Index
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipes
about, 300–301
cutting, 311
measuring, 311
solvent cementing, 310
See also pipes
acid-tolerant pump sprayers, 46
acoustic tiles, replacing, 77
ampacity, 395
anchoring cement, 233
appliances
dishwashers
energy efficiency and, 510
replacing, 511–513
supply tubes for, 513
floor installation and, 11
food disposers
anatomy of, 515
baffled kitchen drains for, 515
dishwasher installation and, 513
drain configurations for, 358, 514
replacing, 516–519
types of, 514
as part of plumbing system, 292–293
water heaters
gas installation, 525–527
gas vs. electric components, 522
hookup of electric, 527
reading nameplates, 521
relief valve installation, 524
sediment traps for, 521
specifications for, 520–521
arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) circuit breakers, 412
armored cable (AC), 393
asphalt driveways
anatomy of, 276
cleaning, 276
repairs to, 277–279
sealing, 279
automatic switches, 433
backlit countdown timers, 427
baseboards
anatomy of, 16
installation, 17
removing, 16
basements
subpanels and, 408
window well covers, 120–121
See also foundations
basin wrenches, 297
bathrooms. See bathtubs; showers; sinks; tile
bathtubs
compression diverter valve repair, 365
deep-set faucet valve removal, 367
drains
hand auger declogging, 373
maintenance, 372
plunger-type, 374
pop-up type, 375
recaulking joints with tile, 71
shower faucets
single-handle repair, 368–369
single-handle with scald guard, 370
three-handle, 364–365
two-handle, 366
types of, 362–363
showerheads
anatomy of, 371
cleaning, 371
repairing, 371
replacing, 371
tub spout replacement, 367
beveled drywall patches, 62
bifold doors
installation, 184–185
maintenance, 119
black (iron) pipes, 300–301
blow bags, 298
braided metal pipes, 300–301
branch drains
about, 292–293
clearing, 378–379
brick
cleaning, 268–269
replacing damaged, 264–265
troubleshooting problems, 260–261
tuck-pointing mortar joints, 262–263
See also masonry
brick molding
painting, 223
removing, 203
replacing, 211
building drains, 292–293
bus bars, 410
cabinets
joints, 107
repairing, 106–107
cable rippers, 388
cable staples, 397
cables
electrical boxes and, 403
types of, 393–394
carbon monoxide (CO) alarms
connecting, 459
specifications for, 458
carpet
fully-bonded, 43
gluing loose seams, 41
patch installation, 27
patching major damage, 42–43
restretching loose, 41
spot damage, 40
cast iron pipes, 300–301
Cat 5 (Category 5) cable, about, 394
cat’s paws, 52
ceiling fans
blade wobble, 478
loose wire repair, 479
pull switch replacement, 480–481
ceiling lights
attachment of, 453
replacing, 454–455
support for, 453
ceilings
acoustical tile, replacing, 77
ceiling fans
blade wobble, 478
loose wire repair, 479
pull switch replacement, 480–481
ceiling lights
attachment of, 453
replacing, 454–455
support for, 453
drywall
sagging, 77
water-damaged, 78–79
painting, 102–103
preparation for removing, 80
removing popcorn texture, 76
roof leaks and, 190
texture touch-up products, 76
ceramic duplex receptacles, 435
chandeliers, 476–477
childproofing, 437
chromed brass pipes, 300–301
circuit breaker panels
about, 409
anatomy of, 410–411
connecting circuit breakers, 414–415
circuit breakers
AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter)
installation, 449
resetting, 413
specifications for, 448
connecting, 414–415
GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter)
installation, 449
resetting, 413
specifications for, 448
resetting, 413
safety and, 391
shutting off, 409
types of, 412
circuit indexes, 390
coaxial cable, about, 394
compression diverter valves, 365
compression fittings
joining copper pipes with union, 317
joining supply tubes and shutoff valves with, 316–317
concrete
concrete slabs, 246
cracks
in foundation walls, 242
