Plumbers in specific, does anyone give a crap any more in general.....?

[dirttoys]

My son did all new floors in his house about a month ago. I went up to help him take out the old to save money. I asked specifically if toilet pull/replace was in the deal and he said yes (that made me happy). So.... after the floors were done, he found re-setting the crappers were not in the deal, this was I am sure his error. The new floors reduced the height, and made the flanges too high. He called a plumber, and was quoted $2,400 to fix the flanges and re-seat 3 toilets. He told me this, (I assume) because he knew I would have a stroke, and come do it.

Which I did, replaced one flange, shimmed the other two with cutting board plastic 3/8 inch thick. Replaced one toilet with a leaking tank from the removal, all the shutoffs. It took a long day for an old guy, and cost just slightly north of $300 in parts.

My wife's father lives about 5 hours away. When her sister has to leave town, my wife goes and takes care of her father. Today she was in his basement (nice house but older) and found an area rug in a hallway wet. Called a plumber, $150 bucks to show up and do nothing. Estimate for $2,600 to: 1. replace toilet in common bath room. 2. new garbage disposal, and split drain assembly in kitchen. No drywall work.

Oddly, I had a stroke, and will be going down and doing it next week.

I know I am old, I know stuff is more expensive now. Based on what I did for a living, and what I was paid, I do not now, nor will I ever believe a plumber, even with burden rate, is worth $350k a year. I think people that prey on people that don't know any better for a living should have a ****ty life.

I posted this because I am occasionally wrong, and try to learn when I am. Am I wrong?

Best,

ed

 

[hiddentacocatneddih]

That's high but I found most if not all contractors around here are scams. Incompetent, illegitimate and over priced. Most are just "handymen" with no real business. Even ones that call themselves plumbers or concrete guys

Even servall pest control tried to scam me. I watched my security cameras and caught them charging me for services they never did

 

[bmaverick]

My son did all new floors in his house about a month ago. I went up to help him take out the old to save money. I asked specifically if toilet pull/replace was in the deal and he said yes (that made me happy). So.... after the floors were done, he found re-setting the crappers were not in the deal, this was I am sure his error. The new floors reduced the height, and made the flanges too high. He called a plumber, and was quoted $2,400 to fix the flanges and re-seat 3 toilets. He told me this, (I assume) because he knew I would have a stroke, and come do it.

Which I did, replaced one flange, shimmed the other two with cutting board plastic 3/8 inch thick. Replaced one toilet with a leaking tank from the removal, all the shutoffs. It took a long day for an old guy, and cost just slightly north of $300 in parts.

My wife's father lives about 5 hours away. When her sister has to leave town, my wife goes and takes care of her father. Today she was in his basement (nice house but older) and found an area rug in a hallway wet. Called a plumber, $150 bucks to show up and do nothing. Estimate for $2,600 to: 1. replace toilet in common bath room. 2. new garbage disposal, and split drain assembly in kitchen. No drywall work.

Oddly, I had a stroke, and will be going down and doing it next week.

I know I am old, I know stuff is more expensive now. Based on what I did for a living, and what I was paid, I do not now, nor will I ever believe a plumber, even with burden rate, is worth $350k a year. I think people that prey on people that don't know any better for a living should have a ****ty life.

I posted this because I am occasionally wrong, and try to learn when I am. Am I wrong?

Best,

ed

You think plumbers are bad? Try a roofer to replace a mere 4 shingles at $250 a pop. Yep, $1,000 to replace 4 shingles.

What did I do, found a neighbor who had several spare shingles about the same color. He said take them. I shimmied up the ladder, used better nails, and got all 4 done in 20mins. I did find about 3 others semi-loose and fixed those too.

Total cost, an arm that got shingle rash because I leaned too far reaching. 2-days later all better.

Like people are saying now, Gone are the days of the drive-thru value meals.
There is no free or discounted lunch in life, they are after your stash of gold.

