This week, hear how to replace rotten soffit and keep an old paint color from showing through. (LindaCharlton, Getty Images Signature/georgejportfolio, Canva)
Hour 1
Hear how to keep an old paint color from showing through, what to do about peeling paint on a bathtub and more.
Covering Old Paint Color
Proper prepwork and the right primer is key to making sure the old paint color won’t show through the new. (georgejportfolio, Canva)
A homeowner is trying to change the paint color in a room, but the old color keeps coming back.
“I have now put three coats of primer on the walls, and the old color is still shining through. Is there anything I can do to cover up that paint successfully?”
There are a few steps you can take to try to improve the coverage of the primer:
Sand the walls: Sanding the walls will create a rough surface for the primer to adhere to, which may improve its coverage. Be sure to wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to remove any dust after sanding.
Use a high-quality, high-adhesion primer: Some primers are specifically formulated to adhere to difficult surfaces, such as glossy paint or oil-based paint. Using a high-quality, high-adhesion primer may improve the coverage of the old paint.
Use bonding primer: Bonding primer, also known as adhesion primer or glue primer, is a type of primer that is specifically formulated to adhere to difficult surfaces. It is designed to bond to surfaces that are otherwise hard for paint to stick to, such as glossy paint, metal, or plastic. Be sure to allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.
Tint the primer: This type of primer has been mixed with a small amount of paint pigment to give it a slight color. Tinted primer can be used to help cover up dark colors or imperfections on a surface, or to improve the overall appearance of the finished paint job.
If the paint is still showing through, you may need to paint the walls a dark color to conceal the old paint.
Peeling Paint on a Tub
Cracking paint on a cast iron tub can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, wear and tear, and exposure to water and other elements. (Hemera Technologies, Photo Images)
The paint is peeling like crazy in a new homeowner’s bathtub.
She says, “It has been like this since they moved in, and we’re wondering if it’s okay to take it all off.”
It is generally not a good idea to remove all of the paint from a bathtub. If the paint is peeling, it is likely that the underlying layer is not well adhered to the tub surface, which could cause further peeling and damage.
One option is to remove loose and flaking paint using a scraper or wire brush. Then, sand the surface to create a rough, porous surface for the new paint to adhere to. The tub should then be thoroughly cleaned and dried before applying a new coat of paint.
If the paint is in poor condition and cannot be salvaged, remove all of the paint and start fresh. However, this can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. It’s also important to be aware that the underlying surface may not be in good condition.
Before beginning any work on the tub, it is important to protect yourself and the surrounding area. Wear protective gear and cover any nearby surfaces with drop cloths.
If you are not comfortable refinishing the tub on your own, you may want to consider hiring a professional to refinish the tub for you.
Hour 2
Listen to learn the pros and cons of tankless water heaters, how to repair rotten soffit, how to keep snow from getting into ridge vents and more.
Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are much more compact than traditional tank water heaters, making them a good choice for small homes or apartments. (djedzura, Getty Images)
A homeowner is thinking about replacing his standard water heater with an electric tankless water heater and wants to know the pros and cons.
Pros of tankless water heaters:
They can provide an endless supply of hot water: Because tankless water heaters heat water on demand, you’ll never run out of hot water.
They’re more energy efficient: Tankless water heaters only heat water when you need it, so they’re more energy efficient than traditional tank water heaters. This can result in energy savings of up to 40 percent.
They have a longer lifespan: Tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than traditional tank water heaters because they don’t have a tank that can rust or corrode.
They’re more compact: Tankless water heaters are much more compact than traditional tank water heaters, making them a good choice for small homes or apartments.
Cons of tankless water heaters:
They have a higher upfront cost: Tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost than traditional tank water heaters. However, the energy savings over time can offset this initial investment.
They require more maintenance: Tankless water heaters require more frequent maintenance than traditional tank water heaters. This includes cleaning the burners and replacing the filter.
They may not be suitable for large households: Tankless water heaters may not be able to provide enough hot water for large households with multiple showers and appliances running simultaneously.
They may not be suitable for homes with low water pressure: Tankless water heaters require a certain minimum water flow rate to operate effectively. If your home has low water pressure, a tankless water heater may not be a good choice.
Replacing Rotten Soffits
Left unrepaired, a rotten soffit can lead to further damage to the roof and the structure of the house. (LindaCharlton, Getty Images Signature)
A homeowner’s soffits are bowing downward and rotting. He asks: “I’m not sure what to replace them with. What do you suggest?”
