Pretty exhausted.

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I did get a hose in, from outdoors, as a waste line.  I had to warm the house a bit, to get it to become flexible enough to use.  Then got it attached.  Finally, I opened the drain valve at the base of the tank and let it go out.  It is slowly filling the tub.  I ran the pump several times.  But it empties a lot faster than the tub fills.  A couple of runs, just to make sure everything was working.

It is.  So, now, I am giving it fifteen minutes to drain.  Watching isn't going to make it go any faster.  And, if it spills, it spills.  I have some worries that the tank won't empty enough.  I guess I'll just have to find out.  I am sure, in time, it will dump enough to be below the top element.  After that?  After that I may just have to close it up, remove the hose, and let the water flow into a drain basin down there, and use the pump from there.

Tired, sore, sleepy, and really wanting a hot shower.  A bath would be a dozen times better, but that is so much work.

So far, no major spills or leaks or splashes.  The house does not tighten well, so that connection is spraying.  But that is well contained in the tub.  It isn't even sprinkling out onto the floor.  And, yes, it is getting the water out to about the middle of the lawn.  It'll freeze, but, it's winter!  It does that.  It has been snowing, thawing, and freezing, for this last week, off and on.  So no worries there.

Even so, I'll just have to see if I can get to the electrical yet tonight, or even the elements.  I think so.  But It'll be a late night.  Not much I can do about it.  Work, work, work, work, work.  At least this time I can get to it.  And I have the resources to work around having few resources.  It'll sort out shortly.  Or... not.  I may have to delay some things, miss some things, or not.  Will know when I know.  But this sort of work is really getting to me.

Oh, and I did try the valve down there.  The shutoff valve?  It has a little side tester valve.  Then again, the water is off outside.  Still, it wasn't pressurized.  I don't know if it will hold back the water though.  I think it failed at that, to some degree.  Will find out when I turn the water on outside again, next time.  Hard to know.

Last I saw, early into the dark, it was 28 out there.  Hopefully it hasn't gotten much colder since.  I did close the lid on the water shutoff valve, the outside one.  Just in case.  Though it may get a bit sticky anyway.

Way early, but I want to check the water level, run the pump.  See if it is continuing to drain or is finished.  Live and learn.  Later.

A visitor and research.

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Marrying, shortly.  Stopped by to check on the water heater problem.  Got some of what I got him for their new place.  Nothing sexy, just basics.  Seems strange, but...  Paper towels, paper plates, facial tissue, 250 quart and gallon ziplocs, and in bulk all.  Most of those things last six to twelve months, as a single ogre.  And more.  Not all of it was in.  Got them a start.  Well, and a few used things, slightly used?  My big older vac, and bags... a Viking knife set?  And, I may have a instapot for them.

Get them started well, get them ahead.  Offered a freezer.  They don't have room for that yet, but when they do, if they move before long, it will be there for them.  It's good to be ahead of the game.  Even if just for a few moments, once in a while.  Like when I was in the 5 1/2 rapids?  Getting air, just once in a while, and deep breaths?  Was golden.  That's... all we get, moments.

Oh, and I do have the pump down, a hose hooked up (though not yet flowing), the outside water turned off.  I didn't use a seven gallon bucket.  I took the 64 quart (16 gallon) holds-all down, and will use that.  Have a cast iron pan to hold the hose down.  But I need another hose for the outlet.  Always something.  As well, the parts and tools are down there, ready weather tonight or tomorrow morning.

Sort of wearing out.  But... hoping.  A last fatted coffee.  And, if kefir seems ready, I'll reset that shortly.  So many things to do.  And really need a shower.  Bleh.  We'll see.  I am doing... well beyond my expectations.  There are times were I have gone without hot water for a week, two?  Couldn't... get to it.  A few days isn't great, but it has been much worse.

Now I need a break.  Something to eat, or at least drink.  Then to a few things yet tonight.  I don't want to take out the electronics until all waterworks has been done and is all sealed.  And, if need be, more drying time.  I'll be much more patient with that.  If things get sprayed tonight, there is no way I will risk resetting it tomorrow.  Ugh...  I'll be careful, but there are limits as to what caution will prevent.

