Plumbing discussions and local services.
markpilot
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RE: Finally ditched the black tank: my dry loo journey
I get the appeal of thicker liners, especially when you’re dealing with tenants who might not be as careful. But honestly, in my experience, those “compostable” bags can be a bit of a gamble. Some brands just turn into a...
RE: Dripping taps driving me nuts - why is it never a quick fix?
It’s wild how something as simple as a flexi hose can cause so much chaos. I’ve had tenants call me in a panic more than once because of a split hose - always seems to happen at 2am or when you’re out of town. Honestly, ...
RE: Rainwater toilets and greywater showers: City tries new water-saving tricks
Honestly, I’ve run into the same issues with heat tape - especially on outdoor lines or in crawlspaces. The “heavy duty” label doesn’t mean much once you get a few hard freezes in a row. Draining is definitely the safest...
RE: Spin cycle issues: unplug and reset or dive straight into the filter?
I’ve lost count of how many times a “broken” washer was just a filter jammed with coins, hairpins, or even socks. Resetting the machine is almost never the fix - just delays the inevitable. I always go straight to the fi...
RE: When your bathroom sink ends up off-center
Couldn’t agree more - those “dry” joints have a way of turning into slow leaks right when you least expect it. I’ll admit, flexible traps are a lifesaver in a pinch, but I always cringe a bit using them long-term. They’r...
RE: Help, my basement drain's backing up again...
Couldn't agree more. I've done the liner thing twice at different properties - both times it felt like kicking the can down the road. Eventually, roots or shifting ground got the upper hand again. Last year, bit the bull...
RE: anyone tried sustainable plumbing upgrades at home?
I've run into similar corrosion issues before, and you're definitely onto something with water quality and humidity. Brass, even recycled brass, is generally pretty resistant to corrosion, but it's not bulletproof. If yo...
RE: Water pressure woes - anyone else dealt with this?
Gate valves have given me plenty of headaches too. Had one seize up in a rental property basement - tenants called me at midnight because the water pressure dropped to a trickle. Turned out the valve was corroded halfway...
RE: Finally got my bathroom reno right for everyone to use comfortably
I've had similar frustrations with moisture sensors, especially the cheaper ones. Installed a set in a rental property bathroom thinking they'd save me headaches, but they ended up causing more stress than they prevented...
RE: Plumbing tips that change with the seasons
Zip ties are decent, but honestly, engraved tags are worth the extra bit of hassle. I've had tenants accidentally snip ties off (thinking they're leftovers from repairs...), but nobody's managed to remove an engraved lab...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
Good point about the threading - I’ve had a few of those myself. But honestly, nine times out of ten, I've found rogue spraying issues come down to mineral buildup clogging the nozzles. You'd be amazed at how quickly dep...
RE: anyone tried sustainable plumbing upgrades at home?
I've actually seen soap nuts used by a tenant before, and while they seemed fine for regular laundry, tougher stains (think grass stains from kids' soccer or pet mishaps) were a bit hit-or-miss. She ended up supplementin...
RE: WHAT IF YOUR PIPES STARTED TALKING BACK?
Monthly checks are definitely a good habit, but honestly, they're not always practical or even necessary for everyone. I've managed multiple properties for years, and while regular inspections are important, monthly migh...
RE: shower goes ice cold when someone flushes toilet
Would a thermostatic valve be worth comparing as well? A pressure-balancing valve responds to changes in the incoming hot and cold pressures; a thermostatic valve responds to the mixed-water temperature. Which one suits ...