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RE: installing a new washer myself vs hiring a pro - worth the hassle?
If the hookups looked manageable but the washer would be awkward to maneuver through a tight doorway, I’d put more weight on getting help with delivery and placement than on paying someone for the connections. I’d still ...
RE: Finally got my bathroom reno approved - permit process wasn’t as scary as I thought
Tape’s always been a bit hit-or-miss for me, too. I get why people use it, but I find it almost makes more work - especially when it comes to clean-up or if you’re trying to feather the edge. I’ve actually had better luc...
RE: When is it time to swap out old pipes?
I get where you’re coming from. I’ve got a couple rentals from the late 70s, and honestly, the copper’s outlasted a lot of other stuff I’ve had to replace. I always ask myself: are there actual signs of trouble, or am I ...
RE: Finally won the battle against invading tree roots
I hear you on Orangeburg - those things are basically paper mâché at this point. But have you ever tried the cured-in-place liners? I was skeptical, but one of my rentals had a root nightmare and the liner’s held up for ...
RE: When your water heater goes rogue: quick fixes and hacks
That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? I’ve had a few heaters where I debated for weeks whether to touch that crusty shutoff or just let sleeping dogs lie. Sometimes I’ll spot a bit of rust and think, “If I try to...
RE: Half flush never seems to work right - am I missing something?
Half flushes are a constant headache in my rentals. I’ve had tenants complain about the “sad swirl” too, and honestly, I get it. Sometimes it’s a quick fix - like you said, adjusting the chain or making sure the flapper ...
RE: Plumbing tips that change with the seasons
I get where you’re coming from about labels not lasting - tape’s a pain, and even marker fades if it gets damp. That said, I’ve found zip ties aren’t always the magic bullet either, especially if you’ve got a tight crawl...
RE: When is it time to swap out old pipes?
I’m right there with you on the peace of mind factor. Once those old galvanized pipes start acting up, it’s like playing whack-a-mole - fix one leak, another pops up somewhere else. I’ve found that even if the camera sho...
RE: ever wondered how faucets actually work?
Honestly, I’ve had mixed luck with name brands too - sometimes they’re just as finicky, especially with older plumbing. Ever tried tracking down a cartridge for a faucet that’s discontinued? I’ve ended up at specialty pl...
RE: toilet disaster strikes again... help needed asap
I've seen similar stuff happen, but I'm not convinced it's purely about rubber types. Could temperature or water hardness play a role? Had seals swell in one property but not another - same grease, different water supply...
RE: Finally won the battle against invading tree roots
Funny you mention that - I had a tenant once who planted a willow near the sewer line. Beautiful tree, sure, but man, talk about plumbing nightmares. Cost me a small fortune to sort it out. Since then, I've been extra ca...
RE: leaky pipe under kitchen sink driving me nuts
I've run into similar issues more times than I'd like to admit. One thing I've learned the hard way is that sometimes the smallest imperfections - like your warped pipe - can cause the biggest headaches. Ever wonder if m...
RE: leaky pipe under kitchen sink driving me nuts
Yeah, I've definitely noticed this too. Had a rental property a few years back in an area with notoriously hard water, and the brass fittings under the kitchen sink turned into a crusty mess after about 4-5 years. It was...
RE: Rusty water heater woes - repair or replace?
Interesting points, but have you considered the maintenance angle? I've had tenants complain about inconsistent hot water with tankless setups - especially during peak usage times. Did you run into any of those hiccups, ...
RE: toilet disaster strikes again... help needed asap
Have you double-checked the fill valve height yet? Had a similar situation last year - thought I was dealing with a cracked tank or something major. Turned out the fill valve was just set too high, causing constant overf...