So everyone thought the storm hoax was a hoax? Well it was and wasn't. I had an urgent situation brewing - not quite in back yard - on the balcony. After all the rain we had, the balcony was filled with a foot of water. Yes, having moved to Jo-burg this wasn't high on my list of Things To Worry About.
I did do a thorough reconnoiter of the balcony, but found no plug or drainage hole. So either the weather is to blame and we're getting too much rain in one go, or the architects were a bit amiss, failing to design a bit of drainage. Or it has functioned over time as a paddling pool for Jewish families over the years (the house is situated in a very Jewish community - so much so that on Saturday's you see lots of dark suited cowboys headed towards an OK Corral). And maybe the kids are being encouraged not to stray beyond these balcon- Nah.
So using the most sophisticated technology available, I fashioned a siphon. It's not as simple as it sounds. You can't have any air bubbles in the length of hose. You need to fill the hole hose with water, and then dip the head into your chosen drainage basin (secured by a solid metal indoor bike trainer stand).
Once you release the end, as water flows out the other end onto the lawn, you have your gravity-induced suction taking place.
It took about 3 hours, but got there in the end. It's not dry as a bone, but at least I don't have to fear rising sea (technically rainwater) levels at 1700 metres in the heart of the Highveld, in a first floor loft apartment. Think I am going to braai on the balcony tomorrow, unless I join Alan for lunch.
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