Plumbing discussions and local services.
genealogist13
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RE: Drawers that leave vanity plumbing reachable
In a larger vanity, a dedicated service area may take up a smaller share of the useful storage. For example, if the pipes sit near one end, I’d leave that section clear or use a removable panel there, rather than shaping...
RE: Why do faucet handles turn opposite ways?
Never fails - every time I think I’ve seen every weird faucet setup, another one pops up. I’ve had units where the hot handle spun left, cold spun right, and both would leak if you didn’t hit just the right “sweet spot.”...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
I get the appeal of patching things up with tape and compound - been there plenty - but honestly, sometimes it’s just not worth the hassle. I used to keep fighting with this one showerhead that sprayed everywhere but dow...
RE: Under sink vs. countertop filters: which is less hassle to install?
I’ve had tenants call me in a panic over a leaky under-sink filter more than once, usually because the fittings weren’t tightened enough or they missed a washer. But honestly, after the first install, it’s pretty much se...
RE: How much did you pay to fix your fridge's ice maker?
I had a slow leak behind one of my units a couple years back - tenant didn’t notice until the floor started warping. Insurance barely covered half after all the back-and-forth. Ever tried those leak sensors? I’ve thought...
RE: Choosing between in-kitchen and underground grease traps - what would you do?
That’s been my experience too. I’ve had tenants ignore underground traps for years, and by the time anyone notices, it’s a full-blown project. With the kitchen ones, at least you can’t really forget about them - smell re...
RE: How much did you pay to fix your fridge's ice maker?
$180 sounds about right for a plumber, but yeah, it stings for what feels like a 10-minute job. I’ve swapped out a few of those old gate valves myself over the years - honestly, they’re a pain, but not impossible if you’...
RE: My Pipes Burst at 2 AM - Ever Had a Midnight Plumbing Nightmare?
Couldn’t agree more about the wet/dry vac - those things are worth their weight in gold during a plumbing crisis. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been woken up by a tenant call and ended up dragging mine out at so...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
I get the appeal of paper diagrams, but honestly, I’ve had those go missing or get ruined by leaks more than once. I started keeping digital copies on my phone as backup - no WiFi needed, just a quick photo. Not perfect,...
RE: Cracked Sink Dilemma: DIY Kit or Professional Fix?
Yeah, that’s the part that stings. I’ve used those epoxy kits on a couple of my rentals for tiny cracks near the drain. Honestly, it’s hit or miss. One held up for over a year, but another started leaking again after jus...
RE: finally figured out my boiler plumbing - anyone else find it tricky?
Yeah, those sensors are handy, but I hear you - nothing beats actually checking in on things yourself now and then. Had a tenant once who ignored a slow drip because the app didn’t alert them... ended up with a warped fl...
RE: Finally won the battle against invading tree roots
Funny how we all put it off, thinking we’re saving money, but in the end it’s just more headaches. I kept telling myself the roots weren’t “that bad” until I had a backup during a holiday weekend - talk about timing. Aft...
RE: My Pipes Burst at 2 AM - Ever Had a Midnight Plumbing Nightmare?
Steel wool’s been my go-to too, but I swear some of these mice must be part beaver. I’ve even tried caulking over the wool, thinking it’d help, but they just find a new route. Has anyone actually had luck with those pepp...
RE: Kitchen sink disaster - DIY or call a plumber?
Yeah, I tend to agree with this - there’s a lot under the kitchen sink that’s pretty straightforward if you’re willing to get your hands dirty. I’ve had tenants call me in a panic over a slow drip, and half the time it’s...
RE: SEPTIC SYSTEM NIGHTMARES: DID YOU KNOW THIS?
Yeah, I’ve seen enzyme stuff buy a little time too, especially with tenants who are actually careful about what goes down the drain. It’s not a fix for real neglect, but in a pinch, it can keep things from turning into a...