By Caroline Clemmons
How embarrassing to be so late. I have a good excuse, but you know what Mary Poppins said: “Never give an excuse.” Anyway…
We live in an older home, built in 1950. To Beth Trissel, this sounds new, as she is fortunate to have her family (as in many generations) home nearby. Those of you who live in an older home realize the many issues that come with it.
I love this house! I enjoy living here. I enjoy it more when the plumbing works properly.
We are currently battling years of tree roots and pipe deterioration. We have a plumber coming today. With any luck, he will do some roto-rooting to clear out the roots and be on his way.
I recall when my sister in Southern California had a similar problem. Rather than jackhammer the floor, they rerouted the pipes through the ceiling and walls. Southern California—they didn’t have to worry about the pipes freezing.
Last year, we had to have what we call “the mole people” come to our home with a slab foundation. There is an amazing machine which excavates a square just large enough for a thin plumber (more likely his very junior helper) to crawl in. The excavation sounds like a giant mole is underfoot. The young man detached the old pipe, attached the new one, and backed out.
But, that has to be the world’s worst job!
Then, the same machine moved the dirt back in place. No jackhammer required! Technological advances are not just in electronics, thank goodness.
Have a great day.