large crack repair, 241
prepping for repair, 240
small crack repair, 241
disguising repairs, 233
large area patching, 237
patio resurfacing, 256–259
repair products, 233
repairing shaped, 246
steps
building, 252–255
corner patches, 244
corner replacement, 244
designing, 251
safety guidelines, 250
tread repair, 245
types of damage, 243
troubleshooting, 234–235
types of repairs, 232
walkways, resurfacing, 248–249
See also concrete floors; masonry
concrete blocks
cleaning, 268–269
reinforcing refaced, 267
replacing damaged, 266
troubleshooting problems, 260–261
tuck-pointing mortar joints, 262–263
See also masonry
concrete cleaner, 233
concrete floors
acid etching, 46–48
etching products, 45
floor leveler application, 239
patching, 239
residual grease, 45
sealing, 49
concrete fortifier, 233
concrete patches, 233
concrete pigment, 233
conduit
types of, 393–394
water heaters and, 521
See also cables; wires
continuity testers, 430
copper pipe
about, 300–301
bending flexible, 303
cutting, 304–305
fittings for, 302
joining with union compression fittings, 317
measuring, 303
pipe and fitting chart, 302
reading grade stamps, 303
soldered joints, taking apart, 308
soldering brass valves, 308
tools for, 303
types of, 302
See also pipes
cords, 490–491. See also electrical plugs; wires
corner bead, repairing, 64
countdown timer switches, 426
CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) pipes, 300–301
crazing, of concrete, 235
dampers (forced-air heating), 496
daylight sensor switches, 427
decks
maintenance of, 280
renewing, 281
See also patios
detail scrapers, 215
dishwashers
energy efficiency and, 510
replacing, 511–513
supply tubes for, 513
door reinforcers, 151
doorbells
chime replacement, 463
switch replacement, 463
testing, 461–462
wiring for, 460
doors
bifold
installation, 184–185
maintenance of, 119
caulking around, 120–121
deadbolt installation, 153
drilling holes for hardware, 179
drywalling over removed, 64
entry door installation, 179–183
exterior
entry door installation, 179–183
painting, 223
replacing threshold of, 131–132
weatherizing, 123
felt door sweeps, 120–121, 123
fiberglass, 180
hardware for securing, 148
hinge mortises, adding, 178–179
hinges, tightening hinge plates, 115
interior
prehung installation, 170–171
shortening hollow-core, 129
shortening solid-wood, 127–128
latchbolts
misaligned, 114
strikeplate alignment, 116
stuck, 114
old jamb installation, 176–179
peepholes, 152
salvaged, 51
sealing, 100
security and, 151–152
security box strike installation, 152
shortening, 177–178
sliding
maintenance of, 119
securing, 150
storm doors
about, 174
installation, 175
maintenance, 143
weatherizing and, 122
warped, 117
weatherizing, 122–123
See also garage doors; jamb extensions; thresholds
double wall switches, 424
drain kits, 359
drainage stacks, 292
drainage systems
about, 292–293
branch drains, clearing, 378–379
floor drains, clearing, 380–381
main drains
cleanout plug replacement, 379
clearing, 379
See also kitchen drains; plumbing systems; sinks
drill-powered augers, 298
driveways. See asphalt driveways
drywall
ceiling
removing popcorn texture, 76
texture touch-up products, 76
corner bead repair, 64
corner cracks, 61
crack repair, 61
dented, 60
gash repair, 61
large hole repair, 63
mold and, 78–79
patching over window/door openings, 64
patching plaster with, 66
popped nails, 60
removing, 82
small holes, 62
taping and mudding, common problems, 84–85
water-damaged, 78–79
drywall paper-flange patches, 62
drywall repair patches, 62
ductwork, 80
electrical boxes
fill chart, 400
installing exterior fixture boxes, 469
nonmetallic types, 404–405
pop-in retrofit
about, 406
installation, 407
replacing, 406
specifications for, 403
types of, 400–402
electrical panels, See also circuit breaker panels; main service panels; subpanels
