Zip-it tools are surprisingly effective for hair clogs, especially in older properties where the pipes aren’t exactly pristine. I keep a few on hand for rentals—tenants can usually handle minor clogs themselves with those. For leaks, though, I’m a bit more methodical. Epoxy putty is a decent stopgap, but if it’s a supply line or anything under pressure, I’d rather swap out the section or use compression fittings. Ever notice how some “quick fixes” just end up costing more in the long run?
Had a similar situation last year—hair clogs in an old duplex I own. Zip-it worked like a charm, but I learned the hard way that “temporary” leak fixes are just that... temporary. Tried a patch kit on a pinhole leak once, only for it to burst at 2am. Now, I just replace the section if there’s any doubt. Saves money and headaches down the line. Quick fixes can be tempting, but they rarely pay off for me.
Couldn’t agree more about the “temporary” fixes. I’ve watched so many clients try to patch things up with tape or sealant—usually it just buys them a little time before a bigger mess. I do think there’s a place for those quick patches if you’re in a pinch (like guests arriving in an hour and water dripping from the ceiling), but long-term, it’s just not worth the stress.
I’m a huge fan of proactive upgrades, especially in older homes. Swapping out old pipes or fixtures might seem like a hassle, but it’s amazing how much peace of mind it brings. Honestly, there’s something oddly satisfying about knowing the infrastructure behind the walls is solid, even if no one sees it. And as odd as it sounds, sometimes I’ll even use a clog as an excuse to update the look of a bathroom—new drain covers, maybe a sleeker faucet... it’s all connected, right?
Quick fixes have their moment, but I’d rather invest in real solutions and design updates that last.
Honestly, I’ve learned the hard way that quick fixes just don’t cut it in a house built before 1920. Tried the “just seal it and see” approach on a leaky copper joint once—lasted a week before I was bailing out a crawlspace. Ended up replacing a whole section with PEX. Not glamorous, but now I sleep better knowing it’s solid back there. The peace of mind is worth every bit of hassle. Sometimes the old stuff just needs to go, even if no one ever sees it.
The peace of mind is worth every bit of hassle. Sometimes the old stuff just needs to go, even if no one ever sees it.
Couldn’t agree more about the peace of mind. I used to patch and pray, but after a pipe burst behind my kitchen wall (and a small flood), I switched to replacing sections with PEX too. It’s not the most “historic” choice, but it’s reliable and honestly way less wasteful in the long run. Plus, fewer chemicals than some of those sealants. Old houses are stubborn, but sometimes you just gotta out-stubborn them.