The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Find out how to put a new layer of paint on a wood entry door. If the existing paint is smooth (not cracking or peeling), you can sand it down to take the sheen off before applying primer and top coat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get options for resurfacing a marble floor - and Tom and Leslie's take on the subject! Plus, learn about floating carpet tiles that allow a huge design update without removing marble, and get tips for cleaning natural stone floors and Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In older homes, floor drain odors can form if drains are not frequently used. Get simple tips to reduce odors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to prevent clay residue from entering your water system. Get tips on asking your local plumbing-supply contractor or retailer to recommend a whole-house sediment filter that will work for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If water is collecting in your crawlspace, you can determine where it's coming from.  If you notice during rainy periods, it's probably poor drainage around foundation perimeter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips for keeping rodents out of your house once and for all, including a highly-recommended bait and rodenticide product.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you have a window that has slid out of its frame in wall of your home, you can repair it, depending on the cause. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a cracked patio. Get tips on pressure washing to remove old caulk, then letting the patio dry for a day or so before applying an epoxy patching compound. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to ventilate an attic to prevent mold growth. Get tips on installing perforated soffit material made of vinyl and putting a ridge vent across the peak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A musty odor can be caused by one - or more - factors.  Learn various measures you can take toward minimizing moisture and keeping your home ventilated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out the solution for cleaning oil stains off your driveway and garage floor. Learn how trisodiumphosphate can clean paved surfaces before painting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have an ugly crack in concrete patio slab that goes all the way across? One company has several products that can help.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to find the cause of a sagging roof.  Find out what conditions may cause a sagging roof, such as mold and wood rot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix ceiling cracks so that they don't come back. Get tips on using perforated drywall tape and learn how to spackle through it and into the drywall underneath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get suggestions for treating hard well water, and discover a key step to take before deciding on a treatment.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn which water heater is right for you. Tips on choosing a high-efficiency water heater, tankless heaters and heaters that can earn you federal tax credits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to avoid water seeping into your basement.  Find out how creating good drainage outside your home and cleaning out gutters will keep your basement dry when it rains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whether you're renting an apartment or just looking for a short-term fix, there are options for adding temporary weatherproofing to doors and windows.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out if you need a blower for your fireplace.  Blowers deliver and circulate more heat to the area that the fireplace is in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why a crawlspace vapor barrier is a good idea, but is only one part of a larger system of moisture management for your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whether you purchase them or make them yourselves, culverts and curtain drains can stop water in its path, diverting it as needed.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how a steam room will affect your home's value, and which manufacturer is the go-to for steam room guidance and supplies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why smoke sometimes enters a home through the chimney, even if the damper is closed. Find out why, typically, you'll need to call in a fireplace expert as opposed to fixing the problem youself. Get tips on ways to minimize the amount of smoke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to get a septic system inspection.  Find out why you should have a septic inspection and a well water test before buying a home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to repair a big crack in your concrete porch. Get tips on using flowable urethane on top of a backer rod, which helps keep the seal up towards the surface. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices