DIY discussion community forum for Do It Yourself home & house repair. Home repair forums for remodel, renovation, improvement, plumbing, roofing, electrical, HVAC, flooring. Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:39:02 +0000 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:39:02 +0000 DIY Home Improvement, Remodeling & Repair Forum https://www.houserepairtalk.com/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:35:28 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/leaky-pipe-or-valve-water-supply-line-to-toilet.34016/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 34016 invalid@example.com (kathleen1983) kathleen1983 What am I doing wrong? I have replaced this shut-off valve 3 times and one time we were going away for the weekend, so I got a cap for it at the local hardware store and he told me that would stop any leak. But it still leaked. No valve on it and just the cap. I have wrapped that white tape on the pipe several times because the hardware store said I couldn't put too much tape on there, so I started with just a little bit and each time I changed the valve, I would add more tape.
What am I...

Read more]]> 5 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 01:36:23 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/what-did-you-do-today.32243/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 32243 invalid@example.com (Chris) Chris Haven't seen one of these threads here.

Today I will be playing golf and fighting off a cold at the same time, should be fun.]]> 13910 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 20:40:29 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/radon-variability.34012/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 34012 invalid@example.com (DougL) DougL About seven years ago I did a radon test in our home with a First Alert DIY kit. The level was 0.8 pCi/L, which is way low. We are now selling the house, and the radon test is coming in 7 pCi/L, which is over the CDC limit of 5. We are getting another test done by a state-certified inspection service. But is radon really that variable? How often do you need to test a house for radon?]]> 7 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:26:08 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/cracks-in-plaster-ceiling.34011/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 34011 invalid@example.com (slownsteady) slownsteady I've been asking around on other forums but this question is a little tougher because of my particular setup...

I have radiant hydronic heat, which means I have copper pipes embedded in my ceiling, covered with cement plaster. The plaster is cracking in some places along the lines of pipe.

I'm trying to find out what type of mud would be best to fill these cracks and hopefully prevent future cracking. I'm planning on skim coating the whole ceiling, so I can cover over everything with the...

Read more]]> 5 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:26:24 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/all-politics.33738/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33738 invalid@example.com (Spicoli43) Spicoli43 If you don't like Political talk, there's no need to visit this thread. It should be only for those that do like talking about politics...]]> 576 Sun, 28 Sep 2025 02:08:25 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/best-practices-and-tips-for-using-a-glass-drilling-machine.34004/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 34004 invalid@example.com (nobes) nobes Hello everyone,

I’m looking to learn more about glass drilling machines and their proper usage. I need to drill precise holes in tempered and non-tempered glass for a DIY project.

Can anyone share the best types of drill bits, speeds, and techniques to avoid cracking or chipping?

Are there any safety precautions I should especially keep in mind?

Also, do lubricants like water or oil significantly improve drilling results?

Any recommendations on reliable brands or models for both...

Read more]]> 2 Sun, 28 Sep 2025 01:57:37 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/samsung-fridge-repair-fridge-not-cooling.34007/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 34007 invalid@example.com (jacobc) jacobc I have an 8-year-old French door Samsung fridge. Last week it started making a constant, loud humming noise. I power cycled it (as advised by Samsung customer service), after which the fridge stopped making the noise and also completely stopped cooling. It still gets power, but neither the fridge nor the freezer cools.

Today a Samsung (technically an authorized service provider associated with Samsung) technician came to look at it. He said the compressor is broken and needs to be replaced...

Read more]]> 5 Sun, 28 Sep 2025 01:52:12 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/fence-questions.32287/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 32287 invalid@example.com (Krich) Krich So, what if you had a home and the wooden privacy fence around the backyard has the nice looking flat side facing the neighbor's yard and the side facing your backyard is the side where the fence posts are exposed along with the horizontal boards that go from post to post...

How would you go about making the ugly side look nicer?

I was thinking of putting vertical boards in between each fence post just like what is on the neighbor's side.... but, I''m thinking that may create a nice space...

