Plumbing discussions and local services.
texplorer88
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RE: Filtering the kitchen tap may be enough, but what about the waste water?
Suppose a test identified a concern relevant to water for drinking and cooking, but not to other household uses. If a point-of-use filter is certified for that specific concern and fits the faucet, treating only that wat...
RE: Turning sunlight into hot showers: best kits or hacks?
Mixing copper and PEX for the collector is doable, but there are a few things to watch out for: - PEX isn’t rated for high temps long-term. Direct sun can push it past its limits, even if it’s “solar” PEX. You might get...
RE: Dripping taps driving me nuts - why is it never a quick fix?
That towel trick’s saved me more than once. I’d add - always shut off the water at the mains, not just the isolators under the sink. Those little valves can seize up or leak, and you don’t want a surprise flood. Also, if...
RE: Finally got my bathroom reno approved - permit process wasn’t as scary as I thought
Old houses really do keep you on your toes. I’ve run into those sloped floors and rotted flanges more times than I can count - sometimes you just have to get creative with shims and hope the next person appreciates the e...
RE: Getting water pressure back: my experience with a booster pump
- Couldn’t agree more on not skimping under the sink. - Metal fittings are just a safer bet, especially with a booster pump pushing higher pressure - plastic can crack or warp over time, even if it looks fine at first....
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
Yeah, epoxy putty can buy you some time, but I’d still be careful. Here’s what I’ve seen: - Works okay for pinhole leaks on copper or steel, not so much for bigger cracks or plastic pipes. - Water pressure matters - a p...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
Had a customer once who kept trying the vinegar trick, but their showerhead just wouldn’t cooperate. Turned out there was a chunk of old plumber’s tape stuck in the threads - totally missed it at first. - Definitely ag...
RE: Why does swapping out a busted ice maker cost so much?
- Been there, too many times. “Universal” rarely means what it should. - Drilling new holes isn’t ideal, but sometimes it’s the only way to get things solid and safe. - Those plastic adapters? Pricey for what they are, b...
RE: Spin cycle issues: unplug and reset or dive straight into the filter?
Tried those stainless steel lint traps a while back - honestly, they do the job, but you’ve gotta stay on top of cleaning them or they’ll clog up just like the mesh socks. Here’s what I’ve noticed: - They’re sturdier, s...
RE: Finally tackled my noisy pipes and feeling pretty proud
- Good instinct to be cautious there. Over-sealing can definitely trap condensation, especially if the pipe ever sweats. - I usually leave a tiny gap at the bottom of joints or use vapor-permeable tape for that reason. -...
RE: Cracked Sink Dilemma: DIY Kit or Professional Fix?
Honestly, I see this all the time - those DIY kits can be hit or miss. Here’s what I usually tell folks: - Even a tiny crack can let water through, especially under sinks where it’s always damp. - Epoxy might look seale...
RE: why is documenting plumbing connections such a nightmare?
I hear you on the metal tags - they’re not pretty, but they work when you’re in a tight spot. I’ve run into the same issue with digital records. Out in the field, you don’t always have your hands free, and if you drop yo...
RE: Finally tackled my noisy pipes and feeling pretty proud
Leaving faucets dripping overnight is actually a pretty common trick to prevent pipes from freezing, especially in older homes or extremely cold weather. But yeah, it can definitely add up on the water bill if you're not...
RE: Kitchen sink disaster - DIY or call a plumber?
As a plumber, I've seen some real horror stories from DIY jobs gone sideways. Quick tips if you're tempted: - If it looks sketchy or rusted, pause and reconsider. - Old plumbing is full of surprises - usually bad ones. -...