#Hot water heater temperature problem

[000marie198]

I've grown up in a desert. Temperatures go up to 44 during daytime on a normal day, no matter the season besides winter.

I can handle 35 no problem.

I remember in high school my geography teacher said humans will choose to live in unbeatable heat over unbearable cold, but nearly every single person I've met in my life has said they'd rather die in the cold than live in the heat, so now I thought to myself why not outsource this question!

no fahrenheit because if i have to google the answers on polls with no celcius, so do you

[emergencyplumbingil]

We are the plumbers, who are always near

Why Isn’t My Water Heater Working? Common Issues and Solutions

If your water heater has stopped producing hot water, is leaking, or just isn’t working as it should, you’re not alone. Water heaters are essential for comfortable living, but they don’t last forever. When issues arise, it’s crucial to know whether it’s time for a repair or a full replacement. Read on to explore common water heater problems, learn why they happen, and discover when it’s time to call a licensed << plumber near me >>.

Common Water Heater Problems and Their Solutions

1. Water Heater Not Producing Hot Water

One of the most frustrating issues is when your water heater is not producing hot water. Several reasons could cause this:

- Faulty Heating Elements: Electric water heaters have two heating elements. If one or both fail, your water won’t get hot.

- Thermostat Issues: Malfunctioning thermostats can prevent the water heater from reaching the desired temperature.

- Gas Supply Problems: In gas water heaters, a problem with the gas supply can result in no hot water. In many cases, a qualified, licensed plumber can help diagnose and repair these issues. Regular maintenance can also help you avoid cold water surprises.

 2. Water Heater Stopped Working Completely

A water heater that has stopped working altogether may need more attention. Here are possible reasons:

- Power Supply Problems: For electric models, check your circuit breaker. Sometimes, it’s a simple fix.

- Failed Gas Control Valve: This is a more complex repair, best handled by a professional plumber, especially if you smell gas or suspect a leak.

- Sediment Buildup: Hard water (common in many areas) can leave minerals inside the tank, reducing efficiency and causing a shutdown. When your water heater stops working, reach out to a nearby licensed plumber. Fixing issues promptly can prevent further damage to your plumbing system.

3. Water Heater is Leaking

If your water heater is leaking, you may be dealing with anything from a minor drip to a major flood risk. Key areas to check include:

- Tank Leak: This can mean that corrosion has compromised the integrity of the tank. If this is the case, you’ll likely need to install a new water heater.

- Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve: If this valve malfunctions, it can lead to leaks. It’s critical for safety, so don’t ignore this problem.

- Pipe Connections: Loose or worn connections can cause leaks. Our plumber can tighten or replace these connections to stop the leak. Leaking water heaters require immediate attention. Ignoring them can lead to more extensive plumbing repairs and higher utility bills.

 When Do You Need a New Water Heater?

Water heaters don’t last forever. Even with the best care, most units have a lifespan of 8-12 years.

Here are some signs that it may be time for a water heater replacement:

- Frequent Repairs: If you’re calling the plumber every few months, a new unit may be more cost-effective.

- Rusty or Murky Water: Discolored water can indicate corrosion inside the tank.

- Age of the Water Heater: Once your water heater reaches 10 years or more, it’s wise to budget for a replacement.

- Inefficiency: If your water heater is driving up energy bills, newer models can provide better efficiency and savings. Installing a new water heater isn’t just about resolving current issues. Modern water heaters are more energy-efficient and can lower your energy bills over time. An experienced plumber from Emergency Plumbing can help you choose the best option for your home and budget.

Types of Water Heaters for Replacement

When it's time to install a new water heater, consider these types:

- Traditional Tank Water Heaters : These are the most common models. They heat water and store it in a large tank, but they can be less energy-efficient.

- Tankless Water Heaters: These heat water on demand, saving space and energy. They’re a popular choice for homes where efficiency is key.

- Heat Pump Water Heaters: Using heat from the air, these systems are highly efficient, especially in warmer climates. Each water heater type has its pros and cons, and our licensed plumber can help guide you toward the best choice for your household needs.

How a Licensed Plumber Can Help

When water heater issues arise, finding a “plumber near me” is essential for peace of mind and efficient service.

Here’s how a licensed plumber from Emergency Plumbing can help:

- Accurate Diagnosis: With expertise in plumbing systems, a licensed plumber can quickly identify the root cause of your water heater issues.

- Efficient Repairs: From thermostat adjustments to replacing heating elements, experienced plumbers provide fast, effective solutions.

- Safe Installation: Water heaters involve gas lines, electrical wiring, and pressurized water systems. Our professional plumber ensures your installation meets safety codes and standards. Hiring a licensed plumber isn’t just about fixing the issue at hand—it’s about protecting your home and family. Emergency Plumbing professionals are always around and ready to help.

The Importance of Routine Water Heater Maintenance

Routine maintenance helps extend the life of your water heater, especially in areas with hard water.

Here are a few maintenance tips:

-Annual Flushes: Flushing your water heater removes sediment buildup, which can damage the tank and heating elements.

- Anode Rod Replacement: The anode rod prevents rust in the tank. Replacing it every few years can extend the life of your unit.

- Check the Pressure Relief Valve: This valve prevents dangerous pressure buildup. Our  licensed plumber  from Emergency Plumbing can check and replace it as needed. Maintaining your water heater regularly can prevent costly repairs or early replacement.

 Why Choose Us for Your Water Heater installation and repair

 

If you’re dealing with a water heater that’s stopped working, isn’t producing hot water, or needs replacing, we’re here to help. As your trusted plumbing experts for local communities in Highland Park and North Shore area of Chicago Illinois, we offer:

- Affordable Water Heater Replacement: We offer a range of options to fit any budget. Let us help you find the best solution.

- Licensed and Experienced Plumbers: Our team consists of licensed, trained professionals who prioritize safety and quality.

- Fast and Reliable Service: We know how disruptive water heater issues can be, so we’re committed to providing timely, reliable service. Whether you’re dealing with a leak, need maintenance, or want to install a new water heater, we’re the “plumber near me” you can rely on.

Call Us Today for Expert Water Heater Services

 

Don’t let water heater issues disrupt your life. Whether your water heater is not producing hot water, has stopped working, or is leaking, we have the expertise to solve the problem. Call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our licensed plumbers and experience affordable, high-quality service.

[genderqueerdykes]

disabled trans person needs help fleeing unsafe housing with no heat in winter

hello, my name is johnny or equinox. i am a disabled trans person and i have another update on my situation, i am currently in a worse situation than i was before. i am staying in our gas is not turned on which means we can't cook, have no heater or hot water. the gas person was supposed to come today, but we never heard them knock. they can't come back for another week. our toilet and shower do not work. it is november and has been dipping below freezing temperatures at night and we only own one space heater. i have arthritis and this makes my pain flare up horrifically.

there are other problems as well, but the most pressing issues are the lack of heat and options to cook with and inability to bathe or use the bathroom. i need to save up money so i can find a safer situation, as i am severely disabled and cannot go without being able to cook meals for myself. i struggle with fatigue and chronic pain and can't put that much effort into meals.

I need to save up to find an alternative place to stay at. i am deeply scared and tired of living in unsafe situations. i have been in precarious housing since 2020 and am starting to have severe mental health symptoms from the trauma of repeated homelessness and abuse at the hands of manipulative roommates.

if you're interested in helping me, you can do so here:

pay pal: glittergraphicnightmare @ gmail .com

ko-fi: Equinoxian

cash app: $glitterGraphix

venmo: Equinoxian

Chime: $Equinoxian

thank you for reading and considering helping me, have a great day

[captain039]

PART 3 Daddy’s Little Girl

Logan x reader

Warnings: Age gap (early twenties reader), swearing, first times, virgin reader, plus size reader, tension, oral f receiving, smut, daddy kink, dom! logan, Abuse (Not from Logan), anxiety, depression, mention of self-harm scars, reader has muscle issues and body pain, angst

Taglist @clairealeehelsing @dirtydianaahah

Previous part <-

You strip your clothes off with shaking hands and check the temperature before stepping under the water. The instant soothing you get is amazing, the heat going to your muscles and soothing them too. You can’t help but moan in relief. You’re hesitant to use his things but you didn’t get a shower last night and he did say you could however long you need. You wash your body with the spare loofa he got out and use his shampoo and conditioner. It smells just like him and you smile a bit. You wash your hair and body in a comfortable time before getting out and drying. Your bra and underwear aren't wet thankfully so you put them on before hesitating on his clothes. You glance at your body then his clothes, then yours. You ring out most of the water making a disgusted face when you put your damp clothes on. They’ll dry in front of the fire, or heater, hopefully. You walk out hearing Logan on the phone.

“Yeah we can’t go anywhere in this storm sorry boss” you hear and tense staying in the hallway.

“Yeah, yeah no worries, bye” he hangs up and you make yourself known.

“Good shower?” He turns and frowns, he’s already changed, great sweats and a grey long-sleeve shirt.

“I’ll just stand in front of the fire,” you say already shivering.

“Why didn’t you put my clothes on?” He asks confused.

“You’ll catch a cold” he adds and you flush.

“I’m fine” you mutter going over to the fireplace.

He says your name a little firm and you tense a little.

“It’s fine, really they’ll dry” you offer a smile gulping a little as he walks over.

“What’s going on?” He asks and you feel like a see-through window. It feels like a loaded question to ask someone like yourself.