It sounds like you may have an issue with the structural integrity of your soffits. Bowing and rotting soffits can be a sign of water damage or poor ventilation. If the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to replace the soffits entirely.
There are several options for replacing soffits:
Wood: Wood is a traditional material for soffits, but it requires regular painting or staining to maintain its appearance. It can also rot or become infested with pests if not properly maintained.
Vinyl: Vinyl soffits are low maintenance and resist rotting, but they may become brittle over time and can be prone to cracking in extreme temperatures.
Aluminum: Aluminum soffits are durable and resist rust, but they can be prone to dents and may require periodic painting.
Fiber cement: Fiber cement soffits are a more expensive option, but they are extremely durable and resist rotting, warping, and insect infestations.
Preventing Snow from Entering Ridge Vents
A ridge vent is designed to allow hot air and moisture to escape from the attic, helping to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the home. (skhoward, Getty Images Signature)
Snow keeps getting into a homeowner’s attic space through the ridge vents every time there is a blizzard with strong winds.
He says, “There is enough snow that I have to use a shovel to remove it. Snow gathers on the beam under the ridge vent where light bulbs are affixed. How do I alleviate this problem?”
There are a few steps you can take to prevent snow from entering your attic through the ridge vents:
Install snow guards: Snow guards are devices that are installed on the roof to prevent snow and ice from sliding off and accumulating at the eaves.
Install heat cables: Heat cables, also known as roof de-icing cables, can be installed along the eaves and the ridge to prevent snow and ice from accumulating. The cables use electricity to generate heat, which melts the snow and ice on contact.
Install a snow fence: A snow fence is a physical barrier that is installed on the roof to block the wind and prevent snow from blowing into the attic through the ridge vents.
Insulate the attic: Proper insulation in the attic can help prevent snow from melting and refreezing at the eaves, which can cause ice dams.
It may also be helpful to have a professional inspect your roof to ensure that it is properly sealed and in good condition. If the snow is entering through gaps or openings in the roof, these issues will need to be addressed in order to prevent future snow accumulation in the attic.
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Simple Solutions
Whether you need to tighten or loosen nuts or bolts, here’s the Simple Solution. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Wrong Size Wrench? No Problem! — What do you do when an open-end wrench is a bit too large for the nut or bolt you’re trying to loosen or tighten? This happens when working on a metric fastener and you’ve only got a standard-size wrench or visa versa.
Well, you may have heard of the trick of using metal washer or coin to fill the gap in the wrench. And while that does work — sometimes — here’s a better solution:
Place the too-large wrench onto the nut or bolt and then jam a slotted screwdriver into the gap between the fastener and wrench.
The wedge-shaped tip of the screwdriver tightens up the fit and really locks the wrench in place.
To easily clean a microwave, pour 1 cup of water and 1 cup of vinegar into a bowl. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Steam Clean Your Microwave Oven — Here’s an easy, effortless way to clean the inside of your microwave oven:
Pour a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar into a glass bowl.
Set the bowl in the oven and microwave on high for several minutes.
Carefully remove the bowl, then scrub the inside of the oven with a scouring sponge. The steam created by the water and vinegar will loosen even the most stubborn, caked-on stains.
In this special New Year’s Eve episode, we’re playing back some of our favorite segments from the past year. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
In this special New Year’s Eve episode, we’re playing back some of our favorite segments from the past year. We wish you a happy new year and hope you look at 2023 as an opportunity for you to get things done around your home.
Cutting crown molding is easy when you use our Simple Solution. (DepositPhotos)
Cutting Crown Molding: To make miter cuts in crown molding, turn a panel upside down on the miter saw table. This allows the angled back edges to rest against the fence and the table during cutting.
Holding the molding in the right position while you make a cut is the difficult part.
The solution is to hot glue a piece of 1-by-2 wood to the saw table so it acts as a cleat to hold the molding in the proper position.
Use plastic liners in your apron to easily switch between nails and screws. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Easy Nail Apron Liners: Make interchangeable liners for your nail apron or tool pouch out of one-quart plastic motor oil bottles.
Cut off the spout, wipe the bottle clean, fill it with nails or screws, and slip the liner into the apron pouch.
Fill up several bottles with various types and sizes of fasteners, so you can quickly and easily switch them in and out without having to dump out the apron.
This week, I’m chatting with painting expert Brian Santos, a.k.a the “Wall Wizard.”
Brian is a fourth-generation painting contractor, author of best-selling home improvement books, and has toured for more than 25 years with his “Wizard Workshops” that empower audiences with simple tips, tricks, and techniques for successful home improvement projects.
He has shared his expertise on national TV, including “Good Morning America,” “Today,” and HGTV’s “Smart Solutions,” as well as on TLC and the Discovery Channel.
Brian is also the Director of Education for Fresh Coat Painters, the only role of this kind within any painting or home improvement franchise.
Brian was brought on to the Fresh Coat Painters team to educate and share his knowledge of the industry and business ownership within the industry to new and established franchise owners.
Less is more when using spray paint — apply two thin coats of paint instead of one heavy coat. (blueclue, Getty Images Signature)
Best Spray Painting Techniques
What are some of the tips you’ve learned over the years when working with spray paint?
Brian: The best spray painting tip I can give is to read the instructions. I know it’s a lot of information in tiny print, but it’s the key to your project’s success. Here are a few more tips:
Prepare properly. Don’t spray in the sun, clean the surface correctly, and make sure you hold the can correctly at the right angle.
Shake the can. It takes 30 seconds to two minutes to get the rattle inside to start moving. This is critical for thoroughly mixing the materials and aerosols so the paint sprays correctly.
Use a spray paint handle. It snaps over the top of the can, and when you pull the trigger, it’s like a gun. It depresses the spray nozzle and puts out the material correctly.
Apply two thin coats of paint instead of one heavy coat. This prevents any runs and drips, and also allows the chemicals to evaporate enough to allow the second coat to bond correctly.
High-volume low-pressure paint sprayers apply a smooth and even coat. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
High-Volume Low-Pressure Sprayers
Tell us more about high volume low pressure (HVLP) sprayers and some of the applications they work well in.
Brian: I love these things — HVLP sprayers are almost like airbrushes. What they’re designed to do is atomize the material and you can control the flow and pressure.
The best one I can recommend is the Wagner Flexio 3000 HVLP Paint Sprayer*, which is available at Home Depot. It has a trigger and a dial for you to adjust the pressure, plus it has a corded and cordless option.
*This is an affiliate link. If you purchase this product, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
For the DIYer, this is probably one of the best tools you can have, but you have to maintain it and clean it regularly.
Here’s a tip for cleaning it: Put about three drops of fabric softener per quart of water in the sprayer and flush it out. This helps clean the sprayer between coats and lubricates the inside.
Airless paint sprayers speed up painting larger projects like fences. (Andy Dean Photography)
Painting a Fence With an Airless Paint Sprayer
What do you recommend for painting a fence?
Brian: An airless paint sprayer is great for painting a fence. You can typically find them at any tool rental center, and what I like about renting them is that they are maintained. Plus, if you were to go out and buy this, it would cost you anywhere from $500-$1,200.
When renting one, be sure to get one that has enough volume flow for your project. And while you’re at the tool rental center, ask an employee for a demonstration so you can see how to properly operate it.
Like I said before, always read the instructions and make sure the sprayer is primed correctly.
Properly clean the fence before painting. Use a garden hose and a cleaner to remove any algae, grease, grime and oxidation. The paint is only as good as the surface it’s bonding to.
You don’t need to use any primer because fence stains are designed to penetrate into wood fiber. There are also clear coatings, semi-transparent stains and solid stains that homogenize to even out any irregularities.
The important thing is to keep moving and backbrush along the way. Spray the paint or stain on, then have someone go with a brush behind it and work that paint or stain into the surface. This will make sure the paint or stain bonds correctly.
Brian: Replacing kitchen cabinets can cost you up to $20,000, so painting is definitely cost-effective.
A paint job is only as good as the surface you’re preparing, so first, ask yourself if you want to see the grain in your cabinets or not. All woods have a grain, and if the surface isn’t prepped currently, that grain will show through. If you don’t want to see any grain, call a professional to do the job.
For the DIYer who wants to do a little refreshing, here are the standard operating procedures on how to do it:
Clean the surface of the cabinets. Wet sand the cabinets with a Scotch Brite pad and an alkaline cleaner called Simple Green HD. This will break down the grease and lightly sand the surface at the same time, eliminating a lot of dust.
Degrease the surface of the cabinets after cleaning. Rinse the surface with 91-proof rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is a natural degreaser and deglosser. It evaporates and forces out the moisture that might be in the wood. This will create a sterile surface that’s ready for primer.
Prime the cabinets. The type of primer to use depends on if it’s a lacquer-coated or painted surface. Take a drawer face or part of the cabinet to a paint store and ask the professional to see what type of surface it is, and they can recommend what type of primer to use. Apply two thin coats of primer and lightly sand between each coat with 300-grit sandpaper.
Spackle and caulk between the two coats or primer. If you have floating cabinets, do not caulk between the floating panels. The wood needs to expand and contract with the normal humidity in the house, so caulking can cause the cabinets to crack.
Lastly, apply two even coats of paint to the cabinets.
To protect hardware on cabinets, use rubber cement. After painting, you can peel it off.
If you need to reset hardware, particularly hand pulls, use Bondo, not wood filler. If you slam the cabinet, the wood filler plug could pop out.
Protect surfaces around your painting area to prevent damaging spills. (travellinglight, Getty Images)
Common Mistakes
What is the biggest mistake homeowners make when tackling any paint project?
Brian: Not preparing a surface correctly. And also, not protecting other surfaces. It’s amazing how the paint will splatter if you’re spray painting, or dust will waft through the house.
Create a containment system, and make sure to put a new filter in the HVAC system after you’re done to lessen dust spreading throughout the house. The more you can contain and control, the better result.
Also, clean between steps. That’s where a lot of dust and debris can get into a paint project and the results are not as good as they could be.
If you’re painting with a roller, the last stroke you do should be in the same direction, so you get the proper sheen and the right effect with the color. (cavanimages via Canva)
Brian’s Advice
“Wizards Work Wet:” It’s critical to do the entire surface while materials are wet. Have someone cutting in as another person is rolling paint to keep that wet edge so the color is consistent.
Also, if you’re painting with a roller, the last stroke you do should be in the same direction, so you get the proper sheen and the right effect with the color.
In this week’s episode, we provide solutions for out-of-control Asiatic jasmine and a dripping range hood. (Carey Bradley, Today’s Homeowner Media/Osvaldo Maldonado, Getty Images/BillionPhotos)
Hour 1
In Hour 1, we share a listener’s tip on how to track down rats in an attic, offer solutions for an invasive ground cover and more.
Tracking Down Rats in an Attic
Find where rats have been in your attic by using a black light. (Photo illustration: MikeLane45, Getty Images Pro/Adobe Stock)
In the July 30 show, Chris Welsh in Florida called to ask about eliminating the rat urine smell in his attic. He wanted to install new insulation and asked us if he should remove the old, soiled insulation before he installs new.
We told Chris that since it’s been a few years and the smell is still there, plus he’s already going to install new insulation, he should get rid of the soiled insulation. Although it can dissipate over time, there’s no guarantee. Plus, this could be his only chance to remove it, because once the new insulation is installed, it’s there for good.
One of our listeners, Dean, heard this and called to give this tip: Use a black light to find rat urine in an attic.
This is a great tip because it’s often hard to see how widespread the rat infestation is on smell alone.
According to chemistry expert Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., urine glows under a black light primarily because it contains the element phosphorus. Phosphorus glows yellowish green in the presence of oxygen, with or without black light, but the light imparts additional energy that makes the chemiluminescence easier to see.
A black light also works well to find pet urine. So if you have a problem cat that’s not keeping its business in the litterbox, use a black light to find urine spots.
Water Dripping from a Range Hood
Water dripping from a range hood indicates an insulation problem. (Photo illustration; Osvaldo Maldonado, Getty Images/BillionPhotos)
Water is constantly dripping from the range hood in David Henderson’s kitchen. He’s spending a small fortune on paper towels to absorb the drips on the stovetop.
The duct vents to the outside of the house, he maintains a steady temperature inside, and the new roof he just had installed didn’t make a difference.
“I’ve been beating my brains out trying to figure it out,” David says. “I am 69 years old and have lived in many houses in my life but have never seen this before.”
The vast majority of the time, when a vent pipe is dripping water down through the range hood, it means condensation isn’t forming on the outside but on the inside.