Read more]]> 9 Sat, 27 Sep 2025 22:00:02 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/tips-for-effective-deep-cleaning.33429/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33429 invalid@example.com (nobes) nobes Hey everyone,

I've been thinking about deep cleaning lately and wanted to reach out for some advice.

When it comes to deep cleaning, especially tackling those hard-to-reach spots or stubborn stains, what are your go-to methods or products?

I find that despite my efforts, some areas just don't seem to get as clean as I'd like them to be.

Do you have any special techniques or hacks for deep cleaning? Whether it's for carpets, upholstery, kitchen appliances, or anything else,

I'd love...

Read more]]> 10 Sat, 27 Sep 2025 12:58:40 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/near-death-reincarnation.33708/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33708 invalid@example.com (Spicoli43) Spicoli43 Have talked briefly about it, but decided to create a separate thread...

I think that most people, probably > 90% don't think about Near Death Experiences (NDE) or Reincarnation, with around 10% either being completely on board like me or being completely dismissive... While I haven't had an NDE, they are Scientifically proven to exist, both on this plane and in the afterlife. The same goes for the Scientific validity of Reincarnation.

I have read probably 1200 or so NDE reports as well...

Read more]]> 159 Fri, 26 Sep 2025 11:55:17 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/house-building-questions.32543/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 32543 invalid@example.com (Krich) Krich I'm going to be working with a local metal building company that makes many of their own products to build metal buildings (they have a really large building where they do fabricating), and for those building barndominiums they also offer framing, electrical, plumbing, sheet rock, etc, etc.

So, I'm going to be having a lot of questions on how to best do certain things... I thought I'd just make one thread and ask questions as they come up

To start off, my wife is wanting a gas stove to...

Read more]]> 89 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 01:02:32 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/need-a-sparkys-advice.34003/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 34003 invalid@example.com (Hamberg) Hamberg Needed to change the main (water) service valve on a property. As I started to take off the water meter off the lights dimmed!? Tightened it back up an all is good. started it again and (all of the) lights dimmed.

The service panel was just replaced (just an updated panel no new service or circuits). The water meter was/is not bonded but that's an easy fix and I can't imagine that is the cause.

Any thoughts?]]> 10 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:52:30 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/experiences-with-acoustic-felt-wall-panels.34009/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 34009 invalid@example.com (nobes) nobes Hi everyone,

I’m looking into acoustic felt wall panels for my living room and possibly my home office. The goal is to improve acoustics while also adding some extra style to the space. I’ve seen many different options online in terms of colors, sizes, and prices, but I haven’t found much real user feedback yet.

Does anyone here have experience with these panels? How noticeable is the difference in sound quality and echo reduction?

Also, how easy are they to install and maintain?

Any...

Read more]]> 2 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 19:13:24 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/battery-vs-corded-tools.33994/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33994 invalid@example.com (2fas) 2fas I recently inherited a bunch of tools and I noticed that with the battery tools, all the batteries were either missing, the battery is bad, or the charger is no where to be found.

In other words, battery tools tend to be highly unreliable unless you shell out a good penny. For this reason, I don't see myself buying battery tools any more. I'll have an impact tool for emergency situations though.]]> 13 Sun, 21 Sep 2025 16:03:26 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/what-kind-of-pest-rodent-does-this.34005/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 34005 invalid@example.com (shan2themax) shan2themax I do have moles, obviously have had rats by my posts, but what in the world would do this? That is my shoe for size, singular area.
]]> 0 Fri, 19 Sep 2025 13:15:50 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/best-friends-house-burned-on-easter-five-years-ago.20292/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 20292 invalid@example.com (zannej) zannej I'll give the abridged version here. My best friend who keeps having bad luck and was nearly killed in a car accident last April was just getting back on his feet when there was a house fire. Because the house was still not repaired from an oak tree falling on it and nearly destroying it, there was no insurance.

His girlfriend and daughter were trapped inside, but he literally ripped an entire window off the wall (frame and all) from the outside with his bare hands to get them out...

