Cleaning travertine tile is tricky.
Amy wants to know how to clean the grout between her travertine without hurting the tile.
Today I discuss a cleaning product that can clean not only her travertine tile but also the grout.
This product is also safe for slate, marble, and stone tiles.
You want to be very careful with any cleaning product and my tip is to test a small section before going hog wild. That way, if you ruin the small section you know to not move forward with the cleaning product. Makes sense.
I recommend trying Custom Building Product’s product for travertine, slate, marble, or stone tile
It’s called Aqua Mix Marble, Travertine, Limestone, & Slate Cleaner & Resealer
Go to Custom’s website and search for it there
http://www.custombuildingproducts.com
Today’s Quick Tip is about a half moon edger.
This is the gardening tool you need to create great looking flower beds.
You can use it to dig out the edges of your flower or garden beds and make them look great.
It costs about $20 and can be found in the lawn & garden section of home stores.
Check out my tutorial on Home Repair Tutor see what it looks like
http://www.homerepairtutor.com/how-to-edge-a-flower-bed/
Submit your DIY question or Quick Tip by
Calling me at 800-965-0023
Visiting http://www.homerepairtutor.com/podcast/ and use the SpeakPipe recorder
Or signing up to my email newsletter and responding back to me
Does your bathroom need help?
Check out Bathroom Repair Tutor
http://bathroomrepairtutor.com/
Our memberships are limited to 100 people on a monthly basis. You get access to the video tutorial library and our great private Facebook group where you can post questions and get answers.
This is a passion project meant to help people with their bathroom problems, hope you like it
Today is Tool Tip Tuesday.
Makita recently developed the 12V Glass & Tile Saw.
Cutting tile might be a little easier with this tool.
Stuart over at Tool Guyd reviewed this saw and I liked what I saw
http://toolguyd.com/makita-12v-tile-glass-cutter-saw/
For those of us exploring a tiling project this saw could totally help.
It’s $199 to $205.
Not cheap but still a great option for tile work.
Do you have a tool tip?
Let me know.
Leave a voicemail by calling 800-965-0023 or
visit http://www.homerepairtutor.com/podcast/ and use the SpeakPipe recorder or
Signup to my email newsletter and respond back to me
Does your bathroom need help?
Check out Bathroom Repair Tutor
http://bathroomrepairtutor.com/
Our memberships are limited to 100 people on a monthly basis. You get access to the video tutorial library and our great private Facebook group where you can post questions and get answers.
This is a passion project meant to help people with their bathroom problems, hope you like it
Judi’s shower head is leaking? What can she do?
She’s got a single handle shower faucet.
The solution is very simple but I do have some great suggestions.
If you know the name brand of the faucet you should call the manufacturer and request new parts for free. Typically good companies like Delta, Moen, Kohler and American Standard warranty new parts.
Shower cartridges can be $35 on up. So it’s worth calling the company.
If your shower has rubber seats and metal springs you should replace those along with the cartridge. This will ensure the leak won’t come back for some time.
Today’s Quick Tip is about the Franklin Sensor.
This is the best stud finder I ever used.
Amazon has 1670 reviews on this tool and 89% of them are 4 or 5 stars!!
I found the Franklin Sensor easy to use and super accurate.
Occasionally we give away tools and supplies over on Home Repair Tutor.
I’m so impressed with the Franklin Sensor that I’m giving one away.
Read and watch the tutorial to see how you can enter the give away yourself
http://www.homerepairtutor.com/how-to-find-a-stud-in-the-wall/
Submit your DIY question or Quick Tip by
Calling me at 800-965-0023
Visiting http://www.homerepairtutor.com/podcast/ and use the SpeakPipe recorder
Or signing up to my email newsletter and responding back to me
Does your bathroom need help?
Check out Bathroom Repair Tutor
http://bathroomrepairtutor.com/
Our memberships are limited to 100 people on a monthly basis. You get access to the video tutorial library and our great private Facebook group where you can post questions and get answers.
This is a passion project meant to help people with their bathroom problems, hope you like it
Amy’s storm door is slamming shut.
What can she do?
She can turn the screw on the closer clockwise until the door doesn’t slam shut.
