Plumbing discussions and local services.
lindabiker17
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Composting Vs. Low-Flow Toilets: Which One Makes More Sense?
You mention that guests might be uncomfortable with a composting toilet. How much would that weigh against the household finding the day-to-day routine manageable? Would simple instructions make the unfamiliarity feel li...
RE: Dripping taps driving me nuts - why is it never a quick fix?
Couldn’t agree more about the old washer taps - they were built to last, and you could actually fix them without needing a degree in plumbing or a trip to three different hardware stores. These new cartridges are suppose...
RE: What do you keep on hand for sudden sewer backups?
I get the logic behind enzyme cleaners, but I’ve had mixed results. Sometimes they work, sometimes you’re just left with a weird smell and a mess that still needs a second pass. I’m more old-school - bleach, gloves, and ...
RE: Best ways to deal with slow drains at home?
I’ve seen mesh catchers work, but honestly, tenants rarely clean them out as often as they should. Boiling water’s fine for maintenance, but it won’t touch a real clog. Ever tried one of those manual drain snakes? Curiou...
RE: How would I remove this stem to replace it?
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve had tenants call me in a panic after they tried “just giving it a little extra muscle” and snapped the whole valve off. As for freezing spray, I’m skeptical. Maybe it works on smaller fittings, ...
RE: Rainwater toilets and greywater showers: City tries new water-saving tricks
I get where you’re coming from - those see-through housings look handy in theory, but honestly, they’re not a magic fix. I’ve had a couple in my rentals and after a while, the plastic gets cloudy or stained, so you can’t...
RE: Under sink vs. countertop filters: which is less hassle to install?
I’ve dealt with both types in a bunch of rentals, and honestly, under-sink filters are a mixed bag. They look nicer, sure, but unless you really know what’s lurking under that sink, you’re rolling the dice. I’ve seen ten...
RE: Half flush never seems to work right - am I missing something?
Couldn’t have said it better myself. I’ve swapped out more “eco” toilets than I care to admit over the years, and nine times out of ten, tenants end up complaining about the same thing: either it’s not flushing properly,...
RE: When your bathroom sink ends up off-center
If it’s not leaking, I get the temptation to just walk away... but I’ve learned the hard way that “good enough” under the sink can come back to bite you. Tenants spot anything weird, and suddenly you’re getting calls abo...
RE: Kitchen Sink Money Drain: How Much Did You Spend Replacing Yours?
I hear you, but I’ve seen tenants ignore a “routine check” for months and then call me when the cabinet’s already warped. Sensors aren’t perfect, but they don’t forget or get lazy. Still, I do agree - less tech means les...
RE: Water pressure woes - anyone else dealt with this?
Honestly, I’ve started treating old gate valves like they’re just part of the scenery - unless I’m already tearing into the wall for something else. Swapping them for ball valves sounds great in theory, but I’ve had a fe...
RE: When is it time to swap out old pipes?
Yeah, I hear you - pipes are a pain to diagnose without tearing into the walls. I’ve had tenants complain about low pressure and, like you, figured it was just old faucets or maybe a clogged aerator. Turns out, sometimes...
RE: Water pressure woes - anyone else dealt with this?
I get where you're coming from, but I’m not totally sold on the “rip it all out” approach unless it’s really necessary. I’ve managed a bunch of older places, and yeah, patching can feel like a losing battle sometimes. Bu...
RE: Keeping Pipes Safe and My Sanity Intact
Fair point, but honestly, I've managed multiple properties for years without ever installing one of these auto shut-off valves. Sure, they're convenient, but regular inspections and some basic preventative measures - lik...
RE: anyone tried sustainable plumbing upgrades at home?
I've installed rain barrels at a couple properties - honestly, they're decent for watering gardens or lawns, but don't expect miracles. Storage can be tricky, and filtering debris is a must. Worth it overall, just temper...