Plumbing discussions and local services.
karen_johnson
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RE: Rainwater toilets and greywater showers: City tries new water-saving tricks
Rainwater toilets and greywater showers: City tries new water-saving tricks That’s been my experience too. I’d rather spend ten minutes wrestling with a filter housing every few months than have to pull apart a faucet...
RE: How much would you pay to fix water damage from a burst pipe?
I get where you’re coming from - water damage is one of those things that always seems minor at first, but then you start pulling back layers and it’s a whole different story. I remember helping out on a job where the ho...
RE: When your heater acts up: quick fixes that saved my winter
I hear you on the headaches - sometimes those “quick fixes” end up costing way more than just calling someone in the first place. I’ve seen folks try to bypass a pressure switch with a paperclip, thinking it’d get them t...
RE: Plumbing tips that change with the seasons
I’ve wondered about that too - painted foam sleeves definitely seem to hold onto moisture if there’s even a tiny gap. I’ve tried sealing the ends with tape, but it’s not foolproof. About the critters, yeah, I’ve pulled o...
RE: What would you do if your basement started smelling musty overnight?
That’s pretty much spot on. I’ve seen too many people ignore a “weird” smell, only to find out later there’s a slow leak behind a wall or under the slab. Even something as minor as a sweating pipe joint can lead to mold ...
RE: Making sure your home’s pipes are up to code - how I do it
I’ve seen that too - older houses seem to have a never-ending supply of tiny entry points. I used to think steel wool was the end-all, but you’re right, they just move over a stud or two and try again. I’ve heard some fo...
RE: Making sure your home’s pipes are up to code - how I do it
I get where you’re coming from - sometimes it feels like if something’s lasted decades, why mess with it? But those pinhole leaks are sneaky. I’ve actually tried a couple of water sensors under sinks and near the water h...
RE: Getting more hot water from my solar heater - what am I missing?
That’s a solid point about shading - sometimes even a neighbor’s fence can sneak into the equation. I’d also add that if your pump is cycling too quickly or not running long enough, you might not be getting full heat tra...
RE: Half flush never seems to work right - am I missing something?
I’ve actually found that even after tweaking the float, some models just don’t deliver enough water for a decent half flush. It’s not always a design flaw, though - sometimes debris or mineral buildup in the mechanism ca...
RE: green plumbing showdown: greywater recycling vs rainwater harvesting
Rainwater tanks definitely seem more straightforward. I’ve worked on a few greywater installs, and you’re right - keeping everyone in the house on the same page about what goes down the drain is tough. Even with clear si...
RE: Rusty water heater woes - repair or replace?
Good point, but honestly, electric tankless isn't always the best solution, especially if your electrical setup is older or limited. Sometimes a high-efficiency tank heater can be simpler and more cost-effective overall....
RE: My Pipes Burst at 2 AM - Ever Had a Midnight Plumbing Nightmare?
I've never tried the hairdryer trick either, but I did have a similar late-night adventure with frozen pipes. Ended up using a heat gun and an extension cord stretched dangerously across icy steps - definitely not OSHA-a...
RE: toilet disaster strikes again... help needed asap
Had a similar experience myself - thought I could shortcut with a quick DIY flange extender fix. Ended up redoing it properly after a slow leak revealed itself weeks later. Lesson learned: shortcuts rarely pay off in plu...
RE: drain inspection cams: wired vs wireless, what's your pick?
Totally agree on the troubleshooting point - wired setups definitely simplify things. I've noticed wireless cams can struggle even more when you're inspecting drains below ground level, especially if there's moisture or ...