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1500 questions
17
votes
6 answers

"Continuous dehumidifier" randomly fills bucket and stops. Why?

Several "continuous" dehumidifiers all had the same problem. There is a bucket to collect water, and also an outlet for a hose where the water can flow out so water does not collect in the bucket. With a hose connected, from time to time, the…
jay613
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Is it safe to screw into a single support beam holding up an entire house?

I have a (roughly 40 year old) house with a crawlspace, and then an upstairs above it - I believe this considered a 1.5 storey house. The upstairs is being held up by a long wooden support beam, and that beam is being held up by a metal pole but…
Smith99
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What does "can't mix neutrals" mean, and how would neutrals get mixed?

Electrician told me a problem I was having was caused by a new arc fault breaker they installed. I was told you, "can't mix neutrals" Can you describe what that means? How would these neutrals get mixed?
Marinaio
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8 answers

How to (more) securely attach a latch to a frequently-used wooden gate

Our house's front yard is separated from the street with a low picket fence with a spring-operated gate. The latch of this gate has been consistently problematic because it is exposed to the weather and takes a lot of force and vibration from…
Justin Grant
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1 answer

Is abandoned sewage pit hazardous?

I own a family house that used to until about 20 years ago have a sewage collector pit in use. It has been abandoned for about 20 years now. It has concrete walls and roofing and gravel on the bottom. It was never disinfected or treated in any…
Benjamin Márkus
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17
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3 answers

Bosch Drawer Microwave causes ARC Faults

I have a brand new Bosch Microwave (model: hmd8451uc) installed as the only device on the entire circuit. Anytime I use the Microwave on this circuit, it triggers the breaker's ARC Fault. Breaker (Murray MP-GAT2 20AMP). I bought one of these guys…
Arian F
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17
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3 answers

What is the difference between a "handle tie" and "common trip" in circuit breakers?

This image shows a quad-breaker with handle ties. Image borrowed from this DIY question One of the comments noted that despite the "handle ties", this is not a "common trip" breaker. I, in my ignorance, previously assumed that a trip on one of the…
FreeMan
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1 answer

What are "backstab" receptacles/outlets?

Several questions and answers on the site mention electrical outlets or receptacles with "backstab" holes (just a short while ago, here). I'm sure people in the US find that description to be obvious, but for the benefit of those of us from other…
einpoklum
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17
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9 answers

Why is the cut using a jigsaw not a perfect straight line?

I attempted to test-cut a straight line using my new electric jigsaw. Therefore, I clamped a piece of scrap wood and used another piece as guide, marked the cut lines using a pencil and fitted the jigsaw with the blade and cut. But my cut is like…
Dimitrios Desyllas
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6 answers

Is it safe for plumbing to use rainwater to flush toilets?

A couple of articles encourage the use of rainwater to flush toilets. (article 1, article 2) However, would it be safe to do so if the rainwater in your particular area has a pH that is considered as acidic or akaline? (The risks of which are…
plu
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3 answers

Turn off hot water without hot water valve

I have a leaky pipe on the hot water side that I'd like to fix. Following the pipes back to the water heater, I don't think there's a shutoff valve installed anywhere in the line, not even at the water heater outlet. At least, not one that is…
Sittin Hawk
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17
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4 answers

Technique for driving hinge screws to minimize misalignment

When fitting hinge screws I've noticed that, unless the pilot holes are centered exactly on the holes in the hinge and at a precise (within 2-3 degrees) horizontal/lateral right angle to the hinge plate, the edge of the screw head is always…
Brybeck
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17
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2 answers

Which type of PVC for exposed outdoor use?

I'm looking at hooking up some rain barrels using PVC piping. Is there a certain type of PVC that would be best to use for this, considering that it will be exposed to sun/rain/heat/cold? Lots of people seem to use "regular" white PVC but I didn't…
Brad Mace
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How can I open or identify this lamp?

There's a lamp attached to the ceiling of the entrance to the garages of me and my neighbours, and its bulb needs to be replaced. The problem is: I have no idea how to open it. There is no way to identify the manufacturer or model; it's simply not…
Glorfindel
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8 answers

Wood glue versus epoxy for doweling stripped screw holes

I've come across two schools of thought for gluing dowels in place. PVA wood glue, such as Titebond. Two-part epoxy, such as Araldite. Bearing in mind long-term stability, which is preferable for interior door hinges?
Brybeck
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