A question for plumbers
 

In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. It is coming from around
the commode, not from the shower, sinks or tub. I am guessing it is
probably a bad wax ring, but I am not able to tackle the job myself.

I called a plumber, and he told me they had to run a 'smoke test' to
determine the problem. He said I had to notify the fire department they
were going to run the smoke test, that is the law (????). I asked how much
that cost. "$300"!!!!

Then I asked how much to change the wax ring without the smoke test. He
said they won't do that unless they first run the smoke test.

I think it's a rip off. Surely, it wouldn't take more than an hour to
replace the wax ring, and even at an inflated price, that should not be over
$100.

Question: Is this a normal procedure, or a rip off?

Thanks for your advice.

Bob-tx

A question for plumbers
 

On 2011-07-28, Bob-tx No wrote:

I called a plumber, and he told me they had to run a 'smoke test' to
determine the problem. He said I had to notify the fire department they
were going to run the smoke test, that is the law (????). I asked how much
that cost. "$300"!!!!

Question: Is this a normal procedure, or a rip off?

Sounds like a rip-off to me.

First, I'd call the city and ask if it is, in fact, "the law", and
second, I'd ask if I could do my own smoke test. Can't be too hard.
Just find your cleanout and insert smoke bomb. Also, you might try
calling a couple more plumbers.

nb

--
vi ...the heart of evil

A question for plumbers
 

"Bob-tx" No Spam no contact wrote in message
. ..
In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. It is coming from
around the commode, not from the shower, sinks or tub. I am guessing it
is probably a bad wax ring, but I am not able to tackle the job myself.

I called a plumber, and he told me they had to run a 'smoke test' to
determine the problem. He said I had to notify the fire department they
were going to run the smoke test, that is the law (????). I asked how
much that cost. "$300"!!!!

Then I asked how much to change the wax ring without the smoke test. He
said they won't do that unless they first run the smoke test.

I think it's a rip off. Surely, it wouldn't take more than an hour to
replace the wax ring, and even at an inflated price, that should not be
over $100.

Question: Is this a normal procedure, or a rip off?

Thanks for your advice.

Bob-tx

If you are willing to pay to pull the toilet and re-install with a new wax
ring, why do you need a smoke test. The only use it could have is to
identify a leak in the piping or the wax ring, but it would seem more
logical to do the test AFTER replacing the ring, to ensure that the seal is
good. Also, wouldn't the responsibility to call the fire department belong
to the plumber not you. I would call the plumbing inspector to check if they
have such a crazy law and the reason for it, it sounds rip-off to me.

A question for plumbers
 

Bob-tx wrote:
In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. It is coming from
around the commode, not from the shower, sinks or tub. I am guessing
it is probably a bad wax ring, but I am not able to tackle the job
myself.
I called a plumber, and he told me they had to run a 'smoke test' to
determine the problem. He said I had to notify the fire department
they were going to run the smoke test, that is the law (????). I
asked how much that cost. "$300"!!!!

Then I asked how much to change the wax ring without the smoke test. He
said they won't do that unless they first run the smoke test.

I think it's a rip off. Surely, it wouldn't take more than an hour to
replace the wax ring, and even at an inflated price, that should not
be over $100.

Question: Is this a normal procedure, or a rip off?

Thanks for your advice.


I vote for rip-off. (Can I cast two votes?)

Just for grins, call the fire department and ask whether a so-called
"smoke-test" is normal to test a toilet.

Just where in Texas are you?

A question for plumbers
 

Bob-tx wrote:

In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. It is coming
from around the commode

Commode?

Would it kill you to just say toilet?

I called a plumber, and he told me they had to run a
'smoke test' to determine the problem. I asked how much
that cost. "$300"!!!!

Question: Is this a normal procedure, or a rip off?

Call another plumber (or call the same one in a few days) and just say
that you've got a small leak around the base of your toilet and you'd
like them to come over and put a new seal on it.

Don't mention anything about a sewer gas odor.

A question for plumbers
 

On 7/28/2011 9:43 AM, Bob-tx wrote:
In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. It is coming from
around the commode, not from the shower, sinks or tub. I am guessing
it is probably a bad wax ring, but I am not able to tackle the job
myself.

I called a plumber, and he told me they had to run a 'smoke test' to
determine the problem. He said I had to notify the fire department
they were going to run the smoke test, that is the law (????). I asked
how much that cost. "$300"!!!!

Then I asked how much to change the wax ring without the smoke test.
He said they won't do that unless they first run the smoke test.

I think it's a rip off.

I think the plumber didn't want the job and was just ****ing with you.

A question for plumbers
 

Bob-tx wrote:
In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. It is coming from
around the commode, not from the shower, sinks or tub. I am guessing
it is probably a bad wax ring, but I am not able to tackle the job
myself.
I called a plumber, and he told me they had to run a 'smoke test' to
determine the problem. He said I had to notify the fire department
they were going to run the smoke test, that is the law (????). I
asked how much that cost. "$300"!!!!

Then I asked how much to change the wax ring without the smoke test. He
said they won't do that unless they first run the smoke test.

I think it's a rip off. Surely, it wouldn't take more than an hour to
replace the wax ring, and even at an inflated price, that should not
be over $100.

Question: Is this a normal procedure, or a rip off?

Will they blow out the telephone line at the same time? :)

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

A question for plumbers
 

I had to have the static blown out of my phone line, once.
Only cost me $575, too. The same guy offered to degauss my
computer monitor for $379. Had a sale on blinker fluid.

I think the smoking toilet routine is bunch of nonsense, and
I'd call a different plumber.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"dadiOH" wrote in message
...


Question: Is this a normal procedure, or a rip off?

Will they blow out the telephone line at the same time? :)

--

dadiOH

A question for plumbers
 

On 7/28/2011 9:43 AM, Bob-tx wrote:
In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. It is coming from
around the commode, not from the shower, sinks or tub. I am guessing it
is probably a bad wax ring, but I am not able to tackle the job myself.
....

Well, if it were sewer gas, the trap should be full and block it, ring
or no. In that case would have to be something else which is what he
would be looking for...

If it is indeed the was ring that has failed, there should definitely be
at least hidden signs of some leakage if it's bad enough to have created
odor it's had to either been very small for a while or large enough to
make stinky...

I'd be looking more closely for the evidence first methinks...altho your
diagnosis/guess is likely ok, I'd think it observable.

--

A question for plumbers
 

dpb wrote in :

On 7/28/2011 9:43 AM, Bob-tx wrote:
In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. It is coming from
around the commode, not from the shower, sinks or tub. I am guessing it
is probably a bad wax ring, but I am not able to tackle the job myself.
...

Well, if it were sewer gas, the trap should be full and block it, ring
or no. In that case would have to be something else which is what he
would be looking for...

If it is indeed the was ring that has failed, there should definitely be
at least hidden signs of some leakage if it's bad enough to have created
odor it's had to either been very small for a while or large enough to
make stinky...

I'd be looking more closely for the evidence first methinks...altho your
diagnosis/guess is likely ok, I'd think it observable.

--



It's a bathroom. Sounds like a smoke-and-mirrors repair.

A question for plumbers
 

"dpb" wrote in message ...

On 7/28/2011 9:43 AM, Bob-tx wrote:
In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. It is coming from
around the commode, not from the shower, sinks or tub. I am guessing it
is probably a bad wax ring, but I am not able to tackle the job myself.
....

Well, if it were sewer gas, the trap should be full and block it, ring or
no. In that case would have to be something else which is what he would be
looking for...

If it is indeed the was ring that has failed, there should definitely be at
least hidden signs of some leakage if it's bad enough to have created odor
it's had to either been very small for a while or large enough to make
stinky...

I'd be looking more closely for the evidence first methinks...altho your
diagnosis/guess is likely ok, I'd think it observable.


The trap is in the toilet itself which is above the ring. If the trap was in
the waste pipe itself your statement would be correct. It can absolutely be
ring.

A question for plumbers
 

"dpb" wrote in message ...

On 7/28/2011 9:43 AM, Bob-tx wrote:
In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. It is coming from
around the commode, not from the shower, sinks or tub. I am guessing it
is probably a bad wax ring, but I am not able to tackle the job myself.
....

