Man do I suck at bathroom caulk work!!

[Jess from VA]

I have really lucked out to have a new neighbor a couple doors down who is a general contractor who does high end house remodeling/restoration with a crew of experts and on-call tradesmen in just about every field.  We've helped each other out a number of times around our houses, have a common interest in conservative politics, motorsports, bikes and firearms, and get along famously.  

I told him how badly I was gouged by the local plumber business (I've used a number of times over the years), and that I needed a couple small repairs, and he said he had a pro he keeps busy on all his projects and brought him over yesterday.  Nice young guy and the three of us did a walk around looking at the work.  The guy instantly diagnosed my problems, will order a few parts, I went to Home Depot for a new fixture, and he will also replace all my ancient hose bibs.  (I'm certainly going to pay him, but it will be about half what I could expect from my local plumbers).

So my contractor buddy looked over my half bath shower stall that had new tile done a few years back and told me I needed to get in there and point up cracks that have appeared since the work was done before I get real water damage in the walls.  (I knew this, but have been putting it off.)  

So I reluctantly got in there this morning, dug out bad caulk and went at it with new.  Even with nitrile gloves and soapy water, I cannot lay a fine bead worth a damn, smear it all over the place, step and sit on the tube of caulk (it's a small shower stall).  This work requires patience and skill, and I have neither.  It takes me three times as long to clean up my mess (and a pile of rags) as it does to run the caulk.  It's not the neatest job, but all the cracks are sealed up.  

[Serk]

The spousal unit and I had a bit of a tiff over that a few years ago.... She insisted on using gloves and was making a huge mess, getting it everywhere but where it needed to be...

I'd never laid caulk before but it seemed simple so I asked her to let me try.

Went at it with one hand holding the end of the caulk gun with my finger (No gloves!) near the exit smoothing the line as it came out, as it was being pumped by my other hand.

Went smoothly and easily, no problem. Little soap and water afterwards got the caulk off my finger...

Now, the cleaning out the old part of that operation? No thanks! HATE that part!

[Chrisj CMA]

The biggest mistake beginners make is too big a cut in the nose of the calk tube. The cut should be no wider than the width of the desired finished bead of calk. When you run a WET finger over that laid calk calk should get pushed into the crack and smoothed evenly without much ending up on your finger. If it takes three rags for each line you lay. That’s too much calk/too bit a cut

[bassman]

Blue/green tape could possibly be a friend.  I too use to suck at chalking but a friend told me to use the blue/green painters masking tape.  Tape both sides of the line to be chalked, cut tip off tube using Chrisj CMA advice, chalk, wipe  wet/soapy finger to smooth it out (no rubber gloves for me), remove tape and you should have a pretty decent chalk line in place.  I've watched pros use the masking tape trick also.  It does take time to tape it off but it's a little easier than taping for a paint job where it has to be more accurate.  Might be worth a try in the future.......Good luck!

[Jess from VA]

Well, my principle problem was the tip of the good bathroom caulk I had was already cut for wider work, and I didn't want to go buy more (in traffic) just for this little job.  That's why I wore the nitriles.  But you're absolutely right Jeff.  And it wasn't gun caulk it was just a big soft tube (I'm better with a gun caulker, and will never buy the soft tube stuff again).  The other main problem was the small space in that shower stall, and I had to kneel and sit in there and work in tight quarters which is hard on my old body. 

My buddy the contractor offered to have one of his guys do it for me, but I was embarrassed to ask (right after he got me a good plumber).

The painter's tape is a good idea, and I have some, but didn't relish the extra crawling around in there it would have taken.

It's all cleaned up now, and I went back over the whole stall with this new ceramic wax and shine.

I shower in the evening, but not if it's not fully cured I won't.


Man it's 50 out there and it won't be this warm again for weeks.  I was hoping for a short ride this afternoon, but it's lead gray skies and a chance of rain (miserable) so no ride for me.

[Willow]

Well, my principle problem was the tip of the good bathroom caulk I had was already cut for wider work, and I didn't want to go buy more (in traffic) just for this little job.  ...

LOL!  Some of success is influenced by skill.  Much is impacted by the choice of tools.   

[Hook#3287]

What I've learned from installing miles of caulk over the decades is the very best tool for smoothing a line is the human fore finger.

