Copper mesh has been my go-to for mice after steel wool failed. The little guys just don’t quit.
Totally get what you mean about the snake—nothing else seems to cut through the mess in these old pipes. I’ve tried enzyme stuff and boiling water, but it’s always back to the snake in the end. And yeah, copper mesh for mice is a game changer. I used steel wool once and those little guys just shredded it. PEX is handy, but I’m with you: copper just feels more solid, even if it’s a pain to work with sometimes. There’s something reassuring about knowing it’ll probably outlast me...
Copper really does have that old-school durability, doesn’t it? There’s a reason it’s still around after all these years. I know PEX is easier to work with—no denying it saves a ton of hassle in tight spaces—but copper just feels like it’ll stand up to whatever gets thrown at it. Sure, soldering isn’t everyone’s favorite job, but once it’s done right, you can almost forget about it.
And you nailed it with the mice. I’ve watched steel wool get chewed clean through more times than I’d like to admit. Copper mesh is the only thing that’s held up at my place, especially in those weird basement crevices. As for the snake, it’s tried and true. Enzyme cleaners have their place, but nothing beats that feeling when the blockage finally gives way and water starts moving again.
It’s a bit of a pain sometimes keeping these old systems running, but there’s something satisfying about fixing things up with your own hands... even if the mice are always plotting their next move.
I get the nostalgia for copper, but I’ve actually had a few headaches with it in older homes—especially when it comes to pinhole leaks from corrosion. Ever tried tracking down a slow leak behind a finished wall? Not fun. PEX might not have that same “forever” vibe, but I do like how flexible it is for retrofits, especially if you’re reworking layouts or adding fixtures. Curious if anyone’s noticed any taste difference in water between the two? I’ve heard mixed things, but never really noticed myself.
Title: How do you handle leaky pipes and clogged drains at home?
Had a similar mess in a 70s split-level—copper pipes looked great until we found that slow drip behind the kitchen wall. Ended up tearing out a chunk of drywall just to get at it, and the water damage was way worse than I thought. Swapped that section for PEX and honestly, it made the reroute a breeze. Haven’t noticed any taste difference either, but I guess my coffee habit might be masking it... Still, I get why folks love copper, but after chasing leaks in three houses now, I’m all for making life easier where I can.
Swapped that section for PEX and honestly, it made the reroute a breeze.
- PEX is a game changer for retrofits, especially in older homes where you never know what you’ll find behind the walls.
- For leaks: I always check for the source first—sometimes it’s just a loose fitting, not a burst pipe. Moisture meters help spot hidden damage.
- On clogged drains: Enzyme-based cleaners beat harsh chemicals, but if it’s stubborn, a hand auger usually does the trick.
- Copper’s great, but chasing pinhole leaks gets old fast. PEX is faster to install and less prone to freezing issues.
- Taste-wise, most folks can’t tell unless they’re super sensitive. Coffee covers a lot anyway...