 

[bmaverick]

My son did all new floors in his house about a month ago. I went up to help him take out the old to save money. I asked specifically if toilet pull/replace was in the deal and he said yes (that made me happy). So.... after the floors were done, he found re-setting the crappers were not in the deal, this was I am sure his error. The new floors reduced the height, and made the flanges too high. He called a plumber, and was quoted $2,400 to fix the flanges and re-seat 3 toilets. He told me this, (I assume) because he knew I would have a stroke, and come do it.

Which I did, replaced one flange, shimmed the other two with cutting board plastic 3/8 inch thick. Replaced one toilet with a leaking tank from the removal, all the shutoffs. It took a long day for an old guy, and cost just slightly north of $300 in parts.

My wife's father lives about 5 hours away. When her sister has to leave town, my wife goes and takes care of her father. Today she was in his basement (nice house but older) and found an area rug in a hallway wet. Called a plumber, $150 bucks to show up and do nothing. Estimate for $2,600 to: 1. replace toilet in common bath room. 2. new garbage disposal, and split drain assembly in kitchen. No drywall work.

Oddly, I had a stroke, and will be going down and doing it next week.

I know I am old, I know stuff is more expensive now. Based on what I did for a living, and what I was paid, I do not now, nor will I ever believe a plumber, even with burden rate, is worth $350k a year. I think people that prey on people that don't know any better for a living should have a ****ty life.

I posted this because I am occasionally wrong, and try to learn when I am. Am I wrong?

Best,

ed

Oh, when I was newly married and we got our first home/house, my day gave me a home warming gift of: I think I wore a few pages out. And also those FREE ACE Hardware home DIY repair flyers.

 

[Jstpssng]

There was a time when you could take night courses in things like framing, basic electrical, basic plumbing, et.al. which were meant to help you maintain your home. By the time I was ready to take one though, they had gone away. About 20 years ago I tried to sign up for a basic electrician course at the vo-tech school but they wouldn't let me; it was only for people thinking about getting into the trade. They suggested the Home Depot courses instead. Pfft; all that I could find was "fluff" classes like how to install track lighting. That doesn't do much good if you don't have a wire from the breaker box.

 

[dirttoys]

That's high but I found most if not all contractors around here are scams. Incompetent, illegitimate and over priced. Most are just "handymen" with no real business. Even ones that call themselves plumbers or concrete guys

Even servall pest control tried to scam me. I watched my security cameras and caught them charging me for services they never did

I had a neighbor and life long friend years ago when our kids were 14 or 15. Called me down to his house for a drink, presented me with my wedding ring (that I never wore) and asked me what the he11 it was doing in his house!

That was his funny way of telling me his son had stolen several items of jewelry from my house. We got it all back, with an apology. The educational part was what he told his son after, what I am certain, as a meaningful whooping: "Don't ever be a thief, it is the simplest, fastest, and easiest way to make money. Once you loose trust, you will never get it back, and it will cost twice what you make stealing."

I think when you look up capitalist my picture will pop up! But, I always believed I was providing a value that exceeded the cost. How do these darn people sleep??

 

[dirttoys]

You think plumbers are bad? Try a roofer to replace a mere 4 shingles at $250 a pop. Yep, $1,000 to replace 4 shingles.

What did I do, found a neighbor who had several spare shingles about the same color. He said take them. I shimmied up the ladder, used better nails, and got all 4 done in 20mins. I did find about 3 others semi-loose and fixed those too.

Total cost, an arm that got shingle rash because I leaned too far reaching. 2-days later all better.

Like people are saying now, Gone are the days of the drive-thru value meals.
There is no free or discounted lunch in life, they are after your stash of gold.

You know I hate my self for thinking I hope they get screwed on their next car repair (that certainly doesn't fix it). I feel older every day, this is not the world I grew up in.

best,

ed

 

[MossRoad]

Oh, when I was newly married and we got our first home/house, my day gave me a home warming gift of: I think I wore a few pages out. And also those FREE ACE Hardware home DIY repair flyers.

View attachment 751358

We got a few handy man bibles when we got married. Pretty useful gifts, I must say!