Still?  I'll... keep trying, I hope.  I'd really like to get the water pumped out tonight, drain the thing... empty, to the bottom.  And, maybe, pull the elements.  Put in the new.  But electronics?  As mentioned, I don't want to mess with those unless the operation is dry near those things, and if I can be awake enough to tinker.  Maybe.

Ugh.  Later, or goodnight.

A call a bit more research and?

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Checked up on mom.  I do worry about here sometimes.  A part of a dream last night caused concern.  Only just now remembered it.  Not sure which of us will go first, but I want to tell her she is loved before one of us can't.

A bit more looking about the odd pipe size.  Nothing new found.  I did, also review the parts kit.  Measured the heating elements themselves, and looked at the list of probably compatibility.  My brand is on there, the size, again, is right.

Now to start the game up, check the kefir, turn off the water to the house, get some things downstairs and ready, then play a bit.  Later.

Well, we'll see.

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I bought the whole kit.  No reason not to do so.  It was less expensive, and is probably due.  At worst, I will have spares.  If, most likely, it will all be needed.  As well, I did purchase a pump.  It isn't what I had hoped it would be, but it will do.  I may run a short hose to a 7 gallon bucket, and put the pump down in that.

As to a main shutoff inside?  Even more difficult than anticipated.  While the pipe is galvanized, it is of a very irregular outside diameter... 7/8ths.  They don't carry anything in that size.  Which means, even if I can get the whole pipe off, getting fitting for it might... be difficult.

I don't want to mess with that unless I am ready, with a solid plan in hand, and parts bought, all ready to begin trying.  Or getting a plumber in.  Get a quote.  Let them know, up front, that the pipe is irregular of size.  It might not be an issue for a pro.  Or it might be just as difficult for them as for me.  If I have a plumber in, and get a few quotes, I will also see about getting a series of sediment filters.  With the r.o., I don't need other things filtered out.  But I would like from say thirty then down to half or one micron... through two or three filters.  Why?  For one, the reason I am back to doing dishes in the tub is because the kitchen faucet has clogged on the hot side, again.  No reason to hit that all over again, because it will just clog back up, until/unless the silt, dirt, else, gets filtered.

I wonder if...

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This is one type of valve.  But honestly I don't trust them.  I much prefer ball valves.  However, I really wonder if they have compression ball valves.  One more look before I get on to coffee and gaming, to wake.  I need a break from research.  My mind is... spinning.  I will see about compression ball valves as a last bit before a break.

A bit of research done.

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Will check a bit more, in a bit.  Can only focus for just so long.

It looks like a pressure washer just won't work.  In a term, head pressure... the height a pump can lift water.  On a flat, or nearly flat, surface?  Some pressure washers might work.  With a ten foot lift not so much.

The problem with most pumps, is that they are submersibles.  Which, is fine, if you don't mind flooding your floor.  I would rather not.  Perhaps I have found one which can work that way, and another way.  Have to look it over.  Not certain.  It would be good to have the submersible, for other sorts of problems, but for standard events, want one with more options.

I'll get some coffee in me, finally.  Then make a call.  If that fails, then move on to other forms of research.  Well, and I'd like to figure out... beyond the parts needed and the pump, perhaps how to set up shutoff valves, and maybe a faucet down there.  So I wouldn't have to go out to shut the water off and drain the water upstream of everything, mostly.  Always going to be some water in there.  Always something.

Still, getting there.  Just... I have limits.  Later.

Earlier than anticipated.

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Between this and that, I could not get down until 23:45 on the nose.  So tired, but had to relax into sleep.  Too tight until then.  On the other hand, I slept well, solid, and long enough.  Awake at 6:00, but couldn't keep it.  Awake, finally, very shortly after eight.

Up, bed made, pee jugs rinsed.  No hot water, but it will do for the moment.  Sassy fed, I'll check her litter when I go to make coffee.  A kefir down.  And plans.