Well, if it were sewer gas, the trap should be full and block it, ring or
no. In that case would have to be something else which is what he would be
looking for...

If it is indeed the was ring that has failed, there should definitely be at
least hidden signs of some leakage if it's bad enough to have created odor
it's had to either been very small for a while or large enough to make
stinky...

I'd be looking more closely for the evidence first methinks...altho your
diagnosis/guess is likely ok, I'd think it observable.


The trap is in the toilet itself which is above the ring. If the trap was in
the waste pipe itself your statement would be correct. It can absolutely be
ring.

A question for plumbers
 

On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:43:21 +0000 (UTC), "A. Baum"
wrote:

Any person who can follow simple instructions can change their own seal.

Unless the person has a physical conditions that prevents it.

A question for plumbers
 

On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:56:23 -0500, dpb wrote:

On 7/28/2011 9:43 AM, Bob-tx wrote:
In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. It is coming from
around the commode, not from the shower, sinks or tub. I am guessing it
is probably a bad wax ring, but I am not able to tackle the job myself.
...

Well, if it were sewer gas, the trap should be full and block it, ring
or no. In that case would have to be something else which is what he
would be looking for...

If it is indeed the was ring that has failed, there should definitely be
at least hidden signs of some leakage if it's bad enough to have created
odor it's had to either been very small for a while or large enough to
make stinky...

I'd be looking more closely for the evidence first methinks...altho your
diagnosis/guess is likely ok, I'd think it observable.


Have to respectfully dissagree here.
IF the toilet was installed with one of the better ring seals, there
will be NO water leakage unless the pipe is plugged and it backs up,
because the better rings have a tapered sheild on them that directs
the flushed water and debris past the seal - so a leaky seal can stink
and still not leak.

The trap, if you look at ANY north american toilet, is ABOVE the seal,
so can be full of water and functioning, and still alow gas to leak
past a bad ring seal.

Chances are better than 90% it's a bad seal, unless it is an old house
with badly corroded cast iron plumbing - in which case all bets are
off - and I wouldn't even waste the money on the smoke test - just get
the plumber to pull out ALL the cast iron and replace with plastic.

A question for plumbers
 

I know of at least a dozen or so people who are
either elderly, infirm, or just not skilled with tools.
So, that statement may be less than complete.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"A. Baum"
wrote in message ...

Any person who can follow simple instructions
can change their own seal.

A question for plumbers
 

Lifting a 75 pound toilet may be too much for folks. And
kneeling long enough to pull the hold down bolts. And,
and.....

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Oren" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:43:21 +0000 (UTC), "A. Baum"
wrote:

Any person who can follow simple instructions can change
their own seal.

Unless the person has a physical conditions that prevents
it.

A question for plumbers
 

In article ,
"Stormin Mormon" wrote:

Lifting a 75 pound toilet may be too much for folks. And
kneeling long enough to pull the hold down bolts. And,
and.....

And dealing with rusted-out bolts embedded in a concrete slab. All of a
sudden, a simple job gets complicated.

A question for plumbers
 

On 7/28/2011 10:05 AM, HeyBub wrote:
Bob-tx wrote:
In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. It is coming from
around the commode, not from the shower, sinks or tub. I am guessing
it is probably a bad wax ring, but I am not able to tackle the job
myself.
I called a plumber, and he told me they had to run a 'smoke test' to
determine the problem. He said I had to notify the fire department
they were going to run the smoke test, that is the law (????). I
asked how much that cost. "$300"!!!!

Then I asked how much to change the wax ring without the smoke test. He
said they won't do that unless they first run the smoke test.

I think it's a rip off. Surely, it wouldn't take more than an hour to
replace the wax ring, and even at an inflated price, that should not
be over $100.

Question: Is this a normal procedure, or a rip off?

Thanks for your advice.


I vote for rip-off. (Can I cast two votes?)

Just for grins, call the fire department and ask whether a so-called
"smoke-test" is normal to test a toilet.

Just where in Texas are you?



When we use a smoke bomb to check air conditioner duct work for air
leaks, we notify the fire department as a mater of common sense.

TDD

A question for plumbers
 

On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:27:16 -0400, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

Lifting a 75 pound toilet may be too much for folks. And
kneeling long enough to pull the hold down bolts. And,
and.....

