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Polybutylene Pipe: Great Idea Gone Wrong
A flexible, cheaper alternative to copper was developed in the 80's but it dissolves when in contact with chlorinated water, usually at...
Paul Cummins
Dec 3, 20231 min read
20 views
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Plastic Vanities: be wary of heat and drain cleaners!
I have seen burns from curling irons and cigarettes in these, also discoloration from drain cleaners. You need to protect the sink from...
Paul Cummins
May 22, 20231 min read
4 views
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Everyone Wants a Gas Stove, but...
This article from WP suggests gas stoves are causing asthma, maybe up to 650,000 cases so far. Combustion products from gas stoves...
Paul Cummins
Jan 17, 20231 min read
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Weep Hole in Sump Discharge Can Make a Mess, Unless...
You add a diverter as in this video. The weep hole prevents air gaps between the pump and check valve, which may render the pump...
Paul Cummins
Sep 23, 20221 min read
19 views
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Wood windows in showers don't hold up well. Check out this beautiful option!
Click on image for link.
Paul Cummins
Sep 18, 20221 min read
17 views
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Revitalize that old ceramic tub with a new drain basket!
Old drain basket delaminated (Drain cleaner can do that. Use a plastic funnel next time!) Beautiful new assembly. Click on image for...
Paul Cummins
Aug 3, 20211 min read
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Put this under your sink!
Weather Tech moves from your car to your kitchen.
Paul Cummins
Jul 28, 20211 min read
613 views
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Don't weight for the bathroom floor to flood!
Just did the second DC condo in a row that had a 4 inch shower berm on the floor. That's not much to save you from a wet bathroom floor....
Paul Cummins
Aug 26, 20201 min read
26 views
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If I had a hammer...
In my water pipes I would attach these to my washing machine supplies. Finally gave up on my front opening washing machine with a bum...
Paul Cummins
Mar 26, 20201 min read
57 views
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Disposer is safer than you think.
It's not like a blender. I often find construction debris in units subject to recent renovation. Just found six plastic candy wrappers...
Paul Cummins
Jul 28, 20191 min read
13 views
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Leaking toilet seal
Could there be anything scarier than the toilet leaking through the floor! This gasket from Fluidmaster allows for a tight seal beyond...
Paul Cummins
Apr 19, 20191 min read
51 views
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It's good to get loopy! (at least with dishwashers)
Just installed a new diswasher for a neighbor. It has a loop on the discharge tube, on the side of the dishwasher, which prevents...
Paul Cummins
Apr 4, 20191 min read
290 views
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Drying without Kinks or Danger
Whenever you move into a new place I recommend you replace the dryer vent pipe. It is supposed to be cleaned every six months but people...
Paul Cummins
Aug 29, 20181 min read
201 views
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Tankless need regular descaling!
I have seen these installed above washer/dryers where they can't be reached for maintenance. They can last for 20 years. Imagine how...
Paul Cummins
Aug 15, 20181 min read
70 views
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Save Water! No more bothersome flappers!
Replace your old toilet innards with this new dual-flush water saver system for siphon toilets in about 15 minutes—the hard part is...
Paul Cummins
Jul 6, 20181 min read
125 views
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A dryer vent to be proud of!
Give up on those ugly, plastic dryer vents, that clog easily and rats can chew through (Yes it happened to me... rats died in bathroom...
Paul Cummins
Jul 5, 20181 min read
184 views
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Water heater safety isn't that simple.
Although a water heater tank is basically an overgrown Thermos bottle, we inspectors see common installation issues that can...
Paul Cummins
May 24, 20182 min read
58 views
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Frozen hose bib supply pipes can flood your basement!
This replacement shuts off a foot inside your house and therefore won't freeze unless it's freezing inside your house! These are...
Paul Cummins
Jan 2, 20181 min read
195 views
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Dielectric unions prevent galvanic corrosion.
Spend about $10 (during installation) and extend the life of your water heater by preventing galvanic corrosion. Volta invented the...
Paul Cummins
Dec 28, 20171 min read
64 views
0 comments


Tank you, tank very much!
Never thought I'd have a career where I walk around jiggling toilets! Hence the ever present Purell wipes! There are two parts we...
Paul Cummins
Dec 8, 20172 min read
19 views
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