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PSA: Hit 15 units this month and found out my 'cheap' fix cost me $600 extra
I've been DIY fixing up my 3 rental properties for years, but last month I hit 15 repair calls in a single week. Thought I was saving money by using that $8 silicone caulk on a leaky pipe instead of calling a plumber. Well, the caulk failed after 3 days and flooded the downstairs unit's ceiling. Total damage was $600 for drywall and paint, plus a pissed off tenant. My rule now is simple: never use caulk on anything that carries water pressure. Has anyone else learned a cheap fix that turned into a major expense?
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kim37321d ago
Flex tape or a proper pipe clamp can be a lifesaver for a quick fix (like, way better than caulk). That silicone stuff is just asking for trouble with any pressure behind it.
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taylor_hayes2521d ago
and honestly that's the thing with most quick fixes in general, not just plumbing. you'd think sticking something on top of a problem would hold but it never really does, especially when there's actual force behind it like water pressure. i've seen people try to patch up a leaky hose with electrical tape and wonder why it's spraying again two days later. same with duct tape on a torn tent in the rain - works for a minute until the weight of the water pulls it right off. the pattern i'm seeing is that people underestimate how much stress everyday stuff puts on a repair. so yeah flex tape or a clamp is a way better bet cause at least it's actually designed to take that kind of load instead of just sitting there hoping for the best.
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