Plumbers undertake the dirtiest jobs, but they're stereotyped as con artists for some reason. To put it another way, without them, where would you be? At what location would you put your bathroom? And let's be frank here. We don't plan for months in advance to get plumbing work done. Around two in the morning, when water is up to our ankles, and stolen hotel towels are strewn all over the floor, we call plumbers in a panic. Amid a crisis, we call plumbers who must quickly assess the situation, explain how our pumps and valves work in plain Language, and take corrective action to prevent more harm. If you're doing a dirty job, don't think for a second that you don't deserve our respect and sympathy. Here are nine things plumbers wish their customers understood.

1. Your drains are clogged. Very filthy. Yet, this does not imply that you are. "People have no idea what they're flushing down the toilet," says Jonathan Thorne, general manager of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Wichita, KS. If you've never seen a toilet or shower snaked, it's grosser than you think

This will serve as a reminder for you, that is normal. Your drains' sludge doesn't indicate your cleanliness or your plumber's skill. Commenting about the bathroom's ugliness mid-renovation is useless. It'll improve.

2. They'll clean up after themselves—not after you. Good plumbers keep your home clean after a dirty job. "We want it to look just like it did when we arrived," says Dallas-based GFB Plumbing owner Chris Wallace. They won't clean up your messes since some clients expect plumbers to be maids.

3. Don't feel bad for calling late at night. Midnight emergencies don't bother experienced plumbers because they work 24/7, "Call—we'll answer."

4. Remember not to overestimate your ability to do it yourself. If you're not handy, get a plumber. "Know your limits," adds Thorne. Some employ the incorrect instrument, making a tiny problem bigger. It turns a simple adjustment into a laborious task that may require breaking up floorboards or walls. Savings are possible. But would you rather spend a little now than a lot later? Plumbers deal with waste but hate wastefulness.

5. Stick around or leave during the job—it doesn't matter. Being around while your plumber works is fine. Several plumbers prefer you stay so you can answer home-related concerns in an emergency.

6. Maintain your appliances. Even new homes need maintenance. Flush and inspect the anode rod annually for most water heaters, and regularly check your water shut-off valve for corrosion. Pay attention to your tasks. The owner's manual has instructions, but many homeowners neglect to maintain their plumbing which can shorten its longevity and cause issues.

7. Take Action ASAP. Hear a leak or a flush? Little basement leak? Before your basement floods or something worse happens, call your plumber. The situation wouldn't have reached that level if sufficient maintenance or attention. Awareness is the key. Repairing a tiny issue is cheaper than a massive renovation.

8. Know your home. Be the master of your own home. Where is your shut-off valve? If you don't know, find out now to save your plumber time and prevent water damage to your home. In that way, if there's a leak or you observe water spraying or not turning off, you can turn it off at the source.

9. Plumbing can be expensive. High cost does not automatically equate to poor value.

A lot of people need to pay more attention to plumbing costs. Bringing things up to code takes time, skill, training, and materials. Always get multiple quotes, but don't ignore a costly one. Cheap plumbers won't guarantee their work like more expensive ones.

Price alone does not only determine quality. Read reviews to ensure your plumber has the integrity and ability to handle worst-case situations. Ensure the plumber is licensed and insured. Uninsured plumbers could sue you for damages if they were hurt on your property, and if they damaged your pipes while working on them, they could just leave town, doubling your expenses.