The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Find out what is causing a noisy water heater and learn how to fix it. Get tips on draining the tank to flush out built-up sediment and learn what temperature you should set the heater to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to cut a shelf so it fits the shape of your A-frame cabin. Get tips on using a tool called a T-bevel to get the angle right. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why laminate is a good choice for a basement floor and get tips on following the manufacturer's instructions when installing it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn the best type of paint for basement walls. Get tips on using paint specifically made for basement walls instead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on finding a contractor who can install a tin ceiling. It's not a terribly difficult job, and a carpenter with metal-working experience or a good handyman should be able to do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to get rid of a white haze on a floor that you just refinished. Get tips on renting a floor buffer and a sanding screen to take off the upper surface of the floor. Then mop up the dust and add a coat of urethane. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a bathroom that vents to the attic. Also get tips on adding more attic insulation to keep your heating and cooling bills down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to clean an oil stain on a cement floor. Get tips on painting the cement floor with a two-part epoxy paint that includes a degreaser as part of the process. The paint will also make the floor easier to sweep and won't get slippery when Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to get rid of a humming noise in your pipes. Learn why the noise is caused by a valve that isn't completely closing and get tips on replacing your toilet fill valves and sink faucet valves to fix the problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what type of underlayment to use when installing laminate floor over ceramic tile. Get tips on checking with the manufacturer to see what they recommend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to repair a faulty hardwood floor installation that left large gaps between floor boards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what type of flooring to use in a basement after you pull up moldy carpet. Get tips on using laminate flooring or engineered hardwood flooring, and learn why proper installation is key. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to insulate foundation walls. Learn why you should insulate the interior, not exterior. Get tips on also insulating the box-beam space, which is more at risk for drafts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to remove vinyl wallpaper. Get tips on scoring the wallpaper first, and learn a trick of the trade involving fabric softener to help loosen the paper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out the best location for a pellet stove and learn how to ventilate it. Get tips on having a contractor install it for you so it's done safely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to vent a flat roof properly. Learn how an attic fan works and find out whether it's possible to have too much attic ventilation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to repair a metal roof. Get tips on hiring a contractor that knows how to resolder cracks properly. Learn why trying to cover them with tar or caulk will only cause more problems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a door that won't close properly. Get tips on tightening the hinges and resetting the striker plate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to repair a cracked concrete driveway. Learn why concrete is not a good material for repairing cracks in concrete. Get tips on using an epoxy patching compound instead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to control window condensation during the winter. Get tips on reducing the volume of moisture that's inside your house to solve the problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to reface a brick fireplace with ceramic tile. Learn whether you need to prep the brick surface and get tips on putting down a good coat of adhesive for the tiles to stick to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to remodel a 1950s kitchen. Learn why opening up the wall between your kitchen and dining room will make the dining room space less formal. Get tips on painting and putting new hardware on the existing 1950s cabinets rather than Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to patch drywall. Get tips on sanding down the cracks and repairing them with drywall tape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what you can do to improve the air quality in your home. Get tips on pulling up the carpet in your basement, keeping your basement dry, and putting in a filtration system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices