What are your frugal and sustainable tips and tricks?

[saysfaa]

Definitely point to him.

But! I gave him the update just now and... surprise... he suggested one more try at it. Maybe if we take it outside and run the hose through it while it is upside down...

I'd have more hope if I could still hear the cap rattle. I'm afraid the more aggressive tries have lodged it somewhere. Although, that might make it useable for another ten years.

 

[gtaus]

Definitely point to him.

But! I gave him the update just now and... surprise... he suggested one more try at it. Maybe if we take it outside and run the hose through it while it is upside down...

I'd have more hope if I could still hear the cap rattle. I'm afraid the more aggressive tries have lodged it somewhere. Although, that might make it useable for another ten years.

Since the old toilet is already dysfunctional (essentially broke), you don't have much to lose to try everything you can to remove that cap. Turn it upside down, shake it vigorously, etc... Just go ahead... Beat the crap out of it!

 

[saysfaa]

I'm with you, gtaus, about not liking low flush toilets, and liking plain, strong, basic versions. So many things have been made so much "better" that they don't work effectively anymore. I don't know if I can get one like that, though, I don't think they are sold anymore.

Besides, from what the plumber said, an object dropped into the innards via the tank end is more likely to cause problems in standard toilets. They run all the water through the tiny holes under the rim so have even smaller pathways in their innards.

If I have to get a water-saving kind, I do want this kind now that I understand what it is. Maybe even if the old style is a choice. I think it really is a better design, and likely stronger than the old 6 or 7 gallon per flush kind.

 

[gtaus]

Took my weekly trip into town today and swung by our charity Thrift Shop. I picked up one of those countertop ice makers. Here is the exact model...

It looked practically new. Like someone used it maybe only once or twice. It had all the parts and pieces, except the manual (which I downloaded online). I bought the ice maker for $10.00, which is one of my more expensive purchases at the Thrift Shop. I was going to buy an ice maker this past summer when they went on sale for about $60.00, but they were all sold out before I got to the store.

Other than me, who would buy an ice maker this time of year? Well, probably other people who save money by buying products in the off season. In general, I don't mind buying end of season clearance items and storing them until next summer, in this case.

Did it actually work? Yes! I just finished testing it out and it's making all kinds of ice cubes. Very nice. I can see why it got 5 stars.

It does take up a good section of the countertop, so I know Dear Wife will not want it sitting out during the winter months. We don't need so many ice cubes in the winter here in northern Minnesota. So, I'll probably run a cleaning cycle through the machine and pack it away until next summer.

As I have mentioned before, our local church charity Thrift Shop gives money from stuff we donate, and then they sell, to a number of local charities helping those in need. So, even if this ice maker did not work, I would still be OK with the idea that I just donated $10.00 to our community charities. But the ice maker is working good as new, so I'm really happy. Everybody wins today!

 

[gtaus]

I'm with you, gtaus, about not liking low flush toilets, and liking plain, strong, basic versions.

Well, it's really easy for me to with the full flush toilets. I live on a lake and have well water. Water does not cost me anything in that respect. If I lived somewhere out in the desert and had to pay for my water by the gallon, then maybe I would be more open to the low flush toilets. Certainly, if you just need to flush urine, you probably don't need a full flush. So, I'm not against those who prefer those water saving toilets. There is just no advantage to me with a low flush toilet where I currently live.

As a kid, way back in the 1960's, my grandparents had a summer lake cabin without electricity or running water. We had to use the outhouse for going to the bathroom. Nothing broke on that design.

 

[fuzzi]

Well, it's really easy for me to with the full flush toilets. I live on a lake and have well water. Water does not cost me anything in that respect. If I lived somewhere out in the desert and had to pay for my water by the gallon, then maybe I would be more open to the low flush toilets. Certainly, if you just need to flush urine, you probably don't need a full flush. So, I'm not against those who prefer those water saving toilets. There is just no advantage to me with a low flush toilet where I currently live.

As a kid, way back in the 1960's, my grandparents had a summer lake cabin without electricity or running water. We had to use the outhouse for going to the bathroom. Nothing broke on that design.

When I've had toilet problems I've thought about getting a composting toilet...