PEX: Is it worth replacing crimps with push connections?

I happened upon a question about PEX tubing last week here and in it there was some discussion about how push connections are superior. (If someone can point me to that question, I'd appreciate it.) I just tossed a contractor out of my house for various reasons and had a master plumber take a look at what was done so. He pointed to some issues with the drains that needs to be redone but didn't mention anything with the PEX supply lines. After reading that last week, I took a closer look at the supply lines and see that they are all c . . . [More]

PEX: Is it worth replacing crimps with push connections?

I happened upon a question about PEX tubing last week here and in it there was some discussion about how push connections are superior. (If someone can point me to that question, I'd appreciate it.) I just tossed a contractor out of my house for various reasons and had a master plumber take a look at what was done so. He pointed to some issues with the drains that needs to be redone but didn't mention anything with the PEX supply lines. After reading that last week, I took a closer look at the supply lines and see that they are all c . . . [More]

Whats the use of 15 amp standard (a non AFCI and non GFCI) circuit breaker?

I have one 15 amp (Square-D QO, non-AFCI/GFCI) which was originally installed for unfinished basement. now I have replaced it with 15 amp AFCI for a finished basement. Now I have a 30' 14 gauge wire and one 15 Amp non AFCI/GFCI left. I know at least that I can't use the breaker in the finished area. Can I still use it for an unfinished area or outdoor? Question from user PowerTech at stackexchange Answer: Plain breakers are an option for fewer and fewer circuits of late. However, here's something: if you have a 240 . . . [More]

Whats the use of 15 amp standard (a non AFCI and non GFCI) circuit breaker?

I have one 15 amp (Square-D QO, non-AFCI/GFCI) which was originally installed for unfinished basement. now I have replaced it with 15 amp AFCI for a finished basement. Now I have a 30' 14 gauge wire and one 15 Amp non AFCI/GFCI left. I know at least that I can't use the breaker in the finished area. Can I still use it for an unfinished area or outdoor? Question from user PowerTech at stackexchange Answer: Plain breakers are an option for fewer and fewer circuits of late. However, here's something: if you have a 240 . . . [More]

Likelihood of asbestos under newer ceiling texture?

We moved into our house about 2 years ago, and at the time it had 2 bedrooms with asbestos popcorn ceiling texture (that we've since had removed). The rest of the house has either a (poorly-done) knockdown or orange peel texture that was done sometime before we bought it. I'm trying to figure out how the previous owners dealt with the popcorn ceiling that was very likely throughout the house (besides the 2 bedrooms we know about). If they did it right, they would've scraped it, repaired the drywall and re-applied texture, then pa . . . [More]

Likelihood of asbestos under newer ceiling texture?

We moved into our house about 2 years ago, and at the time it had 2 bedrooms with asbestos popcorn ceiling texture (that we've since had removed). The rest of the house has either a (poorly-done) knockdown or orange peel texture that was done sometime before we bought it. I'm trying to figure out how the previous owners dealt with the popcorn ceiling that was very likely throughout the house (besides the 2 bedrooms we know about). If they did it right, they would've scraped it, repaired the drywall and re-applied texture, then pa . . . [More]

Is it safe to use old wood lath from demolition as firewood?

I removed two room's worth of walls and ceiling horsehair plaster and wood lath from a home built in 1890. Would the plaster or paint used in those days cause the wood to release any toxins when burned? I'm wondering if the material can safely be used for firewood. Question from user Drai at stackexchange Answer: There might also be asbestos in the plaster and contaminating the lath. Did you have the wall tested prior to demolition? (I'm guessing no) You may have to be very careful with this material and possibly apply a . . . [More]

Is it safe to use old wood lath from demolition as firewood?

I removed two room's worth of walls and ceiling horsehair plaster and wood lath from a home built in 1890. Would the plaster or paint used in those days cause the wood to release any toxins when burned? I'm wondering if the material can safely be used for firewood. Question from user Drai at stackexchange Answer: There might also be asbestos in the plaster and contaminating the lath. Did you have the wall tested prior to demolition? (I'm guessing no) You may have to be very careful with this material and possibly apply a . . . [More]

How to attach wall on top of french drain in basement?

I am in the process of finishing my basement and had an interior french drain system installed. I now want to start putting walls up but am unsure how to attach them on top of the french drain. I believe the cement is only around 1.5 to 2 inches thick on top of the french drain and I fear cracking the cement or damaging something. How should I attach the studs / wall frame on top of my french drain? Can I really just shoot nails into the cement over the french drain or is there something else I should do to prevent damaging it? Is . . . [More]

How to attach wall on top of french drain in basement?

I am in the process of finishing my basement and had an interior french drain system installed. I now want to start putting walls up but am unsure how to attach them on top of the french drain. I believe the cement is only around 1.5 to 2 inches thick on top of the french drain and I fear cracking the cement or damaging something. How should I attach the studs / wall frame on top of my french drain? Can I really just shoot nails into the cement over the french drain or is there something else I should do to prevent damaging it? Is . . . [More]

What is this low power connector on my intercom wires?

