Coincidentally, I have been having plumbing problems too. Been going on for almost 6 weeks. Even once it is resolved there will still be work to be done. Cleaning up the basement, fixing damaged walls, etc. At this point I've learned so much I could go into business as a plumber.
I hear you;
That comment made me smirk a little. Your thought processes seems to be the same as mine. One can learn on the fly and quickly when the situation calls for it. House maintenance can be a good teacher.