“I’m ok, just a little tired I guess” You shrug avoiding his eyes as you turn your back to the fireplace. You hate how he’s looking at you, like someone who genuinely cares and isn’t just the boss's daughter.

“You don’t have to treat me with such care just cause I’m the boss's daughter” you half-heartedly joke.

“I won’t break” you add gulping when you see his frown deepen, bad joke you guess.

“I’ve known you for two years, and I see you every day, I’m not being nice just because you’re the boss's daughter” he sounds offended and you shrink a little.

“I’m sorry” you mutter.

“Do you think it’ll stop soon?” You ask referring to the storm.

“Maybe an hour, where’s your phone I’ll put it in charge” he says and you hand it to him. Working outside you had a protective waterproof case so you didn’t damage it.

Your clothes start to dry off, but your body hurts from standing here, you’re shifting on your feet every few minutes. Logan’s in the kitchen making something you think.

“You want a hot drink? Or some water?” He asks.

“No, thank you” you answer.

“You can sit down Bub” he says and you gulp a little.

“I’m not quite dry” you answer and he makes a small grunting noise heading to the bathroom. You hate making him do things.

“I don’t care if you get my couch wet, but here” he lays down a towel and you thank him quietly before sitting down. You sigh in relief as you sit down and hang your head back as Logan comes out with a hot drink in his hand. Smells like tea you think. He sits down with a small sigh on his lips as he checks his phone quickly. You feel awkward sitting here, alone with him even though you shouldn’t, all you ever wanted was to have alone time with him, tell him all your problems and see if he’d run or not. The rain doesn’t let up and the thunder and flashes make your heart race a little. Your mother always comforted you when you were younger from storms, you never grew quite out of the fear. It’s warm though now and you sigh lifting your legs onto the couch. You regret trying to hug your knees and stretch back out with a small sigh. You wish you were in bed, wrapped up with some sad romantic music and a bad romance book. You watch the fire instead of cursing yourself when a loud bang echoes and you jump.

“You ok there?” Logan teases with a small laugh and you huff softly.

“Shut up” you mumble feeling embarrassed.

“Come ‘ere” he says and you frown seeing his arm open and lifted slightly. You blink confused and shuffle a bit till your arms distance. He tugs you closer and you feel your cheeks warm hoping your clothes aren’t damp anywhere still. His arm goes around his shoulders like it’s natural for him, but you’re tenser than ever. He doesn’t know anything, not about you your life, your stupid thoughts, your lusty thoughts of him, love… Is it because you’re in a void of hurt that you cling to the first thing that shows kindness, that ticks all the imaginary boxes of a perfect partner? The comfort he gives.

“What’s got you thinking so deeply?” His voice is closer and you didn’t even realise you leaned on him. You apologise softly and sit up a little more.

“I’ve always dreamed about moments like these” you mumble before you can even comprehend what you’ve said as you feel him tense.

“Sorry, I’m sorry-“You go to get up but he’s got you securely held.

“How so?” He asks his voice deeper and huskier than normal.

“Doesn’t matter” you flush looking at your lap.

“How so” his free hand forces your chin towards him. His eyes have darkened, his face hard and you think he’s going to scold you.

“I don’t need you to scold me or you to shame me, my father does that enough he thinks I’ve slept with the whole fucking team! I’m a virgin for god's sake!” You snap and move away running your hands through your now-dry hair.

“I need to go home” you say going to where your phones plugged in hands shaking.

“Not till you tell me what’s wrong” Logan says tone firm making you scoff.

“You don’t want to know Logan, you have your portrayed picture of my family, leave it” You go for your phone but he’s quicker and quieter, turning you and pinning you against the table, hands either side of your body, face close.

You forget to breathe his face is stern and you can’t help the heat between your legs.

“You’re not going home till you tell me what’s going on, don’t bullshit me” his voice is like a low growl and you go to argue but he raises an eyebrow at you. You scoff, lean your head back and let out a fake laugh as you try to force the tears back.

“My father abuses me daily, I’m a pig of a slut, useless at my fucking job, I don’t even get paid for running the whole fucking business. I’m tired all the fucking time, I’m mentally drained all the fucking time I have scars on my body from where I’ve hurt myself to feel something other than this, I can’t even have a damned proper shower because I’m wasting water, I can’t shave my body, have a warm relaxing shower when I’m on my period or in pain, I have to buy my clothes and things I need in secret because I’m not even supposed to have a bank account, I’m hurting all the damn time I can’t go to the doctors because it’ll end in an argument, I don’t get dinner I have to wait till he’s passed out to get scraps. I’m in love with a man twice my age who is nothing but kind and caring but doesn’t want someone like me, and I am fucking tired” you say. Your body feels boneless you feel tears rolling down your cheeks.

“So please, let me go home” you mutter head hung. Logan’s knuckles are white his breathing is erratic.

“You’re not going home,” he says.

“I’m going to fucking kill him” he growls and you frown lifting your head.

“No,” you say and he snarls staring at you some wild craze in his eyes.

“You stay with me from now on,” he says tone serious.

“Did you not hear anything I said!” You yell.

“I heard it! I heard how you’re suffering and it fucking kills me to know it now and not sooner or do anything sooner. I am the same age as your so-called sad excuse of a father and I hated that I was waking up in the middle of the night in a sweat because you were there in them. I hate how every time I see you there’s an exhaustion cloud hanging over you and I couldn’t do anything without you pulling away from me. I figured you’d realise I was too old for that kind of treatment so I left it!” His words make more tears fall down your cheeks.

“And I hate myself for being selfish” he mutters making you frown briefly before there’s lips crashing to yours. A surprise noise leaves your lips before your arms clutch his shoulders and you moan into him. The storm outside feels the same on the inside, electricity building, rumbling, angry dark clouds and rain. Logan’s hands grip your hips so tightly it hurts even more and you whimper against him.

“I’m sorry” he mutters gently massaging where he held instead as he continues to kiss you. You have to pull back to breathe, heavy breaths leaving your lips as his forehead rests on yours.

“I’m gonna take care of you” he mutters and you nod silently.

You’re exhausted after everything, you stand there for a while in Logan’s arms protectively around you, breathing in his smell. You don’t want to leave even as the storm clears and the rain slows. You want to stay here locked in this embrace so you don’t have to deal with the real world. Your phones both buzz though and it’s a message from your dad to meet back at the trailer. You don’t want to go, don’t want this dream to end, but you have to wake up.

The drive back feels like an agonisingly slow build-up to what’s to come. You see everyone already there your father’s angry eyes finding yours before his mask is back on. You pull up and slowly get out of the car keeping your head down. Logan’s growling though storming out of the car right to your father.

“Logan!” You yell but it’s too late. Logan’s got your father on the muddy ground punching his face bloody. The men around him try to stop, struggling to get the male off your father.

“Logan stop!” You yell.

“You ever speak to her again I cut your fucking tongue out” Logan growls punching him one last time before he lets the team rip him off.

“The hell did you do?” Your father coughs looking at you and your heart hurts.

“She didn’t do anything you sad sack piece of shit, you won’t see your daughter again” Logan growls shrugging Graham and Jason off him. You help your father up but he pushes you away glaring at you.

“Turned my men against me you harlot?” He spits blood on the ground by your feet and you frown. Logan’s snarling again ready to throw more punches but you fist your hand instead and connect it with his nose. Your father groans and stumbles back against the trailer while you wince and hold your hand. Logan’s there instantly checking your hand for broken bones. Your hand shakes but you’re ok, you glance at the team around you you’ve known for years and gulp. Jason looks surprised Graham has a mild smirk on his lips while Thomas and Frank look stunned.

“You ok, sweetheart?” Logan mutters and you nod a bit feeling shaken.

“Let’s go home” he presses his lips to your temple before helping you back into the car giving one last look at your father before driving off.

You stare at your hand, where your father’s blood is, the redness coming in too. Logan’s knuckles look fine even with how hard he hit. The drive back is quiet and you have a million thoughts going through your head, but for the first time, you feel relief and sag into the leather seat.

Next part ->

[steddieasitgoes]

Do I have more important projects with actual deadlines I should be working on? Yes. Did I write a silly failed shower sex ficlet instead? Also yes. Enjoy!

Also, they don’t actually do anything but there is some suggestive language/jokes so minors be gone!

When it came to showering, Eddie and Steve had very different ideas about the ideal water temperature.

Eddie’s used to fast, lukewarm showers that border more on the cold side. Years and years of conserving the hot water for Wayne and his aching bones have taught him how to be quick and adjust to the cold water hitting his body. If he’s honest with himself, he prefers the cold water now. It energizes him in a way a cup of bitter coffee never has.

Steve, on the other hand, is used to warm showers with water so hot it’s a degree away from scalding temperatures. The type of showers that leave the mirror fogged up and his body flushed red when he steps out fifteen or twenty minutes later.

Naturally, the first time Steve and Eddie decided to shower together was an utter disaster.

It was meant to be intimate and sexy. Steve had mentioned that he’d never fucked anyone in his shower before and Eddie, always eager to take a first away from Steve, had sprung up from the plush mattress and dragged him into the en suite.

They stripped the clothes off each other in a quiet sort of fervor. Eager, but also wanting to savor the moment. It wasn’t often they got to see each other like this. Standing bare in the warm lighting of Steve’s bedroom. Usually, they spent their time, naked on their backs in beds. This was different.

Marveling at Steve’s adonis-level body for too long always made Eddie a bit twitch, so after a moment or two he tugged him into the shower to officially get things started. At least, that was the plan but the minute the warm water landed on Eddie’s skin he let out an ear-piercing yelp and leaped so high, he nearly hit his head on the ceiling above.

“Jesus H. Christ,” he swore.

“What the hell, Eds?” Steve shouts back, slicking his wet hair back as the warm water hits his back.

“What do you mean ‘what the hell’ you’re the one who's trying to burn my dick off!”

Steve snorted, stepping further into the stream of hot water. “Don’t be dramatic. S’just a little warm.”

“Just a little warm,” Eddie mocked as he stepped further away from the shower head, backing himself into a corner. “Stevie, you’re turning redder and redder by the second. It’s too hot!”

“No such thing as too hot.”

“My dick begs to differ!”

Without waiting for Steve to retort, Eddie reached a hand into the scalding water and turned the faucet 45 degrees in the opposite direction. In a matter of seconds, the water started cooling off. Eddie had never been more grateful for Steve’s fancy ass house and working water heater system than that moment.

This time it was Steve who yelped as the cold water assaulted his body. Thankfully, he didn’t leap like Eddie had and instead sidestepped out from under the faucet leaving enough room for Eddie to dive right under the cool stream.

“Now this is an appropriate water temperature.”

“Are you kidding me?” Steve scoffed. “My dick is shriveling up in this! Look!”

Eddie’s gaze immediately dropped and yeah, okay, that was going to be a problem.

“Damn, you really are a grower.”

“Oh my god,” Steve groaned before yanking Eddie away from the shower head.

Just as Steve was about to turn the faucet in the other direction, Eddie’s hand was on his, holding it steady.

“Eddie! I’m going to freeze if I don’t make it warmer.”

“And I’m going to melt! It’s not that bad, you’ll get used to it.”

“I don’t want to get used to it. You get used to my temperature.”

They stayed like that, hands clutched around the faucet, bickering back and forth for several more moments before coming to an impasse. In the end, neither one won The Great Water Temperature Debate and instead, they sprinted back into Steve’s room to satisfy themselves the old-fashioned way: sprawled out on Steve’s mattress, taking turns tearing each other apart.

It wasn’t until years later when they stayed at a hotel with dual shower heads, that they finally got to cross “shower sex” off their not-safe for Dustin’s eyes bucket list.

[valuewaterheaters]

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[haveyouseenthishorrormovie]

*breaks fingers* Let's go, mod Sus' rant on 247°F (2011)

Talking from the viewpoint of a finnish person, while the movie itself is American, and no I haven't actually watched this one but I did read the plot summary and watch a little bit for proper arguments.

TLDR: Characters are freaking idiots and physics don't work in this world, apparently.

For the reference, 247° fahrenheit is about ~120° celcius. So yes we're talking about hot sauna. I personally can stand 100°C for a while at best but anyways.

I guess we could start by inspecting the sauna itself first. It's supposedly electric sauna (which, it doesn't even look like a proper one but more spa/steam sauna than an actual good one) but also with this large rock pillar stove in the middle of RELATIVELY LARGE ROOM. With no leveled up seats, just one seats on same level + you could sit on the backrests for more space and height I guess. Compare that to actual proper finnish sauna:

This is a bit of a mix of modern and traditional sauna but only by the looks. Pay attention to seats on different levels, you want to have seats near the ceilings because that's where it's the hottest. Hot air raises up so it's cooler at the floor level, if not even very cold after getting used to the temperature at standing level.

Now the stove in the movie is supposedly the kind you throw water onto to release the steam and more heat. And here comes the fun part. In the beginning, they set the temperature to 187° F AKA ~86° C???? AND THEN THEY SAY IT'S "CRAZY HOT"???? IN THIS VERY LARGE ROOM WHERE HEAT SPREADS OUT A TON? BITCH THAT PLACE IS COLD and they act like they're already toasting in there???? Weak ass americans. AND THEY DIDN'T EVEN TOSS WATER ONTO STOVE BEFORE THAT, they have just this one huge heat source in the middle of LARGE ROOM that's like WARM at best??? You're supposedly to throw water on that thing, or otherwise it'd be same as you'd just stand next to a hot cooking stove. You don't even start sweating properly without the steam which helps with the heat releasing from your body. You're just cooking yourself with that thing.

Okay, so just? Turn off the electric heater (which becomes a major plot point of the movie, so that's not an option here for some reason?), and don't toss water onto stove. LAY DOWN ON THE FREAKING FLOOR??? WHERE IT'S COOLEST OR EVEN COLD BECAUSE IT'S ASSUMINGLY MARBLE/ROCK/WHATEVER FLOOR. Sure if the average temperature in the room is 247°F aka ~120°C it is hot, but it's still cooler at floor level far away from the stove.

And speaking of the heater. At first I thought it was like, they set the heater to get hotter and hotter on purpose but why would you do that if you can't handle shit??? I guess the thermosthat malfunctions or some shit or because the heat keeps rising??? That's not how electronics work as far as I'm aware but suspend my disbelief I guess. I can't tell too much what the characters decide to do without spoilers but let's say they're all massive idiots with their choices. This is all on them. (BTW if this was a traditional wood-heated sauna, just stop putting more logs in the fire, lol).

Okay, let's assume it's all because uh physics broke or something. It's getting hot in there. You got a small window there, and even in trailer we see characters manage to break it. But apparently??? THE HEAT DOESN'T ESCAPE ENOUGH FROM IT???? WHAT. You can this huge room with one heat source, it's cold outside, and the heat still doesn't escape enough to make it more managable in there or at least near the window to cool them off??? Physics, hello???

Like legit the entire point of the movie is it's getting too hot in there but there's so many things that help you to stay cool in there until something gets fixed. The characters aren't even drunk which would've made this so much more belieable because alcohol is probably the main reason (aside sudden health problems like cardiac arrest) people would die in saunas because they pass out in there. But no, this is just idiot characters being idiots.

Also take your freaking clothes off, cowards. You can't even call yourself a sauna movie if there's no bare butts and peenors and natural hanging booba in non-sexual bathing setting through entire movie smh.

[smute]

inspired by my tags ⬆️ on this poast:

LAUNDRY STRIPPING

basickly laundry stripping is an old (ish) tiktok trend that for some reason has started appearing on my dashboard recently.

it involves soaking your clean laundry in a bathtub with hot water and a solution of borax, baking soda, and detergent, and the idea is to "deep-clean" your clothes removing detergent, fabric softener residue, body oils that have collected on your clothes over time, and other grime. the viral videos all show tubs full of opaque brownish gray water.

HOWEVER! the implicit (or sometimes explicit) message that "your washing machine isn't actually cleaning your clothes 🙀🙀🙀" or more bluntly, "your clean clothes are actually FILTHY!😵" borders on fear-mongering imo which is the part that really pisses me off. i've seen people blame everything from big detergent to fast fashion, and many people seem to swear by laundry stripping as a necessary practice, so i am here to debunk it. i am the debunker.

now i am become debunker, the debunker of bullshit.

✂️hyperfocus kicked in so the rest is under the cut✂️

TL;DR:

laundry stripping can technically help, but it only addresses a symptom rather than the cause of the problem. generally speaking, it is unnecessary if you wash your laundry correctly.

but many people don't.

so let's review:

I. AVOID UNNECESSARY ADDITIVES

softeners (including dryer sheets) and perfume (those scented pearls of waxy stuff) fuck with the properties of textiles (both natural and synthetic) and they can build up on the fibers. THAT IS NOT NECESSARILY AN ISSUE, in fact, it's what they're designed to do, but over time it can make fabrics feel less fluffy, it stops cotton from absorbing moisture (especially bad for bedding/towels), and it messes with functional fabrics (active wear etc).

if you really really want to use fabric softener, try limiting yourself to shirts and stuff. dont use it for underwear, and definitely dont use it for bedding and towels. also, try using less of it/don't use it for every load.

II. AVOID OVERDOSING

if you use too much laundry detergent, there's a chance that some of it will be left behind on your clothes even after the final rinse cycle. it can also make your clothes feel sticky and irritate your skin. more importantly though, IT WILL BUILD UP IN YOUR MACHINE, which not only damages seals and gaskets and wears out the motor, it also encourages the growth of bacteria and mold.

this is an easy fix though. apart from the fact that washing machines, like all appliances, need to be cleaned regularly, you can easily tell if you're overdosing by looking at and feeling your laundry at the end of a cycle. if there are any suds left or if the fabric feels slippery, put it through another rinse cycle and try using a little less detergent next time.

