Plumbing discussions and local services.
aphillips48
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RE: How should a dishwasher installation quote separate basic hookup from extra work?
I’d give some weight to the higher quote if it names the leak check, drain-cycle check, and leveling, since those are concrete completion items rather than a vague promise to test. But I’d first ask the cheaper installer...
RE: Making sure your home’s pipes are up to code - how I do it
- Had a couple of those leak alarms under sinks and by the water heater for a year now. Mixed feelings. They’re cheap and easy to set up, and I did catch a slow leak once before it ruined the cabinet. - Downside: if yo...
RE: Choosing between in-kitchen and underground grease traps - what would you do?
Yeah, that’s the kicker for me. Had a unit where the under-sink trap got ignored for months - tenant swore they “never noticed” the smell. Next thing I know, backup hits and I’m footing the bill for cleanup. Underground ...
RE: Choosing between in-kitchen and underground grease traps - what would you do?
- Been there with the slab jackhammering - never again if I can help it. - In-kitchen traps are gross, sure, but at least you know what you’re dealing with. - Underground? Out of sight, out of mind... until it’s a di...
RE: WHEN HOT SHOWERS TURN LUKEWARM: DEALING WITH TEMPERAMENTAL WATER HEATERS
- Seen this play out in a bunch of my rentals. Doesn’t matter if it’s a “premium” brand or not - these newer heaters just don’t have the staying power the old tanks did. Had a Rheem from the 90s that outlasted two tenant...
RE: Getting more hot water from my solar heater - what am I missing?
- Good call on the controller settings - seen that trip people up more than once. - Shading’s a sneaky culprit, but I’d also double-check for any air in the lines or slow leaks. - Sometimes it’s just a combo of littl...
RE: green plumbing showdown: greywater recycling vs rainwater harvesting
- Rain barrels sound great until you realize how fast they fill up - been there, had the backyard swamp too. - Greywater’s practical, but I’m always a bit wary about what’s actually going into the soil. Even with “plan...
RE: green plumbing showdown: greywater recycling vs rainwater harvesting
Fair points, but rainwater isn't always the easy win it seems: - Rainwater collection depends heavily on climate. In dry spells, barrels run empty fast. - Storage can get tricky - mosquitoes, algae, and regular cleaning...
RE: need some advice on setting up a rain harvesting setup at home
- Haven't noticed a huge difference myself, honestly. - Dark tanks might absorb a bit more heat, but unless you're in direct sun all day, it's probably minimal. - Had one tenant swear the water felt warmer after painting...
RE: WHAT IF YOUR PIPES STARTED TALKING BACK?
- Had this happen a few times with rental properties, tenants swore they had ghosts... turned out to be loose pipes or trapped air pockets. - Cold weather makes pipes contract, so you're not imagining things. - Still, I ...
RE: septic system upkeep: DIY or hire a pro?
- DIY is doable, but honestly, septic isn't where you wanna learn by trial and error. - I've seen tenants try it themselves... cleanup wasn't pretty. - How old is your system anyway? Older setups can be trickier than tho...
RE: my water heater's acting weird lately - any tips to keep it running smooth?
- Flushing sediment's usually straightforward, sure - but if your heater's older (like 10+ years), you might just stir up more trouble than it's worth. - Had a tenant try it once, ended up with leaks everywhere... ended ...