Clothes dryer
If your clothes take a long time to dry, the problem may not be the dryer — it may be the venting system.

In this week’s Today’s Homeowner Podcast, we hear about a dryer that’s vented into a crawlspace where hot, moist air travels 30 feet before exiting into the yard.

Installing PVC and flexible aluminum piping didn’t solve the problem for one homeowner, probably because the piping’s travel path includes so many ups and downs, twists and turns.

This is a common problem for homeowners, and the solution — an inline booster fan — may surprise you.

Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!


  • [skipto time=2:06][2:06][/skipto] Clothes dryer doesn’t dry clothes well — what can I do?
  • [skipto time=5:52][5:52][/skipto] Tips to convert a dresser into a bathroom vanity
  • [skipto time=10:05][10:05][/skipto] Best New Product: HardieBacker Cement Board
  • [skipto time=11:28][11:28][/skipto] Tips to evenly stain a deck
  • [skipto time=12:52][12:52][/skipto] Tips to safely remove a bathroom mirror glued to the wall
  • [skipto time=14:39][14:39][/skipto] Interview: Peter Daich talks about Daich Coatings’ TracSafe Anti-Slip Sealer
  • [skipto time=19:59][19:59][/skipto] Simple Solution: How to easily cut wide rolls of paper and roof-felt
  • [skipto time=21:44][21:44][/skipto] How to get rid of unwanted grass in your garden
  • [skipto time=24:55][24:55][/skipto] Should you seal off an old exhaust fan in a laundry room?
  • [skipto time=28:42][28:42][/skipto] Question of the Week: How to replace a floor outlet after installing a new floor

Simple Solutions

Paper-Cutting Tip — To cut a wide roll of paper with a utility knife, stand the roll on its end and unroll as much as you need. But, don’t cut down through the top edge, or the paper will flop over, making it difficult to cut a straight line. And the paper might tear.

Instead, start cutting about 2 inches down from the top edge and continue all the way down and through the bottom edge. Now cut or tear through the remaining paper at the top.

This works great for brown packing paper, builders felt, roll roofing and foam underlayment, and any other thin sheet goods that come in wide rolls.

Watch the Video

Easy-Off Lids— To keep metal, twist-on lids from sticking to cans of varnish, oil and other finishes, place a small piece of waxpaper over the threads before twisting on the lid.

The waxpaper will also create an airtight seal to keep the finish from drying out.


Question of the Week

Q: We replaced our carpet with wood and our floor electrical outlet is now below the floor level. What do I need to do to bring the outlet up to the level of the wood flooring?

A: You’ll need an adjustable electrical box extension. Be careful! If you’re not comfortable or familiar with electrical work, get an electrician to install it.


Other Products and Links Mentioned


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Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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