Plumbing discussions and local services.
nmaverick61
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: What should a like-for-like toilet replacement quote include?
For a like-for-like replacement, the base quote should spell out the toilet and standard fittings, removal and disposal of the old unit, installation, and a leak check afterward. Flange or shutoff-valve repairs are diffe...
RE: When your bathroom sink ends up off-center
I’ve wrestled with this exact scenario and honestly, I just can’t stomach boxing around the joist unless there’s no other way. Shifting the vanity a smidge has saved my sanity more than once - unless it throws off the wh...
RE: Best ways to deal with slow drains at home?
I get the appeal of just taking the trap apart, but I’ve actually had good luck with a wet/dry shop vac on stubborn clogs before going full disassembly mode. It’s way less messy and sometimes pulls out hair or gunk you’d...
RE: Gravel or pipe? Weird things I learned about backyard drainage
Clay really does make things complicated, doesn’t it? I thought I could just copy what my neighbor did, but turns out their soil drains way faster than mine. I ended up putting in a double layer of fabric too - felt like...
RE: Under Sink Hookup vs. Dedicated Drain Line: Which Is Better for Dishwashers?
I’ve wondered about the enzyme cleaners - do they actually help long-term, or just mask the problem for a bit? I’ve been clearing my trap every few months, but I’m not sure if that’s overkill or just good practice. Anyon...
RE: Why does swapping out a busted ice maker cost so much?
I totally get what you mean about hidden surprises - Last time I tried to swap a faucet, I found three different kinds of plumbing tape and a leak I’m still not sure I fixed right. Do you think older homes are just more...
RE: Water pressure woes - anyone else dealt with this?
I get the logic behind low-flow fixtures, but honestly, I’ve had mixed results with them. In my place, switching to low-flow actually made the pressure issues feel worse, especially with the shower. Maybe it’s just my se...
RE: finally figured out my boiler plumbing - anyone else find it tricky?
I hear you on the masking tape labels - ran into the same thing when I moved in. One of mine was so old it had basically turned into a weird, sticky fossil that left a ghostly outline on the copper. Took some serious elb...
RE: When is it time to swap out old pipes?
I get where you’re coming from - there’s a lot to weigh up between recyclability, production impact, and what actually works in practice. Salvaging copper is a smart move, and honestly, I wish more folks did that instead...
RE: Thinking about swapping to a pedestal sink - tips or regrets?
I hear you on the storage issue - pedestal sinks really don’t leave you much to work with. We swapped ours in last year and honestly, I underestimated how much I’d miss having a cabinet for all the random bathroom stuff....
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
True, laminated tags are handy, but personally I've found clear packing tape works just as well in a pinch. When I moved into my first place, I labeled everything with sharpie and tape - cheap and easy to replace if some...
RE: Thermostat acting weird, DIY fix or call a pro?
Couldn't agree more. When I moved into my first place, I was pretty eager to tackle everything myself - until I opened up the thermostat panel and saw wiring that looked straight out of the 70s. Brittle insulation, weird...
RE: green plumbing showdown: greywater recycling vs rainwater harvesting
I've thought about greywater and drip irrigation too, but honestly, I'd be cautious about combining them directly. Greywater tends to have small particles - hair, lint, soap residues - that can clog drip emitters pretty ...
RE: sink's spraying water everywhere - what do you grab first?
Good point about preventative maintenance - it's definitely key. When I first moved into my place, I had a similar issue with a bathroom faucet randomly spraying water at night. Turned out the fittings had loosened over ...