Customer Reviews

Posted on by Tim Carter

Below are customer reviews received regarding the AsktheBuilder Shop and the Ask the Builder products.

"I just wanted to thank you for a excellent eBook on Crown Molding.  I just recently made this purchase from your website.  What a wonderful on line tool and very easy to follow the directions.  I want you to know that I am a rookie at this type of wood working, but your eBook made the job much easier and far less frustrating to complete the job that I was working on.  Best part about all of this is that I am completely blind or visually impaired as some might say, but had fun working on this task. While I am very capable of working with selected power tools, the guide made the job that seems to be a serious challenge for many, very possible for me.  Thank you for the help..."

- Kevin O'C., Indianapolis, IN

"Tim,

I received my bucket of Stain Solver and have to tell you that the stuff is scary - in a good way! I couldn't believe what it did for the no-longer-white grout on my office floor ... and I swear it continued to work even after I rinsed it off. It not only cleaned the grout, but took a layer of dirt off the tile that I didn't realize was there. Now I have to do the whole room since there is a big, super-clean square in the middle!!

I also put it to work on some very old pet stains on the beige carpet in the master bedroom ... some of them will require more treatment, and you can see that the carpet is slightly lighter where I treated, but it took out spots that we have been unsuccessful at removing with Resolve, Woolite, and a number of other "stain removers". Now I'm looking forward to trying it on clothing stains............

Thanks ... I will tell everybody I know about this great stuff!"

- Lori B., Gonzales, TX

"No question, just wanted to say I stumbled across your website and am verrrry pleased to have found it.  Took me 5 minutes to realize how superb and complete your answers are to questions posted.  Thanks,"
 - Jeff, Lynnwood, WA

"Thanks for the discount for your product. Your lightning quick response to my question and the fact that you would make a recommendation to me even though it did not involve your "stuff" spoke volumes as to your ethics. Even though my floor is already clean, I wanted to try the [Stain Solver] product on some other problem projects, in large part because of your actions in this instance. So, I placed an order tonight. I'm sure I'll be one of your loyal customers like the ones who have given testimonials on your website.

Thanks again."

- Kay, Spring, TX

"Once again thank you for taking the time to address my concerns. I followed your [Stain Solver] instruction on a small portion of the floor and left the solution sit for about an hour now - I can actually SEE it working. I'm running to the store in a few minutes and expect when I get back that the grout will be totally clean - the way it's worked so far I don't have much doubt that will happen. "Oh ye of little faith"!!

What a JOY it is dealing with a "vendor" who cares about his customers. I've had nothing but nightmares recently with Sears - therefore your response is even MORE meaningful!"

- Barbara, Miami, FL

"I am a new subscriber to your newsletter after finding your website in a search for a problem that I had. I can't remember what the problem was now, but in viewing your website I saw the information about Stain Solver and decided to order some for use on a deck.

A few days after it arrived, my husband dropped a plastic half-gallon container of cranberry grape juice on the ceramic tile in the doorway to the kitchen. The lid broke and the juice -- about half the jug -- shot across our light beige Berber carpet. We soaked up as much of the juice as possible with old bath towels. I then saw the Stain Solver box sitting on the counter, so I decided to mix up some and try it. I poured the solution liberally on the carpet, worked it in with the back of a large spoon (so as not to damage the carpet fibers), then vacuumed it up with our shop vac. I did this several times and was amazed that the carpet appeared clean!

In the morning there was a pink cast to it, however, so I repeated the process and this time also tried a hint that I found on the internet. I put paper towels on the cleaned wet spots, then a bath towel, then plastic wrap, and then heavy books. I left it that way overnight, then removed it. The stain was gone. The last procedure helped to wick the remaining stain up out of the carpet and into the paper towels.

I never expected anything to take that huge deep purple-red stain out. Your product has paid for itself a hundred times over in saving me from having to recarpet my condo."

- Karen V., Woodbury, CT

"PS: Fortunately the juice was sugar-free so I didn't have to worry about whether there would be any sticky residue, although Stain Solver might have taken that out, too."

"Well, I've got the [Shower Pan Liner] EBook & am anxiously reading it. I can already see in the details about leaving a gap in the studs for the membrane fold is the type of info that is invaluable ......... I already like what I see after just reading the first couple of pages. In fact, I liked it so much, I called my wife over to the computer & had her read it with me. ....... Well, I've got more reading to do so I'll get to it!"

- Greg Kolber, San Jose, CA

"I purchased six pounds of your Stain Solver almost a month ago. I cannot believe how great this stuff works. (I will eventually send you some pictures once my daughter shows me how!)

I did my mom's deck first, it has been much neglected and had a lot of mildew/algae built up on it. She is 77 and I was worried she may slip and fall on it because it was quite slimy when wet. I showed up with my rag mop, bucket, long handled scrub brush and the piece of resistance (imagine a French accent) - Stain Solver. Both my mom and my sister gave me a look like why are you wasting your time, why didn't you bring the pressure washer? I told them to just go about their business because I did not need any help and that they would both be surprised to see the results. They did not act to enthused until they, like me, saw the first few boards. After I had let [the Stain Solver] sit for 10 minutes, it was like brand new wood.

I could smell the mildew/algae as I scrubbed with my brush, it just like melted off the wood. I told my sister to come up and see the results in just the little area I had scrubbed. She was amazed. She stayed right up on the deck and was like - "What can I do to help?" I couldn't keep her away from my bucket of Stain Solver. She was like "Do you think this would work on the grease stains on the garage floor? Could I use it on this or that…..?"

Both my mom and sister were so happy that it didn't hurt her plants around the deck. I'm bummed because I used almost all of it on their deck and now I won't have enough to do mine. I also wanted to tell you what else I used it on, my bird bath. It was very nasty and slimy. I sprinkled a little in and filled it with water and let it sit for maybe 20 to 30 minutes. I scrubbed a little with a brush and rinsed it very well. It looks brand new!

Well the main reason I am writing is I need to order ... the 12 pounds and use my coupon. ... Thank you."

- Pam P., Traverse City, MI

 

"I was very pleased to not only receive the EBook on cutting Crown Moulding but to also get your explanation of what happened when I ordered it twice and a refund for the second order... There are still good honest people out there. Impressive. I have had a chance to quickly read through Tim's book and as a long time DIYer was impressed. I have never had the chance to work with crown as yet but our latest renovation project has lots, so I am eager to get at it now. Thanks again for the honest... and prompt... service."

- Glen Adam, Alberta, Canada

"WOW, that's all I can say! I purchased your product last week to clean the grout on my 800 sq. ft. of tile, and it looks as clean as the day we moved in eight years ago. I must admit, I was a little skeptical when I ordered the Stain Solver, but after having used it, I know I will always have some on hand and look forward to cleaning my wood deck this spring. This is by far one of the best products I have purchased in many, many years. Thanks Tim!"

- Ed, Macomb, Michigan

"Thank you for sending me the Room Addition Checklist. I read through the document, and it's quite thorough.

I know that this will be a useful and valuable document for me."

- Fredia J.

"I bought Stain Solver for the grout on my bathroom floors. Wow! I have tried numerous products to clean the everyday dirt, but nothing brought my grout back to its original white color. Stain Solver did the job, and I was amazed. Thanks!

Place your right hand on your left shoulder, and your left hand on your right shoulder...squeeze. There, you've just had a hug from utvandymom! Have a great day!"

- Margaret from Tennessee

"Thank you, Tim.

I used your (Walk Thru) checklist for the condo I plan to buy and really surprised all involved. They had only allocated 30 minutes for my walk through since it's just a condo, but I kept them there longer and feel much better. There were only a few things that need attention but I would have never noticed them if it weren't for your packet. So, thank you.

All the best,"

- Holley S., Nashville, TN

"This is what I call CUSTOMER SERVICE !!!!!!!! In today's business the customer is not often treated with respect, so I was surprised by your quick response. Thank you."

