This article is in no way meant to be political or even a study in sociology; it is simply a plumber’s experience. I have been servicing people’s homes for nearly 4 decades. I have grown accustomed to certain etiquette, a demeanor so to speak, in my customers. Usually they are very glad and appreciative upon my arrival. They are eager to be sure that I know that. They show appropriate respect and make sure I’m comfortable.

        In recent years however, with all the electronic means of communication and computer generated orders, I have seen quite a change in the younger homeowners. It seems that when I arrive they view me as a “hired hand” – in fact you can say that this is true, however, it doesn’t always come with the respect of the older generation. I have recently been blamed for an existing issue in an old house that was not ever touched by me. It was in fact an issue that was ignored by a recent home inspector that should have been pointed out before the house was purchased; it seemed because I was there I was responsible for the whole house, the fall guy.

      There was another recent occasion: A young homeowner needed a shower valve fixed. I asked if he could send me a picture of the valve as the brand in question had 2 different cartridges, this would save a trip and make it much easier to repair. He sent me the picture. The next day I purchased the proper cartridge, I texted him to tell him I would be over to do the repair, he texted back: “I already had it fixed”, really? I said to myself. This sort of thing never happened before, to get an assignment from a customer and not be told it was it was done by someone else… Then I realized it’s an electronic world- I never got pictures or texts from my older customers; somehow it just fits into the “Entitled” approach of some of the younger generation.

                                                   Thanks, JJ