Plumbing discussions and local services.
djones80
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: What changes most in an outdoor shower installation quote?
For a fair comparison, I’d want the quote to say where the hot- and cold-water shutoffs will be and whether they’ll stay accessible after the shower is finished. A low bid that leaves their location unclear may not inclu...
RE: hypothetically, if your septic system backed up tomorrow...
I’d call once sewage seemed reasonably plausible rather than wait for proof, especially if the pooling or odor persisted. The call could help identify the right next step; I’d still keep people and pets away from the pat...
RE: Getting water pressure back: my experience with a booster pump
Had a similar situation in one of my older duplexes. Thought a booster pump would solve everything, but all it did was make the pipes sound like a drumline. Ended up swapping out some ancient copper and adding a couple a...
RE: That weird hissing sound behind the bathroom door...
Not gonna lie, I’ve had mixed results with those braided lines. They’re convenient, sure, and a gentle loop can help with noise, but I’ve actually run into more leaks with them over the years than with the old-school rig...
RE: Rainwater toilets and greywater showers: City tries new water-saving tricks
That line always cracks me up - until you’re the one tracing mystery smells through a house. I’ve had tenants try to “improve” things with their own plumbing hacks, and it’s wild how fast a small shortcut can turn into a...
RE: How do you usually tackle installing a new drain - DIY or call in a pro?
That’s pretty much my rule of thumb too. I’ve learned the hard way that old galvanized is like a house of cards - touch one piece and suddenly you’re replacing a whole run. Sometimes you get lucky with a Fernco and a pra...
RE: anyone tried sustainable plumbing upgrades at home?
I get where you’re coming from - those “eco” upgrades can be a mixed bag. I tried out PEX for a couple of rentals, and while it’s not exactly new, it’s got a decent track record now. But yeah, I’m still wary of anything ...
RE: Why does swapping out a busted ice maker cost so much?
Man, you nailed it with the “while I’m here” trap. Every time I think I’m just swapping a line or tightening a connection, I end up elbows deep in something way more complicated. Those old plastic lines are the worst - h...
RE: finally figured out my boiler plumbing - anyone else find it tricky?
Yeah, I’m with you - plain English labels right on the valves just make life easier, especially if you’ve got tenants or maintenance folks poking around. I used to do the cheat sheet thing too, but after one late-night c...
RE: Finally tackled my noisy pipes and feeling pretty proud
Spiral notebook’s a solid move - been doing that for years and it’s saved my butt more than once. I tried color-coding tape once, but after a few months in a damp basement, everything just turned gray anyway. Honestly, h...
RE: My Pipes Burst at 2 AM - Ever Had a Midnight Plumbing Nightmare?
I've had a few of those late-night plumbing adventures myself... never fun. You're spot on about sensors - some brands are just too slow or unreliable. After my last basement flood, I ended up installing redundant sensor...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
Citric acid's been my go-to for years - works faster and seems to dissolve buildup better than vinegar. But has anyone noticed if it affects the finish on chrome fixtures over time? I've always wondered about that...
RE: toilet disaster strikes again... help needed asap
Good points above, especially this bit: Had a tenant once whose toilet kept failing every few months...turned out the pressure regulator was shot. Swapped that out, problem solved. Worth checking into before replacing...