Fort Myers plumber pay sparks talk of fixing things yourself

Denny Smith turned to YouTube when he needed to move data from an old phone to a new one at home. He and host Terri Stacy discussed this on First Day with Terri Stacy on 93.1 WIBC, talking about what they call "YouTube University" and how few people repair their own belongings.

Smith grew up around World War II veterans who repaired lawnmowers, toys and faucets themselves. He said a plumber now charges $150 to $175 per hour, plus a fee to send a truck to your home. A faucet cartridge costs about $25, but a professional repair can run $200. Smith said many people no longer know how to make such repairs. Stacy added, "We don't know how to do anything anymore.. We don't know how to cook." Producer Landon, 24, said he cooks very little.

Stacy said she tells younger listeners to consider trade work. Smith said a service plumber in Fort Myers, Florida earned $250,000 last year rebuilding after hurricane damage, and one crew member made more than $400,000. "What in the world are we doing?" Smith asked. He also said plumbers now use mechanical press fittings with O-rings instead of torches, which keeps them from being blamed for fires.

The discussion ended with a suggestion to check YouTube before calling a professional, and with Smith and Stacy noting that the trades are hiring. Clips from First Day with Terri Stacy are posted on the 93.1 WIBC YouTube channel.