electrical plugs
flat-cord, 489
quick-connect, 488
round cord, 489
types of, 488
electronic switches, testing, 433
expanding insulating foam, 242
expansion nozzles, 298
extension cords, safety and, 391
extractor pulling pliers, 52
fascia
painting, 221
wood repair, 196
faucets. See under sinks
felt door sweeps, 120–121, 123
finish sanders, 215
fish tape, 389
fittings
brass valves, soldering, 308
compression fittings
joining copper pipes with union, 317
joining supply tubes and fixture shutoffs with, 316–317
push fittings, 309
shutoff valves
installation, 315
joining to supply tubes with compression fittings, 316–317
main, 292–293
water heaters and, 521
fixture shutoff valves, 295
flashing, roof
patching valley, 194
repairing joints around, 191
replacing step, 195
replacing vent, 194
flexible copper tubing, 300–301
flexible stainless steel pipes, 300–301
floating floors, 31. See also laminate floors
floor drains, clearing, 380–381
floor joists
bulging, 12
cracked, 13
sagging, 13
squeaks and, 15
floors
appliances and, 11
ceramic tile
cracking grout, 11
maintenance issues with, 10
replacing tiles, 38–39
concrete
acid etching, 46–48
etching products, 45
residual grease, 45
sealing, 49
evaluating problems, 11
floating, replacing planks, 31
hardwood
cleaning, 18
floorboard replacement, 20–23
identifying surface finishes, 18
maintenance issues with, 10
patching sections, 26–27
patching small holes/cracks, 19, 25
refastening boards, 11
splinter repair, 24
squeaks in, 14–15
stain removal, 19
waxing, 18
laminate
anatomy of, 28
replacing planks, 29–30
maintenance issues with, 10
parquet tile
establishing depth, 32
tile replacement, 32–33
reclaimed
acclimating, 53
installing, 56–59
milling tongues and grooves, 54–55
salvaging, 51
resilient sheet
air bubbles, 11
patching, 35–36
squeaks in, 14–15
subfloors
maintenance issues with, 10
patching floor covering and, 27
squeaks and, 11
threshold height and, 11
vinyl tile
evaluating, 11
patching, 27
replacing tiles, 37
wood-frame, anatomy of, 10
See also carpet; floor joists
fluorescent light fixtures
anatomy of, 482
ballast replacement, 486
fluorescent tube replacement, 484
replacing, 487
socket replacement, 485
starters, 483
troubleshooting, 483
food disposers
anatomy of, 515
baffled kitchen drains for, 515
dishwasher installation and, 513
drain configurations for, 358, 515
replacing, 516–519
types of, 514
forced-air heating systems. See gas forced-air heating systems
foundation walls, 242
four-way wall switches
about, 422
replacing, 423
testing, 431
typical installations, 422
frost heaves
concrete and, 234
stonework and, 270
fuse panels, 409
fuses
blown fuse replacement, 413
cartridge fuse replacement, 413
safety and, 391
shutting off, 409
troubleshooting, 439
types of, 412
garage doors
installation, 160–164
openers for, installation, 165–167
tuning up, 154–159
weatherizing, 122
garages, 408., See also garage doors
garbage disposals
anatomy of, 515
baffled kitchen drains for, 515
dishwasher installation and, 513
drain configurations for, 358, 514
replacing, 516–519
types of, 514
gas forced-air heating systems
air filter replacement, 497
anatomy of, 496
balancing, 496
blower motor maintenance, 498
burners
cleaning, 501
inspecting burner flame, 500
electronic ignition, 502
high-efficiency, 503
locating dampers, 496
pilot lights
adjusting, 500
cleaning, 500
thermocouple, 499
gas pipes, wall and ceiling removal and, 80
ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) circuit breakers, 412
grounding
circuit break panels, 410
high-voltage receptacles, 436
metal electrical boxes and, 403
subpanels, 411
grout
cracking in, 11
maintenance issues with, 10
replacing ceramic floor tile and, 38
wall tile regrouting, 70
See also tile
grout saws, 38
