^^ What orifice did you pull that comment out of?

I think you need to re-read Rox's comment. She was talking about the HGTV shows.

Relax, Elmer

I’m not suggesting anything.

I’m posting about my personal experiences with tradespeople. Sheesh.

I’ve been fortunate. 🤷‍♀️

I couldn't be more relaxed. Thanks for your concern.

I too have been mostly lucky but not always. I've had a very positive experience in the last week, though not with a plumber. It was a repair of a significant problem by a contractor recommended by a neighbor. So far, so good. And he even offered more than a red taillight guarantee to boot. What's not to like?

I agree that an honest and knowledgeable plumber is worth their weight in gold, although at today's price (~$4,000/oz) a 180 lb plumber would be worth in excess of $11 million dollars :-). One of the worse jobs a plumber can do is to fix a leaking pipe located within a tight crawlspace during the winter. Crawling on your belly through cold mud with tools is no fun. Personally, not being a plumber, I have done all of the plumbing jobs on this old farmhouse, ranging from fixing a leaky faucet and installing new water heaters to replacing all of the old copper pipes with new PEX lines.

From the start I did have a lot of self-doubt, but all worked out well, many thanks to the many instructional plumbing YouTubes. I did invest into over a dozen water alarms of which I highly recommend for any household. These alarms were/are placed in strategic spots where problems may arise concerning my work. The alarms are excellent in detecting tiny leaks which may go unnoticed for months (under sinks, behind toilets, in water heater pans, near clothes washers and dishwashers, and even in crawlspaces). I installed the PEX lines about 10 years ago and so far, so good. The water alarms help me sleep at night ;-)

Agreed, vgkg.

This was what our plumber worked in when we had our 22 year old furnace replaced a couple of years ago. He was setting up to replace the roof vents. Definitely easier than a muddy crawlspace….but still…. He did an excellent job.

roxsolid! Those vents look so nice. What happened, what was the problem with them?

Petalique, that could be an ”after” photo as I can see a path through the snow. I’m not sure though. That could be the new one we are looking at. 🤷‍♀️

eta My husband says that is the new one. Clearly, I am not a plumber. Perhaps the old ones had started to corrode? Not compatible with new furnace? They were over 20 years old.

Plumbers in my state aren't allowed to do heating/air conditioning work. HVAC is a different trade and a different license.

From a quick search.

No, plumbers cannot legally perform HVAC work in Alberta without the proper certification

, as the trades are separate. While some companies employ individuals with both plumbing and HVAC (Refrigeration Mechanic) certifications, and plumbers may have some transferable skills, HVAC work requires specific certification. To perform HVAC, a plumber must complete the required training and become a certified Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic in Alberta.

Our plumber is certified as both a plumber and an HVAC guy!

He also installed our AC.

eta He must be worth DOUBLE his weight in gold!

Definitely a keeper.

We have some with multiple licenses, whether fulfilled by different people in the company or the same individuals who are "multidextrous". But you said "plumber" and that was why I commented.

I always prefer specialist contractors over the Swiss Army knife type, figuring they have more in-depth experience and expertise. Maybe not but someone who does a little of everything can't be as capable as someone who specializes .

In my area, the one-trade types seem to have better reputations. Again, whether the difference is real or imagined is not possible to know.

I ’ve just come back from a walk with my dog. This thread got me thinking about our plumber and the work he has done over the years. His company was subcontracted by our builder to do the plumbing, piping, in-floor heating and whatever else his company does.

Anyhow, back to the walk. I passed an old horse waterer that he installed shortly after the house was built. We haven’t had horses for a few years now but we’ve left the waterer connected for deer and birds and whatever critters are out there. Or washing mucky little dog feet. It’s pretty battered up from the horses. It has worked for over 20 years now. 365 days a year. Forty above zero celsius and forty below zero celsius, outside in a horse pasture! It’s never frozen up, nor has it clogged. I think it operates similar to a toilet. It automatically fills when the water goes down.

Our plumber guy did this.

Yes, worth his weight in gold.

How could it be that the water doesn't freeze at temps in the tens of digits below freezing?

Elmer, it has a heater inside.

The power and the waterline are trenched into the ground.

The heater is turned on in the winter from the electrical panel in the house.

Hmm. Then that's nothing to tout, it's a feature of the installation.

Curious you described it as you did without mentioning why.

Elmer, I don’t understand what you mean.

I read about all the issues that folks have with their toilets and sinks clogging INSIDE their homes. And of pipes freezing INSIDE their homes when there is an unexpected cold snap.

This is something that is installed outside and used by big doofusy horses. It was installed very well by our plumber.

Also, our outdoor faucet does not freeze up. Not because of a heater, but because it is the proper fixture, made for cold temperatures.

Again, our plumber is worth his weight in gold. He knows his stuff.

