Washington’s extreme 2009 winter cold froze and cracked a shower valve in the beach house causing a persistent water leak. It was old and when disassembled showed no brand name or part number to allow a replacement. Visits to specialty plumbing supply houses and several local big-box hardware retailers got no results. John was then referred to the plumbing man at Lowe’s Hardware Smokey Point store, Chris Espe. Chris took on the search. The valve was not to be found in the Lowe’s data base, stock or access. Like the old adage, when the going gets tough, the tough get going, Chris stayed on it for a week. He ultimately identified the brand (one that Lowe’s doesn’t carry) and contact information for John to follow-up with the manufacturer for lifetime warranty and replacement. After, “Sorry I can’t help you,” from 6 customer service posers John was fortunate to find Chris who may be a plumbing guy but in reality is a customer solution guy. And that is a little something extra service. Thanks to subscriber Dr. John Vandree for this Lagniappe story.
This month’s contribution goes to the Alzheimer’s Association.