Plumbing discussions and local services.
oadams98
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: What’s included in a septic pumping quote?
If difficult lid access is already apparent when the company prepares the quote, would you rather see a likely access charge priced upfront, with approval reserved for surprises? That seems easier to compare than learnin...
RE: Why do faucet handles turn opposite ways?
I’ve had a few units with those old-school faucets where hot and cold turn in opposite directions, and honestly, as long as you label them clearly, it’s rarely an issue. I’ve tried replacing the handles to match before, ...
RE: Under Sink Hookup vs. Dedicated Drain Line: Which Is Better for Dishwashers?
I’ve run into this debate more times than I can count. High loops are like the duct tape of dishwasher installs - sometimes they’re all you need, sometimes they’re just masking a bigger issue. In older buildings, I’ve se...
RE: Half flush never seems to work right - am I missing something?
You’re definitely not missing anything obvious. Those “universal” kits are notorious for being a poor fit, especially in older properties. I’ve had to hunt down discontinued parts or even salvage mechanisms from other ta...
RE: Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures
Can’t argue with the “boring is better” philosophy, especially in rentals. I’ve tried the fancy touchless faucets and “eco” shower heads, but they just end up being one more thing to fix when tenants call. Brass shutoffs...
RE: Plumbing tips that change with the seasons
I’ve used smoke pens a few times, mostly in older basements where the drafty spots aren’t obvious. They’re handy, but I’ve found they can be unreliable if there’s any airflow from a furnace or even just someone walking b...
RE: anyone tried sustainable plumbing upgrades at home?
Not sure I’d agree that “just not having to deal with constant repairs feels like the most sustainable choice, even if it’s not the ‘greenest’ on paper.” In my experience, the up-front hassle of a more sustainable system...
RE: Finally tackled my noisy pipes and feeling pretty proud
I’ve learned that lesson the hard way over the years. Tried duct tape on a leaky joint once - lasted maybe a week before it started dripping again. The right materials really do save time and headaches. Sometimes folks u...
RE: What if your street flooded because drains were clogged?
I hear you on the “band-aid” thing. I’ve had tenants try to clear drains themselves and end up making a mess - or worse, damaging the cover. It’s frustrating when the city’s response is slow, but honestly, sometimes wait...
RE: Drain upkeep tips after seeing that crazy news story
That CLR story made me laugh - seen it too many times. I had a tenant who thought he could “refresh” all the sink hardware with a vinegar soak, left it overnight, and woke up to pitted chrome and a clogged aerator. There...
RE: Rusty water heater woes - repair or replace?
That’s been my experience too. I’ve tried to stretch a few old heaters in my rentals, but honestly, once you see rust on the outside, it’s usually game over. I get wanting to save money, but a tank failure can cause way ...
RE: Kitchen sink disaster - DIY or call a plumber?
You nailed it about water damage - once it starts, it rarely stops where you want it to. I’ve learned the hard way that a “quick fix” under the sink can turn into a full-blown headache if you’re not careful. That said, I...