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#1
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Below ground level water meter protection
My new house has a water meter out front that is about 24 inches below
ground level. The problem is that there is little-to-no freeze protection. It is simply at the bottom of a hole dug in the dirt, The hole is over 24 inches diameter at the top. There is a flat round piece of metal plate that is supposed to cover it. It does not fit tightly, and if it is a little off-center then there is also a gap. I have seen this happen because the meter readers are not careful in replacing it. Low temp here last year was eight below zero, fahrenheit. Is there anything I can do to protect the meter and the PCV pipe leaving the meter, which is exposed? I thought of placing a trash bag filled with plastic peanuts in the hole, but then realized that would freeze to the dirt and get ripped. Whatever I use has to allow the meter readers to get access. Thanks for any ideas. -dan z- |
#2
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/19/2016 2:04 PM, slate_leeper wrote:
My new house has a water meter out front that is about 24 inches below ground level. The problem is that there is little-to-no freeze protection. It is simply at the bottom of a hole dug in the dirt, The hole is over 24 inches diameter at the top. There is a flat round piece of metal plate that is supposed to cover it. It does not fit tightly, and if it is a little off-center then there is also a gap. I have seen this happen because the meter readers are not careful in replacing it. .... I _presume_ there's more than just the hole but is a piece of drainage conduit or somesuch? Otherwise, over time it's going to collapse and then it won't be a problem... I'd modify the lid to have registration so it does fit as a first step. How much does the meter output location they've got to see extend above the bottom? You could fill that part semi-permanently with foam cut to fit and likely that'd be all you'd need. Could also attach as part of the first part there 3-4" of solid foam to the bottom of the lid so it serves both purposes simultaneously. |
#3
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Wed, 19 Oct 2016 15:04:25 -0400, slate_leeper
wrote: My new house has a water meter out front that is about 24 inches below ground level. The problem is that there is little-to-no freeze protection. It is simply at the bottom of a hole dug in the dirt, The hole is over 24 inches diameter at the top. There is a flat round piece of metal plate that is supposed to cover it. It does not fit tightly, and if it is a little off-center then there is also a gap. I have seen this happen because the meter readers are not careful in replacing it. Low temp here last year was eight below zero, fahrenheit. Is there anything I can do to protect the meter and the PCV pipe leaving the meter, which is exposed? I thought of placing a trash bag filled with plastic peanuts in the hole, but then realized that would freeze to the dirt and get ripped. Whatever I use has to allow the meter readers to get access. Thanks for any ideas. -dan z- Can't offer a direct solution. What happened is years past? The meter is the responsibility of the water utility, no? You could tick off the meter reader if you stuff the box with insulation so they can't read the meter. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." .... just sayin' |
#4
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Wed, 19 Oct 2016 15:04:25 -0400, slate_leeper
wrote: My new house has a water meter out front that is about 24 inches below ground level. The problem is that there is little-to-no freeze protection. It is simply at the bottom of a hole dug in the dirt, The hole is over 24 inches diameter at the top. There is a flat round piece of metal plate that is supposed to cover it. It does not fit tightly, and if it is a little off-center then there is also a gap. I have seen this happen because the meter readers are not careful in replacing it. Low temp here last year was eight below zero, fahrenheit. Is there anything I can do to protect the meter and the PCV pipe leaving the meter, which is exposed? I thought of placing a trash bag filled with plastic peanuts in the hole, but then realized that would freeze to the dirt and get ripped. Whatever I use has to allow the meter readers to get access. Thanks for any ideas. -dan z- Have a machine shop cut a piece of similar metal that DOES fit. Then cut some foam insulation (like that pink stuff used on walls), that fits fairly tight, under the lid, and glue it to a piece of treated 1/2" plywood. Install a handle to it, so the meter readers can easily lift it out. You could also get a short heat tape to wrap around meter and pipes, and leave the cord where you wont cut it off with the lawn mower. (like attach it to to a wooden post, next ot the hole) Then if you get a severe cold spell, run an extension cord and plug it in. Also, check what neighbors use..... |
#5
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Wed, 19 Oct 2016 15:04:25 -0400, slate_leeper wrote:
