Haha, epoxy and plastic wrap...sounds like someone was channeling their inner MacGyver!
"If you map out access points thoughtfully and tackle the job in stages, it's manageable."
Totally agree with this. When I redid my bathroom plumbing, I took it slow and planned around weekends to keep the chaos contained. Also, if you're eco-conscious, consider PEX piping—it's flexible, easier to install, and has a smaller environmental footprint than copper. Plus, fewer joints means fewer leaks down the road. Good luck, plumbing adventures are always memorable...for better or worse.
Haha, epoxy and plastic wrap brings back memories... I once had a leak at 11pm on a Sunday night and ended up using duct tape and a bicycle inner tube to hold it together until morning. Definitely not my proudest DIY moment, but hey, it worked long enough.
Anyway, totally with you on the weekend planning thing. Breaking the job down into manageable chunks saved my sanity when I tackled our bathroom remodel. And yeah, PEX is a lifesaver—no soldering torches or tricky fittings needed. Wish I'd known about it sooner, would've saved me from some pretty colorful language under the sink.
Hang in there, OP. Plumbing projects always seem worse at first glance, but once you get into it, you'll find your rhythm. And afterward, you'll have some great stories to tell at parties...or therapy sessions.
Haha, gotta respect the creativity with the inner tube fix—been there myself with some questionable late-night plumbing hacks. But honestly, I wouldn't downplay soldering copper too much. Sure, PEX is convenient, but once you get comfortable sweating pipes, it's oddly satisfying and pretty bulletproof long-term. Plus, copper still impresses buyers more than plastic tubing if you're ever thinking resale value. Just my two cents...though I admit, fewer burns and less swearing is always a plus.
"once you get comfortable sweating pipes, it's oddly satisfying and pretty bulletproof long-term."
Couldn't agree more. When I first bought my old place, I dreaded dealing with copper plumbing—thought I'd flood the basement for sure. But after a few weekends of trial and error (and yes, some colorful language), it became second nature. Now, whenever I open up a wall and see copper instead of plastic, it's like finding hidden treasure. Stick with it; you'll thank yourself later when everything holds tight for decades.
Definitely agree with copper being solid long-term, but I gotta admit, I still get a bit nervous every time I have to sweat pipes. Maybe it's just me, but there's always that split-second hesitation—did I heat it enough? Too much flux? Not enough solder? But yeah, once it's done and holding tight, there's nothing quite like the peace of mind it brings.
One thing I've been wondering about lately though... has anyone looked into the environmental impact between copper and PEX? I mean, copper lasts forever, sure, but mining and refining it isn't exactly gentle on the planet. On the other hand, plastic pipes have their own set of issues (especially disposal). Would love to know if anyone's found a good breakdown on this.
