This is really irritating. 02-21-21 UPDATE.

[Laelth]

Good morning, DU. It is an overcast, dreary, wet, windy, and still-cold Sunday in Laelth’s world in the Free State of Van Zandt (East Texas). It’s allegedly 46 degrees outside, but the wind chill is making it feel much colder.

Water returned yesterday afternoon as expected, and, despite my best efforts to dry out our trailer prior to the deep freeze, we have numerous leaks. The main, kitchen faucet is just flat-out busted. When it’s turned on, all the water flows out where the faucet meets the sink. That’s not right.

Initially, I thought that was our only failure. This morning, however, I discovered (by seeing all the water on the floor) that there are, at least, two more leaks ... somewhere ... coming from busted pipes, valves, or hoses in the walls. To top it all off, our “water out” line to the park’s septic tank is still frozen, so our waste water is backing up into our tanks. Only answer? I had to turn our water back off until I can get some repairs done.

We’re expecting another freeze tonight, so I am hesitant to try to warm up the frozen, underground septic line just yet. Until I can get waste water out of the trailer, I don’t want to allow any water into it. This ordeal may last another week—perhaps more. Plumbers are booked solid.

On the bright side, I was actually able to cook food on the stove last night. That was a nice change. We continue to have reliable electricity. We still have food, bottled water, and internet access. We are still doing quite well under the circumstances.

Thanks, DU, for all you do. I look forward to ending these updates soon. Today, I just needed to vent some frustration.

-Laelth


Previous “This is bad.” threads are linked below, solely for their historical value.

This is bad. https://www.democraticunderground.com/10181470783

This is bad. 02-16-21 UPDATE.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10181470956

This is bad. 02-17-21 UPDATE.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10181471625

This is bad. 02-18-21 UPDATE.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10181472034

This is bad. 02-19-21 UPDATE.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10181472438

This is bad (but not too bad). 02-20-21 UPDATE.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10181472943

[niyad]

1. Hugggggggggs. Alas, I have no helpful answers, just continued vibes for safety and strength

and endurance. Vent as much as you like, you are with family here.

[Laelth]

3. These posts have got to be getting old.

Thanks for listening.



-Laelth

[niyad]

5. The fact that you are here and able to make them is such a relief, not getting old. Please keep

posting.

[Laelth]

16. Will do, but I hope not for much longer. n/t

-Laelth

[littlemissmartypants]

26. I totally agree with niyad. Keep posting.

You never know who may find comfort in your words. Stay encouraged.

❤lmsp

[Laelth]

51. I suppose I feel bad for burdening the community with my troubles.

It feels a little shameful to me.

That said, I truly needed the outpouring of love, prayers, suggestions, good vibes, and material support that DU has generously provided. I am truly humbled by the spirit of this extraordinary community.

The least I can do is to keep you all updated. Thank you.



-Laelth

[sarge43]

34. No, they are not.

You let us know what is really going on. Plus, we worry about you and yours.

Whenever you can, keep us posted.

[Laelth]

52. Thank you. Seriously.

Please see post #51, above.



-Laelth

[FM123]

2. Glad you are doing better, even if it is just a little at a time.....

We are always so relieved to hear from you!

BTW - Congrats, today is your 11 year anniversary on DU! (I just read it in EarlG's post)
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10181473646

[LiberalLoner]

6. +1❤️

[Laelth]

9. Thanks. The love is much appreciated.

But it’s Leith who’s having a DU birthday today. Mine is in October. I am a little older (in DU years, anyway).



-Laelth

[FM123]

24. Ooops!

Happy every day that you are here!

[Laelth]

53. Same to you. n/t

-Laelth

[Arkansas Granny]

4. I'm glad to hear that there has been some improvement in your situation.

I hope you get your other problems resolved soon.

[Laelth]

10. Thanks, Granny.

You let me know when you next get a hold of a feral pig. I am dying to come up there, dig up your yard, and do it right.



-Laelth

[Arkansas Granny]

22. As a matter of fact, my hunter friend recently had another pig processed.

He doesn't hunt hogs during our regular deer season so he won't interfere with other hunters.

It's all been ground, but I plan to make a kick ass batch of chili to share with the guys I work with.