My new house has a water meter out front that is about 24 inches below ground level. The problem is that there is little-to-no freeze protection. It is simply at the bottom of a hole dug in the dirt, The hole is over 24 inches diameter at the top. There is a flat round piece of metal plate that is supposed to cover it. It does not fit tightly, and if it is a little off-center then there is also a gap. I have seen this happen because the meter readers are not careful in replacing it. Low temp here last year was eight below zero, fahrenheit. Is there anything I can do to protect the meter and the PCV pipe leaving the meter, which is exposed? I thought of placing a trash bag filled with plastic peanuts in the hole, but then realized that would freeze to the dirt and get ripped. Whatever I use has to allow the meter readers to get access. Thanks for any ideas. -dan z- Consider installing an insulated, thermoplastic, water meter box. If you are in a really cold environment, you can stuff some insulating foam rubber in the box and then replace the cover. A Google search will turn up some options for you or you can call your water company and ask if they have some recommendations. |
#6
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Below ground level water meter protection
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#7
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at 4:02:05 PM UTC-4, Oren wrote:
On Wed, 19 Oct 2016 15:04:25 -0400, slate_leeper wrote: My new house has a water meter out front that is about 24 inches below ground level. The problem is that there is little-to-no freeze protection. It is simply at the bottom of a hole dug in the dirt, The hole is over 24 inches diameter at the top. There is a flat round piece of metal plate that is supposed to cover it. It does not fit tightly, and if it is a little off-center then there is also a gap. I have seen this happen because the meter readers are not careful in replacing it. Low temp here last year was eight below zero, fahrenheit. Is there anything I can do to protect the meter and the PCV pipe leaving the meter, which is exposed? I thought of placing a trash bag filled with plastic peanuts in the hole, but then realized that would freeze to the dirt and get ripped. Whatever I use has to allow the meter readers to get access. Thanks for any ideas. -dan z- Can't offer a direct solution. What happened is years past? The meter is the responsibility of the water utility, no? You could tick off the meter reader if you stuff the box with insulation so they can't read the meter. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." ... just sayin' Seems rather odd that in a place where the winters can get to -8F, that new construction puts water meters and pipe only 24" deep. Here in NJ, where we rarely get to 0F, all that is 3 ft deep. I'd call the water company and plumbing inspector and ask what's going on. |
#9
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/19/2016 2:04 PM, slate_leeper wrote:
My new house has a water meter out front that is about 24 inches below ... Actually, an idea that came later is that this is an issue the builder should've fixed. Since it's new, lay the onus on them to correct it. |
#10
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/19/2016 12:04 PM, slate_leeper wrote:
My new house has a water meter out front that is about 24 inches below ground level. The problem is that there is little-to-no freeze protection. It is simply at the bottom of a hole dug in the dirt, The hole is over 24 inches diameter at the top. There is a flat round piece of metal plate that is supposed to cover it. It does not fit tightly, and if it is a little off-center then there is also a gap. I have seen this happen because the meter readers are not careful in replacing it. Low temp here last year was eight below zero, fahrenheit. Is there anything I can do to protect the meter and the PCV pipe leaving the meter, which is exposed? I thought of placing a trash bag filled with plastic peanuts in the hole, but then realized that would freeze to the dirt and get ripped. Whatever I use has to allow the meter readers to get access. Thanks for any ideas. -dan z- Place a meter box, big plastic pipe, barrel with ends cut off, garbage can, or something similar into the hole over the meter to form a firm case under the lid. Then make an insulator plug with a handle to fit into it. You could use block styrofoam, expanding foam liquid in a bag, or even your bag of foam peanuts. A tapered case would probably make plug removal easiest. |
#11
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Thu, 20 Oct 2016 07:50:22 -0400, slate_leeper
wrote: Place a meter box, big plastic pipe, barrel with ends cut off, garbage can, or something similar into the hole over the meter to form a firm case under the lid. Then make an insulator plug with a handle to fit into it. You could use block styrofoam, expanding foam liquid in a bag, or even your bag of foam peanuts. A tapered case would probably make plug removal easiest. This might be workable. I have an extra large plastic garbage can that is tapered. Thanks for the idea. I could probably even make it so that the garbage can lid would still be usable on top, if I can get the cut off can anchored well enough so that it doesn't pull out with the lid. -dan z- That may work, or get a plastic sump pump pit, and modify it to fit in the hole. They come with a lid and everything. First, see if this is your responsibility, or if the water company is responsible. What you have sounds like a real mess. If the sidewalls are just dirt, that meter will be buried in no time, and the meter gone. I'd think the water company would want that fixed, and maybe fo it for you. You could also build soemthing with treated lumber, or even pour concrete around a large pail. |
