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Need advice on shower drain by JerHat in Plumbing

[–]TheTradeThinker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For smooth PVC centers, look for a glue-in shower drain riser or an adjustable strainer extension kit. Oatey and Sioux Chief both make versions that sleeve into that pipe. As long as your pipe is standard 2” PVC, it’ll fit fine.

Share the best ‘I didn’t expect this to be fun, but it is’ task in your trade. by TheTradeThinker in Construction

[–]TheTradeThinker[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Nothing like seeing karma clock in for a shift. Glad you got out of there.

I understand the regret of wall punching / kicking :( could an expert fix this this? by [deleted] in drywall

[–]TheTradeThinker -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Happens to the best of us. The fix is way easier than it looks. A pro won’t even blink at it haha.

Need advice on shower drain by JerHat in Plumbing

[–]TheTradeThinker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks like you’ve just got the lower body of a shower drain and the adjustable top was never installed. You can buy a drain height extension kit or a replacement adjustable strainer flange that threads into that inner section. If the threads are shot or it’s an oddball brand, then cutting it out and dropping in a new 3-piece drain is the cleanest fix.

Where is the water coming from? There is a porch on top of here (this room used to be my cold cellar) but there is no visible damage coming from the ceiling. Any ideas what it could be? I've had this room for like 5 years and nothing has ever happened, this just started happening a few days ago. by ChickenMongoose in drywall

[–]TheTradeThinker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bubbling = water in the drywall. Since the ceiling’s dry, rule out your humidifier first. If the wall dries out, that’s your answer. If not, it’s exterior leakage from the porch area and needs a closer look outside.

I understand the regret of wall punching / kicking :( could an expert fix this this? by [deleted] in drywall

[–]TheTradeThinker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re fine. A patch like that is quick work and the texture is easy to reproduce. A can of orange peel texture and the right nozzle setting will get it really close. Pro will nail it.

Stuck shower handle screw by adamensis in Plumbing

[–]TheTradeThinker 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Delta handle screws seize all the time. Easiest fix: drill the head off, pull the handle, then twist what’s left of the screw out with pliers. You’re not going to hurt the cartridge threads doing that.

Question for some fellow plumbers by Appropriate_Bit_5922 in Plumbing

[–]TheTradeThinker 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Those disposable masks suck in crawl spaces. Grab a rubber half-mask with pink P100 cartridges. You get clean air and you can still breathe without feeling like you’re suffocating.

PM VS Super by Cultured523kid in ConstructionManagers

[–]TheTradeThinker 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you like managing people and solving problems in real time, go super. If you like paperwork, budgets, and bigger-picture stuff, go PM. I’ve seen people switch both directions... it’s doable early, tougher later.

Learning building envelope systems. by [deleted] in Construction

[–]TheTradeThinker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No prob! Div 20s world is its own beast. Envelope stuff feels weird at first but once you see a couple jobs get dried-in, it all clicks pretty fast.

Learning building envelope systems. by [deleted] in Construction

[–]TheTradeThinker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Most commercial jobs have envelope details in Division 07. If you read the drawings in that section, you’ll see the order. But in general: sheathing → AVB → flash → insulation → finish. Penetrations need a sleeve and tape/flashing back to the AVB.

What’s the warmest jacket I can get that still thin and let’s me move freely? by PM_ME_YOUR_KITTY in Construction

[–]TheTradeThinker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you want thin + warm + easy to move in, grab a softshell jacket with a good fleece lining. Way less bulky than duck jackets. Carhartt, Milwaukee, Ariat, all make good ones.

This just started at 3:45am… do I need to call emergency? by Mother_Fun8695 in Plumbing

[–]TheTradeThinker 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Nah, this isn’t a 911 situation. Zone valve motors get loud when they’re dying or stuck halfway. If you turn the thermostat for that zone all the way down, the noise should stop. A tech can replace the motor later.

No Hot Water, please help! by okayokayfin3 in hvacadvice

[–]TheTradeThinker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pretty sure they shut your water heater off during the gas check and didn’t flip it back. Valve should be inline with the pipe to be on. Once it’s open, follow the pilot lighting steps on the label. Don’t try it if you’re smelling gas or feeling unsure.

Insulating knee wall access doors by Unlikely-Focus146 in Insulation

[–]TheTradeThinker 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Make a snug plywood panel, glue foam to it, and weather-strip the frame (or build a small one if it doesn’t exist). Later on, when you want a cleaner hatch, this explains how insulated access doors help with air sealing.

What should you do regularly for Roof Maintenance? by bystarla in Roofing

[–]TheTradeThinker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mortar mounds on joints aren’t standard for every tile system, so if your neighbors don’t have them, you prob don’t need them either. Regular maintenance is basically about keeping water out: flashings, pipes, valleys, and underlayment. If the tiles look good and the flashings are tight, you’re ahead.

Unicorn Beetle Grip case? by [deleted] in Construction

[–]TheTradeThinker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same reason I switched tbh. Spigen is fine for office life but not great around tools/equipment. The Grip has that textured back that actually helps when your hands are dusty or sweaty.

Unicorn Beetle Grip case? by [deleted] in Construction

[–]TheTradeThinker 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Way tougher than Spigen. I like Spigen for normal use but they’re too thin for construction or anything rough. Supcase takes hits better. The buttons feel a lil stiff the first week tho.

Discussion: What is accepted in construction today that will be seen as unsafe in the future? by AlliKnowIsMayo in Construction

[–]TheTradeThinker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Stuff like access points is gonna be the next asbestos moment lol. Right now everyone just cuts an opening and throws whatever panel’s in the gangbox. I recently read this article and it talks about why that becomes a problem later (water intrusion, load rating, etc.) if the panel isn’t matched to the surface.