I could have easily hired a professional, but I chose a different path. Instead, I found myself sitting on the grass, phone in hand and a rusty wrench at my feet, ready to take on the challenge of a leaky outdoor faucet. My secret weapon? YouTube.
After my divorce, I aimed to provide stability for my children, which meant staying in the only home they’d ever known. Amid the chaos of purchasing the house—handling negotiations, paperwork, and loans—I overlooked the reality of maintaining an almost century-old home on my own.
While I like to think of myself as independent, the truth is I had lived with my parents until college and then in rented apartments. Whenever something broke, we simply called the landlord. When I bought this house, I had a husband who took care of repairs—he either fixed it himself or brought in a professional. I certainly wasn’t a DIY expert.
Once the paperwork was finalized and spring arrived, I signed my name countless times at my lawyer’s office. I was now the proud owner of a charming old house that my kids adored. However, as the weather warmed up, I realized my kids were eager to enjoy their wading pool and water balloon fights—there was just one snag: our only outdoor faucet had a constant leak, and the water had been turned off since the previous fall.
“Just hire a plumber,” my well-meaning brother suggested. But that seemed a bit excessive for a dripping faucet. I didn’t want a repeat of my recent experience, where I had paid an electrician $150 just to flip a fuse.
So, following in my children’s footsteps when they want to learn something new, I turned to YouTube. If there were videos on how to open a blind bag, surely there were tutorials on fixing a leaky faucet.
That’s how I found myself one sunny afternoon, propped up in the grass with my phone resting on the flagstone. I didn’t need a husband; I had an entire universe of knowledgeable people at my fingertips. If one video wasn’t clear, I could simply switch to another without any arguments or disagreements. Why hadn’t I considered this before?
It took a while to locate a video featuring the same faucet I had. My toolbox was minimal—just an antiquated wrench, likely used for stirring paint at some point. Yet, the instructor on the video was patient and accommodating. He paused when I needed a moment, repeated instructions as necessary, and adjusted his volume according to my preference. It was the ideal learning experience.
Eventually, I managed to disassemble the faucet. Following the tutorial, I brought the rusty part to a local plumbing supply store instead of a big box retailer. (I did have to Google the location first.)
As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by several helpful staff members eager to assist me. They asked about my pipes and helped me find the right washers for my old faucet. One kind plumber even offered his number, inviting me to call if I needed further assistance. It was a generous offer, but I felt confident—I had YouTube on my side.
After some final adjustments, I ventured to the basement to turn on the main water line. Racing back outside, I held my breath and turned the faucet handle. Water flowed smoothly, stopping perfectly when I twisted it back. I couldn’t contain my excitement; I let out a loud cheer, catching the attention of my neighbor across the street, who paused his gardening to stare.
I did it! This was more than just fixing a faucet; it was a moment of triumph. I realized that I could manage this house alone as a single mom.
That faucet repair marked the beginning of my newfound relationship with YouTube. Since then, I’ve tackled projects like assembling a gas grill, installing storm doors, thawing frozen pipes, repairing windows, and even installing air conditioners—tasks I never thought I could handle by myself. Now, in addition to my friends and family, I have YouTube as another source of support for single moms.
Don’t get me wrong; having someone to help with these tasks would be wonderful. And I certainly acknowledge that there are times when it’s best to hire a professional. However, had I not gone through my divorce, I might never have discovered my own capabilities. I would have missed out on the exhilaration of stepping outside my comfort zone and succeeding.
Until the day comes when I’m not solely responsible for my home, I know I can rely on YouTube for more than just entertainment—it’s a valuable tool for empowerment. For more insights into the journey of single motherhood and related topics, check out this blog post. If you’re considering your own path to motherhood, Make a Mom offers comprehensive resources. For more information on insemination techniques, refer to WebMD.
In summary, YouTube has become an unexpected ally in my journey as a single mom, providing me with the skills and confidence to manage my home.