Forshowers with existing caulk, removing the caulk is a necessary precursor to applying new caulk. Do not use the shower before caulking it. For tiled showers, wait until thegroutis fully cured and sealed. The Spruce / Kevin Norris Thoroughly clean all grout haze first. This key in of damage to caulk can result in trapped moisture and water damage. Most types of caulk must be applied when the temperature is between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit....

Baseboard gaps aren’t just unattractive; they also allow drafts to enter the home. One solution is to apply caulk to the gaps. Should You Caulk Baseboards? Lee Rogers / Getty Images Plus, it’s a look that many homeowners don’t like. One way to close this gap is to install quarter-round or shoe molding. Quarter-round is thin enough that it bends to hug the contours of saggy floors. Paintable caulks are acrylic-latex products that take paint as well....

If these joints aren’t caulked, water can easily get behind them and into the wall. Rinse the area and dry it with a clean rag. Caulk adheres best to a clean surface, so double-check the walls and trim are completely clean and dry. Vstock / Getty Images The lower down on the tube you cut, the larger the opening and resulting caulk bead. For trim, a 1/4- to 3/8-inch bead is good....

Apply the Thread-Sealing Tape Wrap thethread-sealing tapearound the threads. Each layer should cover half of the previous layer as you wrap up the threads. Your shower head may not require a wrench to fasten it to the pipe in the wall securely. The Spruce / Kevin Norris A top-mount shower head or smart shower head could require electrical wiring. You do not need to shut off the water to the house to change a shower head....

Even homeowners who haven’t done electrical work can safely complete this project in about half an hour. The leading edge of the box should be flush with the wall. In most cases, it’s possible for you to reuse the box that’s already there. The Spruce / Kevin Norris Wear safety glasses and gloves while working on the light fixture. double-check that the package has all items. Check the condition of the light and its wiring....

Tile grout betweenceramic tilesoften starts as one color and gradually changes to a darker color. Dirt, mold, and mildew build up over time, and the grout darkens. Coloring grout freshens up the entire tile layout, all without having to replace the tile. The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz Recoloring Grout vs. ## Recoloring Grout Recoloring tile jointsinvolves painting a grout colorant onto the grout. Colorants are usually a blend of colorant and sealer....

If available, choose an electronic ballast. Compare the cost of the ballast to the cost of a new fluorescent light fixture. It may be less expensive and easier to replace the entire fixture than the ballast. The Spruce / Kevin Norris If the fixture has a cord and plug, unplug it to disconnect from power. If these ballasts leak, they should be regarded as hazardous waste and treated carefully. Dispose of old ballasts at your nearest hazardous waste disposal site....

The oil reduces friction between moving metal parts and protects the life of your engine. Read on to learn how to properly check, add, and change the oil in your lawn mower. When Should I Change My Lawn Mower Oil? The Spruce / Almar Creative Change the oil in a lawn mower engine at least once a year. If you use the mower heavily or it is older, you may need to change it more often....

In some jurisdictions, they are required even if windows are present. Bathroom exhaust fans must be vented to the outside through ductwork or sidewalls. Moist air leads to mold growth and odors lead to general unpleasantness. The Spruce / Margot Cavin Check with the manufacturer to verify you could put insulation over the box of a fan with accessories. Standard fan sizing applies to bathrooms that are 100 square feet or less....

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly Coffee tablesare ubiquitous and come in many shapes and sizes. It also offers a great place to rest your feet or eat a meal. Our comprehensive guide will help you narrow down your choices to getthe right coffee tablefor the living room. The Spruce / Jason Donnelly More fragile and delicate surfaces such as glass can be used in living rooms. Family room:A family room needs a sturdier coffee table....

What Is a Countertop Overhang? Countertop overhang varies against walls, next to appliances, and for bars or countertop seating. With countertop seating, an even greater overhang distance is needed because the users legs are bent while seated. XU WU / Getty Images The room side of the square item should be flush with the edge of the countertop. Measure the Overhang Press the end of the tape measure against the cabinet....

Gray Space Interiors Professionals agree thatcurtainsare pretty much a non-negotiable during the design process. Why exactly are curtains so key? But you won’t want to rush into the curtain-buying process. Gray Space Interiors Below, experts weigh in with what to keep in mind when selecting a curtain hue for your space. “In fact, it should be one of the last choices you make. Daria Demin, ofCirca 22 Design Studio, maintains a similar approach....

Considerchoosing a dining room rugbased on several factors including sizing, materials, and pile height. Another key factor to consider is the material and how easy it is to clean. Is the rug easy to wipe clean or are stains hard to get out? The Spruce / Michelle Becker If the rug is too small, it can create tripping hazards and make moving chairs difficult. If it is too large, it can overwhelm the room or run into nearby furniture pieces....