Plumbing Riser vs Stack

cast iron lines meghan house

Plumbing Riser vs Stack | You're looking at a cast iron riser and a cast iron stack. Can you tell which one is the riser? Hah, they're both the same! Do you need a riser diagram? CALL ME NOW. 603-470-0508

Plumbing Riser vs Stack - They're the Same Thing

A plumbing riser is a vertical pipe. You can compare it to a smoke stack which is usually a huge round tube made from steel or masonry.

Plumbing risers can carry wastewater or air. Air is transported through a riser down from the roof.

Where Can I Get A Riser Diagram?

You can try to draw your own riser diagram but it's not easy. A riser diagram shows all the pipes in a plumbing system. The pipes MUST BE sized correctly and more importantly, the pipes must connect according to the code. Do you know the plumbing code backward and forward? I didn't think so. If you did, you would already know a stack is a riser.

riser diagram

Plumbing Plans Consultation | You'll need a master plumber to draw a riser diagram like this. CALL ME to draw your riser diagram. 603-470-0508

How Fast Can a Riser Diagram Be Drawn?

I draw riser diagrams that show drain and vent stacks. For an additional fee, I can draw them in less than 24 hours if you need Sonic Rush service. I've been a master plumber since 1981.

tim carter master plumber

Call ME now so I draw your riser diagram! 603-470-0508

tim carter master plumber seal

Tim Carter has been a master plumber since 1981. He knows all about plumbing fixture schedules. GO HERE to order your riser diagram now.

draw riser diagram

What is a Riser in Plumbing

cast iron plumbing stack

Riser in Plumbing| Here are two risers in plumbing.  A 4-inch no-hub cast iron plumbing stack is at the bottom of the photo. On top of it is a 4x3-inch cast-iron wye. Two 3-inch risers branch off to two different full bathrooms. I installed this in my daughter's Bar Harbor home in 2019. CALL ME if you need me to draw your riser diagram. 603-470-0508 Copyright 2023 Tim Carter

What is a Riser in Plumbing - It's a Vertical Pipe

A riser is a vertical pipe in a plumbing installation. Plumbers also call them stacks. Think about a smoke stack and how it's a vertical tube.

Do You Need a Riser Diagram?

You may want to know about a riser in plumbing because you need a plumbing permit. Building departments often require a riser diagram so they know that you know the correct-sized pipe to install for each riser.

If you don't have the correct one, you can have significant clogging issues later after the drain pipes are in use.

riser diagram

Look at all the risers! | You'll need a master plumber to draw a riser diagram like this. CALL ME NOW so I can draw yours: 603-470-0508.

Can You Draw a Riser Diagram?

Yes, I draw riser diagrams each day. I love doing it. To me it's like solving a 3D crossword puzzle.

tim carter master plumber

Call ME now so I can help you! 603-470-0508

Are You a Master Plumber?

Yes. I've been a master plumber since 1981.

tim carter master plumber seal

Tim Carter has been a master plumber since 1981. He knows all about plumbing fixture schedules.

Ed Dowd Interview

Ed Dowd the Number Cruncher Shares Facts

I shared this video with my 25,000 newsletter subscribers on March 1, 2023. The sole intention was to provide my subscribers with information they previously might not have known about.

As you'd expect, there was both positive and negative feedback. The email content of what I sent to my subscribers can be found below the positive feedback.

The negative feedback was very predictable. Based on the lack of logic and the data sent back to me that didn't directly relate to what Ed said during the interview, it became immediately apparent that most likely not one of the naysayers took the time to watch the video.

I replied to many asking them if they had invested the time to increase their data set before spewing their snide and sarcastic remarks. One was a dear Cincinnati friend. Not one of them got back, even with a lie that they had watched it.

That is exactly what I was talking about in my original email. Their egos blocked them from consuming additional information.

They were afraid the castle walls around their core beliefs might crumble when challenged. Such a sad mistake.

truth vs lies graphic

A very small number of subscribers sent back respectful negative replies. While they were concerned about my reputation, they were quite clear that I was spreading misinformation. What an interesting word that's cropped up over the past three years.

As for misinformation, who is the arbiter of that? It's simple truth vs. lies as you see above. A great example of this is what just happened in March of 2023 when 14,000+ hours of video surveillance footage was released to Tucker Carlson. If the January 6th Committee was SO SURE that what they were doing was TRUTHFUL, then they would have made all that footage public for you and me to see. But since they were telling LIES about what really happened on January 6, 2021, they didn't want their narrative CHALLENGED.

Kenny Chesney had a hit song years ago that tells you when we'll discover if Ed Dowd is right or wrong. It's a fantastic song and you'll find it at the bottom of this page.

The first group of detractors was my ultra-tolerant subscribers. They beat the tolerance drum all day telling everyone but themselves to be more tolerant. You know the type, right? They tolerate only those things they agree with.

