The faith of a plumber

[Sparkey]

Greetings forum!

Yesterday, my day started with a phone call to the Residential Manager of our multi-family housing unit (they guy in the office of the apartment complex).

"Chris? I began, "I think we have an emergency." I went on to explain how I had noticed a drip from the ceiling the night before and he, in response to my report, sent the Maintenance guy right over. When he touched the ceiling I heard him mutter, "oh, no. Not another drywall job," because the ceiling in my apartment had become saturated. He immediately left to check the apartment upstairs, fearing that their hot water heater may have malfunctioned and that it could be the source of the problem. No such luck. It turned out that one of the pipes that delivered water to my apartment had developed a leak and that this thing had been leaking for awhile now.

They thought about first-aid emergency repairs but quickly gave up and a phone call was made to a local plumber. Let's call this "Day One". The notice was sent, that due to an emergency repair, the water to our complex would be shut off during the expected time, between noon and 4:00 pm.

Back to my view - the guys who came to my place were nice enough, college age and none of them had the stereotypical "plumber's crack" problem with their pants when viewed from behind. During the time that the repair was undertaken, I was online here, talking to our members and may have even indicated what was going on in one of my remarks elsewhere. Eventually, the repair went past 4:00 pm and another note was sent out to other residents in our building. I took a nap and awoke to a quiet house, all my doors had been left open, but they guys had tidied up nicely before leaving for home.

Today, another plumbing truck arrived. It's saturday so the rental office is closed. I left my doors open so they could get in and went about my business as usual for a Saturday morning. Coffee? Lucky for me, I do have filtered water in the fridge, and the fact that our water had been shut off during the night was no big deal. The guys arrived, accompanied by others who introduced themselves as "The A-Team". I smiled, welcomed them to my home and let them go along their business. During the work, the first thing they did was to install a shut-off valve into my ceiling because the problem that they faced yesterday involved not being able to completely shut off the trickle of water to my ceiling via the main shut-off.

I understood what they were doing, at least in overview as I settled in to another day of plumbers in my place and not flushing the toilet. Coffee had been made and therefore all my basics had been attended to. While speaking to them, casual conversation, one of the guys said, "I have faith because there are three of us here."

Here I am, thinking about stuff like I normally do and it seems that what he said is very true. Three guys with much more than 30 years experience between them joint and fitly applied their combined skills to the task. My part? I gave them some Neosporin ointment for the occasional burn obtained while they used their torches to heat and treat the copper. They were joining stuff. They had faith. Faith that the combined effort would result in the desired outcome and that my water, used both for life (drinking water) as well as for treatment (to carry away any urine) would be restored.

Today, here, amongst brothers, my thought is that we too may pray. We may ask God for life; may also ask, according to His will, ask for the sake of our brothers when we see him/her stumble in sin --ask and trust in God that our efforts, our combined efforts, will indeed yield the desired result. This is better than mere plumbing and you are worth more than many sparrows!

 

[reba]

cool story

 

[JLB]

Greetings forum!

Yesterday, my day started with a phone call to the Residential Manager of our multi-family housing unit (they guy in the office of the apartment complex).

"Chris? I began, "I think we have an emergency." I went on to explain how I had noticed a drip from the ceiling the night before and he, in response to my report, sent the Maintenance guy right over. When he touched the ceiling I heard him mutter, "oh, no. Not another drywall job," because the ceiling in my apartment had become saturated. He immediately left to check the apartment upstairs, fearing that their hot water heater may have malfunctioned and that it could be the source of the problem. No such luck. It turned out that one of the pipes that delivered water to my apartment had developed a leak and that this thing had been leaking for awhile now.

They thought about first-aid emergency repairs but quickly gave up and a phone call was made to a local plumber. Let's call this "Day One". The notice was sent, that due to an emergency repair, the water to our complex would be shut off during the expected time, between noon and 4:00 pm.

