Disaster Averted

Last night we had our very first homeowner disaster. Just after going to bed we heard the sound of running water. This is something that I normally ignore, usually a toilet filling, or the ice machine, or the dishwasher. Just nothing that ever needs attention at that moment. This time that was not the case at all.

This time, Marisa discovered that the downstairs toilet was somewhat dysfunctional. The lid of the tank had popped off, the filler pipe had somehow grown taller than the tank, and water was running. At this point however as bad as it looked and sounded, nothing was really wrong. At least nothing until we tried to fix it.

At this moment I would like to insert into this story something I have likely seen many times on "This Old House" and simply chose the one moment I actually needed the knowledge to be the one where I completely failed to call it forward. It goes something like this:

THE FIRST STEP IN ANY PLUMBING REPAIR IS TO TURN OFF THE WATER SUPPLY!

Simple enough. Now back to our story...

After trying to lift the float to stop the flow, I tried to push the piece that had inexplicably grown back to its normal size. It was at this moment that it cracked and out toilet tank changed from utilitarian object into an object of art - a fountain. Allow me to reset the scene: two recent homebuyers, dressed for sleeping are not jumping and shouting around a very pleasant water feature in their guest bathroom. Finally I remember the supply valve and turn it off.

By this time it is raining in the basement, but eventually it stops.

Today we bought a lovely American Standard toilet part for $8 and installed it in less than the 15 minutes the box promises. Once again, disaster averted.

From now on I will remember to hear Richard Trethewey in my head before I begin.