By: Emily Thompson
Updated: Oct. 19, 2019
Originally Published: Oct. 19, 2019
When it came to fixing my leaky outdoor faucet, I could have easily called in a professional. Instead, there I was, sitting on the grass with my phone in one hand and an old wrench at my feet, ready to take on the challenge. The secret to my newfound confidence? YouTube.
After my divorce, my primary goal was to maintain stability for my children, which meant keeping them in the only home they’d ever known. However, amidst the chaos of closing deals and signing paperwork, I hadn’t fully grasped what it would be like to manage and care for a nearly century-old home on my own.
I grew up in a household where I had my parents to lean on, and as an adult, I lived in apartments where any maintenance issues were handled by the landlord. When I first bought my house, my husband took care of repairs, whether he did it himself or called someone else. I certainly wasn’t a DIY expert.
Once the paperwork was finalized and spring arrived, I focused on making our home inviting for my kids. But there was a snag: the outdoor faucet was leaking so badly that I had turned off the water supply in the basement last fall. The faucet needed fixing, and while my dad suggested hiring a plumber, I thought that seemed unnecessary for a simple drip. I was still reeling from having paid $150 to an electrician just weeks earlier for a minor fix.
So, I turned to YouTube, just as my kids do when they want to learn new things (or watch entertaining videos of others). Surely, if there were tutorials on opening blind bags, there had to be some on repairing a leaky faucet. And that’s how I found myself on a sunny afternoon, phone propped on a rock, ready to tackle the task. I didn’t need a partner; I had a multitude of knowledgeable guides at my fingertips. If one video didn’t resonate with me, it was easy to skip to another until I found the right one. Why hadn’t I thought of this sooner?
After some searching, I found a video that matched my faucet model, though my tool collection was quite limited—just one rusty wrench I had unearthed from the back of a cabinet. The tutorial was perfect; the presenter never rushed me, allowed me to pause when needed, and repeated instructions whenever I was confused. It felt like a supportive relationship.
Eventually, I managed to take the faucet apart. Just as the video instructed, I took the old piece to a plumbing supply store rather than a big-box retailer. (I did have to Google where to find one first.) When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the generosity of strangers. Within minutes, a few employees were assisting me, helping me identify the right parts, and even offering their contact information in case I needed further assistance. Yet, I felt confident—I had YouTube on my side.
After reassembling the faucet, I ventured down to the basement, flipped the main water line back on, and hurried outside. Holding my breath, I turned the handle. Water flowed beautifully and stopped immediately when I turned it off. I was ecstatic, letting out a jubilant scream that caught the attention of my neighbor, who paused to stare in disbelief.
This victory was about more than just plumbing—it signified my ability to handle challenges as a single mom. Since that day, I’ve used YouTube to assemble a gas grill, install storm doors, thaw frozen pipes, repair broken windows, and even install air conditioners. These are tasks I never imagined I could accomplish on my own. YouTube has become an invaluable resource, adding to my support network alongside friends and family.
While it would certainly be nice to have someone by my side to help with these projects, I’ve discovered that I am capable of so much more than I believed. Embracing this learning journey has been liberating, and until I have someone else to share these responsibilities with, YouTube will continue to be my go-to for home improvement tips—beyond just kids’ toy reviews.
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Summary:
Navigating the challenges of single motherhood has been an empowering journey for me. With the help of YouTube, I’ve learned to tackle home repairs and manage responsibilities I never thought I could handle alone. This experience has strengthened my independence and transformed my approach to problem-solving in my home.
Keyphrase: YouTube has transformed my life as a single mom
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