- Couldn’t agree more about compression fittings—seen too many of those start leaking in rentals after a year or two. If I’m holding a property long-term, I just go straight to sweating copper or using PEX with crimp rings. Costs a bit more up front, but way fewer headaches down the road.
- Plastic snakes are my go-to for older drains too. Metal ones can chew up old pipes fast, especially if you’re not careful. Had a tenant once who tried to “help” with a metal auger and ended up cracking a 70-year-old cast iron trap... that was a fun call.
- Enzyme cleaners are decent for maintenance, but yeah, they won’t clear a real clog. I use them in between tenants just to keep things moving, but if it’s slow draining, I’m pulling the trap or snaking it.
- Plumber’s tape is handy for emergencies, but if the threads are shot, it’s just a band-aid. Learned that the hard way after a “quick fix” turned into a mini flood at 2am.
- Old houses always find a way to turn a 10-minute job into an all-day project. Part of the adventure, I guess... or maybe just a test of patience.
Every time someone mentions compression fittings, I get flashbacks to the winter of 2018—frozen pipes in the crawlspace, and a “quick” fix that dripped just enough to soak through the old plaster ceiling. I’m with you on sweating copper for anything I want to last. There’s something oddly satisfying about doing it right, even if it means crawling around under the house with a flashlight clenched between your teeth.
I’ve learned (the hard way) that metal snakes and century-old drains are a dangerous combo. My place still has some original galvanized lines—one wrong twist and you’re holding a handful of rust that used to be a pipe. Plastic snakes might not have the same “power tool” vibe, but they won’t leave you patching holes at midnight either. And enzyme cleaners? They’re fine for maintenance, but when you can smell the backup from two rooms away, it’s time to get your hands dirty.
Funny thing about plumber’s tape—it’s like duct tape for threads: great in a pinch, but don’t trust it for long. I once tried to “temporarily” fix an ancient valve stem with layers of tape and optimism... woke up to a puddle and a lot of regret.
Old houses really do have their own sense of humor. You open up a wall expecting copper, find lead instead; go looking for one leak, discover three more. It’s like an archaeological dig where every layer tells you how many times someone else tried to cut corners before you. But there’s something kind of charming about it too—like each repair is another chapter in the house’s story.
Patience is key. And maybe a little stubbornness doesn’t hurt either...
- Totally get where you’re coming from—old houses are like a box of plumbing surprises.
- I’ve had my share of “temporary” fixes that turned into all-nighters, especially with those mystery leaks that only show up after you patch something else.
- Sweating copper is a pain in the neck sometimes, but it’s the only way I trust for long-term peace of mind.
- Metal snakes and ancient pipes? Learned that lesson too... nothing like pulling out a chunk of pipe when you just wanted to clear a clog.
- Patience and stubbornness are pretty much required gear. Sometimes you just have to laugh (or swear) and keep going.
- Yeah, sweating copper is solid, but I’ll admit I’ve had luck with push-fit fittings in a pinch—maybe not for the long haul, but they’ve saved my sanity during late-night leaks.
- Those “temporary” fixes… I swear, I have a graveyard of old flex hoses and pipe clamps under the sink.
- When it comes to clogs, I’ve learned to keep a wet/dry vac handy. Sometimes it’s faster (and less messy) than snaking, especially with old cast iron drains.
- Patience is key, but I still end up muttering to myself half the time.
- Anyone else get that sinking feeling when you hear water running and you’re not sure where?
