February, and now early March, have been stranger than usual at my house.
First of course, was the flu, then broncihits and sinusitis on top of that, which led to a whining, exhausted comment here, and thoughtful, helpful emails from Florrie and Lewy, which were deeply appreciated.
Then others at work got sick, and the blame fell on me (was I the only one who came into contact with the 'Typhoid Harry' customer?) and so I've been feeling guilty.
Two weekends ago I took my mother and sister to the home of a very kind lady from their church, to practice choir songs which she wanted sung at her funeral. That prompted a (half)witty series of comments from me, until the phone call this morning, telling us she had died. RIP Tish.
This was the woman who, on the sudden death of my brother-in-law some time ago, actually donated two side-by-side burial plots for him and my sister.
Saturday, in the mail, my sister got the water/sewer bill. It totalled $327, which was nearly double the prior one. So we went looking, and the 20 year old water heater seems to have been merrily dribbling for at least a couple of months, judging by the condition of the floor in its closet. Thank God it did not fail catastrophically in the middle of the night, as there is no shut-off (but will be, after today).
I had to call the city water department to turn off the feed to the house, and as I type this, 30 gallons of water are draining in prep for the removal of the old tank, and its replacement, by me, with a much larger and more efficient one. It should be empty about now, more reports to come.
I tell ya, it's just a laugh a minute, around here.
Well, in fact it had not drained at all, until I took off the top line, and added to the wet condition of the floor. Apperently there was an airlock, which I shuold have expected, but it is draining now.
ReplyDeleteOK, the old tank is out - it was leaking far more than I'd realized. There is now a shut-off valve in the line and I am waiting for the water crew to return to make sure none of my new pipe joints is leaking.
ReplyDeleteIf not, I will rebuild the floor in the closet, then slide in the new tank.
I had a leak.
ReplyDeleteI despise PEX tubing.
So, hopefully that is corrected, the new tank is now in and connected, except for electricity, because I can't find any of my damn wirenuts.
I am now waiting for the third appearance of the water crew.
I LOATHE PEX tubing - of to the store to find a different type of connector, but not really much hope unless I can change the tubing.
ReplyDeleteI learned a LONG time ago not to pester Noah while he's simultaneously plumbing and cussing, so I'll just give you a quick peck on the cheek and tiptoe off...
ReplyDelete:p
And that's it.
ReplyDeleteFour connectors of various types, and the damn joint is still dribbling.
I give up for tonight
Oh, Geez, Lady Red, I hope you did not hear what I was saying. I'm embarrassed, and the air is a lovely cerulean.
ReplyDeleteSigh, guess I have to break down and get a PEX clamping tool.
Except it's almost $100.
So in the morning I will call and see if I can borrow one from work.
Tomorrow will be two days since I've showered, so at least I will look like a lot of our rental customers.
OK, amazing what the proper tools can do, even with crap materials.
ReplyDeleteI drove to work, borrowed the wrench and bought some PEX crimps, then my brother in law and the neighbor came over to scream in horror in case things blew out again.
It has now been just slightly over one hour since I turned the water back on, and no runs, drips, or geysers.
I got it wired in, and can feel the heat in the outflow tubes.
So for now I will give a qualified 'yay', but I still jump at every little noise coming from that direction
It was not without drama, however, as my half-deaf neighbor heard Walter yell to turn off the kitchen faucet, which I was running to ease the shock of the initial pressure, and then shouted to me to turn the water back off.
ReplyDeleteThen the water company guys happened to drive by en route from another location about 10 minutes after I'd turned on the water, and retrieved their key and orange cone.
Of course, I was nervous not to have the key there, (and still am, in fact) but it's time to leave the nest and let my plumbing fly (or swim) on its own.
Glad you have, hopefully, worked through all of that nuisance. Personally, I pray to the hot water gods every morning. If technology has brought us nothing else, it has gifted us with hot water. Though much of the world still lacks this most basic need. Perhaps this could be a rallying cry.
ReplyDeleteI feel for you, DWT. Our hwh is on it's last legs. If it holds out a few more months I can do it at my own leisure (yeah,right) but chances are I'll be doing it out of desperation.
ReplyDeleteAt least I have a working shut-off valve...
Hang in there, Dances. It's the pits, eh? Your family is so lucky that you are such a handyman and can do the repairs. Going rate here for repairpeople of any stripe is $125 to walk in one's house. Bah.
ReplyDeleteAnd then to be sick on top of it all...well, that would wear anyone one out. I really hope things look up soon and that you are completely over that nasty flu/bronchitis thing.
{{{DWT}}}
I learned a LONG time ago not to pester Noah while he's simultaneously plumbing and cussing, so I'll just give you a quick peck on the cheek and tiptoe off...
ReplyDeleteI think I need to take a clue from lady red...I'm sure Tom would like to shoot my face off as I give him (not) helpful suggestions...
Thank gawd he has the patience of Job.
ReplyDeleteI drove to work, borrowed the wrench and bought some PEX crimps, then my brother in law and the neighbor came over to scream in horror in case things blew out again.
LMAO!!! Love ya, DWT!
The city brought a cone. Helpful effers, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteYou are a jewel, florrie.
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks, Luther.
ReplyDeleteI was just talking to myself here last night and today...
Luther said...
ReplyDeleteYou are a jewel, florrie.
Yeah, she is - Tom is a lucky man.
"Tom is a lucky man."
ReplyDeleteI almost said that, but thought it would be too forward... or something.
I'm sorry you have been talking to yourself, florrie. I flit in and out, depending on medication, self-medication, and need to sleep. I ain't well quite yet.
S.J. Lee be ignorant. Imbued, for no reason, with self-importance.
I love the "Looney Toons" analogy, good one. Though sadly the joke/laugh is on us.
Right back at you guys! You are very good for my ego!
ReplyDeleteI know all of you are super busy so I was trying to fill the gaps until y'all have more time to post topics.
Do you still have the flu too, Luther? Sorry you're still sick, dayum.
You're doing a fine job of gap filling, florrie. And I'm sorry to have posted my comments of your posts on the incorrect thread.
ReplyDeleteBut no flu, dear, broken bones. Though at my age it just gives me something to talk about.
Meant to add, off to bed for me, now. Sorry for being homey, and familiar, and extrapolating what isn't there, really. My problem, of course.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, broken bones?? I'm sorry to hear that, I know you've turned in but I'll look around and see if you posted about it here.
ReplyDeleteTake care!! Good thing you have a nurse at home :-) (Seriously, good thing, I wish I did)
We like homey and familiar. Don't apologize! Lord, I'd be apologizing every day, lol.
Back in Novermber, florrie. It's getting better but still not there. Yep, it is nice to have a nurse around... well, except when she's on my ass to quit smoking. :)
ReplyDeleteThat quake in Japan is horrible, such destruction.
Dances, your talent with the plumbing is enviable. The closest I get to "plumbing" is setting up a new home network router.
ReplyDelete(If we lived closer we could barter services!)
I've been insanely busy - my wife and I are moving - downsizing and moving into an apartment in the city. (Did I post this already? Dunno... mind is fuzzy).
House sale is closing next week, we move in a few days.
Two humans and one cat, flat out, filling dumpsters and boxes.