I had been a regular customer at this particular coffee shop since it's opening across from the Markville Mall in Markham Ontario. I got to know the owner and staff very well and occasionally helped the owner out with small repairs. One of these repairs involved plumbing in the back prep room and service area. Their double sink taps had developed a leak and the owner had brought in some parts for me to fix the leak. Having fixed the leak, I turned the water back on, only to discover that the leak at the faucets had stopped. But the shut off under the sink started to leak a fair amount of water. Not having the parts and the owner away, I told the employee I'd be back the next day Sunday when the owner would be in. I saw the owner and went to pick up parts to repair the leaky shutoff valve beneath the sink. Well I started to unscrew the offending valve and the more I turned the harder it became to get off. All off a sudden I get shocked by a jet of cold water in the face and the valve shot off to my left, pinging off the wall. I had totally forgotten about the main water shutoff riser in the ceiling. Well we panicked, going crazy looking for the main shut off. Not able to find it and the shop in danger of being completely inundated with water, we call the fire department. They show up find the main shut off and shut down the water. They fixed the valve and I learned two lessons that day. One don't mess with something unless you are totally aware of what you are doing and two my mistake could have seriously injured, or killed me had the valve struck me in the head. Happily neither had and all I suffered was some embarrassment and a laugh about it all later on.

Submitted on 01/11/2011

Submitted by: Paul Williams
Reference: Personal Account February 2000

Copyright © 2011 DarwinAwards.com

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
You're darned lucky you just ended up soggy & embarrassed. Had that valve hit you instead of the wall it could have done some serious damage. Thanks for the chuckle, Paul!

James said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
Wow, quite the cartoony episode, eh?!!! Thanks, Paul!

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