EBD fundraiser

acme

Member
Dave, sharxfan is right. It is a simple job unless something is bad underneath. Go on Craigslist east bay and call a handyman.
 

EastBayDave

- Kawasaki Fanatic -
Man wished I was still in the bay Area I would drop that toilet in for you for the totally affordable cost of a six pack. If you don't have to move any plumbing and the original mounting bolts are still good all you would have to do is clean the old wax seal out , put a new wax seal and then drop on the new commode and tighten some bolts and hook up the water line again. easy peasy.
I've had the seal replaced couple times; but it still leaks.

BARF Member "brichter" came by to help w/his friend "Joey." Joey took a look but didn't have right snake w/him; so he troubleshot it, resealed it, & did a totally great clean-up/reseal bottom of commode/free! :thumbup Sadly it didn't fix it...:cry
Now installing a new kitchen sink faucet is a pain in the ass. especially when the old one has corroded itself so it is like one big lump of metal. Took me a few hours to do that last night. Almost wished I would have paid a plumber to come do it.
I could fly u out here....:laughing I keep buying those supposedly high-end "Delta" faucets, but they all malfunction within a few years. Looking for other brands now...
Dave, sharxfan is right. It is a simple job unless something is bad underneath. Go on Craigslist east bay and call a handyman.
We've over the last few years replaced everything from the street/sewer all the way to the brand new cleanout installed (big box ~4' underground) w/the new line f/house/cleanout to street. Only thing left is commode, & BIG (4") line directly underneath.

Last plumber here before Joey used a motorized "line camera" that went thru pipe all the way f/commode to street. Says line underneath "corroded a bit, but ok." That's why they replaced it from street to cleanout only. Hmmm....

Last thing to try is the commode, & lastly the big expensive ($$$= $1K+) line under house. Either that or we got ghosts running around pipes...?
 
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Sharxfan

Well-known member
How old is the actual toilet? I know they have come up with some better toilets recently that can flush a small child with no issue. Older or low flow toilets can cause issues with not enough push to get everything out of the way.

I have a recurring issue at the far end of my house (too much TP in the toilet) that requires it to be snaked fairly regularly. it has gotten so bad that I bought a Rigid drain snake so that I could save money on plumbers especially after I tried to rent one the day before Thanksgiving at 5pm. If it was just the toilet no big issue but it also blocks the washing machine which is no bueno in our house.

Sometimes it feels like home ownership is so not worth it. :(
 

EastBayDave

- Kawasaki Fanatic -
How old is the actual toilet? I know they have come up with some better toilets recently that can flush a small child with no issue. Older or low flow toilets can cause issues with not enough push to get everything out of the way.
2 scenarios/both unknown: It's either the original 64 years old one that came w/house, or it's a "low-profile" one that was installed w/I remodeled the bathroom ~20 years ago. I can't recall myself, & long ago lost paperwork (remodeler has passed away too.) I think it's the latter of the two but honestly just not sure/neither wifie nor I recall.
I have a recurring issue at the far end of my house (too much TP in the toilet) that requires it to be snaked fairly regularly. it has gotten so bad that I bought a Rigid drain snake so that I could save money on plumbers especially after I tried to rent one the day before Thanksgiving at 5pm. If it was just the toilet no big issue but it also blocks the washing machine which is no bueno in our house.
It's the last thing in line; everything else (washing machine/dishwasher /disposer/etc. are all before bathroom sink/commode.
Sometimes it feels like home ownership is so not worth it. :(
It is if you buy house cheap. I was lucky enough to get this one for ~$74K in 81'. Now it's worth a little less than half-million. (Bank owns ~half, & it's mostly for the gate to park, & view of bay. House needs TONS of work.)

The wife & I would someday like to get a retirement smallie house someday once the kids move out (hopefully within the next 5 years.) Both of us born/raised here; we'd to leave city, for that quiet retirement home out in the country. A cabin, 2 bedroom 2 bath (extra bath/bedroom for visitors/etc.)

I'd like to do a "The Junction" type of thing someplace in the sticks where it's quiet except weekends = motorcycles! :teeth :thumbup
 
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EastBayDave

- Kawasaki Fanatic -
new problem "leg cramps" !