Amy could also adjust the pin position. The pin connects the closer to the door bracket.
But ultimately, I recommend replacing the close if it’s more than 10-15 years old. This typically is the fix that works the best if the closer is that old.
Find a door closer that gets 4 or 5 star reviews. I like looking online at reviews then taking the old closer to the local store to make sure the new one matches.
A new door closer with good reviews will cost $15-$35.
Today’s Quick Tip is about bathroom remodeling.
I recently went to the Covering’s Tile conference in Orlando with my buddy Steve.
Btw, if you’re looking to remodel your bathroom and want a dream space you should totally call Steve if you live in Pittsburgh
http://www.srwcontractinginc.com/
Anyhow, if you’re going to remodel your bathroom you should look into getting system of products made by the same company.
For example, get the shower pan, waterproofing membrane, thin-set, and grout from the same company.
This helps maintain the warranty on all the different products.
Submit your DIY question or Quick Tip by
Calling me at 800-965-0023
Visiting http://www.homerepairtutor.com/podcast/ and use the SpeakPipe recorder
Or signing up to my email newsletter and responding back to me
Do you need help with your bathroom?
Check out Bathroom Repair Tutor
http://bathroomrepairtutor.com/
Our memberships are limited to 100 people on a monthly basis. You get access to the video tutorial library and our great private Facebook group where you can post questions and get answers.
This is a passion project meant to help people with their bathroom problems, hope you like it
Linda’s basement has a crack between the block wall and floor.
She’d like to know if the crack should be filled in and if so, how she can do that.
I recommend Linda fill the crack using Sikaflex Concrete Fix
This cures and retains its flexibility between wall and floor transitions.
You can find this at Home Depot and if not, they’ll order it for you.
I’ve used Sikaflex Self-Leveling sealant for expansion joints in my driveway and really like it.
Whatever sealant you use, make sure to clean the surfaces thoroughly.
Today’s Quick Tip is DIY Gel Fire Pits.
If you want a cool conversation piece and a way to stay warm on chilly nights this could be for you.
Just make sure to use lava rock because it doesn’t explode!!!
My tutorial on how to build a DIY gel fire pit has gotten over 250,000 views on YouTube.
So I think you’d like it.
http://www.homerepairtutor.com/diy-gel-fire-pits/
Submit your DIY question or Quick Tip by
Calling me at 800-965-0023
Visiting http://www.homerepairtutor.com/podcast/ and use the SpeakPipe recorder
Or signing up to my email newsletter and responding back to me
Do you need help with your bathroom?
Check out Bathroom Repair Tutor
http://bathroomrepairtutor.com/
Our memberships are limited to 100 people on a monthly basis. You get access to the video tutorial library and our great private Facebook group where you can post questions and get answers.
This is a passion project meant to help people with their bathroom problems, hope you like it
George’s slate stone needs to be reattached to his front patio slab.
I actually tackled George’s question over on our private Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrtcommunity/
But I figured this might be a problem for other folks, too.
First, remove all the old mortar from the patio slab and slate.
Clean the surface using Quikrete Asphalt and Concrete Cleaner.
Since the cleaner off with water.
For small repairs you can use Quikrete’s Zip and Mix Repair Mortar
Larger repairs can use standard mortar mix.
If you’re in doubt of what product to use always call the product manufacturer, in this case Quikrete.
Most companies have great technical service departments and it’s in their best interest to help you.
George’s dilemma started when he needed to apply rock salt to his patio due to snow. Consumer Reports came out with this nifty chart showing which salts are best
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2014/02/best-ice-melts/index.htm
Today’s Quick Tip is about stopping deer or rabbits from eating your toilets.
Liquid Fence Deer and Rabbit Repellent is AWESOME because it works.
We have a lot of deer in Pittsburgh. But after applying this to my tulips the deer have moved on to my neighbors flowers, lol.
You can find Liquid Fence at your local hardware store or box store.
Submit your DIY question or Quick Tip by
Calling me at 800-965-0023
Visiting http://www.homerepairtutor.com/podcast/ and use the SpeakPipe recorder
Or signing up to my email newsletter and responding back to me
Do you need help with your bathroom?
Check out Bathroom Repair Tutor
http://bathroomrepairtutor.com/
Our memberships are limited to 100 people on a monthly basis. You get access to the video tutorial library and our great private Facebook group where you can post questions and get answers.
This is a passion project meant to help people with their bathroom problems, hope you like it
Susie recently installed a new faucet but it has a drain leak.
She’d like to figure out how to stop this leak without calling a plumber.
One of my biggest tips is to make sure the extension tube is 1 1/2 inches down in the P-trap and the plastic washer between the P-trap/extension tube is positioned the right way.
Also, if the slip nut is cross threaded then the P-trap will leak no matter what.
I actually have a great tutorial over on Home Repair Tutor that I forget to mention in the show
http://www.homerepairtutor.com/how-to-replace-a-bathroom-faucet/
The video walks you through this installation step-by-step and has tons of details.
Here’s the link to join our private Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrtcommunity/
Today’s Quick Tip is about Hydro Ban.
Hydro Ban is a great way to waterproof shower surrounds.
You can brush Hydro Ban onto cement board and create a waterproof shower before tiling.
Check it out over on Laticrete’s website
http://www.laticrete.com/dealers/products/waterproofing/productid/7.aspx
Microbes is in Hydro Ban which also helps thwart the growth of mold.
Hydro Ban is totally cool and you should check it out if you’re remodeling your bathroom.
Submit your DIY question or Quick Tip by
Calling me at 800-965-0023
Visiting http://www.homerepairtutor.com/podcast/ and use the SpeakPipe recorder
Or signing up to my email newsletter and responding back to me
Are you tired of calling contractors about your bathroom and not getting a phone call back?
Check out Bathroom Repair Tutor
http://bathroomrepairtutor.com/
Our memberships are limited to 100 people on a monthly basis. You get access to the video tutorial library and our great private Facebook group where you can post questions and get answers.
This is a passion project meant to help people with their bathroom problems, hope you like it
Chris wants to know how to replace his shower valve?
Can he do this from inside the shower or does he need an access panel?
Should he just call a plumber?
I recommend replacing shower valves from the back of the shower or tub. It’s much easier to cut the copper and solder the pipes back together.
But you can just replace the cartridge and escutcheon if your valve isn’t that old
Here’s a great video from This Old House on how do this
Now, if you want constant temperature in the shower you might want to replace the old valve.
This video, again from This Old House, shows how to install a new Pressure-Balance shower valve
If you need a tutorial on how to use SharkBite fittings instead of soldering check out SharkBite’s website
Today’s Quick Tip is about Soldering.
Do you fear burning down your house?
Don’t.
All you need is to practice with some spare fittings and Type L copper pipe, which is thicker and better than Type K copper.
For more help check out my tutorial on how to solder copper over on Home Repair Tutor
http://www.homerepairtutor.com/how-to-solder-copper-pipe/
After watching my video tutorial you’ll be able to solder in 1 hour.
Submit your DIY question or Quick Tip by
Calling me at 800-965-0023
Visiting http://www.homerepairtutor.com/podcast/ and use the SpeakPipe recorder
Or signing up to my email newsletter and responding back to me
Are you tired of calling contractors about your bathroom and not getting a phone call back?
Check out Bathroom Repair Tutor
http://bathroomrepairtutor.com/
Our memberships are limited to 100 people on a monthly basis. You get access to the video tutorial library and our great private Facebook group where you can post questions and get answers.
This is a passion project meant to help people with their bathroom problems, hope you like it
Celene needs help with a stucco patch.
Her furniture was blown into her stucco and created a small hole about 1-2 inches wide.
I recommend getting Quikrete’s premixed stucco patch
http://www.quikrete.com/ProductLines/StuccoPatchPreMixed.asp
Since she lives in California (where there’s a lot of stucco) there’s a good chance Home Depot will have this product.
She should also feather out the stucco patch with a stiff brush or sponge then paint with an elastomeric paint specifically made for stucco.
Today’s Quick Tip is about cleaning gutters and downspouts.
Do this twice a year, once in the Spring (April) and once in the fall (November).
This will prevent water from coming into your house and ruining drywall or finished basements.
It doesn’t cost all that much to have someone do it for you, $40-$75 here in Pittsburgh.
