That customer on Pine Street with the 3-story flue taught me a lesson about extension rods

I was out on a job last Tuesday at this big old Victorian on Pine Street. Three stories, narrow flue, tight bends. I thought my standard 4-foot rods would handle it like usual. Well, I got about halfway up and couldn't reach the top. Had to go back to the truck and grab my 6-footers. Lost a good 20 minutes climbing up and down that ladder in the rain. Now I always eyeball the roof height before I grab my rods. Anyone else run into this where the house looks shorter from the ground?

3 comments

3 Comments

angela_harris7d ago

Do you always carry multiple lengths in your truck now, or do you just take a closer look before grabbing the first thing you see? I mean, it seems like a small habit change could save a lot of hassle later on. Curious if you've got a system down or if it's still a guessing game sometimes.

karen_sanchez4921d ago

Yeah I eyeballed a ranch house once and ended up needing an extension ladder just to get my rod setup started. Came back down soaked and cussing. My crew still gives me crap about it. You learn pretty quick that "looks short enough" is a liar.

parker_palmer447d ago

Oh man, that rain makes everything worse too. I feel your pain on that one - been there and the wasted time stings the most.