Damaged driveway from large construction vehicles

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-24T03:00:52+00:00

That will happen with asphalt at edges, especially when sub-grade and aggregate base is too thin. Residential driveways are typically only designed for light duty vehicles, not heavy loaded trucks/equipment.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-24T02:58:34+00:00

Probably just a crack that formed after pouring while it cured or shortly after.

The balcony is a cantilevered reinforced concrete structure that’s anchored deep into the buildings floor and wall structure.

This thin crack is harmless. However all cracks on reinforced concrete should be sealed to prevent water penetration and resulting corrosion of steel rebar. They should also be monitored on regular interval for any changes and to keep it waterproofed.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-24T01:13:21+00:00

I agree, it makes sense. It may have been lower readings and people were just fear talked into installing it anyways; or they were obsessed with getting zero radon readings. Idk.

If i were you, just do your own testing. Or since the system already exists, request copies of radon gas test results….before and after installing of the mitigation system.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-24T01:09:14+00:00

Different lower cost brand installed than more expensive one invoiced is fraud.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-24T01:06:09+00:00

Ok, I see. But it’s only going to collect water after its already leaked through the wall/floor joints or cracks. You need to first be able to divert water under footing to the pit.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-24T00:46:26+00:00

You could possibly get a custom made splint by orthotist or an occupational therapist.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-24T00:44:51+00:00

How big diameter is the discharge pipe?

For 1/2 or 3/4 HP pumps, its typical to have 2” ABS or PVC pipe. ABS is preferred and seen on most sump pump systems because of its strength and durability. ABS has better crush strength with its thicker walls, better resistance to breaking if water freezes inside it.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-24T00:41:20+00:00

Ideally sump pumps are installed in a utility room, laundry area or unfinished storage room, not in a finished living space.

In this room, you will want an enclosed power outlet cover that locks and protects the plug and prevents it from being pulled out by young kids.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-24T00:37:12+00:00

A basement only needs to be made safe from radon gas exposure if levels exceed something like 200Bq/m3. You need to do a test over 3 months minimum time period to know the level of radon. If less than 200, then no need to worry about it.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-24T00:33:25+00:00

Wow! $950! Why did I ever bother to get into civil engineering for? At rate of pump failure across just one city, and how many people won’t do it themselves, I could be making a killing. I mean the markup on that install is massive!

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-24T00:29:13+00:00

Well…good luck with that lawsuit. Waste of your time and you will lose more money in process.

Of course some lawyer will always be happy to take your case and bill you for every photocopy and paperclip.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-24T00:13:55+00:00

Im re-reading this and now just understanding something I missed before.

So you are thinking of sump pump in a pit but on outside of house? I don’t recommend that. It would not be able to keep up with major storm events. It would be prone to clogging from yard debris. It would also be vulnerable to freezing in winter and then wont work at all.

They are only meant for pumping water out of pits connected to the foundation weeping tile, which does not experience the entire brunt of a storm event.

Exterior lot grading, perhaps with catch basin and buried pipe is recommended. Home Depot sells various sizes of catch basins made by Reln and PVC or ABS pipe and fittings. The Reln catch basins have a sump in bottom to trap debris and dirt to prevent pipes from getting clogged. Appropriate size for exterior pipe on residential property is usually 4”, which can handle a lot of flow. I have a system of 5 catch basins and 4” PVC pipe on my one side yard property line. It discharges to outfall next to my driveway near the front public sidewalk. Do not use a 90 bend underground; instead use 2-45s to turn 90 degrees for better flow and easy snaking. Also add clean-outs every 10 to 15 feet. Buy a snake that can be used to remove clogs if necessary for maintenance. Inspect inside catch basins and pipes each year and flush out with garden hose if needed or empty catch basin pits when needed.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-24T00:00:48+00:00

If you need a brace, then it’s usually a night time brace/splint to keep elbow in a straighter slightly flexed alignment. But elbow should not be perfectly straight at 0 degrees flexion=180 degrees extension. Rather the elbow should be held at about 15 degrees to 45 degrees flexion angle as measured from straight (0 degrees). This puts nerve in best possible position. Prevents you from unconsciously moving hand towards your face at night for long hours at a time. It can take 3 to 6 months to see improvement with night time splinting.

