fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You think you might have a water leak. (Your water bills are too high or you see a wet spot on the ground or on the floor)
STEP #1 Here's how to test for a leak on your water system.
Shut off all the fixtures on your property then check the water meter for movement. To do this, turn off (turn the valve clockwise) all of the water valves (under every sink, and the valve at each toilet (bottom left side of the toilet.) Once all of the valves are off and no one is using any water (remember to turn off the washing machine and the dishwasher) Check the reading on the water meter. Wait at least 20 minutes and recheck the reading. If the reading on the water meter has shown usage you may have an underground water leak.
If the meter shows usage your next step.
STEP #2 Get in touch with Reliant Specialized Services to locate your problem.
I hear running water sounds inside, do I have a leak?
ANSWER: Perform STEP #1 from the above question.
Also if you hear loud sounds when using water or notice water pressure fluctuations at times (water pressure that seems to rise and fall for no reason.) You may want to get in touch with Reliant Specialized Services.
I have a water leak, who is responsible for the repair?
ANSWER: The municipal water company is only responsible for the water pipes on public or government property and the water meter itself. The land owner (private property owner) is responsible for everything from the water meter throughout the property.
If you live in a condominium, town home or cluster home community, you might want to contact your Home Owners Association for further clarification.
What causes a water pipe leak?
ANSWER: Depending on the type of water pipe and its age: The water pipe could of been damaged when it was originally installed. The water pipe could of been damaged by ground settlement or shifting. Soil conditions could also affect the lifespan of the water pipe. The water pipe could be old and corroded and at the end of its life span. Low temperatures could cause water pipes to freeze if not properly winterized or if the dwelling has poor insulation.
How do I winterize my outside hose faucets (bibs?)
ANSWER: By code, each outside hose bib (outside faucet) that is attached to the side of the house should have an inside isolation valve. These valves are commonly located near by the hot water heater, under sinks or in closets. Once you locate these valves, you need to turn the valve off (turn the valve clockwise) then open the corresponding hose bib to drain the water out of the hose bib line. This will keep the hose bib (on the side of the house) from freezing in the winter months. * If you find that the inside winterization valve will not close completely and water continues to flow through the corresponding outside hose bib (on the side of the house) you may need to call a qualified plumber to replace the inside hose bib winterization valve.
The above answer does not apply to yard hydrants, water stand pipes or other outside water faucets and fixtures that are away from the main house.
STEP #1 Here's how to test for a leak on your water system.
Shut off all the fixtures on your property then check the water meter for movement. To do this, turn off (turn the valve clockwise) all of the water valves (under every sink, and the valve at each toilet (bottom left side of the toilet.) Once all of the valves are off and no one is using any water (remember to turn off the washing machine and the dishwasher) Check the reading on the water meter. Wait at least 20 minutes and recheck the reading. If the reading on the water meter has shown usage you may have an underground water leak.
If the meter shows usage your next step.
STEP #2 Get in touch with Reliant Specialized Services to locate your problem.
I hear running water sounds inside, do I have a leak?
ANSWER: Perform STEP #1 from the above question.
Also if you hear loud sounds when using water or notice water pressure fluctuations at times (water pressure that seems to rise and fall for no reason.) You may want to get in touch with Reliant Specialized Services.
I have a water leak, who is responsible for the repair?
ANSWER: The municipal water company is only responsible for the water pipes on public or government property and the water meter itself. The land owner (private property owner) is responsible for everything from the water meter throughout the property.
If you live in a condominium, town home or cluster home community, you might want to contact your Home Owners Association for further clarification.
What causes a water pipe leak?
ANSWER: Depending on the type of water pipe and its age: The water pipe could of been damaged when it was originally installed. The water pipe could of been damaged by ground settlement or shifting. Soil conditions could also affect the lifespan of the water pipe. The water pipe could be old and corroded and at the end of its life span. Low temperatures could cause water pipes to freeze if not properly winterized or if the dwelling has poor insulation.
How do I winterize my outside hose faucets (bibs?)
ANSWER: By code, each outside hose bib (outside faucet) that is attached to the side of the house should have an inside isolation valve. These valves are commonly located near by the hot water heater, under sinks or in closets. Once you locate these valves, you need to turn the valve off (turn the valve clockwise) then open the corresponding hose bib to drain the water out of the hose bib line. This will keep the hose bib (on the side of the house) from freezing in the winter months. * If you find that the inside winterization valve will not close completely and water continues to flow through the corresponding outside hose bib (on the side of the house) you may need to call a qualified plumber to replace the inside hose bib winterization valve.
The above answer does not apply to yard hydrants, water stand pipes or other outside water faucets and fixtures that are away from the main house.