In the end I called a plumber
A while back I posted about my troubles trying to solder 1 1/4 copper in a heating system that I couldn’t get dry. I tried nearly all of the helpful suggestions, pressurized the system one last time, only to see water squirting out of one of my inadequately sweated joints. So, I swallowed my pride and called a plumber. Good move on my part, and once again I was reminded of the big difference between an experienced DIY-er (me) and a professional. The thing is, I have considerable experience with 1/2 and 3/4 copper, but not with 1 1/4. It was a revelation watching him work those joints, moving the torch around, adding dabs of flux, more solder, taking great care to see that the joint was good all around. His bill was very reasonable and worth every penny.
So, should I have contracted out this job to begin with? When does a DIYer know he is in over his head? There is probably no general answer to this problem, as every problem is different.
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"When does a DIYer know he is
"When does a DIYer know he is in over his head?"
That's a matter of training yourself to listen carefully to that little voice in your head - and encouraging it to speak out!
That's a matter of training yourself to listen carefully to that little voice in your head - and encouraging it to speak out!
Somehow that little voice is always behind me, not in my head, and somewhat higher pitched than mine. And I don't need to encourage it to speak out -- it's talking all the time.
The conundrum
I think you'll find that if you were to think in terms of trading talents-with the plumber in this case-it'd be quick to figure out he does you a favor-you do one for him.
When you interject money into the equation, all of a sudden you think it'd be easier and more reasonable to "spend" your "time" on the project.
Ah, that evil dollar.
When does a DIYer know he is in over his head?
When the water is over his head.
I'm reminded of the sign
at my mechanic's shop.
Shop rate $75/hour
$85/hour if you want to watch
$95/hour if you tried to fix it first
He probably figures you're good for a steady supply of work.