 main shut off, water (by J [FL]) May 19, 2019 11:12 AM
 main shut off, water (by Steve [MA]) May 19, 2019 11:39 AM
main shut off, water (by RR78 [VA]) May 19, 2019 12:01 PM
main shut off, water (by fred [CA]) May 19, 2019 12:04 PM
main shut off, water (by Robert J [CA]) May 19, 2019 1:01 PM
main shut off, water (by J [FL]) May 19, 2019 2:02 PM
main shut off, water (by Oregonwoodsmoke [ID]) May 19, 2019 2:36 PM
main shut off, water (by J [FL]) May 19, 2019 2:41 PM
main shut off, water (by J [FL]) May 19, 2019 3:55 PM
main shut off, water (by DJ [VA]) May 19, 2019 7:31 PM
main shut off, water (by Nicole [PA]) May 19, 2019 7:45 PM
main shut off, water (by J [FL]) May 21, 2019 7:04 AM
main shut off, water (by J [FL]) May 21, 2019 7:05 AM
main shut off, water (by mike [CA]) May 22, 2019 12:02 PM
main shut off, water (by J [FL]) May 22, 2019 1:46 PM
main shut off, water (by J [FL]) May 22, 2019 1:49 PM
main shut off, water (by J [FL]) Posted on: May 19, 2019 11:12 AM
Message:
I'm dealing with a leak behind a toilet wall. I've called a plumber but I don't know the extent of it yet.
The main shut off to the house -- the cement box at the street--is also full of water. I've seen this happen before and I assumed it was rain water, but I don't think it is now.
Does this mean there are two separate leaks? Has anyone ever seen this happen where the box has water in it? I wanted to get as much information about this beforehand so the plumber doesn't try to rip me off. Thanks.
--72.188.xxx.xxx |
main shut off, water (by Steve [MA]) Posted on: May 19, 2019 11:39 AM
Message:
In my area all of our main water shutoffs are located in the buildings due to our cold winters.
I know my sister's house in SC has an outside shutoff setup like you describe. When she had a similar problem, water was leaking near the house & flowing next to the water main which resulted in the sunken box with their shutoff filling with water. I imagine your box might be flooded for the same reason.
Good luck getting things under control. --96.237.xx.xx |
main shut off, water (by RR78 [VA]) Posted on: May 19, 2019 12:01 PM
Message:
Yes it is two separate leaks.
But chances are it is still rainwater by the meter. But easy to check.
Get the leak in the wall fixed first.
Then watch the meter when no water is being used in the house. And see if it moves.
Also just bail the water out from the meter and check if you can see a leak. Could even be one the is on the city side of the meter. --73.152.xx.xxx |
main shut off, water (by fred [CA]) Posted on: May 19, 2019 12:04 PM
Message:
J,
We have similar set up here. The box where the water meter and shut off are located can be full of water from a washer leak where your main line ties into the water meter. Unfortunately, it's up to you to fix it, not up to your water supplier. A plumber can fix it rather quickly.
The leak behind the toilet could be a result of water supply problem or toilet drain problem. Let your plumber determine the source of the leak. If he rules out a sewer leak, then he would have to cut the drywall for access.
I deal with such problems often. Not terribly big problems, but nonetheless, problems that need quick attention to avoid further damages. --99.59.x.xxx |
main shut off, water (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: May 19, 2019 1:01 PM
Message:
Most City Water Meters have a flow rate indicator. When water is moving though the meter a "Dial" or "Triangle" moves quickly.
So if you shut off the water at the building and leave the meter on, you can see if there is a leak between the meter and your building.
You may need to drain the in ground water closet where the meter is located.
You may have a sprinkler valve leak, a high water table or something other than your main water line to the building is leaking. Check both you buildings flow rate and main water main
pipe leaking rate.