Read more]]> 161 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:09:27 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/raising-toilet-flange-upon-putting-a-new-floor.33989/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33989 invalid@example.com (affan habib) affan habib Hi,

I had vinyl sheet in toilet. I recently put new LVP (abt 1/3 inch thick ) floor on top of it. My floor guy didn't raise the toilet flange. After this, the toilet became slightly wobbly. I called a plumber (thru my home warranty company) and he said the flange should have been above the floor level (and he said thats beyond their purview and put a new wax ring back). He also said the flange is cracked (see picture) on one side and thats made the toilet wobbly. I contacted a plumber and...

Read more]]> 19 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 12:15:00 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/older-house.33999/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33999 invalid@example.com (Rich) Rich Hello

My house is from the 1940s I was just curious and trying to learn more. Maybe even anticipate future expenses…

Does everything look normal from an electric stand point here?

Something I noticed to the untrained eye is all the electrical wiring is kind of “different”
Some is metal some looks like a different kind of material etc

Thanks]]> 3 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:42:00 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/painting-metal-door.33549/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33549 invalid@example.com (amadago) amadago Hi -

I have a question about painting a metal exterior door. We ordered a new door and it came primed. Yesterday I painted it, and it's easily scratchable. While I know it'll take a full 24hrs to cure, my fear is it'll still be easily scratched when it's done. I did some digging, and am wondering if it should have been primed first (despite the door coming from the factory as primed). Now that it has paint on it, what's the best thing to do?]]> 4 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 03:42:02 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/seeking-guidance-on-millwork-in-retail-construction.34000/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 34000 invalid@example.com (nobes) nobes Hey everyone,

I’m looking to better understand the role of millwork in retail construction projects. I know it covers a wide range of custom woodwork, cabinetry, fixtures, and finishes, but I’d like to dive deeper. Specifically, I’m curious about best practices, typical challenges, and what factors most influence cost and timelines.

I came across the phrase info on millwork in retail construction while researching, but most sources were too generic.

Can anyone share real-world...

Read more]]> 1 Sat, 13 Sep 2025 22:59:32 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/pest-control.32752/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 32752 invalid@example.com (Ada) Ada Please share your pest control routine and product used.

We do not have the budget to pay for the pest control company and we do not have knowledge to do ourselves.
Would like to learn and start working on it since we start to have issues.

First would like to know the basic routine and product you use for pest control.
For example, in spring, spray what at where.

I see some home perimeter defense product thinking start from there. We have ants nesting at foundation. Spiders around the...

Read more]]> 10 Sat, 13 Sep 2025 22:11:40 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/how-difficult-is-it-to-install-upgrade-to-240v.33996/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33996 invalid@example.com (kaitlin4599) kaitlin4599 so i live in a brick studio apartment complex that was built in 1944. when i moved in i was told by maintenance that at some point the electric was modernized to the code standards at the time the upgrade/modernization was done. we use natural gas for our heater and to cook on the stove, so no electric appliances aside from the fridge and microwave. anyhow the new owner wants to install mini splits into each studio apartment but obviously since we dont have 240V electrical it will have to be...

Read more]]> 10 Sat, 13 Sep 2025 14:28:03 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/adding-grounded-wires-to-an-older-panel.33997/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33997 invalid@example.com (Chris LaBoda) Chris LaBoda My home was built in 1959 and is called a GE Medallion Home. The home has two sub panels inside the home connected by 2” metal conduit. The three wires come from Main panel outside that has a breaker and go to the 1st inside panel where they are split “Y Connected” to the 1st panel and then through a 2’ metal conduit to the 2nd inside electrical panel. The two inside electrical panels use “Pushmatic” breakers.

I remodeled my porch and added 5 grounded electrical outlets and 4 LED ceiling...

Read more]]> 3 Sat, 13 Sep 2025 13:38:22 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/where-to-find-quality-screws.32986/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 32986 invalid@example.com (tomtheelder2020) tomtheelder2020 No, I do NOT mean that. Get your mind out of the gutter.

