Sometimes less really is more, at least until you open up the wall and find 1970s wallpaper staring back at you.
That’s the truth. Last time I tried to swap out a faucet, I ended up discovering a whole mess of ancient insulation and some questionable “repairs” from decades ago. What started as a Saturday project turned into a week of sourcing eco-friendly materials and patching things up. At least I got to recycle some of that wild wallpaper...
WHEN DOES A "WEEKEND PLUMBING JOB" EVER ACTUALLY TAKE A WEEKEND?
You nailed it—those “quick” fixes have a way of turning into full-blown renovations. I can’t count how many times I’ve pulled up old flooring or opened a wall and found some relic from the past, usually paired with a DIY job that makes you wonder what the previous owner was thinking. It’s almost like every house is hiding a little time capsule, just waiting for you to find it.
Honestly, though, finding that old wallpaper or insulation is kind of a rite of passage. At least you took the opportunity to use eco-friendly materials—most folks just slap on whatever’s handy and call it good. I’ve learned to budget extra time for “surprises” on every project now. If something actually goes as planned in a weekend, that’s the real miracle.
WHEN DOES A "WEEKEND PLUMBING JOB" EVER ACTUALLY TAKE A WEEKEND?
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve started a “quick” plumbing job on a Saturday morning, thinking I’d be done before lunch, only to find myself at the hardware store—again—by Sunday afternoon. Last time, I just wanted to swap out a leaky faucet. Next thing I know, I’m staring at pipes that look like they were installed by someone who’d never seen a level in their life. And why is there always one mystery pipe that goes nowhere?
I swear, houses have a sixth sense for when you’re feeling confident. That’s when they throw you the curveball—crumbling drywall, ancient insulation, or that one fitting that refuses to budge. I’ve learned to keep a stash of extra parts and snacks on hand, just in case. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m convinced “weekend job” is code for “clear your calendar and prepare for chaos.”
WEEKEND PLUMBING JOBS: WHY DO THEY NEVER GO AS PLANNED?
Man, you nailed it with the “mystery pipe” thing. I can’t count how many times I’ve opened up a wall expecting a simple fix, only to find some Frankenstein setup—pipes zigzagging like spaghetti, fittings that look like they were tightened by a gorilla, and always that one pipe that just... ends. No idea why it’s there, but I’m too scared to cut it.
Honestly, I think “weekend job” is just code for “hope you didn’t have plans.” Even with all the right tools and parts, something always pops up. Last month, I went to swap out a shower valve for a friend—should’ve been a two-hour deal. Ended up finding an old wasp nest behind the tile and a shutoff valve that crumbled in my hand. Spent more time at the hardware store than actually working.
I will say, having snacks on hand is underrated. Nothing like sitting on the floor surrounded by parts, eating chips, and questioning your life choices. At this point, if I finish a plumbing job in one weekend, I feel like I should get a medal or something.
I swear, every time I try to “upgrade” something for efficiency, I end up discovering ancient galvanized pipes or weird PVC hacks that make me question humanity. Last time, I tried swapping in a low-flow toilet and found a literal rag stuffed in the drain as a “seal.” Weekend job? More like weekend adventure... but hey, at least it’s never boring.