III. KNOW HOW TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT CYCLE AND TEMPERATURE

your washing machine has multiple settings for a reason. DON'T use the same one for everything all the time and DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THE HOT WATER SETTING. please please PLEASE wash your towels and bedding at higher temperatures.

okay, so afaik many american washing machines use lower temps because they depend on an external hot water source. according to google, the "hot water" setting on american washers can mean anything over 130°F (55°C), which is the minimum temp i would recommend for bedding and towels. (obviously mind the instructions on the tags, but tbh if a cotton pillowcase or towel can't be washed at hot temps, dont even buy it).

european washers usually have a built-in water heater and allow you to select a specific temperature, including a 95°C (203°F) cycle. USE THAT. i know, i know, every detergent brand has jumped on the climate change marketing bandwagon and tells you to conserve energy because their super duper laundry sauce can remove stains at ice cold temperatures, but that's exactly the problem. as a rule: the higher your water temperature, the less you depend on aggressive additives to clean your laundry. and if you have a washer that can do 95°C/203°F, it's probably a front loader and quite energy efficient to begin with.

like i said, 60°C/140°F is the minimum i would recommend for bedding/towels as well as for washcloths, cleaning rags, dish towels, etc. but do try to make use of the 95°C/203°F cycle occasionally. 60°C/140°F is also good for underwear and things that are actually dirty.

the 40°C/104°F cycle is totally fine for most other things, and if you're washing delicates or things that are just "worn" rather than dirty/sweaty/stained you can definitely do 30°C (86°F). google says this would be the "warm water" setting on american washers (=generally between 90°F/32°C and 110°F/43°C).

and tbh if it's your jam, feel free to do 20°C/68°F (="cold water") for those things. BUT NOT FOR BEDDING AND TOWELS

IV. SO WHAT ABOUT LAUNDRY STRIPPING?

you can do whatever you want forever. if your clothes feel sticky and not clean and you think you may have been overdosing your detergent or if you use a lot of fancy additives because you like mixing colorful things and miss making potions on the playground (no judgement btw) go ahead and try it.

one thing i want to say though is that in 90% of the videos i've seen about laundry stripping, the murky brown water is literally just DYE. 🥴 scorching hot water alone is more than enough to make textiles bleed color.

borax is also an irritant and laundry soaked in such a concoction is not something i would handle with my bare hands (if borax was legal in germany lol). hell, most detergents can irritate your skin, so if you decide to strip your laundry with this method, please use gloves.

V. A BETTER ALTERNATIVE

this is based on personal experience btw, im not just talking out of my ass. if you've been using a lot of additives and your clothes don't feel clean or smell weird even when they're freshly washed, try the following troubleshooting steps:

CLEAN YOUR WASHING MACHINE

DO NOT USE BLEACH AND VINEGAR! oddly enough, this seems to be the number one recommendation on many websites, but mixing bleach and vinegar creates POISONOUS CHLORINE GAS! 😐 both things can also potentially damage rubber seals/gaskets. instead, try the following:

start by manually cleaning the parts of your washing machine that are accessible from the outside. remove the detergent drawer/dispenser compartment, take it apart, and clean it with warm water. use a bit of dish soap and a sponge or an old tooth brush to get rid of stuck-on gunk.

wipe down the rubber gasket around the lid/door. this is just to remove any gunk or lint stuck in there so water should be enough, but you can use a bit of dish soap if you like

find the filter on your machine, take it out, clean it with a paper towel, and rinse it off

finally, run an empty cycle at the highest temp but add one or two tablespoons of natron/baking soda instead of laundry detergent

repeat as needed

REMOVE FABRIC SOFTENER RESIDUE FROM YOUR CLOTHES

tbh i hesitate to call it "residue" because coating the fibers of your clothes is literally the whole point of fabric softeners, but that's exactly why they can be problematic.

most fabric softeners are hydrophobic, so water alone won't do anything. instead, try soaking your clothes in lukewarm water with dish soap, which also works great for removing fabric softener stains, or simply put them through a cycle with dish soap instead of detergent. (please don't use too much though because it can produce a lot of foam🫧)

AVOID COMMON MISTAKES

try to remember the basic tips from above going forward:

avoid unnecessary additives (fabric softener, dryer sheets [the same thing basically], and laundry perfume)

less is more. don't use too much detergent. pods are gimmicky and fun and very convenient, but they don't give you much control over the amount. for liquid detergent and washing powder, stick to the instructions. also, detergent pods are a major source of microplastics.

choose the right cycle and water temperature.

VI. SECRET BONUS TIPS

not directly related to laundry stripping but useful to keep in mind:

don't overstuff your washing machine, and if you do half a load/a smaller load, adjust the amount of detergent accordingly.

if you use a tumble dryer, CLEAN THE FILTER AND LINT TRAP AFTER EVERY SINGLE LOAD FOR GOD'S SAKE. not only is it kind of desgostang to let all that hair and lint accumulate, it's also a fire risk 🔥 additionally, clean the internal filter as well as the vent hose regularly, and check for lint in the less accessible areas and behind/underneath the dryer.

don't leave zippers unzipped, but DO leave buttons unbuttoned.

this one is hard, i know, but try not to leave wet laundry in the machine for hours and hours. set a timer. not only will your clothes be wrinkly, they will also develop a funny smell very (and i mean very) quickly. if a load has been in there overnight, it probably needs to be washed again.

additionally, leave the lid/door open after a cycle to allow moisture to escape and to prevent mildew in your washing machine

finally, and i know this is gonna be controversial, but SORT YOUR LAUNDRY! 😭 it's the one necessary step that allows you to use the appropriate cycle/water temperature for different loads. color bleeding is not the only concern here, and you absolutely do not have to wash all colors separately, but separating whites from darks WILL preserve their color without the need for bleaching/lightening agents. general rule: separate whites from darks and bright colors. separate delicate fabrics from heavy denim. group things by cycle/temp. combine things like bedding and towels, or underwear and sweaty/stained clothes, and group semi-clean stuff that only needs a cold wash. i swear it's not as complicated as it sounds.

ok rant over 💕

sources: personal experience, my mom, research and critical thinking skills

[nonsenseafterdark]

Day Thirteen: Shower Sex

Characters: Gary "Roach" Sanderson, Simon "Ghost" Riley

Word Count: 1417

Warnings: None. Just fluff and humor... And soup

Notes: I hope this makes up for the previous prompt haha... I enjoyed writing this one. As always, this was also posted on AO3, and you can find my prompt list here

Gary jumped as the ice cold water from the shower head rained down on him, sending down a violent shiver down his spine. He stepped back a bit far enough that the water was just touching his feet and close enough that he was still able to reach the shower handle to adjust the temperature. He turned the handle towards the left, expecting the water to turn warm at any moment, but mildly surprised as it was still cold. Gary waited another minute for the temperature to adjust, but at the absolute hottest, the water was lukewarm. He sighed, mentally adding the task of checking the water heater to his plans for the weekend and bummed as he wouldn’t be able to stay nearly as long in the shower like this. He stepped under the water, sulking as he let the water rinse through his scalp, though he was quickly attentive to the sound of the door opening.

“Gary?” He heard Simon’s voice, mildly raised, “It’s just me.”

After shutting the door, he pressed, “You alright in there, bug?”

“I think something’s wrong with the water heater,” Gary said after a few moments, “The water’s not warming up…”

“Really? That certainly explains why you haven’t turned our bathroom into a sauna by now.”

“And I dunno how you tolerate bathing in water as cold as the Atlantic.”

That earned a laugh from Simon, speaking in between brushing his teeth, “And I’m telling you, love, you’d enjoy it too if you gave it more than one chance.”

“I would rather give myself third degree burns with my hot showers, thank you very much… Or turn myself into soup in this tub...”

There was a moment of stunned silence, Gary letting out a stifled giggle as he heard the brushing instantly fade.

“Don’t… Ever say that again,” Simon snorted, jokingly repeating before finishing up brushing, “‘Turn yourself into a soup…’”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“No problems with soup. Just don’t use yourself as an ingredient… And don’t use our tub to make it.”

“Oh, imagine the feast we could have—”

He was cut off suddenly as Simon briefly swung the shower curtain open, stating in a humorous manner, “You’re not using our tub to make soup.”

Gary erupted into a fit of giggles, and even Simon couldn’t help but smirk. 

“Well get in here then, ‘Mr. I-Love-Cold-Showers,” He said, tugging on his shirt, “Come keep me warm before I really turn myself into soup.”

“You’re very bossy today.”

Simon took a moment to strip off his shirt, and as he worked on getting his pants and boxers off, he leaned over to press his lips against Gary’s. This simple act already had blood rushing to his groin, his thighs tingling. Simon broke off the kiss momentarily to step into the shower, but he was back to locking his lips with his partner soon after. Gary tasted hints of mint off his breath, humming pleasantly as he felt Simon’s hands run down the sides of his body while pulling him closer. Meanwhile, Gary’s hands held the sides of Simon’s face, soothing his fingers over his cheeks and sighing into his mouth as he felt the warmth of his body, a comforting contrast to the cold shower water. Simon eventually made a move to tilt Gary’s face slightly to deepen the kiss, taking his breath away before slipping his hand to stroke his cock. 

Gary moaned quietly, grinding into his hand as his partner broke off the kiss to ask, “How do you want to do this?”

“I want you inside me,” The other man mumbled into his ear. 

“Again?”

“Yes, please… I want you close to me…”

Simon chuckled into his mouth as he pulled Gary into another deep kiss, moving his hand from his cock and over his hip to turn him around and facing the tiled wall. He pressed his body close to him, lips locking onto the skin of his neck as his hands squeezed his rear. 

“You warming up yet, baby?” Simon rasped. 

“Getting there…” Gary hummed in amusement, “But not quite.”

The other man briefly bit into the corner of his neck before reaching down to the corner of the shower and picking up a bottle of lube, as Simon implied, this wasn’t the first time they had fucked each other in the bathroom. Gary waited and pressed the palms of his hands against the wall, shivering slightly brother both the temperature of the water and as Simon pressed his lubed fingers against his entrance. He bit down on his lip, stifling a moan as he felt two fingers push inside him, sliding in and out slowly and stroking his walls. With his free hand, Simon reached up to grab at the back of Gary’s head, tugging on the strands of hair and tilting his head back. 

