
Vaccano
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How effective are outdoor foam faucet covers to prevent freezing?

Everyone seems to suggest using those styrofoam faucet covers to help prevent the pipes associated with the fixture from freezing. They're cheap so I have them anyway (plus I'm not in a hard freeze area), but I'm skeptical about how much…
Michael Burr
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If my wall has metal studs, is it better to anchor heavy objects through just drywall or also through the studs?

I live in an apartment that has that has metal studs. I'm considering hanging various things from the wall, including a coat rack that will span 5 or 6 studs. I've seen advice that says metal studs are useless and crumple like tin foil and instead…
drs
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How can I drill to an exact depth with a hand drill?

I'm drilling holes in 4"x4"s in order to put magnets in them. The magnets are 1/8" deep and I'd like to install them to be flush with the surface of the wood. All I have is a Ryobi cordless drill and my bit set. How can I drill only to a certain…
Naftuli Kay
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6 answers

Do I need to sand my entire deck before staining?

I recently cleaned my deck using Behr deck cleaner and want to re-stain it before the winter. Do you recommend sanding the entire deck, or just the affected areas where the stain has come off? I was thinking of renting a belt sander for the day…
OnlyHumain
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3 answers

Would providing shade for my air conditioner's condensor improve its efficiency?

Our house has two A/C systems; one for the bedroom level, one for the remainder of the house. The compressor/consdensor units are outside the south side of the house, and in direct sun all day, now that a nearby tree has been removed. Would shading…
TomG
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How can I safely pass power from an extension cord through a shed wall?

I just purchased a shed and would like to run a few things (light, fan, etc.) inside. The shed is not wired for power, so I was going to just run an extension cord to the shed. Rather than drill a hole in the shed for the cord or run it through…
Tracy
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What would cause air bubbles in the toilet when I'm showering?

My basement bathroom has recently been remodeled, everything was working fine for a few weeks, but now all of a sudden I am hearing bubbles in the toilet when I shower, at which point the shower drain begins to back up. The shower drain runs…
user13773
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Is a main beam being held on by an angle iron a safe construction?

Some background: previous owners poured a new foundation and moved the house over to the new basement about 14 year ago. I've been in the house about 8 years and just noticed today while starting to re-do our basement that one of the main beams is…
Christopher C
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2 answers

Can I tell if there a break in building wire?

Recently my radon fan stopped working. I traced the line from my breaker in the basement to the unit. At one point in the basement, my voltage detector shows that the voltage stops/drops in the wire, just before it enters the wall to the outside of…
shackleton
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8 answers

What is the best method of hanging drywall on ceiling?

I am hanging more drywall and will be doing a basement ceiling. I generally start in a corner and work my way out. I use glue on the joists and then drywall screws. Is the glue needed? I learned to use glue on ceiling from an old drywall pro. …
DMoore
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is it possible to turn this dumb-waiter into an elevator?

We recently acquired a house that has an elevator-like mechanism. The former owners call the thing a "dumb waiter", suggesting that it's not safe for human use. Although it's roomy enough for a human to stand in, and supposedly has a 300lb…
RustyShackleford
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Is my stainless steel kitchen sink really chemically dangerous?

My stainless steel kitchen sink arrived with the P65 warning for Nickel and Chromium. Will these chemicals leach into the water over time? Are they present on the surface? Can they be absorbed in my hands as I use the sink? Simply wondering if there…
deahudge
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