The second group was the SHUT-UP-and-SIT-DOWN group. They didn't hold back and commanded me to stop exercising my God-given right of Free Speech. It was fine for me to share home improvement information but other than that, SHUT UP and SIT DOWN!

The third group was the gulpers. They ranted about all sorts of political diatribes that had nothing to do whatsoever with what Ed discussed in the video. Over their lives, I estimate each one of the gulpers has consumed about 14,000 gallons of Kool-Aid. Jack was in this group and it's possible he's glugged down 50,000 gallons, maybe more! How much is 14,000 gallons? It would probably fit in this tanker:

tanker trailer

I think my favorite negative response was from Lee. You would file Lee's email to me in the SIT-DOWN-and-SHUT-UP group. Sadly he had not read Mikki Willis's Plandemic book and thinks that what anyone says in an Amazon book review or in some webpage Google puts at the top of its biased search results (misinformation) are God's word and undeniable truth. Lee also injected his bias and lack of open-mindedness in his last sentence. I highlighted it in red. Here's what Lee sent to me:

"I'm a numbers guy, too, with a Physics degree. You should really stick to your consulting business instead of spewing your anti-vax propaganda. Readers expect more from you - maybe we shouldn't do so any longer. Please do more research than just watching a Tucker Carlson episode.  This is a factual and refreshing review of Dowd's book on Amazon."

I had to respond to Lee to share with him that his argument would not fare well in court or in front of a jury of his peers. I replied:

"I'll see your physics degree and raise you 20 years of expert-witness work with my last job having me crawl around on the Brazilian Ambassador's roof on the island of Antigua.

#1. Howard, the reviewer you link to on Amazon, could have made up the statement about the One America CEO. Is Amazon going to fact-check that?

#2. The only way to discover the TRUTH as to WHAT the One America CEO said is to have been on the stock analyst call.

#3. You can't rely on a RECORDING of the call because it's child's play to SPOOF one, change what the CEO said, delete parts of the call, etc. I know this because I used to do this 20+ years ago with one of the top audio engineers at the third-largest radio station in Cincinnati.

In closing, you should follow your own advice to me and read this book, After all, you told me, "Please do more research than just watching a Tucker Carlson episode." It's time for you to do more research.

Let me know when you finish the short book. Reach out and I'd be happy to get on a phone call with you to discuss the points chapter by chapter.

I'm willing to bet you $50 right now that you'll not read the book and you won't jump on a phone call.

P.S. Be sure to watch Mikki's Plandemic 2 video so you then know to start to dig into WHO is the Howard guy on Amazon. Are you sure Howard read Ed's book?"

Lee might end up reading this and my guess is he now wishes he would have gone to the One America website and looked on their Press page for recent press releases.

Why is this important? If you were the CEO of One America Insurance and something very important you said on a stock analyst call was misrepresented or taken out of context in a popular book about a topic that is directly connected to your underwriting business, you'd probably come out in public with a statement to that fact. I couldn't locate this press release.

You also might do some research to see if One America Insurance has RAISED their rates on these throw-away policies to young people. If so, WHY since the shamdemic is now over?

i see stupid people meme

Here are some of the most poignant positive responses:

"Tim, Thanks, as this was just the info I was looking for. I came this close (pinch your finger and thumb together) of getting the jab, but my wife begged me not to. Since then, I have been wondering if that was the right move. This video solved that issue. Unfortunately, one of my daughters, that is in the 25-44 age range has had complications as a result of getting the shop. PSW-Your emails are so informative and entertaining, Keep it up." Mark

"Keep up the good work. You speak the truth!" Donn

"I'm glad you are spreading this information, Tim. It needs to be heard. Some people who might not receive this information, thinking it is a "conspiracy theory", will receive it from someone who has, over decades, earned their respect. If they feel you are credible in areas of construction, they might more easily feel you are credible in this."  Donna

"Thank you for this email. I agree with you 100%. Bless you and your loved ones and all the world." Jean and Radha my cat

"Thanks, Tim I look forward to your newsletter each week. Common sense is in short supply in the media. Kicking myself for being pressured into getting the Covid shot. Keep up the good work." Susan   Susan donated $25 to my newsletter. If you want to donate, do it here.

"It's a dreadful burden knowing what we know and not being able to share with normies who 'can't handle the truth' and think we're 'conspiracy theorists.' Rest assured, we are winning, but there WILL be additional collateral damage in the meantime (more 'accidental' toxic train derailments, 'mysterious' food processing plant explosions, and, of course, 'died suddenly'). What you are doing here with your humble newsletter is nothing short of HEROIC. But heads-up: attracting the attention of the perps can be bad for your health. Steady as she goes." Charlie

"Mike XXX here in sunny Spring Hill FL.  Just finished watching the video of Ed Dowd, I'm at a loss for words!  I will say "thank you" though for bringing this to our attention. I assume few will take the time to view it, as it is a bit off track from your expertise, and that many will regard it as baloney.  Too bad for them!  I will selectively send this along to those in my group that I believe, with my endorsement, will carve out an hour of their time to have their eyes opened.  Thanks again. Simply amazed." Mike

