Lesson learned about Plumber's Epoxy

The instructions say it will cure underwater. We interpreted that incorrectly to also mean you could seal a wet pipe. Wrong! One application of it by Eric (torn off) and three small ones by me after the water company turned the water off didn't work completely. We sanded the pipe each time to clean it. I also wiped it down with a damp paper towel.

After the water company turned our main supply off, water was still slowly seeping out of the pipe. I hoped to dry it and jam epoxy into the leak before it could seep back in. I was partially successful but not completely. The leak did move out to the end of my patch each time. We had enough epoxy for one more application and decided to let the pipe seep all night and hopefully empty itself out by today. If this last one didn't work, at least the leaky part would be far enough away from the joint to use a clamp type patch.

I was tired and slept until noon. Eric is still very sore from what he did there yesterday so he didn't even look at it. It's a very tight corner behind the water heater and better for a smaller right-handed person like me. I kidded him and said I'd exchange doing the work for him changing the light bulbs in the overhead fixture that has been dark for about a month. I told him I was tired of getting my boob in dirty dishes to reach the light over the sink. He laughed and said he didn't have that problem.

The pipe was completely dry. YAY! I sanded it, wiped it and got the epoxy mixed. My thumbs are permanently gray in the grooves of my fingerprints now from mixing and applying that stuff. Dempsey won't let me pet him. He thinks my hands smell bad.

This time I'm sure I've got a tight seal. It's completely cured now and we're waiting for the water company person to come out to turn our water back on.

Wish us luck!

Loki loves stormy weather

Scampi wanted to go outside after breakfast so I opened the front door. It was blowing and cold from an arctic storm front that's coming in. Loki came dashing to the door hoping for a playmate. Scampi can't play the way he likes to. He wanted Cactus. I called out, "Loki wants someone to come out and PLAAAAY!" Loki yelled "WAAAAAAH" Eric chuckled. Scampi came back in. It's too cold for her old bones.

I said it again and really emphasized the word "play" and Loki really emphasized his "WAAAAAAAAAAAAH" response. Eric and I both laughed.

Cactus was happily curled up on our bed. I ruffled her fur trying to stir her up while telling her Loki wanted her to go out and play. I told her about the wind blowing the leaves around and how much fun it would be to chase them. She wasn't convinced. It wasn't long before Loki was yelling at the door because it was raining and he wanted to come in.

Grrrr

The same water company lady came a few minutes ago. She turned the water on and I went to check my patch. It was spurting water out the original patch. Our water is off again and I think I can fix the spot. The original patch was compromised by seeping water. If I let it dry again, I'm pretty sure I can seal that end.

Loki was out helping Eric turn the house valve back on and stayed out to chat with the lady and me. She was smiling at him and asked if he had Siamese in him. I told her he was a pound kitty and we were sure he did. He's been "helping" us with our home repairs.

Guess we need to go out to eat when we need to use the bathroom in a bad way just like we did yesterday.