Plumbing discussions and local services.
andrewwoodworker
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RE: What should a complete backflow preventer replacement quote include?
For the isolation valves, I’d ask each bidder to state whether the existing valves are being reused or replaced, and whether any replacement is included in the total. “Replace backflow preventer” alone doesn’t make that ...
RE: When your basement smells like rotten eggs: weird facts about wastewater mishaps
- Been there, done that. Chased a “sewer” smell for two days once - ended up being a dead mouse in the sump pit. - Sulfur bacteria can really mess with your nose. Not always about pipes or drains. - Foundation cracks a...
RE: Touchless taps and other faucet surprises
- Touchless taps are a classic example. Installed a few in a client’s mudroom - looked slick, but sensors kept misfiring with muddy hands or gloves. - Ended up swapping one back to a manual lever. Less fancy, but way few...
RE: Touchless taps and other faucet surprises
You’re not alone - those sensors can be finicky, especially with hard water or if the base gets wet. Seen plenty act up after a year or two. Foot pedals are way less hassle in my experience, just fewer things to go wrong...
RE: Why does my hot water sometimes sound like popcorn?
Definitely agree that sediment isn’t always the only thing making those noises. I’ve run into a few tanks where the heating element was caked up or even slightly bent, and that made a racket even after flushing. Had one ...
RE: Kitchen sink disaster - DIY or call a plumber?
Fair enough, soldering can be tricky, especially if you're not doing it regularly. But compression fittings aren't always the silver bullet either: - Seen plenty of compression fittings leak over time - especially if th...
RE: Plumbing pros weigh in: new app promises faster fixes and fewer headaches
Couldn't agree more on the alarms - real lifesavers. I'd also suggest installing a basic check valve on your discharge line...cheap insurance against backflow if things go south. Learned that one the hard way myself.
RE: WHAT IF YOUR PIPES STARTED TALKING BACK?
Totally agree on silicone tape - it’s saved me more than once. Another thing worth mentioning: hose clamps. If you've got a pinhole leak, wrapping it first with silicone tape and then tightening a hose clamp over it can ...
RE: leaky pipe under kitchen sink driving me nuts
Fair point on the eco-friendly angle, but from experience, plastic fittings can sometimes be a gamble under sinks. I've seen them crack or loosen over time, especially if there's frequent temperature swings or accidental...