"Thank you so much for this!!!!  To me, another sign (not a statistic) that the Wall of Deceit is crumbling...  PS and thanks for your work." Rick

"Just watched the video with Ed Dowd.  Thank you so much for sharing.  I would have never known. I so agree. I always look forward to your emails. Ronnie

"It is great that your eyes have been opened, I for one was never on board with the kill shot, I told my CEO, "enforce the shot and I am gone". He assured me he would not do that and he was true to his word. However a lot of people were not as fortunate as me and my fellow employees. I dug into the narrative from the start and did not like anything that was happening. Now it is all coming out and you are so correct, people don't like being wrong and have a hard time eating crow! My hope is the people who pushed this bs will be held accountable. Thank you for waking up and sending out this email. Kudos to you!!" Bill

"Many thanks for the video.....It is a must-view for everyone and I really like the idea of always telling yourself: What are they lying to me now?. Being cynical is a good thing." Henry

"VERY interesting video. Many facts I didn't realize about all this and am really glad I refused to get the "shot". One of the best videos I have ever listened to and watched is this one. I think our current administration and the one we had two administrations ago are to blame along with China and it's about population control and with the group that wants a one world government which Bill Gates is a member of and also Obama. Many others are included from other parts of the world in that also. How so many people can be so blind as to what's going on with the death rate going way up especially with young healthy people. Thank you for having the guts to post this." Gary

"Thank you so much for using your platform to inform people of the truth. It hurts my heart that the data doesn't lie, and much of what the so-called conspiracy theorists (I call them forecasters) have tried to shout since the beginning is coming to fruition. I, like so many others, have damaged and dead friends and family, many in various stages of denial. This is likely the most impactful betrayal they've ever experienced. All the best to you and your close ones! Thank you, thank you for sharing facts." Stacy

"Hello Tim, Thanks for this "side road" - BIG road email. I lost my low-wage job for not taking the poison, yet I have no regrets." Vladan

"Thank you, Tim, for speaking the truth and trying to awaken others. We've been lied to for years and finally, the truth is being revealed. God is shining his light into the darkness for all to see. God Bless You." Tim

"Hi Tim, Ed is spot on and if you look at other sources of data it all matches up. Robert Malone just addressed the Mexican Congress and he had a great summation of events."

"Yes, Tim the vaccine in reality is a bioweapon that they actually developed back in 2015. Funny thing is, a lot of people make the case that America's DOD was involved in the process. I don't trust our Rockefeller big pharma medical criminal establishment so I did not partake in any of their nonsense. I did not even wear a mask. What's really sad is that so many people did fall for it out of fear and will suffer the consequences for years, if they survive that long. Fear is a major motivator but I have the good Lord to protect me and He gave me discernment so I was able to detect their bullshit from day 1. I sure hope you and your family are safe."A fellow Cincinnatian, Jaycie

"Hi Tim, Thanks for pointing out the Tucker/Dowd interview. Dowd is so impressive.  I just hope the Republicans bring him to Washington to explain things. His book will be on my nightstand shortly." Jeff

"I have spoken to you on the telephone some years ago and have been enjoying your emails for almost as long as you have been on. I just took the time to listen to this video and to be honest, I decided that there would be no more shots for me before seeing the video. Thanks, Tim." Bob

"Tim,  I'm with you on this vaccine disaster.  You can't argue with the facts in Ed Dowd's book which I downloaded free to my kindle. Thank u for sticking your neck out in support of his research. I actually believe that not only did China develop the deadly virus but deliberately spread it. Big Pharma and individuals are still making money off the vaccine. The United Nations's Agenda 21 included the need to reduce the world population by a significant percentage due to their environmental agenda. It's a scary world we live in." Sandy

"Hi Tim, I sincerely thank you for all the things you are speaking about starting with electric vehicles and global warming fear-mongering. At risk of losing subscribers, you continue to enlighten the ones who have been having their heads buried in the sand. This latest newsletter speaking of the criminal conduct by so many governments and businesses in coercing people to get vaccinated with an experimental shot is a brave stance that I feel more people need to speak out about that have audiences like yours. Yes, many fell for the lies. Evil (Satan) is behind all this and the more we see happening in ways we could not fathom in our lifetimes. Thank you again for your courage, God is on our side." John

"Hi Tim: Funny you should mention this book. I recently snuck this book in a birthday gift with other things to my sister. My college-educated sister (lives far away in a very blue state) texts, "What is this book saying? I can't figure it out." I had to think for a long time before responding. I know it's hard to hear something that goes against what you believe." Karen

"Thank you for enlightening me about a fact I was unaware of. I have felt that this virus was overhyped for a while but to think we Americans have been misled by a political agenda to this degree is disgusting. Thanks again." Joe

# # #

Here is the content that I shared with my newsletter subscribers:

Dear Tim,

I've waited many months to have this conversation with you.

