Plumbing discussions and local services.
traveler88
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: An indoor shutoff doesn’t drain the pipe all the way to the wall
For example, if the pipe leaves the shutoff, dips below the wall opening, then rises to the hose bib, that low section could hold water even after the faucet is opened. I’d be less comfortable relying on seasonal drainin...
RE: Why sump pumps are the unsung heroes under your house
Honestly, I’ve seen a lot of folks go the battery route for exactly that reason - water bills can be nasty. The maintenance isn’t that bad once you get used to it. Those things do look wild at first, but after a while, y...
RE: Finally ditched the black tank: my dry loo journey
I put a little computer fan on mine, wired to a 12v battery, and honestly it made a bigger difference than I expected. The airflow keeps things drier, but you gotta make sure the vent’s screened or you’ll just be sucking...
RE: green plumbing showdown: greywater recycling vs rainwater harvesting
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had a handful of greywater retrofits go smoother than I expected - depends a lot on the house. That said, I do agree: . Still, I’ve seen some old-timers rig up greywater ...
RE: do you pay attention to water-saving rules when fixing stuff at home?
Honestly, I’ve run into this a lot - folks swap in those ultra-low flow toilets or showerheads, and suddenly the old pipes just can’t keep up. Had a call last month where a new low-flow toilet kept backing up because the...
RE: Finally won the battle against invading tree roots
Crafty is right. Had a similar showdown with a maple in my backyard a couple years back. The roots kept finding their way into the sewer line, no matter what barrier I put down. Eventually, I dug a trench around the pipe...
RE: my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down
Vinegar soak can work, but honestly, it's hit or miss. Had a customer once who swore by it, so I gave it a shot on my own showerhead - left it overnight in vinegar, woke up expecting miracles... nope. Still spraying side...
RE: Cracked Sink Dilemma: DIY Kit or Professional Fix?
Epoxy can be a lifesaver, but honestly, I've seen it go both ways. Had a customer once who tried fixing a hairline crack himself - did everything right, sanding, cleaning, thin layers, the whole nine yards. Looked perfec...
RE: just read about a guy flooding his house trying to DIY install bathroom fixtures
Compression fittings are fine, but honestly, they're not always the best choice - especially if you're new to plumbing. I've seen plenty of DIY jobs where folks overtighten them, thinking tighter means better, and end up...