Plumbing discussions and local services.
michellea16
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Touchless taps and other faucet surprises
I get the hesitation around more moving parts - totally valid. But after digging into this when we renovated last year, I think the sensor/manual hybrids actually make sense, at least for certain setups. Here’s my take a...
RE: Finally got my bathroom reno approved - permit process wasn’t as scary as I thought
I’ve been deep-diving into caulk types since I started my reno, and honestly, I’m still a bit confused by all the options. I tried silicone first - looked great but started to peel in spots after a year, maybe because I ...
RE: Touchless taps and other faucet surprises
Funny timing - I just finished installing a touchless faucet in our kitchen last weekend. I thought I was being clever by mounting the sensor higher up to avoid the cat triggering it, but now it barely picks up my hands ...
RE: Water pooling in basement - could it be a sneaky drain issue?
I totally underestimated how much those downspout extenders matter too. I thought six feet sounded excessive, but after the first big rain, I realized anything less just sends water right back to the foundation. One thin...
RE: Simple ways to avoid accidental water contamination at home
Also tell them what the hose is used for, especially the paint-tray cleaning you mentioned. The protection has to suit that connection and hazard. Keeping the hose end out of dirty water is sensible, but it doesn’t verif...
RE: Getting more hot water from my solar heater - what am I missing?
Insulating behind the tank is such a sneaky upgrade. I did something similar but used rigid foam board instead of rock wool - mainly because I had some scraps lying around. Not sure it made a night-and-day difference, bu...
RE: Plumbing pros weigh in: new app promises faster fixes and fewer headaches
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, these apps have gotten pretty advanced. Last week, mine walked me through diagnosing a hairline crack in a PVC elbow - step by step, including pressure testing before and aft...
RE: do you pay attention to water-saving rules when fixing stuff at home?
I know exactly what you mean about the trial and error part. I went through three different “efficient” showerheads before I found one that didn’t feel like I was rinsing off under a leaky faucet. Specs are helpful, but ...
RE: do you pay attention to water-saving rules when fixing stuff at home?
Totally get where you're coming from. Leak detectors are great, but I'd also suggest looking into water-efficient fixtures when you're replacing stuff anyway. Saves money on bills and helps the environment - win-win. Plu...
RE: Finally won the battle against invading tree roots
Totally get your frustration - I'm dealing with something similar right now. Just moved into my first home last year and discovered roots sneaking under the fence line into my veggie patch. After some trial and error, I ...
RE: Finally won the battle against invading tree roots
Good points on copper sulfate - I've used it myself and it definitely helps, but like you said, moderation is key. One thing I'd add from my recent experience: when installing root barriers, make sure you dig deep enough...
RE: My garbage disposal smells like a swamp monster moved in
Those cleaning pods are worth judging by their actual instructions and compatibility with the disposal, rather than assuming either that all chemicals damage pipes or that every pod is harmless. They may help with cleani...
RE: anyone tried sustainable plumbing upgrades at home?
I've been looking into greywater systems myself lately, and while I haven't installed one yet, I've done quite a bit of digging on the practical side. From what I've gathered, they're definitely doable for multi-unit set...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
Haha, yeah, rice saved my phone once too. I was replacing the kitchen faucet cartridge and had a YouTube video playing on my phone propped up near the sink. One slip later, and it was swimming in dishwater. After that, I...