It's very important for you to realize that I've been a numbers guy my entire life. I'm entranced by them and know that accurate numbers don't lie.

That said, many people have a hard time agreeing with accurate numbers. I'm talking about numbers that make a past decision look dreadful. There are a host of reasons for this, not the least of which are: ego, ignorance, fear, apathy, etc.

Ego is perhaps the biggest one. Why, you may ask?

As you get older your heart tends to get harder and your ego gets very very fragile.

You simply can't handle the truth, thanks Jack!, for fear that you'll look weak, stupid, or fill-in-the-blank in front of your friends, co-workers, children, etc.

I get it. I see this ego-blocker - that's what I call it - all the time in my Ask the Builder business with homeowners. I'm currently dealing with one right now in Ontario, Canada. A woman simply can't deal with the fact that she was dupped. She is stinging from the fact that the trust she placed in someone, in this case a contractor, was not reciprocated with honor and truth.

Have you had that happen to you with a contractor, a lover, or a friend? Someone who betrayed your trust?

How many times in the past three years here have I told you that I felt that you've been played?

Five, ten, or more?

For the past two years I've been laying low. I didn't have the numbers to support my own personal theory.

I was waiting for the numbers to crystalize.

First, you need to know that my retired brother-in-law was a mortician. I know a bit about that industry. I know that they keep fastidious records.

I also have friends in the insurance industry. Talk about number crunchers!

I've been waiting for this industry to step forward and sure enough on investment calls they've started to report what's going on.

It's deeply troubling. You'll see some numbers in just a few seconds that should shake you to your core.

But will your ego get in the way? That's the question.

Here's another one:

Are you a person who can't rationalize facts because your position is based on emotion(ego)?

The tipping point for me happened about a month ago when I was watching a late-season Cincinnati Bengals football game. In the opening moments, Damar Hamlin died.

You do realize when your heart stops beating, you die, right? That's what cardiac arrest is.

I'm sure in the past you've heard the phrase about the Vice-President of the USA being one heartbeat away from being the President.

Well, after minutes of on-field CPR and being zapped with a defibrillator, medical technicians gave Damar a second chance. They stole him back from the Grim Reaper while he wasn't looking.

Ninety minutes ago I started watching an hour-long video that finally put forth the numbers I knew were out there. Numbers I knew some other numbers guy like me would excavate and expose.

That number-crunching guy is Ed Dowd. Here are a few words from his latest book - Cause Unknown:

 

Ed Dowd book slide 1
Ed Dowd slide 2
Slide 3 from Ed Dowd interview
words from Ed Dowd slide 4

As Ed says on the video, it's time to have a frank discussion about the world's largest murder scene. The facts and evidence are now available.

It's time to unroll the yellow Crime Scene tape.

crime scene tape

It's time for you to deal with your decision about getting jabbed.

It's time for some people to be brought to justice.

It's time for you to suck it up and be brave.

It's time for you to admit that a decision you made TRUSTING others caused you harm - just like the poor woman up in Ontario.

I want you to know I take NO COMFORT in knowing I was right all along. I feel rage typing this. I'm angry at all those involved in the conspiracy. It was, and is still, an ONGOING worldwide Game of Thrones.

GO WATCH THE VIDEO and let me know how you feel.

I'm so sorry if you're having health issues because of being played.

I happen to know of at least one dear dear friend of mine who's very sick right now because of the experimental biological agent and the conspiracy surrounding the past three years. That's exactly what it was and if you got jabbed you were part of the largest human phase-one trial in history.

Such a sad mistake as Queen Cersei said.

Tim Carter

P.S. Let me know if your ego gets in the way. I can handle the truth. The question is, can you? If you've got MORE TRUTH to share with me, reach out to me with it.

A glass of water helps red pills go down.

red and blue pill decision graphic

Plumbing Plans for Permit

riser diagram gray water

Plumbing Plans for Permit | Here's a riser isometric drawing showing the separation of gray water from black water in a home. CLICK or TAP HERE to have me draw your plumbing plans for a permit. CALL me if you want to place your order or you have questions about which plan to order: 603-470-0508

Plumbing Plans for Permit - I Can Draw Them for You

Just about every city and town I know of requires plumbing plans for a permit. The only two that come to mind that do not are Bar Harbor, Maine, and Thornton, New Hampshire. The plumbing plans are often called riser diagrams or isometric drawings. These drawings telegraph to the plumbing inspector that you know the exact size pipe to drain and vent each fixture.

I've been a master plumber since 1981 and I love to draw plumbing riser diagrams. Allow me to draw your plumbing plans for your permit.

tim carter master plumber seal

Tim Carter has been a master plumber since 1981. He knows all about plumbing fixture schedules.

I produce color-coded drawings to make it easy for you to understand what pipes go where. You can call me to place your order or if you have questions before placing an order. CALL me at 603-470-0508. I'm in New Hampshire and I turn my phone off at night. If you get my voicemail, I could also be down in my submarine at the lake.

What Other Plumbing Plans Do You Draw?