Submit your DIY question or Quick Tip by
Calling me at 800-965-0023
Visiting http://www.homerepairtutor.com/podcast/ and use the SpeakPipe recorder
Or signing up to my email newsletter and responding back to me
Are you tired of calling contractors about your bathroom and not getting a phone call back?
Check out Bathroom Repair Tutor
http://bathroomrepairtutor.com/
Our memberships are limited to 100 people on a monthly basis. You get access to the video tutorial library and our great private Facebook group where you can post questions and get answers.
This is a passion project meant to help people with their bathroom problems, hope you like it
Carmen would like to install a kitchen backsplash.
She’d like some tips on how to do this on a 5 x 3 section of her kitchen wall behind the stove.
I recommend that she use a tile wet saw, this will make cutting tile EASY.
Renting a tile saw costs $30-$50 per day.
If you go this route make sure the saw has a new blade, otherwise your tile will have choppy edges.
Planning a tile backsplash takes time. But this is the most important part.
Use a notebook or graph paper to get the dimensions perfect.
I also recommend looking into 3 different ways to adhere the tile to the wall.
1. Mastic
2. Bondera (http://buybondera.com/)
3. Thin-set
Personally I like thin-set but the other two options are good for kitchens.
Today’s Quick Tip is about Fusion Pro grout.
Fusion Pro is great for DIYers because it comes pre-mixed and takes the mystery out of grout consistency.
Plus it’s stain proof and doesn’t need to sealed.
Fusion Pro is perfect for floors and walls, especially kitchen backsplashes.
Check out Fusion Pro over on Custom Building Product’s site under Grouts the Single Component Grout
http://www.custombuildingproducts.com/homeowners.aspx
Always feel free to ask me a question in the comment section over on Home Repair Tutor or join our private Facebook Group where you can post your pics and questions
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrtcommunity/
You can submit your DIY question or Quick Tip by
Calling me at 800-9656-0023
Visiting http://www.homerepairtutor.com/podcast/ and use the SpeakPipe recorder
Or signing up to my email newsletter and responding back to me
Are you tired of calling contractors about your bathroom and not getting a phone call back?
Check out Bathroom Repair Tutor
http://bathroomrepairtutor.com/
Our memberships are limited to 100 people on a monthly basis. You get access to the video tutorial library and our great private Facebook group where you can post questions and get answers.
This is a passion project meant to help people with their bathroom problems, hope you like it
Paul’s driveway has developed cracks.
He’d like to know how to fix the small cracks and fill in the expansion joints.
Small cracks can be filled in with Quikrete or Sakrete concrete crack filler.
Visit their sites and search for concrete crack filler
Expansion joints are the large joints between two adjacent concrete slabs. They exist to prevent the slabs from cracking during severe hot or cold situations.
Sealing the joints is necessary to prevent water from getting down underneath the concrete. If this happens during the winter the concrete can crack if the water freezes.
NOT GOOD.
I actually have a tutorial on how to fill in expansion joints with foam backer road and SikaFlex, which is a self-leveling sealant.
http://www.homerepairtutor.com/concrete-expansion-joints/
Always feel free to ask me a question in the comment section over on Home Repair Tutor or join our private Facebook Group where you can post your pics and questions
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrtcommunity/
Today’s Quick Tip is about Olympic Elite Woodland Oil.
It’s easy to apply to pressure treated wood but first clean the wood surface.
I have a great tutorial with before and after pics over on Home Repair Tutor
http://www.homerepairtutor.com/staining-pressure-treated-wood/
The tutorial explains why I chose this over other stains or sealants.
CLUE: no stripping!!
You can submit your DIY question or Quick Tip by
Calling me at 800-9656-0023
Visiting http://www.homerepairtutor.com/podcast/ and use the SpeakPipe recorder
Or signing up to my email newsletter and responding back to me
Are you tired of calling contractors about your bathroom and not getting a phone call back?
Check out Bathroom Repair Tutor
http://bathroomrepairtutor.com/
Our memberships are limited to 100 people on a monthly basis. You get access to the video tutorial library and our great private Facebook group where you can post questions and get answers.
This is a passion project meant to help people with their bathroom problems, hope you like it
Shelly wants to know an easy and safe way to clean here concrete driveway.