gutters
guards for, 199
leak patching, 199
leaking joint repair, 200
maintenance of, 198
metal
patching, 200
section replacement, 201
rehanging sagging, 199
slope of, 199
unclogging, 199
hardware
deadbolt installation, 153
door hinge mortise installation, 178–179
drilling holes for in doors, 179
for securing doors/windows, 148
security box strikes, 152
hardwood floors
cleaning, 18
floorboard replacement, 20–23
identifying surface finishes, 18
maintenance issues with, 10
patching sections, 26–27
patching small holes/cracks, 19, 25
refastening boards, 11
splinter repair, 24
squeaks in, 15
stain removal, 19
waxing, 18
heat guns, 214
high-efficiency forced-air heating systems, 503
hot water heating systems
anatomy of, 504
bleeding, 508
blower maintenance, 506
draining, 507
exhaust leaks
identifying, 509
sealing, 509
filling, 507
oil filter servicing, 505
strainer cleaning, 505
See also radiators
HVAC systems
gas forced-air systems
air filter replacement, 497
anatomy of, 496
balancing, 496
blower motor maintenance, 498
burner cleaning, 501
electronic ignition, 502
high efficiency, 503
inspecting burner flame, 500
locating dampers, 496
pilot light adjustment/cleaning, 500
pilot light inspection, 497, 499
thermocouple, 499
hot water and steam systems
anatomy of, 504
bleeding, 508
blower maintenance, 506
draining, 507
exhaust leaks, 509
filling, 507
oil filter servicing, 505
strainer cleaning, 505
radiators
bleeding, 508
control valve replacement, 508
types of, 504
See also water heaters
hydronic heating systems. See hot water heating systems
ice dams, 188
integral shutoff valves, 295
iron (black) pipes, 300–301
jack posts, 13
jamb extensions, 170
joint-filler caulk, 233
kitchen drains
configurations for, 358
drain-in-floor type, 361
drain kits, 359
garbage disposals and, 515
hooking up, 360–361
selecting, 359
slip joints and, 359
See also sinks
kitchen sprayers
anatomy of, 351
locating diverter valves, 351–352
repairing, 351–352
replacing, 353
knee kickers, 42
knob and tube wiring, 393
ladders
painting and, 86–87
wiring safety and, 391
laminate floors
anatomy of, 28
replacing planks, 29–30
See also floating floors
lamps
cord replacement, 490–491
sockets
replacement/repair, 493
types of, 492
See also electrical plugs; light fixtures
laser levels, 388
latch guards, 151
lead paint, 80
leaks
in gutters, 200
in roof, 189
light fixtures
built-in switch replacement, 475
ceiling fans
blade wobble, 478
loose wire repair, 479
pull switch replacement, 480–481
ceiling lights
attachment of, 453
replacing, 454–455
support for, 453
chandeliers, 476–477
fluorescent
anatomy of, 482
ballast replacement, 486
fluorescent tube replacement, 484
replacing, 487
socket replacement, 485
starters, 483
troubleshooting, 483
motion-sensing floodlights
about, 468
installing exterior fixture boxes, 469
replacing floodlight with, 470–471
removing, 474
socket replacement, 475
testing sockets, 474
troubleshooting, 473
typical incandescent wiring, 472–473
vanity lights, finished bathroom replacement, 456–457
See also lamps
liquid cement color, 233
liquid propane (for heating), 496
locks. See doors; hardware
main drains
cleanout plug replacement, 379
clearing, 379
main service panels
about, 408
safety and, 390
main shutoff valves
indoor types, 294
outdoor types, 294
as part of plumbing system, 292–293
MAPP torches, 299
masonry
block
cleaning, 268–269
reinforcing refaced, 267
replacing damaged, 266
troubleshooting problems, 260–261
tuck-pointing mortar joints, 262–263
brick
cleaning, 268–269
replacing damaged, 264–265
troubleshooting problems, 260–261
tuck-pointing mortar joints, 262–263
caulking gaps around, 238
concrete veneer repair, 247
pressure washing, 274–275
stonework
damage causes, 270
mortar tips, 272
popped stone replacement, 270
