Homeowner Forum / Repair / October 2008

I'm swapping an electrical outlet for one of a different color.  It
turned out that the old metal box is missing one of the tabs that an
outlet screws into.  It's behind tile, so I really can't replace the
box.

I am trying to get some information on double-hung vinyl replacement
windows.  What I am trying to learn about are the various mechanisms for
raising and lowering the window sashes.
Is it true that the trend is toward getting away from having any mechanical

I am finally upgrading my old 1-tv Dish Network system, either to
their one receiver-two tv system, or to a DirecTV 'two tv-two
receivers' system.
What I am wondering about is whether either of these systems are

Hello all...
I have an on-demand gas fired water heater. It is an Aquastar, model
# AQ 125-B. Recently, it has been leaking through what I believe to be a drain
valve. When I run the hot water, the valve spews and won't shut off. I have to

We will be out of country for almost whole winter. I know we got to leave
the furnace ON while we're away.
But what is the best temperature we should set on the control? We're in
mid-west Canada. In winter, temperature could be below -30C (-22F). We have

This part was in a catalog of rigid conduit fittings.  It is just like
a reducing bushing, threaded inside and out, but it
also has a "hex nut" flange one one end so it can be turned with a
wrench.   What are these normally used for?

What do you consider the best of
1.  Cheap filters
2.  Filtrete type waffle filters
3.  Cleanable filters

I'm looking to finish my basement, most of the framing is already
done. I started to research about hanging drywall, and purchasing
tools. Some sites and books I have read talk about xxx inches "on
center".  No site really defines what "on center" means to a newb like

I live on a farm and I hate winter.  I live alone and it gets real
lonely during the winter.  I decided that I want to bring my horse in
the house this winter, for companionship.  He's an average 1000lb
horse.  My floor is made of 2x6's spaced 24" apart, and covered with

Had my crawlspace insulated with R-19 batts last week.  The water pipes
are not insulated at this time but I guess I can do that myself.  Is
there truly any worth in doing so?  Any advice on what to use and any
gotchas?  All my previous houses have been on slab so I am unfamiliar

This is a simple system.  FHW on Zone 3.  Pumps out to the garage,
through a Modine blower unit mounted near the ceiling.  It is new this
year.  I turned it on, the zone pump fires up, but the pipes
(plastic), never get warm beyond the first few feet of the return and

Got to upgrade a condo rental & was wonder what was best material for
countertops as this is a rental ?
thanks n advance
mike lane

Live in 60 year old 1300 Sq Ft single story brick house with full  basement,
it has recent 600 Sq Ft addition with about 3' crawl space. Live in Michigan
(zone 5) and winter heating bills are a killer. My basement is very cold and
drafty in winter...in dead of winter temp check ...

I am proposing to rout some squirrels from the space over my living
room ceiling before winter sets in. The point of entry is known and I
propose to set a Have-a-Heart in front of the opening to trap them as
they emerge. The opening will then be sealed.

I want to weld some 2x4's together.  I got a couple dozen 2x4 studs
and all of them are about 6 inches too short.  I figure I'll just weld
6 inch pieces to each one.  But what kind of rod do I use on my
welder?  What amperage setting should I use?