Plumbing discussions and local services.
jamese31
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Rainwater toilets and greywater showers: City tries new water-saving tricks
I get where you're coming from, but honestly, the complexity does have its upsides. I’ve seen a couple of these “smart” greywater systems actually catch leaks that would’ve gone unnoticed with just a float switch. Sure, ...
RE: Drips from the box vs. leaks at the connections - what’s worse?
Water alarms are actually worth it, in my experience. I’ve been called out to a few places where the only reason the homeowner caught a slow leak was because the alarm started chirping. The thing is, you don’t need to ch...
RE: How much did you pay to fix your fridge's ice maker?
Yeah, I hear you on the old models being simpler, but honestly, I’ve seen plenty of those “easy” jobs turn into a mess. Stripped screws, cracked panels, or just finding out the part you need isn’t made anymore. The newer...
RE: When your bathroom sink ends up off-center
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen folks rip out half their bathroom just to center a sink, only to regret the chaos (and the bill). If it works and doesn’t leak, I say live with a little quirk. Flexible supply lines save th...
RE: Kitchen Sink Money Drain: How Much Did You Spend Replacing Yours?
Push-fits have their place, but I wouldn’t trust them everywhere. They’re great in a pinch or for tight spots where swinging a wrench is a nightmare. That said, I’ve seen a couple fail after a few years - usually when so...
RE: When your living room is a sauna but your bedroom's an igloo
That’s the truth right there. Folks always want a magic button, but if you’ve got uneven temps like that - sauna in one room, freezer in the next - it’s almost always about leaks or blockages somewhere in the ductwork. S...
RE: green plumbing showdown: greywater recycling vs rainwater harvesting
Yeah, you nailed it - rainwater’s just way less drama. I’ve had to snake out greywater lines more times than I care to remember, and it’s never a fun job. Folks get excited about saving water until they’re elbow-deep in ...
RE: When your bathroom sink ends up off-center
Yeah, flex lines are just way more forgiving in tight spots. I’ve seen rigid extensions end up kinking or putting stress on the valve - never a good time when you have to go back and fix that later. Those little brackets...
RE: Battle Of The Blocked Sink: Which Magic Potion Actually Works?
Honestly, I’ve seen those plastic snakes break off inside the drain if you’re not careful - especially with older pipes. Sometimes a wet/dry vac does the trick, pulls the clog right out. Not pretty, but it’s worked for m...
RE: Help, my basement drain's backing up again...
Had something similar happen a couple years back - first inspection missed a cracked pipe section. Second guy took his time, spotted it right away. Sometimes fresh eyes make all the difference...
RE: Help, my basement drain's backing up again...
Yeah, biodegradable wipes are a step in the right direction, but you're spot on - they're not gonna solve deeper plumbing issues. I've dealt with plenty of homes where wipes weren't even the main issue. Old cast iron pip...
RE: Finally tackled my noisy pipes and feeling pretty proud
Good call on the thread sealant - definitely worth the extra minute. I'd also suggest checking your pipe hangers while you're at it. Sometimes noisy pipes are just loose mounts rattling around, and tightening or adding a...