How many trips to Lowes does it take...

Chainsaw13 · 08-01-2010, 06:12 PM

...to replace a bathtub drain gasket? In my case, 4.

The drain on my bathtub's been leaking on/off for a while now. Nothing bad, but enough to give me a wet foot should I go down to the basement anytime shortly after using the shower. The drain just happens to be right above the bottom step. So this past week the leak became a bit more pronounced. Today I decided to finally get off my lazy a$$ and fix it.

Trip 1 - head to Lowes to get the tool that'll remove the drain. Tried the screwdriver/channel locks trick. No go there. Try the removal tool. Still not budging and now the metal bars at the bottom of the drain are nearly bent and broken off.

Trip 2 - back to Lowes to get a hacksaw to cut a notch in the old drain to fit a flat head screwdriver in. Use a hammer and screwdriver to break the drain free. Hey, that $13 removal tool actually works now that things are all loosened up. I'll find a nice spot in my tool chest for it, next to that tool for ratcheting parking brake calipers back in.

Trip 3 - pull into my usual parking spot to head inside to get a new drain and gaskets. Girl working the return counter just inside the door waves and calls me by name as she says hello. New drain in hand, head home to finish this "easy" job. Hmm...1950's plumbing, 2010 drain fitting. They don't make things like they used to, now they're bigger!

Trip 4 - find that my usual parking spot now has a sign up reserving the spot just for me. Girl at return counter just laughs as I trudge back in, but cordially helps me return the new drain I bought 30mins earlier. Seems I need a whole drain kit. Lowes doesn't sell just the drain pipe separately. Head back home what I hope is the last time, and start to install the new pieces only to find that I need a 2nd set of hands. Damn PVC. Stuff is easy to crossthread. Call my buddy over who helps keep things in place while I can line things up. A few more turns of the wrench and voila', I now have a leak free tub.

Basking in my Bob Vila moment, I think I"m going to enjoy me a Opus PL.

icehog3 · 08-01-2010, 06:14 PM

You have a bathtub in your van?

Coach Deg · 08-01-2010, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3

You have a bathtub in your van?

Nice!!!!

Chainsaw13 · 08-01-2010, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3

You have a bathtub in your van?

Why, yes I do. And a basement

Chingas · 08-01-2010, 06:17 PM

Opus is the right choice for that victory.

Smokin Gator · 08-01-2010, 06:40 PM

Weekdays I average probably 3 times a day...

Ogre · 08-01-2010, 06:44 PM

The average for a plumbing job is 4, electrical 2, and painting 1. My average to this point.

Skywalker · 08-01-2010, 07:16 PM

I've had plenty of days like that!!!

Congrats!!!

kelmac07 · 08-01-2010, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skywalker

I've had plenty of days like that!!!

Me too!!

08-01-2010, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ogre3239

The average for a plumbing job is 4, electrical 2, and painting 1. My average to this point.

As soon as I saw the title I thought "this is going to be about plumbing."

Eleven · 08-01-2010, 07:40 PM

Feeling your pain. I think I have returned more things to Lowes/Home Depot in the last 2 years than I have to every other store combined, ever.

I spread it out though, there are several of each store where I live, so my Man-image is intact

Salvelinus · 08-01-2010, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eleven

Feeling your pain. I think I have returned more things to Lowes/Home Depot in the last 2 years than I have to every other store combined, ever.

I spread it out though, there are several of each store where I live, so my Man-image is intact

So that's why I have one within 20 miles of me in every direction.

Got to reward yourself after jobs like that, otherwise you just won't do it next time around.

Chainsaw13 · 08-01-2010, 07:42 PM

Well, I can understand what all the fuss is about with regards to the Opus PL. Damn fine smoke. Took me about an hour and 20 mins to finish. Started off kinda slow but really kicked in after about a 1/3rd of the way through.

Chingas · 08-01-2010, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chainsaw13

Well, I can understand what all the fuss is about with regards to the Opus PL. Damn fine smoke. Took me about an hour and 20 mins to finish. Started off kinda slow but really kicked in after about a 1/3rd of the way through.

Well deserved after the day you had, no doubt.

gpugliese · 08-01-2010, 08:08 PM

I think I've been at Lowes and/or Home Depot nearly every day I've had off since we got our house.

