Honestly, the real time sink is figuring out what you’re dealing with before you even touch a wrench.
That’s the truth. Half the time I spend more energy tracing lines and peeking into crawlspaces than actually fixing anything. Sometimes I think the “weekend” part is just wishful thinking—especially once you hit that first weird fitting or mystery pipe. But hey, every surprise is just another puzzle to solve. Don’t let it get you down—nobody gets it done in two days every time.
Couldn’t agree more about the “weekend” being wishful thinking. I’ve had jobs where just removing a vanity revealed pipes from three different decades—each with its own personality. It’s like a weird archaeological dig, but with more leaks. Sometimes you just have to roll with it and adjust your plans.
It’s like a weird archaeological dig, but with more leaks.
I get the “archaeological dig” vibe, but honestly, I think half the fun is in the surprises. Sure, you might find a pipe from the Eisenhower era, but sometimes you luck out and everything’s copper and solid. Maybe I’m just an optimist (or a glutton for punishment), but I’ve actually had a couple of those mythical weekend jobs wrap up on time. Not often, but it happens... usually when nobody’s watching.
WHEN DOES A "WEEKEND PLUMBING JOB" EVER ACTUALLY TAKE A WEEKEND?
I’ve actually had a couple of those mythical weekend jobs wrap up on time. Not often, but it happens... usually when nobody’s watching.
- Gotta admit, I’m skeptical. Every time I think I’m in for a quick swap, I end up staring at some ancient galvanized mess or a mystery junction that makes zero sense.
- “Weekend job” usually means “Monday off work to finish what you started.” At least in my world.
- The only time things go smooth? When you’re just replacing a faucet or something simple—no walls to open, no pipes hiding behind 60 years of questionable DIY.
- Found an old newspaper stuffed in a wall once. Not plumbing-related, but it did distract me for half an hour. That’s the real danger: distractions and “while I’m at it” projects.
- If you ever do get one done on time, treat yourself. You’ve beaten the odds.
Maybe optimism helps, but I’ll stick with planning for double the time and hoping for the best.
I hear you on the distractions—my last “quick” fix turned into a two-day ordeal because I found a tiny leak behind the vanity I couldn’t ignore. Ended up patching drywall, too. For me, the only way a weekend plumbing job actually stays on schedule is if I have every single part and tool ready before I start. Anyone else try to do it all with what’s already in the garage just to save a few bucks? Does that ever work out for you or just end up costing more time?
