Every time I call a plumber it's a least 600 USD. I have learned to do many things myself such as rebuild the innards of toilets, repair broken drain pipes, ins

Every time I call a plumber it's a least 600 USD. I have learned to do many things myself such as rebuild the innards of toilets, repair broken drain pipes, install sinks and new drain lines, but some things are too much for me (don't have the time, tools or knowledge). I just had an old 2 inch steel drain pipe descaled ($600) because it was causing the washing machine to backup and overflow. I had had it power cleaned/jetted before (several times) but that did not work. The rust corrosion had constricted the pipe to about 1.25 inches. Descaling seems to have really opened it up. I used to hate drywall. It would get wet and need replacing after plumbing problems, but I recently came to realize that as messy and time consuming as drywall is to replace, it's a good thing because it allows you to spot water leaks early and absorbs a lot of water. A more water resistant surface would hide the problem and only allow it to grow much bigger before someone noticed it. If you have enough space, drop ceilings are the best thing since sliced bread. Also, when you are not using your washing machine, turn the water off at the wall. That will prevent a washer water line bursting (while everyone is at work) and ruining an entire room/floor of the house. And when you buy replacement water hoses for your sinks and washing machine, buy the best you can afford and replace them every 3 to 5 years. You'll save yourself a lot of money and trouble by doing this. If you ever own a house, you'll learn to fear and respect water (and chipmunks) more than anything else.