I’m starting to get into the channels “TysyTube Restorations” and “my mechanics” which are about restoring old toys and equipment. To vocal commentary on neither though.
In some instances a professional is cheaper than a failed DIY project. I prefer a professional electrician and a professional plumber rather than DIY for more advanced projects.
My dad is the quintessential “plugger.” Having helped him with many DIY projects, I came to assume he could adjust/fix anything “naturally.” This past spring, I asked for his assistance in repairing a wayward part on my classic car. What a double-take I did when the man -who is still in the slow process of sliding into the 21st Century- suggested I look for a tutorial video on YouTube!! Whaaaaaa??
I grew up in a small town. It had one electrician, one plumber, a couple of ‘handymen’ who did house painting, siding, and remodels. A lot of people did their own projects and these ‘professionals’ had a hard time making a decent living. As an young adult, with college loans and family costs, I ldid a lot of things on my ow; but, as my financial situation improved, I realized that it was important to weigh the value of the job in terms of time and money and not just money. Plumbers, electricians, builders, handymen, etc. put a lot of effort in learning their trades and they are responsible for knowing the legal ins and outs as well. So I always ask myself: do I know enough to do this properly, do I have the correct tools and equipment, what is the cost of doing it wrong, how much of my time will be involved and what will I not be able to do instead, and how does all this balance with what is involved if a professional does it? In today’s complicated world, it is usually much better for me to hire someone who does it for a living so I can spend more time doing things I enjoy, like hobbies I couldn’t do before retirement and playing with my grandchildren.
Hubby and my dad could handle anything but plumbing. Oh, the stories I could tell! But the one that sticks in my mind was when they reversed the hot and cold water. Sitting on the commode and having steam rise about you is – um, alarming, to say the least.
No.. before you shut off the water make sure you have a few pail fulls of water available should you set those floor joists on fire. That to slow the fire down while your wife calls the fire department.
Plumbers love emergency call outs to fix a mess created by a DIY’er who got in over his/her head. No one quibbles over cost when water is flowing cross the floor.
replaced speed control in the Ford – dealer wanted $1000 – part $40 + invested time watching video and doing it myself 30 minutes – NOT kidding. Anyway, it’s fun for me :) to learn new tricks. also, things like programming keys with chips, key fobs, minor computer upgrades, etc. are easily done with minimal time invested and can save hundreds of dollars in a lot of cases IF you have the knowledge. one of my favorite sayings from an old boss of mine is ‘ignorance breeds opportunity for making money. LOTS of money’ – and he was right.
YouTube and repair sites are absolutely essential. Repair videos are vital for things like appliance repair. Might spend bucks on parts but it’ll be a fraction of what you might spend for a pro.
Watcher almost 5 years ago
And he will wind up calling the professional to fix his DIY.
Templo S.U.D. almost 5 years ago
I’m starting to get into the channels “TysyTube Restorations” and “my mechanics” which are about restoring old toys and equipment. To vocal commentary on neither though.
Teto85 Premium Member almost 5 years ago
In some instances a professional is cheaper than a failed DIY project. I prefer a professional electrician and a professional plumber rather than DIY for more advanced projects.
Breadboard almost 5 years ago
Got to admit the tube is helpful at times…….
dsidney49 almost 5 years ago
My dad is the quintessential “plugger.” Having helped him with many DIY projects, I came to assume he could adjust/fix anything “naturally.” This past spring, I asked for his assistance in repairing a wayward part on my classic car. What a double-take I did when the man -who is still in the slow process of sliding into the 21st Century- suggested I look for a tutorial video on YouTube!! Whaaaaaa??
PoodleGroomer almost 5 years ago
Sharkbite fittings. Ask for them by name.
GreenT267 almost 5 years ago
I grew up in a small town. It had one electrician, one plumber, a couple of ‘handymen’ who did house painting, siding, and remodels. A lot of people did their own projects and these ‘professionals’ had a hard time making a decent living. As an young adult, with college loans and family costs, I ldid a lot of things on my ow; but, as my financial situation improved, I realized that it was important to weigh the value of the job in terms of time and money and not just money. Plumbers, electricians, builders, handymen, etc. put a lot of effort in learning their trades and they are responsible for knowing the legal ins and outs as well. So I always ask myself: do I know enough to do this properly, do I have the correct tools and equipment, what is the cost of doing it wrong, how much of my time will be involved and what will I not be able to do instead, and how does all this balance with what is involved if a professional does it? In today’s complicated world, it is usually much better for me to hire someone who does it for a living so I can spend more time doing things I enjoy, like hobbies I couldn’t do before retirement and playing with my grandchildren.
Dani Rice almost 5 years ago
Hubby and my dad could handle anything but plumbing. Oh, the stories I could tell! But the one that sticks in my mind was when they reversed the hot and cold water. Sitting on the commode and having steam rise about you is – um, alarming, to say the least.
flemmingo almost 5 years ago
Just used YouTube to clean Rinnai tankless water heater. Saved me a plumber’s fee plus it was so dang easy.
david_42 almost 5 years ago
Shark® fittings are fantastic in tight areas.
Alberta Oil Premium Member almost 5 years ago
No.. before you shut off the water make sure you have a few pail fulls of water available should you set those floor joists on fire. That to slow the fire down while your wife calls the fire department.
Bruce1253 almost 5 years ago
Plumbers love emergency call outs to fix a mess created by a DIY’er who got in over his/her head. No one quibbles over cost when water is flowing cross the floor.
Saddenedby Premium Member almost 5 years ago
replaced speed control in the Ford – dealer wanted $1000 – part $40 + invested time watching video and doing it myself 30 minutes – NOT kidding. Anyway, it’s fun for me :) to learn new tricks. also, things like programming keys with chips, key fobs, minor computer upgrades, etc. are easily done with minimal time invested and can save hundreds of dollars in a lot of cases IF you have the knowledge. one of my favorite sayings from an old boss of mine is ‘ignorance breeds opportunity for making money. LOTS of money’ – and he was right.
anomalous4 almost 5 years ago
Sign in the shop where I used to get my car fixed:
LABOR: $20/HR
IF YOU WATCH: $30/HR
IF YOU HELP: $40/HR
IF YOU WORKED ON IT FIRST: $80/HR
Zykoic almost 5 years ago
The Internet has saved on repair bills to justify the fees.Fixed many things and usually know when to call a professional.
dudley_tundish almost 5 years ago
YouTube and repair sites are absolutely essential. Repair videos are vital for things like appliance repair. Might spend bucks on parts but it’ll be a fraction of what you might spend for a pro.
Flatlander, purveyor of fine covfefe almost 5 years ago
had to change a headlight on wife’s 1500, the dealer said it was over an hour, YouTube showed it 10 minutes.
Jan C almost 5 years ago
“Cut” off the water????
Pipe Tobacco Premium Member almost 5 years ago
I will usually TRY to fix most things OTHER thanplumbing issues.