Evening Update with Great (!!) Jubilation! We have water!!! After more efforts, trying various things of which I comprehend naught, it came back to the pump, which appeared to be working but maybe all was not as appeared since no other trouble could be found. Anyway, like I understand well speak. The pump was pulled out and a new one installed. (The “old” one is only six months old so will be returned for a refund!) We have running water!!!
And new smileys to celebrate! :dancingmonster:
I must go admire the running water now…..and do dishes and laundry and flush toilets just for fun! AND BAKE SOME BREAD!
Day Six. No water.
Dinner: Unplanned.
Mood: Fateful.
Prior to A) digging up 1000 feet of water line, or B) calling in costly assistance, a Hail Mary effort will be made today to troubleshoot the pump that appears to be working properly but maybe is not.
If this doesn’t work, I will be jumping off this bridge.
New River Bridge. This photo is making me miss summer.
If you want to check back, I’ll update this post this evening, either with Great (!!) Jubilation, or to say farewell as I head for the above-mentioned bridge. (I’ll leave you all a photo of the bridge in its wintry wonder in my will.)
Kathleen in Michigan says:
I am so sorry to hear about your water problem. Good luck today.
On January 14, 2009 at 4:23 am
Patty says:
Good Luck!!! :happyfeet:
On January 14, 2009 at 5:28 am
Becky says:
I hope your water problem is a simple one to diagnose!
Good luck!
On January 14, 2009 at 6:15 am
Mary Lou Middleton says:
This happens to my brother every winter. The ground shifts. They have to “walk the line” to find the “wet spot,” dig and fix the pipe that shifted. I understand what you are going through. I hope it is fixed soon. My thoughts are with you.
On January 14, 2009 at 6:33 am
Christine says:
Oh man, good luck, I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
On January 14, 2009 at 7:05 am
CindyP says:
Is the pump returnable if it’s not the problem? I would start there. How many teenagers do you have? It wouldn’t take them long to dig that 1000 ft! hahahaha….maybe not!
PLEASE BE THE PUMP! We don’t want you to jump, that looks pretty high! Who would let us live vicariously through them reading about cute farm animals, pies, and seasonal decor?!?!?!?! I know it’s not about us…….
Prayers are with you still today!
On January 14, 2009 at 7:18 am
Kathy Hathcock says:
Well, can’t you at least find a bridge that is not so high so you won’t hurt yourself if it comes down to this last act of desperation.
P.S. I know what you are going through, try jumping off of the structure housing your pump first.
Good luck
On January 14, 2009 at 7:29 am
JeannieB says:
Suzanne, we all pray for your water problem. PLEASE do not jump, but if you must, use a parachute, and take lots of pictures!
On January 14, 2009 at 7:41 am
Granny Sue says:
There’s another danger here (not as serious as the bridge jump, but still…): the temps are supposed to drop to single digits and a good snowfall is on the way tomorrow. If you don’t get this repaired soon your lines could feeze (moving water doesn’t freeze, but still water does). The snow, if it comes, could prevent anyone getting to you for a while. I am sending those Hail Mary’s because today could be very critical–and very costly if the water doesn’t run and pipes freeze. I am so sorry you have to deal with this in midwinter. It’s no fun in good weather; adding the cold is just not fair.
Praying that a fix will be found today!
On January 14, 2009 at 7:50 am
FidLdd says:
Seven days make one WEAK! This can’t continue. My sympathy and prayer is for you Suzanne.
On January 14, 2009 at 7:51 am
Joanna Wilcox says:
We’ve been across that bridge, on our way to go white-water rafting on the Gauley. MISTAKE. almost drown, had to be rescued.
Got my fingers crossed that the water is fixed TODAY. :snoopy:
On January 14, 2009 at 8:02 am
Claudia W. says:
This is not good!
Suzanne…please do not jump. all this will be cleared up, and then you will really appreciate the running water that much more.
We need you! Don’t do anything drastic.
Praying for a solution to your problem for you!
On January 14, 2009 at 8:08 am
Angelia M says:
Please don’t jump!!!!! Too bad you don’t live closer, you could come to my house 🙂 But, then you wouldn’t be having the freezing weather.
Sorry for all the troubles. Lord, please let it be something simple!
