New rule !

Mark Hunt · November 2006

I did not do this job on a barter agreement, but I should have seen what was coming.

While working in a customers house recently, I noticed that water was dripping from the joists under the tub in the main bath. It dripped all day indicating a leak in a domestic water feed. I mentioned it to the HO and they agreed to "let me fix it"....hahaha.

Well.....I tackled this job today. There is a tub surround that has been in place for a few years now. NOTHING holding it to the wall. The "Liquid Nails" gave up the ghost YEARS ago. Not surprising since THERE WAS NO WALL FOR IT TO STICK TO!! GONE!! POOF! Disintegrated! The tub/shower valve has been leaking for YEARS and the wall was eaten away. How do you "fix" that?!?!??!

The HO is planning on a major bath remodel in the future so I pieced everything back together the best I could. New tub/shower valve, lots of liquid nails and plenty of plumbers caulk. Not real pretty, but functional.

I do it to myself at least once a year. I take on a project that should be left alone until it is ready to be addressed properly. Still, I couldn't leave that old valve there to leak water 24/7...

"Any way..........we delivered the bomb."

Mark H

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Singh_2 · November 2006

Don't Barter work !!!

I had some signs made up. I know this fellow over the years, so instead of giving me a bill, he asks for exchange of work in his house.
OK, Its a plumbing job, cut out and remove sections of his leaking rusty 4" cast iron bell and spigot sewer pipe.
Do you see where this is going?, First cut with my chain cutter by the wye which goes thru the foundation wall, crumples. Luckily I saved the fitting thru the wall, which saves me from going outside with a shovel and pick.
Then, as I'm glueing pvc pipe back toghether I had the toughest time making a connection because of weird angles. I cut that work out and wasted the fittings I just put in , run to the supply house for a 22 degree fitting.
I get back, my ladder just bumped into the pressure tank boiler drain and breaks off, threads still inside. shii%&$#@ !!
Just another manic monday.
I have an estimate to do , but right now I'm just going to turn on the boob tube.

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bovide_4 · November 2006

I feel your pain

I know the feeling all too well. Usually with jobs for family. But anytime an old cast iron pipe can crumble, I always go for the gas saw, or large electric cutoff saw. If not, cut a square window in the pipe with a small grinder, then cut the rest of the pipe from the inside out.

Timco · November 2006

I'm in one of these right now. WH next to the boiler I am replacing has totally bogus venting, and both nipples are nearly corroded away. WH is just 4 years old. Seems to be an electric ground / bond issue. Will bond the H&C, but do I dare try and pull the bad nipples? "While you're in there...."

Tim

Mark Hunt · November 2006

My advice

just go buy them a new water heater.

Install it when they are not home and then call everyone you know and invite them to the house for a "Surprise party". Have a sign made that reads, "CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 4000TH CUSTOMER!!!!!!!!!"

Hang that somewhere in the house. When the HO's come home, everyone jumps up and yells, "Congratulations!!!!!" Confetti, balloons.......you get the idea.

The water heater, balloons, confetti and a few pizzas will set you back less than a G. Touch those nipples.......

Mark H

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Joannie_11 · November 2006

Hee hee hee

Okay, Quint.....THAT cracked me up!

tim smith · November 2006

A little off subject but similar

Sunday I get a call from a regional maintenance mgr for large restaurant chain, no hot water. This place is appx 20 mi. from me. I think back and kind of remember some notes I sent on invoice last year. We had got this rooftop dhw boiler running last december but it was limping along. I put a not on the invoice that boiler is approaching an unsafe condition and must be replaced. I as the maint. mgr if they had replaced it, she said no but they had quote for new one. I told her that I would not work on it as almost 11 months ago I said to replace it due to safety concerns, she asked me does that mean you won't work on it! Uhhhh yes.

New rule !

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