The Home Improvement Thread

Sheik

DCC 4Life
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Apr 8, 2013
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10,903
They make a few different valve pullers that make
it extremely easy to remove them.

$20-$25 makes life a lot easier. You probably wouldn’t find them at Home Depot or Lowe’s though. I think you’d have much better luck at an actual plumbing supply house.
 

Chocolate Lab

Mere Commoner
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Been tiling my kitchen after doing a bathroom a couple weeks ago. Hated it at first but almost enjoying it now as I've gotten better at it.

Anyone used these pre-mixed grouts? Took a chance and used Mapei Flexcolor CQ in the bathroom, then got some for the kitchen after that went well. Having a lot more trouble this time, I think because this tile has more texture. Washing the grout off is a real pain. Kind of wishing I'd used the traditional kind now although this grout is pretty nice -- no sealing needed, no color changes, etc.
 

midswat

... soon
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Tree roots have grown into a break in my main sewer line in front of my home. Plumbers cleared it out and ran a camera up there and told me where it was located. Problem is it is about 6 inches inside, under my drive way.

I asked how much something like that would cost to fix, and this guy told me $2600. Maybe more depending on nearby utilities. GTFOH. So I'm going to attempt to fix it myself. The drain is about 2 foot down, and I know the location of the break. My plan is to dig down carefully until I locate the exact location of the pipe. Then dig about 18" on each side. I'll have to tunnel underneath the driveway a little, but again it's only about 6-8 inches. Cut the roots back that I come across. Cut the busted section of pipe out, and using two couplers, put a new section of pipe in. Check for leaks, then throw dirt back on top. Been to Lowes and I think I have all that I need.

Anyone ever do this? If so, any useful tips or error traps to avoid?

Also, seeking advice on repacking the dirt back under the driveway. I don't want there to be a soft spot that could eventually lead to settlement cracks, etc. To avoid this - this is my potentially flawed plan - I bought a 60lb bag of gravel, and I have about 100lbs of concrete mix. I was going to pour those in the dug out section under the driveway. Would that work? I figured if I just tried to pack dirt under there, it might not get packed enough or leave air pockets. But if I poured cement down then that wouldn't be a problem.

Any feedback is appreciated, amigos.
 

NoDak

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Better check the code regulations in your neighborhood. You might be able to fix it just fine yourself, but if it's not done to code....? Your ass will spend far more in fines than you would have in the first place to have it fixed. Then, once they're done augering out your bunghole, you'll get to hire a plummer to redo what you just done. And pay them, too.
 

midswat

... soon
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Where does one find “neighborhood codes” and what codes would be associated with this kind of a job? And once it’s underground how would anyone be able to see if it’s up to code?
 

jsmith6919

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Pretty much the only way to get in trouble for this is to be turned in by a neighbor or have code happen to drive by. Do it on a weekend and as long as you don't have shitty neighbors you're good.
 

Cowboysrock55

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Also, seeking advice on repacking the dirt back under the driveway. I don't want there to be a soft spot that could eventually lead to settlement cracks, etc. To avoid this - this is my potentially flawed plan - I bought a 60lb bag of gravel, and I have about 100lbs of concrete mix. I was going to pour those in the dug out section under the driveway. Would that work? I figured if I just tried to pack dirt under there, it might not get packed enough or leave air pockets. But if I poured cement down then that wouldn't be a problem.

Any feedback is appreciated, amigos.
I'd use crushed limestone and pack it with a tamper. Just my opinion on it. Concrete seems like a bad idea if that line ever has future issues.
 

jsmith6919

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Also I wouldn't use concrete.
 

NoDak

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Where does one find “neighborhood codes” and what codes would be associated with this kind of a job? And once it’s underground how would anyone be able to see if it’s up to code?
City Hall. That's where you'd need to check on permits and such. Search it out online in your county codes. Just google your county/city courthouse, they'll have the links you need to find out.

If you do the work yourself without getting dig permits, etc... it could bite you in the ass HARD. If the city ever finds out you did the work yourself without inspection, you will have to have it dug up and they will fine the ever livin' shit out of you.

It is possible that you can do the work yourself, and the city won't care. But usually anything to do with electricity, sewer, water, etc... will need to be inspected after the job done to ensure it's done up to code. Why do you think electricians and plumbers get paid so well? :art
 

L.T. Fan

I'm Easy If You Are
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It’s possible that you can do the job yourself if you request a permit and have it inspected by the city or proper authority.
 

midswat

... soon
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I think that would be necessary if I was adding a line. All I’m doing is digging three feet down and replacing 2-3 foot of existing pipe. Last I checked, this is still merica so I can do that.

Besides when the plumber was here and gave me the quote he said he could get started on it that day if I wanted. Made no mention of waiting to pull permits etc.
 

L.T. Fan

I'm Easy If You Are
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I think that would be necessary if I was adding a line. All I’m doing is digging three feet down and replacing 2-3 foot of existing pipe. Last I checked, this is still merica so I can do that.

Besides when the plumber was here and gave me the quote he said he could get started on it that day if I wanted. Made no mention of waiting to pull permits etc.
Then you didn’t need input after all. As they say on the Roller Coasters ride at your own risk. :art
 

midswat

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Then you didn’t need input after all. As they say on the Roller Coasters ride at your own risk. :art
Was seeking input on completing the job. Mostly with the re-packing under the driveway.
 