I will call the replacement part number, see if there is anyone on that end still.  And research a pump that will work with garden hoses.  Hopefully one with one of several sets of features, so it doesn't burn out.  I'm thinking, perhaps, one that can take a short hose, from the water heater to the pump, the push the water out from there.  I have to drain the tank in order to replace the parts.  At the very least, to replace the heating element.  And the bottom one is shot.  Though, if I am replacing the bottom one, I will just replace both.  Curious what they will look like.

If the device is the age printed on it (and not just first produced then), it is ten years old.  We have rather hard water here.  The tank is fiberglass, so it won't be as much of a problem.  Probably.  But the heating elements might be toast, no matter what else?  Will find out.

As well, I'll need, again, to turn off the water to the whole house, and drain as much as possible before hand.  I'd really like to get a couple of shutoff valves, ball valves, in the house.  Upstream of everything.  I think there are some, but they don't work.  There is at least one.  I'd like to have two.  Ball valves probably won't fail, still, nice to have two.  As well, I'd like a faucet, in order to dump water before it hits the softener or heater.  This would be a good time to do it.  I have sweating torches, so should be able to get them in.  It's a matter of figuring out what is needed, and how to do it.  Are there ball valves which can be sweated in solid?  Or do I need to have at least one side arranged with a bolt in section?  I just am not sure.  Will... do a bit of research.  I don't mind sweating them in.  May have problems, make mistakes, but it will work, in time.  I will arrange the faucet on it's own branch, and usually shut off.  Because faucets fail too frequently.  Or find a ball valve that will work instead of a faucet?  Dunno... have to review some things.  Bleh.

A winter day out there.  Cloudy?  Foggy?  Or just... or was when I woke.  I checked, again.  It is 24, still a bit hazy if clearing slightly, but fully overcast and rather dark.  Still, not a bad day for winter.

Bed made, cat fed, a kefir down, coffee water heating.  Just to get more properly dressed, figure out what I need from town, and maybe where to get it... make a list and check it twice.  Then getting to it all.  First a bit of research.  To see if there is a pump, or something that might work as a pump.  I wonder if a pressure water system would work as a pump?  If so, it might get two birds with one stone?  And might not cost all that much more than some sump pumps.  Just thinking out loud.

Well... on to research.  Maybe a bit of gaming after, to wake better.  Some coffee would be good, as well.  Getting to things, and not doing too awfully terrible.  Sure, some would have kept at it, until it was done.  I have... limits.  Still, some things just couldn't be known until after some things were done.  And the store might have been closed by the time I realized some things.  Unless you have a truck full of spares, and have seen these things before?  It's... a process.  I think I am doing fairly well, given the givens.

Coffee!  Later.

Sweating it won't work.

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Now I remember why I didn't already replace the valve.  It is on galvanized piping.  All copper outdoors, but when it enters the house, it is galvanized.  Why?  Anyway.

After a bit of digging, more than what was already done, the notion is to go pex.  The minimum is a pex expander, and possibly parts or a parts kit if they have it.  Well, and valves.  The thing is, once that is in, any other work with it is very easy.  The expense may keep that from happening today, though.  Will... find out.

Essentially, just looking at a pump, and parts for the water heater.  I will look at pex, but probably not buy.  I want the expand, not crimp, sort.  I've just heard better things about the expander pex, in both the long run and regarding installation.  Ugh.  Oh, best make a call, see if they still have a line, and if they can tell me what parts are needed.  Otherwise, perhaps, two trips to town?  Bleh.  Later.

A rather keto meal?

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Cheese, salami, kefir, and a fatted coffee?  I think so.  And, yet, I feel a bit off.  Not sure if it was what I ate, or what I have been eating catching up to me.  Yes, fast food will sideswipe me.  Maybe not on the day, but soon after.  If I can get to town, I may well eat out again.  But, not the whole shebang.  Just a burger, or two, without the bun... so either Wendy's or In-N-Out.  There is a new burger joint in town, I have heard is good.  Not sure if they offer low carb forms, like lettuce wrapped burgers.

