A small disaster happened yesterday. After a long day of work I needed a warm bath. I didn't feel too well and I think a cold is coming up. The hot water faucet was leaking a bit so I tried to fix it before taking a bath. I unscrewed the top part and instead of fixing the problem it got worse. Alright, just tighten the bolt... Uhm.. counter clockwise or clockwise? I gave it a shot.
Before I knew I had my own version of Old Faithful in my bathroom. I started to panic. Hot water all over me. Gallons of water on the bathroom floor by now and this happens in seconds. Yes! the main valve! Only problem is that the main valve is outside my house, some 50 yards between some trees. I ran outside thinking of the gallons spouting to the ceiling and back on the floor. It's raining, it's col and it is dark. I can't find the main valve! I ran back inside to grab my flashlight. Outside again... Damn, I need a screwdriver to lift the plate of the valve. Ran back inside again. Finally I was able to shut down the water. But once inside the water is still running!
OH NO! I shut down the wrong valve and by now my neighbors have no water... I had plenty. Outside again... Turn on valve, look for my valve. The battery of my flashlight is dying now. Yes! Found my valve and shut it down. The nightmare ends...
At the end I didn't get my bath. There was no hot water left for a regular shower. I was soaking wet and cold of the rain and the 'geyser'. Today I'm home. Taking a sick day. The cold I felt coming up is here and I feel miserable. My lesson: Owning a $69.99 power tool kit from Walmart doesn't make you a certified plumber...


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