- Bill L., Stoney Creek, Ontario

"Hi Tim,

Your product is, by far, the best grout cleaner I have ever used, and I thank you for delivering "the goods" , in more ways than one."

- Al Lawrence, La Jolla, CA

"Hey Tim,

I wanted to thank you for the excellent book you wrote about crown molding. It was my first time trying to put crown molding in my house today. It looked easy until I actually tried it, then I got pretty frustrated. I came across your website after trying to get some help on the internet, and then I saw your book. Your book was the best money I could have spent. Within minutes after reading the section on inside corners, I was back at it again making the right cuts the first time! So easy a caveman can do it! The resale value of my house is definitely going to increase now. Thanks again for writing the book - it was a lifesaver!"

- Nick Agle, Kennesaw, GA

"Hi, Tim,

Your ebook "Building Simple Stairs" was an excellent guide in building a proper staircase. It was written in a straightforward, easy-to-understand style, the pictures were very useful, and your advice was invaluable. The guide contained tips that saved time, aggravation, and money. There were many suggestions that I don't have in other help books that cover the same topic. I particularly appreciate your advice on building stairs with mortises, adding the 1.5" edge, and using the X-acto knife to mark the mortises. Very clever.

Thanks to your guidebook, we were able to build a set of stairs – with a landing and U-turn nonetheless – and turn an unused attic at an outbuilding at my cottage into a usable loft. We now have an extra place for guests to sleep in two weeks for (Canadian) Thanksgiving weekend!"

- Rob Hyams, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

"Hi Tim,

Just wanted to let you know that with your advice to use stain solver and a just a little bit of elbow grease we were able to clean & recolor/seal approximately 300 square foot of grout for a fraction of the cost. We were quoted $650.00 from a professional grout cleaning company. The cost of your Stain Solver, a long handled grout brush (easy on the back for the cleaning part) and the stain/sealer combination came to a grand total of $65.00. We now have a floor that looks brand new for 1/10th the cost!"

- Wanda Sidley, Cleveland, OH

"I received my order Thursday afternoon. My kitchen tile floor is disgusting. We have light/medium brown grout in between, but this had gotten super dark brown and I couldn't stand it anymore.

Some areas that didn't have heavy traffic, still had the original color that it is suppose to be. The heavily traffic areas were awful. I was going to hire someone to come out and steam clean it, although I didn't know if that would work. I just refused to scrub that floor. I would have an awful backache. I told my husband, I'm done cleaning this floor. No more.

I used the product, took extra powder and water just to get the first grout layer clean. I flooded my kitchen with the solution. Let it sit as long as I could, 1 hour, and then proceeded to mop up the mess I made. We had company coming in Saturday. The floor looks 98.9 percent better. I plan on re-doing the whole floor one more time. Like I said, it had gotten real bad. Now every time I mop my floors, I will use this Stain Solver solution to clean with.

Thank you again. I will let you know how the next application makes my tile floor look."

- June Hunter, Jacksonville, FL

Cobb Salad History Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

We have been walking about ten minutes in the hills of California. The path followed can be seen in the distance. The plateau is called the Cobb Estate. This is owned by the guy who invented the Cobb Salad!

The Marx Brothers ended up owning the estate after the Cobb people went into business with Del-Monte. The panoramic view of the valley explains why they built here.

So you have heard it here first from Tim, Cobb Salad invented right here in this valley. (Background laughter.)

Roof Shingles

Posted on by Tim Carter

DEAR TIM: I need new roof shingles, but am paralyzed by fear of making the right choice of material and color for my home. Installing roof shingles doesn't seem that difficult, so I am considering doing the work myself. How do I select high-quality roof shingles? Should I install the new roof over the top of my existing asphalt roof shingles? What other tips can you share about residential roof shingles? Vickie E., St. James, MN

DEAR VICKIE: Many books have been written about roof shingles, so it is unthinkable that I can fully discuss all you have asked. But I am sure I can point you in the right direction so you have years of leak-free performance from the new high-quality roof shingles you will be purchasing.