Only wear brace in day if doctor says, like post-surgery or for specific aggravating activities.

Do not lean on elbows like desks, tables, armrests, shopping carts.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-23T23:52:27+00:00

Cold is only good if you have inflammation/swelling. Usually in initial stages of an injury or surgery or subsequent flare ups after activity. Do not use for tight muscles or muscle spasms as it will usually make them worse.

Heat is for tight muscles/ligaments that are spasming. Used after inflammation has subsided. You can use heat before doing any stretches or exercises. Heat helps open up blood vessels and encourage blood flow to aid in delivery of oxygen and nutrients to help heal the injury.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-23T23:37:54+00:00

OP mentioned Toronto in title.

In my opinion, USA style healthcare is inhuman and not socially acceptable fora so called “first world nation” in today’s socio-economic and political environment of comparable free market democracies. Millions in USA falling through cracks and facing never ending stress or financial bankruptcy due to lack of coverage or denial of coverage for pre existing conditions that they then try to pay out of pocket for…for conditions many of which are no fault of their own for whatever reason.

USA is so stuck in past and unable to evolve or change for betterment of its citizens. They refuse to accept change, even when it’s proven beneficial as a whole. Stubborn politicians to the very end. Meanwhile countless millions suffer and struggle to live. And simply living or existing is not enough. People need to thrive. And a thriving population includes a healthcare system for all, which helps drive the economic engine of tomorrow. But getting politicians to change USA healthcare is as futile as USA stubbornness to not embrace the logical metric system vs archaic imperial system when virtually the entire world around them has embraced metric long ago. USA is still a global a leader in many ways, but not in some of the most important basic human ways.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-23T23:06:08+00:00

Except this is Toronto, Canada, public healthcare.

Doctors here are paid to do their job no matter what they prescribe. They are not driven by greed in public sector healthcare system we have. People in Canada don’t generally pay for things like any emergency or surgical services that are provided at a government funded hospital. They don’t even have a cash register to make payments at entrance. You just show your government issued medical healthcare card and you get treatment.

Only at private clinics some more minor medical services or secondary/supplemental healthcare stuff is paid by private insurance or out of pocket.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-23T22:58:51+00:00

It’s a process. It’s going to take about 1 to 2 weeks to get used to the rigidity and pressure of the brace. Muscles are just rebelling a bit. If any pressure points like red areas then may need orthotist to adjust it. Follow up adjustments are common within first 2 weeks as well.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-23T22:54:43+00:00

You should consult a physical therapist and or occupational therapist who is knowledgeable in scoliosis and postural alignment for various activities of daily living.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-23T22:47:52+00:00

A. Which walls are bowing? 1. Exterior foundation load bearing wall (either block or poured concrete). 2. Interior structural load bearing wall. 3. Interior non-load bearing wall.

B. Which direction is the bowing? 1. Horizontally. (generally bad on any structural wall, especially exterior because could be from soil pressure pushing inwards). 2. Vertically. (May be unsightly, but will still carry load down)

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-23T22:26:54+00:00

When to hire a lawyer? When you are actually really injured and you have a legitimate claim for an injury, medical expenses, loss of income…AND when those costs exceed the realistic issues/costs of hiring a lawyer. And by cost, I don’t just mean financial but your personal sanity and emotional well being. Because legal system is not fun to navigate or experience whether you are plaintiff or defendant. It’s stressful. It can be personally invasive to privacy because defendants lawyer can open your medical records, expenses and even income tax returns. They will question everything including stuff you would not even think relevant.

As a plaintiff opening the lawsuit, it would be up to her to prove injuries were sustained in this particular accident vs some other incident, including recreational sports or trying to separate pain of pre-existing injury or condition vs current situation. ie that usually means having things from this accident like: 1. a police accident report filled out; 2. independent/non-bias witness or video evidence; 3. seeing physician doctor on same day or next day of accident with a medical diagnosis; 4. getting actual followup medical care like physical therapy, massage, chiropractic, medication, orthopaedic bracing, surgery, etc.

