The wood house was occupied by a lady named Katherine. Many knew her simply as Kathy. Kathy had left this world suddenly and as such a lot of her possessions are still here at the property. Lots of books, a few dishes here and there, some shoes and a few appliances.
Since we are now living here rather than just visiting we have the need to wash our clothes. We tried to wash some items in the kitchen sink, but neither of us can imagine doing that for long. Plus we have blankets and sheets to wash. Sure, we could locate a laundry mat, but we don’t want to be hauling our clothes and hanging out at the laundry.
Luckily there is a washing machine in the entrance to the wood house. The other day I decided it was time to give it a whirl and see if we would be able to use it. It has sat for 10-12 years, but even washing machines in constant use over that time might still be in working order I thought, so there was a good chance that it might fire right up. Besides this would be a good first small project in getting into the wood house.
The washer is the first thing that greets you when you walk in.
I opened up the door to the house, and wiped of the years of dirt from the washer. I went upstairs and turned on the breakers, almost all of them stayed on! One circuit trips and none of them are labeled so I hoped that wasn’t the circuit that the washer was on. I went back to the laundry room ready to go. I turned on the machine and it started pouring water into the bucket as they usually do.
“Great!” I thought, “We can save some money reusing this thing.” Then the rat ran out from underneath. It gave me a good scare and drew my attention away from my task at hand. It ran around my feet for a few seconds and was unable to locate a new hiding spot so it ran back under the washer. That is when I noticed water pouring out from underneath. I looked back at the control board to shut it off and that’s when I noticed the smoke coming from it. I shut it down as the water and smoke continued to trickle out.
I popped open the top to see what was going on, and the washing machine was apparently the rat apartment. There were a few of them inside.
So needless to say, yesterday we made a trip to Mayaguez and purchased a new washing machine. Having a truck, is already paying off. I wasn’t sure how we would have fit this into a rental car, but I am pretty sure we would have tried (Fridge in the backseat, toilet in the trunk). I’ve never owned a truck, but they do make life easier.
We are now in the process of cleaning out the washroom. It becomes a difficult decision as to how far we take this process. I am thinking I will take all the wood siding off the inside of the room, check all the electric connections, paint everything with Killz and put it all back together. Or maybe I’ll just clean it out for now and hook up the washer so we can do some laundry. Don’t let great get in the way of good right?
We already have a collection of old appliances. Anyone know the proper way to dispose of appliances here in Rincón? If I don’t start getting rid of some of this stuff, I might as well open up a used appliance store!
BK’s Appliances
Hi Britton We put many items on the curb Tub,washer,fridge,someone asked if they could buy the tub,we just gave it to them,mostly everything we put out was taken,the rest the garbage took.We did a total reno also.Good luck hope to see you guys around town.
Paul
You are so cute Britton…I am laughing so hard…you are too cute. Some people can do what you are doing some people can’t….Me and hubby can’t…to old for that…we just hire young ones to do all that…god bless that you and cassie have the energy and enthusiasm for the job. 🙂
There’s a rat in my washer what am I gonna do? There’s a rat in my washer what am I gonna go? I’m gonna fix that rat that’s what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna fix that rat.
Put the washer out on the street with a “GRATIS” sign and it will disappear quickly, believe me! You wouldn’t believe how much stuff we put outside our business during renovation. All gone. Puerto Ricans are very resourceful!
Thanks everyone! We are at nearly the end of a calle sin salida (dead-end) that is also a steep drop off and so rarely anyone drives by. We could try it though and then the worst case scenario is we are left with what we already have!
I know this might not apply in PR but during Hurricane Sandy lots of my friends took their appliances to the scrap metal guy and got $$ for them. Is there a guy like at in Rincon??
Maybe you could post what you have in PR Craigslist in the FREE section and then put it on the street??
Love your “can do” attitude.! And you do it, too.
The wood house is challenging, but wood structures are adaptable, as you are finding when dealing with wiring and plumbing in the walls. We had a wood rat problem at the cabin and Larry had to tear out the dry wall and insulation to find the bugger (really cute, though).
You are patient and methodical, which is the only way of tackling a project like this, and you will save money by analyzing things so thoroughly.
Careful when cleaning rat areas or eating unwashed fruit off trees – 15-100 cases a year here of leptispirosis from rat urine (CDC believes it is under reported because symptoms are dengue-like which right now is WAY above epidemic levels).
Hi Katrina, I definitely am careful when cleaning up those areas but I also have to get in and do it and sometimes that means facing it head on. With only 15-100 cases a year out of 3.6million people that puts the risk somewhere at .002%. I like those odds.