My apartment has an intercom to answer and open the building door. It is quite simple: there is a single circuit for both the voice and the trigger to open the door. The door is opened by short-circuiting the circuit (during this time you obviously cannot talk). The original place of the intercom was right next to the door (this is what I saw at my neighbor's), it has been moved elsewhere by a previous owner. At the place where the old intercom was there is a junction box with a bunch of open-ended cables and two wires that have been pat . . . [More]

What is this low power connector on my intercom wires?

My apartment has an intercom to answer and open the building door. It is quite simple: there is a single circuit for both the voice and the trigger to open the door. The door is opened by short-circuiting the circuit (during this time you obviously cannot talk). The original place of the intercom was right next to the door (this is what I saw at my neighbor's), it has been moved elsewhere by a previous owner. At the place where the old intercom was there is a junction box with a bunch of open-ended cables and two wires that have been pat . . . [More]

Can I use this 200A main breaker with AWG4 wire?

In Can I use a main breaker as an “occasional” disconnect switch? I asked whether I can put (back) my 200A breaker and use it as "occasional local disconnect" in my 200A sub panel that is fed by a 100A feeder and protected via a 100A breaker in the main service panel. Surprisingly and to my big content, the answer was yes. (The only concern that was brought up was the "switching action" because the breaker is not designed as a switch and can't be used as such on regular occasion). Now, very excited, I was . . . [More]

Can I use this 200A main breaker with AWG4 wire?

In Can I use a main breaker as an “occasional” disconnect switch? I asked whether I can put (back) my 200A breaker and use it as "occasional local disconnect" in my 200A sub panel that is fed by a 100A feeder and protected via a 100A breaker in the main service panel. Surprisingly and to my big content, the answer was yes. (The only concern that was brought up was the "switching action" because the breaker is not designed as a switch and can't be used as such on regular occasion). Now, very excited, I was . . . [More]

Is there a way to drill a 1 inch diameter hole through 1 8th thick steel

I am trying to reinforce a custom door I am building. Because it's made only of two layers of MDF, it is not as rigid as I want it to be and shows signs of bowing. Since it's going to be a soundproof door, any curvature in the door will be detrimental to a tight seal around the stop. The only low-profile solution to reinforcing the door that I have found is a 1/8"x1 1/2"x6' length of steel that I found at Menard's. It is very ridgid and would be perfect for attaching along the inside edge of my door which is also 1 . . . [More]

Is there a way to drill a 1 inch diameter hole through 1 8th thick steel

I am trying to reinforce a custom door I am building. Because it's made only of two layers of MDF, it is not as rigid as I want it to be and shows signs of bowing. Since it's going to be a soundproof door, any curvature in the door will be detrimental to a tight seal around the stop. The only low-profile solution to reinforcing the door that I have found is a 1/8"x1 1/2"x6' length of steel that I found at Menard's. It is very ridgid and would be perfect for attaching along the inside edge of my door which is also 1 . . . [More]

What is a rough-in inspection?

A rough-in inspection takes place when all branch circuit wiring and outlet boxes are installed, before the wiring is hidden by insulation, vapour barrier, drywall, etc. As a minimum, the rough-in inspection confirms: All cables are installed, strapped and supported as required; All required outlet boxes are installed and securely fastened; All cables have their outer jacket removed and are terminated in outlet boxes where an outlet box is required; All bonding connections are completed at all outlet boxes, including providing a bon . . . [More]

What is a rough-in inspection?

A rough-in inspection takes place when all branch circuit wiring and outlet boxes are installed, before the wiring is hidden by insulation, vapour barrier, drywall, etc. As a minimum, the rough-in inspection confirms: All cables are installed, strapped and supported as required; All required outlet boxes are installed and securely fastened; All cables have their outer jacket removed and are terminated in outlet boxes where an outlet box is required; All bonding connections are completed at all outlet boxes, including providing a bon . . . [More]

How should I connect misaligned round ducts inside a cabinet?

New cabinets, new over-the-range microwave, old 7 inch duct from the previous range hood — but the microwave exhaust adapter doesn't quite line up with the duct, and the distance is pretty short:. What would you do here? The shortest rigid adjustable elbow I've found would require cutting the vent about flush with the top of the cabinet, and getting the exact fit in-place seems like it would be tough. Maybe I could cut away a bit less length and use a flexible connection? Just start calling local HVAC places or a . . . [More]

How should I connect misaligned round ducts inside a cabinet?

New cabinets, new over-the-range microwave, old 7 inch duct from the previous range hood — but the microwave exhaust adapter doesn't quite line up with the duct, and the distance is pretty short:. What would you do here? The shortest rigid adjustable elbow I've found would require cutting the vent about flush with the top of the cabinet, and getting the exact fit in-place seems like it would be tough. Maybe I could cut away a bit less length and use a flexible connection? Just start calling local HVAC places or a . . . [More]