Plumbing in the Home/Expert Profile

Carolyn

U.S.
On Vacation
returns 11/30/2009
Expertise

I have worked in Electrical Engineering for 27 years in power distribution, but I am a handy homeowner more than anything else and have a lot of skills when it comes to home repairs. Bathroom remodeling, flooring, painting, reconditioning old wood items, plumbing, car repairs and troubleshooting most problems. I think of myself more of a teacher than someone that is going to tell you exactly what you have to do, but I will share as much info as I have to help get your problem fixed, so if you are not interested in learning then don't ask me a question or rate me if you don't like my answers. To me, it is all about the journey so lets share the trail for a short ride and see where it takes us! I also want to give thanks to both my Mom, who has passed and my Dad, who raised us with the "Can Do" attitude and instowed such confidence in not only my life but everyone that ever came in contact with them. You can do anything that you set our minds too if only you can break it down into pieces and just tackle one piece at a time, for the rest will fall into place.

Experience in the area

My greatest accomplishment was finishing my first bathroom upgrades in my first home which helped me to sell my home is less than 3 days by myself with a For Sale By Owner sign and no more. Plus I got $10,000 more for it in just 4 years of owning it, now that is great equity.

What do you like about this subject?

What I like most about home repairs is saving money and upgrading my home at the same time. When you do it yourself you can do more than twice as much. I really like stretching my all mighty dollar as far as I can.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I hope to be smarter when it comes to shopping around better for contractors when the job gets to large for me to handle. I have had some real jerks and have been taken a time or two and I hope for the last time. I want to be an educated consumers and one thing I have learned is don't ever do anything in haste. Don't jump at the first estimate.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

How proud it makes you when you can say that you did it yourself!

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Don't always believe what some try to tell you to be true, be educated and look into things for yourself first and you will come out much better in the long run having done a little research in the beginning. Think first, Act last.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
tom11/17/0910101010Carolyn....YOU are the BEST ! Thank .....
Helen09/30/091010 
Ruth09/23/0910101010Thanks Carolyn, your response has been much .....
Aaron09/21/0910101010I was given a very detailed and .....
Mica08/11/0910101010AWESOME!

Recent Answers from Carolyn

2009-11-17 under sink shutoff valves:

Hey Tom, If they are frozen all I can tell you to do is to shut off the main water supply just in case these totally fail and spray some WD-40 or any penentrating oil on them and let it set for a few

2009-11-16 Shower system leak:

Hey Brian, Did you use any PVC tape on the fitting when you installed it? This is what they call plumbers tape and it is white? If not, remove the head or arm connection and place this tape around the

2009-10-25 kitchen sink not draining:

Hey Howard, Go rent a snake and it will remove this clog. Here are some site's that will show you how to use one: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,193799-4,00.html http://www.extremehowto

2009-10-25 Ice Maker Drainage:

Hey KP, You need to stop this leaking before you really damage your floor but you need to inspect all the tubing that is running to your ice maker and replace it if in doubt. Here is a good check list

2009-09-29 Kitchen faucet finishes:

Hey Helen, Nickel and Stainless Steel (higher cost) are both best for no spots, I like chrome but it spots and I am always having to wipe it off, I like the shine too so it is worth it to me. Here are

 

Ask A Question

All Answers

Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.