Recent content by mckern

Update/clarification: The above description applies to the cold water faucet, i.e., the faucet has an "off spot". When the water is on, I can turn it clockwise to get to that spot or counter-clockwise--and if I miss the spot, the I can continue endlessly in one direction or the other. This...

Replacing the cartridges fixed the leak. In the process, I've done/not done something that makes turning off the flow a bit tricky. The faucet handles can be turned round and round in either direction, but there is only one position that will actually stop the water. Once I find the sweet spot...

Unfortunately, short of an emergency, turning the water off isn't an option today because it would be an inconvenience for my neighbors. I'm in a condo building and there is no local shut-off valve. So, I can't show you the actual faucets, but I have an illustration of the faucet and...

I replaced the cartridges in the bathtub/shower to deal with leaking and now I have a new problem. Both faucets handles can be turned in complete circles--cutting the flow of the water requires very precise positioning of each faucet handle. If I take off the faucet handle and simply turn...

Last month I asked for advice regarding retrieving the brass plug that (I assumed) was blocking the bathtub drain. I wasn't able to snag the plug--which continued to slip lower in the pipe, nor could I loosen the slip nut where the overflow pipe meets the tee pipe. A stronger friend visits...

Thanks, guys, I'm glad to know that I won't need to cut and remove pipe. From my limited view of the space, it appeared that the overflow pipe was a continuous piece attached directly to the tub (i.e., that pulling it out would require lifting the tub). I'm going back to attempting to hook...

I need to move on to the next option because hooking the plug and pulling it back up the overflow pipe appears to be a lost cause. I suspect that I was simply catching on the inside of the pipe, just below where they join. Here is the view from the access panel. Assuming I can disconnect and...

Thanks for the clarification re brazing rod. I'll find a welding supply store and I'll try again tonight. Bridget

picture for previous post

Thank you for posting. I saw this advice (presumably also from you) in response to a previous question, which is why I started with the "small rod" I mentioned before. It's 3' long and appears to be 1/8" diameter. I bought it at my neighborhood Ace--so I'm guessing it's not a "brazing rod." The...

I'm using a wire that is significantly heavier than a coat hanger--perhaps better described as a very thin rod--and my "hook" is really more of an "L" a little over an inch long. This morning I went to the hardware store to see what I was trying to catch and it appears that my hook is too big to...

The bathtub drain lever separated from the mechanism and the plug now prevents the tub from draining. I've tried to fish it out with a stiff wire, bent into a hook, and it seems that I am able to hook the plunger, but I can't get it to budge from its position. Neither WD-40 or Liquid Wrench...

Based on what I've learned here, I've emailed my concerns to the person who is responsible for arranging a another estimate. I'm hoping to see a better explanation of what is to be done. Thanks to all for taking the time to respond--you've been very helpful. Bridget

Thank you for the detailed responses and suggestions. Re Sometimes you can just run one or two wires to things which use a lot of electricity, then this offloads the other things on those circuits. An easy one for example is if you have a window A/C. Can run a new wire to this on an outside...

I'm afraid I don't know enough about this subject to write an understandable question, so please forgive incorrect terms, etc. I own a condo in a 6 unit building with Federal Pacific Electric panels/breakers that we are planning to replace this fall. We are also considering upgrading to 120...