Install some duct wrap insulation on the pipe to minimize the difference in temperature inside the pipe and in the attic. Since the pipe is already in place, get the type that comes on a roll, not a cylindrical form. That way you won’t have to disconnect the pipe to slide the insulation over it.
This will stop the dripping and you’ll also greatly reduce your paper towel budget!
Controlling Asiatic Jasmine
Asiatic jasmine is a great groundcover, but it can get out of control if not properly maintained. (Carey Bradley, Today’s Homeowner Media)
Sue wants to know: How can I get rid of Asiatic jasmine that is taking over our yard?
“It has spread from the neighbors on each side of us. Pulling it up is a never-ending task and we have gotten too old to deal with it. Help!” Sue says
Asiatic jasmine is a perennial evergreen vine that makes for a wonderful ground cover, but it’s very invasive.
First, try cutting it right at the bed, and keep it under control with a string trimmer.
We don’t often recommend using herbicides, but you might need them in this case. Cut it back as far as you can, then spray on an herbicide.
If you don’t want to use an herbicide, spray it with home and garden vinegar.
Hour 2
In Hour 2, learn how to paint unfinished cabinets yourself, when to paint walls in a new house and more.
Painting Unfinished Cabinets
You can get the look of professionally painted kitchen cabinets yourself if you make the right preparations. (Kameleon007, Getty Images Signature)
A caller wants her unfinished cabinets professionally painted, but the professionals have given her “outrageous” estimates.
“Can I do this myself, and what kind of sprayer should I get?” she asks.
It is a fair amount of work to finish cabinets yourself, but the end result is very gratifying.
Because the cabinets are unfinished, you won’t have to worry about removing any old paint.
Basically, here’s what you need to do.
Sand the cabinets so the paint will stick.
Smooth out any imperfections with water putty or epoxy finish
Prime the cabinets with a bonding primer
Apply two coats of acrylic latex paint in either a semi-gloss or eggshell finish
Don’t wait for your house to “settle” to start painting it. (Curtis Adams, Pexels)
Robert Lang in Kentucky just bought his first home — a new build that was completed in February 2022.
“I want to paint the interior to not only change the color but use a better grade of paint. I’ve read that I should wait before painting. If this is true, how long should I wait? Do I need to allow the house to settle before I attempt to paint?” Robert asks.
There’s no reason to wait to paint in a newly built home. There’s no way to know how much settling or expansion and contraction are going to happen.
There are so many factors that could influence it, like how wet the framing got during the building process or how many screws were used versus nails.
If there is going to be some settling, it probably won’t show up for at least five years.
Go ahead and make the house your own. Just, make sure the walls are nice and clean before you paint them.
This week, learn how to clean old wallpaper and protect a wood-framed shower window from water damage. (Sandy Knollenburg/simplyzel, Getty Images)
Hour 1
In Hour 1, hear our suggestions for matching wood posts to vinyl, cleaning old wallpaper, and more.
Matching Wood Posts to Vinyl
Matching these wooden support posts to the vinyl posts is as easy as applying a coat of paint. (Photos by Doug May)
Doug May has a great view of the Blue Ridge Mountains on his covered back porch. But, the view of his porch isn’t as pleasing.
“The upper part has vinyl sleeves over the top of the posts. Everything’s covered and it’s nice and smooth and white. But down below, it’s just pressure-treated wood, with all the cracks and gaps,” Doug says.
He wants the wooden support posts on the ground to match the white vinyl posts on the porch above. What’s stopping him from covering the wood posts with vinyl is the diagonal wood braces. He’s worried about the hassle of connecting the many vinyl pieces on the diagonals and sealing them.
“What I want is the smooth look and feel of the vinyl on the posts below. Is there a way to do that?” Doug asks.
Vinyl sleeves are expensive! If you want the posts to match, try this budget-friendly option:
First, clean the wood posts and apply a coat of primer.
Then, use auto body filler (like Bondo) to skim out the cracks. Once that dries, lightly sand the posts.
Then, caulk the areas where the diagonal braces meet the vertical posts.
Finally, apply two coats of acrylic latex paint.
Once you do this, no one will know one set of posts is vinyl and the other set isn’t! The acrylic paint will give it a glossy look and seal the joints.
If you decide you want to cover the posts with vinyl, remove one post at a time, including the diagonal supports, and attach the vinyl sleeves to each piece.
