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Terry1959 Asked March 2021

I need a plumber right away, but I can't pay. My husband is on oxygen and my plumbing in the kitchen is clogged. How do I find help?

Please I need a plumber but don't have money. The kitchen sink is clogged. I loosened the pipes but I can't put back. My husband doesn't need to smell sewage, he is on oxygen. Please I need help right away.

Isthisrealyreal Mar 2021
Have you asked one of your neighbors to help you get it put back together?

Usually they are happy to help in an emergency, especially if it is not a big project.

If you don't have any neighbors willing to help, go on Craigslist and search for plumbers. Get an older gentleman and explain that you need to make payments. I helped my mom and all the reputable plumbing companies wanted 2500.00 to snake the pipes, what?? So I called multiple people on Craigslist, explained that she had no money but needed help. He came out, inspected the situation, which was more than a clogged drain and referred a young man that did the work for 200.00. Oh, a snake would not have fixed anything because she has been using draino in cast iron pipes, they were corroded shut. They had to install new pipes.

There are still generous, kind tradesmen out there, you just have to look and ask.

Good luck!

Unitetogether Mar 2021
You have a lot of good suggestions GardenArtist!
GardenArtist Mar 2021
Thank you for that compliment!

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GardenArtist Mar 2021
Finishing my post - once again it's frozen and I can't add anything.

After the 5th paragraph ending in "fiscal year": 

If your community was on a July through June fiscal year, those funds might be gone, but perhaps not.

Also, contact your county's building department, or similar unit, to find out if they have special arrangements for home improvement. Ours grants interest free loans to people in need.  From what I understand, they're usually larger projects, but I never explored the whole range of what was available.  Payment isn't due until the house is sold, if it ever is.

GardenArtist Mar 2021
Terry, another option is to contact Senior Centers, which sometimes have lists of contractors who focus on seniors and give discounts.    Or you can search online for plumbers in your area, then add senior discounts to the search.   You may have to make some type of payment arrangement, but given the emergency, that might be an option.

Also, put crumbled newspapers, coffee grounds and baking soda in the area to absorb the odor.

Another option is to contact Christmas in April or Habitat for Humanity.   They provide free services for people in need.

And yet another option is to contact your community's building department, which (in my area) sometimes used to recommend contractors and tradesmen who had performed in the city and established a good relationship and reputation. 

In addition, my community used to get HUD funds for emergency services for residents, but the funds were disbursed after the latest fiscal year.  

211 is also a potential source; just dial it as you would if you were calling 911.   I believe 211 has United Way support.

Unitetogether Mar 2021
Sorry to hear. I know what you mean, I have a plumbing problem also. I was thinking about what others said here. A family member or friend. Or go to nextdoor.com and I bet someone could help that doesn't live far from you. And would be reasonable. Good luck

AlvaDeer Mar 2021
Consider a call to your local Counsel on Aging. They may have volunteers. Reach out to closest family or friends or neighbors. As a last resort call Adult Protective and tell them your dilemma. I am so sorry. I am assuming the old application of vinegar and baking soda followed by a plunger isn't working.

Geaton777 Mar 2021
Call a local plumber and see if they will take you on pro bono. It doesn't cost anything to ask them. Or go onto Nextdoor.com and ask your neighbors, I think you'll get helped a lot faster.

gladimhere Mar 2021
Call the area agency on aging. Or AARP may have a list of plumbers that will help. Local churches, local media?

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