There is a particular category of non-crucial, non-threatening, very inconvenient crises. It includes instances such as the washing machine drain becoming clogged the last day before leaving on vacation – well before you have all the laundry done. Three applications of a liquid plumbing chemical were ineffective. As I was holding the drainage hose over the laundry room sink again, the Master Handyman came into the room and gently took it from me. Then in a compassionate tone he said, “Go find me a hose that you would like to have go from the washing machine to the lawn.
While I was on this little hunt, I noted to myself that the diameter of the drainage hose was quite a bit larger that the hose end. Also, there was no connection adapter of any sort on the drainage hose. The Master Handyman obviously had something going on in is mind and I was just going to have to wait and see!
When the wash cycle was done draining, he left momentarily and showed up with a 6 inch section of old bike tube, 2 hose clamps (which I have used before, but I’m having to ask him the names of things again as I type….), and a nut driver. I didn’t recall seeing the nut driver before when he showed me how to tighten hose clamps, so was a little miffed when I saw how easy it was. He defended his previous training suggestion, saying screw drivers are usually closer at hand. However, I think I want a nut driver of my own, now!
The bike tube section slipped effortlessly over the lawn hose. We determined that it was best to place the hose clamp over the metal of the lawn hose for a tight fit that didn’t constrict water flow. (I actually had some helpful insight!) For the drainage tube, he stretched the tube while I pushed the stiff drainage hose in.
The washing machine was started again and we watched somewhat apprehensively. The tube filled up like a balloon, but held strong. So far, it has held up through 2 complete cycles and the lawn is getting extra water in the summer heat. I’m wondering if this should be a regular part of our summer routine!!
