Plumber on speed dial vs. plumbing apps—what's your go-to?

I keep a plumber’s number taped inside the kitchen cabinet—old school, but it’s saved me twice when my phone was dead. Tried an app once, but it crashed right when my basement was flooding... never again. Sometimes low-tech just works better, you know?

Plumber On Speed Dial Vs. Plumbing Apps—What's Your Go-To?

I get the appeal of the paper backup, but isn’t that just adding another thing to forget? Seen plenty of folks with a faded number from years ago—sometimes the plumber’s retired, sometimes it’s a pizza place now. Not saying apps are perfect (they crash, sure), but at least most of ‘em update their contact lists and reviews.

Ever tried just memorizing your plumber’s number? I know, sounds old-fashioned, but it’s faster than rummaging through drawers or cabinets when panic hits. And if your phone’s dead, how’re you calling anyone anyway? Landlines aren’t exactly common these days.

I’ve had calls come in from people who found my number taped to a water heater or scrawled on a fridge magnet from years back. Sometimes they’re relieved, sometimes they’re annoyed because I moved outta state and never updated the sticker. That’s the risk with “low-tech”—it can be out of date before you realize.

Not saying apps are flawless (they can be pretty awful at crunch time), but there is something to be said for having multiple ways to reach help. Maybe keep the number handy, but also make sure it’s still right. Or have a couple of options written down—not just one.

Curious—anyone else ever call the wrong number in a rush and get someone totally random? Happens more than you’d think...

- I get the convenience of apps, but honestly, I’ve had them freeze up right when a pipe burst. Not fun.
- Keeping a plumber’s number in my phone’s contacts works best for me—less clutter than paper, more reliable than an app that needs updates or WiFi.
- Had tenants call the wrong number once because they grabbed an old magnet off the fridge. Ended up with a pizza instead of a plumber... not helpful.
- I do keep a backup list in my email just in case my phone dies or gets lost. Not perfect, but at least it’s not stuck to an appliance from 2009.
- Apps are great for reviews, but when you need someone fast, nothing beats having a trusted contact ready to go.

Title: Plumber on speed dial vs. plumbing apps—what's your go-to?

- Had a similar experience to the app-freezing issue during a late-night emergency. Water everywhere, app just spinning. Ended up scrolling through old texts to find the plumber’s number. Not ideal, but at least it worked.

- I keep a short list of trusted trades in my phone contacts, but I also print a hard copy and stick it in the utility closet. Might sound old-school, but when the power’s out or the phone’s dead, that paper list is gold.

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Had tenants call the wrong number once because they grabbed an old magnet off the fridge. Ended up with a pizza instead of a plumber... not helpful.

- Apps are great for checking reviews or comparing prices, but in an emergency, I don’t want to be reading star ratings. I want someone who’ll actually pick up and show up.

- I do like the idea of emailing myself a backup list. Never thought of that, but it’s smart. I’ve seen people lose their phones mid-crisis and then have no clue who to call.

- One thing I’d add: if you’re managing multiple properties or have tenants, make sure they all have the right number saved in their phones, not just stuck to a fridge or buried in a lease packet. Saves a lot of confusion.

- Bottom line, I trust a direct contact more than any app, but redundancy is your friend. Digital, paper, email—cover your bases. Emergencies don’t care if your WiFi’s down.

Honestly, I’m with you on the redundancy thing—nothing like a backup plan for when tech decides to take a nap. I once tried to use an app during a leak and ended up with soggy socks and zero plumber. Now I keep a handwritten list taped inside my kitchen cabinet (on recycled paper, of course). It’s not glamorous, but it beats calling the pizza place when your pipes burst. Regularly updating that list is key, though... learned that the hard way after reaching a disconnected number mid-flood.