Dr. Grabow Pipes

Terry292 · Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 3:38 pm Post subject: Pipes of a Different Sort

Pardon me while I rant a little. Recently, Trease and I decided to switch from our well to city utility water. We've had an ongoing problem with hydrogen sulfide (sulphur) in the water. So we thought the utility water was the way to go.

In an effort to save a little money, I had the crew tap into the old line from the well instead of running a new line all the way to the house. They finished around 3:00PM yesterday afternoon. Around five, Trease went out to go to the bank and discovered a river running from under the crawl space door under the utility room. I called the company who'd done the water line, but, being Friday afternoon, all I got was their answering service.

To make a long story somewhat shorter, the technicians finally came out this morning. I was hoping it would be a simple fix, but that's not the case. Apparently, when we turned the water on at the meter, the higher pressure on the utility line caused one of the connections on the old line to rupture. The break isn't above ground where it can be easily repaired. All the old line is going to have to be replaced.

Bottom line, we've been without water since yesterday evening, with no prospect of water until at least Monday night. We've been on the phone with the insurance company all morning. Thankfully, they'll cover at least a major part of the repair, if not all.

Right now, I'm so frustrated I can hardly stand it. I guess the moral of this story is: never do a half-a**ed job just to save a little money.

Thanks for letting me vent.
Terry

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If I cannot smoke in Heaven, then I shall not go...Mark Twain

ozark southpaw · Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 3:58 pm Post subject:

Makes me wonder how these water utilties get such high pressures on their systems. We are on county water. Nearest water tower is about a mile from here.The shower on the first floor feels like a needle gun to me. If your water utility is like ours they will expect you to pay for all that lost water! Hope they get you fixed up soon!
They don't work on Saturday?
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The only thing shorter than my memory is a certain part of my anatomy!

ted · "Old Timer" Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 1171 Location: NC'

Well now that you've started this, let me have a go.

Joy and I left Florida in April. We left the water (city) on because a neighbor was going to pressure wash the siding, and then turn off the water. He didn't get to it and the supply line between the floor and the commode (cut off) blew off. It pored 90,000 of water into the bathroom, Master Bedroom, and Living Room. The insurance company paid about $10,000, and it'll cost a bit more to get it fixed.

Now that's why I've been in Fl. for a while. Imagine the problem with mold at 95 degrees and 85% humidity. Yes, I too can "bitch". Thanks...ted

Terry292 · Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 4:47 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Ted, you've really helped put my "problem" into perspective. We had about 300 gal, and it was all under the house. I can't even imagine the damage 90000 gallons inside the house could do. I certainly hope you can get things back as near normal as possible soon.

Terry
_________________
If I cannot smoke in Heaven, then I shall not go...Mark Twain

ted · "Old Timer" Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 1171 Location: NC'

Terry, The water bill from the city was $1100.00. As with most municipalities, they adjusted the bill back to something more managable.

My trip was to get a contractor started on the re-build. Gotter' done, and unless there is a hurricane in Florida in the near future, he will be finished by the end of September.

I appreciate your problem, and thank you for your concern about mine.....s**t happens....ted

ozark southpaw · Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 7:51 pm Post subject:

ted · "Old Timer" Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 1171 Location: NC'

I imagine a lot like you and Carter Hall, but maybe I'm wrong.....

What really "pissed me off" was that my next door neighbor told me that he saw water running out of the foundation, but it had been rainy in Fl so he didn't report it.....Anybody know how to tie a "hangmans knot"....I do.....Anyway....ted

Terry292 · Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 8:15 pm Post subject: