Plumbing discussions and local services.
finn_harris
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RE: Finally got my rain barrel setup working smoothly
Yes, they can compete during a dry spell: garden watering can be cut back or paused, while toilet demand is harder to defer. A simple rule could be to reserve enough for essential indoor use and use any surplus on the ga...
RE: Finally got my rain barrel setup working smoothly
Whether a pump is needed depends on the pressure and flow available from the barrel. For a gravity-fed setup, compare the barrel’s water level with the toilet connection and check the toilet’s inlet requirements before c...
RE: Finally ditched the black tank: my dry loo journey
Mixing in sawdust actually made things worse for me - just turned into a dense, wet clump that didn’t break down any faster. Shredded paper was a little better, but only if I kept the ratio low. Too much and it just mats...
RE: When your pipes burst at 2am: what would you actually do?
Yeah, “controlled chaos” pretty much nails it. I’ve always wondered if those pipe clamps are really worth the money or just another thing collecting dust in the toolbox. Anyone actually had one fail on them? I usually ju...
RE: Making sure your home’s pipes are up to code - how I do it
Honestly, same here. I’d rather spend a Saturday with a flashlight than find out years later that there’s a science experiment growing behind the foam. Plus, if you ever have to fix or run new pipes, that stuff is a pain...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
I’ll admit, I was skeptical about those label tapes lasting, especially in a damp basement. But two years is pretty solid. I’ve had Sharpie labels just smear off after a few months, so maybe it’s worth the extra couple b...
RE: What would you do if your basement started smelling musty overnight?
I totally get the urge to just shrug it off and hope the smell goes away on its own - especially when you’re trying to avoid an expensive fix. But I’ve learned the hard way that ignoring a weird basement smell can end up...
RE: How much would you pay to fix water damage from a burst pipe?
Yeah, insurance companies love that “gradual damage” loophole. I had a similar run-in when a slow leak in my bathroom went unnoticed for a bit - by the time I caught it, the subfloor was toast. Ended up paying out of poc...
RE: Water pooling in basement - could it be a sneaky drain issue?
I get what you’re saying about the drains, but honestly, I’ve seen folks spend a ton of money chasing down “hidden” drain issues when the real problem was just humidity or condensation. Sometimes it’s not even about wate...
RE: WHEN YOUR TUB WON'T DRAIN: DIY FIXES THAT ACTUALLY WORK?
Those zip snakes are honestly my go-to before I even think about dragging out the wet/dry vac or risking a bladder. They’re dirt cheap, and I’ve pulled out enough hair monsters to make a small wig - gross, but weirdly sa...
RE: Finally tackled my noisy pipes and feeling pretty proud
Tried those zip tie labels once - looked neat at first, but after a year they got brittle and started cracking off. Honestly, I’m back to masking tape and Sharpie too. It’s not pretty, but at least it sticks around.
RE: Kitchen Sink Money Drain: How Much Did You Spend Replacing Yours?
Man, I swear the “universal” label is just code for “good luck, buddy.” I tried to save a few bucks with one of those kits, and the thing barely fit. Ended up with a leaky mess and a pile of leftover parts. I get wanting...