 

[dirttoys]

There was a time when you could take night courses in things like framing, basic electrical, basic plumbing, et.al. which were meant to help you maintain your home. By the time I was ready to take one though, they had gone away. About 20 years ago I tried to sign up for a basic electrician course at the vo-tech school but they wouldn't let me; it was only for people thinking about getting into the trade. They suggested the Home Depot courses instead. Pfft; all that I could find was "fluff" classes like how to install track lighting. That doesn't do much good if you don't have a wire from the breaker box.

That stinks, the more I weld the more I think I would like to go back and do a real course. I suppose those are gone too.

best,

ed

 

[dirttoys]

We got a few handy man bibles when we got married. Pretty useful gifts, I must say!

Yup, the boy is certainly my fault (that he doesn't have much do it yourself in him), so I will putter around with him while I am able, and I enjoy seeing him. Wife's dad is 85, cheating him is a different crime to me.

Best,

ed

 

[MossRoad]

We've been having some starting issues with our 2014 Impala. Our mechanic trouble shot it and found the stater was shorted out. Changed out the starter and nothing. Found the computer was not sending a signal to the starter relay. Bad computer. Found a used one. Put it in. Found the battery wouldn't hold a charge and was tested bad. New battery. Everything works. About $500. Good to go.

A week later, it would not start again with same symptoms. He came over with his wife to get it, and it started right up. So he took it home and started it 20 times a day for three days. Drove it to his shop daily. No issues. Told me to come get it. 2 minutes later, he called back and said never mind, it finally failed on him. He spent considerable time wiggling wires and inspecting the fuse box. Finally narrowed it down the the starter relay socket in the fuse box had a loose grip on one of the stabs on the relay. Took the fuse box out, adjusted the socket, put it all back together, showed me what he did, and what to check if it happens again. I asked him how much I owed him?

$20 (twenty) bucks.

I'm gonna be sad if he ever moves. He's about 15 years younger than me. Hopefully I outlast him.

 

[dirttoys]

We've been having some starting issues with our 2014 Impala. Our mechanic trouble shot it and found the stater was shorted out. Changed out the starter and nothing. Found the computer was not sending a signal to the starter relay. Bad computer. Found a used one. Put it in. Found the battery wouldn't hold a charge and was tested bad. New battery. Everything works. About $500. Good to go.

A week later, it would not start again with same symptoms. He came over with his wife to get it, and it started right up. So he took it home and started it 20 times a day for three days. Drove it to his shop daily. No issues. Told me to come get it. 2 minutes later, he called back and said never mind, it finally failed on him. He spent considerable time wiggling wires and inspecting the fuse box. Finally narrowed it down the the starter relay socket in the fuse box had a loose grip on one of the stabs on the relay. Took the fuse box out, adjusted the socket, put it all back together, showed me what he did, and what to check if it happens again. I asked him how much I owed him?

$20 (twenty) bucks.

I'm gonna be sad if he ever moves. He's about 15 years younger than me. Hopefully I outlast him.

Man, I guess he cares!! That is a great example of exceeds expectations, but, only a few years ago that wasn't too far from the level of service I expected, and tried to give my customers.

Best, and thanks for the story,

ed

 

[MossRoad]

Yup, the boy is certainly my fault (that he doesn't have much do it yourself in him), so I will putter around with him while I am able, and I enjoy seeing him. Wife's dad is 85, cheating him is a different crime to me.

Best,

ed

I'm pretty handy with demolition and repair. Not so much on finish carpentry. My dad called me the wood butcher.

My current job is light electrical, plumbing, carpentry and HVAC. Troubleshooting, repairs, and preventative maintenance only. No new installations. It's perfect for me. I like that kind of work. I've always done my own home repairs every since we got married back in 85, and my dad always included me and my sisters on home repairs as well. So we learned young.

Tonight, I talked our oldest kid through troubleshooting her toilet in her apartment. Cell phones with pictures and video are so helpful for stuff like that. She now knows how a toilet works. A couple months ago I talked her through lighting her furnace pilot light over the phone. She then did it herself a few times after that. Enough to convince the landlord to replace the furnace.

 

[dirttoys]

I'm pretty handy with demolition and repair. Not so much on finish carpentry. My dad called me the wood butcher.

My current job is light electrical, plumbing, carpentry and HVAC. Troubleshooting, repairs, and preventative maintenance only. No new installations. It's perfect for me. I like that kind of work. I've always done my own home repairs every since we got married back in 85, and my dad always included me and my sisters on home repairs as well. So we learned young.

Tonight, I talked our oldest kid through troubleshooting her toilet in her apartment. Cell phones with pictures and video are so helpful for stuff like that. She now knows how a toilet works. A couple months ago I talked her through lighting her furnace pilot light over the phone. She then did it herself a few times after that. Enough to convince the landlord to replace the furnace.

When my kids were little little they worked with me all the time. I got a job that was very lucrative, but was really 60 hours a week as they were getting to 6 and 9, I stayed in that career 'till long after they left for school. It became almost required for me to pay folks to do things around the house so I could meet my work obligations. I think I inadvertently passed that approach on to the kids. Not sure if I would have done anything differently, but, I wish I could have sent them out with more of a desire to be self sufficient.

To be fair to them, they do watch youtube and try simple stuff, and once I do something with them, they will do it next time, just not much desire to try anything new on their own.


Best,

ed

 

[CalG]

I learned early, from the men in my family (I was still a boy)

There are two kinds of people in the world.

Those who can do for themselves.

And those who can not.


(I'm just starting in a bath redo. ripping out the old walls and floor was the easy part. Calculating floor heights ... that tough. The wife wants a curb-less shower.. fortunately, building up a closet flange is easy ;-.)

 

[MossRoad]

I learned early, from the men in my family (I was still a boy)

There are two kinds of people in the world.

Those who can do for themselves.

And those who can not.


(I'm just starting in a bath redo. ripping out the old walls and floor was the easy part. Calculating floor heights ... that tough. The wife wants a curb-less shower.. fortunately, building up a closet flange is easy ;-.)

Between me, my dad, and my two grandfathers, there are 18 women and no other men. With that said, almost all of the women were self-sufficient and did just fine. My mom taught me how to drive stick shift, row a boat, and set leg-hold traps.

 

[dirttoys]

Between me, my dad, and my two grandfathers, there are 18 women and no other men. With that said, almost all of the women were self-sufficient and did just fine. My mom taught me how to drive stick shift, row a boat, and set leg-hold traps.

I bet you are a good guy. I was an only child, and my wife is still trying to "fix" the way I think. I bet at least twice a week she wishes I would have had a sister. My daughter was more of a dude than me or my son until she got to teenager.

Best,

ed

 

[ponytug]

That stinks, the more I weld the more I think I would like to go back and do a real course. I suppose those are gone too.

best,

ed

Me, too! That said, I think that there are some great YouTube channels; welding tips and tricks, I C weld, and Cutting Edge Engineering Australia (who can weld like it is robotic welding, on old, heavy pieces of machinery) to name a few. I have learned how to weld things that I thought were not weldable.

Practice certainly makes me better; I am blown away at how much more sophisticated welding is that when I first learned.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Menagerie-Manor]

That's high but I found most if not all contractors around here are scams. Incompetent, illegitimate and over priced. Most are just "handymen" with no real business. Even ones that call themselves plumbers or concrete guys

Even servall pest control tried to scam me. I watched my security cameras and caught them charging me for services they never did

An old time real plumber would have just bedded the base of the closet in plaster and let it set, the old way.

 

[dirttoys]

Me, too! That said, I think that there are some great YouTube channels; welding tips and tricks, I C weld, and Cutting Edge Engineering Australia (who can weld like it is robotic welding, on old, heavy pieces of machinery) to name a few. I have learned how to weld things that I thought were not weldable.

Practice certainly makes me better; I am blown away at how much more sophisticated welding is that when I first learned.

All the best,

Peter

You are correct, and I watch them. I do better when I can ask questions or fuss when things aren't working the way I think they should I weld well enough until I can't flip the darn target to get it flat......... then I just become a good grinder.