She recently power washed it but noticed it became pitted after doing so.
I recommend using Wet and Forget Outdoor for patios, driveways, and siding. This is a surfactant that you mix with water and apply with a garden sprayer.
You can find more information about Wet and Forget Outdoor here
Wet and Forget uses the rain, sun, and wind to clean the top of driveways. It takes a little time but is totally worth it.
A second product Shelly could try is Quikrete’s Concrete and Asphalt Cleaner.
Find out more about this here
Today’s Quick Tip is about Ortho’s Home Defense Fly Bait Decals.
Flies can be a huge issue inside any house. Take our house for instance, we’ve had a fly issue for several months (I’m embarrassed to say the exact number of months!!!).
Place these decals on your window and as the flies walk on it they are killed in about 1 minute. Flies won’t stick to the decal.
This is a great option if you’re dealing with flies issues.
I finally got an 800 number, woohoo!!
You can submit your DIY question or Quick Tip by
Calling me at 800-9656-0023
Visiting http://www.homerepairtutor.com/podcast/ and use the SpeakPipe recorder
Or signing up to my email newsletter and responding back to me
Are you tired of calling contractors about your bathroom and not getting a phone call back?
Check out Bathroom Repair Tutor
http://bathroomrepairtutor.com/
Our memberships are limited to 100 people on a monthly basis. You get access to the video tutorial library and our great private Facebook group where you can post questions and get answers.
This is a passion project meant to help people with their bathroom problems, hope you like it
Shack has a running toilet and the fix couldn’t be any easier. It sounds like his toilet tank has too much water in it…so, how does this get fixed?
Most toilets have a float on the fill valve. This float controls the water level in the toilet tank. If you adjust the float you’ll adjust the water level, which should be about 3/4” to 1” below the overflow pipe in the center of the tank.
I’ve got a really good video tutorial on this over on Home Repair Tutor
http://www.homerepairtutor.com/how-to-fix-a-running-toilet/
This is a project anyone can do.
Today’s Quick Tip is discusses the Ridgid Copper Pipe Cutter Model No. 15.
If your’e doing any kind of plumbing work that involves copper pipe you need one of these cutting tools. It come with an extra cutting wheel and has a reamer on it to ream out the cut copper pipe.
I give away tools like this over on Home Repair Tutor, so be sure to visit
http://www.homerepairtutor.com/
You can submit a Quick Tip or Question 3 ways:
Call me at 412-347-8711
Visit http://www.homerepairtutor.com/podcast/ and use the SpeakPipe recorder
Or signup to my email newsletter and respond back to me
If you want to update your bathroom you might want to check out Bathroom Repair Tutor
http://bathroomrepairtutor.com/
Our memberships are limited to 100 people on a monthly basis. You get access to the video tutorial library and our great private Facebook group where you can post questions and get answers.
Kareen has mold on her drywall and would like to know how to remove it. This is a pretty common problem for most homes, especially on exterior walls where warm air condensates.
The first thing to do with any mold situation is to figure out where the moisture is coming from. Fix the moisture source and then remove the mold.
I recommend using Concrobium because it removes the mold and kills the spores that have embedded into the drywall.
Check out Concrobium here
Today’s Quick Tip is courtesy of Steve who uses sulfamic acid to remove thin-set that has oozed between grout joints.
Add 2 teaspoons of sulfamic acid to 16 oz of water. Mix the solution for 30-60 seconds, put on a respirator, apply the solution to the grout joints and tile, let it sit for 10 minutes and scrape out the thin-set using a carpet knife.
Just make sure to test this solution on a scrap piece of tile to ensure it won’t ruin the tile. Especially if you have slate, marble, or travertine tile.
You can submit a Quick Tip or Question 3 ways:
Call me at 412-347-8711
Visit http://www.homerepairtutor.com/podcast/ and use the SpeakPipe recorder
Or signup to my email newsletter and respond back to me
If you want to update your bathroom you might want to check out Bathroom Repair Tutor
http://bathroomrepairtutor.com/
Our memberships are limited to 100 people on a monthly basis. You get access to the video tutorial library and our great private Facebook group where you can post questions and get answers.