There Is Nothing Quite Like A Job Well Done

That is a simple coupling on the output line of a water heater for a radiant heat system. Mine died after 16 years, which sort of irritated me because it is a very simple machine and should have lasted longer. Apparently the design of the heating vessel was more for economics than longevity (what a shock!). The two halves are attached with rubber fittings, and they tend to decay. So when it cycles from hot to cold and contracts, it leaks. Not much, but enough to irritate, and eventually flood the burner tubes and pilot. There is something a bit disconcerting waking up to a 59 degree bedroom.

So my plumber tried a fix he has had some success with...tightening the bolts around the seam...hoping that it would reseal the gap. Alas, it did not work, so he replaced the entire unit.

But the original installation, done by plumbers who shall be described as "nice guys," didn't use couplings, because they were cheap bastards and not very good plumbers. So the replacement took longer than it should have. That new coupling will simplify replacing the unit if it ever needs to be swapped. Hell, I could probably do it if necessary.

What's the point? Well, doing a job correctly the first time has benefits that last a very long time. Oh, this isn't the first correction that needed to be done, although I think it will be the last. While it probably cost a bit more, the current fix and the previous ones have improved and simplified maintenance and change out of pumps, which don't last forever.

So...how many of you have examples of both a job well done and a shoddy job that required some correction? Don't be shy; if you did the shoddy job just admit it...the Horde will be gentle!

[The usual prize for the best story: One year Platinum membership with Troll-B-Gon^TM and ampersand utility.]

posted by CBD at 02:00 PM

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