I graduated from college with a huge amount of student loans to pay back.
I was also facing the cost of my car payment, car insurance, health insurance and regular living expenses.
I managed to get hired at an entry level job in my field that required me to move to Vineland, New Jersey. I didn’t want to waste what little money I had on rent. After touring about a dozen different properties, I finally found a fixer-upper that I could just barely afford. I liked the location, size of the lawn and the layout of the home. Unfortunately, everything was outdated and in poor condition. I was going to need a new roof, new windows, new appliances and a total renovation of the kitchen and bathrooms. I decided to start with the basics. Plumbing is essential and a priority. I needed to be able to reliably flush toilets, have access to clean, hot water and trust proper drainage. I wanted to be sure nothing was leaking and causing further damage. Although I was reluctant to spend the money, I hired a licensed plumber to help me out. I explained my lack of funds and the many problems with my new home. The plumber was really great. He used a special video camera to inspect the water and drainage pipes. He was able to use a plumber’s snake to clear away some minor blockages. He showed me how to remove and clean the aerators from the faucets. He suggested that I pour a cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of table salt and a cup of white vinegar in my drains every month. I wait ten minutes and then all of that down with boiling water. This is a very safe and inexpensive way to keep the drains clear and operating properly.