Well, after sixteen years I think I have this "another pin-hole leak in the pipes–shut the water off–call the plumber" thing down to a science. Though sometimes I can tape or clamp the hole to last, this one’s not working out.
Several jugs and pans are placed under each faucet and the faucets are "cracked" open. The morning and last night’s ice cream dishes–already soaped–and a sponge are in a basin in the shower, along with my toothbrush and a cup. Naked, I go down into the cellar and turn the water back on, sprint up the stairs, lose my shoes and hop in the shower. I do the dishes and drain the basin, put the dishes back in, rinsed and shove them out of the way while I shampoo, shave and shower fast and brush my teeth. Air-dry as I run through the house and shut the faucets off and flush the toilet. Make it down the cellar quickly and shut down the water line again.
Then clean, with fresh coffee and no dirty dishes, I wait for the plumber.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology