Plumbing discussions and local services.
mcarter86
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Pop-up or grid drain for a bathroom sink?
A pop-up adds parts around the stopper and linkage that may need occasional cleaning if soap residue or debris makes it stick; a grid drain avoids that mechanism, though its openings still need clearing. I’d accept the e...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
I’ve actually had decent luck with those recycled rubber gaskets, though I’ll admit I was skeptical at first. The last set I used on my kitchen faucet lasted way longer than the standard ones - plus, less guilt about tos...
RE: KEEPING THE HEAT ON: DOES REGULAR FILTER CLEANING REALLY MATTER?
Totally get where you’re coming from - just tossing filters because the calendar says so never made sense to me either. I’m always asking myself, is it really dirty or am I just being paranoid? The flashlight test is my ...
RE: Best ways to deal with slow drains at home?
That's exactly my concern with wet/dry vacs. I get why folks use them, but it feels like you’re kind of gambling - either you suck the clog out or just blast it deeper into the pipes. Ever tried a manual drain snake inst...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
I do something similar, but I use my phone to mark up the photos digitally - just basic arrows or notes about which pipe is which. It’s not perfect, but at least I don’t have to worry about losing a printout in the shuff...
RE: Plumbing tips that change with the seasons
Wrapping pipes with foam sleeves is honestly one of those things that seems basic, but it’s super effective. I’m with you - taping the seams makes a huge difference, especially if you’re in an older house where drafts sn...
RE: Half flush never seems to work right - am I missing something?
Half flushes are kind of the unicorn of bathroom tech, aren’t they? I’ve been on a bit of a mission to find one that actually works as promised. I’ve tried a couple of the “eco” models - Toto and Caroma come to mind - an...
RE: anyone tried sustainable plumbing upgrades at home?
That’s the part that gets me - longevity is such a huge factor in sustainability, but it rarely gets enough attention. I’ve actually had to replace a section of copper after just 12 years due to pinhole leaks (high chlor...
RE: SEPTIC SYSTEM NIGHTMARES: DID YOU KNOW THIS?
That’s interesting - pine straw’s not something I’ve tried, but it makes sense since it doesn’t mat down as much as mulch. Do you notice any difference in moisture retention around the lid? I’ve always worried about too ...
RE: When the Toilet Floods at Midnight: My DIY Save
Towel barricades always felt like a stopgap to me, honestly. I tried the “towel wall” trick once when our kid managed to flush an entire roll of toilet paper… The towels slowed the water, but didn’t actually stop it from...
RE: Cracked Sink Dilemma: DIY Kit or Professional Fix?
Honestly, I think it depends a lot on the kind of kit and how much use that sink gets. Some of those epoxy repairs can last ages, especially if you’re careful with prep and let it cure fully. But I have seen a couple of ...
RE: green plumbing showdown: greywater recycling vs rainwater harvesting
I’ve wondered about that too - how often are folks actually flushing their greywater lines? I do it every couple months, but sometimes I still get a bit of buildup. Maybe it depends on the kind of detergent and how much ...
RE: Finally tackled my noisy pipes and feeling pretty proud
Interesting about the silicone - I've actually moved away from using it around fixtures lately. Found it doesn't hold up as well long-term, especially in damp environments. Have you considered plumber's putty instead? It...
RE: Help, my basement drain's backing up again...
Interesting to hear lining worked out for you. I've been considering it myself, mostly because I'm worried about the environmental impact of excavation - heavy machinery, disturbed soil, runoff issues... Did you notice a...
RE: Water pressure woes - anyone else dealt with this?
Did you happen to check the pipes themselves? Older homes sometimes have galvanized steel pipes that corrode and clog up over time. Had a similar issue myself - thought I was being eco-friendly with low-flow fixtures, tu...