What is the best way to strip paint off a basement cement block wall?

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JK6969

Im going to start finishing off my basement. I need to strip the old paint off the basement cement block walls so I can add a waterproofer. What is the best way to get the old paint off? It appears to be a couple layers at least. Ive tried a good paint stripper from Menards but it still isn't coming off that easy. Any suggestions? (It is NOT lead paint)

Im just looking for something that may be quicker....

Answer
I've had pretty good luck with zip strip in the past though I have never tried it on block. I would try that letting it sit for about ten minutes then hit it with a pressure washer.

replacing the shower faucet washer or the cartridges?

Sexy dude

the shower head is leaking water. after watched a few videos, i got a little confused now.

should i replace the entire shower faucet cartridges or just the plain simple rubber washers inside?

it seems that i only need to replace the washers inside for leaking.

when should i replace the cartridges?

thanks.

Answer
Depends on brand. Single handle systems can be either cartridge or washers. Double handle systems are usually washers if they are older, cartridges if newer. Is it dripping constantly, or only for a few minutes after a shower? Is the drip hot or cold? Where are your shutoffs? That is first and foremost, if you don't want a flood. No shutoffs? then you must shut off the main, which is right next to the water meter. Next open every faucet in the house and let all the pressure out of the system. now you're ready to open and remove whatever needs working on. If you have the older two handle style, replace both seat washers, regardless of which was leaking, or you'll be repeating the process 3 months from now when the other side goes bad. Murphy's law. If you have the newer cartridge type, take it out and take it with you to a good hardware store, where the resident plumbing expert will advise you . Skip Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, etc. Their people are product locators, no help there.

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Tankless water heater install - possible DIY job?

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Tiny

I am thinking about placing a new tankless water heater in my house to save some energy and take advantage of the tax credits. I can find good heaters for around a $1000, but am wondering if this could possibly be a DIY install. I have some plumbing experience and follow instructions well, but am wondering if anyone has had any success with this type of project.

If there are any professional plumbers here I would also love your feedback. Considering I have natural gas I am assuming there is no way I could do it myself, but was crossing my fingers I could do it.

Also, if anyone has had one installed professionally, approx how much did it cost you and how long did it take? Thanks a million!

Answer
I installed my own Tankless heater, and will give it a 7 out of 10. The biggest issues i have run into is that gas, water in and water out must all be 3/4 inch. This wasnt a very big issue as I had 3/4 on the ceiling but they reduced it down so i just replaced the 10 or so feet of N.G. pipe to all 3/4 inch. Next is venting. When i got my unit at Menards I was told i could plumb it out the chimney just like our regular tank heater was. WRONG. I was getting backfeed through the furnace, and co2 monitors kept going off. Relized the problem and then vented out the side of the home, no issues since. the system does take a little to get used to such as using small amounts of water for shaving or brushing of teeth, if the faucet isnt opened up enough the system wont detect it, and wont heat, thus you get only cold, however if you multitask when another appliance is using hot water or someone else showering, you dont notice this. We have had out dhishwasher, cloths washer, and both my wife and I showering and never ran out of hot water, yes the pressure was reduced but hot water was perfect. I think the biggest thing is going to be getting pipes line up and soldered. if you can get your main water shut off, and not have that occasiona drip that most lines have, you should be fine. I would suggest that you get those flexible hoses instead of trying to plumb it in with stick copper, get the water heater flex pipes and it will make your life much much easier. If needed i can send photos.

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