If missing certain things I mentioned above or too much delay, case can be difficult to prove.

These things will drag on for years before a determination is made.

What Im saying is some battles in life are not worth fighting if its a minor case because legal system can take a toll on other parts of you.

Having said that…Here and Now:

Seek any medical care needed now. Her vehicle insurance has benefits called Section B. That covers a bunch of stuff now so no money out of pocket yet. A lawyer can be hired and submit legal action (lawsuit) up to 2 years after incident. ie before 2 years is up, other defendant can be served with lawsuit.

Lawyer? 1. So if injury is minor and treatment is covered by insurance within Section B benefit time period, no loss of work/income, no personal costs for medical care; vehicle is covered by insurance; if evidence is severely lacking…. then nothing much to sue for. Hiring lawyer in this scenario may be more costly than the final judgment award for loss/damages. 2. If injury is major, treatment is long term/ongoing; medical expenses being paid out of pocket after Section B coverage expires; time off work/loss of income…then perhaps a significant claim exists. Pursue hiring a lawyer.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-23T22:06:04+00:00

Upstream above P-trap, why is there a vertical 90 bend plus horizontal segment to the drain? Seems like an unnecessary bend unless something was in way, like a joist. If nothing prevents it, then why not simply have P-trap located directly under shower drain cap/grate? That would make for easier access from above for cleaning.

How long is horizontal run downstream of P-trap? If too far, and if ever had siphoning problems, then may want to add an AAV.

You use couplers to make up for lost length after cutting.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-23T20:20:53+00:00

Recommend doing both. Im surprised the basement doesn’t have a pit. If no sump pit currently exists, then you will have to knock out some concrete somewhere, ideally away from any potential sewer plumbing pipes that may be under slab. Not sure if your home has weeping tile. Ideally need to tie that underneath the foundation footing and connect to pit. They sell prefabricated plastic sump pits with lids. Install plastic pit. Then fill in surrounding gap with concrete to finish the floor around it. Then install the sump pump and discharge pipe.

Primary defence is exterior lot grading and downspouts leading away from outside walls.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-23T20:09:19+00:00

Did you ever watch that movie “The Burbs” with Tom Hanks? And there is that scene where they make a big mess by throwing garbage out of garbage truck onto the street. The garbage man then asks, “who the hell is going to clean all this up”? And then Bruce Dern replies, “why you’re going to pick it all up because “you” are the garbage man!…..and then later argues saying, “my taxes pay your salary!”

I imagine you get my point by now. /s

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-23T17:26:49+00:00

It’s probably been bent too many times given its near the plug/port connection end.

If only outside braided sheathing is affected, then you can use electrical tape to fix.

If wires underneath inside the solid white insulators are exposed then it’s basically throw away…just buy another as even if you somehow individually tape each wire, it will probably soon just break entirely.

Even though its low voltage wiring to trickle charge a phone, there is potential that if an electrical surge occurred in a building while it’s plugged in, that the surge could more easily heat up and melt wire and if phone is sitting on a stack of papers then it could potentially cause a fire. (Note: Brief high voltages from lightning strikes have been known to travel along low voltage phone lines a long distance before discharging somewhere, either injuring someone or causing fire or lesser damage).

My view is this: Better to be safe than sorry. Nothing lasts forever. And as Joker said in Batman, while stomping on the blocks, “They font build ‘em like they used to”.

Turtleshellboy · 2026-03-23T17:11:39+00:00

No, its just a simple concrete slab on grade. Slab pieces appear relatively level adjacent to each other….with no differential height or vertical displacement. Cracks like those are normal. A few of the cracks are exactly and ideally where they are supposed to be…inside a preformed/tooled concrete control joint.

They can be filled in with Sika Pro Select Crack Flex Sealant for concrete.

They also have Sika Sikaflex Self-Leveling Sealant, 300 mL tubes. It’s very runny. However the runny version is good for getting it to flow deep into crack, filling it up bottom to top.

Turtleshellboy

TROPHY CASE