#12
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Wed, 19 Oct 2016 14:14:19 -0500, dpb wrote:
On 10/19/2016 2:04 PM, slate_leeper wrote: My new house has a water meter out front that is about 24 inches below ground level. The problem is that there is little-to-no freeze protection. It is simply at the bottom of a hole dug in the dirt, The hole is over 24 inches diameter at the top. There is a flat round piece of metal plate that is supposed to cover it. It does not fit tightly, and if it is a little off-center then there is also a gap. I have seen this happen because the meter readers are not careful in replacing it. ... I _presume_ there's more than just the hole but is a piece of drainage conduit or somesuch? Otherwise, over time it's going to collapse and then it won't be a problem... I'd modify the lid to have registration so it does fit as a first step. How much does the meter output location they've got to see extend above the bottom? You could fill that part semi-permanently with foam cut to fit and likely that'd be all you'd need. Could also attach as part of the first part there 3-4" of solid foam to the bottom of the lid so it serves both purposes simultaneously. Unfortunately, no, there is no liner of any type on the hole, which is why the steel plate does not fit tightly on top. My current house does have a concrete liner and a fairly tight fitting steel cap on that. -dan z- |
#13
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Wed, 19 Oct 2016 18:44:16 -0400, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On 10/19/2016 4:12 PM, wrote: On Wed, 19 Oct 2016 15:04:25 -0400, slate_leeper wrote: It does not fit tightly, and if it is a little off-center then there is also a gap. I have seen this happen because the meter readers are not careful in replacing it. Have a machine shop cut a piece of similar metal that DOES fit. Then cut some foam insulation (like that pink stuff used on walls), that fits fairly tight, under the lid, and glue it to a piece of treated 1/2" plywood. Install a handle to it, so the meter readers can easily lift it out. Meter reader? Most meters are read by a guy driving down the street getting information from a transponder. In 35 years, only once has anyone been in my house and that was to install the transponder. This is rural east Tennessee. We only got remote-reading electric meters about five years ago. Water department has not caught up. -dan z- |
#14
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Wed, 19 Oct 2016 21:13:44 -0500, dpb wrote:
On 10/19/2016 2:04 PM, slate_leeper wrote: My new house has a water meter out front that is about 24 inches below ... Actually, an idea that came later is that this is an issue the builder should've fixed. Since it's new, lay the onus on them to correct it. I guess I should have made clear that the "new" house is new to me. My current house is for sale, and the "new" house is where I will be moving. It was actually built in the 80's. -dan z- |
#15
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Below ground level water meter protection
Where I live, the city utility department owns the meter box.
That means if it is installed wrong, they will tell the builder to fix it. It also means you are not allowed to mess with it. In fact they'll tell you you're not supposed to have a shutoff wrench for their valve, but they can't enforce that. In my neighborhood the houses were all built without internal main supply shutoff valves, so we all own that wrench and keep it handy. |
#16
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Wed, 19 Oct 2016 21:05:27 -0700, Bob F wrote:
On 10/19/2016 12:04 PM, slate_leeper wrote: My new house has a water meter out front that is about 24 inches below ground level. The problem is that there is little-to-no freeze protection. It is simply at the bottom of a hole dug in the dirt, The hole is over 24 inches diameter at the top. There is a flat round piece of metal plate that is supposed to cover it. It does not fit tightly, and if it is a little off-center then there is also a gap. I have seen this happen because the meter readers are not careful in replacing it. Low temp here last year was eight below zero, fahrenheit. Is there anything I can do to protect the meter and the PCV pipe leaving the meter, which is exposed? I thought of placing a trash bag filled with plastic peanuts in the hole, but then realized that would freeze to the dirt and get ripped. Whatever I use has to allow the meter readers to get access. Thanks for any ideas. -dan z- Place a meter box, big plastic pipe, barrel with ends cut off, garbage can, or something similar into the hole over the meter to form a firm case under the lid. Then make an insulator plug with a handle to fit into it. You could use block styrofoam, expanding foam liquid in a bag, or even your bag of foam peanuts. A tapered case would probably make plug removal easiest. This might be workable. I have an extra large plastic garbage can that is tapered. Thanks for the idea. I could probably even make it so that the garbage can lid would still be usable on top, if I can get the cut off can anchored well enough so that it doesn't pull out with the lid. -dan z- |