The main rule is to limit how much you put down.  You can always add more, but removing extra is sometimes difficult and messy.

Painters are the best at this work.

The Paintable caulk is easiest to work, as clean up of your tool (finger) and the surface it's applied on, is with water and paper towels.

Rarely was painters tape used for caulk work.

[Jess from VA]

I'm a little hazy on caulking over tile grout (cracks and crumbles).

I'm never doing grout.

The saving grace of my repair work was that everything is white; the tile, the grout and the caulk.

[f6john]

I'm a little hazy on caulking over tile grout (cracks and crumbles).

I'm never doing grout.

The saving grace of my repair work was that everything is white; the tile, the grout and the caulk.

I think you’re making a mistake there. All white, easy peasy. You can buy a premix white tile grout in a small tub, apply with a small grout float, wet (damp) sponge to remove the excess. Not sticky and stringy like a caulk. Caulk or grout remove the loose grout first, better results lasts longer.

[Jess from VA]

Thanks John, my grout cracks were mostly hair line tiny (except the floor edges, which was already caulk, not grout).

If my caulk fails, I'll try the premix grout next time.  (I did not know there was premix available)

[f6john]

Thanks John, my grout cracks were mostly hair line tiny (except the floor).

If my caulk fails, I'll try the premix grout next time.  (I did not know there was premix available)

Gotcha, hope it lasts along time for you.

[Jess from VA]

Thanks John, my grout cracks were mostly hair line tiny (except the floor).

If my caulk fails, I'll try the premix grout next time.  (I did not know there was premix available)

Gotcha, hope it lasts along time for you.

Me too John.

My bigger problem is the concrete block retaining wall in my backyard 3-level split lower level walkout (6 steps).  That thing was failing when I bought the home 35 years ago (with some shoddy patchwork readymix repairs).  30 years ago, I had concrete walks poured all down the back of the house, and for many years I had no problem, but eventually the water still got down between the sidewalk and retaining wall, and I did harry homeowner fixes many times that only slowed the erosion.

Then two years ago the two sections of sidewalk butting up to the retaining wall got eroded badly enough, the inside edge of those two sections dropped about two inches, and I finally did a good repair with digging everything out I could, mixing concrete and getting it as far down in there as I could; a lot of concrete, and I thought I finally had it licked.  But with the 2 inch drop always retaining rainwater, the crack has again appeared (very small).  

I just got done again grinding out the crack and filling it with silicone which is a good seal for now in winter, but will not last.

My neighbor the contractor eyeballed it for me and said there are foundation experts who can drill holes in the walk and shoot hydraulic cement under it and raise it back to level (NOT level but slightly angled away from the house and retaining wall, and fully/permanently seal the sidewalk and retaining wall joint.       And he will find me a contractor who will not gouge me for the repair.

I had been told about this before, but have resisted the expense.  But I must do it (and give up my harry homeowner ways) or that wall may eventually cave in and be a nightmare (and thousands more) to fix.

I asked my contractor buddy if there was ever a time when owning a home stopped costing so much to keep up.  NO, Jess, it never stops.  

I apologize for sharing my tales of woe, but I am wholly untrained in this sort of thing, and any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.    

[Serk]

I asked my contractor buddy if there was ever a time when owning a home stopped costing so much to keep up.  NO, Jess, it never stops.  

Heh.... I quite enjoyed copy and pasting that to Kali. Her and her newly wed husband closed on their first house yesterday. I've been trying to explain to them "A Man's House is his Hassle" is more than a witty phrase.

(I will say, in an age where most young professionals have a hard time getting a house, big props to the military! 23 year old E4 and 21 year old E3 just bought a new build $300k house with no money down quite easily...)

[Jess from VA]

I asked my contractor buddy if there was ever a time when owning a home stopped costing so much to keep up.  NO, Jess, it never stops.  

Heh.... I quite enjoyed copy and pasting that to Kali. Her and her newly wed husband closed on their first house yesterday. I've been trying to explain to them "A Man's House is his Hassle" is more than a witty phrase.

(I will say, in an age where most young professionals have a hard time getting a house, big props to the military! 23 year old E4 and 21 year old E3 just bought a new build $300k house with no money down quite easily...)

Well good for them Brian (I think).

Buying equity beats paying rent, but it's a big step and responsibility, and monthly nut($).  And I hope they are a happy couple who continue loving each other.  Money issues in young married people is often a big problem leading to discord. 