“Let me hear you,” Simon groaned, growing rock hard himself, “Don’t hold back on me.”

Gary moaned at his command, his cock throbbing from the combined pleasure of being touched and talked to like this. His whimpers and whines echoed off the tiled walls, louder than the running water. 

“Fuck, right there…” He sighed deeply, arching back and clenching around Simon’s fingers. He felt incredible, and yet he wanted to feel better than that, “Simon… I’m ready for you.”

“Yeah?” Simon chuckled, “I was just thinking I could get you off with my fingers.”

He slipped them out, Gary whining at the brief loss. He turned around slightly to watch Simon stroke himself before he lined his cock up with his entrance, and he watched as he pushed in, gasping out as he felt his length stretching him out. Gary cursed, arching back to adjust to his size and chase the pleasure that followed. He heard Simon breath deeply, moaning out as the other man wiggled his hips slightly, and Gary giggled shortly before his laughter faded into a whimper as Simon slammed his hips forward, pushing his cock as deep as he could go. 

“You’re seconds away from being a complete brat,” Simon rasped into his ear. 

“You like it,” Gary replied sensually, pushing his hips back and whining as he urged Simon to move. 

“You know I do.”

Simon pulled back and thrusted forward to a steady rhythm, the sound of slapping skin joining in with Gary’s pleasured cries and moans. He arched back into his thrusts, his muscles clenching as he became unbothered by the cold water as his senses were warmed with euphoria and satisfaction. Simon eventually pressed his body against Gary’s, rolling his hips slowly, but deeply into a spot that had the other man crying out. What followed were a series of incoherent praises and whines, to which Simon swallowed them up in an open mouthed kiss, carefully turning and holding his head carefully. With his other hand, he reached down to wrap his fingers around Gary’s cock. 

Gary’s moans grew in volume and pitch, his legs shaking from the repeated ministrations. If it weren’t for Simon pressing up against him, he would’ve collapsed entirely. 

“Gonna come…” He moaned out in between the kisses, “Fuck, I’m gonna come…!”

Simon groaned in affirmation before breaking off the kiss, his hips slamming violently into Gary as he chased his climax. He watched as Gary’s eyes squeezed shut, gasping out breathlessly as he reached his orgasm and clenched around his cock. Simon’s breathing became labored and quickened, stifling his moans as he bit down on Gary’s shoulder and holding him by his hips in a bruising grip. He came inside, groaning out and rolling his hips slowly until the pleasure faded into overstimulation. 

Gary exhaled heavily as he came down from his high, dipping his head against the wall. Simon smoothed his hands over his hips, gently rubbing at the spots he was gripping at before. 

“Warm enough now?” He asked softly.

“Mm, yeah…” Gary mumbled, reaching behind him to caress Simon’s hair and tilting his head towards him. He sighed pleasantly, and when it didn’t feel like he was clenching around so much, the other man pulled out. 

“Simon…?”

“Yeah?”

“Help me clean up?” The manner Gary asked wasn't so demanding as before, but more equivalent to an exhausted request. 

“Of course,” Simon mumbled, pressing a soft kiss into his skin.

"Maybe you can make me some soup after this-?"

"Gary, you're now seconds away from being a brat again, and not the good kind."

Gary snickered, even hearing Simon chuckle against his shoulder.

[bumblebeehug]

Lovely Seasons - Winter

Summary: Lucy has the worst morning known to human kind, until Natsu comes to her rescue. Notes: If you're wondering where Happy is during all of this, no you don't. Part 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 of the Lovely Seasons series Ao3

***

Lucy slowly sat up, blinking and rubbing out the crust that had appeared in her eyes during the night. A tired yawn managed to escape her lips before she could check the clock. 7:30 in the morning. She groaned to herself. She fell asleep late last night, not being able to drop the book she was reading, and barely getting 6 hours of sleep made her feel cranky. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the sun wouldn’t rise in another two hours and the temperature outside made her house feel colder than usual. It was an abnormally cold winter, rarely rising above -10 degrees Celsius, and due to her not paying enough rent last month, the landlady had cut down on her heating. Usually that would be fine, since Magnolia’s weather was quite warm most of the time, but without the blessings of a merciful winter and without her human heater constantly hanging around, the apartment got ruthlessly cold.

In an attempt to properly wake up she placed her bare feet on the floor. Leaving the warm comfort of her bed was unappealing to say the least, and feeling the coldness against the soles of her feet made her cringe. Without bothering to put on slippers or socks, she hurried to the bathroom. A warm, long shower was the only salvation this morning could have. As she entered the bathroom she once again regretted the lack of socks, since the tiled floor was multiple times colder than the wooden floor in her bedroom. With goosebumps all over her body she sped up her movements, turning the knob in her shower to the highest heat.

Another mistake, she soon learned. After having stripped down she felt the water with her hand, and the dropping temperature of the high streaming water only meant one thing - the hot water had run out, rapidly changing to cooler and cooler degrees.

“No, no, no!” In an attempt to savour the last bit of barely comfortable water, she immediately jumped in the shower, focusing on just wetting her hair so she could pour shampoo into it and rinse it out before she turned to an actual ice block. No matter if this day seemed to have everything against her, she was determined to get clean - even if that meant cutting down her shower time from 45 minutes to 5. Every muscle got stiff as she hurried to lather her hair, and breathing became a chore for her frozen body. Even concentrating to the fullest, she felt the lungs move in spasms.

Lucy had never been good with the cold. Not even after living on the streets for a year after running away from home, had she gotten used to the fierce sensation of getting robbed off her body heat. On the other hand, warm weather had never been a challenge. Anywhere with a hot climate was the ideal vacation spot for her, since she’d much rather sweat like a pig than not being able to feel her hands and feet from being so cold. Maybe her body’s natural agreement with warmth was one of the reasons she and Natsu got along so well. Though, given that he wasn’t here to heat up the apartment at the moment, he wasn’t on her best side currently.

As soon as she felt the lathered shampoo leave her hair completely, she turned off the tap and practically pounced her fluffy towels. From the last few weeks she had learned that any body part left wet would be freezing cold if she didn’t wipe herself dry the second she came out of the shower. She was in fact so fast at drying herself off and getting clothed today that she probably beat a personal record - and luckily for her, she could still use her hair dryer, so no cold, wet, dripping down her back today.

Though, just as things were starting to look up, she encountered yet another problem as she stepped out of the bathroom and into the kitchen. The dishwasher hadn’t gotten turned on last night, so she had to hand wash her cup before using it, which usually was a manageable job, but that became tedious now that she had no warm water. To add to that, she was fully out of oatmeal which meant that she’d have to go out to buy more when the stores opened in a few hours. Even if she didn’t have to plough through snow, the strong winds and the frosty air was more than enough to go through even her thickest, warmest jacket, and if she were to actually arrive at the market, there was no telling if they’d be open today. A lot of fresh fruit didn’t handle the cold well, and anything tightly sealed into glass bottles would likely expand and explode if they didn’t stay inside.

Since Lucy had nowhere close to enough energy to deal with that now, she decided to grab her kettle, make it across the kitchen towards the stove, and OUCH!

“Shit, crap, fucking ass- fuckhorse!!” Lucy howled as she jumped around on one leg, trying to get her big toe on her second leg to stop pulsing. “There’s no fucking way this is happening to me today!” She stumbled across the room once again, this time aiming for the kitchen table so she could sit down and inspect the injury. The kettle was forgotten the second she put it down, and she immediately threw off her slipper and her sock that she had properly remembered to put on after the shower..

Just her luck. She was bleeding under her toenail, which meant weeks of taking care of this insignificant but maddening injury. Wendy was about as locked inside as Lucy was, so no magical cure for this one. At this point she was holding back tears. Nothing could have prepared her for how unlucky she was today. Yesterday had been a good day, same as most of her previous days, where she enjoyed the stillness of being alone with her own thoughts in her apartment. No jobs or missions to rush to, no worrying about destruction and lack of payment, no Natsu to burn her couch and no Happy to scratch her walls. She ate good meals, played music and danced, and now this - no heat, no warm water, no clean dishes, out of her favourite breakfast and now an injured toe. It felt like the spirits were against her. The mixture of exasperation and exhaustion made her throat thicken, and the pressure from holding back tears made her head hurt. It was still early in the morning, and she already wanted to go back to bed and sleep until the next day - or better, she could sleep until spring and skip the depressing gray life that came with the winter months.

As Lucy’s nose started getting stuffy, an angel sailed down from heaven and sang the most beautiful melody known to the human race. Well, no, her doorbell rang, but it was practically the same thing, because she sensed from the reckless stomping up the hallway that her hot headed best friend had decided to come to visit.

“Lucy? Ya home?” Normally his cheery voice would feel like a punch to the gut after having a bad day, since any sign that people could live happily while bad things happened only to her, would feel like mockery. Today however, she was just glad to no longer be alone with this dull atmosphere dragging her down.

She hurried to the door, not without limping a bit, to unlock it for him. As the door swung open, Lucy couldn’t stop her lip from quivering, threatening to burst out into tears just from seeing his face. She was so, so, happy he was here.

Natsu himself however felt his grin fade the moment their eyes met.

“Hey, what’s the matter? Did anything happen? What’s goin’ on?” Lucy barely noticed him dropping off two grocery bags by the entry, before he gently grabbed her arms. The tender look in his eyes was the final blow for her - she felt so angry and sad at the world, yet she had never felt so seen and cared for as she did when Natsu came. The dam was broken and the waterfalls were set loose, and she was hiccuping and hulking like a child failing to communicate its emotions.

