Ask the Builder

Tim Carter answers Mike's question about whether insulating basement HVAC ductwork will conserve heat. The answer will surprise you.

Tim Carter responds to Harlan's question about a Rheem hybrid heat pump water heater. To get the most accurate information, Tim interviews Ankur Maheshwari, a senior product manager at Rheem Manufacturing.

Tim Carter calls Steven and walks him through how to replace his shower soap dish. It's not too easy because the tile man appears to have glued or grouted in the existing one.

Tim Carter calls Karen and talks about how rainwater leaks under the walls of her sunroom. It's a complex situation and there's no easy fix. The problem was created by the sunroom builder who set the floor level too close to the ground outside.

Tim Carter calls Julie and talks about her yard drain cover that she wants to cover. At the end of the podcast, Tim comes up with a clever solution to the problem.

Tim Carter answers a question from Donna about why her kitchen hot water turns warm while washing dishes. Tim needs Donna to do a test!

Tim Carter calls Debbie and talks about Duration house paint. Duration used to be made with urethane resin, but now is made with lesser-quality acrylic resin. Tim share where to get urethane house paint.

Tim Carter helps Sharon fix an old doorknob on her 120-year-old house! She fixed it LIVE during the podcast!

Tim Carter helps Debbie fix the broken handle on her toilet. It's easy and you can save about $200.

Tim Carter talks with Christine in Chicago about adding more insulation up in the attic of her ranch house. He also discusses attic ventilation.

Tim Carter talks with Bob in NY about how to repair his handrail in his brick wall. Tim shares a very special video he recorded showing how and the magic epoxy he uses to make a permanent repair.

Tim Carter gives Gary in GA DIY tips on how he can replace aluminum windows with vinyl replacement windows. Get AAMA-approved windows and have someone else take the measurements.

Tim Carter shares with Maggie in NC the best exterior house paint. Paint is just colored glue and you want the house paint that has the stickiest glue.

Tim Carter helps Jason in PA repair a tub spout leaking water. The secret is to remove the tub spout and apply pipe thread compound. Teflon tape is not always the best product.

Prevent Sewe Backup in Your Home - Tim Carter, master plumber and founder of AsktheBuilder.com, shares how he prevents sewer backup in his own home. Go here to watch two important videos how to prevent sewer backup: https://www.askthebuilder.com/prevent-sewer-backup/