need some advice on plumbing stuff for DIY bathroom fix-up

Good call on the attic check - been there myself and found a damp patch weeks later. One thing I've wondered about though: has anyone tried those vent caps with built-in screens to keep critters and debris out? Seems helpful, but I'm curious if they mess with airflow or cause other issues down the line...

I've installed a few of those screened vent caps for customers, and honestly, they're pretty handy for keeping out leaves and critters. Haven't seen any major airflow issues myself, but I have noticed that if the mesh is too fine, it can clog up with debris over time - especially if you're in an area with lots of trees or pollen. That buildup can restrict airflow eventually, so you might need to check and clean them periodically.

One homeowner I worked with had squirrels nesting in their vent stack (no joke), and after we put one of these caps on, problem solved. Just make sure you pick one that's designed specifically for plumbing vents - some generic ones might not have the right airflow design. Overall though, I'd say they're worth a shot if you're dealing with critters or debris regularly. Good luck with your DIY project...sounds like you're on the right track already!

I've seen those screened vent caps work well in some cases, but honestly, I'd be cautious about recommending them universally. While they do keep out critters and leaves, I've encountered situations where even moderate debris buildup caused noticeable airflow restriction. This can lead to slow drainage or even sewer gas backing up into the home - definitely not pleasant.

One homeowner I worked with had installed a fine-mesh cap himself, and within a year he was dealing with sluggish drains and weird odors. Turned out pollen and tiny leaf fragments had clogged the mesh almost completely. We ended up removing it altogether and switching to a vent cover with larger openings designed specifically for plumbing vents. It still kept out squirrels and birds, but allowed enough airflow without constant maintenance.

If you're set on using a screened cap, just make sure you're prepared to climb up there periodically to clean it out...otherwise you might end up creating more problems than you're solving.

Had a similar issue at one of my rentals a couple years back. Tenant kept complaining about slow drains and weird smells, and I couldn't figure it out until I climbed up and checked the vent. Sure enough, the mesh cap I'd installed was clogged with pine needles and dirt - total mess. Switched it out for one with bigger openings, problem solved. Honestly, unless you're cool with regular rooftop adventures, I'd steer clear of fine mesh covers altogether...

Yeah, those fine mesh covers seem like a good idea at first, but they're honestly more trouble than they're worth. I've seen a few setups where folks used them thinking they'd keep critters out, only to end up with venting issues because of debris buildup. If you're worried about animals or leaves getting in, maybe consider something with wider openings or even just regular check-ups - though climbing roofs isn't exactly my favorite pastime either... Better safe than sorry, right?

Honestly, I've been down that mesh-cover rabbit hole myself. If you're worried about critters, maybe try a simple wire cage with wider spacing - keeps the big stuff out without choking airflow. Just peek up there every few months... carefully, of course. Roof climbing isn't exactly my sport either.

Good call on the wire cage - mesh can clog up pretty fast, especially if you've got trees nearby dropping leaves. A few quick tips from experience:

- Stick with galvanized wire; it'll hold up better against rust.
- Keep spacing around ½ to ¾ inch - small enough to keep squirrels and birds out but big enough for decent airflow.
- If heights aren't your thing, grab a telescoping inspection mirror or even snap a quick pic with your phone on a selfie stick to check things out safely.

You're definitely on the right track... plumbing DIY is always an adventure.

Galvanized wire's solid advice, but have you ever had issues with corrosion at the joints or edges over time? I've seen some setups rust out faster than expected, even when galvanized. Wondering if anyone's tried stainless steel mesh instead... pricier, sure, but might save headaches down the line. Also curious - anyone had luck keeping smaller critters out with spacing closer to ½ inch, or does that just clog quicker?

I've seen galvanized setups rust out quicker than you'd think, especially around joints or cut edges. Stainless steel mesh is definitely pricier, but honestly, it holds up way better long-term - especially if moisture's an issue. As for spacing, I've tried the ½ inch mesh before to keep mice and smaller critters out. It works great for pests, but yeah, it does clog faster with debris and hair. Just something to consider if you're not keen on frequent cleaning...

