Power shower

The pump on our shower has decided it doesn’t like being turned off. It is designed to come on and go off with the turning of the taps. A very handy design that, up until last night, worked splendidly.

In fact, Mirinda was woken in the night by strange noises which she thought indicated that someone was walking around the bedroom. She peered around the dark bedroom but (surprise, surprise) there was nobody there. The noise, however, was still making itself heard.

Mirinda’s first thought was that, perhaps, Aunt Vera (who possesses Sidney) had decided the car was too uncomfortable and had gone for a wander. Fortunately, Aunt Vera, while being rather playful when it comes to the car’s electrical system, is a pleasant spirit for whom we hold no fear. Anyway, it wasn’t her.

Mirinda then went into the bathroom to find that the electric pump was happily chugging away and water was oozing out of the hot water tap. This had been the noise.

Last year, when we had the electrician check out everything in the house (and repair the more dangerous bits left by the dodgy builder) he added a very handy on/off switch to the pump under the bath. This is accessible by removing a small panel at one end of the tub. Mirinda opened it and turned the switch off. Instantly the noise (and water) stopped, and peace returned to the house.

And so, today, I had to organise a plumber to come and have a look at it. I went for the same plumbers who installed our new boiler in 2011. When I rang up to ask for one to pop around, I was amazed that the woman on the phone recognised the address. I hope this isn’t an indication of a general lack of work.

Anyway, the upshot was that a plumber will be with me tomorrow at 2pm. So, until then, I’ll be turning the pump on and off.

The impact of the unstoppable pump would have been greater had Nicktor come round tonight. And he was due to. He’d been given a pass out and I was prepared to take him through the emergency operation of the washing facilities when the pass was suddenly revoked. Just before he was due to leave.

So, no Nicktor Night this week.

On the Bob front, he left for Wales this morning, in order to meet Sue and Graeme prior to a trip to Ireland and the Isle of Man. He was once more going to brave the transport system, getting a train to London, taxi to Euston then train to Conwy before meeting them there. We await details.