This is a bit of a tangent, but no, it's not plumbing; it's the living things that take all the time. I'm sure experiences vary, but since 1998 I've rented hou

This is a bit of a tangent, but no, it's not plumbing; it's the living things that take all the time. I'm sure experiences vary, but since 1998 I've rented houses and apartments, spent a year helping to run a B&B with self-catering apartments, and have owned a house for 7 years now, and in all that time I've probably spent a day or two on plumbing-related maintenance. But taking care of a dog or two? A lawn? A garden? Fruit trees? Children? That's where the serious time goes. I wouldn't advise anyone to avoid taking on organic commitments (ha ha), but it's all about balance. Don't ever get a new puppy (10-15 year commitment) when you or your partner is pregnant. Don't buy a big house with a pool and a beautiful yard and vegetable garden unless you know who's going to be maintaining all that.