Miter cut the ends of the sleeves to fit the diagonal brace posts, and thoroughly caulk each seam so water doesn’t get in.
Don’t caulk the bottom of the diagonal brace pieces where the wood meets the post. If water were to get inside the vinyl, you want it to be able to drain out and dry.
Original wallpaper keeps an old home’s character true to its age. (Photo by Sandy Knollenburg)
How to Clean Old Wallpaper
Sandi Knollenburg bought a 100-year-old farmhouse in Bloomington, Ill., five years ago, and she’s been renovating it little by little.
Right now, she’s working on the stairwell area. The walls that extend from the first floor to the second are covered in wallpaper from the 1960s. She loves the pattern, and the wallpaper is still in pretty good shape! All it needs is a good cleaning.
She asks, “What’s the best way to clean and preserve the wallpaper?”
Most modern wallpapers have an acrylic or latex coating that makes them washable and, in some cases, scrubbable. Older wallpaper is just plain paper, so you don’t want to get it wet. If you do, it will peel off the wall.
Try these options to remove the dirt and dust:
Wipe the wallpaper with a large, dry sponge.
Use a vacuum cleaner.
Attach a microfiber cloth to a Swiffer-type mop for hard-to-reach spots.
To remove skids and scuffs, use a gum eraser. You can buy these at an art supply store. Another option is a dry Magic Eraser. If that doesn’t work, lightly dampen it.
Hour 2
In Hour 2, learn how to prevent wood rot in a shower window, remove sediment from water, and more.
Worried about water damaging a wood-framed shower window? Protect it with tile. (simplyzel, Getty Images)
Protecting a Wood Window Frame in a Shower
A caller needs advice on tiling around a window in his shower. The wood frame sticks out slightly, so he can’t tile over it.
“What do you do to treat that to make it so that the water is not damaging that wood and causing wood rot, and more importantly that water is not getting behind that and causing damage to the shower?” he asks.
A lot of older houses have this problem. Typically, at one point in time, the bathroom had just a tub with a window above it. Then somewhere along the way, a shower was installed.
I’ve seen a lot of homeowners put a shower curtain over the window but rarely does that last long.
To protect the wood frame from water damage, encapsulate the window frame with the tile.
Before you lay the tile, be sure to caulk and paint the frame. Bring the tile up to the wood and then overlap extra tile over the window frame. This will protect the frame from the water and give it a nice, pronounced look.
If water can still hit it directly, install a waterproof window.
To completely eliminate any chance of rood rot, remove the window and replace it with a vinyl one.
Sick of sediment in your water? It’s time for a new water filter. (pixelshot)
Sediment in Water
Pablo Sandoval in Willow Creek, Calif., is sick of sediment in his water. His home draws water from a deep well and all wastewater flows into a septic tank.
“For most of the year, the water supply is good, but every summer we have a problem with sediment that clogs aerators at sinks and showerheads. Plus, the washing machine takes forever to fill with water. What can we do to alleviate these issues?” he asks.
Sediment problems are more frequent in the summer because water levels are usually lower. There’s less water but the same amount of sediment in the system, so it finds its way to the pump and into your house.
You’ll need to have a well water contractor take a look at your pump. You might need a new screening.
Also, here are two options to consider:
Have a water well contractor install a sand separator on your pump. This device uses centrifugal force to push dirt, sand and debris outward to the separator wall and downward in a spiral motion. The cleaned water then rises and returns back to your plumbing system.
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Simple Solutions
This Simple Solution keeps you from constantly refilling your kitchen soap dispenser. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Improved Soap Dispenser — Kitchen-sink soap dispensers hold such a small amount of liquid soap that it requires you to constantly refill the reservoir bottle. Here’s a better option:
Lift off the hand pump from the dispenser, pull off the plastic fill tube, and replace it with a long flexible quarter-inch-diameter tubing.
Feed the opposite end of the tubing down through the hole in the sink deck and place it in a large jug of liquid soap.
Now you’ll never have to refill the dispenser; simply replace the soap jug once it’s empty.
If you’re installing gutters on vinyl siding, run the drill in reverse for smooth holes. (Garrett Aitken, Getty Images)
Smooth Cut in Vinyl Siding — When using a hole saw to drill through vinyl siding, run the drill in reverse. That way, the hole saw will create a nice clean hole with no rough edges.
Once you cut through the siding, switch the drill to forward and bore through the wall sheathing.
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