Plumbing discussions and local services.
alexskater
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RE: Collecting rainwater at home - my DIY setup and looking for tips
A first-flush diverter would sit between the downspout and barrel: it catches the initial roof runoff, then lets later flow continue into the barrel once that chamber fills. That can keep some early debris out of storage...
RE: How much would you pay to fix water damage from a burst pipe?
Had a tenant “go by feel” once - looked dry, smelled fine, but three months later I was ripping out baseboards and drywall because of hidden mold. That $200 for a pro is nothing compared to the $4k I ended up shelling ou...
RE: How would I remove this stem to replace it?
Funny you mention the stem pullers - I've owned one for years, and I think it’s seen more drawer time than action. Honestly, for the price, it’s a bit underwhelming. I’ve had better luck with a good adjustable wrench and...
RE: Kitchen sink disaster - DIY or call a plumber?
I always keep a bin of spare traps, washers, and a couple of shut-off valves in the basement - learned the hard way after a tenant called at midnight with water everywhere. It’s not over-prepared at all, honestly. Those ...
RE: What would you do if your basement started smelling musty overnight?
I’ve managed a handful of basements over the years, and I’ll say - air purifiers are great for dust and maybe pet dander, but they’re not gonna cut through that classic musty smell if you’ve got real moisture issues. Had...
RE: Getting That Stubborn Dishwasher Working Again Without Calling a Repair Guy
That’s the part that always gets folks. People assume appliances are built to take a beating, and for the most part, they are - until that one bit of debris or gunk finally gums up the works. I’ve seen tenants run dishwa...
RE: Thinking about swapping to a pedestal sink - tips or regrets?
Drain height’s the one that always bites me, especially in houses from the 40s or earlier. Sometimes you open up the wall and realize the waste line is set way too low for a modern pedestal. I’ve had to notch out plaster...
RE: Plumber emergency: DIY quick fixes or call the pros?
Had a tenant once who decided YouTube was enough to qualify him as a plumber - ended up with a flooded kitchen and a very annoyed downstairs neighbor. Honestly, I try to gently remind tenants upfront that plumbing isn't ...
RE: Sink monster making weird noises and not grinding right
Yep, small objects are usually the culprit, but I've also found that sometimes the blades themselves get dull or bent over time. Had one disposal that kept sounding off even after clearing and resetting it - turned out t...
RE: Plumbing hacks to keep your pipes happy all year round
I've tried reflective insulation on my rental properties a couple of times, and honestly, it's a mixed bag. On the plus side, it does seem to stabilize pipe temperatures better than foam alone, especially in unheated spa...
RE: just read about a guy flooding his house trying to DIY install bathroom fixtures
Compression fittings are usually my go-to as well, but I'll admit I've had a couple of close calls. A few years back, I thought I'd tightened one enough - felt snug and everything - but after about two days, I noticed a ...
RE: WHAT IF YOUR PIPES STARTED TALKING BACK?
I get that those hardware store gauges are handy, but honestly, if you're noticing weird pipe noises or pressure fluctuations, a plumber's gauge can be more accurate. Had one property where the screw-on gauge read normal...
RE: Water pressure woes - anyone else dealt with this?
I get your point about CLR being quicker, but honestly, vinegar's always been my go-to. CLR can be harsh on fixtures over time, especially if you're not super careful rinsing it off. I've had tenants accidentally damage ...