The pipe that runs from our water meter to our house seems to be leaking. The leak appears to be along side our paved driveway. When my husband dug down a little, we disovered that the water is flowing out from under the driveway, so that's where we think the pipe is. What options do we have? I have a plumber coming out tomorrow morning but I want to be informed before he gets here. Thanks!
PS...we own the house so no landlord to call!
2006-10-05 09:02:21 · 12 answers · asked by Char 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If the pipe is on your property, the city is not responsible for the repairs, so you are going to be stuck with the expense.
if there is any suspicion that the break is off your property, ask the plummer to do an inspection with a scope to see if there's a chance that you can nail the city for the cost.
He'll probably have to use a scope anyway since the break might be under your driveway slab. Unfortunately, there aren't many options besides replacing the pipe under your driveway which likely means cutting or removing the cement.
Ususal options in broken pipes are splice and patch or replacing the entire length of the pipe. That all depends on how old the pipe is and its' condition.
2006-10-05 09:09:21 · answer #1 · answered by pknutson_sws 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, fill a few buckets, the kettle, and some hot water for washing. Then go and turn off the water at the meter, at least you won't flood the yard.
You will survive til morning.
Tomorrow, if ther plumber tells you you'l have to dig up the drive, think twice before saying "if you think that's best" Ask him to quote on a new pipe BESIDE the drive if that's possible. If that means digging up a few roses, well, too bad.
As for the copper, I don't agree. Polythene is better as long as there are no buried connections but since it comes in 25 or 50 metre lengths,probably no need for connections underground. Copper can corrode in acid soil if unprotected by a flexible conduit.
Now all you have to do is get a good night's sleep. You'd be easy prey for an unscrupulous plumber if you've not slept all night worrying about the bill!!!
2006-10-05 16:23:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
locate your meter, tehn locate the front water faucet on the outside of the house, or where the water comes into the house. This is best left for a plumber, but he should install a new pipe from the meter to the house and avoid teh drive wall as much as he can.
If there is a lot of water under your drive way, your drive may eventually crack from lack of ground support, so watch out fo that.
Since my neighbor had the same problem this weekend, his cost with copper all the way was $1800. Although copper is the best, it was the copper part of the his piping that burst, there are many very good plastic lines that you could have installed that would reduce the price. Hire a plumber that you have confidence in and can get references on. I always hire a local.
2006-10-07 09:05:53 · answer #3 · answered by Polyhistor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start digging- and consider ripping up and replacing the whole thing. If it leaks in one spot, chances are pretty good the whole things shot. Cost of the pipe is fairly inexpensive if you use Schedule 40 PVC waterpipe. Depending where you live, you will have to dig down at least 24" below the frost line- good luck
2006-10-05 16:47:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
check that the water can be switched off at the meter,this will alow the repair to go ahead easily when the repair has to be undertaken.
the pipe wont or shuldent need replacing in its entirity,but if its short lenght it may be the better option.It had to leek for a reason so it could be un protected against preasure from above ground,eg car driving over the ground,this could have been over looked when the drive was set in.take steps to ensure it wont happen again.
you could be digging up the drive way
2006-10-05 16:15:01 · answer #5 · answered by yellowdog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Options are limited. You have to repair/replace water line. Due to the location of meter and driveway, it is not uncommon to run water line under concrete, but it is expensive to repair. Get price on copper line and PVC. Copper will be more expensive, but better.
2006-10-05 16:06:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Re-route the line.
Do not try to dig out under the driveway.
2006-10-06 11:50:26 · answer #7 · answered by NANCY K 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it leaking before the water meter then it should be the water companies problem. If it is leaking after the water meter then it is your problem.
2006-10-05 16:12:24 · answer #8 · answered by waggy_33 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
New waterline 1500 to 5000 bucks-good luck
2006-10-05 16:05:30 · answer #9 · answered by super stud 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sell the house. Quick!
2006-10-05 18:16:54 · answer #10 · answered by david s 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