Today’s Homeowner Radio

If you need to ever mark the location of your septic tank. A quick word of advice as to what not to do is plant a tree over it. It’s a big concern for one homeowner who just moved his family into a home with a septic tank…. and a banana tree right on top of it. What he should be worried about.

Also, you should be careful when cleaning and painting a textured ceiling. Danny and Joe discuss some tips that will help get the job done without causing any damage.

And, Joe has a fast and easy way to power drive screw hooks into a wall stud or ceiling joist using a drill.


Listener Questions

danny lipford and joe truini

Banana Tree v. Septic Tank

Jason from Alabama says, “Should there be a plant/shrub growing over my septic tank? Just moved and there is a “banana” tree growing over my tank. It makes me a little nervous. I am thinking I need to cut it down and remove the root balls. Your thoughts?”

Removing a Mirror Panel

Marlin from Indiana says, “What is the best method to use when removing a mirror panel from the bathroom wall? The contractor has used constructive adhesive to mount the mirrors. Do you use piano wire to cut the adhesive or wedges to pop the mirror from the wall?”

Cleaning & Painting a Textured Ceiling

Terry from Connecticut says, “What do you suggest I use to clean the ceiling in our bathroom? Once the ceiling is clean, how do you suggest that I paint it over?”

Replacing Old Damaged Siding

Teresa from Washington says, “I have an older 1930’s home. I believe in the 1950’s the homeowners that owned the house previously had Sears aluminum siding installed. At the bottom of the siding, there are pieces of wood that run under the siding around the whole perimeter of the home. Some of those pieces are just slabbed together. Under that is a piece of 1×8 or 1×10. Recently one of the pieces at the bottom of the siding has rotted in a spot and the insulation that was blown in, in the 1980s (possibly) started spilling out and every time the wind blows the insulation comes out. I don’t want this problem to happen around the whole house as there is rotting wood around the perimeter of the house. I have no clue how to fix it. I’m afraid that if I just start ripping the bottom boards off all the insulation will spill onto the ground.”

Removing an Old Whirlpool Tub

Jill from California says, “I want to remove an old 80’s double jacuzzi with shower and put in a stand-alone walk-in shower. What should I be aware of?”

Discolored Floor Boards

Ronnie from Alabama says, “Our oak hardwood floors are 13-years-old and they are in good condition, except for a couple of issues. When we moved in, we put down a plastic protector under the office rolling chair. We picked it up to clean under it and the floor has dark stains on the hardwood which kind of look like burned or dark oxidization. Also, we just picked up a runner and it looks as though the wood has dried out. What do you recommend to deal with these issues?”


Simple Solutions

joe truini

Easy-Drive Screw Hook Tip

Here’s a quick, easy way to drive in screw hooks.

Stay-Put Tablecloth Tip

Here’s how to use bungee cords to keep outdoor tablecloths from flapping around and blowing away on a windy day. But rather than trying to wrap the cords around the entire table, go out and buy a few tarp clips, which are small plastic clasps that are designed for securing tarps.


Best New Products

Getting Ready for Presser Washing Season

If you haven’t already. Now’s the time to work on your home’s curb appeal. A quick and effective way to give the exterior parts around your home a new shine is by breaking out a pressure washer. You don’t need to hire a cleaning professional – you can tackle this project yourself with the right equipment just like the Dewalt – 4000 PSI Gas Pressure washer powered by Honda.


Products Mentioned

Dewalt

Custom Building Products

Mr. Clean

Guardsman

Zinsser

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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