Plumbing discussions and local services.
jake_hall
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RE: How can I tell whether a low-flow showerhead is clogged or simply too restrictive?
I wouldn’t make the bucket test the first step. Measure it twice: with the showerhead installed, then with the head removed and a bucket held at the shower arm. Keep the test duration and valve position the same. - Norm...
RE: Flapper vs. canister: which toilet valve is less of a headache?
I get the appeal of sticking to flappers - easy to find, dirt cheap, and you don’t need a degree in plumbing to swap one out. I’m just not convinced it’s actually saving money or hassle in the long run, especially with h...
RE: WHEN YOUR TUB WON'T DRAIN: DIY FIXES THAT ACTUALLY WORK?
Honestly, I get nervous about the gasket too. If that thing tears or shifts, you’re looking at a leak behind the wall - way worse than a slow drain. I’ve dropped a screw in there before and spent 20 minutes fishing it ou...
RE: Plumber on speed dial vs. plumbing apps - what's your go-to?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had the opposite experience with the apps. I mean, yeah, there’s always a risk of getting someone who doesn’t care about cleanup - totally annoying - but isn’t that just ...
RE: green plumbing showdown: greywater recycling vs rainwater harvesting
Yeah, soap buildup caught me off guard too. Thought I was being smart by switching to biodegradable detergents, but turns out even those can clog things up if you're not careful about ingredients. Did you find any partic...
RE: Water pressure woes - anyone else dealt with this?
Did you notice any improvement in water flow after replacing the valve? I've been debating whether cleaning mine is enough or if I should just bite the bullet and replace it altogether... budget's tight, but shower roule...
RE: need some advice on plumbing stuff for DIY bathroom fix-up
That sounds like a pretty smart way to go about it - pressure testing reclaimed fittings is definitely gutsy. Did you guys end up using any thread sealant or tape on those older fittings, or just tighten them down and ho...
RE: Help, my basement drain's backing up again...
Camera inspections are helpful, but are they always worth the cost upfront? Last time I had a similar issue, I rented a drain auger from the hardware store first - cost me like 40 bucks for half a day. Cleared out a bunc...
RE: Plumbing pros weigh in: new app promises faster fixes and fewer headaches
Yeah, I agree battery drain can be a real pain, especially if you're dealing with frequent notifications. I've actually installed one of those hybrid wired/battery backup setups at my place - older house, didn't wanna te...