Almost starting to feel like that "Money Pit" movie. LOL

thebayratt · 08-01-2010, 08:39 PM

I have a leaking toilet and have tried to fix it three seperate times, so i feal your pain.

I work @ Lowe's and hate covering plumbing........

Either things don't fit, wrong size, or a deadbeat husband sends his wife to get a fitting to fit a piece of pipe thats "this big around" comming out of the wall (making a circle with her fingers)......
I can understand when customers don't know exactly what they need to finish the job, thats why we are there to try and help them........ but the a-holes who come in there ask you for help and expect you to read thier mind.... so I ask simple questions to deduct what they are needing and they pissy when you ask them questions.....really grinds my gears. [rant over]

Good choice of smoke and we thank you for shopping at Lowe's!!!

XTRazzer · 08-01-2010, 10:26 PM

Had to do drainage pipes around a house and think that was about four trips to get different fittings and such. Then one trip to return all the stuff I didn't use. Sometimes it's just easier to toss stuff in the cart.

thebayratt - my luck tends to be the opposite. The "associate" asks if they can help then looks dumbfounded when I tell him/her what I'm trying to find. Asking for self-cutting deck screws seems to get me funny looks too.

Big_Ern · 08-01-2010, 10:54 PM

silicone would have taken 2 minutes = more time for smoking.
just saying....

on the other hand my wife asks me if I have everything I could possibly need to do the job before she lets me out of the store. thats when I start to tell her about the new tools I need to finish the job.

ya she never falls for that either.

Chingas · 08-01-2010, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Ern

thats when I start to tell her about the new tools I need to finish the job.

ya she never falls for that either.

Does anyones'?

08-01-2010, 06:12 PM	#1
Chainsaw13 Møøse bites can be nasty Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Bob Location: The Enchanted Mitten Posts: 7,221 Trading: (96)	How many trips to Lowes does it take... ...to replace a bathtub drain gasket? In my case, 4. The drain on my bathtub's been leaking on/off for a while now. Nothing bad, but enough to give me a wet foot should I go down to the basement anytime shortly after using the shower. The drain just happens to be right above the bottom step. So this past week the leak became a bit more pronounced. Today I decided to finally get off my lazy a$$ and fix it. Trip 1 - head to Lowes to get the tool that'll remove the drain. Tried the screwdriver/channel locks trick. No go there. Try the removal tool. Still not budging and now the metal bars at the bottom of the drain are nearly bent and broken off. Trip 2 - back to Lowes to get a hacksaw to cut a notch in the old drain to fit a flat head screwdriver in. Use a hammer and screwdriver to break the drain free. Hey, that $13 removal tool actually works now that things are all loosened up. I'll find a nice spot in my tool chest for it, next to that tool for ratcheting parking brake calipers back in. Trip 3 - pull into my usual parking spot to head inside to get a new drain and gaskets. Girl working the return counter just inside the door waves and calls me by name as she says hello. New drain in hand, head home to finish this "easy" job. Hmm...1950's plumbing, 2010 drain fitting. They don't make things like they used to, now they're bigger! Trip 4 - find that my usual parking spot now has a sign up reserving the spot just for me. Girl at return counter just laughs as I trudge back in, but cordially helps me return the new drain I bought 30mins earlier. Seems I need a whole drain kit. Lowes doesn't sell just the drain pipe separately. Head back home what I hope is the last time, and start to install the new pieces only to find that I need a 2nd set of hands. Damn PVC. Stuff is easy to crossthread. Call my buddy over who helps keep things in place while I can line things up. A few more turns of the wrench and voila', I now have a leak free tub. Basking in my Bob Vila moment, I think I"m going to enjoy me a Opus PL. __________________ My neighbor came by my house this morning at 2AM, pounding on the door. Good thing I was still up playing the drums.