I'll see if I have carbonated water.  What is too bad is that they don't offer that, on the tap.  Then again, it would probably be through the tap, unfiltered.  I just don't prefer that either.  Drinking chlorinated water, directly, just isn't the best.  Bad for the gut.  Add in fluoride and you've doubled down.  Who knows what else is in there, from local, or things they just don't tell people about.  Lawful and not.  There are very good reasons not to trust the government.  If it is all you've got, then... that is the way of it.  Beats straight river water, I guess.

Still, having a bit of a rough morning.  Not sure why I'm not feeling so great.  But, I'll see if I can get to it anyway, in just a bit.  I gamed for a bit.  A bit longer than I had hoped, due to not feeling the best.  Then again, I wasn't feeling great this morning.  In some ways it got worse.  The stomach upset.  But, in other ways, the aches and pains, it got better.  Bleh.

I will check the pipe outer diameter.  It should be 3/4", but you can never be absolutely certain.  I am dressed, just getting ready of mind as much as anything.  Hoping what is listed as being instore is actually in.  Will do what I can.  There wasn't much, of the bottled water I wanted.  Though there might be just a few more out back?

It's about time to get going... within an hour or two.  Later.

I did the check.

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Looks like the lower systems, both the power input and the rod are shot.  No problem.  I just have to sort out what I need for replacement.  The manual got soaked, not sure I can sort through it.  So may need to simply find the model and serial number, and go from there.

Done.

While at it, I looked at the fuse box.  Still looks good.  That could have blown too.  Though, if it had, it would show.  So, for now, it's just a matter of finding the components.  I have heard that the panels aren't that expensive to replace.  The only problem might be finding them.  It's from 2013?  Hard to know if parts are available.

A bit of a look and I'll know, I guess.  

Well?  I can't find an exact fit.  But there is a general repair kit.  I'm not sure about the length of the internal component.  Hmm.  Looks like I will have to turn off the water, again, tomorrow.  Then pull the heating element.  I may just do that before going into town to check?  The problem with that is, I may need another tool.  To remove the element.  Though, perhaps, I may have that tool.  I will look around tomorrow.  It would only be in one of a few places.  Bleh.

Still, I am getting there.  I couldn't get to it, until later.  Wearing myself out, doing this and that.  And a shower would be really good, but it sort of just isn't possible.  Oh... I'll go see if the manual can be delicately reviewed.  See if any data can be found in that.  

Okay.  The data is there, what is there.  There isn't enough, however, to be sure.  I am not sure I can drain the thing.  As is.  It is in the basement.  A hose won't do it, without a pump to pull, push, or whatnot.  Ugh.  There is a number, by which to order parts.  All that is required is the serial number and model number, which I plucked off the main panel while down there.

Yes, well... bit by bit I am closing in on whether this can be repaired or not.  The repair kit looks right, save possibly for the length of the heating elements.  A call may or may not provide that detail.  Even if the elements aren't the right length, I could buy those on the side, along with the rest of the kit, or purchase it all in component forms?  Maybe.  I think I did see individual parts and pieces while there.  But all of them?  I'll find out tomorrow.

Was getting confused.  Thought today was Wednesday, maybe Tuesday.  Monday?  Well... I'll... keep at it.  Goodnight.

Well... got it, then... lost it?

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I finally got it connected.  Taped everything.  Tightened it well.  As well as I could before testing.  Trying not to break anything.  Yes, Doom can break even solid metal, or do other... bad things.  

At first I thought I had wasted my money buying the open/closed box wrenches.  But, no, there were times where they really came in handy, made a few of the twists much easier.  So there is that.

After everything was as tight as I felt was safe, I wrapped the inlet of the extension, the new elbow in that area, and the connection to the water heater, since if those blew water, they would hit the fuse box, then went and turned the water on.  It was very difficult to turn the water back on.  I wondered if it had frozen.  I was just about to give up when it started giving and going.  A bit of a trial, but it turned on.

As I was coming in, to the back porch, I heard a lot of noise.  I... was almost sure the water couldn't be spouting out that much?  Of course, my ears were on alert the moment I stepped in.  No, as it turns out, my tightening was very good.  Not even a drop drip.