“My… my…” she began, “My toe huuurts” She couldn’t stop herself from crying out, unable to form any other words to explain her out of place behaviour.

“What?”

“My- my- my thoe-” With sobs cracking through her voice it was hard to talk any clearer, but luckily for her she didn’t have to explain any further.

“Oh my god- Lucy, you’re bleeding! Hey- come here.” With a swift motion he scooped her up from her feet, immediately heading for the bathroom. “How did things end up like this?” He wasn’t expecting an answer - not yet anyways. Inside of the bathroom he sat her down on the toilet lid, immediately tending to the swollen toe.

At the same time Lucy was trying to collect herself. It was embarrassing enough that she had broken down like this in front of him, but now he probably thought she was weeping over a stubbed toe. It really wasn’t fair, she thought, because she wasn’t crying because of her frustration. She was incredibly happy right now, to have Natsu there to help her cope with her unfortunate day. If he had caught her just a moment earlier she wouldn’t have broken down like that - she’d be upset and short tempered, sure, but nothing like this.

Thanks to her manual breathing, she calmed down significantly. Not enough to actually stop the consistent flow of tears, but now she wasn’t gasping for air in panic anymore.

“Thanks for helping me,” Lucy sniffled. “And sorry for scaring you.”

Natsu, who just finished putting a bandaid around the now purple nail, looked up at her with a gentle smile.

“No worries. Stuff happens, right?” Though his words told her that he was fine not knowing what was going on, his face was clearly searching for the explanation to her behaviour.

“Well,” a sob slipped out, “I guess it does.” She wanted to tell him about her morning, she really did, but right now she just wanted to get comfortable and warm in her bed. Truth is, she really wanted Natsu to lay beside her - not only for the heat, but for the comfort of human contact as well.

“Wanna check out what I got for you?” It took a brief moment before Lucy understood he meant the grocery bags that almost were forgotten in her hallway.

“Does anything have to go in the fridge or the freezer?”

“No… Why?” He stood up from his squat, cleaning up the small mess he had made rummaging through her cupboards.

“Then… Can we rest for a minute?” Lucy took a square of toilet paper to wipe her tears. “I don’t have any energy to… do stuff right now.”

“Yeah, sure, no problem. Can you walk fine?” Lucy nodded, the toe wasn’t that injured - she had gone through way worse, though those times her body was pumped with adrenaline. Natsu helped her up anyway, held her close to him as they headed to the bedroom. Lucy might not be hurt physically, but she rarely broke down to this extent emotionally, so of course he was still worried.

“Isn’t it kinda cold in here?” He always thought Lucy’s apartment felt colder whenever he hadn’t been there in a while, but wasn’t this way colder than usual?

Lucy didn’t answer. She only had one goal ahead of her, and that was to get into those sheets and get some well deserved rest. Besides, she could tell him all about her day later, they weren’t in a rush. So as soon as she could she crawled up on her soft bedding, and without a moment of hesitation, she dived in under the comforter. She had her back turned towards Natsu, but before shutting her eyes, she turned slightly and lifted the duvet, giving a clear invitation for Natsu to join her. The mattress sunk behind her as he laid down, shuffling closer and embracing his position as the bigger spoon.

“The landlady cut off the heating a few days ago. That’s why it’s cold here,” Lucy explained, her voice cracking meekly. Natsu pulled her closer, making sure his body heat warmed up the bed for her. He properly felt bad for her - clearly the cold and the stubbed toe weren’t the only reasons why she cried, so she probably had a really bad day overall. Whether or not she had been having nightmares or bad memories from her past, or if built up sorrow and anger just let loose, he didn’t know, but he knew that Lucy would tell him when she was ready to. His hand reached over her upper body in search of hers, and as he found it he gave it a supportive squeeze.

“That’s not all though,” she continued after a deep breath, “I also barely got any sleep last night. Totally my own fault, cause I went to sleep really late, but the cold made me unable to sleep in.” She spoke softly and rubbed her thumb across the palm of Natsu’s hand. “And then I went to take a shower, except the warm water had run out.”

“So you took a cold shower? You? Lucy Heartfilia, master of turning up the heat until not even I can stand it?” Chuckles filled his lungs, because he really found it ironic. Understandably annoying and upsetting for Lucy of course, but ironic nevertheless.

“Yes, and you bet I’ll never do that again. It felt worse than getting in the middle of a fight between Gray and Lyon. Look, my fingernails are still purple!” She shoved her free hand up in his face, attempting to display the cold, stale fingertips, but accidentally smashing them against his cheek in the process. After a quick apology, she continued. “As if that wasn’t bad enough though, my dishwasher didn’t start last night, so all my dishes are dirty, which wouldn’t be a huge problem if I didn’t start washing them in that cold water, only to learn that I’m out of oats!”

Remembering her streak of unluckiness made her heart drop slightly again, but surprisingly she had already gotten in a better mood. As she shared her burdens with Natsu, she felt a weight lifted from her chest. She even got in a good enough mood that she could initiate chuckling at her mishaps.

“Hold on a minute,” Natsu intervened, “didn’t I tell you only last week not to delay grocery shopping?” They had already been through a similar scene where Lucy had procrastinated going outside for so long that she started using normal hand soap on her body instead of her usual body wash.

“I knooow,” Lucy grumbled, “but it’s so cold out! You know I don’t have proper clothing for this weather! And I have plenty of food for lunches and dinners, just not for breakfast…” She tried to defend her actions, but she knew Natsu was right. Laziness would always come back to bite her in the back if she didn’t deal with things properly.

“Good thing I know you too well.” Natsu had a smug grin plastered on his face, the type of grin she’d usually want to wipe off with a kick. Overconfident Natsu wasn’t pleasant to hang out with, mostly because he got them into trouble when he acted like that. Today however, he looked like a saint. “I went shopping yesterday and thought you could use some food to stock up on.”

“No, you didn’t.” She turned so she laid on her back, head facing Natsu. She tried to look for any sign that he was pranking her, without any luck. “You bought oats?” He nodded proudly, teeth flashing through his cheeky smile. “Thank you.” She dug her face into his chest, hugging him as tightly as she could.

“But I bet the lack of oats didn’t make your toe explode, so how did you get hurt?” Even though Natsu suspected that he had an understanding of what had happened, he wanted to hear it from her.

“I stubbed it really hard against the leg of the kitchen table when I went to boil some water,” she explained with a muffled voice. There was really nothing more to it, which kind of felt embarrassing now that she had said it out loud. She knew she was blushing, but since Natsu couldn’t see it she didn’t mind.

“I guess I came at the perfect time,” Natsu joked, now taking the liberty to rub Lucy’s arms up and down.

“You really did. Thanks.” She lifted her head to meet his gaze, giving him a thankful smile before going back to hugging him. See, what they were doing right now was weird. As in, actually odd behaviour considering their relationship. Except, despite acting weird, Lucy found great comfort in the warm touches of Natsu’s hands, which still roamed her chilled body. She would never allow this to happen if the circumstances were different, because friendship simply couldn’t cross those lines. It would only end in disappointments when she learned that he didn’t feel the same way. Today though, she just wanted to indulge in their overly close relationship. Just their torsos touching didn’t even feel like enough, so she gathered some courage and moved closer. Playing it off as an attempt to warm her feet, she tangled their legs together. Natsu didn’t have the heart to tell her that her cold feet felt incredibly uncomfortable against his calves, so he decided to persevere. After all, he knew his discomfort was far from what Lucy was experiencing, injured toe and all.

The air under the blanket was finally starting to heat up, making Lucy even more grateful for Natsu’s presence. He must’ve acquired some 6th sense that told him whenever she felt lonely - a Lucy-radar if you want, because he always managed to come to her exactly when she needed him. But no matter if it was thanks to supernatural senses or if it was just pure dumb luck, she was currently content enough in their situation that she had the courage to do things that she normally wouldn’t do. Her fingers took the liberty to trail his muscular arms, slowly following the dips and bumps that made out his figure. Natsu, who couldn’t say he was used to this bolder personality Lucy sometimes showed, got goosebumps from her touch. Nice goosebumps though, the type that leaves a warm feeling in his heart. And with Lucy touching him freely, he took the chance to caress her in return, his hands moving from her upper arms to her back and ribcage, then continuing down the curve where her waist dipped the deepest. Lucy’s breathing got slow and relaxed with every stroke he made, so instead of stopping at the small of her waist, he slowly continued the quiet exploration of her body, moving down to her hips and then her thigh. He suddenly felt a huge craving to grip the soft flesh that hid under her long pyjama pants, so he grabbed her leg and pulled it over his own, also making them move closer in the process.

Lucy, who had moved on from her previous place as well, was giving Natsu’s shoulder a light massage, stroking the stiff musculature. She hid further into the shirt that clothed his chest before she collected some courage to speak.

“Did you know?” She began.

“What?”

“In the Best Friends Rulebook, the first listed rule is that best friends must have clear boundaries when it comes to physical contact.”

“What a dumb rule. Who came up with that?”

“Everyone agrees on it. You wouldn’t want to be cuddling with Gray like this, would you?” A disgusted sound made its way out from Natsu’s lips. No, he definitely wouldn’t want that.

“You know it’s different with you,” he began, trying to defend their actions. He didn’t get further in his explanation though, as Lucy’s fingertips grazed the side of his neck.

