by a.b.
Yesterday, Mr. B and I woke up and tried to get ready as usual. Unfortunately, the water heater was not cooperating and our showers were a little tepid. Apparently the element is going out on the water heater in our apartment. I’m not surprised, as a friend of ours who actually works repairing water heaters told us it was 19 years old.
The great water heater debacle actually has become a bigger question regarding renting vs. buying for us. It was wonderful to go to the apartment manager and let her know, and know that they had to take care of it (somewhat) promptly. However, since it happened later in the day, the maintenance man wasn’t able to start the project because it would’ve gone too late for his schedule. It will be taken care of tomorrow morning, and I get to shower in the clubhouse this morning. (At this point I’m grateful I have a place to shower.)
While I may have had to take care of it myself, and run down people to call, I could’ve secured someone who would’ve fixed our water heater by tonight, and I wouldn’t have had to boil water to wash my dishes, and I wouldn’t be waking up an extra half hour early to shower in a public shower.
Of course, there is also a financial concern. Since I package a home warranty into necessary home expenses, items like a hot water heater would be covered. Maintaining a home is expensive, but I crave control over my own domain. I know I’m completely out of my mind, and that owning a home is a money pit, but at this point I’d rather be beholden to subcontractors I can yell at, rather than an absolutely wonderful apartment manager who can still evict me (not that she ever would).
I’m craving a grown up life….or maybe just a hot shower.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
How ironic! Friday afternoon I got a call from my husband that our water heater was leaking… into the garage and adjacent portion of the house.
We don't have the rent or own debate currently (although last year we had to both rent and have our house due to complicated work arrangements), but I do feel for you on the water heater issue. As for dealing with the water heater as an owner, we actually had to wait until Saturday because the parts stores closed at 5 pm so the plumber had to come back the next day. So owning may not quicken your ability to fix things up, at least in certain circumstances.
Hope you have hot water at your flat soon!!
It won't kill you to heat up water for dishes or even go one morning without a shower. Do you work in a coal mine? Probably not.
I don't want to be rude, but after reading Amy Dacyczyn's "The Tightwad Gazette," I think you need to change the name of your blog. It's like everyone wants a cushy life with no uncomfortableness at all. I don't even shower everyday, and I wash my hair with baking soda once a month. I look and smell fine, by the way. I could totally handle my water heater being broken…especially, if it was for mere HOURS. Sheesh. Toughen up.
I realize that everyone isn't going to live the same type of lifestyle, but using the word "tightwad" implies some cajones and grit.
@Jules: That is odd! I think I was just frustrated because it was a situation I had zero control over. I keep going back and forth between the rent and buy debate, and the control freak in me tends toward own, where the smarter laissez-faire side leans toward rent.
@Anonymous: I would suggest that if you would like to start a conversation about cajones and grit, let's start with a better identification. I have the brass to put myself out there, which is more than I can say for you.
I will address your contentions, though. After a week the water heater still isn't actually fixed, as the puddle in my entryway this morning can attest to, as opposed to the mere hours that you assumed. Also, I believe Mrs. Dacyczyn would consider it quite frugal to insist that your landlord honor the terms of the lease agreement, and not requesting a cushy life. In fact, the water heater is probably the only luxury we have.
While I may not work in a coal mine, my husband works in a restaurant kitchen, and my occupation can require medical contact with the public, so yes, daily (sometimes twice) showers are a requirement.
I created Modern Tightwad to promote a lifestyle that includes frugality with charity and grace, so that people can create more sustainable lifestyles. I try not to judge people by my definitions, as I do not walk in their shoes. I hope you can do that as well.