I finally painted the ceiling of the downstairs bathroom. It needed the paint because about four years ago I punched a hole in the ceiling to repair the tub overflow leak on the bathtub in the master bathroom. The plastic tub had just enough movement that after 18 years of use the slip joint leaked. So, being a good plumber, I repaired the leak. After about a year, I finally repaired the hole in the ceiling. The patch sat for three more years without any paint. Then last week, I finally finished the job. I’m a little slow when it comes to my own house.
A few days after finishing the job, I received a telephone call. There was a pleasant female voice on the other end. The woman said she was given my name as someone who might be able to help her with a plumbing code proposal. She wanted the code to require every bathtub having a slip joint connection to have an access panel for repairing leaks. I responded with the usual answer: “My firm provides that type of service.” Then she asked, “Being in the plumbing business, aren’t you tired of leaking tub overflows?” How ironic, considering what I had done to my house.