TIL my neighbor's quiet observation saved me from a pump seal blowout...

I was prepping the dredge for a big channel job, rushing to get everything set before dark. My neighbor Frank, who used to work on river barges, was watching from his porch... he doesn't say much usually. As I was tightening the last fitting, he just called out, 'You check that weep hole?' I hadn't, because the pump looked fine from the outside. Later that night, I went back and saw it was totally clogged with silt. If I'd started up, the pressure would've blown the main seal for sure. Now I always take a second to listen to folks who've been around... even if they're not on the crew. It's funny how a simple question from someone watching can change your whole approach.

3 comments

3 Comments

the_cora5d ago

It's easy to get tunnel vision when you're focused on a task. Before Frank spoke up, did you have a habit of dismissing quiet observers, or was it more that you assumed your inspection was complete? How do you now balance trusting your own work with being open to those simple, outside questions?

jamesm385d ago

Ever been so sure you checked everything that you missed the obvious? I once wasted a whole afternoon fixing code only for a junior to spot a simple error right away. Now I make a point to pause and get a second look before I say I'm finished.

murphy.richard4d ago

Missing the obvious happens to everyone though. It's not like a major flaw in how you work, just part of being human. Calling it a serious problem seems like overkill.