Plumbing discussions and local services.
aaronskater
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RE: NJ 2024 plumbing code: permit needed to replace an existing fixture?
For a future project, it would help to ask whether the office distinguishes an equivalent listed replacement that uses the existing rough-in from a model whose dimensions or connection method require even minor concealed...
RE: Trimming down your bathroom's water waste without breaking the bank
The dye test is a useful first check, since a leaking flapper can waste far more water than a small efficiency upgrade. For a bathroom sink that is used frequently, how do faucet aerators compare in expected water saving...
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RE: What would you do if your septic tank alarm went off while you’re on vacation?
Had a false alarm once - turned out to be a float switch sticking after a power outage. I get the urge to panic, but honestly, just resetting without checking isn’t worth the risk. I’d rather pay for a pro to look than g...
RE: Kitchen sink disaster - DIY or call a plumber?
Title: Kitchen sink disaster - DIY or call a plumber? I get the caution, but honestly, sometimes you just have to take a calculated risk. Not every old fitting is a disaster waiting to happen - I've managed to swap out ...
RE: Under sink vs. countertop filters: which is less hassle to install?
You nailed it about old plumbing - nothing’s ever as simple as the instructions make it sound. I’ve had to replace a shutoff valve mid-install more than once, and that’s a whole afternoon gone. Quick-connects are a lifes...
RE: My Pipes Burst at 2 AM - Ever Had a Midnight Plumbing Nightmare?
Redundancy really is the name of the game when it comes to water issues. I’ve dealt with my fair share of late-night plumbing surprises, and I can’t count how many times having both smart tech and a manual backup saved m...
RE: When your living room is a sauna but your bedroom's an igloo
Draft snakes actually do help, but only if you’ve got a pretty tight seal elsewhere. They’re not a magic fix if your window frames are super leaky, but for that little draft at the bottom, they’re surprisingly effective....
RE: Help, my basement drain's backing up again...
Had a similar headache myself last spring. Snaked it once, thought I was good, but nope - roots came back with a vengeance. Ended up replacing about 15 feet of old clay pipe with PVC. Not cheap, but haven't had an issue ...
RE: Finally tackled my noisy pipes and feeling pretty proud
Good call on the fire extinguishers - I learned that one the hard way after a close call with some sparks while soldering copper pipes. Another overlooked safety item is eye protection. I used to skip goggles for quick t...
RE: old pipes and fixtures - can they actually be recycled?
WD-40's alright for quick fixes, but yeah, PB Blaster is my go-to as well. Had an old galvanized pipe fitting that just wouldn't budge... sprayed it down, let it sit overnight, and it finally gave way without stripping. ...
RE: finally figured out my boiler plumbing - anyone else find it tricky?
I've had similar experiences - liquid sealants seem convenient at first, but older fittings often have imperfections that liquids just don't fill reliably. Haven't tried the hybrid stuff yet, but honestly, good-quality t...