It seems a lot of hardware is made out of low quality metal. I am planning to install a couple of 4 inch screws in door hinge and expect they will undergo a LOT of torque. Stripping the head would be bad and twisting it off would be disaster. Anyone know a seller of high quality screws? Thanks.]]> 5 Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:16:49 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/building-a-small-tiny-home.33990/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33990 invalid@example.com (HandyOne) HandyOne There is a fellow in Lulling TX that takes apart old houses, saves the good wood, door knobs, windows, etc. Then he builds tiny/small homes with them.

They seem to have more character than anything made of all new elements. Have you seen him?

https://tinytexashouses.com/



I've been watching his homes for years. He does seem a bit unconventional, but what do you think of his buildings and what he uses to make them?]]> 1 Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:11:06 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/rat-fate.33658/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33658 invalid@example.com (shan2themax) shan2themax So.... this rat got up close and personal with the trap and it went off.... however as you can see from the video, it escaped. It seems dazed and confused immediately after.

What are the chances that it wandered off and died? I'm at work, so I can't go check to see if there is blood anywhere or not.
The rat is usually active still at this time but I haven't had any activity since this video clip. I am hoping he went somewhere and died.]]> 15 Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:00:21 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/how-to-fix-a-loose-wooden-door-joint.33992/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33992 invalid@example.com (nobes) nobes Hi everyone,

I’ve got an old wooden door in my house, and one of the joints has started to come loose. The frame feels wobbly, and the door doesn’t close as smoothly as it used to. I’ve tried tightening the screws, but that only helped a little.

I’m wondering what’s the best long-term solution to repair wooden door joint issues like this? Should I use wood glue, dowels, or something else? I’d like to make the repair sturdy without replacing the entire door.

Any advice, tools, or...

Read more]]> 3 Wed, 10 Sep 2025 01:14:13 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/best-practices-for-eavestrough-painting.33991/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33991 invalid@example.com (nobes) nobes Hi everyone,

I’m planning a weekend project and could use some advice. I want to refresh the look of my home by painting my gutters, but I’ve never tackled this before. Specifically, I’m looking for tips on surface prep, primer types, and paint that withstands the weather.

I’ve read a few guides, but nothing beats real experience. Has anyone done eavestrough painting successfully?

How did you handle cleaning, rust spots, or tricky angles?

Any recommendations on tools or techniques to...

Read more]]> 2 Tue, 09 Sep 2025 15:36:24 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/drilling-ducts.33917/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33917 invalid@example.com (JBird) JBird Looking at making baffle to put on shepherd hook poles to keep critters out of bird feeders, using 4" duct and end caps, what is the best to drill a hole in the end cap. Regular drill bit or a step bit?
TIA Jim]]> 8 Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:38:58 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/installing-a-window-screen-on-a-window-that-opens-outward.33518/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33518 invalid@example.com (jacobc) jacobc We have a couple windows in the house that open by pushing outward. Please see attached photos. Right now they don't have screens, and it's not clear how one could install screens. Does anyone have any ideas how we could install screens on these types of windows? Thanks a lot.]]> 3 Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:50:56 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/relocating-partition-walls-in-an-apartment-%E2%80%93-how-to-deal-with-it.33988/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33988 invalid@example.com (Amelinium) Amelinium Good day,

I would like to move the partition walls in the new apartment. For simplicity, let’s assume it’s just one partition wall; I’ve attached a graphic. I’d like to hire someone to do the work, since I don’t know much about it, but first I’d like to understand the issues myself. I would truly appreciate some help.

In the developer’s standard finish, the following was done:

• partition walls made of 8 cm gypsum blocks ("Multigips"). They have already been...

Read more]]> 1 Sun, 07 Sep 2025 12:08:38 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/poor-anderson-handle-design-fix.33757/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33757 invalid@example.com (Tomottoe) Tomottoe I have some Anderson French Doors and the door handle has always been a problem. The handles are attached on either side of the door via allen-head set screws to a metal bar. See pix. The problem is the set screws over time stop holding, and the handles start slipping and falling off regularly. It's very irritating and unfortunately the design of the rod does nothing to help, with the groove for the screw running all the way to the outer end. If I marked a "stop" position on the rod, would...

