DIY Network

Bathrooms and Tools From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-405F

Figure A

Hosts Brad Staggs and Lynda Lyday get right into the questions --

Rough-Ins for Tub and Toilet

Problem: How do I create a rough-in (figure A) for a claw-foot tub and toilet?

Solution:

• For tubs -- measure from the front of the tub to the drain.

• For toilets -- measure 12" from the wall to the center of the drain.

• If the bathroom is tiled or paneled, remember to include the thickness of the wall covering in your measurement.

Tip: Claw-foot tubs were invented in 1835 and were only produced until the 1930s in the United States when built-in bathtubs became more popular. The original claw-foot tubs were manufactured from cast iron with a porcelain coating.

advertisement

Figure B

Building a Bathroom Sewer Pipe Extension

Problem: I need to know how to build an extension for a bathroom sewer pipe (figure B)?

Solution:

• Use a flange extension to raise the toilet. They're stackable, so you can get the height you need.

  
  

• If moving the toilet, be sure to check the subflooring and floor joists to make sure they can support a toilet or tub in a new area.

  
  

• When in doubt, have a structural engineer take a look at it.

Figure C

Adding Radiant Heat to Your Bathroom

Problem: What can you tell me about replacing a radiator in my bathroom with radiant heating?

Solution:

• Two types are available:
  1. Water-heated

  2. Electric

• Water-heated requires a professional, but electrical you can so yourself.

• Follow manufacturer instructions – each mesh type (figure C) installs differently.

Tips:

• If you have old-fashioned radiators you can make covers for them. They are functional, attractive and they also help prevent children and pets from getting burned.

• To help control moisture in your bathroom, be sure to clean the exhaust fan at least once a month. Fresh air circulating through your bathroom will aid in the control of mold and mildew.

Figure D

Synthetic Marble Countertops

Problem: What's the best way to repair synthetic marble countertops (figure D)?

Solution:

• Repair kits are available.

• Mix pigment to match the surface and mix in hardener.

• Fill in crack with mixture and wait until it dries.

• Sand down the excess until smooth.

Figure E

Installing Beadboard in a Bathroom

Problem: Can you share some techniques for installing beadboard (figure E) in a bathroom?

Solution:

• Wood does soak up moisture. If a vent or window is in the bathroom, that will remove a big part of the moisture.

• It's important to seal the wood, but not all six sides are necessary.

• Primer-and-sealer combination products are available.

• To help prevent mildew and algae, add a mildewcide to the paint -- or use a mildew-proof paint.

Figure F

Router Comparison

Problem: Can you give me some advice about purchasing routers?

Solution:

• Make sure you buy a router (figure F) with a decent motor that's in the 1.5-2 horsepower range.

• Routers are usually sold with fixed or plunged base.

• A good router bit set is also important and will make or break your project!

• A trim router is also useful for smaller projects.

Figure G

Tools for Installing Drywall

Problem: What is a good driver (figure G) for installing drywall?

Solution:

• A drywall screw gun is corded and loud.

• A cordless drill with drywall attachment that sinks screw into drywall is a good choice.
  
  
• and a collated screw gun feeds the screws as you go along -- and it's fast!

Figure H

Framing Into Concrete

Problem: What kind of tools (figure H) should I use for framing into concrete?

Solution:

• When working in the basement, make sure you use pressure treated wood.

• Cut nails are designed to hold 2 x 4s to a concrete surface. Also use heavy-duty construction adhesive.

• A power-actuated nail gun that uses fasteners and powder charge works great.

• Use extreme caution because some nail guns require a certification.

• Nails and powder charges varies on the type of gun you have and the job you need to do.

Figure I

Rusty Tools

Problem: What can you recommend for removing rust (figure I) from tools?

Solution:

• A tea-based solution would be a natural solvent.

  
  

• Try Naval Jelly or a Rust Stripper. If there's a lot of rust, try a more heavy-duty remover.

  
  

• Rust Blocker, protectant or lubrication will help to prevent rust in the future.

Table Saw vs. Circular Saw

Problem: Can you compare the benefits a table saw offers over a circular saw?

Solution:

• A circular saw (figure J) is portable and some can be battery operated. They have laser guides. Circular saws are basically table saws upside down.

• A table saw (figure K) is more of a fine cut tool, while the circular saw is more of a rough cut tool. The blade is stationary and accessories will help in ripping.

Figure J

Figure K

Figure L

Wildcard Question

Problem: Do you have some advice for installing an aquarium (figure L) into a load-bearing wall?

Solution:

• If you're cutting a hole into a load-bearing wall, a header will have to be used.

• Use two 2 x 12 boards and a piece of plywood sandwiched in between to make it the thickness of a 2 x 4.

• The load from the stud that's now cut will be transferred by the header to the surrounding studs.

• Decide if you want the fish tank straddled on the wall or flush on one side. A knee wall will need to be added to support the bottom of the tank.

Tool Tips:

• Magnetize the tip of a screwdriver by dragging it in the same direction over a magnet several times. To demagnetize the screwdriver, just drag it in the opposite direction.

• If you wear long sleeve shirts in the shop, make sure you button the sleeves when working with power tools so they don't get caught. Rolling them up is just as dangerous, because you may not notice when they come unrolled and get in the way.

• Here's an easy way to clean a circular saw blade. Cut the bottom of a five-gallon plastic pail 3" deep. Put the blade in the tray and spray it with oven cleaner. Let it set for 10 minutes, rinse and dry.

RESOURCES :

Ortho's All About Plumbing Basics
0897214390
(January, 2000)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Ortho Books

Stanley Complete Plumbing
Ken Sidey
0696217295
(March, 2003)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Stanley Publishing

HouseNeeds Inc.
PO Box 525
Warren, VT 05674
Toll-free: 802-583-2726
Website: www.houseneeds.com

Craftsman Router Kits and Circular Saw
Visit local Sears store
Free powered hand-tool catalog: 800-377-7414
Websites: www.sears.com or www.sears.com/craftsman

Hitachi Drill
Website: www.hitachipowertools.com

Senco Duraspin Drywall Screw Gun
Senco Products Inc.
8485 Broadwell Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45244
Toll-free: 800-543-4596
E-mail: toolprof@senco.com
Website: www.senco.com

Hilti Power Actuated Gun
Hilti Inc.
PO Box 21148
Tulsa, OK 74121
Toll-free: 800-879-8000 (English and Spanish)
Fax: 800-879-7000
Website: www.hilti.com

Rust Bullet
Toll-free: 800-245-1600
Website: www.rustbullet.com

Bull Frog Products
Cortec Corp.
4119 White Bear Pkwy.
St. Paul, MN 55110
Toll Free: 800-4-CORTEC (800-426-7832)
Phone: 651-429-1100
Fax: 651-429-1122
Website: www.bull-frog.com

Homax Products Inc.
Toll-free: 800-729-9029
E-mail: homax@homaxproducts.com
Website: www.homax.com

Black & Decker Table Saw
Toll-free: 800-54-HOWTO (800-544-6986)
Website: www.blackanddecker.com

GUESTS :

Richard Lehner
Construction Innovators
10710 Coward Mill Rd.
Knoxville, TN 37931
Phone: 865-560-1970
Website: www.constructioninnovators.com