I also can draw plumbing plans for gas lines and water lines. Gas line plans are very intensive because the black-iron pipe size is very critical to ensure enough gas gets to each appliance. The same is true for water lines if you have a home with three, or more, bedrooms. You must have adequate water pressure for all fixtures when many people are using water at the same time.

Why are Plumbing Plans Important?

Plumbing plans are important because fixtures must have the correct pipe size to drain away the waste. The plans also show the correct vent-pipe connections and the vent-pipe size.

riser diagram pipes

Fixtures that don't have the correct venting can cause sewer gas and vermin to enter your home. Vermin are nasty creatures that lurk in pitch-black sewer pipes. They're far worse than sandworms you might encounter on Jupiter.

How Fast Can Plumbing Plans be Drawn?

The normal time for me to draw plumbing plans is about five days. I do offer expedited turnaround times for either 24-hour service or 48-hour service.

plumbing plans for permit ad

What about Building Drain Layout Plans?

If you're going to install your own plumbing on the job and have never installed the horizontal pipes under a slab or in a crawlspace, you might want to invest in a building drain layout. These pipes must be installed in a very special way to minimize clogs and to get the waste out of the house as soon as possible. I draw the pipes as if I was going to install them myself on your job. CALL me if you have questions about your order: 603-470-0508

Do You Offer Phone Coaching for DIY Plumbers?

Yes, you and I can talk on the phone in 15-minute chunks of time. I helped Zoe discover how to install all the plumbing pipes in her new home. She was 28 years old and building in rural New Mexico. She got all she needed from me in just three calls!

Riser Diagram

riser diagram gray water

Riser Diagram | Here's a riser isometric drawing showing the separation of gray water from black water in a home. CLICK or TAP HERE to have me draw your riser diagram for plumbing, water lines, or gas lines. CALL ME if you have questions and need me to draw your riser diagram FAST - 603-470-0508

By: Tim Carter - Master Plumber

A Riser Diagram for Plumbing, Water or Gas Lines

A riser diagram is a handy tool that allows you to see what size pipes you must install for a drain, waste, and vent (DWV) system in commercial or residential plumbing.

I've been a master plumber since 1981 and have drawn hundreds and hundreds of riser diagrams for architects, builders, and homeowners. I love drawing them. CALL ME NOW - I want to help you get your permit: 603-470-0508

tim carter master plumber

Yes, it's me, Tim Carter! I'm taking a break from installing a garage floor drain in my daughter's home on Mt. Desert Island in Downeast Maine. CALL ME NOW if you need a residential riser diagram for your project: 603-470-0508

Why is a Riser Diagram Required?

Most code officials who issue building and plumbing permits require a riser diagram to prevent you from getting sick in your home. Sewer gas and vermin can enter your home with ease if your system is not designed and installed correctly. A properly drawn riser diagram will ensure the plumbing system functions perfectly for years. In addition, the traps under fixtures will not be siphoned dry because you didn't vent a fixture correctly.

tim carter master plumber seal

Tim Carter has been a master plumber since 1981 and can draw your residential riser diagram.

Back in the late 1800s when the medical profession associated microscopic bacteria and pathogens with bad health, physicians realized that exposure to human waste was causing deadly diseases like cholera. It wasn't long before plumbers became as important, or possibly more important than physicians.

Plumbers were the guardians of public health and were held in high esteem all those years ago. This is the basis for why plumbers make so much money. Most humans value their health above all else. They're willing to pay top dollar to ensure they don't get sick. What's more, most humans have no interest in dealing with pipes that have feces flowing through them!

What Does a Riser Diagram Show?

A riser diagram for drain, waste, and vent lines shows the sizes of the pipes and how they're interconnected as part of an entire system.  Pipes must be sized correctly to prevent clogs, ensure solid waste is not left behind, and to ensure plenty of air enters the system to prevent trap siphoning.

Are All the Fittings Shown on the Diagram?

Some mechanical engineers will show all of the exact fittings that are required. This is rarely done on residential riser diagrams because you have to be on the job site to see what framing obstacles are in your way. Once again, the purpose of the diagram is to show the plumbing department you understand what sized pipes go where.

pvc drain pipes

Here are quite a few fittings required to turn corners to make wastewater head to the sewer. Copyright 2023 Tim Carter

Do You Know Anyone Who Offers Phone Coaching Plumbing Help?

Yes, I offer phone coaching and plumbing help. Several years ago I helped Zoe. She built her own home in rural New Mexico. She was 28 years old and installed all the pipes herself. It only required three 15-minute phone calls.

Home Depot Quartz Countertop Story

home depot quartz countertop with silicone smear

Home Depot Quartz Countertop | That shiny spot on the countertop is NOT water. It's silicone caulk. Copyright 2023 Tim Carter ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Home Depot Quartz Countertop Story

Two days ago, February 24, 2023, I found myself re-installing three sinks for a young woman Kathy and I know from our church. She had new countertops installed in her kitchen and two bathrooms by Home Depot.