Also check to make sure your toilet's and other fixtures aren't leaking also. --47.156.xx.xx |
main shut off, water (by J [FL]) Posted on: May 19, 2019 2:02 PM
Message:
Thank you all. I'm having a leak detection person come over tomorrow or Tues. and then I'll have the plumber do whatever needs to be done...
Unbelievable that this happens right as we are getting ready to list this place on the MLS! --72.188.xxx.xxx |
main shut off, water (by Oregonwoodsmoke [ID]) Posted on: May 19, 2019 2:36 PM
Message:
For water in the meter box, I'd call the water service provider and tell them I think their meter is leaking. They should check it out, or even replace the meter.
Swapping meters is surprisingly easy and I've had a water company do it a couple of times. they swap the meter and take the suspect one back to the shop to check it out. --98.146.xxx.xxx |
main shut off, water (by J [FL]) Posted on: May 19, 2019 2:41 PM
Message:
Thanks I'm going to call the water utility co. tomorrow. It can't hurt.
Years ago I had a sewage backup because of something on the county's property, and they reimbursed me for all my expenses. --72.188.xxx.xxx |
main shut off, water (by J [FL]) Posted on: May 19, 2019 3:55 PM
Message:
Fred, it's interesting you mention irrigation...
The plumber told me on the phone that the water in the box could just be run off from an irrigation system...and there is a sprinkler system on this property but it's dead--there isn't even a control panel anywhere in the house. So it's never been used, at least since I bought the place 7 years ago. --72.188.xxx.xxx |
main shut off, water (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: May 19, 2019 7:31 PM
Message:
Just putting out another thought to consider. I had a leak behind my toilet (in my own house) a while back, that drove me crazy for a while. Water seeping out under the baseboard. I finally figured out it was a leak on the roof around the vent pipe. Rain was dribbling down the side of the pipe in the wall. --68.10.xxx.x |
main shut off, water (by Nicole [PA]) Posted on: May 19, 2019 7:45 PM
Message:
...For water in the meter box, I'd call the water service provider and tell them I think their meter is leaking. They should check it out, or even replace the meter....
my water company makes you pay $15 up front (not added to the bill) before they'll come out and check the meter. Their reasoning? It's basically never the meter and folks are doing what you suggest - getting them to trouble shoot. I think if it is actually the meter, you get the $15 back. --72.70.xxx.xx |
main shut off, water (by J [FL]) Posted on: May 21, 2019 7:04 AM
Message:
Thanks. The leak was found (in the house). I'm still not sure about the water in the box. --72.188.xxx.xxx |
main shut off, water (by J [FL]) Posted on: May 21, 2019 7:05 AM
Message:
The meter does not spin anymore while the water is on. The pipe in the wall has a temporary collar on it. --72.188.xxx.xxx |
main shut off, water (by mike [CA]) Posted on: May 22, 2019 12:02 PM
Message:
all modern water meters will have a micrometer that spins when even the smallest amount of water passes through it. if the meter is static for a few minutes then the leak is BEFORE the meter and not your problem or the box is simply a low point collecting runoff and such.
the water company will want to fix that leak and might even swap out the meter. if they will put a new 1/4 turn shut-off valved on YOUR side of the meter then have them do it. shut offs are notorious for failing since they get operated so infrequently. every landlord should have a curb key in the toolbox. that't the big T shaped wrench used to shut off water at a mater vault --76.176.xxx.xxx |
main shut off, water (by J [FL]) Posted on: May 22, 2019 1:46 PM
Message:
I had the county come out and they left a notice saying that there was no leak, it's just groundwater.
Thank you all for the responses, I've learned a lot on this thread. --72.188.xxx.xxx |
main shut off, water (by J [FL]) Posted on: May 22, 2019 1:49 PM
Message:
And what Nicole predicted happened...there is a nominal charge here in this county of $31, I think they said on the phone when I called, if they don't find anything wrong on their end. But it was worth it to get this issue wrapped up so I can sell this house. --72.188.xxx.xxx |
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