That old timer who showed me a trick with a wet sponge...

Had a guy about 70 years old stop by a job site in Dayton back in 2013... he just watched me lay a few bricks, then showed me how to wet the sponge just right to clean the mortar off the face without smearing it... Has anyone else picked up a tip from a random stranger that stuck with you?

2 comments

2 Comments

nancy_davis17d ago

Oh man, that sponge trick is gold! I had an old plumber in Toledo show me how to use a little dish soap on pipe threads to stop leaks without tape or dope. Worked like a charm for a quick temporary fix until I got the right parts. It's crazy how those random little tricks from strangers stay with you longer than stuff you learn in a classroom. Makes you appreciate the old timers who just know things from decades of doing it.

ryan71917d ago

Wait, do you really think dish soap is a good idea on pipe threads long term? I've seen that trick too but my experience was totally different. @nancy_davis I tried it on a shower arm once and it actually made the leak worse after a few days, like the soap broke down the seal or something. Maybe it works for some materials but not others, or maybe I just got the ratio wrong. I'd rather stick with tape or dope from the start even if it takes a few extra minutes.