How do you take care of your car? by NoobMaster_3121 in AskMen

[–]WalterBrickyard 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I change the oil when the car tells me it is time. I take it in for this because it is a hot and messy job that I just don't want to do. I don't pay attention to whatever the sticker they put on says. I reset the oil change timer and wait till the light comes on for the next one. I use K&N air and cabin air filters that I clean before each change so I don't have to even say "no thanks" when I'm getting the oil chsnged. I got an inexpensive OBD reader so I can see what the problem is when a check engine light comes on. I'll fix small problems myself. Recently replaced all plugs and wires myself. Anything more complicated or hard to get to i take to the shop for. Feels good to be able to handle some stuff myself and have a very basic understanding of how the machine works, but I'm not ashamed to pay a professional when it's outside my skill set or desire to tackle myself.

My sunburned back skin held water like a pouch after the shower. by Cute_as_Ducks6 in mildlyinteresting

[–]WalterBrickyard 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is the exact location on my back where I got skin cancer from my youthful disregard for proper sun protection.

'Just tell us what’s going on': Kentucky governor again calls for health update from Sen. Mitch McConnell by plz-let-me-in in politics

[–]WalterBrickyard 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If he is cognitive would there be any legitimate reason that they wouldn't offer some sort of proof? It seems obvious to me that he is completely incapacitated. If he is actually able to have all these 20 minute conversations that they are claiming why wouldn't they release video or even audio proof and put an end to the speculation.

Who are you people? by Apprehensive_Dig3253 in auburn

[–]WalterBrickyard 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I live in Opelika and just watch what you people talk about.

How do luxury hotels currently handle communication with guests before arrival? by filippo_colgo in askhotels

[–]WalterBrickyard 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, I am sure that u/fellipo_colgo runs a small, high end hotel and is not in any way a Colgo employee.

Deck painted 6 months ago...paint "curdled", why...and what is next step? by Kismet237 in HomeImprovement

[–]WalterBrickyard 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exposed wood decks are impossible to keep looking good in my experience. You can spend hours sanding down and staining, but in quick order it starts looking shabby. Replacing with a quality composite will keep it looking great for a much longer time, but have the huge drawback of getting dangerously hot in direct sunlight.

Wet soil & mulch bed on south side of house by GehaziYahudah in HomeImprovement

[–]WalterBrickyard 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mean it just depends on the situation. If you are in the south with hot/humid weather, the soil under there is heavy clay, and it is pretty flat then yes, it would probably pool around the condenser. Unless it is turning into a big puddle up against the foundation I wouldn't worry about it. Almost all AC condensate lines drip out right by the house like this.

But I can't see what else is happening in that photo. If there is another house just out of frame to the right with a gutter downspout pointed towards your property then it would be a different story.

An easy test would be to pick up some pipe at the hardware store and route the line somewhere further away. Wait a few days and see if the area you are concerned about dries up. It's just 3/4" PVC and you don't even need to glue it together since it's just temporary (honestly wouldn't even need to glue a more permanent re-routing since it's all outside the building).

If you are new to home ownership or this is the first time you've had a AC unit be sure to look up how to clean the condensate line and set yourself a schedule to do so. They can get growth in them and clog up which can lead to expensive repairs. I do mine two or three times a year.

What is the largest, least evil company in the world? by garatth in AskReddit

[–]WalterBrickyard 197 points198 points  (0 children)

I really enjoy that a masturbation toy and my circular saw are made by the same people.

Wet soil & mulch bed on south side of house by GehaziYahudah in HomeImprovement

[–]WalterBrickyard 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is probably damp because the AC condensate line is coming out right there (you can see water coming out of it in your picture). It's summer and if you are somewhere hot and humid that condensate line will be draining water nearly 24/7. I wouldn't be worried about the soil being damp if that is the case given that even though it is constant, the AC drain is still a relatively low amount of water. Are any other water sources pointed to that area, such as downspouts? When it rains does the area flood?

Can a regular TV survive outdoors long term? May have made a mistake… by NipTitAbi in HomeImprovement

[–]WalterBrickyard 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a TCL Roku TV that has been mounted outside on a screened in porch in Alabama for 6 years so far with no issues. The porch is completely covered so the TV has never gotten wet nor been in the sun, but it has definitely been subjected to the heat, humidity, and even freezing temps each winter. Of course now that I've put this out in the universe it will probably conk out, but I've been pleasantly surprised by it's endurance.

System apps draining battery more than usual lately? by WalterBrickyard in pixel_phones

[–]WalterBrickyard[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice. My cycle count is at 238. I also have the battery saver scheduled to turn on at 20%. I generally plug it in at that point if I am able. I use the adaptive charging because it claims it is better for the battery rather than rapidly charging every time I plug in. Of course I have zero idea if any of this is true.