#17
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/20/2016 6:45 AM, slate_leeper wrote:
.... I guess I should have made clear that the "new" house is new to me. My current house is for sale, and the "new" house is where I will be moving. It was actually built in the 80's. In that case, it must not have been much of a problem up to now... |
#18
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/19/2016 05:44 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
[snip] Meter reader? Most meters are read by a guy driving down the street getting information from a transponder. In 35 years, only once has anyone been in my house and that was to install the transponder. Where I am, the city still reads the water meter manually. They have talked about remote reading, but haven't done anything yet. Electric and gas meters (companies, not city) are read remotely. -- 66 days until the winter celebration (Sunday December 25, 2016 12:00:00 AM for 1 day). Mark Lloyd http://notstupid.us/ "Many of those people involved in Adolf Hitler were Satanists, many were homosexuals -- the two things seem to go together" [Pat Robertson, ADL report on Religious Right, page 131] |
#19
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/20/2016 06:48 AM, TimR wrote:
Where I live, the city utility department owns the meter box. That means if it is installed wrong, they will tell the builder to fix it. It also means you are not allowed to mess with it. In fact they'll tell you you're not supposed to have a shutoff wrench for their valve, but they can't enforce that. In my neighborhood the houses were all built without internal main supply shutoff valves, so we all own that wrench and keep it handy. I have an old shutoff at my house. This looks like a square iron rod bent at an angle. It won't turn. A plumber told me I shouldn't try, since that could break it. -- 66 days until the winter celebration (Sunday December 25, 2016 12:00:00 AM for 1 day). Mark Lloyd http://notstupid.us/ "Many of those people involved in Adolf Hitler were Satanists, many were homosexuals -- the two things seem to go together" [Pat Robertson, ADL report on Religious Right, page 131] |
#20
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 7:46:04 AM UTC-4, slate_leeper wrote:
On Wed, 19 Oct 2016 21:13:44 -0500, dpb wrote: On 10/19/2016 2:04 PM, slate_leeper wrote: My new house has a water meter out front that is about 24 inches below ... Actually, an idea that came later is that this is an issue the builder should've fixed. Since it's new, lay the onus on them to correct it. I guess I should have made clear that the "new" house is new to me. My current house is for sale, and the "new" house is where I will be moving. It was actually built in the 80's. -dan z- Then it's even more clear that the meter box is not yours. It belongs to the city, Public Works or Utility Dept or whatever they call themselves. If you do some half baked DIY construction to "protect" it, they will probably rip it out and charge you a service call. Don't do anything without their approval. |
#21
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Thu, 20 Oct 2016 08:03:59 -0500, Mark Lloyd wrote:
I have an old shutoff at my house. This looks like a square iron rod bent at an angle. It won't turn. A plumber told me I shouldn't try, since that could break it. Yea, you could break it..... But what happens when your basement is flooding and there is no way to turn off the water. I saw this happen in someone's home. By the time the water utility finally was able to shut off the water, by bringing in a lot of equipment to dig up the lawn, that basement had 4 feet of water in it, and everything down there was ruined. Furnace, washer/dryer, water heater, and lots of stored stuff. Soak that valve with PB Blaster daily for several weeks, then carefully turn it a little at a time. OR, pay a plumber to replace it NOW. That will still be cheaper than having a flood..... |
#22
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Thu, 20 Oct 2016 07:23:10 -0500, dpb wrote:
On 10/20/2016 6:45 AM, slate_leeper wrote: ... I guess I should have made clear that the "new" house is new to me. My current house is for sale, and the "new" house is where I will be moving. It was actually built in the 80's. In that case, it must not have been much of a problem up to now... I presume because it was occupied and so water was running through the pipes often enough to prevent the freezing. It was unoccupied all last winter. I shut the main inlet off in the house. The line coming in is buried quite deeply and the only exposed part is in that meter hole. Now I have an underground water leak in that pipe, and I am presuming that it actually froze near the meter but the pressure caused the leak elsewhere at the weakest point. -dan z- |
#23
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/21/2016 6:53 AM, slate_leeper wrote:
I presume because it was occupied and so water was running through the pipes often enough to prevent the freezing. It was unoccupied all last winter. I shut the main inlet off in the house. The line coming in is buried quite deeply and the only exposed part is in that meter hole. Now I have an underground water leak in that pipe, and I am presuming that it actually froze near the meter but the pressure caused the leak elsewhere at the weakest point. Repairing underground municipal water lines can be expensive. The *proper* way is for municipal waterlines to be installed below freeze line all the way in to the house. Meters are located in the house with a remote display outside for the meter reader. Some jackass saved a few bucks by not using a remote read meter and now you're paying the price. Too bad the original plumbing inspector didn't catch that hack job. |
#24
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/21/2016 8:32 AM, Dev Null wrote:
Repairing underground municipal water lines can be expensive. The *proper* way is for municipal waterlines to be installed below freeze line all the way in to the house. Meters are located in the house with a remote display outside for the meter reader. Some jackass saved a few bucks by not using a remote read meter and now you're paying the price. Too bad the original plumbing inspector didn't catch that hack job. What jackass would that be? Generally, the water company (often town owned) determines the meter type and location. |
#25
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/21/2016 10:59 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On 10/21/2016 8:32 AM, Dev Null wrote: Repairing underground municipal water lines can be expensive. The *proper* way is for municipal waterlines to be installed below freeze line all the way in to the house. Meters are located in the house with a remote display outside for the meter reader. Some jackass saved a few bucks by not using a remote read meter and now you're paying the price. Too bad the original plumbing inspector didn't catch that hack job. What jackass would that be? Generally, the water company (often town owned) determines the meter type and location. Generally the municipality owns/maintains the water main, tap and service shutoff valve at the street. From the street to the house is done by any licensed plumber or the homeowner. Meters are installed in residence with remote reader installed on house so they are visible from the driveway. |
#26
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Fri, 21 Oct 2016 11:36:59 -0500, Dev Null
wrote: Meters are installed in residence with remote reader installed on house so they are visible from the driveway. In every house; in every municipality? Do you get out much? |
#27
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/21/2016 12:36 PM, Dev Null wrote:
Some jackass saved a few bucks by not using a remote read meter and now you're paying the price. Too bad the original plumbing inspector didn't catch that hack job. What jackass would that be? Generally, the water company (often town owned) determines the meter type and location. Generally the municipality owns/maintains the water main, tap and service shutoff valve at the street. From the street to the house is done by any licensed plumber or the homeowner. Meters are installed in residence with remote reader installed on house so they are visible from the driveway. Some are, some are not. Water company or town determines where, not the plumber. |
#28
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/20/2016 7:15 AM, TimR wrote:
On Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 7:46:04 AM UTC-4, slate_leeper wrote: On Wed, 19 Oct 2016 21:13:44 -0500, dpb wrote: On 10/19/2016 2:04 PM, slate_leeper wrote: My new house has a water meter out front that is about 24 inches below ... Actually, an idea that came later is that this is an issue the builder should've fixed. Since it's new, lay the onus on them to correct it. I guess I should have made clear that the "new" house is new to me. My current house is for sale, and the "new" house is where I will be moving. It was actually built in the 80's. -dan z- Then it's even more clear that the meter box is not yours. It belongs to the city, Public Works or Utility Dept or whatever they call themselves. If you do some half baked DIY construction to "protect" it, they will probably rip it out and charge you a service call. Don't do anything without their approval. The OP could contact the water people. They may install a proper meter box at his request. |
#29
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/21/2016 12:08 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On 10/21/2016 12:36 PM, Dev Null wrote: Some jackass saved a few bucks by not using a remote read meter and now you're paying the price. Too bad the original plumbing inspector didn't catch that hack job. What jackass would that be? Generally, the water company (often town owned) determines the meter type and location. Generally the municipality owns/maintains the water main, tap and service shutoff valve at the street. From the street to the house is done by any licensed plumber or the homeowner. Meters are installed in residence with remote reader installed on house so they are visible from the driveway. Some are, some are not. Water company or town determines where, not the plumber. No, you are as wrong as a democrat. The city does not want leak damage liability so it is up to the homeowner/licensed plumber where regulator/meter is installed. |
#30
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Fri, 21 Oct 2016 12:39:01 -0500, Dev Null
wrote: On 10/21/2016 12:08 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote: On 10/21/2016 12:36 PM, Dev Null wrote: Some jackass saved a few bucks by not using a remote read meter and now you're paying the price. Too bad the original plumbing inspector didn't catch that hack job. What jackass would that be? Generally, the water company (often town owned) determines the meter type and location. Generally the municipality owns/maintains the water main, tap and service shutoff valve at the street. From the street to the house is done by any licensed plumber or the homeowner. Meters are installed in residence with remote reader installed on house so they are visible from the driveway. Some are, some are not. Water company or town determines where, not the plumber. No, you are as wrong as a democrat. The city does not want leak damage liability so it is up to the homeowner/licensed plumber where regulator/meter is installed. Wrong. My meter is on the street right of way. The utility is responsible for the meter and the water supply. From the meter to my house is my responsibility, regarding leaks. The water utility has no liability for a broken line or damage past the meter. Your world may be different but it does not apply in every circumstance. |
#31
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Fri, 21 Oct 2016 12:39:01 -0500, Dev Null wrote:
On 10/21/2016 12:08 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote: On 10/21/2016 12:36 PM, Dev Null wrote: Some jackass saved a few bucks by not using a remote read meter and now you're paying the price. Too bad the original plumbing inspector didn't catch that hack job. What jackass would that be? Generally, the water company (often town owned) determines the meter type and location. Generally the municipality owns/maintains the water main, tap and service shutoff valve at the street. From the street to the house is done by any licensed plumber or the homeowner. Meters are installed in residence with remote reader installed on house so they are visible from the driveway. Some are, some are not. Water company or town determines where, not the plumber. No, you are as wrong as a democrat. The city does not want leak damage liability so it is up to the homeowner/licensed plumber where regulator/meter is installed. This is not the case with any California water district. The local WD maintains very tight control over all new installations. If I remember correctly, the OP is in the Sacramento area. |
#32
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/21/2016 11:47 AM, Oren wrote:
On Fri, 21 Oct 2016 11:36:59 -0500, Dev Null wrote: Meters are installed in residence with remote reader installed on house so they are visible from the driveway. In every house; in every municipality? Do you get out much? Did I say every house/muni? Are you mentally retarded? |
#33
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Fri, 21 Oct 2016 13:01:43 -0500, Dev Null
wrote: On 10/21/2016 11:47 AM, Oren wrote: On Fri, 21 Oct 2016 11:36:59 -0500, Dev Null wrote: Meters are installed in residence with remote reader installed on house so they are visible from the driveway. In every house; in every municipality? Do you get out much? Did I say every house/muni? Are you mentally retarded? You said: "Meters are installed in residence with remote reader installed on house so they are visible from the driveway." That is simply not true in every circumstance. Nice try though. |
#34
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Fri, 21 Oct 2016 13:01:43 -0500, Dev Null wrote:
Did I say every house/muni? Are you mentally retarded? PLONK |
#35
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Below ground level water meter protection
Dev Null wrote:
On 10/21/2016 12:08 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote: On 10/21/2016 12:36 PM, Dev Null wrote: Some jackass saved a few bucks by not using a remote read meter and now you're paying the price. Too bad the original plumbing inspector didn't catch that hack job. What jackass would that be? Generally, the water company (often town owned) determines the meter type and location. Generally the municipality owns/maintains the water main, tap and service shutoff valve at the street. From the street to the house is done by any licensed plumber or the homeowner. Meters are installed in residence with remote reader installed on house so they are visible from the driveway. Some are, some are not. Water company or town determines where, not the plumber. No, you are as wrong as a democrat. The city does not want leak damage liability so it is up to the homeowner/licensed plumber where regulator/meter is installed. Bull**** . Not around here , our meter is next to the driveway up at the road (we live in a clearing out in the woods). It's in a little precast concrete enclosure with a lid that fits into a recess in the top . About 18" deep , no insulation , and it's been colder than -8° here before with no problem . -- Snag |
