(no subject)

[spedbug]

This photo shows the cast iron pipe. Normally, we'd have only needed to expose part of this but, when we broke through the concrete we caught a whiff of sewer gas. It seems the sewer line, at some point, had a hole in it and was (no lie) covered with a piece of glass then concreted over. Because the right side of the "tee" needed to be cut out and replaced, we had to jackhammer a much larger area.


The "finished" product. The length of pipe going up the basement wall will, eventually, tie into the powder room sewer line.


Savagefuzzball went to a friend's house for most of the evening. After all the sweaty, dirty work you see above, MrBug and I showered, went out to eat and then picked her up. From there we went to Coldstone Creamery for ice cream. When we got home, we went down in the basement to clean up a few things that were still lying about (a garden hose we'd used to flush the system, etc.) and watched a mouse run across the basement floor and into the block wall up to where we'd jackhammered. For years, I've watched our cat, Boots, sit in front of that wall and stare at a corn-kernel sized hole where the block wall and basement floor met. I thought she was just trying to freak me out. Obviously, she knew something I didn't. MrBug has stuffed a towel into the space for the evening. Tomorrow we'll replace the dirt and pour concrete and the mouse worries will be no more. Of course I'll set traps in the basement tomorrow, too, because goodness knows how many mice came out once we'd broken open their thoroughfare. One made itself known...others may be lurking. The only thing making me rest easy? - Boots is in for the night and she's already shown interest in the basement "renovation".

Comments

[texaswren.livejournal.com]

You look about SFB's age in the second picture! You needed both of my boys on that job. One owns a concrete cutting company, the other is a plumber. ;-)

I've done a lot of things, but I've never used a jackhammer. You go girl!!!

[spedbug.livejournal.com]

Without makeup, I think I look like a young Eurasian boy with long hair. If you got close enough, Wren, you'd notice the wrinkles and gray hair. Now, to find a way to keep people 20' or more away so I can pass for twelve! ;)

MrBug would have appreciated the extra help, I'm sure. Luckily, he has over 25 years plumbing experience and a number of other building skills under his belt. When I told him, today, what a wonderful job he'd done with the concrete, he said, "I'd hope I could make it look good -I've done enough of it over the years". Things I marvel at, he takes for granted (like being able to run a dedicated electrical line for our computer from the circuit box in the basement to the second floor).

I know about 20 footers.

[texaswren.livejournal.com]

Johnnie's car is what the appraiser called a 20 footer. At 20', it looks like a #1 category car--really nice and well preserved. The closer you get, the more you actually see, the more the rating drops, until it's actually a #2 car. But, our appraisal papers actually list it as a 20 footer.

I wish Johnnie was handy like that. He's pretty good, but not at major plumbing or any electrical. You'd think that as many old houses as we buy we should take that into consideration. ;-)

Re: I know about 20 footers.

[spedbug.livejournal.com]

But, our appraisal papers actually list it as a 20 footer.

I think it's hilarious that it's actually written like that!

[atabei.livejournal.com]

You look like a buff 12 year old in that pic! LOL! :-D

[angelchild.livejournal.com]

That is so brave of you, tackling that..... Me, i'd call in the professionals and pay a fortune ;o)

Good luck with it!

[spedbug.livejournal.com]

It's not really all the brave as plumbing is my husband's trade. If it has to do with running water or drainage, he's done it; I just listened to his direction and acted as apprentice. :)

So, you see, MrBug is one of those professionals to whom you'd pay your fortune! (He likes to joke that he gave up his law practice to start a plumbing business because law didn't pay enough. If more young people don't enter the trades, this won't be a joke much longer).

[angelchild.livejournal.com]

Its getting a bit like that here in the UK :o( Kids just dont wanna be plumbers, builders or electricians anymore for some reason......

I wish i'd married a builder or a plumber.... Instead i married a printer...now what good is that i ask you? lol

Good luck with it :o)

[spedbug.livejournal.com]

Instead i married a printer...now what good is that i ask you? lol

He can keep you in reading material! ;)

[angelchild.livejournal.com]

You're joking! He prints hotel brochures....i'm sick of the sight of em lol.... I spose i shouldnt moan, i never pay for envelopes and paper ;o)

[reggiesgirl2.livejournal.com]

You're just so cute in that jackhammer picture! LOL

[madame-urushiol.livejournal.com]

Like Wren, I've done a lot of things, but I've never used a jackhammer either. You're so cool! And the finished product looks fabulous! They ought to give you guys your own show on HGTV!

[o-jenny.livejournal.com]

They ought to give you guys your own show on HGTV!

That's just what I thought when I saw the picture!! Sped, you look good with power tools. :-)

[spedbug.livejournal.com]

I'm ready for my close up, Mr. DeMille! ;)