rebuilding drystack wall sections, 271
replacing mortared wall stones, 273
repointing mortar joints, 272
masonry caulk, 230
masonry paint, 233
metal clad (MC) cable, about, 393
metal conduit, about, 393
mold, drywall and, 78–79
molding. See trim molding
motion-sensing floodlights
about, 468
installing exterior fixture boxes, 469
replacing floodlight with, 470–471
motion-sensor switches, 433
muriatic acid, 217
National Electrical Code
electrical boxes and, 400
GFCI/AFCI breakers and, 448
wall switches and, 418
natural gas, for heating, 496
neutral service wires, 410
nippers, 52
NM (nonmetalic) cable
about, 393–394
reading sheathed, 395
reading unsheathed, 395
sheathing colors, 394
stripping sheathing and insulation, 396
occupancy sensors, 426
outlets. See receptacles
paint
chemical content and, 88
clear finishes
removing, 216
staining siding with, 228–229
disposal of, 89
exterior
diagnosing problems, 212–213
removing, 214
paint sprayers
about, 224
use on doors, 227
use on exterior, 225–227
safety and, 88–89
paint sprayers
about, 224
use on doors, 227
use on exterior, 225–227
paint thinners, 89
paintbrushes
cleaning, 221
painting
cabinets, 104–105
cleaning tools, 221
doors, 100
exterior
cleaning tools, 221
fascia, 221
paint removal, 214
paint sprayers and, 224–227
paintbrush use, 219–220
painting sequence, 218
planning, 218
prepping surfaces, 215–217
roller use, 220
selecting tools for, 219
siding, 222
soffits, 221
trim, 221
ladders and, 86–87
masonry, prepping for paint, 217, 269
metal, prepping for paint, 217
plaster, 95
preparations tools, 90–91
preparing rooms for, 92–93
sealers for, 94–95
textured surfaces, 95
windows, 98–99
paneling
polishing scuffs, 68
replacing strips of, 69
wax touch-up sticks, 68
parquet tile flooring
establishing depth, 32
replacing tiles, 32–33
partial-house shutoff valves, 295
patio doors
maintenance of, 119
securing, 150
weatherizing, 122
patios
resurfacing concrete, 256–259
See also decks; patio doors
PE (polyethylene) plastic pipes, 300–301
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing, 300–301
pilot jet tools, 501
pilot-light switches
testing, 432
wiring for, 425
pipe wrenches, 298
pipes
copper
bending flexible, 303
cutting, 304–305
fittings for, 302
joining with union compression fittings, 317
measuring, 303
pipe and fitting chart, 302
reading grade stamps, 303
soldered joints, taking apart, 308
soldering brass valves, 308
tools for, 303
types of, 302
floor squeaks and, 15
loose, 384
noisy, 384
rigid plastic
cutting, 311
measuring, 311
solvent cementing, 310, 312–313
supply tubes
installation, 315
joining to shutoffs with compression fittings, 316–317
types of, 314
types and uses of, 300–301
water hammer arrestor installation, 385
plaster
crack repair, 67
dents, 65
latex bonding liquid and, 65
paint preparation, 95
patching holes cut in, 67
patching large holes in, 66
removing, 83
small holes, 65
spackle and, 65
tips for, 65
plenums (forced-air heating systems), 496
plugs, safety and, 391
plugs. See electrical plugs
plumbing fixtures, 292–293
See also bathtubs; kitchen drains; showers; sinks; toilets
plumbing systems
components of, 292–293
drainage, about, 292–293
main shutoff valves, 292–293
shutoff valves, types of, 294–295
tools for working with, 296–299
water hammer arrestor installation, 385
water supply
pictured, 293
replacing pipes of, 382–383
popcorn texture, 76
power augers, 379–380
preset timer switches, 427
pressure washers
for masonry, 274–275
safety and, 274
primers
tinted, 94
using, 95
programmable timer switches, 426, 433
protective eyewear, 33
push-in connectors, 397
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes
about, 300–301
cutting, 311
measuring, 311
solvent cementing, 310, 312–313
radiators
bleeding, 508
control valve replacement, 508
types of, 504