Let's first get realistic about what is involved when installing roof shingles. It is dirty, back-breaking work. If the air temperature is above 70 F, then you will be hot up on the roof. As the air temperature approaches 90 F and above, it can become dangerously hot on the roof. Dehydration can make you fatigued, dizzy and more prone to cutting corners. On top of all of this, is the inherent danger of simply working up on a roof. Whether you intend to or not, you will obey the Law of Gravity, and it can be both painful and/or deadly.

These asphalt roof shingles are made to look like slate. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

These asphalt roof shingles are made to look like slate. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

Can you do the work? The answer is maybe. I do not know your skills, and what tools you have. Did I face the same challenges when I did my first roofing job? You bet I did. For this reason, I say you should consider trying if your roof has a shallow pitch such that you can walk over it without fear of sliding off. The best thing you could do is to volunteer to reroof a neighbor's small shed to see if you have what it takes.

There are many different styles, textures and colors in asphalt shingles. There are almost as many different levels of quality. The price per square ( a square is enough material to cover 100 square feet) is an excellent barometer of quality. As the price goes up, so does the quality and the warranty. If you need help visualizing a color and texture, consider buying just one bundle of the roof shingles and lay them on the roof as if they were nailed. Then get down on the ground and look at them to see if you like the color and texture.

I urge you to purchase your roof shingles from a roofing wholesaler that sells roofing supplies to roofers. Visit these well-hidden businesses and talk with the manager. You can discover these oases of information by doing an Internet search or looking in the standby Yellow Pages under "Roofing Supplies". The manager or owner will give you a quick education on the levels of quality across the different shingles. It is best to visit these businesses in mid-morning or mid-afternoon when the roofers are at their job sites.

You can sometimes install a new asphalt roof on top of an existing one. There are building-code considerations, so always check with your local building department. Personally, I have discovered over the years that you get a better job if you strip off the existing roofing materials. This is miserable work, even with the best tools.

Read all of the written instructions you can get from the roof-shingle manufacturer. Instructions are often printed on the packs of shingles, but do additional research to locate photos or videos of roofing tips.

Keep in mind that a majority of roof leaks happen where the roof touches up against something that is not a roof. Examples are skylights, plumbing-vent pipes, exhaust fans, chimneys, walls that extend higher than roofs, etc. You need to expertly install flashings at these locations. Flashings are transitional roofing materials that connect roofs to things that are not a roof.

When you strip off the old roofing material, check the wood sheathing for damage. Be sure the wood is securely nailed to the rafters and there is no wood rot. Install heavy felt paper or a modern water membrane in place of traditional felt paper. Consider using the special membranes that stop water leaks caused by ice dams or wind-driven rain.

You can buy roof shingles that mimic slate or ones that look like wood cedar shakes. From a distance, they do a very good job of fooling the untrained eye. I have used the slate-look asphalt shingles on my Victorian Shed, and they really make it look fantastic.

If you live in a humid climate, be sure you consider buying roof shingles that contain copper in the colored ceramic granules. This copper is a natural biocide that kills the common roof algae that is responsible for the ugly black streaks you see on many residential roof shingles.

Top-quality roofers will install edge flashings as well as a base or sill flashings. These are very important pieces of metal that help keep water away from your wood roof sheathing. Attention to detail is very important when working with flashings. Discover how these work and you will have a roof that keeps you dry in all types of weather.

Column 715

Wood Sheds

Posted on by Tim Carter
wood shed

Wood Sheds | This Victorian outdoor storage shed was built over a period of weeks. It matches the primary home on the lot exactly in design and color and adds tremendous overall value to the property. ©2017 Tim Carter

"Perhaps the most important decision you must make when it comes to your wood shed is not the style, color or amenities - it is the size."