#36
Posted to alt.home.repair
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Fri, 21 Oct 2016 17:06:18 -0500, "Terry Coombs"
wrote: Dev Null wrote: On 10/21/2016 12:08 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote: On 10/21/2016 12:36 PM, Dev Null wrote: Some jackass saved a few bucks by not using a remote read meter and now you're paying the price. Too bad the original plumbing inspector didn't catch that hack job. What jackass would that be? Generally, the water company (often town owned) determines the meter type and location. Generally the municipality owns/maintains the water main, tap and service shutoff valve at the street. From the street to the house is done by any licensed plumber or the homeowner. Meters are installed in residence with remote reader installed on house so they are visible from the driveway. Some are, some are not. Water company or town determines where, not the plumber. No, you are as wrong as a democrat. The city does not want leak damage liability so it is up to the homeowner/licensed plumber where regulator/meter is installed. Bull**** . Not around here , our meter is next to the driveway up at the road (we live in a clearing out in the woods). It's in a little precast concrete enclosure with a lid that fits into a recess in the top . About 18" deep , no insulation , and it's been colder than -8° here before with no problem . Dev Null will call you "retarded". Only his hose has the right answer. |
#37
Posted to alt.home.repair
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/21/2016 5:06 PM, Terry Coombs wrote:
Dev Null wrote: On 10/21/2016 12:08 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote: On 10/21/2016 12:36 PM, Dev Null wrote: Some jackass saved a few bucks by not using a remote read meter and now you're paying the price. Too bad the original plumbing inspector didn't catch that hack job. What jackass would that be? Generally, the water company (often town owned) determines the meter type and location. Generally the municipality owns/maintains the water main, tap and service shutoff valve at the street. From the street to the house is done by any licensed plumber or the homeowner. Meters are installed in residence with remote reader installed on house so they are visible from the driveway. Some are, some are not. Water company or town determines where, not the plumber. No, you are as wrong as a democrat. The city does not want leak damage liability so it is up to the homeowner/licensed plumber where regulator/meter is installed. Bull**** . Not around here , our meter is next to the driveway up at the road (we live in a clearing out in the woods). It's in a little precast concrete enclosure with a lid that fits into a recess in the top . About 18" deep , no insulation , and it's been colder than -8° here before with no problem . Only requirement here is that meter display is visible from driveway. |
#38
Posted to alt.home.repair
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/21/2016 6:56 PM, Dev Null wrote:
Only requirement here is that meter display is visible from driveway. How quaint. Here they drive down the street and every meter is read by transponder. No one has look at my meter for 35 years. Over the next four months though, they are replacing meters. |
#39
Posted to alt.home.repair
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Below ground level water meter protection
On Fri, 21 Oct 2016 10:15:28 -0700, Bob F wrote:
On 10/20/2016 7:15 AM, TimR wrote: On Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 7:46:04 AM UTC-4, slate_leeper wrote: On Wed, 19 Oct 2016 21:13:44 -0500, dpb wrote: On 10/19/2016 2:04 PM, slate_leeper wrote: My new house has a water meter out front that is about 24 inches below ... Actually, an idea that came later is that this is an issue the builder should've fixed. Since it's new, lay the onus on them to correct it. I guess I should have made clear that the "new" house is new to me. My current house is for sale, and the "new" house is where I will be moving. It was actually built in the 80's. -dan z- Then it's even more clear that the meter box is not yours. It belongs to the city, Public Works or Utility Dept or whatever they call themselves. If you do some half baked DIY construction to "protect" it, they will probably rip it out and charge you a service call. Don't do anything without their approval. The OP could contact the water people. They may install a proper meter box at his request. Done that. They said they will send out an inspector next week. -dan z- |
#40
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Below ground level water meter protection
On 10/21/2016 4:21 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On 10/21/2016 6:56 PM, Dev Null wrote: Only requirement here is that meter display is visible from driveway. How quaint. Here they drive down the street and every meter is read by transponder. No one has look at my meter for 35 years. Over the next four months though, they are replacing meters. And here the meters are on the city right-of-way, and meter readers read them every other month. Everything form the meter on is my responsibility. |
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