See also hot water heating systems
railings, for concrete steps, 250, 255
receptacles
AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter), 438
amperage ratings, 434
childproofing of, 437
duplex, specifications for, 438
GFCI (ground-fault circuit-interrupter)
about, 438
multiple-location protection installation, 446–447
for outdoor locations, 444
single-location protection installation, 445
specifications for, 444
wiring for, 444
high-voltage, wiring for, 436
installation of new, 442–443
older types, 435
switch/receptacles
testing, 433
wiring for, 425
testing
multimeters, 451
plug-in testers, 450
touchless circuit testers, 450
troubleshooting, 439
two-slot, 440–441
types of, 434
voltage ratings, 434
wiring configurations
end-of-run, 440
middle-of-run, 440
split-circuit, 440–441
switch-controlled, 440–441
two-slot, 440–441
reclaimed lumber
floorboards
about, 51
acclimating, 53
installing, 56–59
milling tongues and grooves, 54–55
salvaging, 50
separating laminated beams, 50
types of, 51
relief valves, 524
repair clips (drywall), 63
resilient sheet flooring
air bubbles in, 11
patching, 35–36
respirators, 89
rollers
cleaning, 221
roof systems
emergency repairs, 191
fascia
painting, 221
wood repair, 196
flashing
joints around, repair of, 191
patching valley, 194
replacing step, 195
replacing vent, 194
ice dams and, 188
leaks, evaluating, 190
shingles
buckled asphalt repair, 191
reattaching loose asphalt, 191
replacing asphalt, 192
troubleshooting problems with, 189
washing, 189
soffits
painting, 221
wood panel repair, 197
water damage and, 188
zinc strips for, 189
See also gutters
roofing cement, 191
S type fuses, 412
saddle valves, 295
safety
acid etching floors and, 45, 48
concrete steps and, 250
jacks and, 285
lead paint and, 80
paint and, 88–89
pressure washers and, 274
protective eyewear, 33
scald-guards, 370
service panels and, 390, 408, 411
soldering and, 304
unpolarized receptacles, 435
wiring and, 390–391
wood cutting/drilling, 33
sanding blocks, 215
scald-guards, 370
screw-in receptacles, 435
screw terminals, 397
sealers, 94–95
security bars/gates, for windows, 150
security box strikes, 152
sediment traps (water heaters), 521
service entrance cable (SE), about, 394
sewer lines, about, 292–293
sheds
jacking up, 284–285
metal
maintenance, 283
painting, 282–283
siding replacement, 288–289
wooden door installation, 286–287
sheet vinyl flooring. See resilient sheet flooring
sheetrock. See drywall
shingles
asphalt
buckled repair, 191
reattaching loose, 191
replacing, 192
troubleshooting problems with, 189
washing, 189
wood, replacing, 193
showers
compression diverter valve repair, 365
drains
hand auger declogging, 373
maintenance, 372
plunger-type, 374
pop-up type, 375
faucet types, 362–363
showerheads
anatomy of, 371
cleaning, 371
repairing, 371
replacing, 371
single-handle repair, 368–369
single-handle with scald guard, 370
three-handle, repairing, 364–365
two-handle, repairing, 366
shutoff valves
installation, 315
joining to supply tubes with compression fittings, 316–317
main, 292–293
siding
aluminum
end cap replacement, 207
patching, 207
board and batten
painting, 222
removal of, 203
replacing, 208
lap
paint removal, 214
painting, 222
removal of, 203
replacing, 209
log cabin, staining, 228–229
painting, 222
removal of, 202–203
shed, 288–289
stucco
large area repairs, 231
painting, 222
removal of, 203
small area repairs, 230
vinyl
locking mechanism, 206
removal of, 203
repairing, 207
wooden shakes/shingles
removal of, 203
replacing, 208
staining, 229
single-pole wall switches
about, 419
testing, 430
sinks
drains, clearing traps, 376
faucets
about cartridge, 349
anatomy of, 341
ball, 348
compression, 343–344
disc, 349
identifying type of, 342
one-handle cartridge, 346–347
one-piece with sprayer installation, 357