The use of non-freezing outdoor spigots is standard, the only way to do it, in a cold winter area. Everyone knows that, even I do. It doesn't take special expertise. They're made with a long pipe that goes back into the structure, at the end of which is a valve and a drain. Water can be drained out of the added length of connecting pipe and out of the faucet, so there's nothing to freeze.

Imagine someone touting their special house in a special area of a snowy cold place- "our house and site are so unusual, we never have ice on our car windows in the morning. Nor snow to clear off of them either"

"Why?"

"Oh, because we park our cars in a heated garage".

I kind of had the same impression of your description of a non-freezing water trough. There was more to the story that you didn't mention. That wasn't from an abracadabra plumber, it was simply a feature of what was installed.

“Everyone knows that, even I do.“

Sigh Elmer, of course you are right. 🙄

I wasn’t sure if you did, though.

You told me the other day that birds are not plucked in your neck of the woods. Only game birds. I didn’t have the heart to tell you that yes they are. Whether by hand or machine they are indeed plucked. Brutal was the term you used.

Your chicken does not appear abracadabra in the supermarket that way.

I’m a person of few words. You are not. I give others the credit of knowing stuff. I don’t feel the need to explain everything as if I’m talking to idiots. I’m glad you asked about the horse waterer. I could explain it to you.

My plumber is worth his weight in gold.

Construction techniques vary by prevailing regional climates. In my area, water pipes are almost always to be found running in part in outside walls. On either side of or in the absence of wall insulation. It's almost never a problem. Additional, water pipes can be found in unconditioned attics (attics open to outdoor temperatures) and unconditioned crawl spaces. When it's too far below freezing and those burst, it's a mess.

It had to have been a bit over 30 years ago that we had unusually low overnight temperatures for a couple of nights. As I recall it was in the mid-20s F. Beyond the countless homes that had broken water pipes, there were dozens and dozens, probably hundreds, of commercial buildings whose outdoor fire sprinkler pipes - you know, the kind that are installed in roof overhangs over a walkway, as in a strip mall, in uninsulated space - that burst.

Freeze-proof outdoor faucets are unknown here. They're not needed and besides, few homes have basements that offer easy access to shut off water valves and drain the water before winter arrives.

Elmer, where did I say my house was unusual?

Your water trough never freezes. There was an unstated reason why.

Oh, and because of your special plumber, your faucets don't freeze either.

Missed your comment -

You suggested people knew how to or actually practiced bird plucking. Not the case at all, not close, in my area. I'll bet few have seen it.

Yes, we have beef in the market too. No abracadabra. That doesn't mean people are familiar with what's done in a slaughterhouse or have done it themself. Another tally of few or, more likely, none.

My butcher is worth his weight in offal.

Freeze-proof outdoor faucets do exist and are commonly used in colder climates. They’re designed with a long interior stem so the shutoff point stays inside the insulated part of the house, preventing the water in the pipe from freezing. In regions without basements, these faucets are still installed — the valve simply ties into the home’s plumbing from an accessible interior wall or utility space. They’re standard in many areas specifically because you don’t need to manually shut off and drain them each winter.

Exactly, nicole!

An outdoor faucet is different from a livestock waterer, where there has to be accessible water that does not freeze. Therefore, a heater is needed, which is why I was surprised by Elmer’s question. I thought it would be obvious. 🤷‍♀️

I didn’t think it needed to be explained. I was willing to explain it, though. Elmer asked. I answered.

My plumber is not special. He is competent. I agree with others. He is worth his weight in gold.

It's just so much easier to never engage or respond to someone who will argue about everything.

Olychick, I know. I just feel so dang mean not talking to people. It doesn’t hurt to be nice. That’s how I was raised.

I just feel bad about the threads that go into the toilet.

eta LOL ”the toilet”. I know a guy…… he’s worth his weight in gold.🤠

Isn't it amazing that things like plumbing and electric are all designed to work in the area they are installed? It really is quite a feat that each region has just the right plumbing features that are needed? Really, isn't it???? Geesh.

@roxsolid I hear you and agree. Women, especially, are socialized to be kind. But enabling bullying is not being kind to ourselves. You owe yourself kindness first. And in some instances even being kind to a bully doesn't work...or it might until they turn on you. Be kind to yourself.

Thanks, Olychick.

I’ll give your advice some consideration. I’m pretty kind to myself, already. Generally. I’m a very happy person. I really like me. 🤠

My life has been full of confident, positive people. It still is.

It’s so strange to come across someone who is so easily triggered by the smallest things. 🤷‍♀️

Might I suggest offering kindness and support to the trolled as opposed to the troll?

patriciae

Might I suggest that you refrain from name calling? It doesn't reflect well on you, though I'm sure those who similarly practice your approach will applaud. The same is true for them.

Elmer, you called me a liar. Not for the first time. I suppose you dont even remember doing it. But here to refute this I am feeding the troll. I didnt make up that statement. Your fight is with them, not me.

patriciae

Exactly what wording did I use? Do you remember the context?

