Plumbing discussions and local services.
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Is a septic riser worth adding to a buried tank?
I’d make keeping the lid secure and the tank protected from surface water a prerequisite, not a benefit I’d trade away for easier service. If that can’t be achieved for the particular opening and location, I’d leave it b...
RE: Weirdest things people have used to clear a clogged drain
Honestly, you’d be surprised what people shove down a drain when they’re desperate. Had a call once where a guy tried to fish out a clog using his kid’s plastic sword - ended up snapping it off in the trap. Took me longe...
RE: How do you usually tackle installing a new drain - DIY or call in a pro?
Couldn’t agree more about the slope - seen more than one “just eyeballed it” turn into a swampy mess. Here’s my quick take: - Mark those utilities, unless you enjoy surprise fountains. - Double-check your slope with a l...
RE: Half flush never seems to work right - am I missing something?
- Nailed it. Half-flush is like that unreliable coworker - sometimes shows up, sometimes just... doesn’t. - Hard water’s the silent killer. Vinegar’s a solid move, but if you’re seeing crusty bits on the flush valve, it ...
RE: How would I remove this stem to replace it?
- Heat’s fine in moderation - just don’t go full dragon on it. - Hair dryer works, but I’ve also used a heat gun on low for stubborn stems. - Tapping? Eh, I’ve seen more folks break stuff than fix it that way. - PB...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
- Couldn’t agree more about the “forever” washers - those things are like the Tupperware lids of plumbing, always promising but never quite delivering. - The vinegar trick’s a classic, but yeah, if you forget to rinse ...
RE: Water pooling in basement - could it be a sneaky drain issue?
That mesh cover is underrated, honestly. I’ve lost count of the weird stuff I’ve fished out of floor drains - once pulled out a Lego and half a dog chew. Eco-friendly cleaners are good, but don’t forget to snake the drai...
RE: Plumbing tips that change with the seasons
You nailed it with the GFCI reminder - seen too many folks skip that step and end up with a real mess (or worse). I’d add: don’t trust those foam sleeves to last forever. Mice treat them like an all-you-can-eat buffet. I...
RE: What if your street flooded because drains were clogged?
Street Floods Happen - Drains Are Sneaky Like That You’re not wrong to be paranoid about what’s lurking down there. Drains are like the appendix of the street - nobody thinks about them until they’re causing chaos. -...
RE: Kitchen sink disaster - DIY or call a plumber?
Honestly, you’re not wrong - nothing like a surprise indoor fountain to make you wish you had a spare valve on hand. I’ve seen more “quick fixes” turn into aquatic disasters than I care to admit. Still, checking valves n...
RE: Plumbing pros weigh in: new app promises faster fixes and fewer headaches
I've played around with a couple of these plumbing apps, and honestly, they're pretty decent for ballpark figures, but I'd never trust them completely. Here's why: - They usually base estimates on standard scenarios - r...
RE: need some advice on plumbing stuff for DIY bathroom fix-up
Haha, drywall glitter...perfect description. Totally relate on the sneaky leaks - I've lost count of how many times I chased phantom drips around the house. Couple quick pointers from experience: - Always double-check t...
RE: Finally tackled my noisy pipes and feeling pretty proud
Good thinking on the breathable materials - seen plenty of mold nightmares myself from trapped moisture. Had a customer once who sealed everything up tight with plastic, thinking he was saving money...ended up costing hi...
RE: Finally got my bathroom reno right for everyone to use comfortably
- Tried those clips once - felt like assembling IKEA furniture blindfolded. - Good prep and leveling compound usually beats fancy gadgets anyway. - Curious though, anyone ever find a tile tool that actually made life eas...
RE: shower goes ice cold when someone flushes toilet
That's a fair way to separate the two jobs. A longer valve installation isn't automatically wasted effort if it provides the temperature control that shower needs, and a pipe restriction can still need its own repair. I...