As long as you're in there, do the whole job and replace the tank gasket and
flapper seat. Only lift a piece at a time. sheesh

A question for plumbers
 

On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 03:29:30 +0000 (UTC), "A. Baum"
wrote:

On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:37:10 -0700, Smitty Two wrote:

In article ,
"Stormin Mormon" wrote:

Lifting a 75 pound toilet may be too much for folks. And kneeling long
enough to pull the hold down bolts. And, and.....

And dealing with rusted-out bolts embedded in a concrete slab. All of a
sudden, a simple job gets complicated.

I've never seen a toilet yoke being a concrete slab. All I've seen are
cast fixtures atop the soil pipe. Nuts atop the toilet base are easy to
remove. if you run into trouble then call a pro. You ****ing nutcases
are an embarrassment to the human race.

I've seen the flanges totally cemented in, with the bolts going right
into the concrete - not the way it is SUPPOSED to be done - but it has
been done that way more than once. - and a LOT of people who are
physically unable to do that kind of work don't know anyone who is
physically able and knows how, who they feel they can call on.

I know quite a few people who are just thrilled out of their mind when
they find they can ask me to do just about anything they need doing,
and I am willing and able to do it for them. No family near by, all
their old friends either in the same or worse condition as them or
dead, and their younger friends totally unprepared for the "real
world" of home repairs etc.

A question for plumbers
 

On 7/28/2011 11:22 PM, A. Baum wrote:
On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:39:05 -0700, Oren wrote:

On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:43:21 +0000 (UTC), "A.
wrote:

Any person who can follow simple instructions can change their own seal.

Unless the person has a physical conditions that prevents it.

Most anyone who can **** in a toilet can change the seal.

Speaking of ****, yer full of it. 1/3 of this country is obese, which
often includes a reduced ability to lift things, especially in small
spaces, not to mention many people can't see well enough to do the close
work of fussing with the bolts, assuming they can even get down on the
floor to get to them, and get back up. Add in the common complication of
the shutoff valve being frozen or rotted, and the downside gets big
fast. So, yes, anyone who is in halfway-decent shape and HAS SEEN IT
DONE BEFORE can R and R a toilet. But if someone is not a regular tool
user, or doesn't even own the tools, and the house is over 20 years old,
I always recommend they get a plumber. I do tell them to watch and
learn, though. If the house only has one bathroom, and there is a SWMBO
and rug-rats involved, I strongly recommend a plumber- there is no
postponing things when the family needs to pee. And Murphy being Murphy,
even if you start early on Sat when the Borg is open, there will be
unexpected complications. Any real plumber will have the 20 most common
parts on his truck.

--
aem sends...

A question for plumbers
 

"A. Baum" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:43:18 -0500, Bob-tx wrote:

In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. It is coming from
around the commode, not from the shower, sinks or tub. I am guessing it
is probably a bad wax ring, but I am not able to tackle the job myself.

I called a plumber, and he told me they had to run a 'smoke test' to
determine the problem. He said I had to notify the fire department they
were going to run the smoke test, that is the law (????). I asked how
much that cost. "$300"!!!!

Then I asked how much to change the wax ring without the smoke test. He
said they won't do that unless they first run the smoke test.

I think it's a rip off. Surely, it wouldn't take more than an hour to
replace the wax ring, and even at an inflated price, that should not be
over $100.

Question: Is this a normal procedure, or a rip off?

Thanks for your advice.

Bob-tx

Any person who can follow simple instructions can change their own seal.

What a narrow minded statement. I am almost 80, and have a hard time
getting around, let alone kneeling and bending.

But thanks for such wonderful advice.

Bob-tx

A question for plumbers
 

On 7/28/2011 10:40 PM, A. Baum wrote:
On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 22:32:06 -0500, The Daring Dufas wrote:

On 7/28/2011 10:05 AM, HeyBub wrote:
Bob-tx wrote:
In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. It is coming from
around the commode, not from the shower, sinks or tub. I am guessing
it is probably a bad wax ring, but I am not able to tackle the job
myself.
I called a plumber, and he told me they had to run a 'smoke test' to
determine the problem. He said I had to notify the fire department
they were going to run the smoke test, that is the law (????). I
asked how much that cost. "$300"!!!!

