Plumbing pisses me off, big time!
A couple of months ago, both the bathroom and kitchen hot water valves developed a case of the drips, but not bad enough to take action yet. Then, one Monday morning when I took the trash out from under the sink, I found there had been a leak which was the plastic hose for the cold water valve at the fitting to the supply valve. No problem, just snug down the fitting, right? Except the fitting takes some Whitworth or other odd wrench size. Go down to the shop to retrieve the adjustable open end wrench (AKA Crescent wrench
). Tighten fitting. Leak is worse, and its too late to start the job, so fashion a "catch-can" from a one gallon water jug. Next day, after buying a new hose, as well as grease for the dripping faucets, I go the shut off the water meter. The valve has a lug with a hole in it, that can be used to lock the meter in the off position if you don't pay your bill. The lug hit the concrete meter box, which had evidently migrated away from the street towards the house; perhaps all the loaded dump trucks driving back and forth to the town maintenance yard at the end of the street have squished the earth under the street outwards like play-dough? Anyway I got the leaks and drips fixed.
Last Monday, I take the trash out from under the sink, and the bottom of the cabinet is damp!?? I can't find the source of the leak?? The pipes, hoses, and all joints are dry. I finally found it only leaks when either the hot or cold water is turned on; there must be a crack in the main part of the faucet. Fashion catch can until replacement ca be purchased.
I've noticed the last couple of days when I'm standing in front of the toilet in my bare feet that the floor feels warmer on my left foot than the right. Long story short, there is a hot water pipe leaking directly under that side of the toilet, and the ground is thoroughly saturated muck. Shut off supply valve to hot water heater, and shut off breaker.
