The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Learn how to find the source of a roof leak. Learn how to use a garden hose to locate where a roof leak is coming from, and how to paint over a brown water stain on a wall or ceiling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a sump pump that makes a loud noise when it shuts off. One solution is to put in a check valve so that once the water gets past the valve, it can't get back again. The other solution is to reduce the amount of water in your basement so the sump pump doesn't have to run as often. You can accomplish this by keeping your gutters clean, extending your downspouts well away from your...

Problems resulting from structural changes - especially structural changes involving weight-bearing walls - need to be handled by a pro. Learn how to proceed when home removations result in uneven floors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out whether it's time to call an exterminator, or if indoor bug spray should do the trick. Also, short-term fixes for gathering and eliminating insects.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to eliminate moisture in a crawlspace. Find out how installing plastic sheeting and improving drainage will eliminate moisture in a crawlspace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to seal gaps and repair tears in the trowel-on coating on the exterior walls of your house. Learn why your best option is an epoxy patching compound, which can be purchased at Abatron's website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about removing wallpaper. Find out about renting a steamer, using a box cutter and a bucket of soapy vinegar water to remove wallpaper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It may be called stainless steel but it doesn't hold up to its name! Get tips on how to remove stains and restore stainless steel appliances and sinks to a bright shiny color. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Roof singles properly installed extend well over the gutter. But when they are cut short, a flashing technique can fix the problem without replacing the roof. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why installing salvaged ductwork in your house is not a do-it-yourself project. You need to hire someone experienced in duct design to ensure that your central air system ends up balanced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to soundproof a room. Find out how soundproof drywall and a sound-deadening drywall glue can help you soundproof a room. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Repairing a crack in brick masonry is a pretty easy home improvement project. Get tips on the best sealants to use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you tried to replace your three-way switches and now they aren't working properly, you probably wired something backwards. Electrical work is not a DIY project, so call an electrician and have him fix the issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on how to patch holes in a kitchen ceiling left behind by fluorescent lights. Find out whether it would be best to put up new drywall or fix the holes, and learn which paint is best to use on the ceiling so that the patch doesn't show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why you should install a tankless water heater if you have cold showers. Find out how a second tankless hot water heater can be installed in an upstairs closet for even faster hot showers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to get rid of mold that forms indoors after a storm, and how to find and fix the rainwater leak that caused it.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Water dirty, gritty and brown following temporary stoppage of water service? Find out the steps to take after pipe work yields dirty water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to hide unsightly wires dangling from the electronics in your home entertainment center. Get tips on using zip ties to group the wires, and then nailing them to the top of baseboard and around door frames and trims. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out which type of bathtub will work best in your home. When doing a bathroom remodel, consider resin or cast iron tubs for your bathroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to strip paint from your patio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why repairing the loose tile in your shower floor is a big project: You have to tear out the tile and replace the shower pan. If it's not leaking, you don't have a responsibility to repair it, and you'd be better off using your money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out which stain gets a cedar deck close to its original color - and how to preserve the wood's natural color for as long as possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn the advantages of installing a EPDM rubber roof. EPDM Rubber rooves are durable and log-lasting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips for repairing gutters so that they do not fall off ever again. Learn how to eliminate wood rotting beneath your gutters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to find a home inspector through the web site of the American Society of Home Inspectors. Learn how members of ASHI must stay current with their knowledge of building codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices