Plumbing discussions and local services.
dennismechanic2382
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: How much does a faucet’s hole pattern affect the install quote?
An unused hole by itself may add little labor if the faucet’s deck plate covers it; fitting a separate plug or changing the sink or countertop can make it a different scope of work. There isn’t a reliable standard surcha...
RE: Can an inlet-filter cleaning and descale bring back tankless heater flow?
A consistently reduced but steady hot flow doesn’t, by itself, identify the inlet screen as the cause. A partially closed service valve or restriction in the supply piping can produce the same result, and descaling the h...
RE: Can an inlet-filter cleaning and descale bring back tankless heater flow?
The temperature swings are useful diagnostically, but first separate a heater restriction from a fixture restriction. Check hot flow at more than one outlet, with the cold supply pressure unchanged: - Weak hot flow at e...
RE: When your basement smells like rotten eggs: weird facts about wastewater mishaps
Honestly, I’ve had better luck with wax rings even on slightly uneven floors - maybe I’m old school, but the tried-and-true stuff seems to hold up best for me. The foam gaskets are convenient, but I’ve seen them compress...
RE: Water pooling in basement - could it be a sneaky drain issue?
Yeah, that’s the truth. I’ve seen people wait, hoping it’ll just dry out, but water’s sneaky like that. If you have old clay pipes, roots love ‘em - makes for a real mess. Once found a tree root thicker than my wrist wra...
RE: Half flush never seems to work right - am I missing something?
Funny you mention filing down the flush valve arm - I’ve had to do almost the same thing, except I ended up bending the rod a bit to get the right angle. Sometimes those “universal” parts feel like they were designed for...
RE: Water pooling in basement - could it be a sneaky drain issue?
Totally get where you’re coming from - water always finds the weirdest ways in. That trickle behind the shelves sounds all too familiar. I’ve actually used fluorescent dye a few times, and it’s surprisingly effective, es...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
Yeah, flex arms are a gamble. I’ve swapped out a few that just couldn’t handle daily use - looked great for a week, then started flopping around. On the sealant front, I lean toward pipe dope too, especially if the threa...
RE: When is it time to swap out old pipes?
I hear you - patch jobs can definitely stretch things out if the leaks aren’t too wild. I’ve seen folks get by for years with just spot fixes, especially in older houses. Out of curiosity, did you ever have issues with r...
RE: Choosing between in-kitchen and underground grease traps - what would you do?
Had a call last winter where an underground trap hadn’t been checked in months - owner thought it was “out of sight, out of mind.” Ended up with a backup that flooded half the parking lot. Cleanup was brutal and the fine...
RE: Finally won the battle against invading tree roots
Gravel trenches can help, but in my experience, they’re more of a speed bump than a real roadblock for determined roots. I’ve seen big maples just send their roots right under or even through the gravel over time. It’s d...
RE: Kitchen sink disaster - DIY or call a plumber?
Flex seal definitely has its place, especially in emergencies or quick fixes, but you're right - it's rarely a permanent solution. I've seen plenty of folks patch leaks temporarily, only to face bigger issues later. Ever...
RE: ever wondered how faucets actually work?
Sediment filters definitely have their limits. They're great for catching debris and keeping your faucet aerators from clogging up, but as you mentioned, they won't tackle hardness issues. I've seen plenty of cases where...
RE: Plumbing pros weigh in: new app promises faster fixes and fewer headaches
Checking the meter directly is definitely a solid habit - good catch there. Apps and smart tech are great for convenience, but they're not foolproof yet. One thing I'd suggest is making a quick monthly routine of visuall...