Plumbing discussions and local services.
donnajoker165
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: NJ’s 2024 plumbing code: do older bathroom fixtures need replacement?
The open-wall inspection point is useful, but I’d separate access from upgrade requirements. Opening a wall may let the official inspect the piping that’s being altered; it doesn’t, by itself, show that untouched conceal...
RE: Making sure your home’s pipes are up to code - how I do it
Never tried a thermal camera, but I’ve definitely done the “barefoot test” on tile floors - cold spot means trouble, at least in my house. - yep, that’s how I found a leak behind my fridge once. Those gadgets are cool, ...
RE: Under Sink Hookup vs. Dedicated Drain Line: Which Is Better for Dishwashers?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ll be honest - I’ve run a shared drain setup with a high loop for about six years now and haven’t had any real trouble. Maybe I just lucked out with the way my old house is plumbed, ...
RE: Gravel Vs. Corrugated Pipe: Which Works Better For Drain Fixes?
Yeah, I’ve had the same issue with corrugated pipe getting squished if you don’t bed it just right or if you drive over it by mistake. I tried saving a few bucks using it for a French drain along my side yard, but after ...
RE: Why does swapping out a busted ice maker cost so much?
Honestly, I get where you're coming from, but I've had a bit of luck poking around local repair shops or even eBay for individual parts. Sometimes it's just a matter of patience and digging. Manufacturers definitely don’...
RE: Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures
Brushed finishes definitely make life easier. I swapped out all the old chrome in my duplex for brushed nickel a couple years back, and it’s been way less of a headache - smudges just don’t show up as much, and tenants a...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
Man, I feel this. My phone’s got more pics of my crawlspace than my kids at this point. I tried making a “plumbing” album but then I forget to move the photos over half the time. Once, I spent twenty minutes scrolling th...
RE: why is documenting plumbing connections such a nightmare?
Totally get where you’re coming from. I once spent half a Saturday tracing a mystery PVC pipe that just disappeared behind the furnace - turned out it was an old condensate drain nobody bothered to remove or label. I get...
RE: Drain upkeep tips after seeing that crazy news story
Yeah, totally agree with you there. Baking soda and vinegar is more of a preventive measure than a real fix. Had a similar issue myself - tried the DIY route for days, but ended up borrowing my neighbor's drain snake any...
RE: SEPTIC SYSTEM NIGHTMARES: DID YOU KNOW THIS?
Humor definitely has a shelf life, especially when you're dealing with something as unglamorous as septic systems. I remember when we first moved into our place, I tried the funny route - posted a cartoon about septic do...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
I've tried the aluminum HVAC tape method too, and I agree it's super durable, but honestly, the removal hassle drove me nuts. Even with the electrical tape trick underneath (which is clever, btw), I still ended up with s...
RE: Thinking about swapping to a pedestal sink - tips or regrets?
Haha, seriously... I learned that the hard way. Got tempted by a sleek pedestal sink on clearance (couldn't resist the price tag), and now I'm stuck playing Tetris with toiletries every morning. Tried baskets too - yep, ...
RE: WHAT IF YOUR PIPES STARTED TALKING BACK?
Had a similar experience myself, but mine turned out to be a bit different. I went through the whole draining and bleeding routine too - twice, actually - but the pipes kept making these weird knocking sounds, especially...
RE: need some advice on plumbing stuff for DIY bathroom fix-up
Good points about boosters and long-term fixes. I haven't had to replace pipes yet, but I've patched up smaller plumbing issues here and there. Curious though, when you gradually replaced sections with PEX, did you notic...
RE: toilet disaster strikes again... help needed asap
Been there myself - old houses have their quirks for sure. After a similar silicone ring adventure, I switched back to wax and haven't looked back. Messy fingers beat water damage repairs any day... hang in there, you're...