CELEBRATING 20 YEARS!

 Hello Everyone!

 

2026 marks the 20th year I have been offing Victoria and region my handyman services. Thank you to all who have continued to call and for your referrals.

 

Bennett 

 

STRATA OWNERS BEWARE! Compliance for EV charging is MANDATORY

 Watch this video: https://youtu.be/SKLqbSnHYOQ?si=sMBQC8X0s_hArkQm

 

 

 

Do Copper Pipes Wear Out From Inside?

 GROK:

Yes, copper pipe does wear out from the inside over time, but how fast (or whether it happens at all) depends heavily on water chemistry, flow conditions, and installation quality.

Here are the main ways copper pipes degrade internally:

1. Erosion-Corrosion (most common cause of "wear")
   • High water velocity (> 5–8 ft/sec in cold water, > 4–5 ft/sec in hot water) literally erodes the copper.
   • You see this as smooth, horseshoe-shaped pits or long grooves pointing downstream (“pinhole leaks from erosion”).
   • Very common in homes with oversized pumps, poorly sized lines, or turbulent fittings (sharp 90° elbows, partially closed valves, etc.).
2. Pitting Corrosion (Type I, II, or III pitting)
   • Type I: Cold water, low pH (< 7.2) + high CO₂ or oxygen → deep, narrow pits. Common in soft, acidic well water.
   • Type II: Hot water > 140°F (60°C), soft water, pH 7.2–7.8 → broader pits under blue/green copper sulfate mounds.
   • Type III: Cold water, high pH (> 8) + very soft water → similar but less common.
   • Eventually pits go all the way through → classic pinhole leaks.
3. Uniform Internal Corrosion / “Blue Water”
   • New copper installs leach copper for the first few years until a protective oxide layer forms. Excessive leaching stains fixtures blue-green and can taste metallic.
4. Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC)
   • Rare, but bacteria can accelerate pitting in stagnant or low-flow lines.

Real-world lifespans

• Favorable water chemistry (pH 7.2–7.8, moderate hardness, low velocity): 50–100+ years, often outlives the house.
• Aggressive water + high velocity: pinhole leaks in 10–25 years (some homes see failures in under 10 years).
• Very aggressive well water: failures in 5–15 years are not unusual.

Signs it’s wearing out internally

• Recurrent pinhole leaks
• Blue-green stains around leaks
• Metallic taste or turquoise staining in sinks/toilets
• Reduced flow from internal roughness or partial blockages (rare)

So yes — copper pipe absolutely can and does “wear out from the inside,” but in many cases it lasts virtually forever if the water chemistry and flow velocities are kind to it.

Great Fix for Common Problem

Cracking in front of sink of granite counter using top mount drop in farm house  sink 

 

 Brilliant solution.

 

Check out the short video 

 https://youtube.com/shorts/AGF4-k8R6FI?si=v8pSnp9Orek6W6qz

Mill Glaze - The enemy of a good finish

 From GROK

Mill glaze refers to a smooth, shiny, or polished surface that can form on wood during the milling or planing process, particularly with softwoods like cedar or pine. It occurs when the cutting blades of milling equipment compress and burnish the wood fibers, creating a hard, glossy layer. This layer can make the wood less absorbent, potentially causing issues with paint, stain, or sealant adhesion, as the glaze may prevent proper penetration or bonding.

Key Points:

• Cause: High-speed planing or milling generates heat, which, combined with the wood’s natural resins or sap, polishes the surface, closing the wood’s pores.
• Appearance: The wood looks glossy or slick, often feeling smoother than untreated wood.
• Impact: Mill glaze can lead to uneven staining, peeling paint, or poor adhesion of finishes, as it acts as a barrier to absorption.
• Solutions:
  • Sanding: Lightly sanding the surface (e.g., with 80-120 grit sandpaper) removes the glaze and opens the wood’s pores for better finish adhesion.
  • Cleaning: Using a wood cleaner or chemical stripper can also help.
  • Weathering: Allowing the wood to weather naturally for a few weeks can break down the glaze, though this may not be practical for all projects.
• Context: Mill glaze is a common concern in woodworking, decking, or siding projects where proper finishing is critical for durability and aesthetics.

If you’re dealing with a specific project involving mill glaze, let me know, and I can provide more tailored advice or search for additional insights!

TILE TENTING - When tile bonding fails - TileCoach

https://youtu.be/e0-umXkF4vE?si=CpQ9TUGJNVG2ZxPw 

Dampness and poor surface preparation have caused these 30 year old tile to pop.

Drywall compound was a major contributor to the bond breaking. 

 

 

MONOPOLY FRAMING - The Build Show

 Very interesting framing system used in this Texas project

 THE BUILD SHOW

https://youtu.be/nNMkzxzrfj4?si=OfAnwQ3WUl5NyFAJ