I was a dormitory, renter, military housing guy until I was 40, got out and drove cross country to a USDVA job in DC.  My dad (the smartest man I ever knew) warned me about used homes and told me to take plenty of time choosing wisely.  I didn't listen, found my current home in days, had some pencil whip walk through inspection and bought a place with multiple serious problems that continue to this day.  The fact it had been listed for sale for some time should have rung warning bells.

Hopefully, new construction means no serious or even minor problems. 

[Serk]

She went into it eyes wide open.... The builder conveniently provided their own inspector who said everything was A-Ok! so she hired her own inspector who found lots of little things and a few medium ones.

Delayed the closing by nearly a month, but the builder corrected all the issues, then after the builder's inspector once again said A-Ok! she had HER inspector go through again to make sure.

Does make me feel really REALLY old though, having my eldest a married home owner! 

[HayHauler]

She went into it eyes wide open.... The builder conveniently provided their own inspector who said everything was A-Ok! so she hired her own inspector who found lots of little things and a few medium ones.

Delayed the closing by nearly a month, but the builder corrected all the issues, then after the builder's inspector once again said A-Ok! she had HER inspector go through again to make sure.

Does make me feel really REALLY old though, having my eldest a married home owner! 

Congrats to Kali and her man for hiring a second inspector.  I watch a ton of reels on the book of faces by a guy that ends all of them with "That Ain't Right".  He finds all sorts of things that the builders inspector didn't.  But, the builders inspector is working for the BUILDER ! not the buyer.

We are getting old my friend....

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Serk]

Since I've managed to threadjack Jess' fine thread on caulk, here's a pic...

[HayHauler]

AWESOME ! ! !

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Jess from VA]

Nice new house, with a 2 car garage.  And fresh sod (that will require water). 

I wish them great joy and happiness going forward.

Hijack away my friend, I do it all the time (because it's easier than starting a new thread).

Old hell.  What are you, like 52?   

My only niece, who I only knew as a child before shipping out for the Air Force, is now 40 something.  With a boyfriend for years 10yrs her senior who is a great guy (and contractor out at Area 51 LV or as she calls it "Secret Squirrel Land", so I know he's vetted out the wazoo).  No nuptials are forthcoming (poor girl can't have children anyway), so why bother? 

It always tickles me to be called Uncle Jess.     

[HayHauler]

Nice new house, with a 2 car garage.  And fresh sod (that will require water). 

I wish them great joy and happiness going forward.

Hijack away my friend, I do it all the time (because it's easier than starting a new thread).

Old hell.  What are you, like 52?   

My only niece, who I only knew as a child before shipping out for the Air Force, is now 40 something.  With a boyfriend for years 10yrs her senior who is a great guy (and contractor out at Area 51 LV or as she calls it "Secret Squirrel Land", so I know he's vetted out the wazoo).  No nuptials are forthcoming (poor girl can't have children anyway), so why bother? 

It always tickles me to be called Uncle Jess.     

Wasn't the uncle on the Dukes of Hazzard named............   No, that was Uncle Jessy.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Jess from VA]

Wasn't the uncle on the Dukes of Hazzard named............   No, that was Uncle Jessy.

Hay  
Jimmyt

Technically, Jessy is the girl's spelling, and Jesse is the boy's.  But the spelling has always been all over the place with both genders, and even Jessi.  

I can't tell you how unhappy I was with my name at 5-10 years of age.  I got constant ribbing and joking from the neighborhood boys about having a girl's name.  I took to punching guys for it, and got in trouble for it.  And once they knew it got my goat, it just got worse.  And I was given no middle name as my folks thought that was unnecessary, or I would have started using that name instead.  Even though my dad was Richard Henry, and mom is Grace Helen.  My brother Paul didn't get a middle name either, but that wasn't a girls name.  My sister was named Mary, and all three of us were given names from the Bible (at that time, both my folks were Sunday school teachers).   

I did go with Jess instead of Jesse at that time, and ever since.  

(I haven't thought about this for 60 years.... thanks for reminding me.   )  

[HayHauler]

Wasn't the uncle on the Dukes of Hazzard named............   No, that was Uncle Jessy.

