Plumbing

I have found that with most plumbing jobs, buy what you need, then buy 25 other items that you might need, then get 3-4 more for good luck. Do the job, and return whats left!

When I'm doing plumbing, if I go to the hardware store for parts, the checkout person usually asks if I found everything OK.  MY answer, "I don't know yet.  I'm working on plumbing so I won't know until I'm done and expect to be back at least 3 more times today for more stuff."  Yep, usually go back a couple of more times before I'm done.  Good thing I live less than 2 miles from the store.

Yep AC, that's always the way it goes.  No matter what you have, you always need something else.

One trip to Lowes /Menards /Home Depot is expected for each job . 2 trips and I am pissed . 3 trips and someone is going to die .

Customer the other day wanted to know if I charge for the time it takes to run and get a part that I did not have on the van . I told her I go to big box stores and sometimes they dont have what I need . How could I possibly keep everything in the van .

Edited by Pat the Plumber CIL - 10 Oct 2019 at 9:36pm

I really like all of the Shark fittings.  Stick it on and done.  No glue, no threads, no crimping!

The very first one I installed, I cut the O ring. Deburr the tube and insert square to the tube. They work well but I would never conceal one.

My thought is kinda like doing exhaust work on a car...lol...cut it all off and start over....yep it costs more BUT its less aggravating

I got some plumbing to do coming up next week....new counter top and sink....when I put it back together it will all be NEW...lol

Eazypeazy...lol

Ocharry

Never used any 'shark' fittings . Heard they work well . Have had good luck with compression fittings . Plan to mess around with the Eastman supply valve I cut off and see if I can get a washer on it . Thanks

Ted J wrote: I have at least 3 tool boxes FULL of plumbing stuff that I'm just too stubborn to take back.  I always figure "I'll need it next time IF I do take it back."  And then it'll cost more besides.  Might just as well hang onto it. Plumbing is easy,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,you start at A and go to Z.  It was only supposed to be A to C, but............  you turn this pipe,,,,,,you turn this nut,,,,,,you just keep going till it's ALL replaced.  It's that easy.  HONEST

WOW A CHAINSAW EXPERT AND A PLUMBING EXPERT!

Edited by 200 10and20 - 12 Oct 2019 at 8:32am

Many years ago I worked for a plumbing supply company . We sold cast iron pipe and lead and oakum? Thanks

Had to make a lead and oakum joint as part of the test to get a journeyman license. Most of the plumbers around my jurisdiction today don't even know what that is.

They don't want any lead pipes here. Keep this info on the down low, low, low.

Plumberscarin , The last lead joint I poured was for my plumbing test to get my Illinois license . Yes pack the oakum (horse hair back in the day ). Then pour the lead in one pour . For my test you had to break the cast iron joint after you poured and it had cooled. They measure and it needs to be 1 inch wide within a 1/4 inch all the way around . Somewhere they still have it and will store it for eternity, so they say . 2 problems when you pour. Lead too hot , it burns too deep in the oakum . Too cool and it sets up before it can flow all the way around evenly . Definitely a lost art . Do not believe they require it any longer. The really good ones can pour where plastic and cast meet.

Edited by Pat the Plumber CIL - 12 Oct 2019 at 9:41pm

one of my sinks stopped up in the drain. tried several dif ways to unclog it. finally had to remove some of the wall to get to it, who ever put that drain in is gonna gits slapped upside the head by me if'n I find him! there are 5 bends (screwed piping) in the drain that runs horizontal into the wall. the fix? PVC pipe drain from sink, drill hole in floor, run the PVC across basement ceiling at a slight drop to the sump pump! I wanna put in all new probably PEX for hot and cold, will almost hafta put in sum big filters too