Thursday, May 7, 2009

The Miracle of the Plunger

We have the worst toilets every manufactured. They clog with one toilet square too much. Not a good combination with a houseful of toddlers, learning to wipe. We also have the worst plunger ever manufactured. We should have gone for the cheap $2 one instead of the ergonomic model with retractable handle. Somehow buying a new plunger has never made it on the shopping list.

I am not mechanically inclined. Growing up I was barred from operating appliances. No matter how long I have spent in front of one of our clogged toilets, I have not been able to figure out how to clear it. I usually give up when raw sewage starts spilling out onto the floor. Al has tried to give me several lessons with no success. Fortunately, we have enough bathrooms that I just condemn the clogged bathroom for the day until Al gets home in the evening. It has been a great system until today.

Mere hours after Al headed out on a business trip, I discovered the unsightly back flowing of a flush. Leaving a toilet clogged for 4 hours is a lot different than 4 days. I had Al give me a lesson over the phone, I listened more intently than I ever had. Surely, a college graduate that had managed to keep five kids alive for all these years should be able to conquer the toilet. After the kids went to bed, I headed in with the determination that I would not leave until the job was finished. After a quick prayer, a couple of plunges, and a flush- the familiar swoosh was back.

3 comments:

Nicole said...

That is too funny! Congratulations on conquering the plunger.

McEntire Family said...

You are a woman of MANY talents! Glad you didn't have to wait for four days.

Lindsey said...

Good job; Bennett really loves toilet paper so I'm sure I've got lots of plunger adventures in store for me. I'm glad your trip worked out, that sounds like quite the adventure!