Plumbing discussions and local services.
philosophy_andrew
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Finally got my bathroom reno approved - permit process wasn’t as scary as I thought
Yeah, sealing helps, but I’ve still seen a few spots where water finds its way in over time - especially around showers. Even the best caulk jobs don’t last forever. Permit stuff can be a pain if you get a picky inspecto...
RE: Drips from the box vs. leaks at the connections - what’s worse?
The product instructions should settle how much sealant to use and where it belongs. ‘Less is more’ or ‘add another wrap’ is too vague without knowing the joint. A leak that returns is a reason to reassess the parts and ...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
I get the urge to poke at it, but sometimes that just moves the gunk around. If it’s still spraying sideways, you might want to take the head off and soak it in vinegar. Quick fix, but way more effective than stabbing at...
RE: LOW SHOWER PRESSURE: DOES THAT BOOSTER PUMP REALLY WORK?
That hum can be more annoying than people let on, especially if your airing cupboard’s near a bedroom. I’ve seen pumps fix weak showers, but sometimes the hassle isn’t worth it if you’re sensitive to noise or have dodgy ...
RE: Half flush never seems to work right - am I missing something?
Yeah, those dual-flush setups can be more trouble than they’re worth sometimes. I’ve noticed the half flush barely does anything if the tank isn’t filling right or the seals get gunked up. Honestly, I don’t think they’re...
RE: Under sink vs. countertop filters: which is less hassle to install?
Yeah, those quick-connects are supposed to be “idiot-proof,” but I’ve seen them leak more than once. It’s always the tiniest thing - one little nick in the tubing and you’re mopping up for days. Countertop filters look b...
RE: Water pooling in basement - could it be a sneaky drain issue?
Yeah, those old clay pipes are a nightmare for roots. I’ve seen jetting work if the line’s just blocked, but honestly, once it’s caved in or crushed, there’s not much you can do except dig. Sometimes people don’t realize...
RE: Choosing between in-kitchen and underground grease traps - what would you do?
Had a buddy who let his in-kitchen trap go too long - let’s just say, you don’t forget that smell. It’s not just the stink, either. Grease on the floor is a slip-and-slide waiting to happen. I get why people want them in...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
Those key tags are a decent hack, but honestly, I’ve seen them fall off or get so grimy you can’t read ‘em. I started using a label maker with clear tape - sticks better and less likely to fade. Still, half the time the ...
RE: do you pay attention to water-saving rules when fixing stuff at home?
Water-Saving Fixtures Aren’t Always a Win in Older Homes Yeah, I’ve run into this exact thing. Tried putting a low-flow shower head in my aunt’s 70s-era place - figured it’d be a quick win for her water bill. Instead,...
RE: Cracked Sink Dilemma: DIY Kit or Professional Fix?
Tried one of those UV kits on a hairline crack last year - honestly, didn’t notice much difference compared to regular epoxy. Maybe a bit quicker to set, but not sure it’s any tougher. Prep still matters most, from what ...
RE: Thinking about swapping to a pedestal sink - tips or regrets?
Yeah, that’s the kicker. I’ve seen some wild stuff behind vanities - once found a pipe held together with duct tape and hope. Pedestals definitely force you to keep things neat, but man, storage is always a headache. Wal...
RE: need some advice on plumbing stuff for DIY bathroom fix-up
Galvanized pipes are sneaky like that, seen it myself a few times. Brass fittings can definitely seize up, especially if they're exposed to moisture or humidity long-term. Had one fitting stuck so bad I nearly stripped t...