Plumbing discussions and local services.
dukem68
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Why does my bathroom always smell like a pool?
I totally get what you mean about the “miracle” cleaners - half the time, it’s just a new label slapped on the same old chemicals. I ran into the pool smell issue after a deep clean last winter. Turns out, I’d used a gro...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
Pulling the whole arm is definitely the way to go if you’re dealing with stubborn gunk. I’d add - when you’re reattaching, don’t overtighten. I learned that the hard way once and cracked the fitting inside the wall... no...
RE: Rainwater toilets and greywater showers: City tries new water-saving tricks
That’s the truth. I skipped flushing the greywater lines last fall - just once - and ended up with a smell that took days to clear out. Now I’ve got a recurring calendar alert and a laminated checklist by the utility sin...
RE: Why does swapping out a busted ice maker cost so much?
Yeah, the price tag for OEM ice makers stings, but there’s a reason - swapping them isn’t just plug-and-play. You’ve got to match the wiring harness, water line, and mounting points exactly. Tried a universal once... nev...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
I hear you on the painter’s tape - works great until it doesn’t. I’ve had those key tags melt a bit in hot crawlspaces, but they’re still better than nothing. One thing I started doing is using a label maker with the “in...
RE: Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures
Honestly, I’ve had the same debate with myself - those lightweight fixtures always seem like a good idea until you’re tightening something and it feels like it might snap. My go-to is to check the weight in hand (not sup...
RE: Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve swapped out a couple of “eco” plastic faucets that just didn’t hold up - one even cracked at the base after a year. Here’s what I do now: check for solid brass or stainless stee...
RE: green plumbing showdown: greywater recycling vs rainwater harvesting
I get where you’re coming from. I went down the greywater rabbit hole a couple years back, thinking it’d be a cool project and save some water. Ended up being a lot more complicated than I expected. Here’s how it went fo...
RE: Cracked Sink Dilemma: DIY Kit or Professional Fix?
Totally agree about being cautious with anything water-related. I tried a kit on a chipped porcelain sink once - followed all the prep steps, but it still started bubbling after a month. If the crack is deep or near the ...
RE: Drain upkeep tips after seeing that crazy news story
I’ve had mixed results with baking soda and vinegar too - sometimes it’s just not enough, especially if there’s hair involved. Last year, I started using mesh drain covers in the shower and kitchen sink. Honestly, they c...
RE: Getting That Stubborn Dishwasher Working Again Without Calling a Repair Guy
Couldn’t agree more about the labeling. I use painter’s tape and a marker - just stick a little flag on each jar or bag with “front panel” or “kickplate” written on it. Saves me from playing that endless game of “which h...
RE: Thinking about swapping to a pedestal sink - tips or regrets?
Pedestal sinks definitely have their charm, but yeah, storage is the big trade-off. When I swapped mine out, the plumbing wasn't too bad - just had to adjust the drain height slightly and use flexible supply lines to get...
RE: Finally tackled my noisy pipes and feeling pretty proud
Ha, been there too... discovered my own little ecosystem behind the shower tiles last summer. Ended up replacing drywall and adding waterproof membrane - tedious job, but totally worth it for peace of mind.
RE: Rusty water heater woes - repair or replace?
If your heater is already showing rust, I'd probably start budgeting for a replacement. Sure, you can flush it and swap out the anode rod to squeeze a bit more life out of it - but that's usually just delaying the inevit...
RE: need some advice on plumbing stuff for DIY bathroom fix-up
Had something similar happen when I redid our guest bathroom. Thought I'd nailed it after swapping out the faucet and drain assembly, but a few days later, noticed a faint water stain on the cabinet floor. Turns out, the...