4) You will need to have on hand water conditioner tape, small gas torch, solder, flux, plumbing sandpaper, pipe cutter, gas tape (to seal gas line) and maybe some pipe glue. Ask the sales person at the hardware store for a more defined list.
When you get to the house stand if front of the toilet and locate the water shut off valve. Should be down below the toilet on the wall. Just turn it off (righty-tighty) completely and flush the toilet. All the water should have left the tank, well at least most of it. If there is remaining water line repair get it out with paper towels or a rag. The important thing is that no more water came in. If it did then your valve is not shut all the way or not working and you need additional help.
The con to time well spent is only if the fix or installation works. Suddenly, when a pipe is squirting water or the dishwasher is leaking all over the floor, that time seems wasted instead of well spent. Now your time is wasted, plus you have to pay for a professional plumber to come over and fix the mess. That time could have been spent doing something else, like golfing or swimming or gardening.
Service magic only let's licensed and insured tradesmen advertise on the site so that would be a great place to start. I would recommend getting at least three different quotes from different companies. This way you have an exact price of how much your works are going to cost and you will know exactly what you are getting for your money. You will also get the very best price for that work. Most plumbers will often try and sell you work that maybe you don't need as they are trying to make a living.
Check that your plug holes and waste outlets are clear of hair and solidified soap also check the "U" bends or traps under your sinks for potential blockages. Occasionally pour boiling water line repair down your sinks and shower wastes not forgetting the washing machine trap. Look outside too for any weeds or leaves that may be blocking gutters, gully's and waste outlets.
Find the right plumber in Washington DC could sometimes be difficult. There are so many to choose from that you may sometimes be led to wonder if you have made the right choice. The first thing to make sure when in DC is that you find someone who is within the vicinity. This will make sure that you can get in touch with them easily and have them reach you instantly.
Bottom line is that it is now very easy for even a desk jockey to fix his own pipes. Go by the closet home improvement store on your way home. Pick up some of these fittings and impress the wife with talents that she did not know you had. You may even get brave and do that small plumbing project that she has been begging for. Now you can use these fittings to cut into that water line to run that new outside faucet or hookup that water filter yourself. With the push type fitting plumbing has been made easy enough for anyone to be able to do it.