Then I asked how much to change the wax ring without the smoke test.
He said they won't do that unless they first run the smoke test.

I think it's a rip off. Surely, it wouldn't take more than an hour to
replace the wax ring, and even at an inflated price, that should not
be over $100.

Question: Is this a normal procedure, or a rip off?

Thanks for your advice.


I vote for rip-off. (Can I cast two votes?)

Just for grins, call the fire department and ask whether a so-called
"smoke-test" is normal to test a toilet.

Just where in Texas are you?



When we use a smoke bomb to check air conditioner duct work for air
leaks, we notify the fire department as a mater of common sense.

TDD

Now why would you do that? I could see tossing a smoker inside the heat
exchanger of a furnace to check for cracks but not the duct work.

There is actually a spray chemical we use for checking heat exchangers,
it's sprayed into the return air and if the flames on the burners change
color a leak is indicated. When I've checked out the duct work at a
large building such as a grocery store with large exposed duct work, the
smoke bombs work well to show where the air leaks are.

TDD

A question for plumbers
 

The Daring Dufas wrote:



When we use a smoke bomb to check air conditioner duct work for air
leaks, we notify the fire department as a mater of common sense.


Couldn't you determine whether the sanitary sewer system was connected to
the A/C ductwork by some other method?

Where I used to work, our facilities manager chunked a smoke bomb into the
A/C return air handler. Immediately HUGE volumes of smoke shot up through
the bottom of the three mainframes in the computer room. Smoke detectors
went nuts. Operators pulled the emergency power-down handles. About a
zillion fire trucks surrounded the building and demanded the release of the
hostages. Confusing and contradictory instructions were bellowed out over
the PA system. People screamed "Run for your life" and "We're all gonna
die!". Some sat at their desk and wept.

All in all, a fun afternoon.

A question for plumbers
 

I'm serious. I don't have all that many friends. You
probably know two or three dozen people who can't change a
wax ring.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"A. Baum" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:26:15 -0400, Stormin Mormon wrote:

I know of at least a dozen or so people who are either
elderly, infirm,
or just not skilled with tools. So, that statement may be
less than
complete.

330 million in the USA and you know of one dozen? You're
kidding right?

A question for plumbers
 

Ah, but was the duct system found to be in good working
order? Enquiring minds want to know.

Did the fire department hose down your computers for you,
and rinse off all the dust bunnies?

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"HeyBub" wrote in message
m...

Where I used to work, our facilities manager chunked a smoke
bomb into the
A/C return air handler. Immediately HUGE volumes of smoke
shot up through
the bottom of the three mainframes in the computer room.
Smoke detectors
went nuts. Operators pulled the emergency power-down
handles. About a
zillion fire trucks surrounded the building and demanded the
release of the
hostages. Confusing and contradictory instructions were
bellowed out over
the PA system. People screamed "Run for your life" and
"We're all gonna
die!". Some sat at their desk and wept.

All in all, a fun afternoon.

A question for plumbers
 

On 7/28/2011 11:32 PM, The Daring Dufas wrote:


Thanks for your advice.


I vote for rip-off. (Can I cast two votes?)

Just for grins, call the fire department and ask whether a so-called
"smoke-test" is normal to test a toilet.

Just where in Texas are you?



When we use a smoke bomb to check air conditioner duct work for air
leaks, we notify the fire department as a mater of common sense.

TDD

Especially in recent times when so many places use emergency services as
a revenue stream.

In at least 3 municipalities in my area if someone were to drive by and
notice smoke and pick up their phone they would send police cars, fire
trucks, paramedics, an ambulance and a large bill.

In those towns you don't even have a choice if say your radiator hose
blows off and you safely park the car because the police are trained to
aggressively take charge of "the situation" and they will call for the
firetrucks and paramedics and you will be sent a bill.

My niece worked for a collection agency for a while and she said many of
the bills they were trying collect payment for were from municipalities
who had billed as I described.

A question for plumbers
 

On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 03:22:03 +0000 (UTC), "A. Baum"
wrote:

On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:39:05 -0700, Oren wrote:

On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:43:21 +0000 (UTC), "A. Baum"
wrote:

Any person who can follow simple instructions can change their own seal.

