So it is sort of fitting that this post follow my dream bathroom photo (and the other bathroom design on the right). I have so many wonderful plans for this house!
Tonight after work (more accurately, from 5:00 until 10:00) I worked on putting in a new tub faucet and shower. I decided yesterday (after the electrician was here for 3 hours working on what seemed a simple project and doing a fair amount of advice giving and chatting) that I would not have the plumber come out just yet. I mean, why pay another person an outrageous hourly wage on something I may be able to do myself...I know why now. Five hours of cuts, bruises and trips to Home Depot and Menards (two separate Menards locations) left me with nothing more than a good size hole in my surround tile and a wiggly new faucet. It doesn't leak, but really. So you may ask, "Why so many home improvement stores? Don't they all have the same equipment and supplies?" Great questions! Yes, they do as a matter of fact. I just decided that I would look like a real amateur if I kept showing up to the same location (to talk to the same plumbing expert)- so I spread the love and my almighty dollar around town. Besides, there are only so many times I can discuss couplings, "male attachments" and nipples (yes, all official plumbing terms) with the same person. A big shout out to Chuck at the Onalaska Home Depot for using none of those words with me and amazingly still getting the point across! Too bad I didn't start there. Chuck was very sweet and consoled me when I showed up whining, "I need big time help".
I learned a lot tonight. I now feel very skilled at cutting brass pipe in small spaces and working with easy-to-install compression fixtures. Initially, seeing the brass pipe throughout the wall behind my tub I imagined I'd have to use one of those torches and lots of solder. I also imagined burning my house down only to be left with the tub surround with that gaping hole in it and a bunch of cobbled pipe connections. I then imagined the impression that would give my neighbors (how embarrassed I'd be by the site of that bathtub sitting alone in the burned rubble) - you can see why I would not opt for fire if I had any choice. I learned that it really is a good idea to measure twice - cut once. It is not a good idea to eye-ball it and whack away with a dull hacksaw. I didn't do this by the way (my hacksaw is new with a shiny new blade - I whacked away with that). I learned that gently knocking on tile with a hammer isn't the best way to create a nice clean hole just the size you want. I learned that pulling on brass pipe fixtures and wishing really hard will not make the pipe longer. If you cut it too short, water will come out where you don't want it to - case closed. Ah, so many great lessons tonight. Now you may ask, "When will you be calling the plumber?" Again, terrific question and a really good idea. I think I'm going to sleep on it.
2 comments:
Oh, the joys of home improvement. Electrical and plumbing are two areas I won't touch. You just confirmed my resolve. Wish I could be there to commiserate. Did the electrical plugs finally get in on the counter? Hope that went well eventually. Fill us in on the cabinet work. I bet that is a success story. Thanks for the story on the tub. You made Mark Twain proud.
You, Sister, are HILARIOUS. You made me laugh out loud and completely neglect my portions of getting the kids into bed - couldn't step away :) Very impressed that you can tell a fun story after what I'm sure was super frustrating at times. Can't wait to see some pics of the hard work! Love you.
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