The sounds?  All of the faucets in the house were still on.  Not a bad thing.  Thankfully I got in before the bathroom sink overran, but the rest was good.  It must have rocketed through as soon as it could, and was running the whole time.  Plus, with five faucets open, full blast, the drains were a bit slow.  Still, no mess, no fuss.  Oh, and downstairs, the fan was still on.  What a relief.

With everything seeming quite dry, the fan having run all day and through the night, I thought it would be good.  I turned the fuse panel to on, and was about to reach in to reset the top heating element, then would have gone to the bottom one.  Before I could reach into the top one, the bottom one snapped, crackled, popped, and smoked!  I took a goodly step back, then turned off the fuse panel.

I don't know if... that is that.  If that was just a temporary thing.  Will find out later, tomorrow.  I have it remaining open, of course.  And the fan continuing.  I should look for my multimeter as well.  Hopefully, if something popped, it was just one of the elements or the sub-board down there.  No, I haven't looked, still a bit unnerved, jumpy.  But, I did look something up.

Getting there.

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I did get the water shut off, disconnected, and ready.  Dumped as much water as possible before disconnecting the water heater.  And, learned something about the shutoff valve, to the whole house.  I thought it was a ball valve.  There is a stem, on top.  I thought, when it was crosswise to the pipe, that meant it was fully closed.

Nope.  I had to take it another third past the crosswise seeming indication.  Very strange.  Still, I did, finally, get the water all shut down, off, whatever.  Emptied, detached, and ready.

I bought an extra flexible pipe.  Just... because.  I found the elbows.  I bought tape, since I had forgotten to look for it, and just to make sure I had it.  As well, I bought standard wrenches large enough to manage this process, a set of them for this and other work.  Good to have, if rarely used?  That gives me three tools which can be used on these sizes of nuts, bolts, and whathaveyous.

The pipe wrench will, if anything can, open just about anything.  The crescent wrench is pretty good, but doesn't quite have that much pull and push capacity.  And the standard wrenches will be good for just burning it down, once opened.  Though it might work at simply opening.  I like having options.  

I shouldn't have gotten a fast food meal.  I've been eating pretty poorly lately.  But, While working, I can't cook.  I get choices.  And, yet, I need food.  So... so there.

I have to take a bit of a break.  This much work is getting to me.  Still, will try to get it together shortly.  Check to see if it needs more drying time, after the water spillage from detaching the flex hoses.  I was careful.  But care only helps just so much.  I am hoping to have it all attached in a few hours.  Hmm... painpills might help.  Pinched neck, sore biceps and triceps, nearing knots in my leg muscles, a bit of a tension headache.  Nothing too much, just enough singularly though certainly in unison, to beg a bit of tending.

Quite happy with how things are going.  I suspect I might be able to have things ready for a shower either this evening, or by noon tomorrow.  I love doing this kind of work.  Don't like doing it on a rushed schedule, but that... gets it done more swiftly.  It is a difficult world.  Men do better when things are difficult.  Actually, I suspect women do better in a difficult world too.  

On to resting just a bit.  Good day.

Back up.

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It was a bit of a struggle to get back up.  I finally rousted around ten.  Having a bite to eat.  Planning on a trip to town.  If an elbow won't do it, what else might, on it's own or with the elbow?  Perhaps a few short lengths of straight pipe?  Maybe.  Can always return them, if the cost justifies it.  I will be seeing about pipe tape.  Would prefer pipe dope, but as mentioned, I never end up using enough of it.

As well, I will fill a few jugs extra of water, refill Sassy's water container, then shut off the main water, and disconnect the hoses after draining as much water as possible otherwise... keeping a towel handy.  The crescent wrench, massive as it is, is much easier to use than the even more massive pipe wrench.  Still, it'll be a chore.

I do need to wake a bit, first.  But then will get to it.  thankfully, currently, I do have a store card, so am not digging into my scarce resources this month.  Will just pay it off next month.  Not as expensive, so far, as I thought they would be.  Last time I purchased the flexible hose connects, they were twenty to thirty dollars.  Down to ~$14 or a little less now?  Strange.  