On January 14, 2009 at 8:19 am
Lora says:
Suzanne,
My husband says take a look at the check valve……
If the pump is running ok but water is not coming up that may be your problem.
Youv’e probably thought of this already.
On January 14, 2009 at 8:31 am
DeeBee says:
I really feel for you. I hope there is water in your very near future.
On January 14, 2009 at 9:04 am
Clare says:
I’ve been reading for a while now and haven’t commented, but today I am drawn to.
It’s all about the spin you put on what life deals you, isn’t it? How about this being your ‘homesteading phase’? It’s temporary, but oh the water hauling lessons you are learning!
Forget the bridge. Your community is hugging you back and giving you a thumbs up! =;)
On January 14, 2009 at 9:05 am
karen l says:
Oh I love that bridge – we took the tour over and under when on vacation 2 yrs ago – if that’s the area you live in – wow – what a gorgeous place. I’m from the big city, so can’t really understand the isolation when something like the water goes – HANG IN THERE – SOMEBODY WILL FIGURE THIS OUT!
On January 14, 2009 at 9:10 am
cgRenogabbertcaro says:
You are made of tough stuff.I would have jumped at day four. The worst is over, pour yourself a kahula and coffee and HANG IN.
On January 14, 2009 at 9:14 am
Claudia says:
I pray the water problem is corrected today and you can have some relief!
On January 14, 2009 at 9:15 am
Pat says:
Crossing my fingers that your water problem will be an inexpensive fix and completed today! May your cup runneth over with fresh water by this evening! :snoopy:
On January 14, 2009 at 9:18 am
Heidi says:
OH SUE! I am keeping you in my prayers for today again. I am sure 52 has a ‘tester’ to see if the motor is working. Milk Man says that even if the pump is getting ‘juice’ that there could be a short in the ‘output’ – such language! LOL :hug:
On January 14, 2009 at 9:21 am
Nancy in Atlanta says:
You will have water; you will have water….now look into my eyes…you will not jump; you will not jump…
But if you do, I agree with the practical ones above – soap up, take advantage of the water, and take lots of pictures.
Kidding aside – I do hope you find the problem TODAY! And tell Clover it isn’t always about her…. :happyflower:
On January 14, 2009 at 9:28 am
IowaCowgirl says:
nice bridge but…….why would you want to deal with more water below it???8-)
I’ll be waiting and thinking of you all day…be sure and let us know the status of things later. At least you’re not in Iowa where temp will be minus 20 tonight (minus 40 with wind chill). My cows are calling….
On January 14, 2009 at 9:29 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Thanks, everyone! They are here, working on it…..!!! No news yet.
I’ve thought about the homesteading aspect. The difference is that a hundred years ago, they were set up for this. They (usually) had wells near the house with a pail you could draw up. An outhouse. Large sinks and/or washtubs to do dishes, sometimes even a hand pump in the kitchen or just outside the door. And they were accustomed to the situation. Today, even if you have a house in the country (!), we aren’t set up to live that way. It’s like camping out inside your house. Only worse than camping out because you aren’t set up to camp out….
I think it’s time to build an outhouse! :help:
On January 14, 2009 at 9:40 am
RosieJo says:
Keeping you and your well in our prayers.
On January 14, 2009 at 9:43 am
Barbee' says:
This is awful! I am so, so sorry you are having such an ordeal! It would be bad enough if it were you alone, but to have children to care for during this is mind boggling; but then again, sometimes they do better than the adults. Times like this make us learn to appreciate the basics that we take for granted. I have been through a few of them, so today and forever I say a little prayer of gratitude every time I turn on the tap… especially if it is the warm water. What a luxury to have water coming into the house for me to use, and some of it is even warm! https://chickensintheroad.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/snoopy.gif
On January 14, 2009 at 9:54 am
becki says:
Is the pump/well under warranty? You’ve had it less than a year, you should be covered.
However, if its not and you DO jump, please wear clean underwear and socks without holes. Don’t forgot to put on pants.
On January 14, 2009 at 10:05 am
Linda says:
Suzanne
I hope they get it fixed. Being without water that long is awful. Last time ours went out it was the foot valve and we replaced it only to have it go bad a couple of months later. Had to dig it up again and found out the new foot valve had came apart. What a pain. Good luck today.
