Recent content by JALEXED2

The expanding foam is a great product. Prior to using the foam, you might at least consider backfilling the gap with "oakum" or some other backrod material. This will reduce the overall width of the foam you need to apply. Many caulks indicate the maximum width to be applied is 3/8" or do but...

After re-reading your post, another possibility comes to mind. You stated it is an "inside trench". This seems a bit unusual and may be a "fix" that CT Basement Systems did. The sump pit in your photo may be the orginal pit provided by the builder. There may have been a low spot in the...

You may have helped answer your own question with your followup. You clearly have the opportunity for water to enter the pit. It is currently blocked with sand/gravel/dirt which is why you don't normally see water flowing into it. I'm guess (as your are probably also) that the water then...

Jennebelle - since your last posting after you replaced the ballcock, you did not indicate if the noise continued. You indicated a leak from the bottom of the tank but didn't comment on the noise. Could you please update your findings? Also, you indicated the noise was a good 15-20...

I'm not particularly happy with my home's air conditioning. It is a 2 story with vaulted ceilings and the second floor does not cool sufficiently. I had an HVAC company by a few years ago to check the freon, etc... and he indicated everything was fine and the HVAC system was sized properly...

You might check to see if you have a ground fault interrupt tripped since you indicated there are kitchen outlets involved. Could you have tripped the GFI while installing your light? It might be possible to trip the GFI but not the breaker. Just guessing on this.

A patio should slope 1/8" to 1/4" per linear foot away from the house. A 10' patio should slope at least 1.25" to 2.5" away from the house. Since you have already poured the patio, it good future information. I would recommend you get in the habit of shoveling your new patio to reduce...

You may have a couple problems going on. If your ballcock is leaking, it will eventually fill up the tank and will raise the water level to the height of the overflow tube and pass water into the bowl. If the flapper valve (lower "flap" at the bottom of the tank) is leaking, you will...

I have had very good success with both Sherwin Williams and Behr paint. You may have heard some "bad" things about Behr from a painting contractor. As I understand it, they don't like it because they have to thin the paint to work with their equipment. Painting contractors like to stay with...

I would be wary of using any kind of adhesive to secure your underlayment boards. At some time in the future, someone will want to replace your tile and will probably want to get down to the original flooring. Any kind of adhesive will just make the job ugly. As previously recommended, lay...

I have made a loft bed using 2x4's and 2x6's. I used 2x6's for the stairs and it was very sturdy. I'm guessing a 1x12 would be fine for the stairs. I would not recommend the use of plywood for stairs. I think it would be wobbly and also will splinter through normal use. I built my loft bed...

Here are a few links for you to read on pet urine in carpets. I would think it would also work for plywood but I have no direct experience with plywood problems for cat urine. I have had dog urine and painted with Zinsser Sealer as you refer. We did not notice any odor after painting the...

You may look at a posting earlier referencing a dishwasher not draining completely (7-10-2009). It refers to a GE dishwasher. I'm not sure at all if the Frigidaire is similar to GE dishwashers or not. Here is a link that is referred to: GE Dishwasher Drainology | Dishwasher Repair |...

First make sure you understand which outlets and lighting are on which branch circuit. Look at the circuit breaker and write down the size of the breaker - 10amp, 15 amp or 20 amp most likely. Make a list so you don't get confused. Add up the total number of watts of usage for each circuit...

The solar lights seem to dim over time. My neighbors lasted about 3 years (maybe). Now they barely illuminate anything so seriously consider a low voltage system if you feel you need this lighting.