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RE: When does an older boiler repair stop being the sensible budget choice?
What would make that cause-and-fix explanation convincing to you: mainly showing how the diagnosed failure accounts for the symptom, or also explaining why the proposed repair should prevent it returning?
RE: pipes in winter - drain 'em dry or just insulate?
Before choosing a winterizing method, identify whether the outdoor run is a hose bib, an irrigation line, or something else, and how its shutoff and drainage are arranged. A hose bib with an indoor shutoff and drain poin...
RE: Finding and fixing sneaky leaks at home actually worked
That’s definitely true, but have you ever had a leak that didn’t give off any obvious signs? I had one under a bathroom floor once - no smell, no sound, just a spike in the water bill. Makes me wonder if there’s any reli...
RE: That weird hissing sound behind the bathroom door...
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve had the opposite experience a few times. My hands aren’t always the best judge, especially if there’s just a bit of moisture hiding in the drywall or subfloor. Had a tenant swear ...
RE: Finally got my bathroom reno approved - permit process wasn’t as scary as I thought
Humidity Sensors Are a Game Changer, But Not Foolproof You nailed it with the humidity sensors - I've lost count of how many times I've seen tenants ignore the timer fans or just crank them for a minute and call it good...
RE: WHEN YOUR LAWN TURNS INTO A SWAMP AFTER EVERY RAINSTORM
Yeah, grading’s a beast - especially if you’ve got established landscaping or fences in the way. I’ve wondered if anyone’s had luck with those dry wells or rain gardens instead? French drains always seem easier in theory...
RE: Saving water in the shower actually worked for me
I’ve always wondered if the restrictors are more trouble than they’re worth, especially in older buildings. I’ve had tenants complain about low pressure, but when I check, it’s usually just mineral buildup or a clogged s...
RE: How would I remove this stem to replace it?
I hear you on the freeze spray - tried it once on a 1920s radiator valve and ended up with a hairline crack I didn’t spot until the next tenant moved in. Not worth the risk, especially when you don’t know what kind of pa...
RE: When your water heater goes rogue: quick fixes and hacks
Twisting the shut-off every few months - now why haven’t I made that a habit? I usually just cross my fingers and hope the thing turns when I need it. Does anyone else ever wonder if WD-40 is just a band-aid though? I’ve...