Two Lower Quarter streets reopened today after a scheduled pressure test. Engineers checked joints, brackets, valves and gauges beneath the district. No major faults were found. Two worn seals were replaced. One gauge was also removed after displaying exactly the same reading at low pressure, normal pressure and no pressure at all.
When disconnected from the pipe, it continued to insist conditions were excellent. The faulty gauge was removed with unusual ceremony after an apprentice asked whether its steady reading meant it was exceptionally calm under pressure. The senior engineer replied that confidence without information was not a feature they wished to encourage in either instruments or apprentices.
The gauge has been sent for repair. A local shopkeeper supplied tea to the engineering crew. City Engineering thanked him, then clarified that tea is not officially required during pressure testing. The shopkeeper has asked whether biscuits would make it official. They would not. The streets are open again. The gauge remains confident.
File a Comment