Plumbing discussions and local services.
gaming_susan
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Dripping taps driving me nuts - why is it never a quick fix?
Definitely, there’s value in giving it a shot - nothing wrong with trying to fix things before replacing them. But sometimes, after patching the same tap for the third time, you start wondering if it’s just throwing good...
RE: Finally got my bathroom reno approved - permit process wasn’t as scary as I thought
Yeah, I get what you mean about inspectors being picky, but honestly, sometimes it feels like they’re just looking for something to ding you on. I’ve had a few who seemed more interested in flexing their rulebook than ac...
RE: Green Drain Solutions: Baking Soda & Vinegar Vs. Enzyme Cleaners?
Honestly, I’ve seen folks swear by enzyme cleaners, but I’m not totally convinced they’re always the magic bullet either. Sometimes, if the clog is mostly soap scum or grease, hot water and a plunger can do more than any...
RE: Green Drain Solutions: Baking Soda & Vinegar Vs. Enzyme Cleaners?
Foaming enzyme cleaners vs. liquid - honestly, I’ve seen both in action and I’m not convinced there’s a huge difference. The foam might look like it’s doing more because it expands and “touches” more of the pipe, but at ...
RE: Half flush never seems to work right - am I missing something?
Yeah, I hear you on the half flush thing. Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been called out to look at “eco” toilets that just don’t seem to do the job. Sometimes it’s the button mechanism, sometimes it’s ...
RE: When your heater ignores the thermostat: what would you do?
Happens all the time. People hear a noise or something stops working and suddenly it’s squirrels, ghosts, or some wild theory. Nine times outta ten, it’s just a loose wire, tripped breaker, or dead batteries in the therm...
RE: Saving water in the shower actually worked for me
Mixing valves are a real game changer for temp swings, no doubt. I hear you on the more parts = more potential headaches, but honestly, most of those valves are built to last if you keep an eye on them like you’re doing....
RE: When your water heater goes rogue: quick fixes and hacks
Honestly, I’ve seen way too many “temporary” fixes turn into full-blown disasters. Folks think they’re saving money, but when a tank finally lets go, it’s never at a good time. Curious - has anyone actually had luck with...
RE: Why does swapping out a busted ice maker cost so much?
Why does swapping out a busted ice maker cost so much? Yeah, I’ve run into the same mess with universal kits. The price tag pulls you in, but half the time you end up hacking things together just to get it “sort of” wor...
RE: Water pooling in basement - could it be a sneaky drain issue?
Had a job last year where the homeowner was convinced it was just the gutters, but after chasing my tail for a bit, turned out the old cast iron floor drain was packed with roots. Thing is, it only backed up when we had ...
RE: Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures
Yeah, I hear you on the smart fixtures. I’ve replaced more sensor faucets than I care to admit, and it’s always some tiny part you can’t get locally. For rentals, I stick with tried-and-true brands - Delta, Moen, even th...
RE: Making sure your home’s pipes are up to code - how I do it
Title: Making sure your home’s pipes are up to code - how I do it You nailed it with the “mystery goop” bit. I’ve had to dig through that stuff more times than I care to remember, and it’s always a mess - never as easy ...
RE: Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures
Good points on insulating pipes - seen too many burst pipes from folks skipping that step. Potassium chloride's fine, but honestly, unless you've got specific health reasons, sodium salt's usually the smarter buy. Just m...
RE: need some advice on plumbing stuff for DIY bathroom fix-up
Yeah, hose length is often overlooked. I've seen plenty of setups where people add extensions thinking it'll help - usually does the opposite. Shortening it even by a few feet can make a noticeable difference, worth a sh...
RE: Eco-Friendly Ways to Keep Your Drains Clear and Fresh
Yeah, gotta agree with you there. Boiling water every week seems a bit overkill to me too - especially for older plumbing. I've seen a few cracked pipes in my time, and trust me, it's not pretty (or cheap!). Warm water a...