Plumbing discussions and local services.
cycling_george
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: When your heater ignores the thermostat: what would you do?
Totally get where you’re coming from with the programmable thermostats. I used to think they were just another gadget to complicate things, but honestly, once you get past that “wait, what’s ‘return’ supposed to mean?” p...
RE: Plumbing tips that change with the seasons
Funny you mention silicone - I actually tried it once, thinking I was a genius. It *did* help keep the mesh in place, but I underestimated how much dust and gunk collects behind the fridge. The silicone turned into a mag...
RE: How much would you pay to fix water damage from a burst pipe?
I hear you - sometimes it feels like people think every drop of water is a five-alarm renovation emergency. I’ve been there, too: caught a leak under my bathroom sink, yanked up the quarter round, and let the fans do the...
RE: Making sure your home’s pipes are up to code - how I do it
Totally get what you mean about the snake cams. I borrowed one from a buddy, thinking it’d be like CSI: Plumbing Edition, but I swear half the time it looked like I was spelunking in a cave full of fog. Maybe it’s just m...
RE: How much would you pay to fix water damage from a burst pipe?
Right? I had a buddy who spent more on getting rid of mold than he did on his new water heater. Ever tried those smart leak detectors that shut off your water automatically? Curious if they’re worth the hype or just anot...
RE: why is documenting plumbing connections such a nightmare?
I get the appeal of layering methods, but honestly, I’ve had more luck just drawing a big, ugly diagram on the wall (pencil, so it wipes off later). Not pretty, but at least it doesn’t melt or fall off. Anyone else try t...
RE: What if your street flooded because drains were clogged?
Haha, sneakers? Seriously... makes you wonder what kind of story leads to that. Ever find something truly bizarre in your drain, or is footwear the weirdest it gets?
RE: finally figured out my boiler plumbing - anyone else find it tricky?
Did it really help that much though? I've heard mixed things about softeners - like they can make water feel kinda slippery or taste off. Or is that just internet folklore messing with me again...
RE: ever wondered how faucets actually work?
Totally agree on citric acid powder - it's saved me more than once. But have you ever had one of those faucets that just keeps dripping no matter what you do? I swear, I replaced washers, cartridges, valve seats... every...
RE: Finally fixed my flooded driveway nightmare
I've tried a bunch of insulation tricks over the years, from foam sleeves to heat tape - honestly, mixed results. Last winter, I wrapped my pipes like they owed me money, and still ended up crawling under the house at mi...
RE: Eco-Friendly Ways to Keep Your Drains Clear and Fresh
Haha, glad I'm not the only one who's had the citrus peel disaster. Ever tried lemon wedges? I thought they'd freshen things up nicely...turns out they're just as stubborn as orange peels. Who knew citrus could be so reb...
RE: how often do you get your radiant heat system checked out?
Yeah, learned that lesson the hard way too. Can't say my bills drop dramatically after a tune-up, but the system definitely runs smoother - less weird noises and random cold spots. Worth it for peace of mind alone, hones...