Plumbing discussions and local services.
baker92
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RE: your home's hidden hazard - heard about these exploding tanks?
That’s a startling story. Yes, an expansion tank can fail and rupture, potentially causing flooding; “exploded” may be a dramatic way to describe a rupture rather than a literal explosion. The headline alone doesn’t tell...
RE: That weird hissing sound behind the bathroom door...
Ever notice if the hissing gets louder when you run the shower or flush the toilet? Sometimes that can help narrow down if it’s just a harmless old valve or if there’s a bit of pressure sneaking by somewhere it shouldn’t...
RE: Switching out a tub for a walk-in shower: copper vs. PEX pipes?
I hear you on the mouse issue - seen it myself more than once. But have you looked into the newer PEX with metal sleeves or running it through conduit? It’s not bulletproof, but it can really cut down on rodent problems....
RE: Switching out a tub for a walk-in shower: copper vs. PEX pipes?
I’ve actually used that mesh wrap on a couple jobs where mice were a real issue - mostly in old farmhouses. It’s a bit of a pain to get it snug around bends, but once it’s on, it does seem to keep the critters off the PE...
RE: Touchless taps and other faucet surprises
Yeah, I hear you on the sensor glitches - seen my fair share of those during call-outs. When they work, touchless faucets can save water, especially in public spaces where folks forget to turn taps off. But at home? If t...
RE: Making sure your home’s pipes are up to code - how I do it
Haha, the cat idea always cracks me up. My aunt tried that route and ended up with a very lazy tabby who just watched the mice run by... not exactly the pest control she hoped for. Honestly, steel wool and caulk might no...
RE: Under Sink Hookup vs. Dedicated Drain Line: Which Is Better for Dishwashers?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually seen high loops work just fine in a lot of setups - especially if the sink’s got good drainage and you’re not dealing with ancient plumbing. Not saying it’s always perfec...
RE: WHEN YOUR LAWN TURNS INTO A SWAMP AFTER EVERY RAINSTORM
Letting the wild stuff grow really does take the pressure off, doesn’t it? I’ve seen folks spend a fortune on drainage and sod, only to end up right back in the mud. Sometimes nature’s got better ideas than we do. Ever t...
RE: Why do faucet handles turn opposite ways?
Man, this is such a common thing. I can’t even count how many times I’ve been called out for “broken” faucets, only to find the handles just turn the other way than folks expect. It’s like, you’d think there’d be some un...
RE: WHEN YOUR TUB WON'T DRAIN: DIY FIXES THAT ACTUALLY WORK?
I get where you’re coming from about the bladders, but I’ve actually had better luck with them than metal snakes in certain situations. That’s true if you crank the water full blast, but if you go slow and watch for lea...
RE: Cracked Sink Dilemma: DIY Kit or Professional Fix?
Had a similar situation last year with my bathroom sink - noticed a thin crack running near the drain. I figured, “how bad could it be?” and went for one of those epoxy kits. Prepped it like crazy, even used a hair dryer...
RE: Plumbing pros weigh in: new app promises faster fixes and fewer headaches
Good point about balancing tech and manual checks, but I wonder if occasional manual inspections are really enough? I've seen cases where relying too much on sensors made folks skip thorough visual checks altogether. Sen...
RE: Finally won the battle against invading tree roots
Had a similar issue with an oak tree a few years back - tried gravel trenches first, but those roots just laughed at me. Did you install the barrier yourself or hire someone? Curious how deep you had to go...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
Haha, been there myself - my own cabinet still has some questionable blue spots. But hey, quick question: ever tried using paper towels instead of toilet paper? I find they're sturdier and show dampness clearly without s...
RE: just dealt with a gas leak scare - anyone else used those home detectors?
Glad you caught it early - gas leaks can be pretty scary. Have you thought about adding one of those automatic shut-off valves too? Might be worth it for extra peace of mind, especially with curious pets around...