Cotton

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Tree roots have grown into a break in my main sewer line in front of my home. Plumbers cleared it out and ran a camera up there and told me where it was located. Problem is it is about 6 inches inside, under my drive way.

I asked how much something like that would cost to fix, and this guy told me $2600. Maybe more depending on nearby utilities. GTFOH. So I'm going to attempt to fix it myself. The drain is about 2 foot down, and I know the location of the break. My plan is to dig down carefully until I locate the exact location of the pipe. Then dig about 18" on each side. I'll have to tunnel underneath the driveway a little, but again it's only about 6-8 inches. Cut the roots back that I come across. Cut the busted section of pipe out, and using two couplers, put a new section of pipe in. Check for leaks, then throw dirt back on top. Been to Lowes and I think I have all that I need.

Anyone ever do this? If so, any useful tips or error traps to avoid?

Also, seeking advice on repacking the dirt back under the driveway. I don't want there to be a soft spot that could eventually lead to settlement cracks, etc. To avoid this - this is my potentially flawed plan - I bought a 60lb bag of gravel, and I have about 100lbs of concrete mix. I was going to pour those in the dug out section under the driveway. Would that work? I figured if I just tried to pack dirt under there, it might not get packed enough or leave air pockets. But if I poured cement down then that wouldn't be a problem.

Any feedback is appreciated, amigos.
One thing I have learned about is what is called a slide fitting. It makes repairing pvc much easier. The one in this video is not spring loaded but they make spring loaded ones so you don't have to clear out as much around the break. Here is a video and a link to what I am talking about.


https://www.amazon.com/Orbit-35674-PVC-Lock-Repair-Fitting/dp/B00GM5PUSY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525530604&sr=8-1&keywords=pvc+slide+repair+coupling

This one has a shark bite fitting. You don't have to have the one with the shark bite. I think the regular ones are cheaper.
 

jsmith6919

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One thing I have learned about is what is called a slide fitting. It makes repairing pvc much easier. The one in this video is not spring loaded but they make spring loaded ones so you don't have to clear out as much around the break. Here is a video and a link to what I am talking about.


https://www.amazon.com/Orbit-35674-PVC-Lock-Repair-Fitting/dp/B00GM5PUSY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525530604&sr=8-1&keywords=pvc+slide+repair+coupling

This one has a shark bite fitting. You don't have to have the one with the shark bite. I think the regular ones are cheaper.
They make repair couplings for the bigger 3"-4" drain sizes, it just a regular pvc coupling without the ridge insde in the center. So you can slide it all the way back on the existing pipe, put replacement section in place, then slide coupling into position. But I've used the rubber couplings in the past with no problems also.
 

Cotton

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They make repair couplings for the bigger 3"-4" drain sizes, it just a regular pvc coupling without the ridge insde in the center. So you can slide it all the way back on the existing pipe, put replacement section in place, then slide coupling into position. But I've used the rubber couplings in the past with no problems also.
I discovered these nifty little things the last time I had a leak out near my wellhouse. There is a huge Siberian Elm out there and one of the roots broke the pipe where another repair regular coupling was. At some point, some moron had poured a 20'X20' slab of concrete out there so I had to bust out about 3 feet of that concrete to get to the leak. That day sucked to say the least. Anyway, back on point, these type of repair couplings are extremely handy.
 

midswat

... soon
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They make repair couplings for the bigger 3"-4" drain sizes, it just a regular pvc coupling without the ridge insde in the center. So you can slide it all the way back on the existing pipe, put replacement section in place, then slide coupling into position. But I've used the rubber couplings in the past with no problems also.
I got the rubber couplings and two of the pvc ones, but they have the ridge. Considered filing them down but I’ll probably just use the rubber ones and return the others.
 

jsmith6919

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I got the rubber couplings and two of the pvc ones, but they have the ridge. Considered filing them down but I’ll probably just use the rubber ones and return the others.
Filing them down can be a bitch because then the whole inside the coupling gets roughed up which makes it hard to slide them. The rubber couplings are fine I'd just use them.
 

1bigfan13

Your favorite player's favorite player
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Question for anyone with air conditioner/HVAC experience.

I bought my home in May and moved into the home in June. I have a two system HVAC unit located in my attic and two outside condensers on one side of the house. On the opposite side of the house I have a couple of PVC pipes for a/c condensation drainage.

There is a steady drip of water coming from the pipes. One drips a little more than the other. Typically I would consider this normal because I know one of the functions of an air conditioner is to pull moisture from the house. But my concern is that the ground is very marshy on the side of the house......like walking on a wet sponge of a yard. I don't know what's considered "normal" as far as drainage is concerned.

As far as I can tell the a/c drain lines aren't clogged. I've used a wet vac to attempt to suck out any obstructions but nothing comes out of the pipes except a very small amount of water. I've poured vinegar into the upstairs drain lines to kill any algae that may be obstructing the lines. I change my filters regularly as well.

So far the unit works fine and isn't giving me any problems. I'm just trying to identify potential problems before it becomes a major problem.

Any thoughts?
 
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