Plumbing discussions and local services.
joshuaf76
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: How soon should a rain-barrel first-flush diverter drain?
Yes - those are sensible first checks. Debris on the barrel inlet screen can restrict flow into the barrel; a clogged diverter drain opening can stop the chamber from emptying and resetting. Check them separately so you ...
RE: When your basement smells like rotten eggs: weird facts about wastewater mishaps
I hear you on forgetting - outta sight, outta mind. Some folks use a little mineral oil after pouring water, since it slows evaporation. Ever tried that? Just curious, does your drain get any use otherwise, or is it just...
RE: Rainwater toilets and greywater showers: City tries new water-saving tricks
Yeah, seeing a filter all gunked up in person really drives it home. Incentives are nice, but honestly, most folks just don’t realize how nasty things can get if you skip maintenance. I always worry about people skipping...
RE: When your bathroom sink ends up off-center
Tried messing with a metal offset kit once, but honestly, it was a pain to line up and seal - ended up with a slow drip after a few days. I get the concern about plastics, but sometimes it’s just the only thing that’ll f...
RE: When your bathroom sink ends up off-center
Those old clips are the worst - last time I tried to loosen one, it snapped and I nearly sliced my knuckle. Gloves help, but I still get nervous around rusted hardware. I second the plastic scraper tip, though... metal o...
RE: Best ways to deal with slow drains at home?
Yeah, learned that one the hard way. First time I took apart a P-trap, I thought it’d just be a bit of water - nope, it was like a science experiment gone wrong. Gloves are a must, and honestly, I’d keep a bucket handy t...
RE: Why does swapping out a busted ice maker cost so much?
I get the frustration, but there’s more to it than just swapping the ice maker and hooking up the water. Sometimes you have to pull the whole fridge out, deal with tight spaces, or run into old brittle lines. Plus, if so...
RE: Spin cycle issues: unplug and reset or dive straight into the filter?
Honestly, I always unplug first just in case, but yeah, it’s usually not that easy. I’ve seen people skip straight to yanking the filter and end up with a flood - never fun. I’d add: make sure you kill the power at the w...
RE: Keeping the sink monster happy: tricks for a smoother running disposal
Never trusted those pods much myself - seems like a quick fix for smell, not much else. I’ve always stuck to ice cubes and citrus peels every now and then. As for bones, I wouldn’t risk it. Saw a disposal jammed up with ...
RE: Half flush never seems to work right - am I missing something?
Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing with those kits. The flush just isn’t strong enough on some older toilets, no matter how much you tweak the float or swap out the flapper. Sometimes you can get a bit more power by makin...
RE: When your living room is a sauna but your bedroom's an igloo
That’s classic. It’s wild how often something small like that can throw off the whole system. I’ve seen similar stuff - once spent almost an hour tracing a “leak” that turned out to be condensation from a humidifier some...
RE: Burst pipe panic: what would you do?
Totally get the adrenaline rush angle - nothing like a little chaos to make you remember where the shutoff is. Still, I’m always a bit nervous about people just winging it in an emergency. Panic can make you forget even ...
RE: anyone tried sustainable plumbing upgrades at home?
Definitely agree with this. Also, double-check your fittings regularly - especially after temperature swings. I've seen connections loosen slightly over time, even with good tape... better safe than sorry.
RE: Burst pipe panic: what would you do?
Had a similar issue last winter - router went offline right when a pipe burst in the basement. Luckily, had a battery alarm installed as backup. Tech's great, but always good to have something simple and reliable ready j...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
Yeah, vinegar's usually safer - CLR can be harsh on finishes. I've soaked showerheads in vinegar overnight without issues, but with matte or specialty finishes, I'd stick to shorter soaks and rinse thoroughly after. Bett...