Home Repair: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Troubleshooting a Gas Water Heater
Tutorial on troubleshooting a tank type gas water heater
Tutorial on troubleshooting a tank type gas water heater
Troubleshoot a Garbage Disposal
How to troubleshoot common garbage disposal problems and how to repair the disposer.
How to troubleshoot common garbage disposal problems and how to repair the disposer.
Deck Sanding
This tutorial will describe how to sand a wood deck after power washing where wood grain may have been raised and in preparation of final staining and finishing.
This tutorial will describe how to sand a wood deck after power washing where wood grain may have been raised and in preparation of final staining and finishing.
Why Circuit Breakers Trip
It is important to understand the possible reasons for a circuit breaker tripping (turning off). Fixing the cause of the electrical problem is essential before resetting the breaker a third time.
It is important to understand the possible reasons for a circuit breaker tripping (turning off). Fixing the cause of the electrical problem is essential before resetting the breaker a third time.
Screw Extractor
Describes how screw extractor works and how to extract a broken screw
Describes how screw extractor works and how to extract a broken screw
How to Stain a Wood Deck
This tutorial describes the technique of staining a wood deck with oil based stain.
This tutorial describes the technique of staining a wood deck with oil based stain.
Aerating and Mowing
Lawn aeration is the secret weapon in making your lawn a healthy lawn. Aeration involves making holes in the lawn either by pushing a rod into it or by extracting a small cylinder of dirt.
Lawn aeration is the secret weapon in making your lawn a healthy lawn. Aeration involves making holes in the lawn either by pushing a rod into it or by extracting a small cylinder of dirt.
Toilet Problems and Repairs
Describes how to fix common causes problems with toilets including toilet running, not flushing at all, clogged, etc.
Describes how to fix common causes problems with toilets including toilet running, not flushing at all, clogged, etc.
Find a Wood Stud in a Wall
Magnetic Stud Finder: Ahh. The way of our forefathers in home repair is by using a magnetic stud finder.
Magnetic Stud Finder: Ahh. The way of our forefathers in home repair is by using a magnetic stud finder.
Refinishing a Wood Deck
Wood decks provide increased outdoor living area but require periodic maintenance including refinishing. Refinishing a wood deck involves a few steps such as inspection, cleaning and wood brightening, power washing, sanding, staining and sealing. This detailed tutorial will walk you through all the major steps of refinishing your wood deck successfully and beautifully.
Wood decks provide increased outdoor living area but require periodic maintenance including refinishing. Refinishing a wood deck involves a few steps such as inspection, cleaning and wood brightening, power washing, sanding, staining and sealing. This detailed tutorial will walk you through all the major steps of refinishing your wood deck successfully and beautifully.
Anatomy of a Gas Water Heater
Detailed description and graphic of the components making up a gas tank type hot water heater.
Detailed description and graphic of the components making up a gas tank type hot water heater.
House Siding Materials
Describes various siding house materials for the home including vinyl siding, aluminum siding, cement fiber siding, wood siding
Describes various siding house materials for the home including vinyl siding, aluminum siding, cement fiber siding, wood siding
Replacing a Water Heater
Tutorial describing how to install a replacement gas or electric water heater.
Tutorial describing how to install a replacement gas or electric water heater.
Power Washing a Deck
This tutorial reviews the steps and issues you need to know about safely cleaning your wood deck with a power washer without damaging the wood.
This tutorial reviews the steps and issues you need to know about safely cleaning your wood deck with a power washer without damaging the wood.
How to Light a Standing Pilot
This tutorial describes how a standing pilot and thermocouple work in a furnace and how to light a standing pilot on a gas furnace.
This tutorial describes how a standing pilot and thermocouple work in a furnace and how to light a standing pilot on a gas furnace.
Removing Rust Stains
Removing unsightly rust and other stains from porcelain in toilets and sinks can be difficult. This tutorial will guide you through several ways to make this repair.
Removing unsightly rust and other stains from porcelain in toilets and sinks can be difficult. This tutorial will guide you through several ways to make this repair.
How to Shutoff a Water Supply
Most plumbing repairs require water to be turned off. Learn how to shutoff water at the main or locally at the plumbing fixture.
Most plumbing repairs require water to be turned off. Learn how to shutoff water at the main or locally at the plumbing fixture.
Exterior Painting Surface Prep
The most important step in painting your home does not involve a paintbrush but rather paint scraping tools. Learn how to prepare your home's exterior surface for painting.
The most important step in painting your home does not involve a paintbrush but rather paint scraping tools. Learn how to prepare your home's exterior surface for painting.
