Episode Details

Main Street Plumbing Company:
https://mainstplumbingnc.com/

Main Street Plumbing Number:
919-617-0496

Capps Plumbing Company:
https://cappsplg.com/

In this episode of Chicks in Construction, Mikki Paradise welcomes Hailey, a plumber with more than 14 years of experience, to share hilarious stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical advice every homeowner should know. 

From the strangest things ever flushed down toilets to why plumbers cringe when they hear someone used Drano, Hailey explains the mistakes that lead to expensive repairs—and how homeowners can avoid them.

The conversation also explores what it's like being a woman in the plumbing trade, dealing with stereotypes, earning respect on the job, and why the construction industry needs more women. Along the way, Mikki and Hailey discuss water heaters, water pressure, plumbing maintenance, DIY repairs, builder shortcuts, and the importance of finding a plumber you can trust.

Whether you're a homeowner trying to prevent costly repairs or someone considering a career in the skilled trades, this episode is packed with practical advice, laughs, and insider knowledge.

00:00 – Welcome back to Chicks in Construction

01:00 – Meet guest plumber Hailey

04:00 – How Hailey became a plumber

06:30 – Why the trades were a better fit than college

07:00 – What it's like being a woman in plumbing

10:00 – Why construction should be called "male-populated," not "male-dominated"

11:30 – Homeowner mistakes plumbers see every day

14:00 – Why plumbers hate Drano and drain cleaners

17:00 – The only three things that belong in a toilet

18:00 – Flushable wipes aren't really flushable

19:00 – Grease, clogged drains, and expensive repairs

20:00 – The strangest things ever flushed down a toilet

23:00 – Inside Main Street Plumbing

26:00 – Why water pressure matters

28:00 – Knowing where your main water shutoff is

30:00 – Water damage prevention every homeowner should know

33:00 – Should you flush your water heater?

35:00 – Plumbing maintenance plans explained

37:00 – Extending the life of your water heater

38:00 – Warning signs your water heater is failing

39:00 – Why you should shut your water off before vacation

42:00 – Cheap toilets vs. quality plumbing fixtures

45:00 – Why trustworthy contractors are worth keeping

50:00 – Builder shortcuts plumbers see every day

53:00 – Which plumbing repairs are safe to DIY?

55:00 – Final homeowner tips