Wood Sheds Checklist

  • Stop and plan - most sheds are too small
  • Wood sheds can add value if they match house style
  • Be sure floor joists and flooring are treated lumber
  • Create a good overhang to prevent siding rot
  • CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter

Related Links

Storage Shed Secrets Revealed

How to Build a Simple DIY Shed

Shed Repair Tips

What is the Easiest DIY Shed to Build?

Wood sheds are perhaps the easiest and most economical outdoor shed you can build. Wood storage sheds are also popular because you can use different styles of wood siding and textures to create a wide variety of looks.

It is not hard to make a shed from wood look Colonial, Rustic, Contemporary, Victorian, etc.

Where Can I Get Two-Story Wood Shed Plans?

You can get them from me. I built a dazzling two-story wood shed in 2013. An architect friend of mine created detailed plans of my shed just for you.

wood sheds

This is my two-story wood shed that has a handy 6-foot-wide overhead door. You can pull in a garden tractor with ease. Wind can cause swinging doors to slam shut. An overhead door seals better against the weather. Copyright 2017 Tim Carter

Carter Shed Plans Building Section

This is a page showing a cross section of my own two-story shed. There are 17 pages to the set of plans!! CLICK THE IMAGE NOW TO BUY THE SHED PLANS. INSTANT DOWNLOAD

Free & Fast Bids

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local contractors who build sheds.

Are Pre-Built Sheds at Home Centers Any Good?

Most of the pre-built sheds I've seen at home centers are not too great.

You'll often see in the parking lot at a home center a line of ready-built wood storage sheds. Most of these are kits that are delivered to your home on a trailer.

It's important to realize you can assemble them or have a contractor do it for you. In my experience, these ready-built sheds are at the low end of the quality scale. If you are looking to build a shed in your yard that you want to last, you may want to avoid these products.

Shed Pictures Can be Glamorous

Wood prefab storage sheds are sometimes like the kits. They look good in pictures, but before you buy one, make sure it is practical.

A point often overlooked is you may see the sizes on a piece of paper or a plan and think it will work for your needs. You may even walk into a model and think it is spacious, but once you begin to store your things you realize you paid for a shed that is grossly undersized.

Easy Shed Space Planning Video

Why is Water the Enemy of my Shed?

Water will rapidly rot the framing lumber, floor joists, and floor of most wood sheds.

The first thing to remember is to pay attention to the different types of wood you might be using. Make the right choices and you can have a shed that can easily last hundreds of years if it is cared for.

Many wood sheds are designed to lay on the ground. Some are even advertised as ground contact where the shed is meant to be in direct contact with the soil. If the right lumber is not used, wood rot can happen in a short amount of time.

Can I Use Treated Lumber Floor Joists and Plywood?

A wood shed can have a wood-floor system made with treated lumber joists and plywood that will last for decades. My own shed is built this way.

Another key point is you would have thought I was building an elevated deck in a corner of my lot if you would have seen my shed under construction. I used treated-wood posts that were approved for burial in the soil as the legs that support my wood shed.

wood sheds

This treated lumber wood-floor system will last for years. Treated-wood posts, rated for burial, were used as the legs. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

Treated-lumber joists were then attached to the posts just as you would to create a deck. These joists were covered with treated plywood so that if my shed floor got wet from equipment, there would be no rot.

Can Wood Rot Happen From Beneath My Shed?

Yes, wood rot can happen if you use untreated lumber to create your floor system. Water vapor from the soil will fuel the growth of fungi that will eat your shed floor.

This treated wood floor will not rot from the underside as water vapor from the soil saturates the shed floor. Regular plywood used for shed floors is a mistake. Make sure your wood shed has a treated-plywood floor.

All of the lumber used to build the rest of my wood shed was not treated wood. Well, I did use treated-lumber bottom plates for the walls just in case any water came into the shed from equipment I was storing.

What is Great Shed Wall Construction?

wood sheds

This is my large storage shed under construction. It has a treated wood floor system. It's just one possible option The wall sheathing is oriented strand board. The walls are over 9-feet 6 inches tall! ©2017 Tim Carter

The wall sheathing in wood sheds can be foam, oriented-strand board (OSB), plywood or a combination of these materials. On top of this, you nail your finished wood.

