Oh, yes, there are a few things in this life which stimulate hand-wringing, and this time, it is A/C work being done. Normally, the type of service needed does not involve being nervous but our units, at least most of us, have water-to-air systems. Yes, water!
A few months ago one of my neighbors had troubles with their A/C unit not getting enough water from the pumps to properly cool their condo. Patti was working with various folks to get a satisfactory resolution to the problem, which may or may not include the water supply.
At our most recent Board meeting, it was discussed, leaving out the technical information, that it would be ideal for every owner to install solenoid valves which will automatically stop the flow of water when the A/C unit is not running. A few years ago some of the owners had already done this, and now, most if not all of the water-to-air people are doing so. We are getting a quantity discount from the A/C man and having everyone done in the same couple of days is ideal.
HOWEVER, Kim's unit has to go and have some problems, which I find out was not unique to me only. Whew! He arrived here yesterday (John is his name, my new best friend) around 4:00 pm and his last visit to my A/C closet was at 8:00 pm. The final 'blow' was his having to get a cylinder of air, looked like an old-fashioned shiny fire extinguisher, to blow an obstruction from the clogged pipes, which I am embarrassed to report having. Who knew? John said he couldn't believe I have not ever had a problem with it. That was NOT changed or checked, as far as I know, when the new unit was installed after I moved in.
He showed me some parts he'd removed from other units, equally impacted, and said it's our 'dirty' water constantly flowing through the pipes which causes the build-up. Having this new valve in place will stop the machines from constantly pumping water and reducing the amount of dirty water flowing through. Or trying to!
Justin made us some dinner, cheddar chicken served over pasta, but I really could not enjoy it. I was emotionally exhausted and physically as well, and just wanted to go to bed. John teased me when he was done that he knew I'd be running down there to check it out after he left. Justin put one of our water leak collection pans in the closet under the pipes with one of my water alarms. All was well!
I will have a load of cloths and towels used to sop up the water which smell of vinegar now since we added it to the pipe to help clear it (preventative) only to have it run out on the floor when the pipes leaked! Ahhh!
I had to laugh, though...when John came in to begin working, I cautioned him about his handling of the pipes because they are tender and he said, "Yeah, I heard about a big leak happening a couple years ago..." Oh, yes, that was me! He said he understood why I was 'paranoid' (not the word I would use!) and would handle the pipes carefully. And yet, his new pipes were the ones which leaked!
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