01/21/2026
I started this job on Monday, trying to figure out a way to thaw out an almost impossible situation. The moment I crawled underneath that home, I knew it was going to be a tight squeeze for a big fella like me—but I wanted to at least try. After worming my way around and getting eyes on everything, I came up with a plan. By then it was getting late, and I was numb from the cold, so I decided I’d talk with the homeowner and come back Tuesday.
When she opened the door, that’s when it hit me—it wasn’t much warmer inside than it was outside. All I saw was a single oil-filled heater in the kitchen and a furnace that didn’t look like it had run in a long time. And right then, I knew that even if I managed to thaw those pipes, they probably wouldn’t stay thawed with how cold the inside of that home was. Part of me wanted to say I wouldn’t be back Tuesday… but I couldn’t do that.
So I laid in bed Monday night thinking of anything—any possible way—I could create enough heat to make it work. I knew the chances were slim, but I also knew I had to at least show up and give it everything I had.
Tuesday was just as cold, maybe colder, but I crawled back under there and put even more into it than I did the first day. Deep down I knew I probably wasn’t going to get the results I wanted, but at the end of the day I’d be able to sleep knowing I tried my best.
As a little added bonus, on my way there Tuesday my truck tire got shanked. Luckily I made it to Hutch’s. Hats off to those guys—they couldn’t repair the tire, but they brought out a jack, swapped it with my spare, and got me back on the road. Three heroes just doing what they do.
Also my Preacher from Ignite Ministries escorted me to Hutch’s in his car just in case I ended up out of air on the side of the road.
Thanks Steve Beal
Stay warm & be there for others
Keith Baker
Unite PHP Services