Plumbing discussions and local services.
jeff_river
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Turning sunlight into hot showers: best kits or hacks?
I’ve been down this road and honestly, every “easy install” kit I looked at either needed some kind of adapter or ended up with me under the house cursing at old pipes. The “plug and play” thing feels a bit oversold. I d...
RE: How do you usually tackle installing a new drain - DIY or call in a pro?
I’m with you on PVC - cheaper, lighter, and way easier to work with. I do wonder sometimes if it’s as durable long-term, but so far, no issues. Dry fitting is a must, but I’ve still had to redo things when the wall’s not...
RE: Plumbing tips that change with the seasons
I hear you on that. Every year I try some new “winter-proof” fix and it’s always the same story - stuff just doesn’t hold up. Has anyone actually found a sealant or patch that survives a full freeze-thaw cycle without fa...
RE: Why does swapping out a busted ice maker cost so much?
Honestly, I’ve had a universal part or two outlast the originals, but it’s kind of a gamble. I get the liability thing, but sometimes those OEM prices are just wild. If you’re careful with install and check for leaks, yo...
RE: Why does swapping out a busted ice maker cost so much?
I get what you mean about the trays - at least they’re predictable, even if they’re a bit old school. Has anyone actually found a universal kit that works out of the box? I tried one last year and ended up returning it a...
RE: When is it time to swap out old pipes?
I tried the deterrent sleeves from Amazon - honestly, mixed results. Mice chewed right through one spot, but left others alone. Not sure if it’s luck or what. I’m with you on not wanting to rip out pipes unless it’s real...
RE: When the Toilet Floods at Midnight: My DIY Save
Totally agree - those “deluxe” labels are mostly marketing. I’ve had better luck with the generic ones too, as long as you check the guts. Ever try the quarter-turn valves? I swapped to those after a similar late-night f...
RE: Is underfloor heating really worth it?
That’s exactly my worry. The cost of tearing up floors just to maybe find a leak or fix a line seems wild. Has anyone actually saved money on heating bills after all that? I keep hearing about “efficiency,” but does it r...
RE: Under sink vs. countertop filters: which is less hassle to install?
I hear you on the under-sink filter pain - had to deal with a seized valve once and ended up calling my brother for backup. But honestly, if you’re handy and your plumbing isn’t ancient, under-sink isn’t always a nightma...
RE: Battle Of The Blocked Sink: Which Magic Potion Actually Works?
Taking apart the trap freaked me out at first too, but honestly, it’s not as bad as it looks. I’ve done it a couple times now - just gotta have a towel and bucket ready, like you said. I’m with you on the baking soda and...
RE: Choosing between in-kitchen and underground grease traps - what would you do?
I hear you on the cost - underground traps are a nightmare if something goes wrong. But I keep wondering about the day-to-day hassle with the in-kitchen ones. I mean, yeah, you can see when they’re getting gross, but tha...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
Honestly, I just use a Sharpie too. If it’s hidden, I don’t see the point in fancy labels - those aren’t lasting behind drywall anyway. I’ve actually come across my own notes a few years later when opening stuff up, and ...
RE: Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures
Spot-resistant finishes are honestly a bit hit or miss in my experience. I put in a “spot-free” faucet last year (Moen, I think?) and it still shows water marks, just maybe not as bad as the old chrome one. Brushed nicke...
RE: Cracked Sink Dilemma: DIY Kit or Professional Fix?
Stainless steel sounds practical, but doesn't it scratch up pretty easily? I mean, I've seen some sinks that look like they've been through a war zone after just a few months of regular use. Porcelain might chip, sure, b...
RE: Burst pipe panic: what would you do?
I've been on the fence about heat tape myself - mostly because of the upfront cost and the hassle of installation. Our winters aren't usually brutal, but like you said, Mother Nature can throw a curveball every now and t...