I think I’d like to see the following question posed to readers of a home improvement, DIYDS (do-it-your-damn-self) magazine:
What most closely describes your feelings regarding home plumbing projects?
a) Abject misery
b) There’s always something that goes wrong
c) They take way longer than anticipated
d) They’re a great way to completely f*** up a weekend
e) All of the above
f) Oh Jessie, you silly moron, plumbing projects are easy and fun if you aren’t functionally retarded
While I do admit to being a complete moron, I still bet that 99% of respondents will choose option E. And so it will likely go with our next step in creating concrete countertops.
Existing sink
The new shiny sink is deeper and the drains are in the back of the basins rather than the middle.
So, out with the old sink and in with the new. All we have to do is move the garbage disposal to the other side of the dual basin sink, move the p-trap, lower everything by 3 1/2” (because the new sink will be mounted UNDER the counter), install a new sink & faucet, and possibly move a shut off valve if it conflicts with the garbage disposal. Easy, no?
This little project is further complicated by the water filtration system (big blue tank).
Oscar, the most excellently large cat, was most excellently unhelpful while sorting through instructions. (Ladies – I know you’re impressed by Tom actually reading instructions, but let me tell you, he’s just looking at the pictures).
We have measured, assessed, reassessed, planned, schemed, sketched, computer modeled, calculated, consulted, bought way too many parts, and achieved new high scores in mental 3d Tetris. Tomorrow we begin with actual work. Our goals are to:
1) Return the kitchen sink and counters to a usable state in two days.
2) Go to the hardware store no more than three times.
3) No crying allowed (though whimpering while rocking back and forth in the fetal position is okay).
4) Not call a plumber for help.
Oh yes, our engineer blood still runs thick. I drew some scale drawings to make sure the shut off valve will still be accessible with the new garbage disposal location. Tom sat next to me on the laptop drawing a computer model in Google SketchUp.
Can it be done? Will we achieve the ever-elusive state of plumbing bliss and enlightenment or will we be filing for divorce in the near future?
-Jessie
3 comments:
Just a thought. Are you sure you have the sink turned the right way? I think you have the front towards the back. I've just gone through this myself, with a more straight forward application and had an entire afternoon of fun in what should have been one hour of "re-connecting". I found swearing loudly helps though! They have other models available in the stainless line that would "plug and play" better. Bummer about the big blue tank. Hope your future skinned knuckles heal quickly and don't forget your plumbers putty and teflon tape.
Master plumber Andre
Plumbers exist (and are paid well) because of people like me. Electricians too. They keep me from being the stereotypical water-rocketing-out-of-a-broken-pipe wannabe-fixit guy. In your poll, I'm either choosing "E" or "F" because I'm functionally retarded. There's no easy ways out of a mistake made in these two areas. (At least with electricity, there's breakers for each circuit..., though higher chance of instant death.)
Good luck, you are braver than me.
I would have said E but i have no clue what A means.
installing a sink is not too hard, just ask Jaci she is still waiting for the in sink soap dispenser to f*ing work!. Did I notice an insta hot on the old sink? will you be reinstalling this as well? Also will it be one solid concrete slab? if so might you consider a slight slope towards the sink for counter drainage of spills?
Personally i believe that all flat surfaces should be at a 45 degree angle so that no "clutter" can be stored on it.
good luck and keep us posted. Jessie many pictures of Tom in the fetal position please. I love to so others weeping more than me.
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