Plumbing discussions and local services.
laurie_biker
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RE: city fined homeowner over DIY plumbing fix - fair or overreach?
Yes - a drain-line change behind a wall could warrant closer review even if nothing is visibly wrong, since an issue could remain hidden. But the concealed location alone shouldn’t decide the fine: the inspector’s findin...
RE: Touchless taps and other faucet surprises
- Tape, rubber bands, zip ties - honestly, half my toolbox is just “temporary solutions” that somehow last for years. - Those touchless faucets look fancy, but I’ve seen more than one end up stuck on “disco mode” (random...
RE: What would you do if your septic tank alarm went off while you’re on vacation?
Septic Alarms and Vacation Nightmares Not gonna lie, I get where you’re coming from, but I’d actually push back a bit on the idea that maintenance alone is the magic bullet. Here’s my take, for what it’s worth: - Even ...
RE: Why do faucet handles turn opposite ways?
- Trust me, I’ve asked myself the same thing while fixing these at 7am with one eye open. - Some brands stick to the “opposite” because of regional standards, old plumbing codes, or just stubborn tradition. Sometimes it’...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
- Gotta admit, the “faint salad smell” is a small price to pay for not having to wrestle with pipe wrenches before coffee. - Vinegar’s a classic. Works wonders on mineral build-up, especially if you’re in a hard water zo...
RE: Low-flow toilets: worth the hype or just a pain?
- You nailed it - gurgling usually means air or a partial clog. Glad snaking helped. Most folks are surprised it’s not as nasty as they expect (unless you hit a “bonus” from the previous owner…). - With older houses, wei...
RE: When is it time to swap out old pipes?
Honestly, waiting for a pipe to scream for help isn’t always the safest bet. I get budget pain - trust me, I’ve seen folks try to ride out their 1960s plumbing like it’s a classic car. But sometimes, those “future me” pr...
RE: How much would you pay to fix water damage from a burst pipe?
Had a customer once who tried the “just fans and patience” route after a small leak. Worked out fine - except they missed a patch behind the fridge. Six months later, mystery smell city. Point is, DIY can work, just gott...
RE: When your bathroom sink ends up off-center
- Yep, those slip-joint extensions are like the duct tape of plumbing - work in a pinch, but you’re just crossing your fingers every time you open the cabinet. - Leaks at the joints after a year? Classic. The plastic thr...
RE: Finally tackled my noisy pipes and feeling pretty proud
Honestly, I hear you on the price of those fancy pads. I’ve dropped one in a puddle before and it survived, but my wallet still hasn’t recovered. Most days, it’s whatever scrap paper I can find - old receipts, cardboard ...
RE: What if your street flooded because drains were clogged?
Haha, totally agree with you on the plunger thing - major facepalm moment. As a licensed plumber myself, I've definitely had those awkward moments where it looks like we're just staring blankly at the problem (we're actu...
RE: finally figured out my boiler plumbing - anyone else find it tricky?
Haha, welcome to plumbing - where second-guessing yourself is practically part of the job description. Press-fit fittings are a life-saver in tight spaces, good call there. Honestly though, even us pros have moments star...
RE: My Pipes Burst at 2 AM - Ever Had a Midnight Plumbing Nightmare?
- Totally get your frustration with those plastic spacers - been there, done that, got the soggy basement to prove it. Zip ties are basically duct tape's plumbing cousin, so no shame there. - Heat tape can actually be pr...
RE: finally figured out my boiler plumbing - anyone else find it tricky?
Exactly: the backup needs to suit the complete heating system, not just its internet connection or ignition. A temperature alert can be useful, but it also depends on the sensor, power and communications still working. K...
RE: city fined homeowner over DIY plumbing fix - fair or overreach?
Haha, I get the frustration - I once had a customer who decided to DIY some plumbing to save a few bucks. Ended up flooding his basement and calling me anyway at 2 a.m. (good times...). Honestly though, codes exist for a...