I don’t have the energy to describe the latest house problem in detail because they all have the same components. But I do need to share something so that when I want to leave next fall I can go back and see all the reasons why we should.
Landlord called me on Thursday morning after Metro Water Services called him. The meter said that we are keeping a whale alive in our basement or there is a leak. I confirmed that there was no whale. Landlord came over and discovered a big leak at the meter. I’m surprised the box never overflowed.
I’m not certain of the order or the events themselves. I know that our neighbor, who we split the water bill with, contacted Metro after the Landlord didn’t return his calls. Landlord found out and was pissed neighbor interfered. Neighbor finally agrees with me that Landlord is bad. However we both know that we have nice places to live and so far it isn’t worth leaving.
Metro investigated the leak and confirmed that it was Landlord’s problem because he doesn’t have three feet of copper pipe from the meter. Landlord disagrees and believes they caused the leak when the meter was upgraded/changed.
I come home Thursday and talk with neighbor. Water is currently off and we agree to turn it back on in the morning until I left at 8:15. I turned it on did my stuff and returned to a flooded box in mid-30º air temperature. I attempt to find the valve with the long wrench but never connect in my 30 second attempt. I easily decide I am not sticking my arm down there and leave for work. I text Landlord that Metro’s investigation notice is on our door and I didn’t turn the water off. I also request to be informed when it will be fixed and if when we should expect water to be off.
I never heard from him.
He left a note on our door after he dug up the hole to access the pipes to replace. I think Nolan could have written a more legible note if he was drunk. The gist was that he will return tomorrow. The water is currently on. He requested we turn it on to bathe and fill up jugs. He also said we could turn it on in the morning.
I couldn’t find the wrench so I call Landlord. Eight times. He doesn’t answer. I find the wrench at the neighbors house and turn the water back on. Shit starts spraying everywhere and you have to get the metal lid on quickly before it starts covering the road’s bike lane. I decide later that evening that I will not turn off the water. The only reason for me to do so would be if that my act of defiance prevented the pipe replacement today.
Landlord showed up at 8:30 this morning and asked if it was a good time to fix it. I said yes and closed the door.
I want to scoop this house up from this bad man and give it the love it deserves.