Unless the person has a physical conditions that prevents it.

Most anyone who can **** in a toilet can change the seal.

My nephew can "**** in a toilet", but not change a wax ring. In a
wheel chair for 30 years because of Multiple sclerosis (MS).

So, your general blanket statement is wrong, period! Do you even
think? Get outside the box a bit.

You are now dismissed. Go forth and error no more.

A question for plumbers
 

On Jul 29, 1:15*am, aemeijers wrote:
On 7/28/2011 11:22 PM, A. Baum wrote:

On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:39:05 -0700, Oren wrote:

On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:43:21 +0000 (UTC), "A.
wrote:

Any person who can follow simple instructions can change their own seal.

Unless the person has a physical conditions that prevents it.

Most anyone who can **** in a toilet can change the seal.

Speaking of ****, yer full of it. 1/3 of this country is obese, which
often includes a reduced ability to lift things, especially in small
spaces, not to mention many people can't see well enough to do the close
work of fussing with the bolts, assuming they can even get down on the
floor to get to them, and get back up. Add in the common complication of
the shutoff valve being frozen or rotted, and the downside gets big
fast. So, yes, anyone who is in halfway-decent shape and HAS SEEN IT
DONE BEFORE can R and R a toilet. But if someone is not a regular tool
user, or doesn't even own the tools, and the house is over 20 years old,
I always recommend they get a plumber. I do tell them to watch and
learn, though. If the house only has one bathroom, and there is a SWMBO
and rug-rats involved, I strongly recommend a plumber- there is no
postponing things when the family needs to pee. And Murphy being Murphy,
even if you start early on Sat when the Borg is open, there will be
unexpected complications. Any real plumber will have the 20 most common
parts on his truck.

--
aem sends...

There are also people who once down on the floor need help to get back
up. You don't have to be obese to be in that category - my wife is
one and she is far from overweight.

Harry K

A question for plumbers
 

On Jul 28, 8:23*pm, "A. Baum" wrote:
On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:26:15 -0400, Stormin Mormon wrote:
I know of at least a dozen or so people who are either elderly, infirm,
or just not skilled with tools. So, that statement may be less than
complete.

330 million in the USA and you know of one dozen? You're kidding right?

So in addition to making a stupid post you now add another? Did you
expect him to know all 330 million?

Harry K

A question for plumbers
 

On Jul 28, 8:29*pm, "A. Baum" wrote:
On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:37:10 -0700, Smitty Two wrote:
In article ,
*"Stormin Mormon" wrote:

Lifting a 75 pound toilet may be too much for folks. And kneeling long
enough to pull the hold down bolts. And, and.....

And dealing with rusted-out bolts embedded in a concrete slab. All of a
sudden, a simple job gets complicated.

I've never seen a toilet yoke being a concrete slab. All I've seen are
cast fixtures atop the soil pipe. Nuts atop the toilet base are easy to
remove. if you run into trouble then call a pro. You ****ing nutcases
are an embarrassment to the human race.

I hope you live long enough to regret your asinine posts. Live long
enough and you _will_ be unable to change a seal.

Harry K

A question for plumbers
 

On 7/29/2011 6:48 AM, HeyBub wrote:
The Daring Dufas wrote:



When we use a smoke bomb to check air conditioner duct work for air
leaks, we notify the fire department as a mater of common sense.


Couldn't you determine whether the sanitary sewer system was connected to
the A/C ductwork by some other method?

Where I used to work, our facilities manager chunked a smoke bomb into the
A/C return air handler. Immediately HUGE volumes of smoke shot up through
the bottom of the three mainframes in the computer room. Smoke detectors
went nuts. Operators pulled the emergency power-down handles. About a
zillion fire trucks surrounded the building and demanded the release of the
hostages. Confusing and contradictory instructions were bellowed out over
the PA system. People screamed "Run for your life" and "We're all gonna
die!". Some sat at their desk and wept.

All in all, a fun afternoon.