08-01-2010, 06:14 PM	#2
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,652 Trading: (60)	Re: How many trips to Lowes does it take... You have a bathtub in your van? __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

08-01-2010, 06:17 PM	#5
Chingas Death Is Waiting Join Date: Jun 2010 First Name: Chingas Location: Slayerville, Jersey Posts: 5,295 Trading: (35)	Re: How many trips to Lowes does it take... Opus is the right choice for that victory. __________________ ---Chingas--- ---Team Death Bomb Squad: Captain---

08-01-2010, 06:40 PM	#6
Smokin Gator Just plain insane! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Swamp Posts: 6,237 Trading: (106)	Re: How many trips to Lowes does it take... Weekdays I average probably 3 times a day... __________________ Check out the Cigar Asylum Newbie Sampler Trade

08-01-2010, 06:44 PM	#7
Ogre **CENSORED** Join Date: Apr 2010 First Name: Larry Location: Central Florida Posts: 12,068 Trading: (46)	Re: How many trips to Lowes does it take... The average for a plumbing job is 4, electrical 2, and painting 1. My average to this point.

08-01-2010, 07:16 PM	#8
Skywalker BABOTL Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dice Location: Galaxy Far Far Away Posts: 10,168 Trading: (18)	Re: How many trips to Lowes does it take... I've had plenty of days like that!!! Congrats!!! __________________ Smoke what you like!!!

08-01-2010, 07:40 PM	#11
Eleven Solid As The Sun Join Date: Aug 2009 First Name: Scott Location: SW Ohio Posts: 1,859 Trading: (23)	Re: How many trips to Lowes does it take... Feeling your pain. I think I have returned more things to Lowes/Home Depot in the last 2 years than I have to every other store combined, ever. I spread it out though, there are several of each store where I live, so my Man-image is intact __________________ CA: putting the 'man' in bromance since 2008! --markem.

08-01-2010, 07:42 PM	#13
Chainsaw13 Møøse bites can be nasty Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Bob Location: The Enchanted Mitten Posts: 7,221 Trading: (96)	Re: How many trips to Lowes does it take... Well, I can understand what all the fuss is about with regards to the Opus PL. Damn fine smoke. Took me about an hour and 20 mins to finish. Started off kinda slow but really kicked in after about a 1/3rd of the way through. __________________ My neighbor came by my house this morning at 2AM, pounding on the door. Good thing I was still up playing the drums.

08-01-2010, 08:08 PM	#15
gpugliese B.Y.O.B. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Van down by the river Posts: 424 Trading: (13)	Re: How many trips to Lowes does it take... I think I've been at Lowes and/or Home Depot nearly every day I've had off since we got our house. Almost starting to feel like that "Money Pit" movie. LOL __________________ - Greg

08-01-2010, 08:39 PM	#16
thebayratt Still Watching My Ash Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Shawn Location: Mississippi Posts: 1,326 Trading: (11)	Re: How many trips to Lowes does it take... I have a leaking toilet and have tried to fix it three seperate times, so i feal your pain. I work @ Lowe's and hate covering plumbing........ Either things don't fit, wrong size, or a deadbeat husband sends his wife to get a fitting to fit a piece of pipe thats "this big around" comming out of the wall (making a circle with her fingers)...... I can understand when customers don't know exactly what they need to finish the job, thats why we are there to try and help them........ but the a-holes who come in there ask you for help and expect you to read thier mind.... so I ask simple questions to deduct what they are needing and they pissy when you ask them questions.....really grinds my gears. [rant over] Good choice of smoke and we thank you for shopping at Lowe's!!!

08-01-2010, 10:26 PM	#17
XTRazzer Still Watching My Back Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 131 Trading: (1)	Re: How many trips to Lowes does it take... Had to do drainage pipes around a house and think that was about four trips to get different fittings and such. Then one trip to return all the stuff I didn't use. Sometimes it's just easier to toss stuff in the cart. thebayratt - my luck tends to be the opposite. The "associate" asks if they can help then looks dumbfounded when I tell him/her what I'm trying to find. Asking for self-cutting deck screws seems to get me funny looks too.

08-01-2010, 10:54 PM	#18
Big_Ern Still Watching My Back Join Date: Apr 2010 First Name: Ernie Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 158 Trading: (1)	Re: How many trips to Lowes does it take... silicone would have taken 2 minutes = more time for smoking. just saying.... on the other hand my wife asks me if I have everything I could possibly need to do the job before she lets me out of the store. thats when I start to tell her about the new tools I need to finish the job. ya she never falls for that either. __________________ Love those Maduros