On January 14, 2009 at 10:06 am
Robin G. says:
Oh, God. No water yet? You’re not bathing in the creek, are you?
On January 14, 2009 at 10:30 am
TSannie/annbb says:
That bridge is awfully tall.
Sympathies from here coming your way…
On January 14, 2009 at 10:38 am
Shirley says:
Your troubles bring back old memories. Growing up in the country we also had problems. Seems like my dad was always working on the old electric pump.
Then after I married, the idiot to whom I was married, was always leaving the crawl space open to the underside of the house and letting the pipes freeze. Then my poor dad would have to come thaw them out.
I can certainly empathize with you.
On January 14, 2009 at 10:41 am
Kim W says:
Yep…missing summer, myself. And I’ve been posting about it. :shocked: We have 5″ so far today and it doesn’t look like it’s ending anytime soon.
Where’s my shovel?
Blessings from Ohio…
On January 14, 2009 at 11:29 am
Janet says:
Hope you get your water problems fixed soon.
Please wait till Bridge Day to jump off the bridge.
https://janetsmart.blogspot.com/search/label/Bridge%20Day
Good Luck
On January 14, 2009 at 11:41 am
ataylor says:
Suzanne I hope you get water soon! If I were you I think I would be staying with Georgia by now.
On January 14, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Wheezay says:
I sure hope the water issues are fixed very soon.
The temp here is 10 degrees. I miss summer more than words can say. :hissyfit:
On January 14, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Treasia/TruckersWife says:
Lord let the only reason you’re jumping off the bridge be to take a bath. Amen.
On January 14, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Leah says:
Jumping off the bridge?….I’m sure you probablly feel like it! It would be safer to just pull your hair out! It will grow back! :fairy:
On January 14, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Susan says:
You and your family are in my prayers. :heart:
Suzanne, hang in there. The water problem has to be resolved soon! :hug:
On January 14, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Estella says:
Sure hope you get water today———–that bridge is awfully tall and I bet the water is VERY cold.
On January 14, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Bridgid says:
Good luck with your water. I’m sure you will be getting it back soon. Wouldn’t want you jumping off of it, but that is a beautiful bridge.
On January 14, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Debbie in PA says:
Oh Suzanne, this is really the pits. You are made of tougher things, so I know you will get through this, but what a crummy thing to happen.
I will keep praying…..hoping for some good news.
I was thinking you should move in with someone until this is over, but then I guess someone needs to be there for the animals. How are you getting water for them to drink?
On January 14, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Brandy says:
I hope everything works out for you!
On January 14, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
We could get water for the animals from the pond, too, but it had rained a bunch lately (before it started snowing!) so they had full buckets that have lasted.
On January 14, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Suzette says:
YAY!!! I’ve been so worried about you! I was about to suggest everyone send you a bottle or two! 🙂
Welcome back to civilization!
On January 14, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Sue says:
Good to hear your update – water!!! Yay!!!
Proper dinner tonight then?
:hungry:
On January 14, 2009 at 3:55 pm
LisaAJB says:
:hug: Very very glad that you have water and that you’re not jumping off of the bridge.
On January 14, 2009 at 3:56 pm
ataylor says:
Hey Suzanne I am so glad you now have water, could you please flush a couple times for me? We are having septic issues.:no: :hissyfit:
On January 14, 2009 at 4:04 pm
catslady says:
Sometimes it pays to get on late – hip, hip, horray for water :snoopy:
On January 14, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Patty says:
Hooray!!!!! Great update!!! I am so happy for you. And I love the new smilies! :dancingmonster:
On January 14, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Liz says:
:snoopy: :snoopy: :snoopy: :snoopy: :snoopy: :snoopy:
OH THERE IS SNOOPIE……CELEBRATING ON WATER WATER WATER!!
Thank goodness you are back amongst the “LIVING”!!
I commiserate with you many times over. We’ve had many such problems over the years……all usually involving pulling MULTI FEET of Water Well Pipe :devil: And to add to that, we have 2 wells. One for the house and one across the road for the water in the barn. Sheeeesshhhh, talk about problems.
Just think……the new year is only 14 days old….and you have a new Pump to CELEBRATE :snoopy: !
AFTER you get all caught up……you deserve a nice Bubble Bath, and than a nice long nap! I know 52 will accommodate all your wishes cause you will make him BREAD!!
