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We usually do more than is minimally required in our home improvement projects, but I just can't seem to find a shut-off valve that doesn't look like it should be hidden under the toilet or behind a cabinet! With all of the high-end improvements we've made, I'd like it as clean-looking as...

Thanks! That's our rationale for not installing one.

Oops...once I posted this, I got some other hits with similar question. I'd be interested in feedback nonetheless!

Just wanted to confirm that a shut-off valve is required when installing wall-mounted bathroom sink faucet. I'm quite sure it's "yes," for obvious reasons (working on plumbing without having to shut off water main), but why aren't they required for pot-fillers over the stovetop - or are they...

Actually, I DO have the combination backstab/screw secure type GFCI outlets. They're industrial type and even have a small green light that goes out when it's tripped (nice feature). Even so, I still feel better wrapping the wire around a screw but if you make sure to tighten these very well...

p.s. Can I say enough how much I appreciate this site?!! I've received such helpful advice over the past two years and am very grateful. :o

Thanks a million! I checked the connection on the first receptacle which I apparently didn't check very well the first time and, sure enough, the neutral wasn't seated properly. Yet another reason to avoid the "stab" type connection in favor of wrapping around the screw! Problem solved...

Be cautious about some of the plastic box extenders. The ones I bought at Home Depot recently have somewhat sharp edges and when you push into the existing box, they have a potential to cut the sheathing on the Romex. I had to file them smoother before inserting.

I am having problems with one of the two 20-amp small appliance circuits in my kitchen. This one includes four 20-amp GFCI receptacles located above the countertop, one receptacle for the ignition on the gas cooktop and the final is the receptacle for the range hood. These have been working...

Hi: Does anyone have experience with composite granite sinks - specifically durability and stain-resistance? I have my eye on one made by Moen that looks great and supposedly has a good warranty, but have been told by someone at our local Home Expo that he's heard of two occasions when these...

Thanks to those of you who responded to my last query re: how can I get away with eliminating an air gap on my island since there will be a dishwasher right next to the sink. I discovered that code in my area requires an air gap, so I guess I'm stuck with the ugly thing sticking out from my...

Thanks, Frenchie! I thought I was being too retentive, but when it comes to possible fire, I don't want to take any chances. I checked Owens Corning's site and the data safety sheet info didn't say anything about restrictions other than lighting (luckily I'm familiar with IC/non-IC from...

Just had water heater moved to our garage when our new copper pipes were installed, so we now have pipes running in the wall between the garage and kitchen where there were previously none. During the repiping process, we found water damaged drywall/insulation due to a latent leak in the roof...

Mike: I checked the local code about a year ago, and I'm guessing something like this doesn't substantially chage that quickly, so it looks like I'm out of luck! I'll see if I can round up something more recent. Thanks for your suggestion.

We're relocating our kitchen sink and dishwasher to an island and would like to know if there is any alternatives to the unsightly air gap sticking up through the counter. The sink is undermount and I purposely chose a very sleek faucet to minimize the number of holes needed in the granite...

Here's new one - sparked (no pun intended!) by a recent recall notice we received from the manufacturer of our new built-in oven (which we haven't even installed yet!). We are replacing our old electric range with a new gas cooktop and separate oven/microwave/warming drawer combo. Had...

Actually, I do have attic access but...I forgot to mention why I can't get to it. We had our furnace moved to the attic to free up space inside our small house and, wouldn't ya know, they built the platform that holds the unit right smack over the area where I want to put the 4" cans. Even if...

Thanks everyone for the comments and investigative work! I have to face reality that the combo I'm searching for just won't work unless I want to re-drywall. The area is only about the size of one standard sheet of drywall, but what sucks is that we just had the "popcorn" scraped from the...

Hmmmm...might be. In my desperation, I found something online that is low voltage and described as: 4" Low Voltage "SHALLOW" AT Rated Remodel Housing 120volts with Electronic Transformer. 35watt max use a FMW or any 35watt MR-16 12volt bulb But it doesn't say if it can come in contact...

I have been searching high and low for 4" IC remodel housings (line voltage, please) but am only finding either non-IC which won't work with my blown insulation in the attic or IC new construction, which won't work 'cause I can't get access unless I want to re-do the drywall in the ceiling. We...