Fortunately, I have a friend who is a skilled re-modeler as well as being a licensed property inspector. He came in response to my concern that water was leaking from the top of the closet and hitting the water tank. Having determined that the source was neither my air conditioning, which was off, nor the recently installed hot water heater, he ventured upstairs to ask a new neighbour whether he might have a look at her water tank.
She was reluctant to grant his request and said only that she would contact the landlord. I was preparing to stuff my tank's closet with towels when her parents appeared, telling us that they would look into the matter. They subsequently emerged saying they could not see any sign of leakage. My friend then explained the situation further and accompanied them into the upstairs flat, eventually locating two pin holes in a coil on the woman's hot water heater that were leaking and which could have damaged both flats if left undiscovered.
The young woman swiftly departed for the local DIY centre obtaining the needed part while my friend offered to do the repair without charge. My relief was palpable. Firstly because her very nice parents saw sense and secondly because she realised the potential for damage and that I, a woman who also lives alone, was not out to hurt anyone. The man I sent upstairs actually knew what he was talking about and what could have been a nasty situation all round was resolved to every one's benefit very speedily. I gave my friend $25 for coming out and to cover his fuel costs.
There are still decent people in the world, after all. I'm enjoying a last cup of tea before bed and feeling quite like I dodged a bullet...
