Water Heater Scam Artist

The water heater repair guy showed up early, so I had to deal with him while wearing nothing but a bathrobe. I was sleepy and disheveled, but not as stupid as he hoped.

I explained that the pilot light went out because it got hit with the hose and I needed him to light it for me. He looked at the tank and said he thought there was a leak because it was damp inside and would probably need replacing. Patiently, I explained again that the hose got it.

He said that there was rust. I said that this wasn't the first time it's been hosed off. The rust was probably from prior occasions.

I told him that the heater is only a couple of years old and was bone dry before I hosed out the garage.

He then changed tactics. He tried to light it without success and said that some part needed replacing and that because the heater wasn't up to code, he would have to fix that too.

He called the main office for an estimate. How bizarre is that? I've dealt with plenty of repair people and they have never had any trouble giving an estimate on the spot. I suspect he called to say that the customer was a half-naked, ditsy looking blonde and how much did they think he could soak me for.

The estimate was well over three hundred dollars. I said that was too much and that I found it hard to believe that Home Depot, who installed the heater, wouldn't install it to meet code. He told the person on the line what I said and they told him to just collect the service fee and leave. I said fine and went to get my checkbook.

While I was writing the check, the technician lit the pilot light and said, "Don't tell them I did this." Before he left, he repeated three more times how important it was that I not tell his employer that he lit the pilot light. I promised not to tell them. I didn't promise not to tell the rest of the world, though.

I suspected it was a scam, but I wasn't sure until he lit the pilot light. The only problem with the heater was what I knew all along. Water put the fire out and it just needed to be re-lit. Too bad I wasn't coordinated and brave enough to do it myself.

At least I have hot water now. It's not easy being a half-naked, ditsy looking blonde. People think that they can take advantage of you.