I'm working from home today. I had a scheduled appointment with the exterminator, and decided I should call the plumber and get that done, too. But going in to work for half a day is ridiculous when I spend 2-3 hours on the road, so my boss very kindly let me work from home today.
So, the financial damage. The plumber was $276. Plumbers are expensive, but especially so when you have vintage plumbing. My bathtub was not draining, but the pipes are too old and small and brittle to be snaked in the normal way. Luckily, we have a company here that caters to older buildings since there are so many in the area. He took care of the plug (lotta hair, he said). He recommended an enzyme treatment to keep the drains clear. Buying a bottle of that was part of the cost -- however, I have to go get it. He offered to deliver but I said I was going out anyway. Now I wish I'd kept my mouth shut -- there are strong storms rolling through and I would rather NOT go out! Oh well.
The exterminator only cost $11.50. I don't have much of a problem but I do catch sight of bugs every so often -- and I'd like to keep it not much of a problem. I got a special price because the property manager worked out a deal with him.
I thought, when I went out, I would get a train ticket for next month. Now I wonder if the Evanston station can sell me a ticket that will also go to Elmhurst (different zone). We'll see. I usually get the tickets downtown, but I don't want to have to pay to get downtown.
I guess that's all! It's one o'clock, so back to work!
Oh! I forgot to say! I went to Bed, Bath & Beyond last night with my expired coupons and got $49 back! Sweet! They couldn't have been nicer, either.
Working from home
April 29th, 2014 at 06:02 pm
April 29th, 2014 at 06:53 pm 1398797633
Drains, were a concern in this older condo. With two teens and DH we found it helpful to use those Dollar Store fine mesh drain inserts that easily pop into drains. They just get tissued out weekly and to protect pipes we old fashionably dump baking soda, vinegar and boiling water quarterly. It's fast, easy and cheap for all drains
April 29th, 2014 at 09:15 pm 1398806154
Some kind of mesh on the drain would be a good idea, but I've got a funny kind of stopper that pops up and is not easily removed.
I've tried the baking soda/vinegar method numerous times with no effect, as well as commercial drain cleaners. That's why I caved and called the plumber. Hoping this enzyme thing will make a difference. I know the small pipe makes it difficult to keep clear. If only I didn't lose so much hair!!!
April 30th, 2014 at 01:05 am 1398819951
I have long hair (nearly waist length) and have lots of problems with my sink and tub due to hair. Neither drain has any kind of plug so I'm constantly cleaning hair out of them .... it's gross and annoying. I have tried to find some kind of covering for the drains, but no luck so far.
April 30th, 2014 at 02:31 pm 1398868266
I have decided I'm going to vigorously brush my hair before I wash it. My hair is only chin-length, but I seem to lose a lot. Not balding, I just have a lot of hair!
April 30th, 2014 at 07:52 pm 1398887533