Tired of having to walk to dog at all hours of the winter day? Tom & Leslie walk though the best options in doggy doors, plus dish out the best recipe to make sidewalk ice disappear with destroying concrete and share a $20 improvement that will provide more hot water.


Adding a doggy door lets your pooch walk him or herself! Learn how to pick the right door (there’s at least 4 types!), get it properly installed and teach your pet to use. Learn the best way to burglar proof your pet door so skinny burglars don’t try and slip inside!

Wondering why your walks look worn and pitted after every winter? Traditional rock salt works, but it’s extremely corrosive to surfaces and leaves concrete pitted and worn. Tom & Leslie share a recipe for a non-corrosive deicer that won’t harm your sidewalks or your indoor floors when it’s tracked into the house. It’s also a lot safer for pets!

Find out why your water heater has to work harder in cold temperatures and how a $20 DIY project can make your hot water last a lot longer.

Plus, answers to questions about countertop refinishing, sealing drafty windows, heating a garage, leaky roofs and finishing a basement and more.
Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.
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Episode #1959: Doggy Doors  | Recipe for Sidewalk Salt that Won’t Destroy Concrete | $20 Solution to Increase Hot Water

Does your home ever feel like “a Money Pit?”  It doesn’t have to be that way!  We’re Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete, hosts of The Money Pit Podcast. For us, a money pit is not a disaster – it’s a home you love! Whether you’re dealing with a repair or dreaming about a reno, consider us your coach, helper or home improvement therapist for all things remodeling, decor or fix up! From bathrooms to basements, demolition to décor and gardening to garages, we share non-biased expertise to help you tackle your to-do’s with confidence. Taking care of a home can be a combination of love, pride and heart-stopping fear - but we promise to help you plan, save you money and spare you from snafus. Join us for new episodes every Monday and Thursday, just in time to plan your next home improvement adventure!

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SHOW NOTES:
Transform your home and garden with expert tips on today's episode! We start with strategies for optimizing your garage workspace for DIY projects, then serve up ideas for creating your own pizza garden to grow your favorite fresh toppings. Finally, learn the importance of deep cleaning your washing machine from dirt and odors and hear answers to more home improvement questions!
- Washing Machine: Put a new spin on laundry day by deep cleaning your washing machine to banish dirt and odors.
- Gardening: If you want to spice up your gardening projects, nothing tops growing a delicious pizza garden.
- Garage Space: Get tips for creating an efficient garage workspace to make every DIYer more productive.
 
Q & A:
- Porch Railing: Karen wants to add a railing to her porch and is concerned about it being sturdy enough. She gets tips on using the right screws and where to attach it.
- Insulation: Mike’s old house has no insulation inside the brick walls. He should seal any drafts, add attic insulation, and install rigid insulation board and new drywall inside.
- Popcorn Ceiling: Removing a popcorn ceiling can be a mess, but Laurie gets suggestions on how to wet and scrape the surface without damaging the ceiling.
- Water Softener: Ellie seeks advice on replacing her water softener that’s outside the home. We recommend testing the water and getting a model that’s rated for exterior use.
- Landscaping: There are hills and sinkholes in the lawn above the septic tank. Heavy equipment may crush the pipes, so Chris should use a wheelbarrow to add topsoil and level out the lawn.
- Windows: The original windows in a historic home are very drafty. Jim can add weatherstripping or temporary caulk, or find a company that makes replacement windows to match the old style.
- Microwave: The light under Frieda’s old microwave above the stove keeps burning out. We discuss several possible causes, but it may be time to replace the appliance.
- Plumbing Odors: Sewer odors are coming from the bathroom sink, tub, and shower. Gary gets tips on how to scrub the drains with oxygenated bleach to clean out the biogases and bacteria.
- Hardwood Floor: Jennifer is installing hardwood flooring and gets information on placing it parallel to the longest walls and measuring the room to avoid narrow cuts.
 