This can be textured plywoods like the traditional T1-11, lap wood siding, or engineered-wood sheet products that simulate stucco or some other texture. You will be amazed at the variety of wood products you can choose from to finish the exterior of your wood shed.

REMINDER: STOP and Plan for the Right Size

Perhaps the most important decision you must make when it comes to your wood shed is not the style, color or amenities - it is the size. The most common complaint I hear from people after they spend all of the time, money and effort is they wish they had built a bigger shed.

Please go up and watch the planning video above. It only takes a few minutes to figure out the size your shed needs to be.

It is easy to get the size right the first time. All you have to do is drag all of the things you want to put in the shed out onto your lawn where the shed will be.

Arrange the things in such a way that you can get to each item without having to move anything else. Try to organize the things in a square or rectangle.

Measure this outer boundary around all of the possessions and you have the outer walls of your new shed! My guess is you will discover that you need one about 10 feet wide by 14 or 16 feet long.

Read my Outdoor Shed Tips column for a question from Eddie on planning a shed.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local contractors who build sheds.

Security Cameras Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

A new toy - but a very useful one. It is a home security camera kit and it rules the world! Home security cameras can give you peace of mind, and a easy to set up. Below are some of the really neat features of a security camera kit.

This particular home security kit has four indoor / outdoor, full-color, security cameras. The remote security cameras connect to a DVR (digital video recorder) with provided cables up to 60 feet long. Connect the DVR to a small monitor, a computer monitor or a regular tv, and you can see what is happening immediately.

The cameras can be set to react to motion or programmed to take images every few seconds. These awesome security cameras even have night vision technology that allow them to see and record at night or in the dark.

These home security cameras are fantastic. Consider them for your home. They are easy to set up and can give you great peace of mind.

Security Cameras

Posted on by Tim Carter

DEAR TIM: My wife wants me to install security cameras in and around our home as I travel on business quite frequently. Are wireless security cameras the way to go or should I consider wired home security cameras? Do you have to buy separate outdoor security cameras so I can view certain parts of my yard at night? How do you record what the cameras see? Greg H., Wooster, OH

DEAR GREG: Security cameras for home use are gaining in popularity. Years ago, you had to have a certain skill set to be able to install a grouping of home security cameras. But technology has advanced to a degree that you can purchase a home security camera kit that has everything you need to install cameras, digitally record what they see and even watch the images of all the cameras at once in real time. If you really want to make sure your wife is safe, you can watch things going on at your home while you are out of town on business!

The home security cameras I have at my own home are very interesting. These security cameras record in full color and produce stunning clarity using natural available light. My cameras are equipped with infrared sensors that allow them to see at night nearly as well as they do in the daytime. To put it mildly, I am amazed at the quality of the images produced by the cameras.

This color security camera is smaller than a can of soup, but it produces clear images in natural light or even total darkness! PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

This color security camera is smaller than a can of soup, but it produces clear images in natural light or even total darkness! PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

Wireless security cameras are something you should look at if you need to install a security camera in a location that will be hard to extend thin video cables. Many of the compact home security cameras need a power supply and an additional cable that transmits the video signal back to a monitor or a recording device. Installing the cables so they are hidden can be challenging, so this is why many people are attracted to the convenience of wireless security cameras. But keep in mind these cameras need to have a power supply that can be batteries or a low-voltage cable from a nearby transformer.

Watch Tim's Video on Security Cameras. Click to play.

Watch Tim's Video on Security Cameras. Click to play.

 

 

Many of the cameras kits you can buy have security cameras than can be used either indoors or outdoors. Outdoor security cameras are usually clearly marked for outdoor use. To minimize moisture problems, try to mount the cameras so they are protected by an overhang that will keep them dry from all but the most-violent wind-driven rain.