[Laelth]

37. Sounds delicious! n/t

-Laelth

[Ohiogal]

7. So good that you are checking in Lailth

I can’t imagine what you folks are going through. Getting water service returned only to find you cannot use it, that’s the pits.

[Laelth]

11. Yes. That was a bummer.

Getting out of bed and getting my socks soaked by cold water first thing in the morning really set me off.



-Laelth

[CrispyQ]

8. Sending positive vibes. Wish I could do more.

Are plumbers from other states going to TX to help out?

[Laelth]

12. Thanks.

I suspect that plumbers are flooding into the state as we speak. There’s very high demand for their services.

There’s also a lot of price-gouging going on, so I would be leery to hire someone I didn’t know.

-Laelth

[wnylib]

28. I don't think you could answer this,

but it just occurred to me that some of the millions of dollars in donations, thanks to AOC and Beto, could be used to pay plumbers to get safe, clean water for people.

[Laelth]

42. That would be awesome.

I suspect that’s on AOC’s radar. You’re right. I know nothing about that, specifically, but I will keep my eyes open.

-Laelth

[wnylib]

45. Maybe we should e-mail or tweet her

about it. I am not on Twitter, but I can send an e-mail to her or to Beto about it. Might be more effective coming first hand from someone who is there in Texas and dealing with the problem. Kind of a heads up, like "Thank you so much for your efforts on our behalf. What we need most now is help paying plumbers for safe, clean water."

[wnylib]

50. PS - I cannot e-mail AOC.

I tried but her website is set up to take only contacts from her constituents in her district. It requires zip code entry and rejects me as out of her district.

Looks like Twitter would have a better chance of reaching her.

[pandr32]

13. I'll bet repairs will be expensive--especially now

Plumbers are probably getting lots of calls.
Hopefully it doesn't freeze for long tonight.
Thanks for posting these updates. Personal stories help us connect to the event.

[Laelth]

17. You're welcome.

Last edited Sun Feb 21, 2021, 07:34 PM - Edit history (1)

It has been nice to get a lot of love and support. Frankly, we needed it.

And, yes. Reports of plumbers engaging in massive price-gouging are widespread.



-Laelth

[ancianita]

14. I hear plumbers are coming, yes.

I also hear that FEMA might be able to send you one, but don't know that for a fact. Perhaps you can call and luck out based on this need category?

Immediate Needs: Contact your local emergency management agency for help. The FEMA Helpline (1-800-621-3362 / TTY [phone]) may be able to provide additional referrals.

https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual

[Laelth]

18. Nifty. Thanks! n/t

-Laelth

[ancianita]

20. The least I could do. nt

[NewHendoLib]

15. .

[Laelth]

65. .

-Laelth

[c-rational]

19. Keep the faith Laelth. You are doing will to maintain good spirits. Your post today reminded me

of Robin Williams Good Morning Vietnam...hope you see some humor in life as you thaw...

[Laelth]

49. Thanks. Just mentioning Robin Williams made me smile.

You rock!



-Laelth

[jmbar2]

21. Thanks for keeping us posted

Whatever doesn't kill you will make you stronger. But it's a pain-in-the-ass, nevertheless.

Let us know if there is anyway that we can help.

[Laelth]

58. Thanks. Seriously. n/t

-Laelth

[judesedit]

23. Thank goodness you have electric. Do you have fans you could aim at

water leak areas? Water is the worst enemy of mobile homes. I so hope this ordeal is over for you, and all others experiencing the devastation, more than quickly. And hope you get financial help in repairing everything. Enjoy your heat and hot food. Asking prayers for strength.

[Laelth]

46. Thank you. The support means a lot.

No. We don’t have fans. Most of the leaking water was coming out from under cabinets and walls. We got what we could find off the floor as soon as possible. It’s pretty dry now (although the shower stall is full of soaked towels). The water’s off now, so we’re not sustaining further damage. No clue how we’re going to fix this, but we can’t complain. Lots of people have it worse than we do.

-Laelth

[mtngirl47]

25. Thawing your sewer hose....

I have lots of experience with frozen sewer hoses...I have a resort in NC mountains.