ASK A QUESTION:
Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.
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#2407 – A New Spin: How to Deep Clean Your Washing Machine | Grow a Pizza Garden | Garage Workspace

SHOW NOTES:
In this episode, we cover a trio of crucial home improvement topics. First, we share top painting tips to achieve a flawless finish. Next, we discuss maintaining healthy indoor air quality without sacrificing energy efficiency. Finally, learn about installing a front door that looks great and increases your home's value and security. Tune in for these and other answers to questions from homeowners like you!
- Painting Tips: Avoid painting predicaments by brushing up on these tips to paint like a pro.
- Ventilation: Energy efficiency is great, but can your home be too airtight for healthy living?
- Front Doors: Learn how to install a welcoming front door that provides curb appeal, value, and security to your home.

Q & A:
- Garage Trim: Mice and water are coming in through gaps in the corners of Dawn’s garage doors. We recommend replacing the vertical pieces of weatherstripping to seal the spaces.
- Bathroom Renovation: Is it a good idea to flip the toilet and the shower on a cement slab? Scott learns it’s a massive renovation job that’s not worth the expense and effort.
- Water Quality: The cold water from only one faucet has a sickening taste. Nancy should report it to the water company and have the water tested.
- Ceiling Drywall: Kenny can see the outline of the studs behind his ceiling. It’s called ghosting and he gets tips on what causes it and how to hide it.
- Wood Flooring: George gets advice on installing hardwood flooring in his family room, including how to prep the subfloor and paying attention to the pattern of the boards.
- Electrical Outlets: When Belinda installs new GFCI outlets, do they need their own circuit breakers? We explain why it’s not necessary and how to use an outlet tester.
- HVAC: It would be a shame for Steve to remove his efficient and comfortable steam heat radiators, but he can still add a ducted air conditioning system.
- Granite Countertops: How often should granite countertops be sealed? Every two or three years is recommended, but Dave can use some recommended DIY products. 
 
ASK A QUESTION:
Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.
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#2406 – Brush Up on Tips to Paint Like a Pro | Is Your Home Too Airtight? | Front Doors Add Value

SHOW NOTES:
In this podcast episode, we debunk a popular but misguided lawn care strategy for mowing your grass. We’ll also discuss why metal roofs are winning over homeowners by promising protection for decades, then delve into advancements in hardwood flooring. Tune in for insights on tackling your home improvement projects with expert guidance!
- Lawn Care: Follow these mowing tips to ensure a healthy lawn that is a cut above the rest.
- Metal Roofs: Steel the show by installing a metal roof for durability, style, and energy efficiency.
- Hardwood Floors: Easy-to-install hardwood flooring brings beauty and value to a home.
 
Q & A:
- Brick Adhesive: Debbie is struggling to remove glue around her brick fireplace. There’s no way to do it without ruining the surface, so we suggest installing new plasterboard over the brick.
- Attic Ventilation: Paul has a tile roof with gable vents and a roof-mounted AC unit. We discuss his best options for attic ventilation.
- Hardwood Floors: What’s the best way to refinish a worn hardwood floor? Joyce gets tips on lightly sanding the surface and applying an oil-based polyurethane.
- Plywood Siding: Dennis has T1-11 siding and wants to change it. He can simply install Tyvek and HardiePlank siding right over the old siding.
- Exterior Paint: The paint is peeling and flaking off Donna’s cedar shingles. She must pressure wash and scrape off the old layers of paint, then use an oil-based primer for good adhesion before repainting the cedar siding.
- Sink Finish: Matthew has one sink flange that corrodes every time it’s replaced. It’s an odd problem that may be caused by the water acidity and the quality of the flange finish.
- Insect Screening: Flies are coming in under the edges of a barn roof. Diane should install screening over any vent openings and have a professional apply pesticide for flies.
- Heated Tile Floor: How should electric heating be installed under a tile bathroom floor? Tim gets advice on subfloor options and piping for the heated floor system.
- Roof Vents: Debra has ceiling stains directly under the roof vent pipes. It’s easy to replace any flashing and rubber boots that are deteriorated and cracked.
 
