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Greg,
I had the best comment on your website yesterday regarding our conversation about your informative and embracing insight to my air gap to disposl dilema. It was however lost in cyberspace (operator error no doubt).
Thank you for sharing your incredible wisdom and humor with me. Your passion is infectious.
You called to follow up but I was under the sink perfecting your wisdom!
Regards.........Vicki
Vicki
I just spent the 45 minutes watching your videos on You Tube. It was the best 45 minutes I've spent. Your tips have already identified 7'al problems that I have with my toilets and drains, and your solutions are simple, and appear to be effective. I never knew that a closet auger existed! I'm making a stop at Home Depot to pick one up (along with 4 wax do nut gaskets, a gallon of vinegar, a bottle of copper sulfate, and Slick-N-Slide lubricant). Also, I suspect roots at the drain flange. Heck - I'm starting to talk like a plumber! Thanks for your excellent DIY videos. If I run into a 30 foot root, I'll call you in to land that monster!
Very best regards,
Fred
Fred Zustak
Greg says: Thanks, if you pull the toilets, I assume it is to find if they have roots ? Try the vinegar first. Pulling a toilet is disruptive to the flange and the tank to bowl gasket, as well as the angle stop at the wall. Silicone paste will not be found easily. Teflon "grease" and silicone are usually at pool supply stores, sold as lubricant for O-rings. If you have a good flushing toilet you don't need an auger! But an auger is better than some other options. A great flushing toilet is best, but $$$$
Greg I searched YouTube for instuctions on cleaning and maintaining the ballcock fill valve on a toilet and your posting was the ONLY clear and concise video that addressed my problem. Thank You!
John Leo
I needed help with a commode and faucet, both leaking very signicant amounts of water during this time of water conservation. Greg responded and corrected both problems, using the time as a 'teachable moment' to explain factors that led to the conditions being corrected. He was able to correct a third problem with my Son-In-Law's master bath. (We occupy a Grannie Flat at our Daughter's home.)
Greg Chick is the most erudite, professionally qualified tradesman I've encountered in decades. He's a great guy, too. I'll use him whenever the need arises, and recommend him without hesitation.
Thanks again, Greg.
Jerry Chadd
G. L.
Greg says: Jerry
Thanks, if you would like to "subscribe" to new additions I post on my site, I would welcome your input on the new postings. "It takes one to know one" and your objective professional view might just improve my presentation of the trade I so love. This site is in Beta mode. The subscribe spot is on the site.
Greg I can't believe I just watched a podcast on how to unblock a toilet. Plumber podcasts - go figure! It was actually very good, and I enjoyed it.
I can't believe I enjoyed a podcast on how to............
Genius.
CAT
Everyone should have a few key professional tradesmen that they can trust and depend on. A trusty auto mechanic is certainly one, the other is a plumber. Greg is the man when it comes to your plumbing needs. Straight forward and honest. You know the cost up front and you know that the repairs will be made with quality products. Have it done right the first time with quality material and workmanship. Do yourself a favor, call Greg if you have any plumbing needs.
Bruce Lane
Greg says: Bruce
Thank you, I live to exceed, excell, and win at what I do. My father said "if you cant do the best, leave it alone" I seldom endorse anyone because I find very few companies that can live up to my expectations of being exceptional. This is one of those rare times when I can honestly say that Ramona's Plumber is exceptional. Competitive prices, reliable quick response, thorough knowledge and great workmanship. Keep up the good work.
S Stevens
Greg says: Mr.Stevens
Thank you, for your recognition of my obsession with excellence. I use excellence as a coping skill to deal with a less than ideal world.
Greg Thanks for all your help Greg. You answered all my questions thoroughly and pointed me in the right direction. You gave me your honest opinion based on your years of experience. You made my search for a kitchen faucet and new toilet very easy. What more can I say. Greg, you're simply the best.
Khyber
P.S. I really enjoy watching your videos on Youtube. They're very helpful and informative. I encourage you to keep making the videos.
