Went to install a replacement toilet in our 1960s rancher. Long story short: it seemed more involved than I was anticipating, and my situation this week would benefit from the convenience of a quick, dreamless install so I called a plumber and they showed up within 30 minutes of my call.

Plumber - nice guy - proceeds to tell me, “oh yeah, you basically have it right, but all you need is a new flange (a $40 part). Then put the wax ring down (which we already have). Then mount the toilet (which we already have).”

He then proceeded to quote $500. For at most 30 minutes of work - probably 15 minutes for him - and a $40 (retail) part. To install a product that cost a couple hundred dollars. This is symptomatic a failure of a currency. The fact that anyone would consider paying that type of rate for that type of work that would take that amount of time is ludicrous.

I’ll be installing a toilet tonight after my daughter goes to bed.