DIY (Do It Yourself)
We are all about DIY. There is a certain pride you have when you can point to something and say. "I did that."
But there is also a dark side to DIY. Sometimes there are things we don't actually know how to do. Whether it is we don't have the skills, or the materials, or the tools, or... any number of things. Sometimes though, DIY is NOT the best way to go. Read this fateful story to see why.
Pride Goeth Before the Fall
Meg wanted a minor update to our kitchen. A nice new faucet for the sink. I (Ron) actually had everything I needed... or so I thought.
We cleared out under the sink cabinets, got a bucket and got to work.
I started with turning off the water to the sink. You'd think this would be the easiest part. Oh no, not by a long shot.
The hot water valve wouldn't turn all the way off. A few minutes fiddling with it, open/close, close/open, two hands, a wrench... a bigger wrench. Still just a little trickle that wouldn't stop.
Don't Worry, I Can Fix This
No problem. Down to the basement to turn off the main valve coming into the house. Twist twist twist. Seemed to be just fine. Head upstairs to open the faucets upstairs so the water from above wouldn't be a problem.
Nope. That valve downstairs which should have shut all water off to the whole house wouldn't shut off all the way. I guess after 16 years there may have been some buildup or something. (Hey, I'm not a plumber.) Maybe I'll jiggle it back and forth, that ought to fix it. Hey it stopped! (Not really, but a slow enough drip drip I thought with a bucket I could make it work.)
Out With the Old
Replaced a faucet? I hadn't. It's a tight fit, laying on your back, with the top half of your back inside the cupboard, the edge cutting into the middle of your back, and the rest of your back dangling over the floor. Then you have to get behind the sink itself. Did I mention there are drain pipes in there and a garbage disposal to maneuver around?
Take your tools (the ones you think are going to fit) and reach straight up over your face with your arms straight and try to loosen the faucet. Now try to explain to your assistant what tool to go find in your toolbox because you don't actually have the right size tool. Don't forget to repeat this a couple of times.
It Won't Budge
Finally! I have a wrench that fits perfectly. But it won't budge. Not a smidge. Is it a bad angle? Do I need a little more leverage? Am I turning it the right direction? Oh No! It slipped, don't drop it on my face!
Keep trying, keep trying, keep trying...
This reminds me of a quote attributed to W.C. Fields - “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try—and then quit! No use being a fool about it.”
I don't even remember how long we worked on this, but finally I had to admit I wasn't going to get the old faucet off.
All around the house, from basement to the second story turning the water back on and the faucets off.
Time To Call A Pro
When the plumber got here (over a week later) he replaced valves, he had to pull out a saw (a saw!) because the faucet was originally glued in. Overall he was done with a lot more work completed with quite a bit less time and effort.
Sometime it is just best to call a pro to do the work they are trained to do.
In summary:
The next time you are ready to take on a project, think carefully about whether you are really up to the task.
What is it worth?
A 12 hour project, with 4 trips to the hardware store, buying 3 specialty tools you need to finish the job, busted knuckles, duct tape, and still not being done cleaning up the mess.
Versus
A call to a professional who is in and out in less than an hour, and cleans up the mess themselves.
How much is that really worth?
Your Money
Most of us were not specifically educated to handle our money. Why is it that many people feel they should be able to deal with finances easily and without mistakes? Our society doesn't put any shame on us for calling a professional for our home or our health so why should you hesitate to get help learning new habits and mindset around money?
Click here to schedule your FREE 30 minute Jump Start session so you can learn how we can help.
Comments