Home Repair: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
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.
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.
Troubleshooting a Gas Water Heater
Tutorial on troubleshooting a tank type gas water heater
Tutorial on troubleshooting a tank type gas water heater
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
How Air Conditioning Works
Overview of the home air conditioning system and how it works.
Overview of the home air conditioning system and how it works.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Troubleshooting an Electric Water Heater
How to troubleshoot and repair a tank type electric water heater.
How to troubleshoot and repair a tank type electric water heater.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Anatomy of an Electrical Panel
With any electrical repair in your home you will have to turn the power off to the circuit serving your
With any electrical repair in your home you will have to turn the power off to the circuit serving your
Anatomy of a Garbage Disposal
Construction of a Garbage Disposal
Construction of a Garbage Disposal
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.
How to Paint Vinyl Siding
Yes you can paint vinyl siding if you follow specific instructions and use specific paint. This tutorial explains how to paint vinyl siding.
Yes you can paint vinyl siding if you follow specific instructions and use specific paint. This tutorial explains how to paint vinyl siding.
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.
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
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.
Bathroom and Kitchen 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.
Two Handle Cartidge Faucet Repair
This tutorial will show you how to repair a leaking two handle cartridge faucet with illustrating faucet repair photos.
This tutorial will show you how to repair a leaking two handle cartridge faucet with illustrating faucet repair photos.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Types of Faucets
Faucets come in several types including compression, ball, cartridge and disc. Identifying what type you have is the first step in doing any repair. The type of faucet determines how it gets repaired and what tools or special kits are required.
Faucets come in several types including compression, ball, cartridge and disc. Identifying what type you have is the first step in doing any repair. The type of faucet determines how it gets repaired and what tools or special kits are required.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tighten a Loose Lever Doorknob (with no screws)
This tutorial shows you how to tighten a doorknob or lever door handle having hidden screws.
This tutorial shows you how to tighten a doorknob or lever door handle having hidden screws.
Wet Basement Problems
Wetness in the home basement is a common problem that can be caused by a number of issues, some simple to repair and others are more complicated. This tutorial will describe various basement water problems and describe how to diagnose and fix them.
Wetness in the home basement is a common problem that can be caused by a number of issues, some simple to repair and others are more complicated. This tutorial will describe various basement water problems and describe how to diagnose and fix them.
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
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
Types of Home Piping Materials
Tutorial describes the various types of materials used in home plumbing systems and outlines the most common types of piping materials found in homes of different ages, what they are used for and how to cut and fasten them together.
Tutorial describes the various types of materials used in home plumbing systems and outlines the most common types of piping materials found in homes of different ages, what they are used for and how to cut and fasten them together.
Caulk Like a Pro
Caulking is not an easy home repair to do in a way that looks good. Most home caulk jobs use too much caulk or apply it unevenly. This tutorial shows you a easy way to have professional looking caulk results every time.
Caulking is not an easy home repair to do in a way that looks good. Most home caulk jobs use too much caulk or apply it unevenly. This tutorial shows you a easy way to have professional looking caulk results every time.
How to Shut Off a Gas Valve
How to shut off the main natural gas supply valve in your home.
How to shut off the main natural gas supply valve in your home.
Wiring Outlets and Switches
This tutorial gives you some great tips for successful connecting and wiring of electrical switches and outlets in your home including 3-way switches and GFCI outlets.
This tutorial gives you some great tips for successful connecting and wiring of electrical switches and outlets in your home including 3-way switches and GFCI outlets.
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.
Drain Plumbing System
This tutorial describes an easy process for draining your home's plumbing system. Step by step description on how to drain your home's plumbing water line and then turn everything back on.
This tutorial describes an easy process for draining your home's plumbing system. Step by step description on how to drain your home's plumbing water line and then turn everything back on.
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
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.
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.
Screen Door Repair - Aluminum Frame Door
Tutorial describes how to easily repair a screen door in an aluminum frame with professional looking results.
Tutorial describes how to easily repair a screen door in an aluminum frame with professional looking results.
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.
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.
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.
Repairing a Compression Washer Faucet
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.
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.
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.
Vinyl Plank Flooring (self-stick; floating)
Describes the vinyl plank resilient flooring system including the product known as TrafficMaster Allure™ as sold by Home Depot.
Describes the vinyl plank resilient flooring system including the product known as TrafficMaster Allure™ as sold by Home Depot.
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.
Fixing Water Hammer
Describes the common problem of water hammer and how to solve it.
Describes the common problem of water hammer and how to solve it.
How to Replace a Standard 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.
How to Replace a Ceiling Light
Introduction on how to replace a ceiling light fixture.
Introduction on how to replace a ceiling light fixture.
Toilet Flapper Ball Adjustment
Tip on how to stop annoying toilet flushing problems related to the flush valve or toilet flapper ball
Tip on how to stop annoying toilet flushing problems related to the flush valve or toilet flapper ball
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
EZ Water Heater Maintenance
This tutorial describes the 3 easy steps to proper water heater maintenance which will help reduce your energy costs and extend the life of the water heater.
This tutorial describes the 3 easy steps to proper water heater maintenance which will help reduce your energy costs and extend the life of the water heater.
Turn Off Electrical Panel
This tutorial describes how to turn off a circuit breaker or fuse controlling all power to the home or to just a branch circuit controlling just one circuit. This knowledge is essential for any electrical home repair projects.
This tutorial describes how to turn off a circuit breaker or fuse controlling all power to the home or to just a branch circuit controlling just one circuit. This knowledge is essential for any electrical home repair projects.
Using a Glue Gun
Describes the features and use of the glue gun
Describes the features and use of the glue gun
Unclog a Tub Drain
This tutorial describes how to repair a clog in a bath tub using a cup plunger and duct tape.
This tutorial describes how to repair a clog in a bath tub using a cup plunger and duct tape.
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.
Garbage Disposal Installation
Tutorial explaining steps to install a garbage disposal
Tutorial explaining steps to install a garbage disposal
Sizing an Electric Room Heater
Tip on how to determine the right size electric room heater for your needs.
Tip on how to determine the right size electric room heater for your needs.
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.
Cleaning Gutters & Downspouts
This tutorial guides you through the proper way to clean gutters and downspouts with some helpful hints along the way.
This tutorial guides you through the proper way to clean gutters and downspouts with some helpful hints along the way.
Dimmer Installation
This tutorial graphically describes how to easily install a dimmer in a single pole switch location for incandescent or halogen lighting. To use a CFL with a dimmer the use a dimmable CFL is required.
This tutorial graphically describes how to easily install a dimmer in a single pole switch location for incandescent or halogen lighting. To use a CFL with a dimmer the use a dimmable CFL is required.
Vent Pipe for High Efficiency Furnaces
Tutorial describes types of plastic high efficiency furnace vent piping (ABS, PVC, CPVC) and types of furnace vent systems such as direct vent (2 pipe) and non-direct vent (1 pipe).
Tutorial describes types of plastic high efficiency furnace vent piping (ABS, PVC, CPVC) and types of furnace vent systems such as direct vent (2 pipe) and non-direct vent (1 pipe).
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).