Yawn; groggy as heck this AM f/all night long battle w/leg (calf) cramps. I wanted to say thank you all for the advice. I'm gathering I need supplements as this is just getting worse & worse. The harder I walk/push, the more the cramps; really getting painful now. The lack of sleep is even worse that the pain (to me.) What month is it? Year? :rolleyes

Talked to docs assistant, who says the potassium I'm getting f/various sources is enough. I asked about magnesium supplements; & they weren't sure. Of course the dammed doc has not called back in a week. Also started having more diabetes troubles. Losing all the weight, now eating right, & pushing during exercises are all contributing factors. The legs/feet are getting better, with the exception of continuing diabetes issues & cramping.

We almost had to call 911/ambulance the other day w/the blood sugar hit my new record lows of 30's/40's (way too low), & the ticker started doing weird stuff. Turns out I was giving myself too much insulin w/o realizing it. Over medication/even double shots at times; not realizing I was doing that. Oops, bigtime. New logging/clipboard-calendar bedside now being used.

Man, half dozen & 6 of the other. It's weird, doing the best I've ever done on diabetes w/diet/exercise, but having bigger problems than ever. Whoa! Sometimes I think I can't win. But we keep trying anyhoo, figuring we will get it done sooner or later. Keep the faith bros! :thumbup

-ebd
 

EastBayDave

- Kawasaki Fanatic -
Just a quickie update:

Leg cramps seem to be going away slightly; I think due to the H20 diet was causing dehydration. I've increased water intake to compensate. I've also increased the distance, & walking speed. Up to ~3/4 mile now, using the wifie's "Fitbit" device she uses f/work (chasing K12 kids) on wrist. It says that's my current distance. I'm also trying to walk "faster/harder" to try to improve strength.

Works great until ~the last 100 yards; then I still get da vertigo/balance issues= using cane to keep f/falling down. It's my biggest issue related to riding, balance. To try to help, working on dumbbell f/upper body strength improvements. Until now the pain has been too great; but as it recedes /decreases I've been able to increase frequency & amount of exercises slowly....:thumbup

This is all...

=d
 

EastBayDave

- Kawasaki Fanatic -
While outside yesterday....posted the below on my other favorite site: zrxoa.org. Thought I'd duplicate it here as it's relevant to barf:
After me daily walk, I actually got out to garage to survey the "status" of the site. Trying to gauge how much work it is going to be to clear all the crap out (stacked to the ceiling!) :wow This to give myself at least a small workspace to tinker on the ZRX. While out there, I took one of the covers off, & gawked at da bike. I've been afraid to look; but surprised to see it still looks new, clean & shiny. Looks damn good!

Oops; tires down a bit (soft.) Battery Tender still hooked up, green light. OMG, bikes unregistered f/~4 years! Has it been that long? I guess it's been longer than I last rode than I thought. I ran it several times every few months; I'm sure da crap 15% Ethanol gas has gummed up everything by now. Last time I ran it, it ran like, terrible. :(

Need remove tank/carbs & see if I can clean them up or need to rebuild them. I'm thinking total rebuild is needed. Now I gotta clear bench f/a workspace. Got to get working on this puppy ASAP! Weather clearing a bit, still getting better slowly, but now figuring I will be back on it soon!

-dave
 

EastBayDave

- Kawasaki Fanatic -
Dave, It seems we are due for some more input on things here. John
Sorry folks, three weeks since my last update, so here we go:

Thank you for the reminder John. However things are starting to look up here so dunno if really needed. Some recent contractor visits have gotten many things fixed; although the pad still has got a long way to go. We still need a new roof/doors/windows/etc. We also need a bunch of plumbing too; too much to list.

Much of the work is being done by a lifelong friend/ handyman; however his availability is limited as he lives up in the Sierra/near Orville. Long trip down here which he makes ~once a month. I pay him & cover his gas/expenses, + a little $ as he's a poor old fart too.

Just over the last few weeks I've had a dozen contractors here giving estimates for various things.

Garage door is stuck down, preventing garage clearing & my working on bike. So had a garage guy take a look: his quote is $1.5, $2K if we want a motor. ick.

Roof estimates have varied from $6-$23.5K :wow We still contemplating that one. Most are in the $12-15K range. Shew. We still getting lots of estimates...no fun.

My biggest problem still are the health issues; the recovery/comeback has slowed. Seems every day is a struggle. I've kinda settled on 1/2-3/4 mile walks daily if the wx is good & I'm feeling ok. Shorter if bad weather & not feeling well. I've only gone longer than 3/4 mile a few times; then the legs/hips give out. Been fighting a lung thing/cough forever.

But I'm still working on it; just looks like recovery f/the HA's & triple-bypass are taking much longer than I thought. I'd hoped to be ready by spring/ summer f/riding. Now it doesn't look like that's going to happen sadly. Bike needs fixing too... oh well...