I've never used a smoke bomb on a sanitary sewer system but I've used
some really big long snakes and florescent dye. The dye changed the
color of the hair clogging the drain, made me think there was a punk
rocker stuck in there. ^_^

TDD

A question for plumbers
 

On 7/29/2011 8:40 AM, George wrote:
On 7/28/2011 11:32 PM, The Daring Dufas wrote:


Thanks for your advice.


I vote for rip-off. (Can I cast two votes?)

Just for grins, call the fire department and ask whether a so-called
"smoke-test" is normal to test a toilet.

Just where in Texas are you?



When we use a smoke bomb to check air conditioner duct work for air
leaks, we notify the fire department as a mater of common sense.

TDD

Especially in recent times when so many places use emergency services as
a revenue stream.

In at least 3 municipalities in my area if someone were to drive by and
notice smoke and pick up their phone they would send police cars, fire
trucks, paramedics, an ambulance and a large bill.

In those towns you don't even have a choice if say your radiator hose
blows off and you safely park the car because the police are trained to
aggressively take charge of "the situation" and they will call for the
firetrucks and paramedics and you will be sent a bill.

My niece worked for a collection agency for a while and she said many of
the bills they were trying collect payment for were from municipalities
who had billed as I described.


That's why I would recommend recording your phone conversations with
government agencies. You properly notify them that you're recording
with an explanation that it's for your records and get them to verify
their name, time/date and if they are the correct person to be talking
to about your situation.

TDD

A question for plumbers
 

On 7/28/2011 10:25 PM, A. Baum wrote:
On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:27:16 -0400, Stormin Mormon wrote:

Lifting a 75 pound toilet may be too much for folks. And kneeling long
enough to pull the hold down bolts. And, and.....

And what? Can't find a friend to help you when hundreds of dollars are
involved? Go **** yourself you moron.

That was very rude. Many of my friends are too weak to help with a
project like that and I often recruit a younger stronger person. I
like to teach youngsters how to repair things when they're interested
in learning how. ^_^

TDD

A question for plumbers
 

On 7/28/2011 10:22 PM, A. Baum wrote:
On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:39:05 -0700, Oren wrote:

On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:43:21 +0000 (UTC), "A.
wrote:

Any person who can follow simple instructions can change their own seal.

Unless the person has a physical conditions that prevents it.

Most anyone who can **** in a toilet can change the seal.

What's with the rude bug up your arse? I haven't noticed anyone
responding to you in that way. ^_^

TDD

A question for plumbers
 

On 7/29/2011 9:30 AM, Harry K wrote:
On Jul 29, 1:15 am, wrote:
On 7/28/2011 11:22 PM, A. Baum wrote:

On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:39:05 -0700, Oren wrote:

On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:43:21 +0000 (UTC), "A.
wrote:

Any person who can follow simple instructions can change their own seal.

Unless the person has a physical conditions that prevents it.

Most anyone who can **** in a toilet can change the seal.

Speaking of ****, yer full of it. 1/3 of this country is obese, which
often includes a reduced ability to lift things, especially in small
spaces, not to mention many people can't see well enough to do the close
work of fussing with the bolts, assuming they can even get down on the
floor to get to them, and get back up. Add in the common complication of
the shutoff valve being frozen or rotted, and the downside gets big
fast. So, yes, anyone who is in halfway-decent shape and HAS SEEN IT
DONE BEFORE can R and R a toilet. But if someone is not a regular tool
user, or doesn't even own the tools, and the house is over 20 years old,
I always recommend they get a plumber. I do tell them to watch and
learn, though. If the house only has one bathroom, and there is a SWMBO
and rug-rats involved, I strongly recommend a plumber- there is no
postponing things when the family needs to pee. And Murphy being Murphy,
even if you start early on Sat when the Borg is open, there will be
unexpected complications. Any real plumber will have the 20 most common
parts on his truck.

--
aem sends...

There are also people who once down on the floor need help to get back
up. You don't have to be obese to be in that category - my wife is
one and she is far from overweight.

