If you need for example 5mm hole, then start with 3mm drill bit. Get a proper SDS impact drill and bits. Dont force it, let the bit do the hammering. Buy decent drills, and get at least 2-3 spare ones. After 30s of drilling dip the drill bit into water to cool it off.

Are the existing pipes hard PVC or flexible ? Sounds like you should replace the pipes anyway so if you can pull a smaller, flexible pipe through, you could check the suction on that one.

If it's still not good, the problem will be with the vacuum itself. If it's good, one pipe done.

You will have to explain me this one...

I'll give it a try I guess...

Good idea. However, the pipes are mainly in in the basement ceiling not in the attic. But worth a second try, I didn't stop my HVAC last time. I should try again

Bonding agent is a good idea. I was also thinking of cutting some grooves into the slab for added adhesion too. Thanks! I've been toi Australia once. Loved it despite being reminded that everything there can kill you :) We were around Cairns.

The motor is ok. While disconnected it's sucks! Replacing pipe is a big job.. the house has been modified since the installation (the house is 60 years old). I'll probably buy a vacuum canister before replacing all the pipes...

Some tankless water heaters have built in recirc pumps or have an option for an external pump. You do need insulated piping though.

thank you!

Don’t scare your cats! Invite them to something they love (and that benefits you at the same time).

My solution for getting good nights’ sleep;

I got a 10 W electric heat pad (rugged version specific for pets) that is hidden in a corner of the bed under the covers. It’s not hot, but it’s warm enough (lukewarm) so cats love to sleep, lounge, hang in that spot. I turn it on in late September and it’s on 24/7 until sometime in late April/early May. Best $20 investment ever.

Your submission has been removed for one or more of the following reason(s):

• You are asking how to "get started" on a project.
• You are asking for a review of your overall plan for a project.
• You are asking what is the best method or approach to a project.
• You are asking whether or not you should do a project.
• You are asking for advice on what project you should make ("what can I make within my budget?")
• If you have a project in mind, please do some basic research on the matter, come up with your plan, then you can ask about a specific aspect of the project.

We want you to get the help you're looking for. If you have any of these questions, some places to get help are:

• The Getting Started thread at the top of the subreddit.

• Ask your question in our Discord server in the appropriate channel.
• You may also try other subreddits - /r/homeimprovement, /r/woodworking, /r/electronics or /r/findareddit to help you find a subreddit applicable to your question.

Please read our Full Sub Rules before resubmitting.

If you believe this was a mistake, please message the moderators.

###Do not respond to this comment - you will not receive a response.

I bet it's the lowest spot in the basement, and any leaked water is naturally going underneath the flooring to that point.

Tear it up; I bet you they covered over a sump to finish the basement the cheap/easy way.

It's really not a good idea to scare your cats.

Cats are territorial animals and your house is their territory where they need to feel safe because they are stuck with it.

An unsafe territory can lead to worse behavioural problems. Plus it's not good for the cats seeing the above.

Put yourself in their (very small) cat shoes. Would you like being scared in your home, the one place that is supposed to be your sanctuary and safe spot?

I know this is not the manly man solution you are looking for, but I would look into rather buying or making programmable cat toys that would divert their attention away from the area where you don't want them to be at night. That would keep them entertained and happy and it would solve your problem too. Moving feathers or toys, lasers, catnip etc...

Restricting access to that area can also be achieved by placing a sticky tape or aluminium foil mat in their way, they won't like to walk over it and will go play somewhere else of their own accord.

Use your force for good, OP, you got this!

So you tie into the concrete with anchors? Act like youve done this before. Considering its only an inch or whatever furring strips should do just fine

Crosspost to r/homeimprovement

They're more chill over there

Nice job on the ceiling

I have those lamps in my house; i like them. That "electrician" is an asshole

Is that an old military trailer outside?

You can either add an additional layer of concrete with bonding agent and scree to create the correct level, then tile. Or use a thick bed of tile glue (I’d guess some type of mastic for cold temps ?!? Sorry from Australia) start at drain and work outward using a level to keep the correct slope.

Appreciate you LD!

Do you have a sump pump? Sounds like there’s probably a floor drain under the middle of the room. They can backup with heavy rains. They are often plumbed into the sump pump basin.

damn, the Crazy Train intro would scare the crap out of my cats and all of my family members if played at 4 am lol. But I like they way you think lol

>he baby songs can be replaced with airplane noises, or truck noises from other toys?

This is exactly my kind of thinking. Was trying to think of some sort of toy with lights and stuff. Alexa also crossed my mind. I can play on alexa sounds triggered by motion and stuff so it's definitely on my list of potential tools for this task.

Environment yes - but never on pure cost.

[removed]

Alright so what you need is a fog machine and a scary cat mask. Just Google that term and choose the most uncanny one. Get some smart lightbulbs throughout the house and a smart outlet to plug the fog machine into. Program a routine through your smart speaker so that when you trigger it the fog machines will switch on and begin fogging the hallways outside your bedroom door. Three minutes later you want all the light ls to come on while set to blood red and the smart speakers are blasting Crazy Train by Ozzy Osborne at full volume. You open the bedroom door wearing the cat mask and walking on all fours. Then lunge and chase the cats away from the bedroom.

You should only need to do this exactly one time.

Your cats may never interact with you again though.

How about a motion sensor that turns on a strobe light? Random things can look like they are moving and scary.

There should be some way to rig a toy that has is motion activated. The baby songs can be replaced with airplane noises, or truck noises from other toys?

You could also download sound affects, and play them with an old phone or Bluetooth maybe get Alexa involved... Alexa play a vacuum noise at 2am every night at low volume.

Lol I'm having fun with this cat scaring project