Khyber
Greg says: I take that as a great complement, you're a pro yourself.
Greg
Greg's website is great, you need to click on some of the frequently unanswered questions (FUQ's) to see all of the free information Greg provides. It doesn't stop there either, I called Greg and discussed my problem with him. I was thinking I needed a main sewer line camera to check my pipes, but he convienced me to take the problem one step at a time and get my main line snaked first (I didn't know cameras don't work in flooded lines). As Greg does not do main line snaking, he even recommended a couple of other local plumbers. Next time I need ANY plumber services I will definately call Greg, hopefully he will be able to help me directly next time!
steve martin
Hi Greg, I went to your site to see if you had the answer to this question..It's a fun site to cruise around in.. I just listened to the mysterious vibrating pipes story...funny! Reminded me of stuff that happened when I was installing phones.
Ok...the question. What's the best remedy for a slow shower drain? In 10 years I've not had a problem, but in recent weeks it has been draining slow...not quite ankle bone deep by the end of the shower and it drains in a few minutes. Draino? Liquid Plumber? Your secret recipe?
Good call in writing out Frequently Unasked Questions instead of the acronym :-D
Mindy S.
Greg says: You have two options shop vac or auger.
A shop vac: take the grill off the drain and use a shop vac with a two inch hose, and stick the hose into the drain and turn it on. Be prepared, it's going to be a smelly operation as the shop vac will also pull some sewer gas up at the same time.
Auger: The official was would be to use a closet auger. Take the grill off the drain, put the auger down and use the auger to pull out the clog - which is almost guaranteed to be hair and slim. If you don't have an auger, you can use a coat hanger. Make a J hook at the end stick it down there and twist and pull. Out comes the clog. Greg, I cannot thank you enough for all your help with older Delta shower/tub valve. I have the pull-up and twist to adjust the temperature type valve. Wanted to know if it was worth saving during shower remodel. You gave the straight scoop in about a 15 minute conversation, as apposed to the 10 hours of internet surfing I had done earlier...to no avail!!! My new shower installation will be 600-700 dollars less because of your information!
Thanks again. Your local plumbing novice...
L. Bailey at Greene Acres.
Thanks for the great info you have put together on this web site, your providing a wonderful service.
Quick question, I want to put a 'low flow' toilet in at my house. Home Depot has four of them and I want to get the best quality. Should I get an American Standard or a Kohler? Or is there a better toilet out there?
Thanks again.
R.D.
Greg says: Toto is the leader in toilets, they even make the Japanese design in America. I think Dixieline sells Toto I sell/install Toto exclusively.
Note. I see a plunger next to "other brand" toilets in the bathrooms of wholesale houses that don't use Toto toilets in the building. I have never seen a plunger next to a Toto.
I wanted to say how much I appreciated your talking me through a leak repair a little while ago!
A solder joint in one of my pipes had cracked and was leaking. I'm a pretty handy guy, but I wasn't sure if I would do it right. I sent you a picture of the joint and you talked me through it all, including a step or two I might not have gotten right. I'm sure you saved me at least $150 for not having to have someone come out and do it, and who knows how much for not having an improper DIY job go bad.
Thanks!
B. P.
Dearest Plumbing Evangelist!
I hope this finds you well and happy!
I saw this today in a daily “email column” I receive … and it made me think about your admonition about lemons in garbage disposers! I wonder if it’s the same thing.
"Squeaky Clean. Clean the inside of your dishwasher with two packets of unsweetened lemon Kool-Aid. Pour the packets of Kool-Aid into each of the dishwasher's detergent cups and run it empty on the longest and hottest cycle available. Lemon Kook-Aid is loaded with citric acid, just was you need to remove soap residue and hard water minerals that collect inside the dishwasher"
[Note from Greg: No, it’s not something I would do or suggest. It’s a weak, pretty-smelling attempt to clean/descale an appliance. Vinegar is tested in labs, I doubt kool aid is. I doubt an engineering firm would spec it, they do spec vinegar.]