Read more]]> 6 Sun, 07 Sep 2025 01:16:17 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/improper-plumbing-trying-to-remodel-bathroom-laundry.17762/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 17762 invalid@example.com (zannej) zannej I hope that this is the right place for this since it mostly involves plumbing.

My family purchased this house in the late 1980s but we lived overseas for 9 years while we had some "friends" become tenants. The general deal was that they would pay the cost of the insurance premium (about $87 per month) and keep vagrants out of the house. They were supposed to take care of our property, keep the house and yard maintained, and take care of our livestock in exchange for living there while they...

Read more]]> 792 Sat, 06 Sep 2025 06:52:14 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/ceramic-tile-outside-corner-repair.33987/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33987 invalid@example.com (Carolitis) Carolitis Please give some advice. I have a free standing glass shower surrounded by ceramic tile from 1990 that is missing a chunk on the outside corner. We are moving and need to do a repair or camouflage before selling. We have matching flat square tiles but none for the corner. I would like advice about best products and method for doing this repair. I do have a kit to try to color match after filled but would take any advice on that also. Please, no comments about how dirty it is. The house is a...

Read more]]> 5 Sat, 06 Sep 2025 01:08:36 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/info-on-pressure-washer-pumps-and-bleach.29315/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 29315 invalid@example.com (MoldMan) MoldMan I bought my northern Florida house in 2017, and I didn't know it would turn grey and green if I didn't clean it. I just got my dad's old 3100-psi Homelite pressure washer working, and I learned that I can clean the house easily with a mix of pool bleach, water, and detergent. So far, so good.

The people who make cheap pressure washers say bleach will kill their pumps. I don't care, obviously. A pressure washer pump is cheap compared to paying someone $300 for a 3-hour job. I could buy an...

Read more]]> 8 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 23:50:42 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/crawl-space-remote-register.33986/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33986 invalid@example.com (68bucks) 68bucks So I have a register in the duct in my crawl space. It's a sealed crawl so the vent is required. I would like to have the ability to adjust that vent or close it without getting in the crawl. I've searched for something but haven't found a good solution. Any suggestions or thoughts for a solution?]]> 3 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:01:20 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/house-purchase-whole-house-ro-system.33496/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33496 invalid@example.com (Alcyone) Alcyone I just completed a purchase of a house that claimed to have a “whole house RO system”. Yet, after moving in I believe I’ve discovered otherwise.

Do I have any recourse and is there anything that can be determined from these pictures?

Please excuse the clutter as I just moved in. Seems to be only one outlet to a water dispenser.

The water coming out of the RO dispenser tastes like chemicals and has high flow, so I’m not sure if the system is junk or if the filters and membrane are shot...

Read more]]> 39 Thu, 04 Sep 2025 01:05:04 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/best-practices-for-leak-detection-in-industrial-systems.33983/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33983 invalid@example.com (nobes) nobes Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice on effective leak detection methods in industrial piping and storage systems. Specifically, I’m interested in techniques that can detect small leaks before they escalate into major issues. Are there preferred sensors, technologies, or maintenance routines that yield reliable results?

I’ve heard about acoustic, ultrasonic, and pressure-based systems, but I’m unsure which approach balances cost, accuracy, and ease of implementation. Any insights from...

Read more]]> 2 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 16:10:41 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/what-is-your-wish-for-house.33984/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33984 invalid@example.com (HandyOne) HandyOne What would be your wish for a house, and how much repair would you need to do on it?

I'd want one with old South window placement and being able to open from the bottom and the top. Placed under deciduous trees, so in the winter there would be less shade, but summer heat could be filtered through their leaves. And the big porches that are set so the winter sun can get in, but the summer sun is shaded.

Now, what about you?]]> 0 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 11:48:38 +0000 https://www.houserepairtalk.com/threads/hi-from-denver.33963/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 33963 invalid@example.com (podrick70) podrick70 Hey all , I m Patrick and I m kinda new with small repairs, still figuring things out. my house is tiny but it's my cozy place!! i live with my dog ( got him from the shelter) and he s pretty much my best friend.
looks like lots of cool tips here]]> 8