The day before I was at her home as the countertop contract workers from Home Depot were finishing up the installation. The lead installer had out a tablet and took some photos of the tops and then asked the young woman to sign the tablet "so I can get paid from Home Depot". That's exactly what he said - I heard it.

It's important to realize this young woman is an expert in contract language. All she does all day long is read the fine print in contracts to protect her company.

She said, "I'd like to inspect the countertops if you don't mind." She went to all three rooms and looked at them. It was a pressure situation as the installer was hovering over her the entire time. Even I felt the stress.

I was on the first floor and they went up to the second-floor bathroom. Evidently, the installers smeared some silicone caulk on the quartz tops leaving a dark area. She pointed this out and the installer said it was water.

How it could be water is a mystery since the SINK WAS DISCONNECTED! What did he do, get water from the toilet bowl/tank????

The young woman then asked him a few questions about the warranty and he responded that it does include labor and material and is for a year.

Trust Can Be Dangerous

She then signed the tablet.

samsung tablet home depot countertop installation

Here's my Samsung tablet. You can pinch it all day long to get it to do what you want. Copyright 2023 Tim Carter ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

After the installer was gone, she got an email from Home Depot thanking her for signing the Release of Lien. Realize I didn't read the email. I'm just sharing hearsay.

But it gets worse, much worse. When I arrived the next day to reconnect the sinks, the young woman shared more details about signing the tablet.

She said, "He actually duplicated my signature. I signed one block and he re-produced it on two documents on the tablet. He didn't make those two available for me to read. It's illegal."

I arrived the next day to install the sinks and that wet area on the second-floor countertop was still there. It was NOT WATER. I'm convinced it was smeared silicone caulk that was used to adhere the quartz backsplashes to the wall.

Let's go back to the tablet. Do you know how you can enlarge parts of what you see on a screen by putting your thumb and index finger on the screen and spreading them apart?

The installer had done this so just the signature area of the document was showing on the screen and you couldn't read any of the text above without scrolling. That, in my opinion, is very unethical.

The young woman was signing an important legal document and she was not aware of it.

All in the heat of the moment.

How to Avoid Unethical Behavior

I KNOW you've been in a similar situation at some point in your life.

I know I have!

How could this have been avoided? What's the teaching moment?

When she went to Home Depot to look at the countertops and to set up the purchase, she SHOULD HAVE ASKED to speak with the Installed-Sales manager.

She should have said, "Can you provide me with a copy, either digital or paper, of EVERY DOCUMENT I'll be required to sign INCLUDING any documents that the installer may have me sign when he completes the work?"

You then READ those documents BEFORE you place your order. You keep the documents so at the time a tablet is placed in front of you you can see if there's an EXTRA document you're being asked to sign that you've never seen before.

If you're NOT COMFORTABLE signing any documents at the time the installation is finished, DO NOT SIGN THEM. The installer is not going to rip out the work. Ask the installer to call the Installed-Sales manager at Home Depot/Lowe's/or the company you placed the order.

Tell that person you MAY sign them AFTER you've had a chance to read them. You don't want to surrender rights or say you're happy with the installation until you can look closely at the work after the contractor has left.

Yes, I know you might DAMAGE the work after he leaves, but allow the contractor to take as MANY PHOTOS as she/he desires to protect her/his interest.

You should do this with ANY contractor/salesperson you deal with. It could be a replacement window/door company, a roofing contractor, or a kitchen/bath cabinet dealer.

For the love of God, STOP trusting people and STOP being played.

Artificial Intelligence and Home Improvement

chatgpt home page on tim carter monitor

Artificial Intelligence and Home Improvement - This is what greets you when you go to the artificial intelligence ChatGPT website. Note the absence of any human face or photo. Copyright 2023 Tim Carter

Artificial Intelligence and Home Improvement - Humans 1 AI Zero

I’m celebrating my thirtieth year of doing my best to protect you against home improvement scams, not-so-good products, and anything that’s a threat to you when it comes to building, remodeling, or maintaining your home. I’ve stood up to billion-dollar corporations to prevail on your behalf. But now I’m here to alert you of something far more sinister. I perceive it to be a grave threat to you, your relatives, your neighbors, and your co-workers.

This danger is much worse than the smarmiest high-pressure salesman that might ever cross your threshold. Have you been paying attention to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI)? In the past few months, it’s made a fairly big splash and it must be on your radar. AI, in my opinion, is going to make it extremely hard for you to discover the information you need to make smart and informed decisions when you're about to spend money on your home.

Years ago I was one of the founding charter members of a secret Internet mastermind group. Most of the people in the group were brilliant and collectively we helped each other’s online business grow and thrive. Several of us are still in touch and recently one of them assisted me in demonstrating the scary power of artificial intelligence.

You may remember a column I wrote just weeks ago about painting rusty metal. My friend asked the ChatGPT AI software to write a similar column and include an anecdote about my oldest daughter in the 500-word column.

