Hot Water

In the United States we generally take hot water for granted. We turn the red handle and hot water comes out, it's that simple. Well recently I've discovered how much I miss that. 2 days in a row now our gas water heater flame has gone out just as I'm about to take a shower. Since that means I discover the problem I have to fix it. Normally this is fine but when it happens twice in a row at 8am when it's already freezing cold, I get a bit annoyed. To solve the hot water dilemma one must walk to the kitchen (keep in mind I've already turned on the shower and only when ice cold water is still coming out after several minutes do I know the heater flame must be relit), find the extra long toothpicks we have just for this occasion, light the toothpick in one hand and turn the gas water heater knob with the other. You have to get the flaming toothpick in the right spot to relight the flame (I always hope I can do this before the fire on the toothpick reaches my fingers) and then continue holding the knob for a minute or so until your positive the flame has spread and then quickly switch back the knob before the flame goes out again. If you fail you must repeat the process until you get it right. Then about 5min later you get hot water. It's a process but it's a LOT better than taking an ice cold shower. So when you turn on your shower tomorrow morning and instantly get hot water, be thankful- I sure am!