Plumbing discussions and local services.
linda_ghost
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RE: finally figured out my tankless heater setup, anyone else find diagrams confusing?
The multiple drawings can be the confusing part: a manual may show several venting or piping layouts, but not every layout applies to every model. Check the exact model number and the notes for each configuration before ...
RE: WHEN YOUR LAWN TURNS INTO A SWAMP AFTER EVERY RAINSTORM
- Ran into this exact thing last fall. Homeowner thought burying the downspout was enough, but the pipe just ended under the lawn. After a couple storms, they had a swamp in the middle of their yard and still had water p...
RE: My Pipes Burst at 2 AM - Ever Had a Midnight Plumbing Nightmare?
- Cheap water alarm in the crawlspace? Honestly, not a bad move. They’re simple, loud, and don’t care about WiFi or fancy apps. - For spots like that, I usually go old-school: put a water alarm on a brick or board so it’...
RE: How I finally stopped my bathroom faucet from getting gross
Vinegar spray works for mineral buildup, but yeah, it can leave a weird smell for a bit. Here’s what I’ve noticed: - Straight vinegar is strong - diluting it helps with the smell but still gets the job done. - Let it si...
RE: Choosing between in-kitchen and underground grease traps - what would you do?
Underground traps definitely have their perks, but honestly, I’m not sure they’re always as “set it and forget it” as folks hope. Here’s what I’ve seen: - Maintenance is a pain. You still gotta pump them out, and if som...
RE: When the Toilet Floods at Midnight: My DIY Save
Yeah, I know what you mean - last time I did a late-night repair, I found pipe dope on my elbow and had no clue how it got there. About those hybrid sealants, I’ve used RectorSeal Tru-Blu and it’s less messy, but I’m sti...
RE: Getting That Stubborn Dishwasher Working Again Without Calling a Repair Guy
Been there, done that - nothing like a surprise facial from the depths of the dishwasher. Here’s what’s worked for me when rice (or pasta, or whatever else) decides to stage a coup in the drain: - Wet/dry vac is hit or ...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
- Vinegar's usually my go-to as well, but I've had mixed results with CLR. Used it a couple times on a stubborn metal showerhead, and it worked great initially, but seemed to corrode the finish slightly after repeated us...
RE: need some advice on plumbing stuff for DIY bathroom fix-up
- Totally get what you're saying about leak detectors. I've installed a bunch for customers, and honestly, reliability is hit or miss. Some brands seem to hold up better than others, but even the good ones can glitch out...
RE: Water pressure woes - anyone else dealt with this?
Had a similar issue at my place last year - turned out it wasn't the heater or aerators, but the pressure reducing valve (PRV). It was old and partially stuck, restricting flow. Swapped it out and pressure improved insta...
RE: Eco-Friendly Ways to Keep Your Drains Clear and Fresh
Honestly, I wouldn't rely too heavily on those drain sticks. Tried a few brands myself and found them pretty hit-or-miss. Regular baking soda and vinegar flushes seem more consistent and cheaper in the long run...
RE: Finally got my bathroom reno right for everyone to use comfortably
Had a similar experience at my parents' place. Dad went all-in on a high-powered fan thinking it'd clear steam instantly. It did, but it also scared the dog every time someone turned it on and made conversations impossib...
RE: WHAT IF YOUR PIPES STARTED TALKING BACK?
Fair point about plumber's gauges being more accurate, but honestly, I've used those hardware store screw-ons plenty of times without issues. Couple things to keep in mind: - Make sure you're testing at different times ...
RE: just read about a guy flooding his house trying to DIY install bathroom fixtures
- Totally agree on the wax-free issue, ran into something similar last month. - Customer bought one of those fancy silicone gaskets thinking it'd solve all their leak issues. Problem was, their flange was about as level...
RE: old pipes and fixtures - can they actually be recycled?
Yep, most scrap yards will happily take metal pipes and fittings. Couple quick tips: - Separate copper and brass from steel - usually gets you a better price. - Call ahead, some places get picky about galvanized stuff. ...