pull-out kitchen installation, 355–356
removing, 354
repair kits for, 342
troubleshooting, 341–342
washerless two-handle, 345
kitchen drain
clearing traps, 376
configurations for, 358
drain-in-floor type, 361
drain kits, 359
hand auger declogging, 377
hooking up, 360–361
plunging, 377
selecting, 359
slip joints and, 359
sprayers
anatomy of, 351
installing one-piece faucets with, 357
locating diverter valves, 351–352
repairing, 351–352
replacing, 353
Sioux straps, 384
sistering floor joists, 12, 13
sliding doors
maintenance of, 119
securing, 150
weatherizing, 122
slip joints, 359
smoke alarms
connecting, 459
specification for, 458
types of, 458
soffits
painting, 221
repairing wood panel, 197
spalling, of concrete, 235
specialty switches
dimmer switches
automatic, 428
installation, 429
switch action options, 428
timer switches
testing, 432
types of, 426–427
See also electronic switches; wall switches
spring-wound timer switches, 427
Squeeeeek No More, 15
staining
on asphalt driveways, 276
of brick/block structures, 268–269
siding, 228–229
stairs
anatomy of, 108
concrete
building, 252–255
corner patches, 244
corner replacement, 244
designing, 251
safety guidelines and, 250
tread repair, 245
types of damage, 243
replacing broken treads, 110–111
squeaks in, 109
stonework
damage causes, 270
mortared walls
mortar tips, 272
repointing joints, 272
stone replacement, 272
popped stone replacement, 270
rebuilding drystack wall sections, 271
See also masonry
storm doors
about, 174
installation, 175
maintenance and, 143
weatherizing and, 122
storm windows
glass replacement, 141
maintenance and, 143
screen replacement, 140
weatherizing and, 124
stucco
large area repairs, 231
painting, 222
removal of, 202–203
small area repair, 230
stud finders, 388
subfloors
maintenance issues with, 10
patching floor covering and, 27
squeaks and, 15
subpanels, anatomy of, 411
surface-mounted receptacles, 435
T-molding, 26
telephone cable, about, 394
texture paint, plaster and, 66
texture touch-up products, 76
thermostats
line-voltage, 529
low-voltage
testing, 530–531
mercury, 467
programmable
upgrading to, 466–467
THHN/THWN wire, about, 394
three-way wall switches
about, 420
replacing, 421
testing, 431
typical installation, 420
thresholds
anatomy of, 130
evaluating floors and, 11
making accessible, 133
metal saddles, 132
painting exterior, 223
replacing exterior door, 131–132
threshold inserts, 132
tile
acoustic, 77
ceramic floor
cracking grout, 11
maintenance issues with, 10
replacing tiles, 38–39
ceramic wall
recaulking joints, 71
regrouting, 70
removing, 81
replacing built-in accessories, 72
replacing surface-mounted accessories, 72
replacing tiles, 73
vinyl floor
evaluating, 11
patching, 27
replacing tiles, 37
time-delay fuses, 412
time-delay switches, testing, 433
timer switches
types of, 426–427
toilet flanges
evaluating, 331
repairing, 338–339
toilet shims, 338
toilets
clog clearing methods, 334–335
closet auger declogging, 337
fill valve replacement, 324–325
flush valve replacement, 326–327
inspecting toilet flanges, 331
installation, 331–333
minor adjustments to, 320–321
plunging clogged, 336
removing, 330
resetting tank level, 322
selecting, 328–329
shimming, 338
toilet flange repair, 338–339
troubleshooting problems, 319, 321, 323
types of, 318
wax ring removal, 330
tool belts, 389
tools
carpet, 42
ceramic tile, 38
copper pipe and, 303
exterior paint removal, 214–216
for nail removal, 52
painting
cleaning, 221
selecting, 219
use of, 219–220
painting preparation, 91–92
plumbing, 296–299
vinyl siding and, 206
wall repair, 92
wiring, 388–389
touch-up sticks, 68
touchless circuit testers, 389, 450
trim molding
baseboards
anatomy of, 16
installation, 17
removing damaged, 16
exterior, 221
preparing to paint, 216
