Plumbing discussions and local services.
drake_moon
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Getting water pressure back: my experience with a booster pump
Yeah, I’ve had my fair share of push-fits letting go on old copper - never fun when it happens at 2am and a tenant’s on the phone. Compression joints have always felt more solid to me too. I’m with you on PTFE; only both...
RE: Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures
Matte black does look great, but yeah, it’s a magnet for fingerprints - especially in rentals. I’ve had better luck with brushed nickel for hiding smudges. Ceramic discs are a must, though. They really cut down on mainte...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
I do the same thing with cheat sheets - got a few taped inside cabinets and even behind the water heater. It’s not pretty, but when you’re in a rush or it’s late, it beats digging through your phone or tool bag. I’ve tri...
RE: ever wondered how faucets actually work?
Universal replacement parts are the bane of my existence. I swear, I’ve got a whole drawer full of “universal” cartridges and washers that fit everything except what I actually need. The old compression faucets were a pa...
RE: green plumbing showdown: greywater recycling vs rainwater harvesting
I hear you on that. I’ve had tenants who were all-in on eco-friendly stuff until it came time to actually maintain it. Suddenly, nobody wants to clean out the rain barrel or deal with a slow-draining greywater system. It...
RE: Finally tackled my noisy pipes and feeling pretty proud
Copper mesh is a great suggestion - wish I'd known about it sooner. I've always defaulted to steel wool, but rust has definitely been an issue after a while. Aluminum tape sounds handy too, especially in tight spots. S...
RE: need some advice on plumbing stuff for DIY bathroom fix-up
Totally agree about going gentle with the snake - seen too many tenants crank on it and cause leaks later. Also worth mentioning: if you're dealing with older metal pipes, you might wanna check their condition first. Had...
RE: WHAT IF YOUR PIPES STARTED TALKING BACK?
Yeah, been there more times than I'd like to admit. Plumber's tape is great for minor leaks, but if the fitting itself is warped or damaged, you're just delaying the inevitable. Learned that lesson after a tenant called ...
RE: Rusty water heater woes - repair or replace?
Good advice here, especially about checking the basement humidity. I had a similar issue a few years back - thought it was just surface rust, but turned out a small pipe leak nearby was causing constant moisture. Fixed t...
RE: just dealt with a gas leak scare - anyone else used those home detectors?
Testing monthly is usually enough - I always tell my tenants to press the test button once a month and swap batteries yearly. Calibration spray's a good idea, but honestly, keeping it simple works fine for most home dete...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
I've used both cheap and premium valves over the years, and honestly, beyond a certain point, you're mostly paying for branding or minor design tweaks. Had some mid-priced brass ball valves last just as long as the prici...
RE: bathroom remodel dilemma: splurge on luxury or keep it budget-friendly?
Low-flow fixtures are definitely underrated. I've installed them in a couple of my rental properties, and tenants usually end up pleasantly surprised. Had one tenant who was convinced I'd messed with the water pressure -...