ASK A QUESTION:
Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.
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#2405 – A Cut Above the Rest: Lawn Mowing Tips | Long-Lasting Metal Roofs | Better Hardwood Flooring

SHOW NOTES:
In this one-stop shop for all things home improvement, we’ll tackle the war against bathroom germs, explore the art of building a paver patio that lasts, reveal expert tips for restoring rotted wood, and answer more questions from callers. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice homeowner, this episode has something for everyone!
- Bathroom Germs: Experts are flush with ideas on the best way to stop the spread of bathroom germs.
- Paver Patio: Get some tricks of the trade on building a paver patio that will last for years to come.
- Rotted Wood: When wet weather leads to rotted wood, learn how to restore and rebuild the damaged areas.
 
Q & A:
- Windows: Amy thinks her windows are discolored from water damage, but it’s probably normal fading from sun and rain. Sanding and exterior polyurethane can restore the finish.
- Shower Plumbing: The shower temperature changes whenever the toilet flushes. Brad needs to install a pressure balance valve to regulate the mix of hot and cold water.
- Pest Control: Ick! Kelly wants to get rid of bugs, slugs, and rodents. She must seal any gaps, remove any food that may attract rodents, and hire a professional for general pesticide treatment.
- Mortar Repair: The mortar is breaking apart between the doorframes and limestone of Steve’s home. He gets tips on removing the loose mortar and how to repoint those areas.
- Tree Roots: Large tree roots in Kevin’s yard are a problem. We suggest covering them with natural landscaping solutions like mulch, soil, or groundcover plants.
- Electrical Outlets: Pat has questions about installing GFCI outlets in his kitchen. They’re good to have and we explain how they work and how he can do it.
- Sealing Concrete: Past flooding left cracks in Bonnie’s basement floor. She can use silicone caulk to seal them and add a two-part epoxy product over the surface.
- Plumbing Noise: Robert’s new faucet is making a trumpet sound! He get tips on checking the washer and aerator for obstructions before having to replace the faucet.
- Ventilation: After reshingling his roof, Ken gets advice about removing the power vent, adding ridge vents, and completely opening the soffits to improve ventilation.
 
ASK A QUESTION:
Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.
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#2404 – Flush Out Bathroom Germs | Patio Paver Perfection That Lasts | How to Restore Rotted Wood

SHOW NOTES:
Get the practical advice you need in this episode, with tips on constructing a raised garden bed, optimizing garage space, and troubleshooting vacuum issues. From gardening to storage to cleaning, we’ve got tips to help homeowners with these and other home improvement questions!
- Raised Garden Bed: Get tips on building a raised garden bed for the perfect DIY project.
- Garage Space: A new survey reveals how homeowners are optimizing garage space in creative ways.
- Vacuum Repairs: Find out what to do when your vacuum cleaner’s suction sucks.
 
Q & A:
- Crack Over Stairs: Anne is worried that cracks above her stairs are caused by her house shifting. She needs a home inspector who specializes in structural issues.
- Drain Pipe: The cast iron drain pipe under Dan’s basement floor keeps clogging. He can get it relined with a fiberglass sleeve without having to remove the pipe.
- Rusty Bathtub: Can an old rusty cast iron tub be restored? Margaret could have it reglazed by a professional, but it may be better to just replace the tub.
- Window Replacement: What should be included in the cost of window replacement? Michael gets advice on quality indicators, measurements, and more.
- Basement HVAC: Mark has questions about the radiant heating above his basement ceiling. We’ve got suggestions about drop ceilings and disconnecting the heating.
- Shower Plumbing: Jackie is replacing an old tub with a tile shower. She’ll need to have a plumber reroute a new diverter valve.
- Garage Door: Scott’s garage doors freeze when snow melts off the cars. New rubber gaskets that won’t stick to ice and installing garage floor tiles that drain will help the problem.
- Hardwood Floors: What is the best way to maintain new hardwood floors? We’ve got concerns about steam cleaning and suggest checking the manufacturer’s instructions.
 
ASK A QUESTION:
Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.
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Episode #1959: Doggy Doors | Recipe for Sidewalk Salt that Won’t Destroy Concrete | $20 Solution to Increase Hot Water

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