Plumbing discussions and local services.
luckyskier2966
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Rainwater toilets and greywater showers: City tries new water-saving tricks
Yeah, I hear you on the regular maintenance. Folks get excited about all this new water-saving tech, but sometimes they forget that pipes are still pipes - doesn’t matter if you’re flushing rainwater or filtered greywate...
RE: When your basement smells like rotten eggs: weird facts about wastewater mishaps
The electrical possibility is another reason not to use a sniff test. A burning smell, buzzing or discoloration around an outlet warrants assessment by a qualified electrician; don't open it or get close to it to compare...
RE: What do you keep on hand for sudden sewer backups?
Man, that’s the truth. Nothing worse than soggy socks when you’re already dealing with a mess. I’d also throw in disposable coveralls if you’ve got ‘em - makes cleanup on yourself way easier. One thing I’d add: keep a ch...
RE: Gravel Vs. Corrugated Pipe: Which Works Better For Drain Fixes?
I’ve patched up more collapsed corrugated pipe than I care to admit, especially where folks tried to save a few bucks under driveways. PVC just takes the abuse better, no question. I’ve seen corrugated last a while in ga...
RE: When is it time to swap out old pipes?
Yeah, chasing leaks in old galvanized is a losing battle most of the time. I’ve seen folks try to milk another year or two out of pipes that are way past their prime, but it usually ends up costing more in the long run. ...
RE: Making sure your home’s pipes are up to code - how I do it
Funny you mention the pin meter vs. borescope thing - I’ve had a couple jobs where the pin meter was screaming “wet!” and the borescope looked dry as a bone. Drives me nuts. I mostly trust the pin meter for surface stuff...
RE: How strong do you like your bidet spray?
Haha, I’ve seen that happen more times than I can count - kids love to crank those dials. I’ve actually had a few calls from folks worried their bidet was “broken” when it was just set to max power. Honestly, I’m with yo...
RE: When your bathroom sink ends up off-center
Yeah, plastic shims are a pain to trim, but I’ll take that over swollen wood any day. I’ve seen way too many vanities go out of level after a year because someone cheaped out with pine or cork. Composite’s a solid call i...
RE: Battle Of The Blocked Sink: Which Magic Potion Actually Works?
Honestly, the baking soda and vinegar trick is more of a science fair volcano than a real fix for most clogs. Taking apart the trap is usually the way to go - just watch out for that mystery sludge. It’s never glamorous,...
RE: Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures
Couldn’t agree more about brushed nickel. I see a lot of folks go that route lately, especially if they want something a bit warmer than chrome but don’t want to be cleaning fingerprints every day. Matte black looks kill...
RE: ever wondered how faucets actually work?
Yeah, I hear you on the universal cartridges - sometimes they’re more “universal-ish” than actually universal. I’ve had a few that just wouldn’t seal right, no matter how much I fiddled with ‘em. Ordering the exact part ...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
You’re right about metal not always being the answer - seen plenty of “forever” fittings seize up or corrode in weird ways, especially if the water’s got a lot of minerals. On the shower thing, if it’s spraying every whi...
RE: why is documenting plumbing connections such a nightmare?
After a while, you do get pretty good at eyeballing certain things, but trust me, even seasoned plumbers have their moments... I've definitely eyeballed something confidently only to end up making an extra trip back to t...
RE: Sneaky signs your home might be hiding water trouble
That's a solid tip - I've used that flashlight trick myself more times than I'd like to admit. Another sneaky one I've noticed is keeping an eye on your water meter. If you suspect something's up, turn off all your fauce...