September 30, 2007
That's right, I have earned my Plumbers' Butt Merit Badge. I have re-routed the drains and vents for one sink and the shower, and created a whole new drain and vent for the other lavatory. That's right. I freakin' rock. Plumbing is an interesting job. If you have ever had to hire one, you probably freaked at the cost, but I believe plumbers earn it. What I like is the amount of thought and logic that comes in to play. I imagine that new construction can be done serially: one piece, and then the next. However, remodeling requires careful logical planning. Pipes seldom move in a way that allows one to insert something. The holes in the studs leave little give for movement. Sweating joints leaves a rigid fixture, and cement sets very fast. Which parts can be connected before the next step takes place? It's actually pretty cool for a geek like me.
The new wet wall was a total pain, but I think I did a good job. Diddo with the new shower drain. Well, also with the re-plumbed original drain. Everything is where it should be for my planned bathroom. I even ran the hose in and flooded the drains to check for leaks. Nothing noticeable, so I think I am good. One of those horrible things that comes with remodeling is the replacement of wood that no one will ever know about. It was while replacing a large section of sub-floor that I realized I should remove the old toilet water access and put a new pipe in so that I could flush up with the wall. It went beautifully and looks perfect. I rock. Have I said that?
While I was cutting out the 4'x7' area of subfloor (8' wouldn't meet the joist), Lilo found the hole. He spent the afternoon exploring under the house and in the yard. I chiseled out the rotted footings, replaced them, built a new support for the subfloor near the footings so that the floor wouldn't sag. I put down some Liquid Nails (love that stfuff), and nailed the new piece of subfloor in. Everything looks perfect. This stuff takes me forever, but I am pleased with how everything is coming together. It's funny, but I have always been able to visually see the goal. It is that way with everything I do. I don't look at the studs and problems and see them. I see what it will be, and that is what it will be. I know it.
Whatever. Electrical is next. That is going to be another problem, but I'll figure it out. Then comes the glass block. That has me nervous...
All is good: Annie comes home tomorrow!
The new wet wall was a total pain, but I think I did a good job. Diddo with the new shower drain. Well, also with the re-plumbed original drain. Everything is where it should be for my planned bathroom. I even ran the hose in and flooded the drains to check for leaks. Nothing noticeable, so I think I am good. One of those horrible things that comes with remodeling is the replacement of wood that no one will ever know about. It was while replacing a large section of sub-floor that I realized I should remove the old toilet water access and put a new pipe in so that I could flush up with the wall. It went beautifully and looks perfect. I rock. Have I said that?
While I was cutting out the 4'x7' area of subfloor (8' wouldn't meet the joist), Lilo found the hole. He spent the afternoon exploring under the house and in the yard. I chiseled out the rotted footings, replaced them, built a new support for the subfloor near the footings so that the floor wouldn't sag. I put down some Liquid Nails (love that stfuff), and nailed the new piece of subfloor in. Everything looks perfect. This stuff takes me forever, but I am pleased with how everything is coming together. It's funny, but I have always been able to visually see the goal. It is that way with everything I do. I don't look at the studs and problems and see them. I see what it will be, and that is what it will be. I know it.
Whatever. Electrical is next. That is going to be another problem, but I'll figure it out. Then comes the glass block. That has me nervous...
All is good: Annie comes home tomorrow!