Well, that was easy

I tried one plumbing company yesterday, and they ended up blowing me off (not intentionally, I think, but still). So, this morning, I called a different one. They sent somebody out within an hour. Blessing's Plumbing.

The plumber showed up, took a look at the garbage disposal, then went out to his truck and got a little tool out. He messed with it for five seconds, and it was working again. No need to replace it.

Since he did so little work, he just charged me the 'service fee' they have to come out and look at the problem. $59.50. A lot less than I was thinking I'd end up paying today, so I'm happy about that. He told me how he fixed it, too. There's a tool called a garbage disposal key that you can buy at Home Depot. You can use it in the bottom of the disposal to crank the blades if they get stuck on something.

I made a note. I will have to buy myself one of those. It'll be cheaper than service calls.

Grr!

In order to fix the leaking faucet in the back yard, I need to turn off the water to my house.

Homeowners should know how to do this. In an emergency, it could be very important.

I can't find the switch/lever/wheel/whatever.

I found the water meter for our house. I think it's the one for our house. The way we're packed in this cul-de-sac, I can't be sure. I've found the number for the Public Utilities customer service, and I've called and called.

Busy every time.

This is very frustrating. You'd think they would at least be able to take my call and put me on hold, wouldn't you? Why is it busy?

I'm going to have to pester them until I get through. *sigh* What a waste of time.

EDIT: Well, I'm on hold now. That's an improvement! Er, yay.

Woohoo!

I got through!

The person was polite but not really able to help me. She did tell me that, if our house is older than 10 or 15 years, it might not have one. On the plus side, if I can't find it, the local utilities will come out and shut off our water and turn it back on for free.

(no subject)

I also fixed the sliding glass door. I moved the plate so that it'll lock properly now.