Plumbing discussions and local services.
bthompson80
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: KEEPING THE HEAT ON: DOES REGULAR FILTER CLEANING REALLY MATTER?
I used to be in the “change it when you remember” camp until I had a furnace tech pull out a filter that looked like it had been through a dust storm. He said it was basically choking the system. Ever since, I stick with...
RE: Getting water pressure back: my experience with a booster pump
Ain’t that the truth. I tried to “MacGyver” my water pressure issue a while back with a cheapo inline filter and some duct tape. Thought I was being clever, but all I got was a soggy basement and a very unimpressed spous...
RE: Touchless taps and other faucet surprises
Been there - had one go out right as I was elbow-deep in paint. Ended up rinsing off with a water bottle. Honestly, I still trust a good old lever tap more than any fancy sensor. Batteries always die at the worst time.
RE: How do you usually tackle installing a new drain - DIY or call in a pro?
If I can see the trap and reach it without crawling through a maze, I’ll give it a shot. Last time I tried to reuse an old gasket, it turned into a midnight mop-up... lesson learned. Anything under slab or involving jack...
RE: Gravel Vs. Corrugated Pipe: Which Works Better For Drain Fixes?
Had to laugh at this bit: Roots are relentless, I swear. I put in corrugated behind my garage about five years ago - figured it’d be a quick fix for the swampy mess back there. It worked like a charm at first, but last ...
RE: Finally won the battle against invading tree roots
I hear you on the “good enough” method. My neighbor went all-in with a trench and new pipes, and now he’s got a patchwork lawn and still complains about backups every spring. I’ve stuck with root killer and a snake every...
RE: Getting That Stubborn Dishwasher Working Again Without Calling a Repair Guy
That filter is like the Bermuda Triangle for old pasta and mystery gunk - stuff just disappears in there until you finally get a whiff and realize it’s time to face the music. I’ve definitely had that “what died in here?...
RE: Rusty water heater woes - repair or replace?
Had to laugh a little reading this because it brought back memories of my old place. That water heater was already ancient when I moved in, and I kept telling myself I could squeeze another year out of it. Famous last wo...
RE: SEPTIC SYSTEM NIGHTMARES: DID YOU KNOW THIS?
That “flushable” label really is a trap. I learned the hard way after a family BBQ - someone tossed wipes in and the next thing you know, we’re digging up the yard. I’ve started keeping a plunger in plain sight as a warn...
RE: Finally got my bathroom reno right for everyone to use comfortably
Haha, I feel you on the towel situation - been there more times than I'd like to admit. Honestly though, after years of DIY renos, I've learned that a little extra caution usually pays off. Sure, sometimes it feels like ...
RE: need some advice on setting up a rain harvesting setup at home
Interesting, I actually went the opposite route - painted mine white to keep it cool and algae-free. Worked great for algae, but honestly, the water ended up colder than I'd like, especially on cloudy days. Now I'm think...
RE: Rusty water heater woes - repair or replace?
Yeah, same here. My brother-in-law went tankless a few years back - bragged about endless hot showers until the mineral buildup hit. Now he's back to a basic tank setup and way happier. Sometimes simple just works better...
RE: Cracked Sink Dilemma: DIY Kit or Professional Fix?
Yeah, epoxy kits can be hit-or-miss. I remember using one a couple years back on a bathroom sink that had a hairline crack - did everything by the book, sanding, cleaning, ventilating...the whole nine yards. Looked great...
RE: do you pay attention to water-saving rules when fixing stuff at home?
When I redid my bathroom last year, I went through a similar thought process. Initially, I was tempted by the whole-house softener too, but the cost and upkeep seemed like overkill for my needs. Ended up installing low-f...