“I know. But we can’t do stuff like this if we go by the Best Friends Rulebook. Though… there is a way to make it work.” Natsu waited silently in anticipation of hearing her solution. “We could change the rulebook.”

“Are we still talking about books?” Natsu asked. He knew what metaphors were and how they worked, but dragging them out like this made him lose the thread.

“No,” Lucy answered bluntly. “I’m talking about you and me.” She was incredibly happy he couldn’t see her face right now, because even though she felt like they were on the same page with their feelings for once in their lives, being this open with her emotions made her embarrassed, and frankly, a bit nervous. Any sign of rejection would cut deep, now that she was this vulnerable. But she continued. “Best friends might not be able to act like this, do these things, but… when they’re not only best friends, but also…”

Her heart was beating so fast now, to the point that she wondered if Natsu could even hear what she was saying over the loud heartbeat. She had to continue though, this was the moment of truth. Her hand, that hadn’t stopped moving across his shoulders, arms and upper back, gripped his T-shirt in an attempt to calm herself - or to at least make sure she wouldn’t float away from all the air she was holding in her lungs.

“Also lovers… they can do this.” There. She said it. Knowing she couldn’t change the outcome no matter what at this point, she looked up at Natsu again, determination flowing in her eyes. And Natsu… he looked normal. He didn’t look surprised, sad, confused or angry - just like his normal, easy going self. She would have felt offended when his ribs started shaking in a lighthearted chuckle, except she really couldn’t get upset with him when he looked so thoroughly happy. He took her face in his hands and gave her forehead a soft kiss.

“Then let’s change to that other rulebook,” he said, continuing to kiss her left and then her right cheek, before giving in to what could only be described as cute aggression, showering her face in quick, sloppy pecks. Lucy, who was surprised by this sudden affection, couldn’t stop her bubbling laughter from spilling out of her mouth. She was so relieved that he understood the implication. She had told him that she wanted them to be lovers, and he had accepted. In fits of giggles she tried to bend away from him so she could properly look at him. She failed, at first, due to his constant moving, but after a second try she could pry herself away from his smooching-rifle. Natsu looked so joyful as he looked at her, that she fleetingly wondered how they ever could have gone as only friends for as long as they had. She grabbed his face in the same way he had grabbed hers, and felt an overwhelming amount of love pulse through her veins.

“Natsu Dragneel, I love you. I love you so, so much,” she confessed. She had dreamt about this moment for way too long, and even if it went nothing like she had expected, she felt like the happiest girl on earth. Give it to Natsu to solve the challenge of making Lucy’s days better, no matter what she goes through, because he has always known exactly how to cheer her up, even when he didn’t know it himself.

“I love you more, Lucy.” She could no longer wait, so she smashed their lips together, allowing them to mould into what could only be described as a perfect kiss. Natsu moved his hand away from Lucy’s cheek and into her tangled blonde hair, deepening their connection. This certainly wasn’t what Natsu had expected waking up today, and he had definitely not expected it after seeing her cry like she did, but nevertheless he was happy with the outcome.

Happiness has always been known as a short emotion, sneaking up in pulses, giving people licks of serotonin during the long winters of their emotions. Happiness has that in common with a lot of other emotions - anger comes in upset explosions, sadness waters the grieving fields of memories, only for the rain to cease after short periods of time. Jealousy comes as a storm, ripping up carefully planted and cared for greenery, only to leave the vaguer emotions like confusion to deal with the aftermath. Love, however, enters lives slowly, growing stronger for every kind and selfless act between the pair, staying unnoticed until the deepest feelings of frustration destructs the surroundings. Only then do they truly notice what amazing powers come with love - it heals, evolves and comforts.

In spring love blooms, in summer it sweats, in autumn it plays, and in winter it warms. Lucy and Natsu experience love all of the time - they have felt love for friends, family and even enemies at times, but most importantly, they have felt love for each other. The seasons have tested their resilience, gotten them through many trials and errors, but even the feeling of love comes to a consensus once in a while. Today it came in the act of showing up, tomorrow it might come in the act of keeping a distance. But they continue to love nevertheless.

[plutoniumpossum]

Being a Plumber on a Election Year Gothic

(USA edition)

You tell a old man how soon he should have hot water, now that you've set the temperature on his new water heater. He replies by telling you unprompted that the supreme court is all catholic and is ruining everything. You wonder if the words "between 30 to 45 minutes" is secretly an activation code for something.

You had a late call for a water leak, its 10:30pm but you got it fixed. You hand the woman her invoice and tell her the total of the Bill. Its now 11:20pm and you've been told every possible way how the Earth is screwed due to global warming, pollution, politics (American), and how there's no hope for the future. The invoice is still unsigned and unpaid. You hope the skunk that's been wondering up the street towards the two of you doesn't get any closer.

You've been working on a broken sewer line under the house, when you crawl out from under it to give an update you're asked what you think about so-and-so running and how disgusting is that? You think that you've been crawling through sewage and you now have insulation in your hair.

The dorm kitchen sink is clogged and there's enough Drain-o in the line to start a meth lab. "Have you ever been sexually harassed while at work? That's way we have to vote Democratic, they care about women's rights." By the end of the job they've repeated the question so many times you begin to wonder if you're about to be.

You knock on the door and introduce yourself. Your customer was watching the news before they answered the door. They now want to talk about it and their political opinions before they remember the plumbing problem they called you for in the first place. You wish you had clocked out and taken lunch before this job.

You're doing a normal plumbing job at a normal house. The neighbor a few houses down has a display covering the front yard full of flags for both political parties, their candidates, and a few other opposing factions thrown in. You wonder what kind of toilet they have.

Your customer is making small talk with you as you walk through the door. They ask you what your political party alignment is. You wish you had fell through that rotten board on the porch and broken your leg.

[niteshade925]

Just going to complain a little bit because man this is fuckin absurd.

So my water heater broke, literally a week after it was "fixed". I had my suspicions about it being fixed, because I did a little digging myself and it didn't seem like something that simply switching the mode would help, I would probably need a part replaced. But that was a week ago. I've already spent a week in winter (through Christmas!) without any hot or warm water, while the temperature outside dipped below freezing and stayed there. My personal estimate is that my tap water is now at about 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and it has been this way for a week. However, and here comes the really frustrating part: I've contacted the property management days before the 24th, told them this is an urgent issue, they contacted me saying someone will show up and guess what? Nobody has shown up. Not only has nobody shown up, but they sounded annoyed when I asked them to give me an approximate time of when they could come in. Now, I wasn't asking this question to force them to come look at it sooner, I was asking about it because I work fucking night shift. I need sleep. If they can just tell me approximately when they can come here then I will be able to get some sleep, albeit fragmented sleep, before I go off to work for 13 hours straight. But oh no they sounded annoyed. And by the way last week when they "fixed" the problem, because they said it was a simple "change the mode" thing, I asked them what mode it should be on, and their reply was "are you trying to take my job?" Like fuck you, this was never about you, I just want the hot water that I paid for, plain and simple.

Anyway, problem remains unresolved, and I'm still trying to get a hold of them. This property management (meaning everyone there from the agents to the techs) has been known to ignore phone calls and requests, and I'm getting really fucking tired of paying them for basic services that they are reluctant about providing.

[fixmyhomedenver]

Emergency Furnace Repair in Westminster: Quick Fixes to Beat the Chill

As the winter chill sets in and the temperatures drop, the last thing you want is for your furnace to malfunction. In Westminster, where winter can be particularly unforgiving, having a reliable heating system is essential to stay comfortable and safe indoors. However, furnace breakdowns can happen unexpectedly, leaving you in need of immediate assistance. That's where emergency furnace repair services come to the rescue. In this blog post, we'll explore some quick fixes for emergency furnace repair in Westminster, ensuring you stay warm and cozy even in the coldest of days.

Furnace Repair Westminster:

When your furnace starts acting up, it can be a stressful situation, especially during the peak of winter. Common issues include strange noises, lack of heat, or a malfunctioning thermostat. In Westminster, furnace repair services are readily available to address these issues promptly. Whether it's a faulty ignition system, a clogged air filter, or a malfunctioning thermostat, professional technicians can diagnose and fix the problem efficiently.

Heater Repair Westminster:

Similar to furnaces, heaters can encounter various issues, leading to a loss of heat and comfort in your home. From worn-out parts to electrical issues, heater repair services in Westminster are equipped to handle all kinds of problems. With their expertise and experience, they can quickly identify the root cause of the issue and provide effective solutions to restore your heater's functionality.

Furnace Replacement Westminster:

In some cases, furnace repair may not be sufficient, especially if the unit is old or extensively damaged. Furnace replacement becomes necessary to ensure optimal heating efficiency and safety in your home. Westminster residents can rely on professional HVAC technicians to guide them through the furnace replacement process, helping them choose the right unit for their needs and budget.

Furnace Installation Westminster:

For new homeowners or those looking to upgrade their heating system, furnace installation services are indispensable. Proper installation is crucial for the efficient operation of your furnace and ensuring its longevity. Expert technicians in Westminster can handle the entire installation process, from sizing the unit to integrating it seamlessly into your home's HVAC system.

Emergency Water Heater Repair Denver:

In addition to furnaces, water heaters play a vital role in maintaining comfort during the winter months. A malfunctioning water heater can disrupt your daily routine and leave you without hot water when you need it most. Emergency water heater repair services in Denver are available around the clock to address leaks, heating issues, or any other problems affecting your water heater's performance.