Also, by the way … you installed a dishwasher for us in November (it was a bear getting the old one out, and the new one in), and you told me that even the cheapest dishwasher can be made quiet for almost no cost, and that the cleaning ability is about the same for most machines (need 2 arms, though).
I ended up buying one of the most basic models at the Sears store in Ramona and you put it in for us. You did install the soundproofing, and you were right … it really does a great job keeping the noise down.
But I wanted to let you know two things: 1) the soundproofing material (foam) is visible when looking at the front of the machine, and I wouldn’t go that way again because it looks pretty tacky, and 2) the machine itself is really not that great … I guess you really do get what you pay for, and I didn’t pay much. So I’ll be looking to replace that machine sooner than later and I know that will give you a headache because it took you considerable effort to get it in. I’m thinking maybe I’ll look for a much higher-end machine, maybe even a used one if somebody is upgrading or something … and I also made a mistake not getting stainless, so I’ll be smarter next time also. We need to start replacing all of our appliances and so I really jumped the gun on the dishwasher.
Greg, this note is not meant as a complaint … I only want to provide feedback, because you’re so good about taking in and passing along information to your clients, and I would want your other clients to know it’s probably not a good idea to get a really inexpensive dishwasher … or at least not the inexpensive Sears brand.
Hope to see you soon and that the music festival is coming along well. I saw some ads in the paper and although I have to be in the east for a couple of weeks for a client, I’m hoping to re-arrange my schedule to be able to make it.
Till then, take care.
Nancy (Schaefer) Richards
I took a look at your website and enjoyed your FUQ’s. This is great! You should set up some sort of customer survey and ask questions that you would like answered. (i.e.- where you satisfied with the job? Was the job done to your satisfaction? Would you consider using us in the future? ) I love the explanations of the FUQ’s! They are things that really make you think!
Greg,
I had the best comment on your website yesterday regarding our conversation about your informative and embracing insight to my air gap to disposl dilema. It was however lost in cyberspace (operator error no doubt).
Thank you for sharing your incredible wisdom and humor with me. Your passion is infectious.
You called to follow up but I was under the sink perfecting your wisdom!
Regards.........Vicki
Vicki
I just spent the 45 minutes watching your videos on You Tube. It was the best 45 minutes I've spent. Your tips have already identified 7'al problems that I have with my toilets and drains, and your solutions are simple, and appear to be effective. I never knew that a closet auger existed! I'm making a stop at Home Depot to pick one up (along with 4 wax do nut gaskets, a gallon of vinegar, a bottle of copper sulfate, and Slick-N-Slide lubricant). Also, I suspect roots at the drain flange. Heck - I'm starting to talk like a plumber! Thanks for your excellent DIY videos. If I run into a 30 foot root, I'll call you in to land that monster!
Very best regards,
Fred
Fred Zustak
Greg says: Thanks, if you pull the toilets, I assume it is to find if they have roots ? Try the vinegar first. Pulling a toilet is disruptive to the flange and the tank to bowl gasket, as well as the angle stop at the wall. Silicone paste will not be found easily. Teflon "grease" and silicone are usually at pool supply stores, sold as lubricant for O-rings. If you have a good flushing toilet you don't need an auger! But an auger is better than some other options. A great flushing toilet is best, but $$$$Greg
I searched YouTube for instuctions on cleaning and maintaining the ballcock fill valve on a toilet and your posting was the ONLY clear and concise video that addressed my problem. Thank You!
John Leo
I needed help with a commode and faucet, both leaking very signicant amounts of water during this time of water conservation. Greg responded and corrected both problems, using the time as a 'teachable moment' to explain factors that led to the conditions being corrected. He was able to correct a third problem with my Son-In-Law's master bath. (We occupy a Grannie Flat at our Daughter's home.)
Greg Chick is the most erudite, professionally qualified tradesman I've encountered in decades. He's a great guy, too. I'll use him whenever the need arises, and recommend him without hesitation.
Thanks again, Greg.
Jerry Chadd
G. L.
Greg says: JerryThanks, if you would like to "subscribe" to new additions I post on my site, I would welcome your input on the new postings. "It takes one to know one" and your objective professional view might just improve my presentation of the trade I so love. This site is in Beta mode. The subscribe spot is on the site.
Greg
I can't believe I just watched a podcast on how to unblock a toilet. Plumber podcasts - go figure! It was actually very good, and I enjoyed it.
I can't believe I enjoyed a podcast on how to............
Genius.
CAT
Everyone should have a few key professional tradesmen that they can trust and depend on. A trusty auto mechanic is certainly one, the other is a plumber. Greg is the man when it comes to your plumbing needs. Straight forward and honest. You know the cost up front and you know that the repairs will be made with quality products. Have it done right the first time with quality material and workmanship. Do yourself a favor, call Greg if you have any plumbing needs.
Bruce Lane
Greg says: BruceThank you, I live to exceed, excell, and win at what I do. My father said "if you cant do the best, leave it alone"
I seldom endorse anyone because I find very few companies that can live up to my expectations of being exceptional. This is one of those rare times when I can honestly say that Ramona's Plumber is exceptional. Competitive prices, reliable quick response, thorough knowledge and great workmanship. Keep up the good work.
S Stevens
Greg says: Mr.StevensThank you, for your recognition of my obsession with excellence. I use excellence as a coping skill to deal with a less than ideal world.
Greg
Thanks for all your help Greg. You answered all my questions thoroughly and pointed me in the right direction. You gave me your honest opinion based on your years of experience. You made my search for a kitchen faucet and new toilet very easy. What more can I say. Greg, you're simply the best.
Khyber
P.S. I really enjoy watching your videos on Youtube. They're very helpful and informative. I encourage you to keep making the videos.
Khyber
Greg says: I take that as a great complement, you're a pro yourself.Greg
Greg's website is great, you need to click on some of the frequently unanswered questions (FUQ's) to see all of the free information Greg provides. It doesn't stop there either, I called Greg and discussed my problem with him. I was thinking I needed a main sewer line camera to check my pipes, but he convienced me to take the problem one step at a time and get my main line snaked first (I didn't know cameras don't work in flooded lines). As Greg does not do main line snaking, he even recommended a couple of other local plumbers. Next time I need ANY plumber services I will definately call Greg, hopefully he will be able to help me directly next time!
steve martin
Hi Greg, I went to your site to see if you had the answer to this question..It's a fun site to cruise around in.. I just listened to the mysterious vibrating pipes story...funny! Reminded me of stuff that happened when I was installing phones.
Ok...the question. What's the best remedy for a slow shower drain? In 10 years I've not had a problem, but in recent weeks it has been draining slow...not quite ankle bone deep by the end of the shower and it drains in a few minutes. Draino? Liquid Plumber? Your secret recipe?
Good call in writing out Frequently Unasked Questions instead of the acronym :-D
Mindy S.
Greg says: You have two options shop vac or auger.A shop vac: take the grill off the drain and use a shop vac with a two inch hose, and stick the hose into the drain and turn it on. Be prepared, it's going to be a smelly operation as the shop vac will also pull some sewer gas up at the same time.
Auger: The official was would be to use a closet auger. Take the grill off the drain, put the auger down and use the auger to pull out the clog - which is almost guaranteed to be hair and slim. If you don't have an auger, you can use a coat hanger. Make a J hook at the end stick it down there and twist and pull. Out comes the clog.
Greg, I cannot thank you enough for all your help with older Delta shower/tub valve. I have the pull-up and twist to adjust the temperature type valve. Wanted to know if it was worth saving during shower remodel. You gave the straight scoop in about a 15 minute conversation, as apposed to the 10 hours of internet surfing I had done earlier...to no avail!!! My new shower installation will be 600-700 dollars less because of your information!