Back to my view - the guys who came to my place were nice enough, college age and none of them had the stereotypical "plumber's crack" problem with their pants when viewed from behind. During the time that the repair was undertaken, I was online here, talking to our members and may have even indicated what was going on in one of my remarks elsewhere. Eventually, the repair went past 4:00 pm and another note was sent out to other residents in our building. I took a nap and awoke to a quiet house, all my doors had been left open, but they guys had tidied up nicely before leaving for home.

Today, another plumbing truck arrived. It's saturday so the rental office is closed. I left my doors open so they could get in and went about my business as usual for a Saturday morning. Coffee? Lucky for me, I do have filtered water in the fridge, and the fact that our water had been shut off during the night was no big deal. The guys arrived, accompanied by others who introduced themselves as "The A-Team". I smiled, welcomed them to my home and let them go along their business. During the work, the first thing they did was to install a shut-off valve into my ceiling because the problem that they faced yesterday involved not being able to completely shut off the trickle of water to my ceiling via the main shut-off.

I understood what they were doing, at least in overview as I settled in to another day of plumbers in my place and not flushing the toilet. Coffee had been made and therefore all my basics had been attended to. While speaking to them, casual conversation, one of the guys said, "I have faith because there are three of us here."

Here I am, thinking about stuff like I normally do and it seems that what he said is very true. Three guys with much more than 30 years experience between them joint and fitly applied their combined skills to the task. My part? I gave them some Neosporin ointment for the occasional burn obtained while they used their torches to heat and treat the copper. They were joining stuff. They had faith. Faith that the combined effort would result in the desired outcome and that my water, used both for life (drinking water) as well as for treatment (to carry away any urine) would be restored.

Today, here, amongst brothers, my thought is that we too may pray. We may ask God for life; may also ask, according to His will, ask for the sake of our brothers when we see him/her stumble in sin --ask and trust in God that our efforts, our combined efforts, will indeed yield the desired result. This is better than mere plumbing and you are worth more than many sparrows!

I thought this was going to be a thread about Smith Wigglesworth.

Good story though.


JLB

 

[Sparkey]

The story continues: Today is Saturday, a day that some of our brothers and sisters might not hesitate to remind us that should be dedicated to Resting within the Sabbath provisions of the Word of Truth. But this isn't about that. I was at rest today. Yet, I found myself rising to the occasion in order to quash an uprising at the Village of Baker Creek (the name of my Apartment Complex).

It started with a knock at my door like so many innocent things do. Enter the plumber team who had brought with them the $4,000 tool designed to join pipes even when wet. It, the saga of the plumber at the home of the Sparrow, took yet another turn for the worse as they valiantly strove to continue their repair, the one that effectively cut off the water to the 16 families that dwell in my building. Good news? They were able to restore water service to half (the other half, not mine) of the building. More good news? I was able to meet and greet a couple more of my neighbors. One named Joe, and elderly gentleman and another named Ashley.

The bad news? When the plumber team tested the repairs there was a little impromptu shower in my modest home. More bad news? Although I was at the ready, I missed the opportunity to video the action so that I could post to YouTube and bring it here to you.

Now enter Joe, the elderly man who lives upstairs. He is soft-spoken but also very vocal in his complaint against the management and owner of the apartment complex. I heard more than once about our need, as a community, to press them for a quick and speedy response.

Ashley is a college student and another neighbor of mine. She and I have never attended a single class together but she also attends the college where I am now an alumni (Yea Sparrow, Graduate of the Spring Quarter 2013). She too stopped by even as soft-spoken Joe was talking to me. Both had been invited into my home to observe the status of the water pipes that were still exposed in the ceiling area between my kitchen and my main bedroom. Ashley's voice was added to the common and now somewhat thirsty complaint, but of the two, she was more ready to listen to what your Sparrow had to say than Joe, the Nice Grump.

"Yes, Joe. I agree that your voice should be heard. I would also agree that your intent, that the management be held responsible for a quick and speedy response to this emergency is voiced as the best interest of the residents who are, even now, dismayed to find they do not have water provided until sometime Monday."

Joe stood down and listened to my reply to Ashley's question about what I had witnessed. There was something about my discussion that had indicated to Joe that I was not ready to grab my pitchfork and lantern to join him on a march to the castle. It may have seemed that I was suggesting a peaceful waiting period as the "proper" course of action in this case. Privately he appealed to me, confessing, "It isn't just that my shower is not working, it's the fact that I can not flush my toilet too," he reasoned. "They should at the least issue a refund to our rental amount for the days that our water service was not provided."

Your Sparrow spoke again, reminding first that he is not a lawyer but also insisting that from his understanding of the law, any action brought before a judge, would have to be considered impartially. "There is nothing in the law that says that an emergency repair needs to be completed before it can reasonably be completed," I countered. Joe was adamant.

"I talked to the plumbers and when I suggested that they needed to drive down to Seattle (a 2 an 1/2 hour drive) they said they wouldn't, and just drove off." he said, remaining calm while using his voice of reason.

To which I thought, but did not speak, "Hmmmm.... so now the grievance you mention against the apartment complex, and your petition for reimbursement of approximately $25 or so of rent money is going to be levied against an unwilling plumber? Interesting."

Instead, I told both of my neighbors that I had called my son, the survivalist, over to assist his dad and that he would be here shortly. I was able to quote (from our phone conversation) the expected costs for various containers suitable for water pottage.

• 55 Gal container? = approximately $12.00
• 5 Gal container? = approximately $7.00
• 2.5 Gal jug (for the fridge complete with water) = $3.00
• Fresh drinkable water = .50¢ per Gallon

Joe would have none of it. Ashley said, "Thank you, yes." She got a jug-o-water, my son paid for it.

My apartment door and back door remained open for other interested parties to drop by. My 5 gallon container is currently being cooled in the refrigerator. I like it especially for coffee and will microwave some tomorrow for a quick bird-bath style daub-and-wipe of the pits and other areas of special concern.

The office staff was nowhere to be found. It was Saturday, their day off, remember? I quickly went to my computer and downloaded the Apartment Logo and printed up my version of a Status Update for the maintenance man who had also been a visitor in my apartment these past two days, telling him, "You may throw this away, if you choose, after having read it." He used my words in the announcement but took the time to retype it on official stationary before distributing it and it came back to me, in the form of an official update, taped to the front, now unlocked, door of my apartment after I got back with my water in hand.

Day 3 of the "Battle and Faith of the Plumber" continues. This installment is brought for your amusement by yours truly. The names have not been changed. There are no innocent. Que theme song for "Dragnet" (a television series canceled before its time).

I will look forward to a quiet tomorrow. Also a day of rest. At least here at Sparrow's Roost.

Blessings! It could be worse and really? It's not so bad.

 

[Sparkey]

Here is a picture of the offending section of pipe. You might notice the 7 areas where the repairs have been attempted. Each procedure involved a torch and a directed application of heat and solder.

Each application triggered my apartment fire alarms and there were more than 7 attempts. Come Monday, I will have installed my do-it-yourself version of a heat shield - just some aluminum foil and a narrow air barrier between the 4x6 joists in the ceiling and the source of the heat, their trusty and well wielded torch.

Oh, and you might also notice my coffee cup. The one that is clean on the outside yet dirty on the inside. That's just a private joke between me and God. Forgive me. He knows my sense of humor too.

:nod ~Sparrow

 

[Mike S]

This is quite an ongoing story, sparrow. I'm glad to see you have such a good-humored attitude about it.

God is good, why should some of us let such minor inconveniences upset our lives?

 

[Sparkey]

I'm glad to see you have such a good-humored attitude about it.

Thanks for the comment, mark! I have to have a certain sense of humor -- just because I live with me 100% of the time.

So years ago, while walking the streets of Los Angeles I start to notice something different. What is it exactly? I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Could it be that this boy from suburbia doesn't like urban living? Maybe. But there was something else too. Something about they way 'they' would not look me in the eye. I grew up in a place where we knew all our neighbors by name. If we bumped into each other, while shopping let's say, there would be a nod of the head and a smile added for no extra charge.

IN the city? The big city? How many millions live in the City of Angels? It is the 2nd most populated city in the US, second only to New York. Maybe that's the problem. Not enough trust to go around. But it was something else too. Not just the absence of greeting or smiles, not just the typical averting of the eyes and downcast looks, no. It was more than that. Or, at least so I imagined during one of my many excursions into the place where nobody walks. They seemed hostile. Ready for the fight or flight and most? Well, maybe it's because I'm not that big of a guy, but I suspected that most would not run.

My imagination took over and the thought came, "They look hungry."

"What would happen," I asked myself, "if there were a natural disaster?" "What would these nice and respectable people do?"

That's when the answer came. "They would try to eat me."

No, it wasn't a prophecy and no, I did not today see any gleam in the eye of Joe the Nice Grump
WE are still in the "Great Pacific Northwest," thank God.

 

[Sparkey]

It's a little funny to me too because where most Washingtonians live is nestled in between two rain forests. We also live right next to the Puget Sound, a very large, natural, bay and there are many, many lakes all over the place. Glacial ice on the mountains, snow is seen year around and the spring melt will lift the level of the many rivers. Water, water, everywhere!

My water (in my last place of residence) came from a well and was every bit as sweet (even sweeter and better tasting) as any "natural" water that might be bought in a store. Sure, lots of people laugh and talk about us rusting, but that's just a rumor to help keep tourists away. Those of us born here know how to walk in between the rain drops and stay dry. We can spot a "native" by how many tarps they own, readily.

So, the whole big deal about a little water line? So what, me worry? No. I know that I could, with one simple phone call, get my son the Survivalist over here and we could live an indefinite amount of time rather comfortably.

What? What's that you say? What if I didn't have a phone? What if my cable service was interrupted? My VOIP?

:shocked! Wait! Hold on! I'll be right back. I'm getting my pitchfork and grabbing my lantern. Time to wake the villagers! I'm getting JOE! He looks tasty, well aged and easy prey. I don't think he can run.

 

[Mike S]

LOL


I like your humor, sparrow, and your attitude about life.

It's interesting you make your comments about the cities, about Los Angeles and New York. I'm in New York - Manhattan, actually - this weekend. My wife and I come here four or five weekends a year just because we like the city and because her dad was so connected to the city. But, there are negative things about the city too. There's a news story here this weekend about a man who was randomly attacked a few days ago in Union Square by a black man angry about the Travon Martin case. The man attacked was seriously injured, brain-dead they say. Such a tragic bit of nonsense.

The connection to me is that I always love visiting Union Square when we're here. They have a wonderful farmers market there on Saturdays, which I prowl around in the morning, and then I wander down Broadway to the Strand bookstore to see what's new. This weekend I didn't have the heart to visit Union Square, I was just too depressed about the random violence.

 

[Sparkey]

They have a wonderful farmers market there on Saturdays, which I prowl around in the morning, and then I wander down Broadway to the Strand bookstore to see what's new.

The "Pike Place Public Market" could never compare to what you are talking about, but I do identify with your enjoyment of walking around and just looking and maybe getting something to eat, also about examining various nooks and crannies, novelty stores, gift shops and the like. Especially where there is a multi-cultural city (it needs to be bigger than Seattle, host of the Pike Place market I mentioned). Lots of food and never enough choice, that's for me.

Bookstores? Yes. There is another avid fan of books and I won't be surprise to hear that voice in this thread soon.

Blessings and stay safe! You are well loved.

 

[Vaccine]

LOL
I like your humor, sparrow, and your attitude about life.

I think the same thing. Great story Sparrowhawke. I can't remember who said it (Moody?), but it went like this : always preach the gospel, when necessary use words.
It's also a good example of a collaboration of faith accomplishing an overall goal.

 

[reba]

find a 5 gallon bucket get some water from those who have it and flush Joe's toilet

 

[Sparkey]

The apartment guys have hooked up a hose to an adjacent building and ran it to the front of ours for that purpose. I offered to help, but Joe flatly refused, insisting that we, as residents, have a right to basic service and that I, as a resident, have no obligation to provide for them. My offer was to carry water up the stairs. Privately my thought is that he's a little touchy about his bathroom and might not like even the idea of inviting others there.

For my other neighbor? We told her to make it easy on herself, suggesting that she put a brick in the tank. That way, it takes less water. Strange that those of us who rust know so little about water conservation, right? It is a blessing.

It's quiet in the neighborhood today. I'm thinking that I'll begin walking in circles around the buildings. My doctor tells me too and the "track" or path is local. Maybe I'll discover a community near the watering hole? It's still interesting how we come together under shared adversity. It's something that has been almost lost under the sweep of modern convenience. We pretend independance, don't we?

find a 5 gallon bucket get some water from those who have it and flush Joe's toilet

I've got my eye out for Joe. If I see him again, I'll figure out what apartment he is in and just do it. Most of the time I'm just here with my curtains pulled (sitting with my shirt off) typing or making myself busy with things like laundry - there's another blessing. No water. Procrastinators unite! Oh, and I 'discovered' that I don't really need a dishwasher to get the dishes done. That discovery made smoke come from my ears, it was not an easy thought but seriously, one may wash dishes by hand, believe it or not.

What I've learned though is that before one makes a call about a possible water leak, it is wise to fill the bathtub and the various containers (pitchers) with water. I hope to put this lesson to use spiritually, and want to be allowed to see secret things in our Walk with the Lord toward His Day and Return. How is he preparing us? What would He have us do in cooperation with Him as we walk toward what has been spoken of from the dawn of time? He shows the end from the beginning, and maybe, just maybe --we should give thought to the water in our tubs, and the oil in our lamps. Now there's spiritual for ya. Right?

I've heard that this is easier for the green than it will be for the dry. That doesn't seem easy, but I do have it on good authority. We might be able to teach each other how to wash dishes by hand one day. It's the yeast we can do.

 

[Sparkey]

Re: Just another thought

Possessing such abundance (like the amount of water available in our homes) is something that we read about in the Bible. Where others are cautioned about the land of Milk and Honey, where the Lord causes his Promise to come into the lives of those He loves, he also cautions them, and us, about something that can happen in our hearts.

Just talking the basics here and not saying anything new but we can take things for granted. What shall we do when we need reminders that we are to accept even the everyday gifts that He has showered upon us with thanks and gratitude? How may we too learn the vital things of the Lord?

One way is to suffer a shortage. Another is to suffer vicariously through the sufferings of others. Do I suffer? Frankly, no. But is it an apt reminder? It is and one that I too am thankful of.

Blessings to you. Do continue in prayer for me. I very much enjoy our times shared and the hearts that are encountered here on our little section of the 'net.

Cordially,
Sparrow (your neighbor)

 

[farouk]

Re: Just another thought

Possessing such abundance (like the amount of water available in our homes) is something that we read about in the Bible. Where others are cautioned about the land of Milk and Honey, where the Lord causes his Promise to come into the lives of those He loves, he also cautions them, and us, about something that can happen in our hearts.

Just talking the basics here and not saying anything new but we can take things for granted. What shall we do when we need reminders that we are to accept even the everyday gifts that He has showered upon us with thanks and gratitude? How may we too learn the vital things of the Lord?

One way is to suffer a shortage. Another is to suffer vicariously through the sufferings of others. Do I suffer? Frankly, no. But is it an apt reminder? It is and one that I too am thankful of.

Blessings to you. Do continue in prayer for me. I very much enjoy our times shared and the hearts that are encountered here on our little section of the 'net.

Cordially,
Sparrow (your neighbor)

I like the thought from C H Spurgeon that by faith the wilderness can become the suburbs of heaven.

(Dry and arid land gives way to every healthy amenity.)

 

[Sparkey]

Re: Just another thought

I like the thought from C H Spurgeon that by faith the wilderness can become the suburbs of heaven.

(Dry and arid land gives way to every healthy amenity.)

