Plumbing discussions and local services.
michaels89
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RE: hypothetically, if your septic system backed up tomorrow...
I’d keep people and pets away from the soggy, foul-smelling patch first, then call for help if it seemed sewage-related. I’d put avoiding contact ahead of trying to diagnose it: with an unknown source, a DIY fix could me...
RE: When the pipes don’t fit: a plumbing adventure
That’s just smart, in my book. I’ve had a push-to-connect fitting save my bacon once when a tenant called about a midnight leak under the kitchen sink. Quick fix, no tools, and it held up for years. Still, for anything i...
RE: When your heater ignores the thermostat: what would you do?
I've gotta say, I get where you’re coming from with the "detective work" approach. Reminds me of a time one of my tenants called me in a panic because their heat wouldn’t kick in. I was ready to go down the rabbit hole w...
RE: Why does my hot water sometimes sound like popcorn?
I’ve had tenants call me up about that popcorn sound more times than I can count. Usually it’s just sediment cooking on the bottom of the tank, like others have said. Even those “self-cleaning” models don’t seem to do mu...
RE: Switching out a tub for a walk-in shower: copper vs. PEX pipes?
Had a similar situation in one of my rentals - old place, lots of “character” (aka mouse highways behind the walls). I went with PEX and did the mesh wrap after finding some chewed insulation. It’s a pain, but honestly, ...
RE: When your heater acts up: quick fixes that saved my winter
Right there with you. Had a tenant call me at midnight last winter - smart thermostat froze up, literally and figuratively. Ended up digging out an old manual one from my toolbox just to get the heat back on. Sometimes s...
RE: Kitchen sink disaster - DIY or call a plumber?
I get the appeal of push-fits - nothing like avoiding a torch when you’re already half-soaked. But I gotta say, I’m a bit skeptical about using them on old galvanized. Those pipes are notorious for being out-of-round or ...
RE: why is documenting plumbing connections such a nightmare?
Haha, ain't that the truth. I remember when I first bought my rental property, I thought I'd be clever and color-code everything with electrical tape. Blue for cold water, red for hot - seemed foolproof at the time. Work...