Anatomy of an Electrical Panel
Power comes directly from the electrical company's power line, through the electrical meter on the outside
Power comes directly from the electrical company's power line, through the electrical meter on the outside
How to Unclog a Sink
Sinks often get clogged from any number of possible daily uses (and abuses). This tutorial walks you through the way to get rid of clogs in your sink.
Sinks often get clogged from any number of possible daily uses (and abuses). This tutorial walks you through the way to get rid of clogs in your sink.
Wood Deck Cleaning
Wood decks require maintenance just like any other part of your home. This tutorial will walk you through the steps necessary for wood deck inspection and cleaning prior to refinishing.
Wood decks require maintenance just like any other part of your home. This tutorial will walk you through the steps necessary for wood deck inspection and cleaning prior to refinishing.
Anatomy of a Garbage Disposal
Construction of a Garbage Disposal
Construction of a Garbage Disposal
Clogged Disposal Drain
This tutorial gives you tips and describes how to avoid a clog and what to do if your garbage disposer or disposal unit has a clogged drain.
This tutorial gives you tips and describes how to avoid a clog and what to do if your garbage disposer or disposal unit has a clogged drain.
Fuses and Your Fuse Box
This tutorial describes various types of fuses used in the home
This tutorial describes various types of fuses used in the home
Room AC Unit Repair
This tutorial describes how to troubleshoot a window mounted room air conditioner.
This tutorial describes how to troubleshoot a window mounted room air conditioner.
Home Heating Systems
Describes the most common types of home heating systems including forced air, hydronic hot water baseboard, radiant in floor heat, steam heat radiation and geothermal.
Describes the most common types of home heating systems including forced air, hydronic hot water baseboard, radiant in floor heat, steam heat radiation and geothermal.
How to Replace a Light Switch
Learn how to replace a light switch. Switches control power to light fixtures and power outlets or receptacles. This tutorial covers replacement of a single-pole switch.
Learn how to replace a light switch. Switches control power to light fixtures and power outlets or receptacles. This tutorial covers replacement of a single-pole switch.
Gas Furnace Troubleshooting
Identifies common problems, causes and fixes for various gas furnace problems
Identifies common problems, causes and fixes for various gas furnace problems
Boiler Troubleshooting
This tutorial describes and covers the troubleshooting and repair of gas fired boilers that heat water for hot water or hydronic home heating systems. These boilers can be fired with gas or oil, but the components are similar.
This tutorial describes and covers the troubleshooting and repair of gas fired boilers that heat water for hot water or hydronic home heating systems. These boilers can be fired with gas or oil, but the components are similar.
Troubleshooting a Thermostat
Tutorial on thermostat troubleshooting for mechanical thermostats such as Honeywell, White Rodgers, Lux
Tutorial on thermostat troubleshooting for mechanical thermostats such as Honeywell, White Rodgers, Lux
Reseting a Tripped Breaker
How to reset a tripped circuit breaker is a common home repair that is easy when done right.
How to reset a tripped circuit breaker is a common home repair that is easy when done right.
Repairing Vinyl Siding
Step by step tutorial on how to replace or patch a damaged section of vinyl siding
Step by step tutorial on how to replace or patch a damaged section of vinyl siding
About Cork Flooring
This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of cork flooring, what cork is, how the cork floor is constructed, its benefits, maintenance tips and other information you want to know.
This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of cork flooring, what cork is, how the cork floor is constructed, its benefits, maintenance tips and other information you want to know.
Electrical Switch Types
Tutorial describes the different types of switches found in the home including single-pole, double-pole, three-way and four-way switches.
Tutorial describes the different types of switches found in the home including single-pole, double-pole, three-way and four-way switches.
Electrical Boxes - Lighting
Tutorial describes the many types of wall and ceiling electrical boxes used for lighting, ceiling fan and junction box applications.
Tutorial describes the many types of wall and ceiling electrical boxes used for lighting, ceiling fan and junction box applications.
Installing a 240 V Ckt Brkr
This detailed tutorial will show you how to easily install a 240 volt circuit breaker. Complete with detailed photos.
This detailed tutorial will show you how to easily install a 240 volt circuit breaker. Complete with detailed photos.
Water Hardness Testing
This tutorial describes a home test to determine if you have hard water.
This tutorial describes a home test to determine if you have hard water.
Reducing Heat Loss
Describes how the home loses heat and what repairs bring the highest benefit.
Describes how the home loses heat and what repairs bring the highest benefit.
Caulk Like a Pro
Removing the old caulk and preparing the surfaces is very important for an effective caulk repair.