Surveyed Nearly 1,000 Homeowners

I then decided to survey the subscribers of my weekly newsletter. I asked them to read the AI column and then read the one I had written. It’s important to realize I didn’t share with them who authored the two columns. I have a link at the end of this column to a page where you can read both columns.

When I asked my subscribers how authoritative each column was, the results shocked me. Just over 51 percent considered the ChatGPT column very authoritative. Slightly more than 54 percent thought that my column was very authoritative. When asked which column they trusted more, just over 75 percent voted for mine. Remember, at the time they made the above choices they had no idea who wrote either column.

In the last question of the survey, I asked, “If you discovered one of the two articles above was written by software that copied parts of other online articles not knowing what was good or bad information within the articles it copied, what would be your reaction?

Just over 77 percent of the respondents said they’d be upset and unhappy. Fourteen percent didn’t care as they just wanted to know how to paint rusty metal. The remainder of the respondents typed in their own responses. If I had to summarize all of these into one, here’s what it would be, "Aw! I'm shocked and my mouth is hanging open! They're both great articles, but No. 1 does seem more scientific and well-researched. No. 2 is folksy. I'm still shocked!”

Go here to see who wrote the more scientific and well-researched one and who wrote the folksy one.

Why is AI a Threat?

The AI software has gone out onto the Internet and scraped content from millions of websites like a bulldozer collects and tumbles dirt in front of its blade. The software then studies the content for patterns. The deeply troubling thing is that the software can’t think like you and me. It has no idea if some of the content it scraped is filled with errors.

Perhaps the best comparison to content created by AI software is to think about what a genius kindergartener might write. But then realize how much life experience that 5-year-old has. How much confidence would you put in an AI column you were reading just before signing a contract for a $75,000 home improvement project?

Remember how ChatGPT was asked to create a story about my oldest daughter and me? It did write the short anecdote but it was all a lie. The story it created never happened. How will you be able to tell in the future what is the truth and what is a lie when the AI software starts to create false stories to ensnare you?

Quite a few of my subscribers, once I revealed they had been faked out by a computer, said that they’d invest the time online to get more opinions about what they should do when faced with a problem. Do you see the flaw here moving down the timeline? What percentage of the content in the future will have been created by AI software? How will you know what was created by a human like me who has forty years of field experience vs. a computer that’s just trying to guess what the correct answer is?

Deep-Fake AI Videos Will Trick You

This AI plague is not just overtaking the written word. It’s also being used to create fake videos. The deep fakes possible today are so realistic that they fool many professionals. You can upload photos of people you know, or home improvement celebrities, and the AI software will create videos you think the actual person recorded. It can even get their voice right. Realize this is happening in 2023.

What is going to happen by 2025, or 2030? I think your best bet will be to try to find and stick close to humans like me that have decades of experience working in the homes of people like you. I guess within fifty years robots will be able to say they did that, but we’re not there just yet. Go here to read the ChatGPT content.

Column 1497

ChatGPT vs Tim Carter

ChatGPT vs Tim Carter a Real Human

Below are two columns. One was written by the artificial intelligence software ChatGPT. The other was written by me, Tim Carter. I was an award-winning builder before I started my syndicated newspaper column Ask the Builder.

After reading each one, think about how authoritative each one is. Are you SURE you'd be able to tell in the future a column created by a non-human?

Start reading:

Column #1:

Painting rusty metal and steel is a common task for homeowners and professionals alike. The process of painting rusty metal requires careful preparation to ensure a long-lasting, attractive finish. In addition to improving the appearance of metal surfaces, painting can also help prevent gas line explosions.

Before painting, it is important to remove any loose or flaking rust from the surface of the metal. This can be done using a wire brush or sandpaper. After the rust has been removed, the surface should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, or other contaminants that could interfere with the adhesion of the paint. A degreaser or a mixture of water and vinegar can be used to clean the surface.

Once the surface has been thoroughly cleaned, it is time to apply a rust-inhibiting primer. This type of primer contains zinc or another metal that will help prevent rust from forming in the future. The primer should be applied in thin, even coats using a brush or sprayer. It is important to allow the primer to dry completely before applying the topcoat.

When choosing a topcoat for painting rusty metal, it is important to select a paint that is specifically designed for use on metal surfaces. Some common types of paint for metal include alkyd enamels, epoxy enamels, and urethane enamels. These types of paint provide excellent durability and resistance to corrosion and abrasion. The topcoat should be applied in the same manner as the primer, with thin, even coats.

In addition to improving the appearance of metal surfaces, painting can also help prevent gas line explosions. Rust can weaken metal pipes and increase the risk of gas leaks. When metal pipes are painted, the paint creates a barrier that helps to protect the metal from rust and corrosion. This can help to prolong the life of the pipes and reduce the risk of gas leaks and explosions.