Liz in PA
On January 14, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Kay says:
Congratulations on getting your water back. It is no fun going without water.
I live in southwest Iowa and the water people’s filtration plant had problems and our water wasn’t getting filtered correctly and a boil order was put on.
Not being a major water boiler, my husband and I cut way back on our water usage and went to the store and bought a few jugs of water. Luckily we got it when we did because shortly after the store ran completely out of water. We were on a boil order for about two weeks!!! It drove me crazy because you couldn’t just use the water to brush your teeth, or even just get some from the tap to do a little cooking with. It was terribly upsetting. I sympathize with you.
On January 14, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Debbie in Memphis says:
Woohoo!! Thank goodness (and 52 ;-D and those “well” smart folks) your water is working now. I don’t know how you’ve managed to get through it. You are my hero!
On January 14, 2009 at 5:45 pm
shirley says:
:wave: Hi there!
I’ve been thinking about you all day and praying for your water problem to be fixed. I just now logged on and checked your blog for an update and, low and behold,there was Good news. I am so glad for you. Take a hot bath, curl up with a blankie, and relax. :hug:
On January 14, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Jodie says:
A special kudos to 52 or whoever decided to replace the pump. :snoopy: :woof: :shimmy:
On January 14, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Barbara Watkins says:
Me too! I’m so happy that you have water Suzanne! Doing the happy dance for you. I can just picture you running the washing machine, kitchen sink, shower, toilets,etc., with water splashing all over the place. I’m going to go do a load of laundry myself, and going to play the good old song “Splish Splash I Was Taking a Bath” just to join in the Water Celebration. Hurray!
Barbara
On January 14, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Asha says:
Oh good, I was going to miss your posts otherwise…
Glad you didn’t have to dramatically kill ya’self…
(Hi, I read this every single day. I don’t remember ever posting though…)
On January 14, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Leah says:
Hi Asha! Hop on over to the forum,we’d :heart: to have you! :wave:
On January 15, 2009 at 2:37 am
Stephanie says:
:cowsleep: Hooray for you!!! I had to check back in with you to see if all was right with the world again. So nice to see that it is!!! :purpleflower: :pirate: :pirate: :happypuppy: 😕
On January 14, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Mary Lou Middleton says:
I have been thinking about you all day and checking your blog for updates. Now, I can make a new pot of coffee and not feel guilty getting the water out of the faucet.
Are you expecting the cold weather moving across the nation to hit your area? Stay warm.
On January 14, 2009 at 6:55 pm
CindyP says:
YAY!!!! We didn’t want a winter picture of that bridge anyway!! I am so happy for you!
On January 14, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Cathy J. says:
I am so happy for you all!
On January 14, 2009 at 7:27 pm
ML says:
Whew! So happy things are getting back to normal for you. I bet a nice long hot shower is in order. :happyflower:
On January 14, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Alison says:
Yay!! I was really hoping you would have water. Enjoy those showers. :purpleflower: :snoopy:
On January 14, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Gail says:
Great News! Wahoo! Water running in the pipes…cold water, hot water, warm water…any way you like it! I am so glad for you and relieved. (how much longer could a person go without running water and remain sane?) Enjoy your water! I am going to celebrate by having a piece of cheesecake now!
On January 14, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Alison says:
Oh… The :snuggle: are absolutely adorable
On January 14, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Tracey says:
LOVE the New River Bridge and its amazing view.
Glad to know you’re not jumping off of it, because you’d totally ruin my blog-reading routine. 😉
Enjoy the running water. It really IS the little things in life, isn’t it???
On January 14, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Debbie in PA says:
:shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy:
Yea!!!! Enjoy your long shower!
On January 14, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Nancy says:
Yea for water!!!
On January 14, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Claudia W. says:
I am so glad that the bridge will only be crossed and admired from afar now. We’ll leave the jumping from bridges to the adreneline seekers with bungee cords wrapped around their ankles.
Thank all that is good that you have your water back! Happy dance, happy dance, happy dance! :dancingmonster:
On January 15, 2009 at 8:35 am
Birdi says:
Yay! I am so happy that your drought is over! Enjoy the bread and messing up the kitchen cuz now you have water to clean it up. :woof:
On January 15, 2009 at 8:40 am