Even though you don't want to run water yet...you need to get the sewer hose thawed so that you can run water when things get fixed. The best way is to hang a work light near the sewer hose and tarp it. That will slowly thaw it and keep it from having ice clogs further down the line. Your black and gray water tanks are probably frozen too. Don't give in to the temptation to pour boiling water down into the tanks. Slowing thawing things may keep you from cracks.

If you don't have a work light then take a hair dryer and thaw it starting near the park connection then move up towards the RV.

Now let's talk about temporary water for your RV....As long as the park pipes are not cracked. Your water hose may be frozen, so use the hairdryer for that if necessary. Then you can run the hose through a window with a shut-off on the end so you won't have to carry so much water.

Start with the sewer so you have the necessary!

[mtngirl47]

32. Really important! Turn off your hot water heater

so it doesn't burn out the element.

[Laelth]

47. Good tip.

I forgot to do that.



-Laelth

[Laelth]

43. I have been really tempted to use boiling water.

I avoided the temptation. I could simply replace my waste-water hose, if that were the problem. It’s not. The underground sewer line from my trailer to the septic tank is still frozen. I can’t thaw that line out. I am afraid I will just have to wait for a natural thaw for that. We’re freezing again tonight, but then we’re looking at a good, long stretch of above-freezing temperatures. My gut says patience is called for right now.

-Laelth

[Jay25]

27. I know it's been difficult, but glad things are somewhat better.

[Laelth]

48. Thanks. n/t

-Laelth

[barbtries]

29. i appreciate all your updates

and really hope you get the assistance you need asap

[Laelth]

54. Many thanks. :)

Please see response #51, above.



-Laelth

[LiberalArkie]

30. When my septic line would freeze, I would pour dish soap down the drain and then slowly let

hot water drain into it.

[Laelth]

55. Interesting. I might try that.

I am just worried about the potential flooding if it doesn’t work.



-Laelth

[LiberalArkie]

60. My idea was to make the water in a line hard to freeze. The trap is where it would freeze.

So anything that raises the freezing point will work. ( as long as it doesn't hurt a septic tank). Baby oil would work I believe. You only have to keep the trap from freezing as it is the only part with water in it.



Put some of the stuff in the freezer and see if it will freeze.

[Laelth]

62. LOL. You're a rockin' scientist. Did you know that?

Well, now you do.



-Laelth

[LiberalArkie]

63. I can't help it, I am an aspie.

[Laelth]

64. Doesn't shock me one bit.

Thank you for being you.

-Laelth

[Pepsidog]

31. Hang in there. We are all thinking about you.

[Laelth]

56. Thank you.

Please see post #51, above.



-Laelth

[mountain grammy]

33. Thinking of you all the time.

[Laelth]

57. You are very sweet.

Please see post #51, above.

-Laelth

[cayugafalls]

35. So glad you are keeping your spirit up. You will make it.

My heart is with you. I am so thankful for all on DU and some of the links and advice in this thread.

Sending you all my love and encouragement.

Hugs from Houston.

[Laelth]

59. You are too sweet. Thank you. n/t

-Laelth

[Laelth]

66. Many, many thanks.

Our chins remain up.

Hope you and yours are doing well in Houston.



-Laelth

[cayugafalls]

68. Like you, we remain hopeful.

I ordered some plumbing parts that should be here mid week and I will do my best to see if I can get us back online. Not sure it will work, but worth a try. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I did find some more splits in the pipes today, so that was good. The more I know about now, the better.

That beer clinking looks good.

[Laelth]

70. You are a better person than I.

I won’t touch plumbing with a 10 foot pole. That’s WAY beyond my pay grade.

Good luck with your projects.



-Laelth

[cayugafalls]

72. I really want running water.

I mean, I don't mind carrying water from the pool to the bathroom, but it may be weeks before we can get our plumber out to see us and I just don't want to wait that long if I can do anything to help it.

Besides someone here told me about slip on couplings for copper pipe as a temporary fix and I found some that will work and look easy to install and it was only $56 for a set of 4 and a pipe cutter. I watched a YT video and am probably feeling way to over confident, but, hey, I am just sitting here, why not try something. It's not like I can damage our ceiling any worse than it already is...lol.