Harry K

My roommate is 60 any worked as a carpenter most of his life and
basically wore his body out. Last year I took him to a hospital
because he couldn't breath and doctors discovered he has a hole
in one of his heart valves. He had never been a patient in a
hospital before in his whole life which I thought was a bit odd
for someone that age. Anyway, he no longer has the strength to do
the kind of simple brute strength tasks which were easily accomplished
in years past. Sometimes he falls and I have to help him up but I
don't mind, I'm not Amazing Hulk strong anymore either. :-(

TDD

A question for plumbers
 

On 7/29/2011 4:19 AM, Bob-tx wrote:


"A. Baum" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:43:18 -0500, Bob-tx wrote:

In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. It is coming from
around the commode, not from the shower, sinks or tub. I am guessing it
is probably a bad wax ring, but I am not able to tackle the job myself.

I called a plumber, and he told me they had to run a 'smoke test' to
determine the problem. He said I had to notify the fire department they
were going to run the smoke test, that is the law (????). I asked how
much that cost. "$300"!!!!

Then I asked how much to change the wax ring without the smoke test. He
said they won't do that unless they first run the smoke test.

I think it's a rip off. Surely, it wouldn't take more than an hour to
replace the wax ring, and even at an inflated price, that should not be
over $100.

Question: Is this a normal procedure, or a rip off?

Thanks for your advice.

Bob-tx

Any person who can follow simple instructions can change their own seal.

What a narrow minded statement. I am almost 80, and have a hard time
getting around, let alone kneeling and bending.

But thanks for such wonderful advice.

Bob-tx



I had a sweet old gal for a customer some years ago who was 70, she
lived with her mother who was 100 years old. ^_^

TDD

A question for plumbers
 

On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:19:07 -0500, The Daring Dufas
wrote:

On 7/28/2011 10:22 PM, A. Baum wrote:
On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:39:05 -0700, Oren wrote:

On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:43:21 +0000 (UTC), "A.
wrote:

Any person who can follow simple instructions can change their own seal.

Unless the person has a physical conditions that prevents it.

Most anyone who can **** in a toilet can change the seal.

What's with the rude bug up your arse? I haven't noticed anyone
responding to you in that way. ^_^

TDD

Its no "bug", but instead is a feature.

A question for plumbers
 

On Jul 29, 2:19*am, "Bob-tx" No Spam no contact wrote:
"A. Baum" wrote in message

...









On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:43:18 -0500, Bob-tx wrote:

In one of our bathrooms, we have a sewer gas odor. *It is coming from
around the commode, not from the shower, sinks or tub. *I am guessing it
is probably a bad wax ring, but I am not able to tackle the job myself..

I called a plumber, and he told me they had to run a 'smoke test' to
determine the problem. *He said I had to notify the fire department they
were going to run the smoke test, that is the law (????). *I asked how
much that cost. *"$300"!!!!

Then I asked how much to change the wax ring without the smoke test. *He
said they won't do that unless they first run the smoke test.

I think it's a rip off. *Surely, it wouldn't take more than an hour to
replace the wax ring, and even at an inflated price, that should not be
over $100.

Question: *Is this a normal procedure, or a rip off?

Thanks for your advice.

Bob-tx

Any person who can follow simple instructions can change their own seal..

What a narrow minded statement. *I am almost 80, and have a hard time
getting around, let alone kneeling and bending.

But thanks for such wonderful advice.

Bob-tx

Bob-tx

Amazing how narrow minded & insensitve 'A. Baum' is. Perhaps his
real initials are AH?

He'll sing a different tune when he's older, sick or disabled.

cheers
Bob

PS I vote for "plumber rip-off". Get a someone to just replace R & R
the toilet, replace the wax ring & check out the waste lines.
How old is the house? Are there any drains in the bathroom that don't
get their traps replenished? Unused shower or tub?

A question for plumbers
 

On 7/29/2011 11:57 AM, Oren wrote:
On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:19:07 -0500, The Daring Dufas
wrote:

On 7/28/2011 10:22 PM, A. Baum wrote:
On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:39:05 -0700, Oren wrote:

On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:43:21 +0000 (UTC), "A.
wrote:

Any person who can follow simple instructions can change their own seal.

Unless the person has a physical conditions that prevents it.

Most anyone who can **** in a toilet can change the seal.

What's with the rude bug up your arse? I haven't noticed anyone
responding to you in that way. ^_^

TDD

Its no "bug", but instead is a feature.

It must be Usenet software bot then. ^_^

TDD