That's it for now....all the best,

Dave
 

EastBayDave

- Kawasaki Fanatic -
...FINALLY, I felt good enough to tinker today and...problem

Yes, I started getting her ready to ride today. Been sitting forever (at least 3 years), but had been run several times...up to about 15 months ago. I used to run it every month or so, trying to keep battery up, make sure she starts, & so on. But last time it was running rather rough; not fouling, but NOT clean idle. Must be water turned to crud. Decided to drain carbs/tank & clean.

Today was the 1st time diddling w/it, have been hearing complaints of "gas smell" from others here (stuck auto-petcock diaphragm?) Yep, I think so. I got a gas can & was about to start draining the fuel that was surely crud by now. I will not attempt start/even turn over unless it's got clean/new gas.

So, insert key in tank, uh...stuck. Ok, WD40, coat key & mechanism, still no go. Turned it hard enough to almost bend/break key-restraining myself. Tried pressing down on cap, wiggling, but nope; no budge. Ok, hmmm; must be rubber gasket has welded itself to cap? Coat lock hole while holding little door open, insert key several times, & try try again =no go.

Ok, well lets see how the ignition key works. Stuck again! Darned! Again the same route, coat key & squirt WD40 into hole. Still no go. Checked a few other things, tires down slightly, re-air up. Chain seems ok, re-lubed anyway. Everything else I can easily get to, seems ok. Only the harder stuff remains...oil change, brake bleed, etc.

Suggestions on key locks not working? Gonna let it sit overnight, to let penetrating oil do it's work hopefully...?
 

EastBayDave

- Kawasaki Fanatic -
A big thanks to John Hilmer/the rest of you!

I just wanted yall to know, John Hilmer sent us a large check. It immediately enabled us to get several things done. I finally got a set of new walking shoes; I'm having a bit of trouble breaking them in, but it's coming along. I can finally retire the old/worn out dress shoes; it really looked silly in jogging gear =walking around the park w/sweats/t-shirt, & black dress shoes. Thank you John. :teeth

As mentioned previously, started my 1st tinkering yesterday. Immediately found a few problems, but will start trying again today. Need to get front tire (BIG thanks Budman for rear tire), brake pads & fluid, oil/filter change, etc. Gotta little while to go yet but w/the recent NICE weather, the bug is biting hard! :cool

Even found myself down on hands/knees/back, under bike. The wife/kids couldn't believe it. I'm like, I'm gonna fix this sucker or die trying!" I mean it, I will ride again soon. Didn't last very long, but hey...we tried. Lots to do but always liked tinkering in the garage.

Nice to be started getting ready f/riding again! :thumbup
 

EastBayDave

- Kawasaki Fanatic -
Today's update:

Day before yesterday was having trouble w/the key locks, apparently stuck f/lack of use. I got the key locks working yesterday after an overnight WD session. I got both working although the gas cap was still resistant to move. Even after opening & closing several times (pushing down on cap & using key to open/close.)

Noticed the 2 "ears" that engage/disengage the cap are kinda slow/sticking. I can't push it closed. Gave the ears another couple shots of WD, worked it some more & will see what happens. Will look again today.

Was a bit sore yesterday/today (thighs/knees/hips) from getting up/down on the ground; so waiting until today to go further. Will do the daily walk later when it warms up, try going further w/the new shoes, & see how I feel today. I'm still breaking the new shoes in.

Yesterday after the basics checked, I was so jazzed I got the dumbbell out immediately, & did more reps than usual. Many reps did 20 rather than 10, even a few went to 30 & more. Did some new reps I have never tried before. Figured out what I really need is a barbell w/more & heavier weights. Gotta get the strength back...

Got weekend planned out so the rest must wait. Least we starting to get somewhere, both physically & mentally. I will ride again; I will!!! Temps have been perfect f/riding, everything's blooming, it's spring. The bug is biting hard! :wow

-ebd
 
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EastBayDave

- Kawasaki Fanatic -
Glad to hear you're feeling a little better and able to start doing more!
Thanks AJ; still trying/but sometimes I often overdo it on purpose, then it takes days to recover =ouch! :laughing

Handyman been here 4 days straight; helping him get things done. Many things have needed to be fixed f/years. He's doing lots of painting/fixing things. I must again put out a big thank yous to BARF members/the ZRXOA/& all the donators. Paying f/all this stuff/labor adds up quick.