No, I bought them back when I put the new water heater in... four to six years ago, so not during the covid price gouging... some of which is still happening.  Price gouging of some other era, I guess.  I suppose, if you pee on the back of peasants, for some odd reason they tend to not come back.  There are things I would like to do, but with lumber prices so high, I can't.  Won't even do little projects.  Is low volume bringing prices down?  I avoid the place, and most other places, these days, for a dozen reasons.  Am beginning to avoid spending as much as possible, altogether.  Cash might be becoming worthless, but overpriced commodities are worse.

Later.

Back to bed for a bit?

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Yes, I think so.  Cooled off enough to sleep?  Something.  Still warm, but cool enough.

Sassy has been begging for food, but... no.  Too early.  I won't even open the back door, so she can get dry food.  It's just not time.  I did have kefir, but only because I was going to refill the big jars and there wasn't space.  But... I... just can't get to it.  And, I'll probably have to consume another glass, but am full.  Had two glasses, that's all I can do for now.

Bleh.  On back to bed.  Good morning, or night, or day.  Later.

Up at 2:00?

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Yea.  And it sucks, actually.  Too warm?  Oddly, yes, as well.  I went to bed at or just before 19:30.  I think I was pretty much asleep before I hit the sack.  possibly before I even went up the steps?  Who knows.  Though I think so.

A bit sore from yesterday's doings.  All good though.  Swinging those various wrenches around will do that, at odd angles, and above even my shoulders.  Though some of it is mechanical exhaustion, like from having to keep the water shut-off tool on the valve.  I think they got one that is too big, and has to be oddly situated to work.  While it doesn't take a lot of energy, it takes concentrated energy.  The combination is really what got to me.

After I get any water usage out of the way, for the morning, I'll turn off the water to the house until the elbows are put in.  I may get on to town, after the shops are open, to see about elbows... if I haven't hear anything.  As well, I will drain the water, then undo the flex pipes, on the sides which will be attached to the elbows.  As well, tighten up those where they connect to the water heater.  Be all ready.  As well, I will look around for pipe tape.  I would like pipe dope, but don't use that often enough to entertain buying it.  It always ends up mostly unused and dried up.

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Cold.

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Between the work, the shower, getting out, tinkering even outside to get the water off then back on, I am finally feeling cold.  It's more from exhaustion than anything.  I am surprised I was able to be so warm while drenched, to be honest.  Even had to go out and turn the water off, after getting soaked.  And being out at other times while still wet.

I suppose adrenalin, from the event, helped me stay warm?  Well, and using that massive pipe wrench.  I think the thing weighs seven to ten pounds.  Plus, trying to manage to get it into areas where it really didn't fit, and above shoulder height, while wet.  I did well.  I am satisfied.  Will be much happier if the the water heater works.

I'm about to go down and check it.  But I doubt if it will be dry yet.  And... I think I am going on to bed.  It's only 18:00, but I... I need to rest, sleep.

No, not dry.  And, there are minor leaks from two of the fittings.  Talking a drop an hour or such.  When I add elbows, I'll tighten those.  At the angle they currently sit, tightening them is difficult.  Might... cause a crack, or just break the nipple on the water heater.  Don't want to go there.

Turned the electric blanket on.  But I need to get a few pee jugs emptied and reset.  Yea, always something.  Far better to do that than to have to tumble down the stairs, three or four times a night, through the cold and dark.  No thank you.  No bathroom upstairs.  One of the only downsides to being up there.  I am almost sure there is a way to get a loo up there.  A sink would be nice too, but that would be a lot more work, if hot water was wanted as part of it.

I will game a bit, just to let the blanket heat the bed a touch first.  I really am pleased with my efforts.  Not perfect, not done, but... a good enough start so that I can sleep with a clear conscience, and with plans and outlines about how to finish the job.  All good.  So tired.  Which is how it should be.  Goodnight.

Looks like I did get the water shut off.

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Well, I mean, I got the connectors connected tight enough to stop water flow.  The pan, where the electrical connections went down to?  Was full of water.  That is where I saw smoke, or steam.  Good thing I didn't tinker with that until I got the power off, which to do safely I had to turn the water off.

