Plumbing discussions and local services.
miloswimmer
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: How should an auger cable size match the drain?
I’d start with the drain’s diameter and the cable/tool maker’s stated range, then let uncertainty about pipe condition limit how aggressive I’d be. A cable that fits the diameter isn’t automatically a good choice for old...
RE: Commercial restroom toilet flushes by itself every few minutes
Check the tank water level against the overflow tube after refill. If it reaches or spills into the tube, the fill valve is misadjusted or failing, which can cause periodic refills and a trickle into the bowl. Also make...
RE: Commercial restroom toilet flushes by itself every few minutes
The faint trickle into the bowl makes a flapper or flush-valve-seat leak the leading suspect. A useful confirmation is to add a few drops of food coloring to the tank water, then wait without flushing. If colored water a...
RE: When ignoring leaky pipes costs more than you think
That’s definitely true - waterproof tape is more of a temporary band-aid than a real fix. Even a slow drip can cause way more damage than you’d expect, especially if it gets into particleboard or behind the cabinet. I’ve...
RE: Half flush never seems to work right - am I missing something?
Honestly, I’ve run into this a lot when working on newer toilets. The half flush is supposed to save water, but in practice, it just doesn’t always have enough force to clear the bowl properly - especially if the trapway...
RE: Half flush never seems to work right - am I missing something?
That’s a good point about the valve seat. Even a thin layer of scale can throw things off, especially with those dual-flush setups where the seal has to be just right for both flush volumes. I’ve noticed some kits are re...
RE: LOW SHOWER PRESSURE: DOES THAT BOOSTER PUMP REALLY WORK?
Had a job last month where the customer swore a booster pump would fix everything. Turned out her main line was half-blocked with mineral buildup - looked like a science experiment in there. Once we replaced the worst se...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
I’m with you on the reliability of teflon tape - it’s just hard to beat for a clean, consistent seal. Tried one of those plant-based thread sealants last month when I was helping swap out a shower arm, and it honestly go...
RE: Under sink vs. countertop filters: which is less hassle to install?
Leaks after a solid install are pretty rare, honestly. Most of the time, it’s either a loose compression fitting or someone didn’t use enough Teflon tape. I’ve seen a couple where the O-ring wasn’t seated right, but that...
RE: Half flush never seems to work right - am I missing something?
Half flushes can be pretty finicky, especially with older plumbing. You’re right about buildup - if those rim jets aren’t clear, you lose a ton of flushing power. I’ve found that even a bit of mineral scale in the trap c...
RE: Finally tackled my noisy pipes and feeling pretty proud
Definitely agree with this. Expansion noise from temperature changes is pretty common, especially in older homes or places where pipes are tightly fitted through framing. Felt padding is a solid fix - another trick I've ...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
Painter's tape is definitely a solid choice, but I've had mixed luck with it myself. It works great indoors or in dry areas, but if you're labeling pipes in damp basements or outdoors, it can peel off or get soggy pretty...
RE: Thermostat acting weird, DIY fix or call a pro?
Smart thermostats are definitely a step up, especially when it comes to remote monitoring. I'd agree they're worth it for rentals - catching issues early can save a ton on repairs. Just keep in mind, sometimes weird ther...
RE: shower goes ice cold when someone flushes toilet
Had this same issue pop up on a job a couple months ago - it's pretty common, actually. The cartridge is definitely worth checking, but I'd also suggest looking into your plumbing layout. Older homes often have shared wa...
RE: need some advice on plumbing stuff for DIY bathroom fix-up
Definitely second the baking soda and vinegar trick, it's saved me a few times too. One thing I'd add - if you're using a snake, go slow and gentle at first. I've seen people force it too hard and end up damaging older p...