the sara ochs blog

So I just met the fanciest plumber ever. I am not exaggerating even the tiniest bit. I mean it. We have been having some trouble with our well lately, and I know that sounds like such a redneck problem, but its not like I said we were having trouble with our SEPTIC TANK. In its defense, it is a fancy well. No hand pump or long well shaft for small children to fall into. No pulley and wooden bucket. Our well has a galvanized steel holding tank and an electric pump. Anyway, enough of the love letter to the well. 

The trouble came when we started to lose water pressure and have debris come through the shower head, washing machine, and sink faucets. Not the best situation. So we (the mister) did a little trouble shooting and hoped for the best. Apparently our best is not good enough. It was time to admit defeat and call a plumber. 

More trouble came when we were informed that Florida licensed plumbers cannot slash will not work in Georgia. I understand that doctors and lawyers need to be licensed for specific states, but plumbers? Really? Oh, and also. Plumbers do not “do” wells. Well men do. So the mister found a well man in Thomasville and poured on the Southern charm. He called last night and they (a husband and wife team) came this morning. The mister was told they do not schedule appointments, so we were shocked when they showed up so soon after our non-emegency call. 

I got a call this morning to let me know that Johnny and his wife were on the way to the house. Thirty minutes after the call I got a second call telling me that they were done. What! They came in like ninjas and fixed the well before they could explain what was wrong or get approval to do the work. I went out the back door and saw a brand spanking new Lincoln Navigator parked next to the well. It must have been a hybrid because I swear the engine was totally silent. Johnny the well man and his wife reminded me of Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon. He was old and mumbled and his wife was sha-la and much much younger.

But I mentioned he was fancy so let me explain. He was dressed in a button down collared shirt, a leather jacket, ironed jeans, and leather shoes. Not a smudge of dirt or tool box in sight. She (the unnamed wife) sat in the Navigator the entire time and acknowledged me only long enough to tell that that I owed them $112. I hope they are honest and actually DID something to the well. She told me that she would trust ME to write them a check. Trust is a two way street it seems. 

So the well is fixed and Johnny and the unnamed wife are off to do good in other parts of south Georgia. This afternoon I think I might drive up to a random house, ring the doorbell, tell them I am “done” and ask for a couple hundred dollars. If it worked for Johnny I have hopes that it could work for me. The only thing I need is a leather jacket.