Pumped For Cash

As the holidays cometh, so doth our need to economize. So, when my sump pump decided to gurgle (think of your favorite mouthwash commercial amplified 100 times), I sighed as I imagined my holiday stipend swiftly flying into a plumber’s coffers.

Contemplating my options (and my checkbook) as my sump pump ranted on and on, an idea suddenly hit me. After Googling “sump pump and gurgling noise,” the Internet led me to an informative yet brisk video about the nuances of sump pump malfunctions—compliments of YouTube.com. Within minutes, I diagnosed my disgruntled little sump pump as either agonizing over a replacement float or choking with unfriendly debris. I may be able to keep my tidy sum after all—good tidings!

Scouring the yellow pages, I choose a popular plumbing service whose name was familiar to me since childhood (sorry folks, I can’t disclose the name for legal reasons). About a half hour later, the plumber (I’ll call him Bob) arrived in a van, with his clipboard and badge in hand. While examining my little sump pump, Bob solemnly told me, “The float needs to be replaced and the manufacturer doesn’t make this part anymore so you need a new sump pump. It will cost you $490.”

I took a deep breath while considering the alternatives. No need to lament I told myself … not just yet. I decided that before I pumped for cash, I would locate the manufacturer online (which took 10 seconds) and check if the part was indeed discontinued (which took a total of two minutes). Two minutes and 10 seconds later, I found that part was available for a reasonable sum and could be easily installed by any layperson. Bob the Plumber was speechless as I questioned him about his customer ethics (clearly he seemed deficient in this area). He also dutifully overcharged me for the service call (which is currently in dispute).

Needless to say, the best gift I received this holiday preseason was the Internet and its unlimited resources for the consumer (especially the cautious ones, like myself). As a web designer and developer, I must admit that I’m probably adept at the more technical aspects of the Internet, but anyone can do a simple search on Google, and research just about anything (especially more costly expenditures). For those contractors who practice integrity and pride in their work, the Internet will only verify their credibility (kudos to you). And, as the Internet grows, it will only serve to educate us about things we normally would not have access to.

I saved almost $500 by using the Internet and can now celebrate the holidays with my family without being “pumped for cash” by a questionable contractor. But I will not lament about what Bob the Plumber is losing with $500 less in his pocket this holiday season.

Faith Rothenberg, Pine Brook resident.