Q&A / 

Does your garbage disposal smell like a rat died in it? You know, that foul odor? Let’s talk about why it happens. The odor is from rotting food that’s coating the side walls and bottom of the disposer. Many people don’t use a disposer the right way. Let’s go over that first. When you operate Read More »

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Preventing Mold Growth in Basements DEAR TIM: Our full size divided basement has mold growing on the west side of the wall, as well as the south side on the other end of the basement. The basement has two sump pumps, one on each side of the basement. The basement does not leak water. We've Read More »

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Janis Hatch is building a new home in Lafayette, CO. She thinks she's got a problem with her new foundation. "We are building a home with a national builder.  The foundation was poured last week. When the forms were removed there was a pie shaped gap about 15 inches long (vertical) at what will be Read More »

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Margaret Warren has a mess down in Alvin, TX. "We had travertine mixed blocks laid as kitchen backsplash.  The installer didn't know to seal the tile, so now we have the crevices and pits filled with grout. How would you recommend removing the unwanted grout.  It's two days old and we've been working to remove." Ouch! Read More »

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Kristina Rowan, who lives in Bryan, Texas, has an excellent question about the magic of placing and finishing a concrete porch. "Hi Tim! My husband and I are planning to replace our concrete front porch. I'm not sure if it was originally poured and patched poorly, but it is cracking and crumbling terribly. The roof Read More »

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Quick Column Summary: Problem with water entering crawlspace A crawlspace below grade is similar to a pond Waterproof your basement by diverting the water DEAR TIM: I've got a chronic problem with water entering the 4-foot-tall crawlspace under the duplex I live in. This year has been bad with all the rain we're having. We Read More »

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Flipping Deck Boards - Be Careful About Wood Grain Patrick McNeill, who is revitalizing his deck in Woodstock, GA asks: "Can I flip my deck boards instead of replacing them. They are treated lumber." You bet you can flip them. There's no harm in doing so. While you're at it, be sure to clean off Read More »

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