Be sure you look at home security cameras that are equipped with infrared sensors that give the cameras night-vision capability. My cameras that have this allow me to see my yard at night even when there is no moon in the sky. I am constantly amazed at all of the things I can see outdoors in the dark. You can buy a small camera that is rated for outdoor use, transmits in full color, has night vision and is smaller than a soup can.

The images the cameras see can be recorded on a powerful digital video recorder (DVR). I have a DVR that will record the images from four cameras at the same time. I can set the DVR to record only if the cameras sense motion, it can be set to take still shots every few seconds or it can record all it sees. The size of the hard drive inside the DVR can be huge so that you can record for weeks without recording over images.

There are many other options and recording features you can get with modern home security cameras. The best part is they are affordable, especially when you buy them in a kit. One of the kits I prefer has four indoor/outdoor color cameras that have motion sensing and night vision. You also get a fancy monitor and a high-powered DVR that allows you to record up to 55 days of images.

This kit can be connected to the Internet so you can view the images from a remote location. It can also send email alerts with image shots if you want to know when something happens that the cameras see. You can bet I will be installing this kit to watch over the jobsite of my new home as it is being built. Can you imagine how cool it would be to know when someone pulls up the road to the site or when someone is snooping around in the dark? The cameras would allow me to call the police from 1,000 miles away.

You do not need to be an electronics genius to setup and record images with these home security cameras. In less than an hour, you can have a kit unpacked, cameras in place and recording.

Many of the kits have all of the parts you need. It only takes a few skills to make the connections and be up and running. With a little effort, you can have images streaming out on the Internet so that you or a group of friends can view what the cameras see.

Remember that you must respect the privacy of others and do not record images that you have no rights to. When used properly, security cameras are powerful tools. Use that power wisely and responsibly.

Column 709

Plumbing Tools

Posted on by Tim Carter

DEAR TIM: You may not like this, but I am about to attempt some diy plumbing. I have all sorts of plumbing questions, and I need some help selecting some plumbing tools. What are the most important tools you think I should buy? The primary plumbing supplies I will be using are copper tubing for water lines and PVC for the drain lines. What plumbing tools have served you well in your career? Barbara D., Baltimore, MD

DEAR BARBARA: Believe it or not, I have no issues with anyone attempting to do diy plumbing. Even licensed master plumbers, like myself, had to solder their first copper fitting and weld their first PVC joint. But you will learn very quickly that plumbing is a true craft, and that you will not learn how to do it from watching shows on television. What's more, you need to develop a deep respect for the work immediately as your health and that of those around you can be negatively affected if you fail to do all things in strict accordance with all plumbing codes.

Let's talk about some of the basic tools you must have to work with copper tubing. I feel you must have a high-quality tubing cutter. This plumbing tool has a hardened-steel wheel that rotates around the copper tube. As you tighten the tool, the cutting wheel cuts into the copper with each revolution of the tool. The cutter makes precise cuts that are free from burrs you will get if you try to use a hacksaw.

These different plumbing tools have helped do lots of work. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

These different plumbing tools have helped do lots of work. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

To melt the solder that is used to make leak-free joints, you can get by with a propane torch. But if you are thinking about doing lots of solder joints, an acetylene torch will serve you well as it burns hotter than propane. You will also need some small circular wire brushes and abrasive paper, but these are things that wear out and must be replaced on a regular basis.

You will undoubtedly need an assortment of wrenches to round out your plumbing-tool collection. A 14-inch pipe wrench is a great beginner size that will work well in many situations. I would buy an adjustable wrench that will work well on compression nuts and toilet bolts. You might find a need from time to time for an adjustable set of pliers. A basin wrench is a must-have tool. It will allow you to tighten nuts under countertops in that narrow space between the sink and the cabinet.

I will assume you already own different types and sizes of screwdrivers. You will need these for sure. The same is true for a hammer, tape measure, different levels and all personal safety equipment.

You will thank your lucky stars if you can afford a power mitre-box saw, a regular power drill and a right-angle drill. The powerful right-angle drill is made to accept boring bits that make the giant holes for PVC pipes that penetrate wall studs, wall plates and floors.

A power reciprocating saw is a must-have plumbing tool. These saws allow you to make any number of cuts when you are installing all of the pipes before the walls, floors and ceilings are finished.

There are many more specialized tools used by plumbers. I have so many, I sometimes marvel at the investment made over the years. For example, I have a special hand-held flaring tool made just for three-quarter-inch soft copper. The tool is used when you connect a primary water line to a water meter, the actual municipal water valve, or an interior shut-off valve in a home.

Then there are all of the pipe-threading dies I use to thread black-iron pipe for gas line work. The dies, ratchet, pipe vise, cutting tool etc. are all made to work with pipe that must be custom fabricated in each particular home.

Other plumbers could easily expand this plumbing-tool list. There are all sorts of tools you will buy if you really start to enjoy this line of work. I must admit that plumbing work is among that which gives me the greatest amount of satisfaction. There is something that is really special about soldering 50 or more copper fittings over a period of several hours, letting them cool and then turn on the water to see there is not one leak. That is a neat feeling!

I highly recommend buying quality tools. The extra money will give you tools that will not let you down in a time of need, but they will also last for many years. Visit a plumbing supply house that sells nothing but plumbing goods and you will often see the best tools on display.

Be sure to dry plumbing tools that get wet. Most quality tools are made so they have few parts that will rust, but all the same keep old rags handy that you can use to dry your tools. Keep them oiled if necessary to prevent rust when they are stored.

Avoid buying low-cost saw blades. Great saw blades that are more costly will often hold their edge longer and produce straighter cuts.

Column 708

How to Install a Kitchen Faucet Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Installing a kitchen faucet is not as hard as you might think. Discover how to install a faucet as Tim guides you step by step. The first thing to do is to read the printed instructions from the manufacturer. Do not skip this important step.

The opening between the faucet and the countertop, or sink surface, must be sealed. Some faucets come with a built-in thin rubber seal. If the faucet you use does not have a seal, then use a ring of plumber's putty.

Use the large nuts to draw the faucet tight to the countertop. It is best to use a special plumbing basin wrench for this job. The design of the basin wrench allows you to reach the tight space between the sink and the cabinet. The swivel head allows you to use the wrench to tighten or loosen nuts.

The next step is to continue the water supply to the faucet. Tim prefers to use flexible supply lines with a braided stainless steel covering. This acts like armor that keeps the supply line from bursting. The supply lines come in a variety of lengths. Purchase the length the fits your plumbing job. The ends of the supply lines will have different size nuts. The larger nut connects to the brass threads on the valve outlet. The smaller nut is a 3/8 compression nut. This is a common size for shut off valves or fittings that solder to copper pipe.

When installing the supply line between the water line and the faucet, it is important to flush out the water line before connecting the supply lines. Why? Because there can be small pieces of copper shavings, sediment in the water pipe or leftover flux from the soldered connections. You do not want that material to get up into the faucet.

The basin wrench is needed to connect the supply line to the valve outlet. A regular open-end wrench can be used to connect the supply line to the shut-off valve or the water line fitting.

If the faucet comes with a veggie spray, be sure to connect it before turning on the water. Or your cabinet will fill up with water! The first step is to attach the decorative ring to the top of the countertop. Use plumber's putty to create a seal between the ring and the counter. Install the large nut and washer to the underside of the sprayer. Be sure not to over tighten plastic nuts.

Next, feed the flexible hose from the veggie sprayer through the top of the decorative ring down into the cabinet. Apply thread joint compound to the end of the threaded supply tube that feeds water from the faucet to the veggie spray. Tighten the nut on the end of the hose to complete the installation.

If you installed the faucet before installing any of the drain lines (easier to work under the sink without the drain lines in the way), be sure to have a bucket under the faucet when you turn on the water. The bucket will catch the water since the drains have not been installed. Test the faucet and veggie spray. You have completed the kitchen faucet installation. Easy if you take your time and follow the instructions.