Plumbing discussions and local services.
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RE: Battling stubborn tree roots in your pipes? Here’s what worked for me
Bermuda grass is the bane of my existence, I swear. Had a rental where I thought I’d finally gotten ahead of the root problem - swapped out the thirsty trees for some tough natives, put down a thick layer of mulch, even ...
RE: Finally got rid of those kitchen clogs for good
I get the appeal of pulling the trap, but honestly, I’ve had more headaches from tenants messing with those than actual clogs. Half the time, they forget to tighten things back up and I’m dealing with leaks later. I stic...
RE: Making sure your home’s pipes are up to code - how I do it
Making Sure Your Home’s Pipes Are Up To Code - How I Do It I’ve been burned by SharkBites too. Had one pop off behind a washing machine, and let’s just say the tenant was not thrilled about the surprise indoor pool. I g...
RE: When your water heater goes rogue: quick fixes and hacks
Yeah, I’ve been down that road plenty of times. The wet/dry vac trick is a lifesaver, but man, the stuff that comes out of those tanks is wild. Had one heater where I swear the sediment was packed in like concrete - took...
RE: Why does swapping out a busted ice maker cost so much?
Had to replace an ice maker in one of my rentals last year - what a headache. The part itself wasn’t cheap, but the kicker was the “special” wiring harness that only fit that model. Ended up costing more than half a new ...
RE: How much would you pay to fix water damage from a burst pipe?
$4k sounds about right, unfortunately. Had a tenant’s kid flush a toy down the toilet once, which led to a backup and a slow leak behind the wall - didn’t catch it for weeks. Ended up gutting half the bathroom, drying ev...
RE: Making sure your home’s pipes are up to code - how I do it
Those old plastic traps are trouble, no doubt. I had a tenant call about a “weird smell” under the kitchen sink once, and sure enough, the trap had a hairline crack. Thing is, it looked fine until I actually twisted it a...
RE: Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures
I hear you on the water spots - chrome is a pain. I’ve got rentals with both chrome and brushed nickel, and the brushed stuff always looks cleaner, even when tenants aren’t exactly neat freaks. Same deal here. Matte bla...
RE: Finally won the battle against invading tree roots
That’s been my experience too. I’ve owned a handful of older rentals over the years, and tree roots in the main line are just a rite of passage at this point. I used to dump those root-killing crystals down the toilet ev...
RE: Kitchen Sink Money Drain: How Much Did You Spend Replacing Yours?
Kitchen Sink Money Drain: How Much Did You Spend Replacing Yours? Had to swap out a stainless for a granite composite in one of my rentals last year. I’ll be honest, the install was a bit more of a headache than I expec...
RE: Finally won the battle against invading tree roots
I get where you’re coming from about being skeptical - maples are notorious for sending roots everywhere, and I’ve had my fair share of battles with them. The last time I dealt with a maple, it felt like every season I w...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
Heat-shrink labels are nice, but honestly, I’ve managed just fine with a combo of colored zip ties and a sharpie - if you use the industrial ones. Sharpie fades, sure, but if you wrap a bit of clear packing tape over the...
RE: need some advice on plumbing stuff for DIY bathroom fix-up
Had a similar issue at one of my rentals a couple years back. Tenant kept complaining about slow drains and weird smells, and I couldn't figure it out until I climbed up and checked the vent. Sure enough, the mesh cap I'...
RE: Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures
I've noticed the same thing. Brass fixtures in my rental units have lasted forever, even with tenants who aren't exactly gentle. Had stainless fixtures installed in a bathroom remodel once, and they did look sleek initia...
RE: Cracked Sink Dilemma: DIY Kit or Professional Fix?
Haha, yeah, patience is definitely key with epoxy. Reminds me of the time I had a tenant call me in a panic because the bathroom sink cracked right before their parents were visiting. Thought I'd save some cash and patch...