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1500 questions
13
votes
5 answers
Why aren't Geothermal heat pumps more common?
Air conditioning and heating are major energy consumers in American buildings - commercial, residential, and industrial. I have been curious for a while as to why it isn't more common to use the practically constant 50-60*F temperature of the earth…
Matt Chambers
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13
votes
1 answer
How do I unscrew these?
I'm a college kid trying to sneak my boyfriend in my dorm window. The first section is the holder on the window, the second part is the end of the slider on the window. All I have to do is disconnect the slider. This looks definitely like a…
Rose
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13
votes
8 answers
Can I connect copper wire to aluminum wire?
I'm installing additional light bulbs in my basement. I have an older house with aluminum wiring.
Can I do this:
[new light bulbs]<--copper-->[old light bulb junction box]<--aluminum-->[main circuit]
Is it safe / does it comply to code ?
Rollo R
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13
votes
5 answers
re-using wood from a concrete form?
I strive to not waste materials wherever possible, and "use once then discard" methods are particularily irksome. So with this mind, what suggestions do you have for enabling re-use of lumber used for concrete forms?
matt wilkie
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13
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1 answer
Is it OK to install a concrete slab without mixing?
Going upon the advice of a reputable builder, I used Quikrete fast-drying concrete for a small slab outside my house. Not load bearing.
His recommendation was to dry-pour the whole thing. Framed, leveled, screeded and then watered every 30 minutes…
jerebear
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13
votes
5 answers
How can I remove a stump?
I need to level a patch of ground in order to put in a shed, but there's a large stump right in the middle of where the shed will go.
Since I'm in a suburban setting, dynamite is out, fires are illegal, and I can't get a truck anywhere near the…
chris
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13
votes
8 answers
What is the best way to clean your clothes dryer exhaust?
My dryer exhaust goes out of my laundry room, into my attic, and runs for about 15 feet before it gets outside. Over time the lent has built up quite a bit. What is the best way to clean this? The sections in the attic are connected via duct…
Jason
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13
votes
7 answers
How can I fix a Moen faucet that is still leaking after replacing cartridge?
I had a leaky Moen faucet (Moen 4600) so I removed the old cartridge and replaced it with a new brass replacement cartridge (model 1200.) Since replacing the cartridge I now have a leak from the valve stem, that leaks faster the more I open the…
Dave Forgac
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13
votes
2 answers
Is it ok to wire light switches and lights with 12/2 cable?
It sounds like light switches and lights are usually wired with 14/2 cable. Is it okay to use 12/2 cable instead? Would I need special switches?
99miles
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13
votes
5 answers
What is the best way to remove popcorn from the ceiling?
What is the best solution for removing popcorn from the ceiling if I want to get it to look smooth afterwards?
Edit: thanks for your answers! Would you estimate that replacing the drywall on the ceiling would be less work/mess and result in a…
Rom
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13
votes
7 answers
Sink tailpiece doesn't line up with trap
After installing a new bathroom sink, the drain tailpiece doesn't line up with the trap coming out of the wall. I've seen flexible accordion hoses for this, but I think that violates code (P3002.3.1). I live in California. My tailpiece is 1.25"…
Elliott B
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13
votes
5 answers
How can I protect my hands when using power tools?
When doing many DIY projects there's a strong need to protect hands against cutting by sharp part edges. Gloves seem a natural solution.
However recently I was mounting a countertop and wearing gloves and I needed to drill a hole in the countertop…
sharptooth
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13
votes
8 answers
What's the minimum recommended compressor HP/PSI to spray paint?
I have a little compressor that I use for a small brad nailer and blowing up tires. Is there a minimum PSI or horsepower that I need to be able to get to in order to spray paint with it?
MattGrommes
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13
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4 answers
How to properly ground a subpanel in detached building?
I Will be installing a subpanel in a detached garage. The subpanel will be 60 amp. The garage is about 30' from the main-panel in-house, and I will of course get an exact length before selecting the proper gauge wiring. I'll be using pvc underground…
MDMoore313
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13
votes
6 answers
How can I stop Lego bricks from falling in to a register?
My kids like to play with Lego bricks on the floor, and sometimes a small piece will fall in to a heating register. Sometimes I can pull them out, but usually they fall too far, and there are sharp edges that like to draw blood.
Is there something I…
Jay Bazuzi
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