I was always good at wrenching on cars/bikes (1st job was Dad's gas station/garage.) So I'm a "natural" there; eventually totally rebuilding engines (thanks Dad/RIP.) However any carpentry, plumbing, etc. & I'm a disaster in progress. I don't know why, I wish it were otherwise, but that's the way the ball of life bounces....

BIG Thank You all again!


How's the old appendage doing?
 

EastBayDave

- Kawasaki Fanatic -
Hi y'all, just figured I'd drop a note on the latest:

After recovery f/working on bike/house, Wed., I got pretty miffed of my lack of improvement in walking distance (impatient I know), & the pain after trying to stop the pain killers. But while walking, I chatted w/a "Little Old Lady" jogger about a:
"senior activity at the community center. She says BIG get together "for exercise, senior card games/etc. weekly."

I'm jazzed, thinking finally maybe I can have some fun & try more exercises that might help @ same time. Thursday morning I walk to the center, within the park I been walking in. Arrive to find no games, no Men, only about 10 "LOL's" doing "Jazzercise" to music & big video on wall. Hmm....not what I was led to expect, (I wanted to use me killer poker skills against other players), but what the hell =maybe this can help the cricketily bod get better?

Proceeded next day to join the hour exercises, the only dude in group & I dumbly stand in the empty front row. Soon the music is going, everyone is dancing/doing specific exercises to video/music/ instructor, carrying small weights (2lb. me thinks) in each hand, & sticking to the music “beat.” Quickly I'm finding it hard to keep up; the "LOL's" are showing me up. It's all I can do to keep from bailing & doing a faceplant. :laughing Luckily we all have chairs to grab onto.

~half hour in, I'm done. The standing & bending legs up/down/sideways while doing these "stunts" w/weights has me just destroyed/demolished. Clearly much more than I can do yet. Some of the LOL's are frowning/dirty looks. I guess I've invaded their event? It's over, got up & down a few times, close to falling a bunch of times, having to grab chair. Holy crap.:twofinger

I smile me toothless grin, & say goodbye to the LOL's & the smiling LOL invitee, & limp me way home. Crash to the couch, dropping everything in every direction. Ouch, FU_K! My son says "what's wrong?" What did I get myself into? I'm done for the day... Today me cannot move; sore everywhere. VERY sore =ouch!

Think I got a ways to go before I do THAT again....whoa. Got my ass kicked by a bunch of LOL's. Can I stand the pain...:cry: :teeth
 

EastBayDave

- Kawasaki Fanatic -
yawn...:confused

today after going to bed @ ~10ish, woke up at 2:30am. Couldn't get back to sleep after an hour trying. So here I am again on the pc up at least 3 hours early. :rolleyes
 

EastBayDave

- Kawasaki Fanatic -
haven't posted much last few days, because improvement slowing/leveling off, but still not there yet (for me.) Was asked today "how you doing?" in another thread, so figured I'd post my reply to the question here (cut/paste.)

Terribly slowly man, far too slowly, f/many issues (too much to list, & I'm ashamed =gained 5 dang lbs. since leaving hospital last Oct.; while still fighting to keep da weight off!)

Still vertigo bad, da legs are not there yet f/balance & preventing bike f/falling over at a stop. If I stupidly flop it, it will be very hard to pick 500+ lbs. up. :mad I just don't do that, never.

Whine, sniffle, cry. (insert mini-violin here.) I'll get there; 6 months now & still improvement sorely lacking. Far far too slow f/me & way down from expectations. Especially when I see/feel these great spring days slipping by. Doc says "be patient." Still pulls me down man....especially when some happy rider wizzes by....:ride

Have looked at bike many times now sitting, & it's just depressing. I just know I'm not there yet...& spring maybe summer's going to slip by. It's been beautiful outside last few weeks....:cry
 

EastBayDave

- Kawasaki Fanatic -
Nothing new to report except finally got a new doc; he seemed to be the same "tow the line/CYA" type. At least he met me 1st time w/a smiling face & a handshake instead of a scowl/grrr on face.

Sadly he started to get "antsy/wants to leave" before I could run everything by him (all my concerns) after ~10 min. Seems they all that way now: overbooked, & can't spend more than ~10 minutes to a customer.

Already has a problem w/the pain meds; suggested (again) I try Aleve & Tylenol (like I haven't done this? Also suggested more exercise. :rolleyes) I knew it wouldn't work, & it didn't. Also hasn't responded to a refill request 4 days later.

Here w/go again...is there no real doctors anymore?
 
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