Happy first day of spring to all in the northern hemisphere. Happy first day of autumn to those in the southern hemisphere!
So, this morning, at 8:00 a.m., I called the water heater people and tried to schedule an appointment. I was told they can't make an appointment until I have the replacement part, which had been promised to be delivered by 10:00 a.m. I called the office and arranged to work from home, today, because I wanted to be home when the part arrived, rather than have it sit on the doorstep until I came home in the evening and tried to schedule an appointment for the following day.
The part was actually delivered a little after 9:00 a.m., which made me happy. I called and scheduled the appointment with the repairman. I was told he'll be here by 4:00 p.m., and I was happy. At 3:45 p.m., I called the company to check if the guy was still coming by 4:00 p.m., they put me on hold to try an contact him, said they couldn't get a hold of him, but said they left a message asking him to call them, and they will call me as soon as he does. At 4:30 p.m., I called the company again - they were closed, of course! I left a message on their voice mail, complaining about the no-show and how I now have to take another day off from work, and how upset and disappointed I was, etc. Obviously, I was not happy.
However, at 5:00 p.m., the repairman called and said he'll be out here in 20 minutes, or so. Yay! He did finally show up, at about 5:30 p.m.
According to him, it is not the water heater at fault, the valve is leaking because of the water pressure! Apparently, the pressure of the water coming into the house is too high! I have had a couple of people comment on my water pressure, before, so, I guess he was right. He measured it with a gauge at both the water heater valve and the front of the house and he said I need a new pressure regulator in the front. He showed the part to me - as far as I know, it has never been replaced since I've owned the house! He said I could get my plumber to do it or he could do it and it would cost about $350.
Well, I don't really have a plumber. There have been a couple of plumbers I've had out during various times, but I don't have a particular plumber. And, I didn't want to go looking for another plumber, at this point. So, I asked him to replace the pressure regulator. The last thing I need is have a water pipe bursting, under my house, due to overly high pressure! One of my cousins had that happen and it caused a lot of damage; she is still getting her house repaired from it. Anyway, he said he'll write up the work order and the company will call to schedule that appointment and, hopefully, he can come out, tomorrow.
He did relight my pilot light and the water heater burner - apparently the sodden insulation blocked the air vents and that is why the burner wouldn't stay lit. He cleared what he could and fixed a hose for the leaking valve to drip down and out, instead of getting the water heater wet. As a result, he couldn't close the door to the enclosure - he just leaned it in place for now, except, it kept falling for the wind! I put some bricks against it, at the bottom, but that was not enough, so finally, I duct taped the door in place! I wish I had taken a picture, but it was already getting dark, so I didn't take a picture. Maybe I'll take one in the morning!
After he left, I called the company back and left them another message, stating that the repairman did come by, after all, after 5:00 p.m. Maybe I should have been more patient, earlier, but I wasn't. If only someone had called and said he's running late, but he will be there, eventually, that would have helped, a lot.
In the meantime, there was this:
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| Truck partially blocking my driveway |
A truck parked that was partially blocking my driveway. I didn't know for sure whose truck it was, when I first saw it parked there in the morning - I thought it belonged to one of the construction guys who are repairing the house next door (that had the fire in the garage, last year). I expected they would move it when they left for the day, but it remained there. I went out and took pictures because I was expecting the water heater repair guy and I assumed he would need to pull into my driveway.
Apparently, it belongs to the people who live here:
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| Caravan parked in front of my house |
This is the caravan that is parked in front of my house for the most part (they move it when it is street cleaning time on Thursdays) since the beginning of this year. I don't know who they are, but I think they are people who rent from the house next door (that had the fire and is now under renovations). After I took the pictures, I went next door to see if anyone was there, to complain, but no one came to the gate (although I could hear voices in the back). Then, I saw the guy coming out from the caravan and going to move the truck. So I asked him if it was his truck and he muttered in Spanish that he was going to move it. I told him he couldn't park like that and block my driveway and that I will call the police, next time. I don't know if he understood what I said and if he will try to retaliate in some way. Sigh.
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| The view from my living room window |
It started raining around 7:00 p.m. (which was when I went outside to duct tape the water heater enclosure door). Shortly after that, the lights went out, briefly! I promise I am not making up this stuff! I got my flashlight (I have several scattered around the house, but there's one under my pillow at all times) but then, the lights came back on. I called my neighbor T to check on her. She sounded very shaken and said the lights going out scared her, using more colorful language than that, and then, asked me to pardon her French! LOL. I asked her if she had a flashlight and she said yes and thanked me for calling to check on her.
Today, there were several phone calls from various people - the monks from the temple called because they had heard I had water heater problems, friend R and aunt C called to see how I was doing, as well as cousin P. I asked cousin P if she was going to the rosary prayer gathering, which is being held this weekend at her uncle's house and, if so, could I get a ride with her, as I really don't feel up to driving. She said she'll let me know, as she needs to check if her daughter will be available to drive us. Later in the evening, I video chatted with my daughter.