Removing the old caulk and preparing the surfaces is very important for an effective caulk repair.
Deck Board Installation
Learn about the ways deck boards warp and whether you should install bark side up or bark side down.
Learn about the ways deck boards warp and whether you should install bark side up or bark side down.
Thermocouple Replacement
This tutorial describes how to easily replace a furnace thermocouple in an older style standing pilot furnace or an electronic flame sensor in a newer style electronic ignition furnace.
This tutorial describes how to easily replace a furnace thermocouple in an older style standing pilot furnace or an electronic flame sensor in a newer style electronic ignition furnace.
Garbage Disposal Installation
Tutorial explaining steps to install a garbage disposal
Tutorial explaining steps to install a garbage disposal
Repairing Toilet Flush Valve
One of the most common and most frustrating toilet tank problems is the slow leaking of tank water through
One of the most common and most frustrating toilet tank problems is the slow leaking of tank water through
Cartridge Faucet Repair
This tutorial will show you how to repair a leaking cartridge faucet with illustrating faucet repair photos.
This tutorial will show you how to repair a leaking cartridge faucet with illustrating faucet repair photos.
Types of Faucets
Faucets come in several types and identifying what type you have is the first step in doing any repair. The type of faucet you have determines how it gets repaired and what tools or special kits are required.
Faucets come in several types and identifying what type you have is the first step in doing any repair. The type of faucet you have determines how it gets repaired and what tools or special kits are required.
How to Remove a Tub Spout
This step by step tutorial describes how to remove a bath tub spout.
This step by step tutorial describes how to remove a bath tub spout.
Intro to Tankless Water Heaters
This tutorial describes tankless water heaters, how they work, different fuel sources and types of tankless hot water heaters, how to size the unit and issues associated with this technology.
This tutorial describes tankless water heaters, how they work, different fuel sources and types of tankless hot water heaters, how to size the unit and issues associated with this technology.
How to Tuckpoint Mortar Joints
Maintaining mortar joints in a brick wall is essential to keep water out of the wall and prevent brick failure. Learn how to maintain the mortar joints in a brick wall with a technique called tuckpointing.
Maintaining mortar joints in a brick wall is essential to keep water out of the wall and prevent brick failure. Learn how to maintain the mortar joints in a brick wall with a technique called tuckpointing.
Replacing a Deck Plank
This step by step guide walks you through how to replace a deck board
This step by step guide walks you through how to replace a deck board
Caulk Removal
Tips for easy removal of dried latex or silicone caulk from your tub or sink.
Tips for easy removal of dried latex or silicone caulk from your tub or sink.
Remove Oil Stains
Removing oil stains from your garage floor is easier than you think and helps prolong the life of your floor.
Removing oil stains from your garage floor is easier than you think and helps prolong the life of your floor.
Common House Paint Problems
Tutorial describes the top 10 most common paint problems found around the home, their cause and how to fix them.
Tutorial describes the top 10 most common paint problems found around the home, their cause and how to fix them.
Garbage Disposal - Vibration
This tutorial describes what you can do to fix problems of a noisy or vibrating garbage disposal / disposer unit.
This tutorial describes what you can do to fix problems of a noisy or vibrating garbage disposal / disposer unit.
Air Conditioning Repair
Tutorial describes how to troubleshoot and repair common central air conditioning system problems.
Tutorial describes how to troubleshoot and repair common central air conditioning system problems.
Replacing an Electric Water Heating Element
This tutorial describes how to troubleshoot and replace heating elements in an electric water heater.
This tutorial describes how to troubleshoot and replace heating elements in an electric water heater.
How to Fasten Object to a Wall
Description of different types of wall fasteners and their use
Description of different types of wall fasteners and their use
Central AC Unit Maintenance
Tutorial on maintaining the outside condensing unit of a central air conditioning or heat pump system.
Tutorial on maintaining the outside condensing unit of a central air conditioning or heat pump system.
How to Unclog a Toilet Fixture
This Step By Step guide will walk you through the common household repair of unclogging a toilet fixture.
This Step By Step guide will walk you through the common household repair of unclogging a toilet fixture.
Window AC Maintenance
This tutorial describes how to maintain a window mounted room air conditioner.
This tutorial describes how to maintain a window mounted room air conditioner.
Electronic Ignition Furnace
The gas electronic ignition furnace is the most common type of new furnace but requires a special understanding of its components for repair of hot surface ignition and intermittent pilot systems.
The gas electronic ignition furnace is the most common type of new furnace but requires a special understanding of its components for repair of hot surface ignition and intermittent pilot systems.
