Reply
Wed 25 Jul, 2007 06:48 pm
Hoping to get some help with our low water problem.
About a month ago, we first noticed decreased water flow when more than one demand (sink and toilet; washer and toilet, etc) for water was placed on the system. About the same time the water heater went out and so I replaced it, but no increase in the water flow.
The local water company came out to check asking to see our water conditioner saying that 90% of the time the "filters" are clogged. He had me run the water from the sink and push in the bypass, suggesting that there would be a marked increase in flow once the bypass was in. There was not.
What "filters" is he talking about? Does he mean resin? or the values? And if they are the problem, why did the flow-rate not change?
Any help you can give would greatly be appreciated.
Thanks
PS After checking on the water conditioner, the Water Company man checked the water valve box before he left. Since he did not come back to the door, I assume he found no leak outside.
If the low water pressure/volume issue was not resolved with the softener on bypass you need to keep searching for the cause.
Thank you H20Man.
Do you have any suggestions as to where to look?
The low flow rate is system wide. And the flow rate now - for even one demand is lower than what was normal before.
Thanks again for any suggestions
Since you are on a municipal supply I would have the water company send a fresh set of eyes to investigate.
Bypass the filter(s) before they arrive so that it is not involved.
Has your water bill changed over the past month or two?
HTH, and good luck.
The water company man said that if we had a leak, even a small one, the ground outside would be soggy, and it is not.
Our water bill is slightly higher this past quarter, but not so when you consider water for the garden and an old flapper unit in the toilet.
What should the "new eyes" from the water company be looking for? Where whould I get him to look?
Thanks again
Just a quick question for you mbrew - Has your municipal water supplier flushed their lines in the last few months?
You could have a broken gate valve out at the street or in the house or... the curb stop valve could be partially closed. That's what the water company guy was looking at out at the street. You know it isn't the water softener or 'filters' that you don't have...
You can have an underground water line leak that doesn't show up on the surface, or hasn't yet. The water company guys can use a water leak instrument to check for leaks.
fishin wrote:Just a quick question for you mbrew - Has your municipal water supplier flushed their lines in the last few months?
Since I am not home during the day, I can not be sure. However, there was a news article saying that the water company was to flush fire hydrants during the summer.
What problems could that cause? And would such problems be specific to our house and not the neighbors, who, according to the water company, are not having (reported) any problems.
mbrew wrote:fishin wrote:Just a quick question for you mbrew - Has your municipal water supplier flushed their lines in the last few months?
Since I am not home during the day, I can not be sure. However, there was a news article saying that the water company was to flush fire hydrants during the summer.
What problems could that cause? And would such problems be specific to our house and not the neighbors, who, according to the water company, are not having (reported) any problems.
When they flush the lines all (or most) of the scale (usually rust) and junk that built up on the walls of the water mains is loosened and flushed out of the system. It is possible that some of that loose material found it's way into the line (pipe) between your house and the water main out at the street. If it is in your line then it would reduce the amount of water flow you'd get inside the house.
You could still have enough flow to maintain pressure when one faucet is opened but it may not be enough to maintain pressure for two or more.
fishin wrote:mbrew wrote:fishin wrote:Just a quick question for you mbrew - Has your municipal water supplier flushed their lines in the last few months?
Since I am not home during the day, I can not be sure. However, there was a news article saying that the water company was to flush fire hydrants during the summer.
What problems could that cause? And would such problems be specific to our house and not the neighbors, who, according to the water company, are not having (reported) any problems.
When they flush the lines all (or most) of the scale (usually rust) and junk that built up on the walls of the water mains is loosened and flushed out of the system. It is possible that some of that loose material found it's way into the line (pipe) between your house and the water main out at the street. If it is in your line then it would reduce the amount of water flow you'd get inside the house.
You could still have enough flow to maintain pressure when one faucet is opened but it may not be enough to maintain pressure for two or more.
If the blockage is between my house ans the water main, is that a problem the company fixes at their expense, or something a private plumber does for me?
Is there a filter between the water main and my house (at my house) that I can flush/clean out? Or does it need to be back flushed to the main?
mbrew wrote:
If the blockage is between my house ans the water main, is that a problem the company fixes at their expense, or something a private plumber does for me?
Is there a filter between the water main and my house (at my house) that I can flush/clean out? Or does it need to be back flushed to the main?
I don't know how your town handles the line from the main to the house. Generally, the town is is responsible for everything up to the water meter. When I lived in OK, the water meter was out at the street. Where I live now it is at the house.
You'll need to check with your water dept to see where the dividing line is.
I've never seen any filter on a city water system line. I seriously doubt there is one. There is no backflush system. Usually you disconnect the water meter and snake the line and then open the valve at the street to blow it clear. The town should be able to check the water flow through the meter itself (they'll need to disconnect it to test it).
Stumble It!
Tweet This
Bookmark on Delicious
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace