Pay the Professionals

I don't like fixing things or troubleshooting. In my mind, I pay for things so they work, and it really frustrates me when they don't. On the other hand, I do know my way around stuff and so should be able to fix things.

Like, my plumbing.


Plumbing

But over the years, I've learned one thing: Eventually I always have to call a plumber.

I've consoled myself with the knowledge that my snake was only 75' and the clog was over 100' down. I've rationalized that I don't own a scope and so couldn't see the breaks in the pipe. And I've come to accept the fact that when I try to fix things, sometimes they just break.

Like my most recent attempt.

The backflow unit outside my house finally broke, spraying water everywhere and completely eliminating my sprinkler's water pressure. It was old and now really needed to be replaced. I poked around online, compared prices, found it for relatively "cheap" at my local Lowes-Depot, and borrowed my parent's pipe wrenches. Sure, I don't like doing this kind of thing, but I can do it.

And so I started by simply unscrewing the current--broken--fixture from the system. It was really stuck on there. I guess the years had helped the system fuse together. After putting my weight into it and un-threading it about three turns, I stepped back to see what I had accomplished.

The copper pipe was now completely mangled.

I called the plumber the next day. Why? Because I don't have the tools, nor the patience, nor the expertise I need to get my sprinklers working again. And after talking to the plumber, I know what needs to be done and why.

The lesson: Sometimes it's best to hire a professional. As media producers we feel like we have to do it all. But it can make your production so much better if you get someone with the tools and the know-how to help you. It's the difference between good audio and bent pipes... and several hundred dollars.

 ~Luke Holzmann
Your Media Production Mentor