Air Conditioner Westminster:

While the focus is often on heating during the winter, it's essential not to neglect your air conditioning system. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are necessary to ensure your AC unit operates efficiently when the warmer months arrive. Whether it's repairing a malfunctioning compressor or replacing worn-out components, air conditioner services in Westminster can keep your home cool and comfortable all year round.

When it comes to emergency furnace repair in Westminster and surrounding areas, prompt action is key to restoring comfort in your home. Whether you're facing a furnace breakdown, water heater issues, or AC problems, professional HVAC technicians are just a phone call away. With their expertise and dedication, they can quickly diagnose the problem and provide effective solutions to get your heating and cooling systems back up and running. For top-notch HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services, trust Fix-it 24/7 Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric to deliver exceptional results every time.

[soswaterheatercypresstx]

SOS Water Heater Cypress TX

Are your hot water rusty or stained, or the hot water runs out? I've seen observable sediment! Do the unit's leaks exist? Noises are coming from the heater! Have inconsistent water temperature! Are there corrosion indicators? Is the heating element having issues? These problems are frequent, and our team can solve them with high-quality and affordable prices in Cypress, TX. if you face any previous hot water heater issues, do not hesitate to contact SOS Water Heater Cypress, TX, if you experience any of these issues. We are conveniently located throughout Cypress, TX, and provide the most trustworthy water heater repair, installation, maintenance, and replacement services. In addition, we guarantee you a long-lasting unit after our repair.

[near-canton-ma]

Tankless Water Heaters

A tankless water heater heats water as needed without needing a storage tank. It passes cold water through a heat exchanger, rapidly warming it to the desired temperature before delivering it to the faucet, shower, or appliance.

Tankless water heaters primarily provide hot water for various domestic purposes, such as bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry. Unlike traditional water heaters with storage tanks, tankless models offer several advantages, including energy efficiency, space-saving design, and an endless hot water supply since they don't run out as long as they have a sufficient flow rate and appropriate sizing. They are especially popular in homes with limited space and for users looking to reduce energy consumption and utility costs.

In commercial settings, they can meet the demands of various applications such as hotels, restaurants, and industrial processes, ensuring uninterrupted supply, lessening operating costs, and optimizing space.

HVAC Professionals

Green Energy Mechanical’s HVAC technicians perform essential tasks related to heating, cooling, and indoor air quality systems. Their responsibilities include:

Install heating and cooling systems, including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and ventilation units. They ensure proper system placement and connection.

Conduct inspections, clean components, replace filters, and identify potential issues to prevent breakdowns.

Diagnose the problem and carry out repairs. This includes fixing leaks, replacing faulty parts, and restoring proper functionality.

Recommend and implement system upgrades or replacements to improve energy efficiency and meet evolving HVAC standards.

Inspect, repair, or replace ductwork to ensure efficient air distribution.

Educate customers on proper system usage, maintenance, and energy-saving practices.

Provide emergency repairs for unexpected system failures.

The company is dedicated to delivering high-quality heating and cooling solutions, ensuring comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality for residential and commercial clients. Choose them if you're searching for HVAC near me in Canton, MA.

Air Conditioner Repair and Maintenance

Air conditioners can break down for various reasons, necessitating services like those provided by Green Energy Mechanical in Canton, MA. Common causes include:

Neglecting regular maintenance, such as cleaning coils and changing filters, can reduce efficiency and breakdowns.

Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder and potentially freeze, leading to breakdowns.

Leaking refrigerant can reduce cooling capacity and damage the compressor, resulting in system failure.

Problems with wiring, circuit breakers, or capacitors can disrupt the electrical components, causing the AC to malfunction or not turn on.

Insufficient airflow or refrigerant issues can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, affecting cooling performance.

The compressor is a critical component, and its issues can lead to costly repairs or AC replacement.

As air conditioners age, their components can wear out or become less efficient, increasing the risk of breakdowns.

If you're searching for AC repair near me in Canton, MA, choose Green Energy Mechanical.

[thessalian]

Thess vs Recharging

I have not had sufficient time to recharge and recover from the weeks of overtime. I was hoping to have a nice quiet steady week before the run-up to MCM Comic Con, but that apparently was not to be. Then again, it's kind of in a good cause, because my stepfather is finally sorting out some of the heating nonsense in the flat.

See, my parentals paying the electricity bill on this flat...

(Side note: my stepfather originally said that it wouldn't make any sense to transfer the bills until I was living here permanently, especially since it was only going to be for a short time. It has been two and a half years. So while I do try to mitigate my electricity usage somewhat so I'm not abusing this good fortune, I figure having to live in a flat where only half of everything works deserves some compensation. Also my mother must be pissed; the second flat is supposed to be an investment property and she can't put it up for rent until both flats are renovated, so my stepfather's procrastination is kind of negatively affecting the family income. But again, that's kind of her problem.)

Anyway. I only explain that my parentals pay the electricity bill on this flat because the fact that he changed the energy tariff that this flat was originally using was nothing to do with me. This is important to note because, for the last two years or so since he changed the tariff, certain things in the house haven't been working. Basically there are two circuits in the house. One's day-to-day usage stuff - computer, TV, microwave, stuff like that. The other's core usage, generally less expensive, and mostly has to do with the boiler and the storage heaters. It's the boiler-and-storage-heater circuit that hasn't been working for two years. Now, my stepfather has been chasing the energy company to figure out whether it's their fault that this happened (spoiler - after two fucking years, he found out that yes, this particular tariff moved all the energy output onto one circuit and shut off the one that the boiler etc are on, and no, I don't know why, because my stepfather has only now just started explaining this shit to me), but he hasn't done a whole lot to fix the problem. He only really grasped the implications of the problem during last winter's cold snap, when I was bundled up in multiple layers of clothing with one electric space heater going only when I just couldn't take it anymore, just because of how obscene the energy prices were getting. And to be honest, I think he's only doing something about it now because my friend from France is coming to stay with me while we both go to MCM Comic Con next weekend. Because, like, his stepdaughter can suffer with freezing rooms and having to switch on the day boost for two hours to get a decent bath but gods forbid a total stranger to him be inconvenienced.

Long story short: my stepfather's been in and out of the flat on and off at random throughout the week, because he's installing energy-efficient electric heaters into the rooms that really need them (specifically the sitting room and the study; I have enough duvet to cope when I'm in the bedroom) and hooking them up to the one operational circuit. On Sunday, he will be hooking the boiler to the operational circuit. So I will have proper hot water all the time instead of having to switch on the day boost for two hours. And then I get to spend 4-5 days figuring out exactly how to get the temperature to my liking because for two years I have been switching on the day boost for 1.5-2 hours, then just turning on the hot water and leaving it until the tub's about full, because the hot water goes cold fast and that makes the bathwater not be scalding.

My problem is how he does it. My stepfather is of a certain generation and a certain mindset and "popping by with very little notice" is a thing he's fine with. And since he's fine with it, apparently so should everyone else be. So last weekend was him calling up at 11:30 on Saturday morning going, "I'm just going to pop by this afternoon to bring in these heaters; is that okay?" The "Is that okay?" is really more of an afterthought for him, honestly; the tone is "Of course it is; why wouldn't it be?" when I'm just going, "I am trying to recharge and recover and now I have you in my personal space using power tools with no notice?!?" I want time to prepare my headspace for someone being in my personal space, damnit! (And never mind that he had to shut off the power to the sockets so I couldn't sit watching TV or playing video games for most of that time.) He was late on Sunday - he said 2pm; turned up at half-three. Then came in on Tuesday while I was working - "I shouldn't disturb you", he says, just before taking a fucking power drill to the shared wall between the living room and the study where I was working, causing said wall to vibrate. At least I talked him out of coming in today, but that's because I'm going to get my Covid booster in a couple of hours and I'm honestly preparing to feel like crap for the rest of the day.

I cannot recharge with people in my personal space. And if he's changing the circuit, I'm probably going to be denied power again tomorrow. So the schedule for the next week or so is as follows:

Today - Covid booster; maybe pick up a few essentials; make up at least some relaxation time

Tomorrow - Stepfather working on the flat; D&D Sunday

Monday - Stepfather probably coming back to work on the flat because He Be Like That

Tuesday-Wednesday - Work, with added 'bonus' of Teams meeting with Scruffman because apparently we're moving offices next month and I should probably make an appearance at the office to clear my desk

Thursday - Marion's arrival, Being Hostess begins

Friday-Sunday - MCM Comic Con

Monday - Seeing Marion off; the start of nearby neighbour getting their flat renovated (which will apparently get loud on at least one day, so fuck my life completely)

Tuesday - One day to relax, hindered by neighbour's renovations

Wednesday onward - Back to work

Now, I do have to book the rest of my time off by the end of October but I've been having to hold off on that because Scruffman still hasn't approved my leave dates over Christmas. He's approved my traditional birthday week off in February, but not the Christmas leave. Sorry, but it makes sense if I go off on Christmas because there won't be that much typing while the doctors are also probably on leave and it's mostly phone cover that will be the issue. Anyway, I don't know how much leave I have until he approves or denies all of my leave requests, including the one he "just didn't want to touch" when I put in for it in fucking August.

Right. I have an hour or so to chill out before I have to go find the place where I am getting my Covid booster, so I'd best do that, or at least try to. I just want one week where I don't have to do anything.