Had galvanized mesh under my sink cabinet once, and yeah, rust showed up annoyingly fast around the edges. Switched to stainless steel - hurt the wallet a bit, but zero regrets so far. Curious though, anyone find a sweet spot between pest control and easy maintenance?

Galvanized mesh is always a headache in damp areas, learned that lesson the hard way too. Stainless steel is solid, but yeah, pricey. What I've done that's worked pretty well is aluminum mesh - it's cheaper than stainless, doesn't rust like galvanized, and pests hate chewing through it. Had it under kitchen cabinets in a couple rentals for years now, no rust or rodents so far.

Another thing you might try is plastic-coated hardware cloth. Not as tough as metal long-term, but if your main concern is smaller pests like mice or insects, it's surprisingly effective and super easy to clean. Quick wipe-down every now and then and you're good.

Honestly though, aluminum mesh has been my sweet spot between cost, durability, and low-maintenance. Worth giving it a shot if stainless steel feels overkill for the budget.

I've had decent luck with aluminum mesh too, but I gotta say, plastic-coated hardware cloth surprised me. Used it under a bathroom vanity in a basement remodel - figured it'd be temporary - but three years later, still holding up fine. It's not bulletproof, and I wouldn't trust it against anything bigger than a mouse, but for damp spaces where rust is a pain, it's honestly underrated. Quick wipe-down every couple months and you're set...beats spending a fortune on stainless steel.

- Plastic-coated hardware cloth, huh? Interesting choice...but honestly, I'd still be cautious.
- Seen it hold up okay in damp spots, sure, but rodents can surprise you - mice chew through crazier stuff than you'd think.
- Aluminum mesh has been decent for me too, but I usually lean toward galvanized hardware cloth. Bit pricier than plastic-coated, cheaper than stainless, and rust hasn't been a huge issue yet.
- Still, if it's working after three years, can't argue too much with results. Maybe I'll give it a shot next time I'm feeling brave (or cheap).

I've actually had decent luck with plastic-coated hardware cloth myself. Installed some about four years back around a basement vent area - mostly to keep out critters - and it's still holding strong. Admittedly, mice can be persistent little buggers, but if after three years you're still rodent-free, seems like you've found a solid solution. Might not be textbook-perfect, but hey...if it ain't broke, right?

Yeah, I've used plastic-coated hardware cloth too, and honestly, it's been pretty reliable. But just a heads-up - make sure you're checking it every now and then. I noticed mine started rusting slightly around the edges after a couple years, especially where moisture tends to build up. Nothing major yet, but I'm keeping an eye on it. Better safe than sorry, right? Still, for DIY stuff, it's a solid choice overall.

I've had pretty decent luck with plastic-coated hardware cloth too, but your point about moisture is spot-on. A couple years back, I helped my uncle redo his basement bathroom - nothing fancy, just a DIY weekend job. We used similar stuff behind the sink area, thinking it would hold up fine. Well, fast forward about two years later, and we started noticing some rust spots creeping in around the edges. Nothing catastrophic, but enough to make me cautious.

Since then, I've been a bit more careful about sealing edges or spots where moisture might linger. A quick coat of waterproof sealant or even silicone around the edges can make a big difference. Takes maybe an extra half-hour tops, but it's worth it for peace of mind. Like you said, better safe than sorry... especially when water's involved.

Good call on the silicone sealant - it's surprising how many DIYers skip that step, thinking it's just extra hassle. I've seen similar rust issues pop up even quicker than two years, especially in bathrooms with poor ventilation. Moisture's sneaky like that... it finds every tiny gap. Spending that extra half-hour sealing edges is definitely worth it. Learned that lesson myself after redoing my parents' shower area - wish I'd been as cautious as you from the start.