Reliability is extinct

The plumber called and cancelled because 'an elderly couple in Wacton have an emergency'. So I'm guessing our particular problem didn't sound particularly worrisome.
I pointed out that we were quite concerned and he said, 'you can always turn your water off at the stopcock.' I pointed out that we had two young children who need to wash and drink and he said 'you can always fill up some saucepans before you do it'. I pointed out that today was convenient for a visit because Philippa was at home all day and he said 'you can always call someone else but it'll be a same-day call-out and that'll be pricey'.
I guess plumbers are trained to have an answer for everything if they have an opportunity to earn more elsewhere. So he's going to call round later if his other job goes well, and if not we'll have to wait until Monday.

RC 17-10-24