Expert Advice on Home Improvement

We’re taking a look at some innovative green ideas from the Los Angeles homes of actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. and science guru Bill Nye. From conserving water to solar landscape lighting to green lawn equipment, find out how you can make your home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Read in full.

The Milwaukee M-Spector Cordless Camera can be equipped with a 3’ or 8’ long waterproof cable that can fit through a 3/4” diameter hole to see inside walls or down plumbing pipes. Adjustable zoom and a three stage LED light enhance the image on the LCD color screen. The M-Spector Camera is available at The Home Depot. Watch this video.

The Ridgid Faucet and Sink Installer is a multipurpose tool for use under sinks that can turn a frustrating job into an easy one. Uses include tightening and removing faucet nuts and supply lines, turning shut off valves, and holding strainer baskets in place. It’s available at The Home Depot. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

With the rising cost of gas and electricity, finding ways to cut back on your energy consumption is more important than ever. To help you cope, we’re taking a look at four great ways to make your home more energy efficient that are also eligible for the Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit: upgrading your heating and cooling system, water heater, windows, and attic insulation. Read in full.

This homemade rain barrel for recycling rainwater for use in your lawn and garden is an easy do-it-yourself project that costs less than $50. Watch this video to find out how. Watch this video.

Gail asks, “I would like to put in a tankless hot water heater, but I’m concerned that the water will not get hot enough. Is that a problem?”

When sized properly, tankless water heaters can get the water plenty hot enough. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Dean asks, “When we use the hot water in our new home, there is a very strong smelly odor. Please help.“

There are several possibilities for the unpleasant odor in your water, including the material the pipes are made of and the water supply itself. Read on to find out some of the causes of smells in your water and what you can do about it. Read in full.

If your home uses a septic tank to dispose of waste water, it’s important to know how to keep it in proper working order. Here are the basics you need to know to maintain the septic tank system for your home. Read in full.

Here are six simple do-it-yourself projects that can solve some common home improvement problems around your home. Read on to find out how to coat a garage floor, replace a security light, install bifold closet doors, refurbish an entry door, replace a showerhead, and install a tile floor. Read in full.

Betty asks, “I recently had my septic tank pumped out and noticed a steady stream of water coming from the house drain pipe into the tank. Where could it be coming from?”

The most likely culprit is a leaking toilet, but there are a couple of other possibilities to consider as well. Read on to find out more. Read in full.