Hay  
Jimmyt

Technically, Jessy is the girl's spelling, and Jesse is the boy's.  But the spelling has always been all over the place with both genders, and even Jessi.  

I can't tell you how unhappy I was with my name at 5-10 years of age.  I got constant ribbing and joking from the neighborhood boys about having a girl's name.  I took to punching guys for it, and got in trouble for it.  And once they knew it got my goat, it just got worse.  And I was given no middle name as my folks thought that was unnecessary, or I would have started using that name instead.  Even though my dad was Richard Henry, and mom is Grace Helen.  My brother Paul didn't get a middle name either, but that wasn't a girls name.  My sister was named Mary, and all three of us were given names from the Bible (at that time, both my folks were Sunday school teachers).   

I did go with Jess instead of Jesse at that time, and ever since.  

(I haven't thought about this for 60 years.... thanks for reminding me.   )  

Hmmm...   I have no middle name either....  My father was Jimmy and I am Jr.  My son is III and my grandson is IV, all with no middle name.  My brothers were named David Mark and Joseph Scott, both taken from the Bible as yours was.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Jess from VA]

Well at 5-10 years old, I would have been happy as hell to have been a Jimmy... or John, Bob, Bill, Dave, Mike, or any other unmistakable male name. 

Of course I've grown used to my name now for many years.  Though when I say Jess, I occasionally get called Jeff anyway. (no, I don't have a lisp)   

As far as no middle name, I've spent a lifetime having to fill out Govt forms, security statements or background investigations where the middle name is NMN (no middle name) or NMI (no middle initial) (as some get an initial with no name).  But not for a very long time.

_______________________

My new plumber just left, and about 5 hours work was only $850 (few parts, mostly labor).  Very nice guy, solid and skilled worker who will get all my business from now on.

The County water and sewer people have been trying to sell me insurance on water and sewer repairs (from street to your house is on you), and I've been throwing that mail away for years.  But my plumber told me if my sewer goes out it could be $15K or more, and water $5-6K and if he owned my home he would buy it (couple hundred a year).  My home is some 60 years old, and I've fixed every other damn thing imaginable.  So now I'm thinking maybe it's not a bad idea. 

Thoughts anyone???? 

[Hook#3287]

My first question is the definition of "going out"

My second is if there's any statistics on sewer or water systems "going out" under their definition.

Just like all insurance, the numbers are on the insurers side, unless your system "goes out"

[Jess from VA]

My first question is the definition of "going out"

My second is if there's any statistics on sewer or water systems "going out" under their definition.

Just like all insurance, the numbers are on the insurers side, unless your system "goes out"

Well Bill, by 'going out' I guess I mean any damage that requires a backhoe and digging and replacement of damaged pipe.  And I'm informed sewer lines are much deeper than water lines, and maybe "stepped" in depth.

I'm not so concerned about the water line in front, but my sewer line in my corner lot runs down my backyard to the side street, and a giant 70-100yo oak tree (I finally had reduced by 33% a few weeks ago) is right next to that line (roots), and if the break was up close to my house, I have an aircraft carrier size deck built right on the ground butting up to the house that would have to be torn off (all or some anyway).

I'm unaware of any statistics, though I've certainly seen the very occasional home having the lines dug up (not often).

And I'm well aware that the County expects to make money off the insurance program, or they wouldn't offer it.  That's why I've been throwing the solicitations away.  I've always hated insurance which is like sitting in a poker game betting on your hand, and hoping you lose every bet.  
 

[Oss]

if your neighborhood was made with Orangeburg pipe  get it asap Jess

the stuff is NG after 40 yrs

[Jess from VA]

if your neighborhood was made with Orangeburg pipe  get it asap Jess

the stuff is NG after 40 yrs

Evan, that stuff was used in Fairfax County during the time my home was built.  I just got done looking and while there's a lot of information about it, I can't find a map or other info on my neighborhood.  Only references to several bad ones (but not mine).

Also, apparently the county went around and shoved/sleeved good stuff up the bad stuff, and that may have happened in my neighborhood years ago.  I have a vague recollection of seeing that done with big spools of material, long ago.

It seems to me it's long past time it should have failed at my home by now, especially with the giant oak nearly right over my sewer line.  The passage of time cuts two ways.  It's been no trouble for decades, but it's a decades old sewer.

I'm going to keep doing my homework and tap the info I can get.

