Low Water Flow -> Galvanized Pipes
by
Michael K
+1
Experiencing Low Amounts of Water when 2 or more fixtures are on at a time.
Water Main comes into basement; checked pressure at a fixture in the basement = all good. Turn on two fixtures in basement, pressure drops.
Hypothesis is that since Water Main to street is via galvanized piping, it is probably old and like a clogged artery. Pressure is good - flow is restricted.
Before I replace the mainline, does anyone have any suggestions before I continue or is this usually the case and a replacement is best bet?
Water Main comes into basement; checked pressure at a fixture in the basement = all good. Turn on two fixtures in basement, pressure drops.
Hypothesis is that since Water Main to street is via galvanized piping, it is probably old and like a clogged artery. Pressure is good - flow is restricted.
Before I replace the mainline, does anyone have any suggestions before I continue or is this usually the case and a replacement is best bet?
4 answers
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That can get pretty expensive, if that's the problem. Have you tried just getting low-flow aerated faucets to mitigate the problem? How often are you using more than one fixture at a time.
3po3
on Sep 12, 2012
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What your experiencing is very common in Springfield. Not only are your pipes coming in the house part of the issue, the general condition of the street plumbing, as well as low township water pressure is part of the issue as well. Replacement is going to make a big difference to your issue. But remember street pressure can also be the issue. contact the utility and ask them to check your water pressure for you and to make suggestions before you spend any money. Doing so will prevent any needless money being spent if they find the pressure regulator or something else wrong. If they concur that the main feed is indeed the issue, be sure to shop around for plumbers that are not trenching for the new main, but using a mole type device that is hammered through the ground with little digging being required. This device in effect is a air powered ram that is connected to a new plastic main. Air is pushed into this device which hammers the metal point towards the hole that they dig next to the house. Once it reaches the house the device is removed and the plastic pipe pushed into the foundation and into the basement or crawl space of the house. They then simply fill the hole at the house and the one near the street connection and your done! Not all contractors use this method. So check with the water company for names of contractors that they suggest you use. This will prevent the whole yard from being dug up which can be quite a mess for a long time. If you have questions, please feel free to call. I am in your town at least once or twice a week.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Sep 13, 2012
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Just a follow up to this: I was able to get a trench-less service as mentioned before. Service was completed in 3 hours! Pipes were somewhat caked-up due to the galvanized pipe. Once the new pipe was installed, all issues were mitigated. Thanks for the responses!
Michael K
on Jan 13, 2013
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Great to hear. I am currently working in another home in your town with the same issue. They are expected to do their job next week, weather permitting.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Jan 14, 2013
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