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Busted water-line, Not frozen

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 12:12 pm
by garrett_reukauf
I was out and about most of the day yesterday running errands and what not, when I came back home around 3pm I discovered water running out from underneath my MH. I immediately went to the water meter by the sidewalk and shut the water off at the main. I called maintance to come asses and fix the problem. They came out and had everything working in about 2 hrs. My water lines were not frozen and I know this was not the cause of the leak. When I left that morning, the water was running fine, it didnt get that cold the night before and the temp the next morning was up to about 44*, so I know it was not froze. The plumber that came out said the PVC pipe that runs between the cooper water main line and the PEX in my MH just came apart. He said this happened because the water depart had the meter main turn on all the way putting too much water pressure on the PVC. This is the same guy that came out to make the connection between the meter and the MH. BUT!!!! There is a pressure regulator supplied by the MH Mfg that is connected to the line before the PVC. So its set up in this order, COPPER MAIN, WATER METER/SHUTOFF, COPPER MAIN, PRESSURE REG., PVC, SHUTOFF VALVE, PEX, The PEX goes up inside the MH and then there is another shutoff in the utility room. The pressure reg is preset @ 50psi and is not adjustable. So if the pressure reg is BEFORE the PVC how would water meter main being turned on all the way be the cause of this mishap. The plumber tested the regulater while he was out and it checked out fine. When turned on the meter main after repairs he only turned it on "halfway". He said to keep it like that to prevent from happening again. Which is great but now if someone is using the sink or in the shower and you flush the toilet or turn on another faucet, you can feel the water pressure drop out until the other faucet is turned off. Its not a really big drop out but you can definitely tell the difference. It didnt do this before, when the meter main shutoff was on all the way, and the meter valve has been open all the way for the last 4 months with no issues until yesterday.
Was the plumber right with his reason for the burst pipe, or was he maybe just trying to cover his rear, knowing he didnt seal the PVC good enough to begin with. If the regulater is BEFORE the PVC, then does it really matter how how the meter main is turned on?
Sorry for such a lengthy post but I wanted to include all the details.

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 6:37 pm
by Greg
Garrett, I have no idea what he is trying to tell you. If you shut the main valve down partly you are reducing VOLUME (flow), not pressure. If you take a garden hose and just crack the faucet open you will only get a trickle from the hose, shut the hose nozzle off and wait a little and open the nozzle and you will have a momentarty blast of full pressure and volume. That is in effect what he did.
I suspect that he is covering his butt, and screwed up the first time. Greg

RE: Busted water-line, Not frozen

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 7:09 pm
by garrett_reukauf
Thx Greg, I noticed this evening the water pressure/volume is not dropping out slighty anymore like I described earlier. But now, is there any reason why I couldnt turn that shut off vavle back on all the way?
Can't wait to get my water bill next month and see how much water was actually lost, the water bill usually runs about $28 per month.
Thx again!

RE: Busted water-line, Not frozen

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 10:19 pm
by Koiflowers
Garrett:

FYI: Just in case your bill is really high. Some water municipalities allow a one-time water loss write-off. I used it in Maryland when my pipes burst and the bill exceeded $300. They based my new bill on my average usage. You have to ask for it though.

RE: Busted water-line, Not frozen

Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 6:32 am
by Robert
Garrett,

He's definately covering himself. The regulator removes the main from the equation.

If he did the hook up in beginning, then he is responsible for line mishaps.


Find out from water dept., NOT him, if the line was attached and sealed properly this time.


Demand it be done right so as to allow full water volumn from main.


Also, I would not pay for any water losses due to this.



Take care and best wishes,
Robert

RE: Busted water-line, Not frozen

Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:51 pm
by garrett_reukauf
Thanks Robert and Koiflowers, I did contact water dept and they told me to get in touch w/ them again when my bill arrives and see if something can be worked out. They also said that they are not liable or responsible for anything past the meter and 1st shutoff valve once it goes back into the ground. Utility companies are wierd here in Greene Co. Heck, when the MH was being setup, they wouldn't come and cut the lock off the meter shutoff to have the water turned on until the electric work was hooked up and on in my name. The plumber that came out to repair the other day was the one the did the initial hookup from the meter to the house, same guy even. I spoke with the supervisor at the plumbing company about this incident and he told me that if there were any futher problems with this particular issue to call and speak with him personally and he would have it taken care of. So we'll see what happens. But right now its all back to normal and its doing fine, I'm satisfied with it, until the bill comes. Thanks for the input everyone, have a great weekend.

RE: Busted water-line, Not frozen

Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 12:18 am
by Robert
Hi Garrett,

You're very welcome, keep us posted please.



Take care and best wishes,
Robert