Thanks again. Your local plumbing novice...
L. Bailey at Greene Acres.
Thanks for the great info you have put together on this web site, your providing a wonderful service.
Quick question, I want to put a 'low flow' toilet in at my house. Home Depot has four of them and I want to get the best quality. Should I get an American Standard or a Kohler? Or is there a better toilet out there?
Thanks again.
R.D.
Greg says: Toto is the leader in toilets, they even make the Japanese design in America. I think Dixieline sells Toto I sell/install Toto exclusively.Note. I see a plunger next to "other brand" toilets in the bathrooms of wholesale houses that don't use Toto toilets in the building. I have never seen a plunger next to a Toto.
I wanted to say how much I appreciated your talking me through a leak repair a little while ago!
A solder joint in one of my pipes had cracked and was leaking. I'm a pretty handy guy, but I wasn't sure if I would do it right. I sent you a picture of the joint and you talked me through it all, including a step or two I might not have gotten right. I'm sure you saved me at least $150 for not having to have someone come out and do it, and who knows how much for not having an improper DIY job go bad.
Thanks!
B. P.
Dearest Plumbing Evangelist!
I hope this finds you well and happy!
I saw this today in a daily “email column” I receive … and it made me think about your admonition about lemons in garbage disposers! I wonder if it’s the same thing.
"Squeaky Clean. Clean the inside of your dishwasher with two packets of unsweetened lemon Kool-Aid. Pour the packets of Kool-Aid into each of the dishwasher's detergent cups and run it empty on the longest and hottest cycle available. Lemon Kook-Aid is loaded with citric acid, just was you need to remove soap residue and hard water minerals that collect inside the dishwasher"
[Note from Greg: No, it’s not something I would do or suggest. It’s a weak, pretty-smelling attempt to clean/descale an appliance. Vinegar is tested in labs, I doubt kool aid is. I doubt an engineering firm would spec it, they do spec vinegar.]
Also, by the way … you installed a dishwasher for us in November (it was a bear getting the old one out, and the new one in), and you told me that even the cheapest dishwasher can be made quiet for almost no cost, and that the cleaning ability is about the same for most machines (need 2 arms, though).
I ended up buying one of the most basic models at the Sears store in Ramona and you put it in for us. You did install the soundproofing, and you were right … it really does a great job keeping the noise down.
But I wanted to let you know two things: 1) the soundproofing material (foam) is visible when looking at the front of the machine, and I wouldn’t go that way again because it looks pretty tacky, and 2) the machine itself is really not that great … I guess you really do get what you pay for, and I didn’t pay much. So I’ll be looking to replace that machine sooner than later and I know that will give you a headache because it took you considerable effort to get it in. I’m thinking maybe I’ll look for a much higher-end machine, maybe even a used one if somebody is upgrading or something … and I also made a mistake not getting stainless, so I’ll be smarter next time also. We need to start replacing all of our appliances and so I really jumped the gun on the dishwasher.
Greg, this note is not meant as a complaint … I only want to provide feedback, because you’re so good about taking in and passing along information to your clients, and I would want your other clients to know it’s probably not a good idea to get a really inexpensive dishwasher … or at least not the inexpensive Sears brand.
Hope to see you soon and that the music festival is coming along well. I saw some ads in the paper and although I have to be in the east for a couple of weeks for a client, I’m hoping to re-arrange my schedule to be able to make it.
Till then, take care.
Nancy (Schaefer) Richards
I took a look at your website and enjoyed your FUQ’s. This is great! You should set up some sort of customer survey and ask questions that you would like answered. (i.e.- where you satisfied with the job? Was the job done to your satisfaction? Would you consider using us in the future? ) I love the explanations of the FUQ’s! They are things that really make you think!
Thank you very much & Best Regards,
M. C.