wooden, 210
laminate floors and, 31
painting
tips for, 101
windows, 98–99
patching floors and, 26
tubing cutters, 298
twist-lock receptacles, 435
two-slot receptacles, 440–441
UF (underground feeder) cable, about, 393–394
underlayment, maintenance issues with, 10
unpolarized receptacles, 435
valves
brass, soldering, 308
main shutoff valves
indoor, 294
outdoor, 294
as part of plumbing system, 292–293
shower, compression diverter valve repair, 365
shutoff, types of, 294–295
sprayer diverter, 351–352
toilet
fill valve replacement, 324–325
flush valve replacement, 326–327
vanity lights, 456–457
ventilation
ice dams and, 188
paint and, 89
plumbing, 292–293
vinyl flooring
sheet
air bubbles in, 11
patching, 35–36
tile
evaluating, 11
patching, 27
replacing tiles, 37
voltage testers, 390
walkways, resurfacing, 248–249
wall sheathing, replacing, 205
wall switches
double switches
testing, 433
wiring for, 424
four-way
about, 422
replacing, 423
testing, 431
typical installations, 422
pilot switches
testing, 432
wiring for, 425
single-pole
about, 419
testing, 430
typical installations, 419
switch/receptacles
testing, 433
wiring for, 425
three-way
about, 420
replacing, 421
testing, 431
typical installations, 420
types of, 417
See also electronic switches; specialty switches
wallboard. See drywall
wallboard compound, plaster and, 66
wallcoverings
air bubbles in, 74
patching, 75
regluing seams, 75
removing, 81
wallpaper. See wallcoverings
walls
foundation, repairing cracks in, 242
painting, 102–103
paneled
polishing scuffs, 68
replacing strips of, 69
wax touch-ups sticks and, 68
preparation for removing, 80
tiled
recaulking joints, 70
regrouting, 70
replacing built-in accessories, 72
replacing surface-mounted accessories, 72
replacing tiles, 73
wall-repair tools, 91
See also drywall; plaster; siding, wall sheathing; wallcoverings
water hammer arrestor installation, 385
water heaters
electric
anatomy of, 522
hookup, 527
gas
anatomy of, 522
installation, 525–527
reading nameplates, 521
relief valve installation, 524
removal of, 523–524
sediment traps for, 521
specifications for, 520–521
water meters, 292–293
water supply
pictured, 293
replacing pipes of, 382–383
weatherizing
basement window well covers, 120–121
caulking openings, 120–121
felt door sweeps, 120–121
products for, 121
windows
casement window cranks
cleaning/lubrication, 137
removing for security, 150
repair, 137
caulking around, 120–121
drywalling over removed, 64
hardware for securing, 148
metal sash frame repair, 142
pane replacement, 138–139
removing, 168–169
replacement installation with nailing flange, 172–173
sash cord replacement, 136
sash-replacement window installation, 144–147
securing, 149–150
spring-lift adjustment, 134
spring-loaded adjustment, 134
sticking, 135
storm windows
glass replacement, 141
maintenance, 143
screen replacement, 140
weatherizing and, 124
weatherizing, 124–125
weatherstriping, 125
wire ampacity, 395
wire connectors
joining wires with, 398
types of, 395
wire strippers, 388
wires
about, 392
ampacity table, 395
color chart, 392
connections
cable staples, 397
push-in connectors, 397
to screw terminals, 397
connectors for, 395
pigtailing, 399
size chart, 392
types of, 393–394
See also NM (nonmetalic) cable; UF (underground feeder) cable
wiring
connecting wires to screw terminals, 397
diagnostic tools for, 389
doorbells, 460
receptacles
end-of-run, 440
GFCI (ground-fault circuit-interrupter), 444
middle-of-run, 440
split-circuit, 440–441
switch-controlled, 440–441
two-slot, 440–441
safety and, 390–391
thermostats
line-voltage, 529
low-voltage, 528
tools for, 388–389
types of, 393–394
wall and ceiling removal and, 80
wire connectors, types of, 395
See also wires
wood shakes, replacing, 193
zinc strips, 189
zip-lock tools (for siding), 206