So, tomorrow, I will work from home, again. And wait for the repairman. In the rain. Hopefully, without a truck blocking my driveway. I've almost got the beginnings of a country and western song, don't I? There is even the sound of a train whistle in the back ground (there are two railway tracks near my home and they have to sound the whistle when they go through the railway crossings) and the neighbor's dogs barking. Or, maybe I should try for the blues - my water heater is leaking, I dented my car, neighbor's truck was blocking my driveway, and when I went to make my coffee this morning, the milk was sour.
Today, I am grateful for:
- I am able to work from home while I wait for parts to be delivered and repair persons to show up
- The replacement part (which apparently isn't needed any more!) was delivered early
- The repair person did show up, eventually
- He was able to diagnose the real problem
- He was able to re-light my water heater and...
- I HAVE HOT WATER! Yay!
Of course, the leak is still there, but, hopefully, it will get repaired, tomorrow.
How was your first day of spring?
(My comment didn't go through so I will try again!). Exactly my experience with someone coming to my house to fix anything....once when I had a window of time of up to 5 p.m., the guy showed up at 7! Very frustrating to wait for hours! (my last home, not where I live now). But that was a good repairman to find the problem like that. Also, I hope the RV doesn't come back. The last year in my last home, there was an RV next door that my living room window looked out to. Our county used to not allow them in housing developments but then allowed them. Now I don't have neighbors homes as close so it wouldn't be a problem, and luckily isn't! Andrea
ReplyDeleteAndrea, I am so sorry your comments do go through on the first try! But thank you for trying again. I really appreciate it.
DeleteYes, they give a window of time, 9 to 5, but, it depends on how long things can take at the various other jobs and traffic, etc. I do understand, but, when they say they'll be here by 4 p.m., I really don't expect them to show up at close to 5:30 p.m., you know? Especially when the business closes at 4:00 p.m. Anyway, the important thing is that the guy did show up and I have hot water, again.
The RV is still solidly parked outside my house! I believe one of my neighbors called the police to complain about it and was told that, as long as they move it once a week, they are allowed to park on the street. I feel sorry for the people living in it, because they have a tarp over it for the rain, so I guess it has a leaky roof. And, I suppose, it is better than having no place in which to live. But, please don't block my driveway with your truck! I am glad your neighbors' homes are not as closely located to you and you don't have to deal with RVs and such! Hope you are having a pleasant day, Andrea.
Oh how frustrating! It probably helps your frustration, though, that you are kind enough to feel sorry for them! (the RV). Andrea
DeleteSometimes, though, my kindness blows up in my face, when people take advantage of it, but I try to be kind, nevertheless. :)
DeleteOh, Bless. It's not been fun at your house for several days now. However, there is progress with your hot water heater and hopefully with the neighbors next door. Time will tell.
ReplyDeleteLive and Learn, it's been one thing after another! I am usually a very mild-mannered woman, but, there is really only so much I can take, before everything gets to me and I become, well, not so mild-mannered! LOL!
DeleteMy goodness if it isn't one thing it's another. I didn't know the home owner was responsible for the pressure regulator. Hope that is taken care of today quickly.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the regulations say about that motor home parked in front of your house around the clock except for Thursday's. I'd be very annoyed about the truck blocking your driveway. If it happens again go out and get the license plate number before you call the police.
Yes, Sandy, never a dull moment, as they say! Yes, the regulator is attached to where the water comes into the house and anything located on your property, is your responsibility. That includes gas lines, as our gas company is fond of telling us! I had my water pipes replaced about 20 years ago, when I put in the family room addition, and the house rewired, but I don't think we replaced that regulator, then.
DeleteOh, the company called around 10:30 a.m., today, to let me know that the repair person couldn't come out, today or tomorrow. So, I have him scheduled for Monday. Hopefully, no pipes burst in the meantime! :o
As for the RV, one of my other neighbors called the police about it, and was told that, as long as they move it once a week, they are allowed to park in one place. Sometimes, they park it in front of the next door neighbor's house, but these days, they have a huge dumpster set out there, because they are rebuilding the fire damaged area of their house. They have a portable toilet set out in front, too, on their driveway, along with the huge generator! I tell you, I live in a real classy neighborhood! :D
Yes, I took a picture of the license plate! Photographic evidence! I don't like to be confrontational with neighbors, because, I feel a bit vulnerable, living alone as I do and gone during the day; anybody can observe when I leave in the morning and when I come home. But I can't allow them to take advantage of me, either!
Bles, I'm so sorry about all this heaped upon you. I saw this and immediately thought you'd understand it's value more than anyone I know
ReplyDeletehttps://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scottepp.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F10%2FThe-Abundance-in-Life-Wheel-template.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scottepp.com%2Ftag%2Fabundance-in-life-wheel%2F&docid=wk0SbAiKoGd5zM&tbnid=WQz4vmTZLenpgM%3A&vet=1&w=880&h=937&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim
Please do not attempt to 'confront' the squatters parked in front of your home. Call the police, it's their job to discuss the problems you or others on the street feel about an old RV, water closet, truck blocking driveway or other issues yet to come. If many on the block complain and continue to report inconveniences, taking photos with phone etc. the more likely there will be action. Surely the could park the RV in their backyard or arrange parking with a commercial lot like service station or strip mall.
