Finding 2.5 GPH Water Leak in 660' of 2" Gasketed Pipe or is it a metering issue

[Agrostis]

Re: Finding 2.5 GPH Water Leak in 660' of 2" Gasketed Pipe or is it a metering issue

Let me try this - American Leak Detection - Water leaks, swimming pool leaks, plumbing leaks, sewer and drain leaks.

 

[tommu56]

Re: Finding 2.5 GPH Water Leak in 660' of 2" Gasketed Pipe or is it a metering issue

Did you check with the water supply company to see if they might look for the leak?
I'd explain it would be the "Green thing to do" they might even do it for free!:laughing:

or ask them what it would cost If they weren't "Green"

tom

 

[BruceWard]

Re: Finding 2.5 GPH Water Leak in 660' of 2" Gasketed Pipe or is it a metering issue

Did you check with the water supply company to see if they might look for the leak?
I'd explain it would be the "Green thing to do" they might even do it for free!:laughing:

or ask them what it would cost If they weren't "Green"

tom

The local city owned water company loses a significant amount of the water they pump.

They are not sure if it is due to leaks in their mains or unmetered subdivisions. They have found both.

 

[crazyal]

Re: Finding 2.5 GPH Water Leak in 660' of 2" Gasketed Pipe or is it a metering issue

You must have some pretty relaxed rules down there. Up here if tied into city water you need to have a check valve to prevent the possibility of contaminated water in your line from entering the city line.

 

[BruceWard]

Re: Finding 2.5 GPH Water Leak in 660' of 2" Gasketed Pipe or is it a metering issue

The rule here is that you have to have a check valve on hydrants. I have two dual check valves. One on each hydrant but the code is not to have one on the main line.

 

[J_J]

Re: Finding 2.5 GPH Water Leak in 660' of 2" Gasketed Pipe or is it a metering issue

About the only thing that would cause the water to run backwards, would be a leak, or a water spigot open, leaking, etc. . So if you are leaking about 2.5 gal per hour. If there is heavy water usage in other parts of the community, the system could suck water ground water back in through the leak, and perhaps contaminate the water source. You probably already have contaminated your water supply.

The purpose of the back flow valve on sprinkler system, is to prevent the water system from sucking up ground water.

 

[CurlyDave]

Re: Finding 2.5 GPH Water Leak in 660' of 2" Gasketed Pipe or is it a metering issue

About the only thing that would cause the water to run backwards, would be a leak, or a water spigot open, leaking, etc. . So if you are leaking about 2.5 gal per hour. If there is heavy water usage in other parts of the community, the system could suck water ground water back in through the leak, and perhaps contaminate the water source. You probably already have contaminated your water supply.

The purpose of the back flow valve on sprinkler system, is to prevent the water system from sucking up ground water.

I have heard this reasoning from water companies, but somehow find it unpersuasive. The OP says the pressure in the line is 80-90 psi. The pressure in the mud puddle around the line is 0 psi. How does contaminated water go from an area of 0 psi to one of 80 psi?

The only way this can happen is if the water supply pressure falls to 0 psi, and there is a back siphon from the contaminated water into the pipe.

While this is certainly a theoretical possibility, it should be the responsibility of the water company to flush the lines if this happens.

 

[J_J]

Re: Finding 2.5 GPH Water Leak in 660' of 2" Gasketed Pipe or is it a metering issue

BruceWard

Water does not flow back and forth in a full line. Pressure may increase or decrease depending on usage.

CurlyDave

You would not expect any pressure in the puddle, or even see it's existence of a leak. If there was a leak, the little red arrow would spin all the time. If you cut off the water to your house, and the little red arrow is still turning, then you most certainly have a leak. Anything leaking on your side of the meter, you are paying for it.

The amount of water we use also determines the sewage bill.

 

[Egon]

Re: Finding 2.5 GPH Water Leak in 660' of 2" Gasketed Pipe or is it a metering issue

The hydrant has a weep hole at the bottom that empties the line when the valve is closed.

In the process of closing the hydrant and disconnecting a hose contaminates can enter the hydrant riser. Next time the hydrant is opened these could find their way back into the mainline without a check valve.

If there is sufficient elevation drop and a corresponding water usage at the lower elevations that exceeds the water supplied by the system it would be possible to produce a vacuum in the water line at the higher elevations.This will allow a back flow of water from the high elevations.:thumbsup:

 

[BruceWard]

Re: Finding 2.5 GPH Water Leak in 660' of 2" Gasketed Pipe or is it a metering issue

I believe the leakage has either decreased or ceased. Perhaps the gasketed pipe needed time for the seals to swell.