Plumbing discussions and local services.
psychology_kenneth
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: What makes a sump-pump backup quote comparable?
Would it help to have the quote say what the backup-system test is meant to verify - such as that the backup activates and its alarm works - instead of just marking a test as included?
RE: Dripping taps driving me nuts - why is it never a quick fix?
Honestly, I get the appeal of lighter plastic parts, but I’ve had mixed results. Some of those “heavy duty” plastics just don’t hold up if you need to torque them down, especially on older pipes that aren’t perfectly smo...
RE: Keeping your water heater running longer without breaking the bank
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, a little hissing from the T&P valve isn’t always a red flag. Sometimes it’s just thermal expansion doing its thing, especially if you don’t have an expansion tank. I’ve s...
RE: What do you keep on hand for sudden sewer backups?
I hear you on the gloves - after my first backup, I started keeping a box of heavy-duty nitrile ones in the utility closet. I also keep a set of old towels just for this kind of mess, and I mark them with duct tape so no...
RE: How do you handle the dirty work: DIY or call in the pros?
Yeah, I learned that the hard way with a shower valve buried in the wall. Thought I could handle it - ended up with a slow leak that trashed the drywall. Now, if it’s not visible or easily isolated, I’m out. Push-to-conn...
RE: Rainwater toilets and greywater showers: City tries new water-saving tricks
Yeah, maintenance is definitely the big catch with these setups. I’ve seen a few installs go sideways just because folks underestimated how much attention they need. That said, if you’re the type who likes tinkering or a...
RE: What would you do if your septic tank alarm went off while you’re on vacation?
Cellular alert is definitely worth it if you’re away a lot. I used to rely on WiFi only, but after one bad storm knocked out both power and internet, I realized how risky that was. Ended up installing a backup battery fo...
RE: Making sure your home’s pipes are up to code - how I do it
Sticky notes are underrated, for sure. I keep a running list taped inside the cabinet under my sink - nothing fancy, just dates and what I checked or fixed. It’s saved me more than once from forgetting which valve was ac...
RE: Gravel Vs. Corrugated Pipe: Which Works Better For Drain Fixes?
Yeah, I’ve seen the same thing - gravel alone just doesn’t cut it if you’ve got heavy clay or a high water table. I lean toward solid pipe too, especially for downspout drains. Corrugated is flexible, but even with fabri...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
Stainless cable tags are solid, no doubt. I’ve had the same issue with plastic - sunlight just nukes them, and even in a dry crawl, they get brittle fast. One thing I tried was those aluminum write-on tags you can emboss...