As the saying goes, "Things happen in threes." Today I had to call the plumber to unclog the drain in my bathroom sink. The water had completely stopped draining. This is the first time it has ever been a problem, and I have lived here for over twenty years. There was a lot of my homemade soap built up in the pipes. I think the 100% coconut oil soap may have too high a percentage of hard oil. I am going to switch back to using the olive oil soap. I suspect that coconut oil hardens like lard during the cold weather. The same thing happened with my bathtub at the cabin.
I had the oil changed in the VW Beetle this afternoon. While the mechanic was replacing the wiper blades, he accidentally cracked the windshield. So, tomorrow that will be replaced. I felt badly for the owner, since he has to pay for it. Oh well.
I drove over to the roofing company and gave them the deposit for the roof. I asked them to email me their license and proof of insurance. They sent it over right away. It's so important to check those things, especially in California. If an undocumented or uninsured worker falls or hurts himself on the job, and the company is not insured, you are liable. Everything checked out, so that's a relief. It is going to be exciting to see how the cottage looks, once the new roof is complete.
Property taxes have all been paid, next on the agenda is to get my income taxes done. Are you busy this time of year, too?
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Wow - you have had the repairs. Broken windshield changing a wiper blade, that stings a little.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to picking up the car this afternoon, LL. With the nice weather, we can open the sun roof.
DeleteWe had a plumbing emergency last weekend. It is more costly to fix on the weekend! Similar problem -clogged pipes, probably fat. The plumber suggested we occasionally pour boiling water down to try to keep them clear.
ReplyDeleteI need to do that regularly, emw. Sometimes I clean the drains with baking soda and white vinegar.
DeleteI use bicarb soda and white vinegar too but I let sit for about an hour and then pour boiling water down the drains.
DeleteThat works well for me, too, Meg.
DeleteOh, wow, I had no idea that coconut oil soap will leave a build up like that! Maybe you should use it only in the summer, when it is hot!
ReplyDeleteToo bad about your windshield, but, at least the owner of the service garage will pay for it! I once went to pick up my old car from the service garage (at the dealer's) and there was a huge scratch and dent in the side when they brought it out! Luckily I noticed it before I drove off their lot - they repaired it and gave me a free rental car for the duration!
Glad the roofing company's insurance, etc., all checked out. So important to get that verified before any work starts.
You have been busy! I should get started with my taxes, too. Hope the rest of your week goes well. :)
I know, it hardens like a candle in the cold weather, Bless. Yes, I was relieved to see that the roofers had current insurance.
DeleteLots of repairs and maintenance work for house and garden but it is really worth the effort, as it keeps property in good nick for longer.
ReplyDeleteWe have been lucky in the past few months, no major repairs. I unblock our own drains regularly, it is not pleasant and requires sodium hydroxide (lye, the same stuff used in soap making) but it is easy enough. Also, I have one of those plunger thingies, which I use in between, just to dislodge anything that might be starting to block the drains. I made beeswax wraps and I think cleaning those contributes to my own drain problem.
I used the plunger on my bathtub at the cabin the other day, Christina. It did help, and it brought up some hair that had gotten in there. That's interesting that you clean your own drains with lye. I will look into it. I have some for soapmaking.
DeleteI pay my council tax (I presume that's the same as your property tax?) on standing over for ten months and, as the financial year starts in April, nothing needs to be paid in February and March. I don't have to complete any inland revenue forms either as it's the same every year, so that's another thing I don't have to do.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I pay everything I possibly can by monthy standing order. Works for me. :-)
Won't it be good to get the roof done! Bad luck on the window and pipes though. If it's not one thing, it's another!
xx
Hi Joy, Yes, I just try to keep working towards the goals each day. It's always a relief when the work is done. The new roof should last until I'm 85, I hope! I think your council tax is like our property tax.
DeleteYou're dealing with a lot at the moment, Stephenie. I hope you have some calm once all this work is finished.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to get the roof checked out this week and I'm concentrating on spring cleaning and having a good clear out before making a start on decorating this year. X
Hi Jules, Yes, it's been very busy. I am planning on doing some yoga and reading a book this evening. That will be peaceful. Enjoy your Spring cleaning!
DeleteIt will be lovely when all the bills/repairs are sorted for another year. That way you can enjoy relaxing in the cabin or cottage without any worries.
ReplyDeleteThat's true, Cherie. It's such an enjoyable place.
DeleteYou have been busy.
ReplyDeleteGood to know about soap buildup in pipes. I also clean the drains with baking soda and vinegar, and then pour a kettle full of boiling water.
That sounds like an excellent method, Nil. My plumber told me not to use boiling water on my pipes. He said that it could melt the trap. He told me to use hot water. I think the cold water that I use might have been part of the problem. (I shower with cold when I am using the sauna.)
DeleteI have been busy working out our finances this week, Stephanie, to ensure we are paying enough into the account we use for bill paying. Most services will be paid for on direct debit this coming year. It's looking good at the moment but now I need to sort out car service and insurance. It's a busy time of year...good luck with your dealings x
ReplyDeleteThanks Pensive Pensioner. It's a good feeling to have those bills paid and in the budget. That way there are no surprises.
DeleteYou are smart! Getting the license and proof of insurance! That is so important. Too bad for the mechanic who broke your windshield. Good thoughts about the coconut soap vs. olive oil! Andrea
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andrea. It's so important to make sure before having work done on your home, especially a new roof.
DeleteSteve tackles our bathroom drains once in a while and I am usually in trouble for a bit afterwards. He asks me "what on earth is this green slime in your sink drain?" It is the rinse of my daily clay face mask. So I lay low for a while after that (haha). Several years ago I had left my brand new car at the dealer for some type of new car follow up check. They called me a few hours later to tell me that the lot attendant had smashed it into a wall and completely destroyed the front end. It took 2 months for the repairs. I did not feel sorry for them one little bit.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how much slime accumulates. How upsetting about your car.
DeleteIt can be an expensive time when things like a roof or pipes need replacing. We had an expensive week last week when our hot water system had to be fixed again. We had not realised there was an issue with the element because the solar hot water had been masking the problem with this electric component on sunny days (of which we've had many over the Summer). It was only during a run of wet weather recently that we realised when there was no hot water top-up working. Meg:)
ReplyDeleteYes, with home ownership there are many expenses and responsibilities.
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