The Money Pit is a nationally syndicated, call-in radio show that helps listeners with their home repair and improvement problems. The show has consistently been named among "America's 100 Most Important Radio Shows" by Talkers magazine. It's been on the air for over ten years, and is now carried on over 300 radio affiliates across the nation, as well as on iHeart radio.
Each week, Tom and Leslie take dozens of calls from listeners who ask about everything from pest problems to deck dilemmas. Their combined experience and expertise allow them to offer solutions to a wide range of problems immediately. If they aren't sure how to help, which is rare, they can always point callers in the right direction. Call us at 1-888-MONEY PIT or post your question in our home improvement community. Our call center is manned by a live person 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Apartment Heating
Install Flashing Around a Chimney
Learn how to install flashing around a chimney. Find out how to layer flashing so that it properly seals the chimney from rain and other leaks.
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Security Lighting
How-to tips on Security Lighting.
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How to Realign Cabinet Drawers and Doors
Find out how to realign cabinet drawers and doors by tightening the screws on the drawer fronts and door hinges. Also get tips on removing cabinet doors before you paint them, and numbering them so you can put them back in the right order.
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#2576 – Warm Up Without High Bills | Winter Floor Protection | 2026 Home Improvement Predictions
SHOW NOTES:
Welcome to this week's episode of The Money Pit! It’s almost the first weekend in December, and while we know you’re running out of time for holiday preparations, we are here to help you manage your home projects before the festivities begin.
- Warm Up Without High Bills: We share simple ways to keep your home
cozy, such as hunting down drafts around windows and doors, changing air
filters, and installing programmable thermostats to save up to 10% on
heating costs.
- Winter Floor Protection: To protect your floors from muddy boots and cookie crumbs, we recommend placing mats at every entrance and using specific cleaning methods for hardwood, tile, and carpet to prevent winter wear and tear.
- 2026 Home Improvement Predictions: Looking ahead, we discuss top trends for 2026, including a heavy focus on energy efficiency like heat pumps, "mini-makeovers" for kitchens rather than full remodels, and multifunctional outdoor living spaces.
Q & A:
- Fred in Delaware built a walkout from his basement and needs to know if he requires double handrails. We advise installing two for safety.
- Barbara from Rhode Island says her upstairs toilet makes a gurgling bubbly sound. We diagnose this as a venting obstruction and suggest using a toilet auger to clear the trap since plunging didn't work.
- Bill from Texas scraped the popcorn texture off his bathroom ceiling and wanted to know how to seal it. We recommend using a primer like Kilz, but strongly advise against adding new texture in a bathroom due to moisture and mold risks.
- Kent in Kansas has a recurring stain on his bathroom ceiling. We determine the issue is likely a deteriorated rubber boot on the plumbing vent flashing, and suggest replacing the flashing before cleaning, priming, and painting the ceiling.
- Kay in South Carolina is looking to renovate a home that has been vacant with no utilities for over seven years. We recommend hiring a professional home inspector to check all systems once the utilities are on and consulting an architect if she plans to change the layout.
- Tamara in Georgia explained that metal rails were cut near her walkway, leaving rust stains on her pavers. To avoid damaging the pavers with a pressure washer, we suggest using lemon juice or vinegar with a wire brush, or a rust-removing product like Iron Out.
ASK A QUESTION:
Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.
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Staying Put
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How to Locate a Roof Leak
Find out how to locate a roof leak. Get tips on checking places where a pipe goes through the roof and using a garden hose to try to recreate the leak.
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Fence Design
How-to tips on fence design.
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White Residue on Glass Shower Door
Find out how to get rid of a white residue on the glass door of your shower. Learn why the residue is probably mineral salt deposits from hard water, and get tips on cleaning it with a white vinegar solution.
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Homework Zone
How-to's on creating a homework zone.
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