Plumbing discussions and local services.
markperez597
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: water leak chaos: shut-off valve or plumber call?
If a suitable clamp stopped a small, accessible leak temporarily, would you still call a plumber promptly to make the repair lasting, or wait and see how it holds?
RE: How often do you actually test your main water shut-off?
I get why you’d want to check it that often, but is six months really necessary if the valve’s in good shape? I just moved in last year and the inspector said mine was fine, so I haven’t touched it since. Part of me worr...
RE: Rainwater toilets and greywater showers: City tries new water-saving tricks
I get what you’re saying about focusing on keeping the crawlspace dry, but I’m not totally convinced it’s just about moisture control. Isn’t some level of condensation always going to happen, especially in older houses? ...
RE: My Pipes Burst at 2 AM - Ever Had a Midnight Plumbing Nightmare?
I’ve been debating the smart leak detectors for weeks, but stories like this make me second-guess it. Is there any way to set them up so they don’t freak out over stuff like condensation? Or is that just the tradeoff? I ...
RE: Cracked Sink Dilemma: DIY Kit or Professional Fix?
I keep going back and forth on this. On one hand, I get the whole “wait for the cure” thing - patience isn’t my strong suit, but I’ve learned the hard way that shortcuts usually come back to bite you. But then I start wo...
RE: Plumbing pros weigh in: new app promises faster fixes and fewer headaches
Couldn’t agree more. I keep thinking these new apps will make things easier, but when I actually get under the sink, it’s always something weird or unexpected. Maybe there’s just no substitute for trial and error? I’m st...
RE: Finally tackled my noisy pipes and feeling pretty proud
I keep wondering if there’s some secret “contractor-grade” label that actually survives a basement. I tried those clear tape-over-labels from the office supply store, and they lasted a bit longer, but eventually the corn...
RE: Rusty water heater woes - repair or replace?
I totally get where you’re coming from. When we moved in, I was all about the tankless hype, but after reading up, I started wondering if the wait for hot water would drive me nuts - especially with our bathrooms on oppo...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
I get the frustration with cheap plastic parts, but I’m not totally convinced metal is always the answer. I’ve actually had a brass fitting corrode and seize up so badly it took hours to get it off - ended up damaging th...
RE: SEPTIC SYSTEM NIGHTMARES: DID YOU KNOW THIS?
Haha, duct tape and plastic sheeting? That's a new one for me. Our previous owners weren't quite that creative, but they did leave us with some questionable plumbing shortcuts - like pipes held together with zip ties. Zi...
RE: Kitchen sink disaster - DIY or call a plumber?
Interesting point... but how do you really know when it's tight enough? I've only tried compression fittings once (first-time homeowner here), and I ended up overtightening because I wasn't sure what "snug" actually felt...
RE: green plumbing showdown: greywater recycling vs rainwater harvesting
I've been thinking about bat houses too, but I'm a bit hesitant... how much maintenance do they actually need? And did you have any trouble attracting bats initially? I've heard mixed things - some people say bats moved ...
RE: My garbage disposal smells like a swamp monster moved in
Totally agree about the splash guard - mine was pretty nasty too. Quick question though, when you checked the trap, did you have to replace any seals or washers afterward? I've been hesitant to open mine up because I'm w...
RE: Water pressure woes - anyone else dealt with this?
Glad to hear it's working out for you, but I'm curious - have you noticed any difference in water taste or odor since switching to PEX? I've read mixed things about plastic piping potentially affecting water quality over...
RE: just read about a guy flooding his house trying to DIY install bathroom fixtures
I feel this... I usually give myself one solid attempt, but if things start spiraling or I'm spending more time Googling than actually fixing stuff, that's when I call someone. Learned the hard way that stubbornness can ...