Experiences of Home Service Providers: Bizarre Encounters Behind Closed Doors

Home service professionals, such as duct cleaners, plumbers, and electricians, often encounter peculiar and even bizarre scenes when they enter their customers' homes. This article shares some of the most fascinating and occasionally concerning instances that these professionals have witnessed.

Duct Cleaning: A Dildo Dilemma

When I was a young duct cleaner, my job involved walking through customers' homes, counting all the vents and ensuring airflow was optimal. One day, I was in a customer's home and his daughter’s bedroom, where I came across the biggest dildo I had ever seen. The situation didn’t require any comment from me, as I simply noted the hot air requirement and moved on. However, it was clear from my customer’s reaction that he had noticed my awkward demeanor.

Legalization and Hidden Weed

Before the legalization of cannabis in Canada, I discovered several instances of hidden weed in the cold air returns. Homeowners would often hide it in discreet locations to avoid detection. This was a common occurrence in many of the homes I serviced, reflecting the widespread use of cannabis in the region.

A Gay Club and a Terrarium Named 'Aqueerium'

Working on repairing the TVs of a gay club, I was introduced to a unique feature in the lobby called the 'Aqueerium.' Although the club was a place of interest, it was rather a sophisticated and welcoming environment, with nothing unusual about the customers. The terrarium featured intricate poses of Spiderman figurines, reflecting the club’s identity without any sense of discomfort.

Fossil Collections and Extensive Specimen Discovery

Services such as duct cleaning can sometimes lead to surprising discoveries. During one visit, I came across a woman with an extensive fossil collection. The collection was awe-inspiring, showcasing a variety of minerals and ancient relics. It was a moment of wonder and learning for me and an integral part of the home.

Basement Rehab and Anomalous Dog Whispers

Working alongside another technician, we were rehabbing a basement for an elderly couple. Despite our focus on the basement, we heard a dog walking above us intermittently and could hear nails clicking on the tiles. Our inquiries to the homeowners revealed that they did not have pets. This left us wondering if they were shape-shifters or if there were other explanations for the sounds.

County Tax Assessment: An Abandoned Depression-Era Farm

During my work grading farm properties for the county tax assessment, I came across a peculiar property that was not on the property card. Using an aerial photograph, I discovered several buildings that weren’t recorded and appeared to have been abandoned. Climbing a gate, I inspected the buildings, deducing their construction dates to the late 1800s. The owner, who had never been bothered by visitors, was jovial about the situation and did not provide any additional explanations for the presence of these unused buildings.

These experiences highlight the variety of encounters a home service professional might face. From sexual toys to vintage collections, from shape-shifters to abandoned farms, these stories offer a glimpse into the fascinating and often bizarre world of household secrets and mysteries.