Measuring Faucet GPM
Quick tip on how to measure the specific flow rate from your faucet or shower head measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
Quick tip on how to measure the specific flow rate from your faucet or shower head measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
How to Use a Zip Tool
Overview of how to use a vinyl siding removal hand tool commonly known as a zip tool.
Overview of how to use a vinyl siding removal hand tool commonly known as a zip tool.
Resilient Flooring
Describes the vinyl panel or plank resilient flooring system including the product known as TrafficMaster Allure™ as sold by Home Depot.
Describes the vinyl panel or plank resilient flooring system including the product known as TrafficMaster Allure™ as sold by Home Depot.
Gas Valve Shutoff
Describes how to turn a gas valve on and off such as when disconnecting or installing a gas dryer or gas stove.
Describes how to turn a gas valve on and off such as when disconnecting or installing a gas dryer or gas stove.
Nails 101
This tutorial describes the most common types of nails you will encounter and describes their use. Described are nail types including cut, common, box, annular ring, masonry, brad, finish, casing, roofing and duplex. An overview of nail sizing and terminology is also provided.
This tutorial describes the most common types of nails you will encounter and describes their use. Described are nail types including cut, common, box, annular ring, masonry, brad, finish, casing, roofing and duplex. An overview of nail sizing and terminology is also provided.
Shower Head Installation
Step by step tutorial on how to install or replace a wall mounted shower head
Step by step tutorial on how to install or replace a wall mounted shower head
Using a Glue Gun
Describes the features and use of the glue gun
Describes the features and use of the glue gun
Garbage Disposal Removal
Tutorial describes how to easily remove a garbage disposal or waste food disposer
Tutorial describes how to easily remove a garbage disposal or waste food disposer
Faucet Repair-Compression
This tutorial will show you how to repair a leaking compression washer faucet.
This tutorial will show you how to repair a leaking compression washer faucet.
Repairing Orange Peel Texture
This tutorial will walk you through how to repair a damaged textured wall
This tutorial will walk you through how to repair a damaged textured wall
Dryer Vent Cleaning
This tutorial explains the important dryer repair involving cleaning your dryer of dangerous lint build up, a major source of dryer fires. It photo documents the steps involved in cleaning your dryer of lint in the lint trap and in dryer ducts and hoses.
This tutorial explains the important dryer repair involving cleaning your dryer of dangerous lint build up, a major source of dryer fires. It photo documents the steps involved in cleaning your dryer of lint in the lint trap and in dryer ducts and hoses.
Tutorials for Painting Nursery
Paint tips and advice for painting a nursery
Paint tips and advice for painting a nursery
How to Replace a Toilet
Tutorial describes the steps involved in removing and replacing an existing toilet or water closet including the closet flange and wax ring replacement.
Tutorial describes the steps involved in removing and replacing an existing toilet or water closet including the closet flange and wax ring replacement.
How to Use a Hacksaw
Describes the features and use of a hacksaw.
Describes the features and use of a hacksaw.
Furnace Thermostat Anatomy
Overview of home furnace thermostat types including digital programmable, mercury and mechanical contact thermostats as manufactured by Honeywell, White Rodgers and others.
Overview of home furnace thermostat types including digital programmable, mercury and mechanical contact thermostats as manufactured by Honeywell, White Rodgers and others.
Drywall Repair: Small Hole
This helpful Step-By-Step tutorial will tell you how to make a quick and easy repair of a small hole in drywall.
This helpful Step-By-Step tutorial will tell you how to make a quick and easy repair of a small hole in drywall.
Water Softeners
Tutorial describes in plain English how water softeners work, the types of softeners and how they eliminate hard water and the differences between using salt and potassium.
Tutorial describes in plain English how water softeners work, the types of softeners and how they eliminate hard water and the differences between using salt and potassium.
Air Conditioning Types
Tutorial review the most commonly used air conditioning and cooling systems in the home including window air conditioner, portable air conditioner, ductless or split system air conditioners and central air conditioning.
Tutorial review the most commonly used air conditioning and cooling systems in the home including window air conditioner, portable air conditioner, ductless or split system air conditioners and central air conditioning.
2 Prong Outlet Upgrade
This tutorial will guide you through a simple way to upgrade the safety of almost any 2 prong outlet to become a GFCI outlet.
This tutorial will guide you through a simple way to upgrade the safety of almost any 2 prong outlet to become a GFCI outlet.
Home Improvement ROI
This article explores which home remodeling or home improvement projects provide the highest ROI (Return on Investment) on your home remodeling dollar.
This article explores which home remodeling or home improvement projects provide the highest ROI (Return on Investment) on your home remodeling dollar.