Entitled Homeowners Thought They Were the Smartest, but My Plumber Dad Had the Last Laugh and Refused to Pay Him
They thought they were clever when an entitled couple refused to pay my hardworking dad, the plumber. They had no idea that their arrogance would backfire and leave them with a bathroom full of regrets. This is how my dad disposed of their entitlement.
Hi everyone! I’m Phoebe, but you can call me Pippi since my dad goes by that name. Having said that, allow me to present Pete to you: A white beard, rugged good looks, and hands that befit a lifetime of labor are all present in this 55-year-old man. He’s my superhero without the cape and your nice neighborhood plumber.
Dad is the type of man who renovates entire bathrooms if one tile is missing, treating every task as though it were his own. However, some people perceive that commitment and believe they can capitalize on it. That is just what two conceited homeowners attempted to accomplish. Yes, but they were fooling around with the wrong people.
It all began when I dropped by Dad’s house a few months ago. He was smoking a cigar and grinning as if he had just heard the best joke ever when I spotted him outside on the patio.
“What’s upsetting you so much, old man?” I sat down next to him and inquired.
Dad remarked, “Oh, Pippi, you’re not going to believe what just happened,” with twinkles in his eyes. It’s enormous!
Dad continued to laugh and leaned in. “Do you recall the bathroom makeover I was working on? Let me tell you about the Carlyles, or the Pinchpennies, as I like to refer to them.
I took a seat, confident that this would be enjoyable. Dad always had stories to tell.
These people were after the works. You name it: new tiles, elegant fittings, etc. They observed every last detail on their own. even deciding on the location of the toilet paper holder.”
I said, “That sounds like a dream job.”
Dad laughed a little. “Well, that’s how it started, all right. However, afterwards. As his expression deepened, I realized we were nearing the exciting part. “Dad, what happened?” I enquired.
As I’m wrapping up the grouting on the last day, Pippi, they’re sitting on this couch, getting ready to pull a fast one on me. Dad began to mimic Mrs. Carlyle, his voice becoming sarcastic. “Oh Pete, this isn’t at all what we were hoping for! All of these tiles are incorrect!
I let out a gasp. “However, didn’t they choose everything themselves?”
“Just that!” Dad raised his hands in exasperation. And here’s the thing: they were so bold as to inform me they would only pay me half of what they owed me. HALF!”
My mouth fell open. “HALF? After pushing through for two weeks to complete their ideal bathroom. Not at all! How did you act?
Dad’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Well, at first I attempted to reason with them. However, they refused to accept it. Mr. Carlyle becomes all haughty and tells Pete to just finish the work and get lost. Not a single penny is being paid extra.
My blood started to boil. That is unfair! You put in a lot of work!”
My father gave me a pat on the hand. “Now, Pippi, now. Be at ease! Your elderly father was hiding something.
“What actions did you take?” I leaned closer, curious to learn more.
Dad grinned more broadly. Oh, I did a good job finishing the task. However, instead of applying water to the grout…
Dad said, his mischievous eyes flashing, “I mixed it with sugar and honey.”
Blinking, I tried to take in what I had just heard. “Honey and sugar? within the grout? However, why?
Dad reclined and inhaled deeply from his cigar. Pippi, just wait and see. You just have to wait and see. He continued by explaining how, fully aware of what was about to happen, he had packed up his equipment, collected half the pay, and left smiling.
I broke off, “But Dad, wouldn’t they notice that the grout isn’t quite right?”
Laughing, he shook his head. No, not at that moment. When it dried, it had a perfect appearance. However, a few weeks later.
Leaning in, I hung on to everything he said. “What took place after a few weeks?”
Dad grinned more broadly. “That was the start of the real fun.”
Dad held up his cigar and said, “Picture this.” The Pinchpennies are sulking, believing they have conned elderly Pete. Then, one day, Mrs. Carlyle notices something as she takes a shower.
I shrugged, lost in the narrative completely.
“Ants!” Dad shouted. “Dozens of them, walking like it’s their own private highway along the grout lines!”
I couldn’t contain my laughter. “Not in a way!”
Oh, Dad said, it does get better. Cockroaches the following day. Then everyone spooky within spitting distance arrives for the celebration.
I shook my head, shocked by this. That is absurd! But how are you aware of all of this?
Dad gave a wink. Do you recall Johnny? My former friend? He has been informing me and is their next-door neighbor.
“And the Carlyles?” I enquired. “What actions did they take?”
