Plumbing discussions and local services.
golfplayer85
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: What’s a sensible budget for a small plumbing tool kit?
For routine jobs, I’d put fit and reach ahead of premium construction on an occasional tool: a basin wrench that can actually reach the nut is more useful than a sturdier tool that won’t fit the space. For adjustable wre...
RE: Best ways to deal with slow drains at home?
Yeah, boiling water rarely does much for stubborn clogs, especially if the pipes are old. I’ve pulled out some gnarly stuff from traps - gloves are a lifesaver for sure. If it’s still slow after cleaning the trap, I’d ch...
RE: When your water heater goes rogue: quick fixes and hacks
You’re not wrong about “dry to the touch” being unreliable, but I wouldn’t write off moisture meters entirely. I get that they can seem hit or miss, but a decent quality one with pins (not just the pinless kind) can actu...
RE: Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures
Honestly, I’ve noticed the same thing with warranties - some brands make it super easy, others just seem to want you to give up. I had a similar experience with Delta: they sent a replacement cartridge without any hassle...
RE: When is it time to swap out old pipes?
I’ve been in the same boat, honestly. My place has old galvanized lines and I kept patching up sections whenever there was a leak. It worked for a while, but after the third emergency fix in less than a year, it started ...
RE: Rusty water heater woes - repair or replace?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’m not totally convinced it’s always a lost cause once rust shows up. I mean, yeah, if the base is flaking apart or you see water pooling, that’s a different story. But sometimes it’s...
RE: Help, my basement drain's backing up again...
Second guy probably just took his time and knew what to look for. I've seen inspectors miss stuff because they're rushing to the next job. Sometimes it's not even about tools - just slowing down and checking carefully ma...
RE: ever wondered how faucets actually work?
I've noticed ceramic disc faucets tend to hold up better against scale buildup. When I replaced my old compression faucet with one, it seemed to clog less often, even with the same hard water conditions. Could be the smo...
RE: Finally got my bathroom reno right for everyone to use comfortably
Yeah, skipping the leak test is a gamble that's rarely worth it. I've seen a few cases where tiny drips went unnoticed for weeks, quietly soaking insulation and drywall until mold showed up. By then, it's a much bigger h...
RE: Cracked Sink Dilemma: DIY Kit or Professional Fix?
Good points about temperature swings, hadn't really thought about that before. Makes sense though, porcelain expands and contracts differently than epoxy. Wonder if anyone's tried using a flexible sealant or something si...
RE: Plumbing pros weigh in: new app promises faster fixes and fewer headaches
Good points overall, especially about combining tech with manual checks. I've seen a few cases where smart detectors caught leaks super early - like slow drips behind dishwashers or fridges that no one would've noticed f...
RE: Burst pipe panic: what would you do?
I've seen those Wi-Fi leak detectors in action at a client's place - caught a slow drip under their dishwasher early. Pretty handy, but setup seemed a bit finicky. Wonder if battery life holds up over time...
RE: Finally tackled my noisy pipes and feeling pretty proud
Checking water pressure is solid advice. I've seen a few cases where homeowners tightened everything up, but the banging kept coming back because the pressure was way too high. Usually, you want it around 40-60 psi - any...
RE: shower goes ice cold when someone flushes toilet
That's a solid suggestion. Thermostatic valves can definitely smooth out those sudden temp swings. But before even going that far, I'd double-check the basics first - especially if you're dealing with older plumbing. Ha...
RE: sink's spraying water everywhere - what do you grab first?
I've used plumber's grease a few times in a pinch, and it does the job short-term. But from what I've seen, it tends to break down quicker than silicone, especially with hot water valves. Silicone lubricant seems to hold...