Well Elmer it was near the end of the thread about cleaning the enameled pot but it is mysteriously missing from that thread. I wonder how that happened. Interestingly enough the comment about "your concoction" is also missing along with a couple other jibbing comments. I wonder if the other jab on some other more recent thread about baking soda and vinegar is still there? This sounds hopelessly petty of course but what else can I do but answer the question? Fortunately the more fun and pleasant parts of these threads are here.

patriciae

Well, patricia, it's a word I rarely if ever use. I might say or intimate that I disagree with something someone has said. Or in extreme cases, remark I believe a comment is untrue.

I do remember parts of the concoction exchange that you were rather convinced of. That I didn't accept. I normally don't make personal comments other than impolite responses to same. Sorry if it seemed like it.

I rarely if ever delete my own comments. Call it never to be accurate. In cases when I do, I'll post a comment saying I've done that.

@HU279332973..Patriciae, I would have private messaged you, except your messaging is turned off. I "used" to chat with someone "here" on KT, who said he flags ALL of Elmers' posts. Said he didn't want to have to look at them. So....the probability...that Elmers' posts are getting flagged, is pretty high. Just an FYI

@chisue..you have mail.

You might like to know that I have solved the riddle of the clogged sink drain. We'd had no clogs in 25 years until suddenly we had this huge plug that required rodding.

About a year ago DH decided he would help me by doing the clean-up after dinner.

Last night I broiled a steak. I happened to be watching as DH loaded the dishwasher. I started to hand him some paper toweling. He asked what that was for. I said it was to wipe the grease out of the bottom of the broiler. "Oh," he said.

Now you know that one year is long enough for greasy broiler pans to create a clog in the drain that receives the dishwasher outflow.

Nicole, ditto for me on flagging.

OK....so now we know how Elmers' posts are disappearing.....

It's a sad tale of intolerance. People whose only way of dealing with views they don't agree with, is to try to silence them. Such attitudes and conduct are likely the same in the real world and aren't restricted to participation in this forum.

"Last night I broiled a steak. I happened to be watching as DH loaded the dishwasher. I started to hand him some paper toweling. He asked what that was for. I said it was to wipe the grease out of the bottom of the broiler. "Oh," he said. "

I was skinny kid so my Mom would sop up those beef dripping with a couple of slices of bread to serve me as a side dish at dinner. I loved it and still do today. Unfortunately, we grill our steaks now, so the drippings evade me.........maybe I should say it's fortunate, nyuk.

vgkg, my mother would put fresh slices of bread into the pan of grease after frying bacon. She would brown them until all the grease had soaked in. (Deep fry more or less ) Oh my goodness! It was wonderful. Hot, bacon flavoured goodness.

There had to be well over a cup of grease in the pan.

That was why I wasn’t a skinny kid. 🤠

Oh Elmer. Indeed.

So for a start, the only person so far as I know who can edit Elmer's posts is Elmer and his comment about "your concoction". As in it is not mine but thousands of peoples. Just saying.

You can dress up calling someone a liar in frills and ribbons but it is still calling someone a liar. If you hold these powers to yourself only and everyone else is baselessly ragging on YOU, that isnt working for me either. I have never called you a liar.

I really appreciate those who are getting rid of these posts but I personally prefer facing things head on and I know that makes many people here uncomfortable. I understand that and try to respect it but I still say you are going to keep getting ragged unless you speak up. I really believe that the only way to deal with this is addressing the person directly. And only in a kindly way. Some people are socially clueless. Go ahead and tell me that person is me.

Oh on topic, when I was doing Environmental Education I was living in a center where we had a central kitchen and I got to see the wife of one of my coworkers pour all the fat off of a meat loaf down the drain. Mercy!! I was aghast.

patriciae

I removed a comment here, there's no reason to continue a pointless side-discussion.

Patriciae, I worked for a guy that had nursing homes and before we had a corporate office, I did my work in each individual home. One day I was in the kitchen and saw the grease trap in the floor being cleaned out! Yikes!! That is a scary sight. I had no idea such a thing was a thing!! lol

I was just reading a lighthearted article about Black Friday in the USA and it mentioned Brown Friday. 🧐 I had to Google it. 🤓 Apparently it is a big day for plumbers.

I thought of this thread.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_Friday

“Brown Friday is a term commonly addressed to the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States. The term was coined by plumberswho report a sudden increase in service calls that report clogged drains and broken garbage disposals happening, directly after Thanksgiving.”

I just learned that the Wednesday before TG is known as 'Green Wednesday' in the cannabis industry. The dispensaries discount their products much like retail stores do on Black Friday and people stock up for the holidays.

I thought 4/20 was the only cannabis related holiday.

LoneJack, there’s also December 1. That is Marijuana Sauce Day with Pastafarians.

They’re fine with year long celebrations, too.

LOL Rox...Pastafarians is a new one for me! I've never dabbled in adding THC to anything except cookies and making my own gummies.

I’ve been a member for years now.

I wear my colander with pride.

We celebrate life and its perfect imperfections.