An interesting anecdote about painting metal is the story of Tim Carter and his daughter Meghan. Tim is a renowned home improvement expert and the founder of AsktheBuilder.com. One day, while working on a home improvement project, Tim's daughter Meghan noticed that the gas pipes in their basement were rusted and in poor condition. Tim knew that painting the pipes would help to prevent gas leaks and explosions, so he took the time to clean and paint the pipes. Meghan was fascinated by the process and helped her father every step of the way.

Today, Meghan is a successful contractor and home improvement expert in her own right. She often shares the story of her father's project and the importance of painting rusty metal to prevent gas line explosions. Meghan's passion for home improvement and safety has inspired many others to take an active role in maintaining and improving their homes.

In conclusion, painting rusty metal and steel is a simple but important task that can improve the appearance and safety of metal surfaces. By removing rust, applying a rust-inhibiting primer, and selecting the appropriate topcoat, you can create a long-lasting, attractive finish that will help prevent gas line explosions. Whether you're a professional contractor or a do-it-yourself homeowner, taking the time to paint rusty metal can have a significant impact on the appearance and safety of your home.

Column #2:

Did you see in the recent news the catastrophic gas explosion that killed nine people on the island of Jersey in the English Channel? It’s early in the investigation and the experts may not ever be able to pinpoint the cause, but I have my own idea based on something that happened to me two years ago.

I was hired by a small condominium association to do a thorough inspection of some outdoor covered decks that had leak issues and wood rot problems. This building was located just a mile or so from the Atlantic Ocean in New Hampshire. The flats on Jersey island were subject to the same marine environment.

My inspection started at the uppermost deck and I worked my way down to the ground-floor deck. When I was underneath the deck in a passageway that led to a basement door, I saw black iron gas lines that extended from the outdoor meters into the basement. These are connected to the water heaters and furnaces.

The iron pipes weren’t black. They were a crusty brown as they were completely coated in rust. I immediately informed the president of the condo association that these pipes must be painted with a special rust primer and then two coats of finish paint. I instructed her to make sure she read the instructions on the label of the special metal rust primer to prepare the pipes so the primer adhered well.

I was reminded of a quote from the captain of the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship. I had attended a talk of his five years ago while on a short cruise and he said, “The sea EATS iron and men.” If you remember some of your high school chemistry you know this to be true. Saltwater is extremely corrosive to unprotected steel and iron.

You may or may not know this but I’ve been a master plumber since 1981. I’ve installed miles of black iron gas lines in my lifetime. I’ve hand-threaded each and every pipe with cutting dies. You may have never thought about the threaded pipe, but where the grooves are the pipe wall thickness has been cut away and reduced to create the threads.

This means that the strength of the pipe is much less in these grooves. If rust has been working on the pipe eating away at the iron, then if something bumps the pipe or it becomes stressed or bent by accident, the metal at the base of the grooves can crack just like you bending a thin pop-top tab on a soft drink can. Gas now starts flowing from the pipe like air from a blown-up balloon.

You don’t need to live near the ocean for this to happen. Normal rain or humidity in the air will cause rust to form and grow on unprotected iron or steel. Your house has all sorts of structural steel elements that are rusting. Many ignore this rust at their peril.

What about your deck joist hangers? I know they were galvanized when they were installed, but has that zinc coating worn off and do you see rust?

What about the nails that attach the deck joist hangers and other structural connectors to the wood? Is the copper in the treated lumber leaching out with each rain event causing rust and corrosion?

What about those cheap electroplated roofing nails the roofer used to install your shingles? I’ve seen new roofing nails transform into rusty fasteners in as little as five to seven years. The best roofing nails are ones that are double-dipped hot galvanized. Period.

What about any steel support posts in your basement or crawlspace? Do you see rust on these? What happens if the rust eats through the post and someone bumps into it?

What about rust on any horizontal steel I-beams in your basement or crawlspace? Are you ignoring it? If so, you’re making a sad mistake.

The good news for you is that painting rusty black iron pipe or all the things I listed above is absolutely a simple DIY job. Most of the high-quality rust primers and special rust finish paints are available in spray cans should you not like to use a brush.

I recorded a video about five years ago showing the difference between two top rust-paint brands. The test panels in the ASTM scratch test were like night and day. I urge you to watch this video so you purchase a paint that will last for many years, even in a marine environment.

# # #

The first column was done by ChatGPT. The story about my daughter Meghan was a LIE. It never happened. The second column was written by me and you can see it here on my website.

In my opinion, you're DOOMED. Within a few years, thousands of websites will use ChatGPT or similar AI software to create MILLIONS of home improvement columns that probably will contain errors and fake stories to FOOL you. How much money will you LOSE because you followed erroneous advice? SUBSCRIBE NOW to my FREE newsletter so you get advice from a HUMAN.

How Can I Tell a Human Wrote a Column?

Always go to the ABOUT page on a website. That page should have the photo of a human that created the content. If there's no mention of WHO wrote the content on the website or you don't see photos - even those can be FAKED - then automatically assume all the content was created by a computer.

Here's another author's opinion about the importance of  checking the About Us page on a website.