The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Find out whether a noisy breaker box is status normal or a sign of potential fire danger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Determine whether a curtain drain is the best solution for your wet driveway - and get step-by-step instructions for building it yourself.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get helpful tips for using miter saws to make tricky angle cuts to fit handrails between posts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why bathroom drains can emit very strong odors due to biogass - and what to do about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When a natural gas hot water heater is located too far from plumbing features, tankless water heaters are a worthwhile alternative.  Find out whether it makes sense to supplement an existing tank heater with a tankless system, or if replacing the Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn which saws work - and which don't - for installing baseboard molding.  Also, tips for creating the perfect miter cut.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wallpaper removal is never easy, but removing it without damaging drywall is crucial.  Learn which products can help ease wallpaper removal, and how to apply them.  Also, get tips for priming and sanding walls once wallpaper is down.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn which questions to ask before installing a new thermostat, and the ins and outs of often-confusing heat pump operation.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Swamp coolers - or evaporative coolers - work best in hot, dry climates, but that doesn't necessarily mean they should be placed in the sun.  Discover optimal placement for this evaporative cooling product. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips for selecting and applying mold-resistant bathroom caulk.  Also, discover how humidistats work hand-in-hand with exhaust fans to decrease bathroom humidity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unlike pure marble, composite marble surfaces can't be restored by polish.  Discover cleaning tips for keeping composite surface glazes scratch-free, as well as whether restoration options exist for your weathered composite countertops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to landscape over septic tank fields without damaging the system, and get tips on refilling small sink holes resulting from tank installation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An exterior dryer vent that opens to a deck isn't ideal, but find out whether any of the alterate options - and their trade-offs - make redirecting worthwhile.  Also, learn more about little-known punch-out holes on the sides of some dryers, which Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Easy spray cleaners can rid steel siding of mold, mildew, moss, and algae.  Find out whether similar options exist for cleaning good, old fashioned dirt off your steel exterior.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Determine whether your water supply requires treatment.  Also, get tips on installing and protecting a water softener located outside of your home.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A dry floor is crucial to polyurethane application.  Learn to determine whether recently dampened hardwood is ready for its next coat, and get tips on polyurethane selection and application.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out whether a clogged shower drain should be shrugged off by prospective homebuyers, or could be a sign of bigger mechanical problems.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn which garage door surfaces can be repainted to undo effects of sun damage and oxidation.  Also, pick up tips on priming the doors and applying a topcoat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When a wood stove chimney causes leaking, consider how often it's used before choosing a plan of action.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A kitchen renovation can add value to your house, but stress to your wallet.  Learn where to find moderately priced kitchen cabinets, and get ideas for giving your existing cabinets a budget-friendly facelift.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get an easy rule of thumb for determing whether concrete will crack under the weight of contained water - in this case, an aquaponic garden.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get options for reducing drafts from older windows, and well as factors to consider when deciding whether to replace them altogether. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Creating a mud floor base can prevent floor tile from cracking - and can also help level a sloped room.  Learn what it's made of and how to apply, and also precautionary tips on flooring around appliances.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Applying textured paint to exterior composite siding isn't an ideal long-term solution, but can be used to achieve the look you're after.  Get tips on choosing a paint and preparing the siding.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hairline cracks in concrete foundations can indicate slight structural shifting.  Learn easy ways to prevent further shifting by improving drainage and grading around your home.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices