Saturday, May 26, 2007

Norm's World #26


Norm continues with the shed rennovation, although he feels like he may be losing stream. Recently Norm's antique water pump and tank went. They were original items that came with the shack, and were at least twenty years old, if not closer to 30. The pump's shut-off had failed, so it would keep running and running, even after the pipe pressure had obtained the required 30 psi. Fortunately a friend called her dad, and he replaced the whole system, including labor for under $1000!! That's unheard of, even around here!!

And now the pressure is closer to 50 psi, so Norm really shouldn't be bitching. But during his annual furnace cleaning, the tech announces to Norm that one of the legs on his 250 gallon oil tank is rusted and the entire tank must be replaced!! What really frustrates Norm is that he can't do these jobs himself. And they cost big bucks. At least to Norm they do. Oh well.

10 Comments:

Blogger LA said...

Norm, when you say "shed renovation," are you referring to a separate structure from the main house? Assuming the answer is yest, which structure is photographed, and did the water pump serve the house, shed or both?

So many questions!

Sorry to hear about all the troubles, but glad you got a deal!

12:40 PM  
Blogger norm said...

LA, the term shed is Norm's way of saying an unheated room attached to the house. If you look at the picture and see the mailbox sits on a little platform? That used to be a three-seat outhouse built into the shed. Norm thinks it was just a room that led to the room where everybody shat. (Norm pulled the outhouse out years ago when he put plywood floor down.)

And most homes in rural New England have their own well which involves a pump. This provides water to one's home.

8:48 PM  
Blogger ffleur said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

5:54 AM  
Blogger ffleur said...

yikes. it never stops does it?
I feel the same way about the money drain called "my old car"

5:55 AM  
Blogger M-M-M-Mishy said...

Friend's dads can be real assets. Under a grand for a water pump replacement is nuts! That's very good news.

As for the oil tank, sometimes one must bite the bullet and do it. Sucks, but having heat is a big plus during northern winters. Have you thought about converting to natural gas heat?

10:02 AM  
Blogger norm said...

Ffleur, it has become obvious to Norm that it will never stop. But maybe that's a good thing.

Mish, it still amazes Norm how well this worked out in the end. The water system seems so modern now. But Norm would wait on the natural gas. Heating oil is still affordable in the Northeast.

8:28 PM  
Blogger v said...

Glad you're no longer losing stream. Stream is very, very important.

Though sorry to hear about the oil tank.

So what are you turning the shed into? Guest room? Gym? Mini-theater? Workshop? Library? Office? Arcade? Bar and pool table?

4:29 PM  
Blogger norm said...

V, thanks for your kind thoughts on the oil tank. Norm appreciates it.

The room is just going to be a big hang-out area for Norm's family.

11:41 AM  
Blogger Diane said...

An old house presents a never ending source of projects . . . and I am very jealous of your handyness

9:25 PM  
Blogger norm said...

Awwww, Norm is blushing, Diane. Although much of it has to do with the inevitable lack of riches.

8:06 PM  

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