Plumbing discussions and local services.
dennisr19
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RE: Sudden cold showers: what am I missing with my heater?
I’ve run into the same thing with vinegar - sometimes it seems to work, other times the corrosion just comes right back. I tried it on a water heater element once, and it looked clean for a bit, but then I was back to sq...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing - plastic isn’t always the weak link people make it out to be. I’ve actually stripped more metal threads by cranking down too hard than I have plastic ones. The vinegar soak is a lifesav...
RE: When your heater acts up: quick fixes that saved my winter
I’ve wrestled with that foam insulation too - one winter I tried to “upgrade” my pipe wrap and ended up with a sticky mess that just wouldn’t budge. Ever tried using heat shrink tubing for a quick fix? I’ve had mixed res...
RE: What do you keep on hand for sudden sewer backups?
Yeah, chemical openers are a last resort for me too. I’ve had to replace a section of PVC after a “fast-acting” gel basically turned it into mush. Not a cheap fix. I’m with you - manual tools are less risky, even if they...
RE: When ignoring leaky pipes costs more than you think
Totally agree with this. I once waited on a “minor” drip under my sink, thinking it could wait... ended up with warped cabinets and a whole mess to fix. Sometimes it’s just not worth the gamble. Good call on checking for...
RE: Why are so many people getting tripped up by bathroom sink installs lately?
I totally get the frustration with things not lining up - sometimes it feels like every kit is just a little off, no matter how careful you are. I do wonder, though, if part of the problem is that a lot of houses (especi...
RE: How much would you pay to fix water damage from a burst pipe?
I’ve seen water damage from a burst pipe run anywhere from a couple grand for minor drywall/floor repairs to $20k+ if you’ve got hardwood floors and mold gets involved. Insurance sometimes helps, but the deductible alone...
RE: How I finally stopped my bathroom faucet from getting gross
Totally get where you're coming from. I’ve taken apart enough leaky faucets to know how straightforward the old-school ones are. Ever tried troubleshooting a sensor faucet? It’s not just a wrench and some plumber’s tape ...
RE: How strong do you like your bidet spray?
I get what you’re saying about low-flow plumbing making “high” less intense, but I’d still be careful. Even with newer pipes, the fittings on some bidet attachments aren’t always top-notch. True, but a stronger spray ca...
RE: Making sure your home’s pipes are up to code - how I do it
I get what you mean about the hoses - seen way too many folks trust “original” parts way past their prime. I’m curious, do you swap out for stainless braided lines or just stick with reinforced rubber? I’ve read mixed th...
RE: When your living room is a sauna but your bedroom's an igloo
Funny you mention that - my “door snake” is literally an old pair of jeans stuffed with socks. Not pretty, but it does the trick. Have you checked for drafts around your outlets or window frames? I found a shocking amoun...