Home Improvement Stack Exchange
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1500 questions
21
votes
4 answers

Should lintels above wall portals be considered for smoke alarm placement?

I need to place a smoke alarm on my first floor (no sleeping areas). There is a wall portal with a 15" lintel (see image) between the living room and the dining room. I am unsure whether one alarm is adequate for both of these areas. My…
Darryl
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5 answers

What bit should I use to drill a two inch hole in a solid concrete wall?

I am planning to install a 1.5-inch conduit through a poured concrete wall. I am planning on drilling a two-inch hole to accommodate the size of the conduit body. I have been searching up and down, but I don't know what drill bit to use. Bi-metal?…
Henrik VT
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6 answers

How can I calculate my anticipated peak current load?

Preamble This question takes place in Japan. In Japan, domestic electrical service is metered, but there is also a monthly fee that increases with larger service capacity. Units are wired for (typically) up to a 60 A service, but the installed…
steros
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21
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6 answers

How long should I wait to plug in my refrigerator after unplugging it?

I just had a strange recommendation when I wanted to move the fridge inside my house to a new position. It's just about 2 feet away. I was told that I should wait 30-40 minutes after I unplug the fridge before plugging it in again. How is it so and…
deathemperor
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21
votes
6 answers

Is this light switch installation safe and legal?

I did this wiring in my bonus room years ago, and now I'm wondering if it is in fact legal and safe. This is a built-in book case that I built and installed myself. The bookshelf went in over a light switch box, so I moved the light switches with…
TreyGuy
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21
votes
9 answers

Can I cause damage to electrical appliances by unplugging them when they are turned on?

I don't mean damage caused to the socket and prongs, but only to the appliance itself.
OMGsh
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21
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4 answers

What is a GFI outlet used for, and where should I install them?

What purpose does a GFI serve? Where should they be used?
Chris Cudmore
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21
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6 answers

Does A/C encourage mold growth

I think i'm being sold bunk by a mold company, but not sure. We live in the tropics, we recently had our bathroom ceiling flood due to a burst pipe, and went away immediately after. (the landlord had the bathroom ceiling removed a bit under a week…
ChrisJ
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21
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2 answers

Half my house losing power, HVAC the key factor

For the past couple of weeks I have been losing power occasionally to half my house. My central AC goes out, half my kitchen, living room and my kids' rooms. There are no tripped breakers though. I have noticed that when the AC finally turns back…
ALBERT YBARRA
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21
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1 answer

Is flushing a waterheater a good idea?

I've been told that water-heaters build up sediment at the bottom over time, and should be flushed out (ie. drained, then allowed to refill). Is there value in this exercise? Does that value exceed the cost of the hot water lost in the process?
retracile
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21
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3 answers

How is DIY done so much on 'fixer uppers' in areas where AHJs demand permits and licenses?

I see a lot of cases of major 'fixer upper' homes or general home improvement done in an area where the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requires permits and only offers them to licensed pros. How is this the case? I ask because I wonder if I'm…
cr0
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21
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4 answers

What is the proper, safe, and effective way to apply diatomaceous earth?

We are looking at using diatomaceous earth against bed bugs. However, we're having trouble finding any reliable information on how to use it properly. Our questions are: how should it be applied? is it effective against bed bugs? How long does it…
Matt Fenwick
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21
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2 answers

Can I still be sold plumbing fixtures that contain lead?

I'm shopping for brass or stainless ball valve to replace shutoff on a plumbing line. I see on ebay that some valves are advertised as "lead-free" while others are not. I would've assumed ALL brass/SS valves are lead-free. If I'm concerned with…
codechimp
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20
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7 answers

Why would plastic anchors pull out of the wall?

What is going wrong? To install plastic anchors I was taught to drill a small hole (exact size of anchor or slightly smaller.... lightly tap in anchor until fully recessed and face is flush with drywall... screw the screw into anchor slowly so it…
tonyz
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20
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3 answers

What is this bug and should I be concerned?

I see these guys crawling around. What are they and are they here to destroy my house and cost me money and waste my time?
Rollo R
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