Recent content by Dingo

Hi, I'm trying to test my sump pump. (Stevens Pump Co Model S5710.) Unfortunately, every time I load the pit (crock/well/etc.) with water, the level drops right back to where it started from. (I guess the soil beneath is absorbing it.) I've loaded about 6-7 gallons. There isn't a float...

I had two black locust trees removed. I now have sprouts popping up all over my yard (and my neighbors). I was warned this "might" happen by the tree removal company. However, after researching this I've found it can continue for years without end. So, what can I spray that will get down to...

While digging up roots from vines, I hit concrete. What I hit is only a few inches down. It sits in front of a 3 foot tall retaining wall which is made of block and mortar. (The while runs about 35 feet.) This morning, I outlined the concrete slab which looks to be about 6-7 feet wide, and...

Hi Neal, You are correct. I took another look, after viewing the link you attached. They "blocks" are actually part of the side. However, the little slivers of wood, on underneath the treads and behind the risers are added. Do you think it would be worth drilling a couple of screws...

Hi, I'm hoping someone familiar with carpentry can give me few tips on this one.... Obviously, our stairs are creaky. The problem, we have a new baby coming shortly. The two don't necessary go together. I've attached two photos to which I'll refer. There is really only one stringer...

Yes. I'm going to replace the existing retaining wall out front with a stone wall. The step will be part of the wall. One question, what doest 3/4 minus refer to?

As recommended, attached is a photo of the section of the of the sidewalk mentioned in the original post. Thanks

If you're in Buffalo, the frost line might be lower than three feet. My understanding is that you want to ensure that your post footings are below the frost line so they do not rise and sink over time. However, some of the members with more experience might be able to clarify issues with that...

Planning to remove my front sidewalk (the portion leading from the house to the public sidewalk). The sidewalk is at grade level up near the house. However, it descends down to approximately 8 inches below grade where it meets the public sidewalk (~25 feet out). There is a small retaining...

Would it be worth trying to design a french-drain system in front of the retaining wall? I have a similar issue with a wall I intend to replace. My intentions are to put a shallow level of soil over mesh and gravel, with a drain that would run feed into a PVC pipe. The pipe would carry the...

Background: We have stucco on the our first floor exterior, which is concrete block construction. We initially planned to remove the stucco, replacing it with siding. (While I realize we can simply put the siding over sealed stucco, we're concerned about the depth of the walls when all is...