Plumbing discussions and local services.
scottbirdwatcher
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Keeping your water heater running longer without breaking the bank
That’s a fair concern. I’ve used the “no torch” removers a couple times - mixed results, honestly. They’re definitely safer, but if the rod’s seized up from years of mineral buildup, you still need a lot of torque. Somet...
RE: Finally got rid of those kitchen clogs for good
Funny you mention the plunger - I’ve had to use one in the kitchen more times than I care to admit. It’s not glamorous, but it works. I’m always a bit wary of chemical openers too, especially in older houses where the pi...
RE: Touchless taps and other faucet surprises
Had a job last month where the “smart” tap wouldn’t turn off - sensor got blocked by a stray sticker from cleaning supplies. Took longer to troubleshoot than it would’ve to just swap in a regular lever. Sometimes simple ...
RE: Quick fixes for middle-of-the-night bathroom leaks
That’s a classic - tape just doesn’t want to cooperate when there’s condensation everywhere. I’ve found that even “waterproof” tapes can be hit or miss if the surface isn’t bone dry. Curious if anyone’s tried those epoxy...
RE: Finally got my bathroom reno approved - permit process wasn’t as scary as I thought
That ventilation gap thing gets me every time. I had an inspector once who was laser-focused on the height of my electrical outlets - measured every single one, but didn’t even peek at the GFCI. It’s wild how priorities ...
RE: Under Sink Hookup vs. Dedicated Drain Line: Which Is Better for Dishwashers?
Under Sink Hookup vs. Dedicated Drain Line: Which Is Better for Dishwashers? I’ve seen a few high loops fail, actually, but it usually comes down to sloppy installation or a sag in the hose over time. The high loop help...
RE: When your living room is a sauna but your bedroom's an igloo
Funny you mention magnets... I tried those magnetic window covers one winter, and they just slid right off every time the wind picked up. Rope caulk’s not pretty, but it sticks around - literally. Heavy curtains are unde...
RE: What would you do if your basement started smelling musty overnight?
That’s a really common question, and honestly, I think a lot of people just get used to that “basement smell” and don’t realize when it crosses the line into something more serious. In my experience, a musty odor that ap...