How to Install a Ridge Vent on a Shingled Roof

There are two primary types of ridge vents:shingle-over ventsandaluminum vents. This aluminum cap is the finished product and does not require additional asphalt shingle ridge caps. The ridge of the roof is prepared similarly for both types of ridge vents. JenniferPhotographyImaging / Getty Images Safety Considerations For safety, always wear fall-arresting equipment when working on a roof. Start at the end with the last over-lapping cap shingle. Remove the shingle cap....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 222 words · Audrey Norris

How to Install a Self-Piercing Saddle Valve

The saddle valve adds a new water supply line for appliances like refrigerators with ice makers and water dispensers. They are also designed for water systems with a maximum pressure of no more than 125 psi. What Is Maximum Psi of a System? The Spruce / Kevin Norris Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch, or psi, using a pressure gauge. What Is a Saddle Valve? A saddle valve is essentially a pop in of needle valve....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 288 words · Angela Mathews

How to Install a Shower Drain

The Spruce / Kevin Norris There are several options when choosing a shower drain. Any of these material types can be used with steel, fiberglass, or acrylic shower bases. Trimming the drain pipe can be done with a hacksaw or plastic tubing cutter. The Spruce / Kevin Norris If using a hacksaw, see to it to make the cut so it is flat and level. Put the rubber sealing washer and cardboard friction washer over the drain assembly tailpiece from under the shower base....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 452 words · Christopher Collins

How to Install a Smart Thermostat

The blue or black wire is the C-wire or common wire. If your current thermostat is a Wi-Fi thermostat, it will have a five-wire cable that includes the C-wire. The existing two-, three-, or four-wire thermostat cable will be abandoned. The Spruce / Kevin Norris A new five-wire cable will befished through walls, ceilings, or floors. Room temperature swings may result. Tip Even smart thermostats that do not require a C-wire will have C-wire capability....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 518 words · Jessica Franklin

How to Install a Stair Nosing Strip in 6 Simple Steps

Stair nosing strips protect the edges of the treads from wear and damage, preventing chipping and cracking. Installing a stair nosing strip is an easy do-it-yourself project that takes just a few minutes. What Is a Stair Nosing Strip? The Spruce / Lee Wallender When viewed from the side, most stair nosings have an L-shaped or 90-degree profile. Some stair nosing strips' L-shape is curved on the front to conform with bullnose-shaped stair treads....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 387 words · Kelly Randolph

How to Install a Stairway Handrail

Other organizations maintain their own standards, though they are usually quite similar to the IRC’s. The more brackets you use, the sturdier the handrail will be. Cut Handrail to Length Measure and cut the handrail to the desired length. David Sacks / Getty Images These reference marks will show the location of thetop edgeof the handrail. These marks indicate the location of the tops of the support brackets. The tops of the brackets should be flush with thebottomedgeof the handrail....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 135 words · Natalie Smith

How to Install a Sump Pump in 15 Steps

If yourbasement has water problems, a sump pump can help remedy the problem. Most sump pumps are relatively inexpensive. bang out of Sump Pump to Buy Choose thebest sump pumpfor your home’s basement. The Spruce / Margot Cavin Carefully observe where water collects after heavy rains. Mark this area on the floor. Stay at least 10 inches from the walls to avoid damaging the foundation footing. youngvet / Getty Images...

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 528 words · Kent Flores

How to Install a Toilet in Just One Hour, Step by Step

Before You Begin Prepare the work area so that you have everything you need within reach. check that that thetoilet you buycomes with a wax ring. If not, purchase a wax ring or a silicone ring. The Spruce / Kevin Norris Rotate the handle clockwise to shut off the water flow. With the putty knife and an old screwdriver, scrape the wax ring residue from the closet flange. Remove the old toilet floor flange bolts....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 605 words · Valerie Becker

How to Install a Towel Bar Securely

DonNichols / Getty Images Towel bars are infamous for coming out of the walls, leaving damageddrywallbehind. Read ahead to learn how to install a towel bar the right way, with or without a stud. Before You Begin Towel bars are available in several widths. DonNichols / Getty Images In an ideal world, each end of the towel bar would be securely fastened to astud. This almost never happens, but if possible, it will make your towel bar much stronger....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 248 words · Jaime Martin

How to Install a Wall Sconce

In bathrooms, they step in as task lighting when paired on either side of the mirror. What Is a Wall Sconce? Unless you arereplacing an existing sconce light, your home will not have this. The Spruce / Kevin Norris What you could count on, though, is another location where you could draw power: electric outlets. Every outlet provides a convenient starting point for wire leading upward to a sconce light....

May 4, 2025 · 4 min · 690 words · Carolyn Mckee

How to Install a Water Hammer Arrester

Water hammer arresters are simple devices that are installed within the water line to a specific fixture or appliance. Arresters absorb the shock wave created by a sudden stoppage of the water flow. Installing a water arrester on each line supplying the offending fixture (or fixtures) usually solves the problem. The Spruce / Kevin Norris Keep reading to learn how to install a water hammer arrestor washing machine. The most common culprits include washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, and refrigerator ice makers or water dispensers....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 308 words · Thomas Gonzales

How to Install a Water Heater Expansion Tank

Tip The instructions below use existing copper tubing, and should be taken as general guidance. It typically sits vertically but can also sit horizontally if there are space constraints and your specific tank allows. Tighten Adapter Tighten the copper adapter securely with a pipe wrench or channel-lock pliers. The Spruce / Kevin Norris Next, attach a female threaded adapter to the horizontal pipe using your preferred connection method. Many plumbers opt to make this connection with a copper flex line instead of a rigid pipe....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 154 words · Michael Pitts

How to Install a Water Line for a Refrigerator

Connect a 1/4-by-1/4-inch flex supply tube to the shut-off valve and the fridge. There are three different types of materials available for the water line. A professional usually charges less than $200 to connect a water line to a refrigerator. The Spruce / Kevin Norris However, to avoid mistakes and unforeseen repairs, it may be best to hire a professional. If you have an ice maker, throw away the first two batches of ice....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 181 words · Heather Carroll