You never know how handy you are until you try.

[Laelth]

73. Courage. Some say it's a virtue.

I wish you well—honestly and genuinely.



-Laelth

[mezame]

36. A Burning Man Solution

We're taught to always have a 5 gallon bucket and 20lbs of cat sand packed in our entry vehicle. Gate delays can go on for hours without access to a potty. Amazon and Walmart even sell them with seats and covers (camping section).

I hope they're distributing banks of Portos in addition to dealing with resources and the damage done.

Hang in there - the Force is strong with you.

[Laelth]

69. Everybody (and I mean EVERYBODY) needs a 5 gallon bucket.

With that I totally agree. Naturally, the Daughter and I have one. The 20 lbs. of cat sand, on the other hand, not so much. That we lack, but the roads are sufficiently clear now that we can get around safely (within reason and within a limited radius).

Obviously, the force of strong with you, as well. Thank you.



-Laelth

[calimary]

38. Glad you're keeping a diary about this.

I’ve found that documenting events or happenings or crises or adventures really helps track the details of what you’re up against.

You may not remember everything that happened, or when it did, as this whole mess washes over you like a perpetual tidal wave. This helps “manage the reality,” as it were. Gives you a little bit of control over it - at least you KNOW the details, the progression, the extras and fine points that might make a difference later when you have to tell a repair crew or an insurance agent or some such thing.

I’ve found it helps me make sense of things when I can look at the facts and the progression of whatever is going on, as conditions and facts evolve and change. You can be (and sound) informed when you’re explaining this to someone else. This can allow for fewer misinterpretations on behalf of others. The helpers or potential helpers will need the most accurate info - the what’s and the when’s.

For some odd reason, it seems to help. This is good, what you’re doing.

Besides, the notes you make about this disaster can later become a guest editorial, a think piece, a cautionary tale, that shares this real-life, front-row experience, how it developed, and its ramifications. It might help somebody else know what to expect, if they ever have to deal with a crisis of their own, like this.

[Laelth]

61. You and I are both writers.

I couldn’t help but record this unique personal history. DU has, quite simply, been the forum that I chose for this particular recording, but I hear you. Write it out! More speech is better than less speech. That’s what it means to be an American!

With great respect, I remain yours,

-Laelth

[calimary]

74. Awwwww...

And maybe it’s just kind of an act of separation.

When you commit it to paper & pen, or write it up in an online document or post, then you can look at it with some objectivity because it’s a separate “thing.” Sometimes that allows for more perspective as you read it the way somebody else would, as opposed to its writer.

And there’s also the matter of wanting to say more, but sometimes the thoughts and modes of expression and description just pour out too fast, and your points are all meaningful and maybe you don’t want to forget one of ‘em.

And maybe there’s enough else going on around you that you won’t have time to finish at one sitting. But, AHA! You made a note! And there it is, awaiting your return, to flesh out the rest when you actually have some time to finish what you wanted to say.

There’s always a notebook near me with a pen attached to the spiral “backbone”. Need it, and gotta have it!

[Laelth]

75. You are DEFINITELY a writer.

I am very happy to know you.

I don’t disagree with a single word that you wrote in the post above.

With highest regards,

-Laelth

[paleotn]

39. Our heart and thoughts are with you....

Ugh. Plumbing supplies, from faucets and supply pipes to city mains, are hot commodities all over TX right now.

[Laelth]

67. Yep. And the price-gouging is severe.

Thanks so much for the kind words and wishes.



-Laelth

[CaptainTruth]

40. Hang in there!!!

[Laelth]

71. We will. Thank you. n/t

:psls:

-Laelth

[BobTheSubgenius]

41. I'm sure I speak for many more than myself when I tell you I am heartened.

Heartened that you got past the crisis and are dealing as well as you can with the aftermath.

Chin up!

[Laelth]

44. Always. Thank you. n/t

-Laelth

[Mr.Bill]

76. Although you are just one person,

you have done a better job of informing us about what this disaster was really like than all the media I have access to. Thanks for the updates and details. It seems the mainstream media has all but moved on while you are letting us know that many still have serious problems. I hope things keep getting better for you.