Alert, Alert...Hot Water Main Break!

I will not be mentioning any names but my own during this post. I do not want the other party feeling any more embarrassed, but I did get permission to share this tale with you all.This friend didn't mind if I used their name, but I'll leave it a mystery!

I received a frantic phone call from a friend this evening. This friend was in a complete uproar. They proceeded to tell me that yesterday morning when they took a shower the water was freezing. They were in and out in a matter of a few minutes. After a full work day and a 2 hour work out this person once again retreated back to the shower. Looking forward to a half hour hot shower, they were astonished to find out the water was once again artic cold. Now, after 2 ice cold showers you might think that something would be wrong. They went off to bed thinking all would be magically fixed in the morning. As the sun rose on this Tuesday morning, my friend stepped into the shower for a third time. Greeted again by freezing water and a short shower, my friend went off to work. As this person sat brewing in anger they finally decided to do something about it. After work they checked the water one final time and still no hot water.Now, before I give you the rest of the story, lets recap:

1 - Shower was freezing on Monday morning.

2 - Shower was still cold Monday evening

3 - Shower was once again, freezing on Tuesday morning.

4 - After testing the faucets and shower again after work, the water was still ice cold.

To me a big red neon sign saying "WATER HEATER" is flashing in front of my face. That is not what this friend thought. They decided to call the Des Moines water utility and complain that their hot water does not work and someone needs to fix it. They explained to the representative that they hadn't seen any news about a hot water main being broken and that they can't believe no one else complained yet. This representative then asked if this was a joke and hung up. Now, since we are learning all about On Your Side service, this was not a hard close and not very customer focused. But honestly...what would you do? I then asked my friend, if their pilot light went out on their hot water heater. Respone: "Sarah, that is the cities job, I can't check the pilot light, it's a hot water main break, how can I fix that?...geez". I didn't laugh at this moment, but explained what a hot water heater was and walked them through how check and re-light. After 5 minutes of directions, KAPOW! Hot water again. My friend thanked me for my time and hung up absolutely mortified. I then laughed for a good 3-4 minutes. I wouldn't have found this as funny but this person has been a home owner for about 3 years. We all have our moments! Sometimes are frustrations block us from reacting the way we say we would! I am very sure this friend has seen moments like this from me!

Just another day at the Janzen house....