I may well secure this insurance, shortly.   

[HayHauler]

if your neighborhood was made with Orangeburg pipe  get it asap Jess

the stuff is NG after 40 yrs

Evan, that stuff was used in Fairfax County during the time my home was built.  I just got done looking and while there's a lot of information about it, I can't find a map or other info on my neighborhood.  Only references to several bad ones (but not mine).

Also, apparently the county went around and shoved/sleeved good stuff up the bad stuff, and that may have happened in my neighborhood years ago.  I have a vague recollection of seeing that done with big spools of material, long ago.

It seems to me it's long past time it should have failed at my home by now, especially with the giant oak nearly right over my sewer line.  The passage of time cuts two ways.  It's been no trouble for decades, but it's a decades old sewer.

I'm going to keep doing my homework and tap the info I can get.

I may well secure this insurance, shortly.   

"went around and shoved/sleeved good stuff up the bad stuff"

For a minute there I thought I had been hacked!!!  LOL

But, seriously, the roots extend out to the outer limbs unless those have been trimmed, then the roots extend out to where the limbs would have been.
I get those same letters and they are somewhere between 9 and 12 bux a month.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Jess from VA]

Jimmy, given the age and size of the tree, there's no question the roots (big ones) are all around my sewer line.  All I know is I've never had a blockage or trouble.

It would be nice to know if I have that Orangeburg pipe (pressed wood fiber crap).

Apparently they can run cameras down the line for a look see, but they don't do it for free. 

[HayHauler]

We also have a 40 year old live oak that was planted by my wife when she bought the house.  The outer limbs cover the neighbor's yard to about 10 feet from their driveway, which is on the other side of the house.  It has pushed up our driveway about 6 inches to where there is a hump on my side.  It is the largest tree in the neighborhood, as our house was the 7th house built/purchased.  It has also trashed the slab to our house due to the tree pulling water from the soil surrounding the house.

We are moving in a couple of months, so soon it will be someone else's problem, but it is a magnificent tree.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Jess from VA]

Well good news Jimmy.  I got in contact with a neighbor friend and expert tradesman who knows his stuff, and he said Orangeburg pipe was indeed used here locally, but not in our neighborhood.  We are all cast iron sewer pipe that only rarely has problems (and those are from people screwing up, and not the pipe).  And said if that oak was going to be a problem, it would have already happened (and showed me his big oak right next to his line).  His opinion is the offered insurance is a waste of money, and I agree.

I also have another big oak right next to my front driveway, that did cause a slight crack in the pavement (roots), but it's been there for years and hasn't got any wider or lifted up at all.  And probably won't either since I had it reduced by 50% years ago.

Not that it's any of my business, but why are you moving?    

[HayHauler]

Moving to a newer house that we got a smoking deal on.  It's a long story.  It is a house that is in the family.  AND, we were going to have to spend $22k to get the foundation leveled, so we will let the new owner handle that.
It is only 3 miles from our current house, so no great scenery changes.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Jess from VA]

Moving to a newer house that we got a smoking deal on.  It's a long story.  It is a house that is in the family.  AND, we were going to have to spend $22k to get the foundation leveled, so we will let the new owner handle that.
It is only 3 miles from our current house, so no great scenery changes.

Hay  
Jimmyt

Good for you.  

Three miles is great.  But you probably can't move your stuff in a wheelbarrow.  

That foundation work will go much easier in an empty home.  I went through major foundation work in my current home while living in it (jack hammers).  Stapled shower curtains across the lower level stairwell so the clouds of concrete dust didn't cover the whole house.  One of the more unpleasant things I ever lived through.  

[HayHauler]

Moving to a newer house that we got a smoking deal on.  It's a long story.  It is a house that is in the family.  AND, we were going to have to spend $22k to get the foundation leveled, so we will let the new owner handle that.
It is only 3 miles from our current house, so no great scenery changes.

Hay  
Jimmyt

Good for you.  

Three miles is great.  But you probably can't move your stuff in a wheelbarrow.  

That foundation work will go much easier in an empty home.  I went through major foundation work in my current home while living in it (jack hammers).  Stapled shower curtains across the lower level stairwell so the clouds of concrete dust didn't cover the whole house.  One of the more unpleasant things I ever lived through.  

Agree on all this.

Hay 
Jimmyt