Last week, we had a water leak. I only noticed when the water started seeping up through the paving.
With the price of water, I knew I had to act fast, so I immediately asked Mrs. Google for a list of plumbers in my area. The nearest one was 1km down the road and I had barely finished the call when Mr Plumber and his team arrived.
I showed him where I suspected a leak and he responded with his characteristic shaking and clicking of the tongue – universal shorthand for: this is going to cost you more than you bargained for.
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The verbal cost estimate is as vague as the rugby referee’s explanation for awarding a penalty when a scrum collapses. Below, however, Mr. Plumber must tear up a section of paving and expose the pipe to determine the leak before a real cost calculation can be made. Having no choice, I nodded hesitantly.
It turned out that there was a small hole in the main water pipe the size of a matchstick. Several plug-contraptions were installed, holes were filled, and paving was restored. Mr. Plumber kept telling me how lucky I was. If the entire pipe needs to be replaced, I will probably need a second warranty. Then I asked for an invoice.
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Added to the astronomical number, there is also the very high cost of the call.
“Congratulations,” I joked, “I didn’t know you had to fly from Cape Town for this job.” Mr. Plumber is not happy and insists that the phone fee is non-negotiable. Standard rate for all calls.
Again, with no choice, I could just pay and look fun. I know that Mr. Plumber came to my house. They have to pay for the vehicle, fuel, and maintenance. And I also know that I can’t take the leaky pipe to him to fix it, they can’t take the clogged drain or dripping tap. It’s a job that needs to be done on site.
But charging a small fortune to travel 1km? Next time I’ll ask Mrs. Google not the nearest plumber, but the cheapest one.
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