So do I! Of course my view is slanted somewhat having been a denizen of various Christian forums since the wild and wooly days of the start of Yahoo Christian Chat. That was way back when and Yahoo had not yet become the heavyweight giant it is today but merely another contender. Still, the idea that we are in a wilderness here sticks with me and as I look around and see the proliferation of sin on the 'net, that idea is reinforced.

Soon comes change. Have you seen that announcement that our Admin Mike made? Here's a link: CF.net is Moving. READ THIS!

Could it be that this change comes in part as answer to our prayers? Will we continue to pray and invite Jesus to come and dine with us even way out here in the nooks and crannies (amongst the pits, cliffs and crags) of our little corner of the wilderness? Will He cause His Spirit and His Peace to inhabit us even here? Will rivers of living waters flow? Shall there be a valley in the wilderness, more than a mere oasis?

Let us pray.

 

[farouk]

[MENTION=13142]Sparrowhawke[/MENTION]: thanks for the link; on my screen it came up dead...

 

[Sparkey]

on my screen it came up dead...

Ooops! Mine too... fixing it now.

CF.net is Moving. READ THIS!

It can be found at the top part of the Forum List - in the ANNOUNCEMENT section.

 

[Sparkey]

It's 3:00 pm Monday and the clamor for water understood by me and the 16 families has died down. The guys have gone back to their homes, after killing time chatting with me, so as to avoid another late assignment by their dispatcher. We've knocked on the doors of my neighbors to find none of them at home, and have updated all parties concerned with the, "Success! The job is tested and done," message.

Joe's toilet is restored to working order. The villagers are free to take showers again and all is well. Ashley, the student neighbor and her daughter are safe to return from their stay at their friends house. Prayers of thanks are offered to the One who declares, "Not even a sparrow can fall from a tree without my notice..." (paraphrase).

The next part will be contained to my place alone where a carpenter and a maintenance guy will stop by to resolve the mold problem that should grow no longer, replace the sheetrock, re-tape and mud it all back to wholeness. I'll strip and wax the floors after it's all done and call it good.

Thus ends the story of the Faith of the Plumber. Three guys (all journeymen) focused on a single task, many others joining in support (like the guy who actually made the two and one half hour drive down to Seattle and back), like the office staff who were patient to explain and cope with the feelings of resentment, and others, behind the scenes. The end result? My toilet can flush with no further burden or labor on my part. I no longer need to lug 5 gallon containers to and fro.

Another result? It's been fun to stop and think about those blessings that we, so often, take for granted.

View attachment 3497

 

[Sparkey]

Acetylene? Huh.

The first looked like a tall white container (if that helps). More tall and more slender than what I would buy (butane) for camping.
They also brought in two large tall containers. The burns were not from flame to skin, but from the splatter of solder as they had to try to do that in a very confined space.

mixture of propane and Acetylene and burns hotter than Acetylene

My best guess? Yeah. That one.

I liked the idea you had about dry ice. I hadn't thought of that one. They didn't have any flame shield. By the time my idea about aluminum foil was advanced (this morning) their previous attempts with the torches had been tried.

They talked about what I think you mean by the "$40 tool" but opted against it for reasons I did not overhear. They also installed a shut off valve after the first attempt failed. That was removed when their Pro (hmmm... poor memory - it rhymes with ProQuest but may be ProTest? Propest? Prohest? Pro???? Not ProJest, I only jest...) their $6,000 tool was used. That last operation went smooth and you can see their handiwork in the pic I uploaded. Basically they used that tool to crimp while wet.

At any rate, what an adventure you had! I'm glad everything worked out for you.

Me too. Happy camper here. They cleaned up nicely before they left, none of my stuff turned up missing and it was my impression that they didn't come fully prepared, that they gave it the "ol college try" and then gave up and did it the right way. Pretty sure they will bill the apartment complex according to the going rate for 3 journeymen plumbers and their time spent, but then, that's not my business.

The community considers me patient and gracious and a solid, concerned citizen. That's the impression I wanted to convey. Shhhhh... you don't have to tell them different, we all know how I can be sometimes.

Love ya, brother and sorry I didn't think to speak to you. I know you're in "construction" but didn't know you had plumbing experience.

Sparrow