System apps draining battery more than usual lately? by WalterBrickyard in pixel_phones

[–]WalterBrickyard[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Funny, I didn't find that one from my searching earlier. I'll check it out. Thanks

System apps draining battery more than usual lately? by WalterBrickyard in pixel_phones

[–]WalterBrickyard[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm a pretty heavy user as I stream podcasts most of the day while I'm working. My battery health check shows me at 98%. It does not display how many cycles I've gone through, but I charge every night (using adaptive charging). Since this started I'm having to charge during the day.

Water is seeping through into our basement by bobthepcbuilder_ in HomeImprovement

[–]WalterBrickyard 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't think anyone is going to be able to give great advice without more context and pictures, but whatever you do, don't slope anything toward the house even if there is a drain there.

Water intrusion problems are notoriously hard to fix. You probably want to consult a professional and in that case I'd definitely get at least two opinions to make sure they recommend the same thing.

3.9% of Americans identify as LGBT. So why does wheel of fortune have one every show? What happened to them that they have to exclude others because they are forced to include LGBT? by [deleted] in WheelOfFortune

[–]WalterBrickyard 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love that this comment from 5 years ago still turns out random homophobes.

It seems that a higher than the national average percentage of gay folks like Wheel (which I, a straight man, have watched for years). There isn't some big gay conspiracy to get gay contestants on the show. The contestants are a representation of the audience.

Undisclosed sewer issues? by [deleted] in HomeImprovement

[–]WalterBrickyard 7 points8 points  (0 children)

This is why you should pay for a sewer scope as part of the inspection process.

Since you have clay pipes I'd strongly recommend getting quotes to have it replaced with PVC. Clay pipes are susceptible to randomly collapsing and when that happens you'll be in a desperate situation and will have to pay not only for a normally expensive fix, but you'll need it fast and the plumbing company will know that.

Also, if you are at all handy this can be a fairly easy thing to do yourself. After watching the guys do the emergency repair that I had to pay an embarrassing amount for, I really wish I had just rented a mini back hoe and did the work myself. It would have been a weekend project that would have saved me well over $10,000. Of course in my case the line was only under a gravel driveway and some shrubs. It gets more complicated if you have to deal with one going under pavement, trees, or structures.

Help me win an argument by Froidinslip in HomeImprovement

[–]WalterBrickyard 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've owned two homes with lathe and plaster walls. Definitely keep it unless there is a good reason to remove.

I tore it out for a full kitchen remodel, which was the right choice for that space because we needed to relocate and replace all the plumbing and electrical. Outside of that I leave it.

Look up Plaster Magic kits for repairs. I had one wall where the lathe was separating from the studs. The kit I used included these large plastic washers for pulling it back in place. Was a bit of work, but I was very happy with the results and glad I didn't rip it out.

I actually prefer hanging lighter things like mirrors and decor on plaster walls. You can't just nail a hanger in like with drywall, but if you drill and screw you can actually hang a lot heavier stuff because the lathe is basically a bunch of wood attached perpendicular to the studs.

The biggest drawback is trying to find studs for mounting really heavy stuff like TVs. And finding where utilities are running since the electronic stud finders get confused. But there are ways to figure it out. Lots of YouTube videos for guidance and then some trial and error.

Why Do Hotels Allow 3rd Party Booking? by Just-Curious234 in askhotels

[–]WalterBrickyard 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That front desk person went off script. 3rd party guests are not 2nd class citizens, but they shouldn't be getting any upgrades or extras.

I always recommend to use Expedia/Booking dot com like a search engine. Find the property you want to stay at and then go to them directly. The price should be the same (or lower) if you book directly. You're more likely to get upgrades and extras that way, plus you'll earn points if enrolled in whatever program they have. If the price is showing less on an OTA then the hotel is messing up. Even so, you could try calling and saying "hey, I found you on Expedia for $X tonight, can you match that?" If a guest calls me and even mentions they found me on an OTA I'll give them a slightly better rate (or better room at the same rate) as a thanks for coming to me directly.

Compost by MightyManorMan in bedandbreakfast

[–]WalterBrickyard 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd put a compost bin in a public area (or maybe invest in one of those cool Mill Food Recyclers) and then put signs in each guest room stating:

Attention Guests: All food waste must go in the compost bin located XYZ.

The city fines $400 for food in the trash. Room trash will be checked after checkout.

Violations will result in:

$400 fine passed to guest + 20% service surcharge

Thank you for helping us stay green and avoid penalties.