A washing machine pan is a way of protecting your home from water damage caused by a leaking or broken washer or water supply line. Typically made of plastic or metal like stainless steel, the rectangular-shaped pan rests underneath the washer and collects washing machine overflow. Why Is a Washing Machine Pan Important? The hoses running to your washing machine are prone to leaks and breaks and are one of the most common reasons for flooding in the home....
It takes more than a large kitchen knife and a goop scoop to create the jack-o’-lantern of your dreams—or nightmares. Here are some innovative tools and technology that will make your glowing gourd the envy of your neighbors this Halloween. Once you’ve got everything you need, get carving. 10 Best Pumpkin Carving Tools 1. Dremel Pumpkin Carving Kit Dremel brings its rotary tool technology to the tradition of pumpkin carving. This battery-operated cordless tool runs at 6,000 and 12,000 rpm, allowing you to carve intricate designs quickly and safely....
If you consider your front door the smile of your home, you’ll want it to look as attractive, inviting, and unique as possible—just like the smile on your face! To make that impression, door décor should complement the architecture of the house and reflect the personality of the owner. So, go beyond the same-old seasonal wreath and really refresh your front door, gaining inspiration from the ideas here. Then everyone who sees it—from neighbors and passersby to family members—will do the natural thing when met by a lovely smile: They’ll smile back!...
Stud finders are used to determine where the studs in your walls are located. Once you’ve located a stud, you can drill into it to hang objects, such as picture frames and televisions. In this review and buyer’s guide, we take a look at today’s best stud finders, discuss various features and options to look for when buying, and answer some common questions. Here are our top recommendations. Top 6 Stud Finders Best Accuracy: Franklin Sensors Professional Stud Finder Best Grip: Zircon StudSensor Wall Scanner Best Laser: BLACK+DECKER Line Laser Best For Metal Scanning: VIVREAL Stud Finder Wall Scanner Best Multipurpose: Tavool Stud Finder Wall Scanner Best Magnetic: The StudBuddy Magnetic Stud Finder Best Accuracy: Franklin Sensors Professional Stud Finder Pros and Cons ✔ Features a built-in ruler✔ Includes a built-in bubble level✔ Boasts a large, 21-inch sensing area...
Previous episode: S19 E20 | Next episode: S19 E22 In this episode: Mason Mark McCullough shows Host Kevin O’Connor the difference between the traditional way of cutting stone and the modern way. Many tools can be used today to easily cut stone, but you risk losing the character of the stone. Mark and Kevin compare an array of traditional hand tools versus modern power saws and grinders that many masons use today....
Before The most wallet-wise expansion plan? Annexing space you already have. After Stacy Grinsfelder renovated the kitchen in the 1883 house just outside Buffalo, NY, that she shares with her husband and four kids, the home still lacked a spot for casual meals. Shown: A small enclosed porch off the kitchen, once a drop spot for deliveries, was so chilly that the previous owners had nailed the door shut. After An adjacent, though unheated, enclosed porch provided the perfect solution....
Top 4 Slow Cookers Best Preset Settings: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Cooker Best Accessories: Ninja FD401 Foodi 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Cooker Best For Small Meals: Elite Gourmet Electric Slow Cooker Best Control: Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 Cook Central Multi-Cooker Best Preset Settings: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Cooker This slow cooker comes with 12 preset cooking functions, including yogurt, saute, porridge, and steam, that allow you to cook meals with the push of a button....
Everyone has scrap wood lying around the shop or garage. Why not put it to use? Building a birdhouse is a simple woodworking project that parents can include their young children in. Follow these steps to learn how to build a birdhouse with everyday materials. Steps for Building a Birdhouse: 1. Size the Pieces Using a miter saw and the provided cut list, cut the 1x6 board and ¼-inch plywood pieces to size....
Handsome Coffee Table A solid-wood coffee table in a Craftsman-inspired design is a classic that never goes out of style. This one, created by Build-Basic blogger Jenn Largesse, comes together fast with a simple joinery technique, while its splayed legs, faux-tenon details, and faux-breadboard ends give the illusion of more advanced woodworking. Use No. 2 pine, as Largesse did, and lumber costs top out at about $45. Here’s an overview of the project; find a detailed step-by-step, plans, plus a cut list at build-basic....
