Plumbing discussions and local services.
richard_baker
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RE: Keeping water out of the basement: what’s actually worked for you?
That’s pretty much my experience too. I went down the sealant route last year, thinking it’d be a simple patch job for a couple of hairline cracks near the floor. The stuff I used (can’t remember the brand, but it was a ...
RE: What do you keep on hand for sudden sewer backups?
I’ve actually used a flex-shaft cutter a couple times on older clay lines. They’re pretty gentle compared to a drum machine, but you still have to be careful - if the pipe’s already fragile, it can still chip. The nice t...
RE: Finally got my bathroom reno approved - permit process wasn’t as scary as I thought
Had a similar “historic surprise” when I demo’d the wall behind my old tub - except mine was stuffed with what looked like horsehair and a bunch of old rags. Not exactly the kind of insulation you want to breathe in, tru...
RE: Dealing with the aftermath: How do you actually dry out a flooded basement?
Those small desiccant packs are a different product from a powered dehumidifier. I wouldn’t use a cupboard moisture absorber as evidence that a flood-damaged room is dry. For any proposed drying equipment, ask how its ca...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
I get the appeal of eco sealants, but honestly, I’ve had mixed results with them on older fittings - especially in bathrooms where there’s constant moisture. Sometimes they just don’t bite into worn threads like pipe dop...
RE: Is underfloor heating really worth it?
Had a job last winter where the underfloor heating just wouldn’t get warm, and the homeowner was convinced it was a major leak. Turned out, the air in the system was the real culprit - nobody had bled it since installati...
RE: Why do faucet handles turn opposite ways?
Yeah, I’ve run into this a bunch, especially in older rentals. The “hot on the left, cold on the right” thing is supposed to be standard, but it’s amazing how often that gets ignored or messed up over time. I agree - som...
RE: Plumbing pros weigh in: new app promises faster fixes and fewer headaches
I’ve noticed the same thing - sometimes the simplest tools just keep working, no updates or batteries needed. I do wonder, though, if there’s a middle ground. Like, would a mechanical alarm plus a shutoff valve (manual o...
RE: Kitchen Sink Money Drain: How Much Did You Spend Replacing Yours?
I get where you’re coming from. Last year, I tried to just swap out a leaky trap under my sink, thinking I’d save money and avoid waste. Ended up making three trips to the salvage yard because nothing quite fit right. It...
RE: finally figured out my boiler plumbing - anyone else find it tricky?
I've gotta say, your maintenance routine sounds solid, but I'm not sure I'd dismiss inhibitors completely. I used to think the same way until I helped replace a boiler that was only about 6 years old - pipes were already...
RE: My garbage disposal smells like a swamp monster moved in
Running cold water longer might help flush things through, but honestly, buildup usually happens from grease or food bits sticking around. Maybe try ice cubes occasionally? Heard they sharpen blades and scrape off gunk.....
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
Yeah, this is spot-on advice. Vinegar usually does the trick for me too, but sometimes those rubber nozzles get stubborn and need a little extra attention. I once had a showerhead that kept spraying sideways no matter ho...