Dad’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “Oh, Pippi, they made every effort.” Invested a lot of money on insect control, yet it was ineffective. “Want to know what’s the best part?”
With excitement, I nodded.
“They claimed that the grout was ruined by the pesticides! Is it really true? Dad started laughing.
Dad stopped laughing, and I couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for the Carlyles. “But don’t you think that was a little too… harsh, Dad?”
Dad’s face became more amicable. “Pippi, you need to comprehend.” These individuals attempted to defraud me of my hard-earned money. After two weeks of arduous labor, they just wanted to give me half the money?
I slowly nodded. “I understand, but still.”
Dad said, bending forward, “Look.” “In this profession, one’s reputation is crucial. I would go out of business faster than you could say “leaky faucet” if it were discovered that I let clients walk all over me.
He was right, I had to concede. “So what took place next?”
Dad smiled. “Well, Johnny says that after about a year, they ended up redoing the entire bathroom.”
My pupils expanded. “Did it resolve the issue?”
Dad laughed and shook his head. No, sorry. The remnant of sugar was still present, just below the surface. The bugs simply kept returning.
“And the Carlyles?” I enquired. “Have they ever worked it out?”
Dad had twinkling eyes. “I have no idea. As of last I heard, they intended to completely remodel the bathroom once more.
Dad let out a sigh and seemed solemn. “Let me tell you something, Tippi. I have never done something like this in all of my years as a plumber. And I sincerely hope I never have to. However, these Carlyles weren’t merely attempting to con me. They were disparaging my pride and my labor.
With dawning awareness, I nodded. “They believed they could completely dominate you.”
“That’s right,” my father pointed at me with his cigar. Additionally, in this industry, rumors spread. Who knows how many other people would do the same thing if I let them get away with it?
I conceded, “I guess I see your point.” Still, are there bugs in the restroom? Dad, that is really disgusting.
He laughed. Well, I never claimed that the retaliation was particularly lovely. However, it worked well.
“So, what took place next?” Curious, I asked. “Have you heard from them since then?”
Dad gave a shake of his head. No, sorry. However, Johnny informs me. Some of the stories he’s told me are worth hearing.
“Such as what?” I leaned closer, wanting more.
Dad had a mischievous smile in his eyes. “Well, once at a time, Mrs. Carlyle was throwing an elegant dinner party. When she saw a cockroach in the guest toilet, Johnny claimed he could hear her scream from his house!
I couldn’t contain my laughter. “Oh my, that had to have been awkward!”
Dad laughed and said, “You bet it was.” “And then there was the occasion when Mr. Carlyle attempted to resolve the issue on his own. I bought every mosquito repellent available and thoroughly cleaned that restroom.
“Did it succeed?” I questioned, presuming to know the answer.
Dad smiled and shook his head. No, sorry. For weeks, the entire house smelled like a chemical factory. What about the bugs? The moment the stench subsided, they returned immediately.
I shook my head, shocked by this. “Incredible. For what duration has this been ongoing?
Dad puffed on his cigar and remarked, “Oh, must be going on over a year now.” “Johnny claims they’re desperate. discussing moving and selling the house.
I gave a low whistle. “Whoa, Dad. That is a very enduring form of retaliation.
With a trace of regret in his eyes, he nodded. Maybe I should have stopped a little earlier. But you are aware of the karma-related adage.
Yes, I replied. “It’s really, you know, well.” That made both of us laugh really hard.
I sat back and took in everything Dad had told me as the sun started to drop, covering the patio in a warm glow.
I said slowly, “You know, Dad, I gotta admit, that’s pretty genius.” Though diabolical, brilliant.
Dad grinned contentedly as he nodded. “Pippi, sometimes you have to give people a lesson they won’t soon forget.”
I couldn’t contain my laughter. “Well, I’m sure the Carlyles won’t try to owe people money anytime soon.”
“You got that right,” Dad said with a grin. Additionally, each time Johnny updates me, it makes me laugh out loud.
For a while we sat in cozy silence and watched the sky turn pink and orange.
“Hey, Dad.” Finally, I said.
“Yes, Pippi?”
“Make me a promise.”
His eyebrow went up. “What is that?”
I smiled. “I will give you my whole payment up front if I ever need my bathroom redone.”
Dad laughed so hard he pulled me into a bear hug. “That’s my girl!”
I couldn’t help but think about the Carlyles and their bug-infested bathroom as we sat there laughing and taking in the sunset. It served as a reminder that karma can occasionally have six legs and a sweet tooth.