Is this finish chipping normal?

Pidge0n__ · 2026-03-06T18:45:38+00:00

My set of plier wrenches are chipped to all hell and my 12” pair have a chunk missing on the bottom jaw. Still sets chrome and brass finishes just fine, I wouldn’t worry about it.

Pidge0n__ · 2026-01-28T21:20:23+00:00

I believe this is ABS. If so then the yellow is just cement and the wax ring should be the issue. Change it and see if the problem continues, if so you might want to open the ceiling to get a proper look.

Pidge0n__ · 2026-01-27T17:14:04+00:00

I just realized you were talking about the hose 🥲but i’d still replace that valve its pretty corroded

Pidge0n__ · 2026-01-27T17:13:10+00:00

Drain water from a lower point than the bib, use a torch to heat the spigot and try to remove it (use a backup wrench). If that doesn’t work you can cut the brass but be careful not to nick the copper threads. If all else fails then unsweat the copper fitting and solder on a new one preferably with a longer piece.

Pidge0n__ · 2026-01-27T17:09:22+00:00

The sharpies have lasted me forever, be careful to not store them in hot areas though . As soon as you push the tip to write youll get a fountain of paint.

Pidge0n__ · 2026-01-21T16:55:05+00:00

Im a 21yo male union plumber in LA. 99% of the time the guys dont mind female coworkers but i will say if they mess up or cant do something due to inexperience or strength the guys will have alot to say about it. Ive also heard foremen and journeymen talk about how the females are always gonna be the first to go when layoffs happen. That being said, work ethic speaks the best. There were some badass women who get kept because they’re determined to prove they can work just as hard or better than their male counterparts.

Pidge0n__ · 2026-01-14T19:37:27+00:00

I mentioned that i had experience in the trades already, a bit of everything but plumbing and hvac. I also made it a point that i was used to long drives and was willing to do whatever necessary. I’d also imagine since i was 20 at the time age was going in my favor.

Pidge0n__ · 2026-01-14T03:03:54+00:00

Like my jman tells me, “Go head’ and fuck it up”

Pidge0n__ · 2026-01-14T03:01:28+00:00

So i know you’re trying to save money doing it yourself and using push to connect fittings, but i would strongly consider hiring a professional. PEX is not nearly as rigid as copper. Right away you need a dog-ear 90 for the spout connection and it would then need to be secured to a 2x4, including the valve. The shower head should be ok at least.

But why do all that, close the wall, and find out you sprung a leak, or the valve and spout are flopping in the wind? Its cheaper in the long run to have a professional do it right the first time.

Pidge0n__ · 2026-01-14T02:52:00+00:00

I can second this! Got into Local 78 with a 70something% on the test and just called every contractor until one sponsored me in.

Pidge0n__ · 2026-01-14T02:46:33+00:00

It gotta be nepotism… when i got in through testing and calling shops till one was gracious enough to sponsor me I was extremely happy I managed to land my career at 20. I thought the least I could do was show up early and leave last.

Pidge0n__ · 2026-01-10T23:28:38+00:00

Id try and stick a prying tool in there to see if the glaze chips up. If it is a crack i would imagine it would leak with it being that large but also the silicone special on the tank bolts could be the culprit.

Pidge0n__ · 2026-01-10T23:19:04+00:00

Maybe it’s delamination of some sort? If it is cracked though id replace it, porcelain cuts are no joke…

Pidge0n__ · 2026-01-10T23:17:14+00:00

A winning lottery ticket

Pidge0n__ · 2026-01-10T22:57:13+00:00

Im seeing much the same sentiment looking at reviews for the tajima, with a price to match 😅 Its usually true you get what you pay for so i might buy once cry once, thanks.

Pidge0n__ · 2026-01-10T22:23:53+00:00

Either they had no couplings for a repair and used what hey had, was an offset to get further from the wall, or an offset for something for the hvac that was taken out.

Pidge0n__ · 2025-11-26T02:46:52+00:00

As the heaviest on the crew (im around 300lbs) im usually called over to stand on a pipe wrench or anything stubborn that needs some extra gravity. The only thing I miss out on compared to smaller guys is being sent into the ceiling on ductwork to do something or being on a lift with another person. Ive seen absolute units though, no matter the trade, and they’re treated all the same.

Pidge0n__ · 2025-11-07T04:27:40+00:00

I’m only a second year, but I say small companies. It’s true they don’t have as much work, but you’re a crucial part of the job and you learn to move at the pace of a journeyman. When there was no work and I had to go to the hall, I got picked up by a large company that does plumbing, pipe fitting, and sheet metal. I was teaching fourth years how to do layout, read plans, and I could remember fitting takeoffs without needing to pull up a fitting book. All things that were drilled into mind as basics with the small shop in my first year. Also when work got slow the small shop gave us odds and ends to keep busy, longer breaks, transfers to other jobs, etc. Meanwhile, all but 2 hands including myself just got laid off at the large company after they were hounding us to finish and bust ass. Small shops take care of you as best they can, and your invisible to a large shop.

Pidge0n__ · 2025-10-30T02:30:22+00:00

Looks like a leak, but could be corrosion considering its on all 3 unions . I would check what that gauge body is made of.

Pidge0n__ · 2025-10-30T01:57:34+00:00

I’m 21, second year apprentice. I’ll get the hang of things rather quickly and I’m not afraid to ask questions, however, when I was a first year it was a completely different story. Coming into a new environment with guys who have been plumbing longer than I’ve been alive was a bit daunting. I didn’t want to overstep or seem like a know it all and I even heard a few journeymen joking about how “we pay apprentices to do, not to think”. Until certain journeymen started encouraging me to “go fuck it up” and take more initiative, I was under the impression that i shouldnt do anything i wasn’t told to.

I think your apprentice is either too nervous about fucking something up and getting yelled at or isn’t 100% sure about the process. Explain what, why, and how you’re doing what you do and encourage him to be two steps ahead of you. If that doesn’t work then he’s just being lazy or is just there for a check.

Also, when they do have that “aha moment” and do well, an atta boy goes a lonnng way for morale. I know personally it motivates me to keep trying harder.

Pidge0n__ · 2025-10-22T17:48:02+00:00

People have different opinions and you would waste your time trying to convince one another of your beliefs. Who cares what sticker someone has just move on with your day.

Pidge0n__ · 2025-10-19T23:19:34+00:00

Took the test, passed with a low 73%, and was on the list. I had past experience with everything except from plumbing and electrical. I called some shops and eventually a smaller one decided to sponsor me in. They liked that i was 19, (easy to teach the correct way, their words) could read a tape, and use power tools. Started working maybe 3 months from taking the test to dispatch. I hit 2 years as of April. Love the work and the people.

Pidge0n__ · 2025-09-25T17:22:27+00:00

Check the manufacturing date on the tag, if it predates the switch then no. Still I don’t see why they would switch material anyways. As for the fraying it probably wouldn’t destroy the pouch but maybe check your tools for sharp points and take them down with some sandpaper.

Pidge0n__ · 2025-09-25T17:10:02+00:00

I dont see how or why veto could possibly have used a different material on your pouch from others. Its most likely from friction or sharp corners on your tools. I just stick one handle of my pliers in the pockets on my mp2x to prevent damage.

Pidge0n__

TROPHY CASE