THE SAGA OF THE LOO
I make no secret of the fact that I love a good whinge, especially when our Housing Association in involved.
 
Some years ago we had the bathroom converted to a wet room as I have difficulty getting in and out of a bath. The bath was removed, sink replaced and relocated, shower fitted and tiles. The only thing that was not replaced was the plastic toilet cistern which as a dull magnolia looked really out of place against the off white ivory ceramic.

As time went by the old cistern was getting past it's best and as we had just received notification of a 5.6% rent increase,  I requested a ceramic replacement as the thin plastic was prone to condensation which caused mold on the wall.  I uploaded a photo on their Facebook page so everyone could see. Within 5 minutes I received a phone call advising we would get a new cistern and the plumber would be booking an appointment.

When he called I asked about the ceramic only to be told they would only replace "like for like", so I booked days in advance to argue my case with the surveyors.
Again I put the question on Facebook for the world to see and again within minutes the surveyor phoned confirming plastic was all I can have…….then added "we're not saving money, it's the same price as ceramic?….at this point I decided he had got to the bottom of the hole he had dug himself and ended the call after being assured it would be a quality plastic cistern.

Well the plumber arrived and did the job, such a pity it was a brilliant white which stood out more than the old one, as did the new pipes attached to the original coloured ones, so I took a photo and placed it on the Facebook page as a comparison.

Last night I tried to put the "Bloo Loo" block into the cistern, the lid was held in place by a nylon screw, as I turned it, the rod that it attached to on inside of their quality plastic cistern snapped six inches down.

I have now  been back to Facebook to inform them of the incident (much to the amusement of their other tenants who are closely following the saga), the plumber is to revisit soon. A parting gesture from myself on Facebook was to offer to pay the difference between a cheap plastic tank and a ceramic since their surveyor had told me they cost the same……..no reply yet

All installed and looking good,  I remembered to thank them on their facebook page  and I posted a photo of the new cistern and inset a thumbnail of the previous plastic tank for comparison, just to let them know "what a happy bunny I am and how I'm sure I'm sure they agree it looks better".  (also so everyone else can see I got it in the end) 

Today started out as a rant….The radio were doing a bit about making a Will. it occurred to me that when I or the OH go toes up, being a single earner on a very low income, the cost of disposal may cause a problem to the one that is left behind (hope I go first).

The TV ad with the celeb saying how for just £4 a month you get peace of mind sprang to mind so I looked on the web. Nothing about how much the payout is at that price so I phoned them on their 0800 number.
Now bearing in mind that the sum is payable only after departure, I could not see the relevance of my date of birth or gender. Eventually I halted the enthusiastic sales person's spiel and asked a direct question. "If I paid the advertised £4 a month, after two years how much would be payable"? £800 was the reply. To pay for the cheapest Cooperative send off at today's rates I'd currently need £2850. Needless to say I did not want their free parker pen!

Next call the Cooperative….Poor girl,
"How much to pick me up when I drop, stick me in the oven then tip what's left into a yogurt pot?" I asked "No I don't want a joint plan, I've had enough of her over the years. Not sure if she wants to be planted or burnt, I'm not bothered myself, I won't be around to care". 
The mood got lighter when I asked her if they do a "Pay as you go" offer, then realising it sounded weird I said.. "sorry I think i've lost the plot …oh hell.. I'll stop digging…..ending with I've lost the will to live".
By the end of the call I was none the wiser but the pair of us were in tears.

Still ranting about the £4 a month rip off though. Can hardly afford to live and certainly can't afford not too.