We opened things up, dried things off, got a fan down there, and... yea.  Waiting for it to dry.  Will check later tonight, or tomorrow.  Wanted to go to bed early.  At around 18:00.  But... no.  Then again, I'll only stay up to 20:00, then go on to bed.  With the bed already made, should be easy enough.

Not bad, for a cripple.  But, yes, I am exhausted.  My shoulders hurt from using those big tools, and possibly from doing so while taking a cold shower.  Still?  Pleased.  I... actually can... do some things.

He thinks he might have an idea, a fix.  So I don't have to buy two more flex hoses and connectors.  He thinks a 90 curve would work.  And, yes, I think it would.  As is they go straight down.  Worse is they go a bit far.  It puts a kink in the hoses, though not enough to stop the water.  If, over time, it would break through.  Yea.  If he has them, he'll be by tomorrow.  If not, I'll make another trip to town.  I would have tonight, but I just can't.

All good.  I put a fan going down there.  Surprising how little water is down there, for as much as was gushing out.  It must have just started spraying out as I was going down stairs to check on it.  I had just tried the water, and found it to be cold, but had let it run for a bit.  That must have just been too much pressure, at the cold water, so it snapped.  Otherwise there would be at least a puddle down there.  Weird, but a thing to be thankful regarding.

Hmm?  A sandwich?  I think that might be dandy.  And some kefir.  I'll also check the kefir, see if that can be turned over yet.  I am hoping it will be ready sometime yet today.  No telling though.  Later.

Well?

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I got the pipes connected, and tightened.  Turned the water back on.  And?  Reminded me to the training, in the Navy.  Were we had to shut valves, or patch pipes, while being flooded from a dozen places.  The trick was to work fast, hit the bigger pipes first, and just... enjoy the suck.

All the pipes and connectors were the same size, but some were spraying worse than others.  That water is cold, people!  Still, on I went.  I got three of them tightened down, but the third one was in a corner, between bends, and folds, of pipe, just too difficult for the big pipe wrench I was using.  I thought I had a massive crescent wrench somewhere.  It has a more sleek jaw, so should fit in there.  And, once I found it, it did get the job done.

Absolutely exhausted for it, but I think it is done.  Another neighbor visited.  An event coming up in a few days.  I wasn't sure I'd be able to get to it, for the lack of hot water, so no shower.  He had things to do, but will stop back in a bit.  I wanted to try to get it done, before he returns, and have done what I might.

I'll have him look over the connections, see if I got them tight enough.  Perhaps tighten a few if needs be.  Then I'll just let it dry for a while.  I will open the panel... with it off.  And I will open the front panels on the heater itself, pull the insulation, let them air dry for a day, or two.  Then try... perhaps tomorrow night.  I'll have to go without hot water between now and then.

The dishes are clean.  Just need rinsed.  I could heat water in a kettle, or just in the tea pot.  Nothing fancy, and not much at a time, but... it might work to get me through.  And, maybe, I could do a sitz bath if all else failed, assuming I can do that.  It's sort of a heavy effort.  And I've spent my effort for the week.  Month?  Bleh.

If it weren't so annoying, I would count that as fun.  If it works out, I... will count it among my fond memories.  Actually, for sure, it's more a matter of how much time needs to pass.

At least the house water is back on.  And I think I have the nuts tightened enough that there isn't a drip.  I may need to get two more, and splitter, or connector piece... of the flex hoses.  These are just too short.  They didn't have anything more than twenty four inches.  Though even thirty six inches might have been tight.  So, two, plus a connecting piece, might do.  Three if not, though two most likely.  But, for now, I just want this set up.

If nothing else, I... did get water back on, and any drips to a very tiny minimum.  Though, when I go in for more, I will see about a standard wrench, which fits these connectors, possibly buy two.  That makes like a LOT easier.  Adjustables are good, for some things.  But fixed sizes have their place too.  Ugh.

Now to dry out.  The good side?  Even soaking wet, I am warm enough from the effort that it isn't a problem.  I've become a clothes dryer!  Later.

More troubles.

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The water wasn't hot, when I went to rinse the dishes.  Nothing but cold.  Very cold.  So, I headed downstairs.  I thought I heard something I really didn't want to hear.  Was hoping it was... just... something running... like the water softener cycling one thing or another.  But, no.  It was running water, a leak.

