The real eye-opener is the realization that the process is much the same for almost any kind of distribution system using almost any kind of "tubes". Electricity, cable, telephone lines, hot and cold water, heated water for baseboard systems. Basically, you're making a route for something to get from "here" to "there", without leaking out on the way.
With that concept, and a bit of observation, one can easily add a whole spectrum of abilities to his repertoire.
Sounds like you are ready to open a fertility clinic as well. :-)