Anyone interested in doing a blog on incorrect plumbing and home improvement advice given by TV "pros" like Mike Holmes or others? Last night I watched his show, usually good, but he adised a home owner that you should put teflon tape on the threads of a compession fitting. I think most of us know that if a compression fitting leaks it's the ferrule is bad and the threads have nothing to do with the seal. TOH also gives some questionable advice or information from time to time. Who can help contribute?

Not a plumbing example, but I remember one of those home improvement shows had the home owners mixing up a batch of concrete for some sort of footing, and the host advised putting lots of water into the mix to make it "soupier" and easier to mix. I think he actually advised "the more water the better." Good advice only if your goal is to make the concrete as weak as possible!

Yes, not limited to just plumbing. I feel bad for the home owners who rely on the "pros" advice when it is wrong.

WOW, 92 reads and only one reply. I guess I grossly over estimated how much everyone would want to set the record staight.

Hello Bob,

I never go by their advices, Thanks.

Regards,
John

I guess I just never really watch them much. I have seen Holmes on homes, but they seem to be pretty vague on plumbing. The few Ive watched had parts where they talked about getting a licensed electrician and how important that was, but no mention of how important a licensed plumber was, so I guess I tend to grab the remote. I actaully did see one a few days ago where they ripped out and redid a complete kitchen, and there was copper drain and vent pipe, and they said it was fine to keep it. This of course is true. However, when the whole show is about completely upgrading everything to today's standards, I would like to think most any real plumber would rip out the copper and replace with pvc, abs, etc. Just got to remember, Holmes is a TV host more than he is an everyday contractor. I would think of him as more of a glorified inspector with a big head, rather than a contractor.

Actually Holmes was a builder and did a house for a TV producer who asked him to do a show. He likes to say "tear it all out" but then brings in subs to do most all the work. TOH is not always better. Must be watching too much TV. LOL