Home Improvement Stack Exchange
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1500 questions
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4 answers

why is a service neutral grounded but not the subpanel-neutral?

I know it's code (refer to NEC 250.24(A)5 and 250.32), but I don't understand why you can't use a bonding jumper to connect the ground bus and neutral bus in the subpanel? I've been told it's because then you'd have current on the grounding…
Ben Welborn
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How do I install this lamp on my ceiling?

I'm a big time novice but determined not to hire an electrician for what is probably a simple job. This is embarrassing, I think. Here is an exposed light fixture that I have in my attic I want to install this simple Ikea lamp, but I'm dumbfounded…
Teusz
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4 answers

How can I get a smoother finish when painting trim?

I'm reinstalling some crown molding and decided to do some touching up while it's down. I had previously done some touch-ups on the same style in another room, and never quite got it perfectly smooth. How can I prevent brush strokes from showing on…
Doresoom
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9 answers

How can I prevent or remedy "bio slime" accumulation in a sink drain?

The drain in the sink which we use for mouthwash consistently gets clogged by a very repugnant slime. I've tried all the common drain unclogging products (Drano, Liquid Plumber) as well as some non-standard remedies (e.g., boiling water, vinegar +…
kmote
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2 answers

Low-cost hardwood flooring... what's the catch?

Genuine hardwood flooring is generally quite expensive... but a few local stores have glue-down hardwood planks that are actually cheaper than mid-priced laminate (~$1.80/sf). What's the catch? The cheap hardwood looks nice, and aside from taking a…
Bitbang3r
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8 answers

Can I put an outlet inside of a wall?

I want to mount a tablet to a wall with a charger but I don't want the charger to be visible. Can I put a normal wall outlet in the INSIDE of the wall and just plug in the charger inside the wall? Location is Wisconsin, USA.
Programmer
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2 answers

How do I join two cables outside so that they're safe and kept dry?

I have a new pond with a pump but the cable on the pump is far too short. I have some similar cable which will do the job to extend the length. My only concern is the junction outside. I need to make it dry and safe. What recommendations do people…
Dean
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14
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4 answers

How do you stop the floor from squeaking?

I have a home built in the 1940's. The main floor creaks a lot and more squeaking and creaks seem to spring up in new places all the time. Is there an easy way to stop the squeaking and creaking? I don't necessarily need to prevent future…
chadgh
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14
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7 answers

How do I stop a bed frame from squeaking?

I recently bought a second hand wooden bed frame. All is good except it squeaks quite a lot when I move around on it (ahem). Any advice on fixing the annoying squeak? EDIT :: photo of the joint
Tom Squires
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5 answers

Can I start and stop a tile floor job?

I am tiling my bathroom floor and don't soon have a full day to dedicate to the job. Is it ok to lay down a few tiles each day and come back to the job when I have time? I would only lay mortar for the tiles I have time to lay each day. My concern…
dpollitt
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3 answers

Why did they hammer nails in half way and bent them over to secure supports?

In my 1950s house they hammered nails in half way and bent them over to secure the supports to the beam. Why was this technique used?
Jay Prall
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4 answers

Does building insulation wear out and have to be replaced?

First, a little back-story. I've been having trouble with the air-conditioning system in my south-Texas apartment home for almost two months so far this summer. The apartment manager has been sending their "A/C Certified" (the certification a…
Vivian River
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4 answers

What do I do with receptacles behind built-ins?

When installing built-in furniture, what should I do about the receptacles on the existing bare wall that will be covered up by the built-in? How would I handle a receptacle covered by a bookcase section? How would I handle a receptacle which will…
billoreid
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4 answers

What are the qualities of a top end paint versus a low end paint?

I just purchased a home and it needs a good painting (interior). A little research led me to a thread stating that Benjamin Moore has the best paint. How does it compare to Lowe's and Home Depot paints? Does the brand really matter? What are the…
Chuck Conway
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16 answers

What is the easiest way to remove a large root in a post hole I'm digging?

I'm digging a 36" deep post hole for a fence I'm putting up, and about 15" down I ran into a very large root. Since the root seems to be running almost directly in line with the fence, and there isn't a tree attached to said root, I'd like to get…
Dugan
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