Now, thankfully, it hadn't been leaking for long.  My first impulse was to turn the water off outdoors.  But... no.  I had to find the leak first.  It was odd.  Could see it coming from the pipes, but was hitting the ceiling, needed more light.

I went up, dressed well enough to go out if required, or even to town really.  Then I grabbed a light source.  Then headed back down.  It took a bit.  No reason to panic, if I wanted to find the leak so I could then turn the water off asap.  It was leaking from the flex hose which was replaced recently.  Strange, but okay.

I got out, turned the water off, and got in to town in order to get a replacement hose.  I bought two, while at it.  A slightly different sort than the replacement, or what I had originally installed.  All about the same price.  I am simply looking for one which might last longer?  Bleh.

Back home, I took one off.  Had to use a huge pipewrench on the nut.  It was on too tightly to get off with just a regular wrench or even a massive lockjaw.  I did get one flex pipe clean off, then one side and part of the other side for the next one.  It... was wearing me out.  Had to take a break.  And, yes, I did turn the fuse panel to the off position.

I have to take a bit of a break.  Just getting to town was... exhausting.  Add in wrestling with the water shutoff, getting upstairs and dressed in a hurry, getting to town on a dark tired day, and then wrestling with those connections, I... have to take a bit of a time-out.

Still, I will get it going, before long.  Might be an hour away, but I will get back to it.  I did text the neighbor.  What would "H" do.  Mostly just let him know what was going on, and what I was doing.  He has two or three or four jobs, a wedding coming up, don't expect much.  And, for at least the first six months to year of marriage, until she is... well... too busy with else to manage things, he will be lost in a wonderland.  Still, if he can advise, I'll listen.  No comment back, but... that... isn't a surprise.  Don't think I don't know.  I just don't have another resource.

I'll get to it.  After the pipes are set up, I will leave it as is, to dry out, for a few days.  Then attempt a reset.  The thing may simply have shorted, due to water hitting the electronics.  So... yea.  Hook it up, open it up, dry it with what is available (of course before turning the panel back on).  Then letting it air dry for a while... might even take a fan down there to add air movement.  Then, say, Tuesday night, or Wednesday sometime, get in and turn it on... assuming no leaks.

As well, I will run the water through the lines.  But maybe not until the day before starting the electronics, just to make sure it isn't dripping.  Have to check on it, after that, even so.  Hmm... I may turn the water on right away, then just check for leaks?  As soon as the flex pipes are replaced?  Yea.  I think so.  I will want water, for this and that, between now and then.

Well?  At least I... got to it.  Successfully?  Time will tell.  Later.

Difficult to wake.

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Granted, I couldn't get to bed until 21:30ish.  Still, a twelve hour sleep, pretty much to the minute.  I couldn't wake, either.  I did roll, check the clock, starting at around 7:30.  Every hour to half hour after, I'd... sort of try to work my way out.  No chance.  Even waking at 9:30 was chore.

I will try to be to bed earlier tonight.  Maybe even 18:00.  I made the bed this morning.  Then again, the only reason it wasn't done yesterday is that someone was waiting on me.  Still can't believe I am sleeping so late!  We are hitting deeper winter.  I suppose that is it.  Maybe the snow has something to do with it?  Don't quite know, for certain.

Still, up, and... a bit done.  Sassy was fed, her litter cleared.  Then I had a few kefirs while filtering the fermented kefir, resetting that.  I do enjoy kefir.  Usually I have it plain, sometimes I will add sweetener.  I honestly, mostly, like it plain.  I guess I just need a little variety.

A bite to eat, a cold-cut sandwich.  Nearly a dagwood?  No, not nearly enough fillings.  Salami, ham, swiss, and fresh onion, with mayo.  Not fancy, but I sure like it from time to time.  Can't have it too often, but will have it from time to time.  Thought about heating the other half of the squash, but will save that.  Hoping to get a pork roast cooked in a bit.  Will heat the squash up for that as a side.

Well, on with my day.  Good morning, day, and later.