This week on the Today’s Homeowner Podcast, we’re talking about what to do when a homeowner’s plumbing fittings are causing leaks.
“The crimp rings are corroding and weakening the plumbing fittings and causing leaks,” a fan says. “I’m worried that every fitting has this issue. Before I start cutting everything back maybe you can help me out!” Skip to [13:45] for our advice for this homeowner’s problem!
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for the answer to that along with more home improvement tips. Here are other topics featured in this episode:
- What wall material to use when finishing a bathroom
- How to prevent grass from eating into an asphalt driveway
- Gutter guard recommendations
- Finding the cause of latex oil-based paint peeling off a ceiling
Best New Products
 | The Watco Teak Oil + Stain will leave any dense wood looking beautiful! Learn More >> |
Simple Solutions
Brass Screw Tip — Small brass screws are beautiful and decorative, but they’re also soft, so it’s easy to strip the head or snap the screw in half.
To prevent these problems, try this: First, drill a pilot hole and then drive in a steel screw that’s the same size as the brass screw. What you’re doing is essentially threading a hole in the wood to accept the brass screw.
Next, back out the steel screw and drive in the brass screw.
Watch: How to Install Brass Screws Without Breaking
How to Restore Rusty Tools — If you have some hand tools that are badly rusted, don’t toss them out, restore them to like-new condition in a vinegar bath.
First, get a plastic bin big enough to hold your rusted tools. Next, pour white vinegar over the tools so they are completely submerged and let them sit for at least two days. While they’re soaking, you’ll see some of the corrosion dissolving off the tools.
After two days, take a wire brush and scrub off the remaining rust. Then you’ll want to dry the tools well and spray them with some lubricant.
Watch: How to Clean Rusty Tools to Make Them Look Brand New
Question of the Week
Q: What’s the best way to repair two popped nailheads that are only two inches apart?
A: In this case, it’s the same repair as this Simple Solution but with three screws instead. I recommend driving in one screw one inch above one of the popped nails and then driving another screw in between the other two nails that are two inches apart. Then drive in one inch below the lower nail and pop out the nails.
Other Products and Links Mentioned
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product from these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Further Reading
- How to Secure a Metal Outside Corner Bead to Drywall
- How to Paint Outdoor Light Fixtures
- Removing Brass Finish from Plated Door Hinges