Plumbing discussions and local services.
robert_king
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: How often do you inspect drains that are still working normally?
That’s a useful detail for the property log: if a drain product is used, note its name, when it was applied, and which fixture it went into. Then whoever assesses or clears that drain can see what was used without relyin...
RE: Gravel or pipe? Weird things I learned about backyard drainage
Yeah, I hear you on the slope. I’d rather have water running away a little too fast than see it seeping into the foundation. Had a tenant once who stacked boxes in the basement, only to find them soaked after a big rain ...
RE: What would you do if your basement started smelling musty overnight?
That “old house smell” is a dead giveaway, isn’t it? I’ve had tenants swear up and down it’s just the age of the place, but every time I catch a whiff, I know there’s something brewing. Had a situation last year - walked...
RE: Is underfloor heating really worth it?
I hear you on the “big project, big payoff” thing. I’ve had to gut a couple of places over the years, and you’re right - sometimes you find more than you bargained for under those floors. It’s a pain in the neck in the m...
RE: My Pipes Burst at 2 AM - Ever Had a Midnight Plumbing Nightmare?
I hear you, but honestly, I think the tech can be a real lifesaver - *if* you use it as a backup, not a replacement for the basics. I do my winter checks religiously, but there was one year I missed a tiny crack behind a...
RE: Plumber emergency: DIY quick fixes or call the pros?
Push-fit fittings have bailed me out more than once, but I always feel a bit uneasy leaving them as a permanent fix. Had a tenant try one of those “eco” pipe wraps - looked fine for a few hours, then the leak got worse a...
RE: Help, my basement drain's backing up again...
I hear you on that. Had a similar situation at a duplex I own - went for lining initially because the plumber said it was "less invasive." Yeah, it worked...for about two years. Then, bam, back to square one with backups...
RE: Plumbing pros weigh in: new app promises faster fixes and fewer headaches
Yeah, tech's handy for sure, but I've learned the hard way not to rely on it completely. A couple months back, my app said everything was fine with one of my rental units, but during a routine walkthrough I spotted a tin...
RE: Kitchen Sink Money Drain: How Much Did You Spend Replacing Yours?
I've replaced a few disposals over the years, and honestly, it's never as straightforward as it seems. Totally relate to the hidden costs mentioned earlier - every single time I think I've got all the parts, there's alwa...
RE: anyone tried sustainable plumbing upgrades at home?
Yeah, leaks behind walls are no joke...been there too, unfortunately. I switched to low-flow toilets in a rental property last year, and while the water savings were great, I had some tenants complain about weaker flushe...
RE: toilet disaster strikes again... help needed asap
Yeah, gotta agree here. I've had foam seals fail on me a couple times too, especially in older rentals with uneven floors. Wax rings just seem to mold better to imperfections. After dealing with a nasty leak once... wax ...
RE: what if your bathtub started leaking at 2am?
Haha, been there myself more times than I'd like to admit. Duct tape is great for a lot of quick fixes, but plumbing emergencies at 2 AM... yeah, not so much. Turning off the water supply ASAP is definitely the smartest ...