A Different Kind of Plumber

Being home, I get saddled with little projects. Today was plumbing. I fought the toilet and prevailed. In the course of making a big mess, I found a bit of the American economy.

I call myself a plumber, but in the network sense. Instead of moving water around, I help people move bits, which represent their business or latest hit on YouTube. Tackle a big router, no problem. Trying to get at a decrepit plastic nut, huge pain.

Networking connectors seem better organized for standards than water connectors. 1/2", 7/16", etc. Of course it takes a few runs to Home Depot to get it right. Yes, in the middle of all this I turned the water back on which created a good jet of water out the crack in the bad connection I put back temporarily. It's good for a laugh at my poor plumbing skills. But it is now has the tightest fit of new rubber seals I could make it, using a new wrench as my others were not large enough for this version (think new tool to get the "standard" hard drive to fit into a new case...).

But I had a pleasant surprise when I looked at the new tools and parts I collected from Home Depot so I could wrestle with this common critter of the bathroom. My new red Crescent wrench is made in the USA. The new braided water line is also made in the USA. The plastic parts inside to regulate the water level (crap, I have no technical term for the gizmo...) was made in Mexico (good old NAFTA).

Nothing made in China. Nothing made in a factory on the other side of the world and moved by a oil burning ship to eventually find itself at my local Home Depot. I didn't take the time to figure out where my parts were made before I left (I usually check these days, as I want to know where the ripple of my purchase will go). It was refreshing to see in taming the water beast I supported our local economy.

If we citizens want to assist in turning the economy around, take a look at where your purchases are made. I am finding many things made within our borders. With the dollar staying weak, hopefully the incentive to manufacture in the USA will continue to expand.

Oh, if you need water plumbing help, don't ask. Sure I'll let you borrow my shiny wrench, but you don't want me anywhere near a pipe. :)

-Mike M.