Plumbing discussions and local services.
susanw52
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RE: What should a garbage disposal replacement quote include?
I’d ask for three separate lines: the disposal model and unit price, installation labor with the included work spelled out (including drain and dishwasher-hose reconnection), and haul-away or disposal. If routine reconne...
RE: drain cleaning routines: enzyme cleaners vs. vinegar and baking soda?
For a stubborn clog, I wouldn’t count on either one to clear it. Baking soda and vinegar fizz, but that reaction isn’t a reliable way to remove a blockage. Enzyme cleaners act more slowly on organic residue, so they’re g...
RE: Why sump pumps are the unsung heroes under your house
Can’t argue with having backup for your backup, especially after that one time my “reliable” pump decided to quit during a thunderstorm. Still, I keep eyeing the water-powered ones and wondering if the water bill spike i...
RE: Battling stubborn tree roots in your pipes? Here’s what worked for me
That’s the truth about camera inspections - money well spent if you ask me. I actually skipped it the first time around (rookie move) and ended up digging in the wrong spot. Nothing like paying extra for a mud pit in the...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
I get the appeal of the yogurt lid trick - cheap, easy, and you get to eat yogurt. But for me, Sharpie on plastic always fades after a while, especially in my basement where it’s damp and weirdly warm sometimes. I’ve had...
RE: Kitchen sink disaster - DIY or call a plumber?
Man, the hair dryer trick is underrated. I’ve tried it with a space heater once - don’t recommend unless you like sweating under your sink for an hour. I always think I’m saving money until I’m knee-deep in water and mys...
RE: Choosing between in-kitchen and underground grease traps - what would you do?
I hear you on the underground traps - had one at my last place and when it backed up, I swear the plumber’s bill nearly gave me a heart attack. Ended up digging half the yard just to get to the thing. These days, I stick...
RE: finally figured out my boiler plumbing - anyone else find it tricky?
Totally get where you’re coming from. I tried the cheap label maker route - looked great until the boiler closet got a bit steamy, then the labels just slid right off like they were on a waterslide. Metal tags felt a bit...
RE: finally figured out my boiler plumbing - anyone else find it tricky?
Yeah, ran into that exact headache last winter. Thought I’d save some cash and time with push-fits on my old basement lines, but those pipes looked like they’d been through a war. Fittings went on fine, but a week later ...
RE: Plumbing tips that change with the seasons
Haha, I get the caution after your surprise indoor fountain adventure - but I'd argue sometimes "good enough" can come back to bite you too. Last year, I figured I'd skip the seasonal checks altogether (you know, budget-...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
Haha, totally feel you on this - my first few months as a homeowner were basically a comedy of errors. Anyway, have you tried citric acid? It's stronger than vinegar but still pretty gentle. I use it on my showerhead eve...