Had to choose between a stuck door in the rain or a flooded pit in Boston

Got a call for a stuck car at a building on Boylston Street, and the manager said I could either try to free the door from the outside in a downpour or go down into the pit, which had 6 inches of water from a broken pipe. I picked the pit, put on my waders, and spent an hour bailing water with a bucket before I could even see the safety plank. Ever had to pick the 'less bad' option on a service call?

3 comments

3 Comments

amy_reed7921d agoTop Commenter

Isn't this just the story of adult life?

robinmason1mo ago

So you went with the pit, but man, what made you so sure the waders were gonna hold up? Did you have a backup plan if you found more water down there, or was it just a total gamble once you committed?

the_patricia1mo ago

Waders get tested before any serious trip. Mine are heavy duty with sealed seams, and I always carry a repair kit. The pit had been dry for weeks according to local reports, so the risk was low. If I hit unexpected water, the plan was to back out slowly and reassess. You never go in without knowing your exit path. Gambling with gear like that is how people get into real trouble.