Without even noticing their presence, moths can enter your home, take up residence, and destroy your things—from the cashmere and wool sweaters in your closet to the cake flour and cereal in your pantry. If the hole-y havoc moths can wreak sounds familiar, now’s the time to kick these uninvited houseguests to the curb. Here’s how to identify and eliminate moth problems and prevent moths from coming back again. What Exactly is a Moth?...
In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to safely cut open up a wall. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Steps for Removing a Load-Bearing Wall Install temporary 2x4 braces on either side of wall to support the ceiling above. Use reciprocating saw to cut through wall plaster. Carefully cut away wood lath to reveal bare wall studs. Use reciprocating saw to cut through wall directly above each wall stud....
Steps: Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Start by identifying the cause of the foundation damage. Go outside to the corresponding location near the damage in the basement. Check to see if there is proper drainage, grading, and a functional gutter system. If water is able to pool anywhere near the area in question, the foundation damage will return. Address any water issues on the outside of the house to prevent additional water from coming in....
Previous episode: S20 E13 | Next episode: S20 E15 In this episode: Master electrician Heath Eastman tells us what he loves most about his trade. After the planning and roughing in, Heath explains that he genuinely loves the finished work. He appreciates this stage of the work, from installing electrical outlets and switches to fixtures and lighting because it’s the first time the homeowner gets to see progress. Next, we meet host Kevin O’Connor and painter Mauro Henrique in the shop for a lesson on patching cracks in plaster and drywall....
North Hills is a small neighborhood in Raleigh, North Carolina. It’s a luxury location in Midtown Raleigh, a short drive north of the growing downtown area. The area has many active developments, so there’s a good chance you can purchase a newly constructed home in this blossoming location. Current market trends for North Hills as a whole are minimal, but Raleigh as a city shows reports of a competitive and growing market....
Homeowner Know-How A cracked, loose, or (ouch!) shocking electrical receptacle is a candidate for replacement. But before you head out shopping for a new one, know what to ask for and how to connect everything safely. Warning: Before you do any repairs on a receptacle, turn off the power at the breaker box. Receptacle Replace if any part of face is broken or it doesn’t grip plug’s prongs firmly. Make sure amp rating embossed on face of receptacle doesn’t exceed amp rating printed on cable....
Wall texture types can be created by using a paint sprayer, a special brush, or a trowel or knife. Some designs call for a combination of these methods. Here’s a gallery of the visually appealing styles and patterns you can produce within each of the three application categories. Spray Textures Popcorn Popular in the mid-20th century, the popcorn texture consists of knobby, unevenly distributed bumps that resemble popcorn or cottage cheese....
Maybe the dog wanted to tell you that he needed to go out, or maybe the cat decided to sharpen her claws. Or you were distracted and didn’t see the sliding patio door until you walked through it. Whatever the reason, your screen door is now damaged—instead of preventing insects from entering, large birds can come and go as they please. You could take the door down to your local hardware store and have them replace the screen, but why deny yourself the pleasure of installing a new screen?...
Common types of fences can cause injury or death to animals because of the way they are constructed. Fences can also prevent them from finding food and water and separate young from their parents, leaving defenseless creatures stranded. Large barriers can interfere with migration and even upset ecosystems. And as development continues unabated—be it for housing, commercial uses, or infrastructure—the more likely it is for animals to venture closer to our backyards....
A shower pan is the floor portion—or the base—of your shower. Designed with a slight slope to help water go down your drain, it may need replacing if it significantly moves, has visible leakage or large cracks, especially in the center. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey explains how to replace a shower pan. Steps to Replacing a Shower Pan: Cut old acrylic shower surround with a reciprocating saw, and remove the surround....
Previous episode: S18 E4 | Next episode: S18 E6 In this episode: Tom repairs an old dining room built-in with hand tools and a bar of soap; the team shares more home inspection nightmares; electrician Heath Eastman makes his first house call to install a chandelier in a homeowner’s dining room. How to Repair a Built-In with Hand Tools Tom repairs an old dining room built-in with hand tools and a bar of soap....