Sending prayers, stress is not a friend for your medical history
Hon, thank you for that link! That is very similar to my balanced life goals wheel! The areas are a little different, of course, but that is how it should be - our personal areas can change based on what is important to us/where we are in our lives.
DeleteYes, I need to be careful about confronting people; better to call the authorities to deal with the issues, but, you know, sometimes they don't consider it important enough to come out and deal with it. But I shall be a little more careful in the future.
These RVs are popping up more and more often, as people lease them to rent them out to others! Housing is getting to be so expensive that this is becoming a citywide problem!
Wow, don't think I'd like that parked in front of my house and it would certainly bother me to have the truck parked like that (as there are three cars sharing my driveway lol).
ReplyDeleteGlad you got the water sorted. I think we have low water pressure, but it's been like that since we moved in years ago.
I would rather they'd park their RV somewhere else, but I am OK with it being parked there, as long as they don't block my driveway, too! Hope you are keeping well, Sharon.
DeleteThe water heater saga seems to be mounting up in expenses - too bad! I hope it will soon be fixed and that you can put that particular concern behind you.
ReplyDeleteI hope that RV will be moved when the people are able to move back into their house. It certainly ruins the view from your window. I remember my parents used to have problems at their home in England with people next door who ran a business and parked one of their vans in full view. It was hard on my mother as they were elderly and at home most of the time and it annoyed her.
We have a minor inconvenience right now. I went for the mail on Monday and there was a note from the mail delivery lady on the section of boxes that ours was in, to say that the lock had broken and please pick up mail at the post office! So we have to go into town for it and when I asked there, they could give no indication of when we can expect normal service to resume. We sometimes don't check the mail but I know there is always a newspaper on Wednesdays so I did go down to the post office today. We will go again on Friday.
Bushlady, isn't it always the case with these repairs - they always find something else wrong and drive up the costs! But, I don't know enough about these things to say don't do it, either, and don't always have the time and energy to get a second opinion, etc.
DeleteThe people in the RV are not the owners of the house nextdoor - I really don't know who they are, but I think they might be people who rent from the homeowners.
Oh, no, I hope your mail box gets fixed, soon! Hope the trip to town to collect the mail isn't too inconvenient, especially on snowy roads. Maybe you can run a few other errands at the same time, or treat yourself to a nice cup of coffee or something. :)
Unfortunately I don't know of any neighborhood in the city where the homeowner owns the street in front of their house. The best we can do is try to get along with people and call the police if they block your driveway or do property damage.
ReplyDeleteYou are quite right, Marylynn. We don't own the street in front of our houses. Or the parkway (although we are required to maintain it), or the sidewalk. :)
DeleteI am in awe of you as you can find something to be thankful for in that day! It does sound like the repairman looked out for you, but it seems like the expenses are mounting. What a do! Aren't there rules about living in a caravan (? mobile home) on the street? Sending hugs and hopes that you get a lot more peace. LM x
ReplyDeleteLyssa, I try to remind myself that there is always something for which to be thankful in any given day. It can be as simple and basic as being alive to experience the day. :)
DeleteYes, repairs of any kind tend to be expensive as the repair people always find something else that needs to be done!
Actually, there are rules about "vehicle dwelling"; there is such a housing crisis here, that a new ordinance went into effect in January 2017 which will expire in July 2018, which permits vehicle dwelling on city streets as long as not within 500 feet of a school, daycare facility, and a few other similar facilities. I looked up the map for my area (there is a school a block away), and the restricted area on my street stops about midway down my block. I believe my property is just beyond the restricted area! I really don't mind it being parked there, just as long as they don't block my driveway!
I am so sorry you are having so many problems with the water heater . Is your street one where you can only park on one side of the road? If not then why are they parking on your side and not theirs?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debbie. The water heater is working now, and, hopefully, when the pressure regulator gets replaced on Monday, the leaking will stop.
DeleteParking is allowed on both sides of the street, except on street cleaning days (on Thursdays on my side; Wednesday, I believe on the other side). The RV seems to belong to the neighbors in the house to the left of me (same side of the street). They are parked in front of my house because there is no room for them to park in front of the neighbor's house. But, the people living in the RV are not the people who live in the house nextdoor. I really don't know who the people living in the RV are! But they go to the neighbor's house, sometimes, so there is some kind of connection.
So Sorry For all the trouble. So rude to park in front of your drive. Hopefully they will leave for good soon. Aldo hope you get the leak repaired soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judy. So far, they haven't blocked my driveway, since then. :) Yes, waiting for the repairman to come on Monday.
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