Thinking of stopping a pipe leak: The other day I was in my basement. I noticed the water inlet pipe from the street had a little drip. I told my wife I will tighten the valve. But I...

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

The other day I was in my basement. I noticed the water inlet pipe from the street had a little drip. I told my wife I will tighten the valve. But I am busy working some overtime. A day goes by, then two days go by and then a week. I ended up calling a plumber because I was very busy at work and very tired when I got home. The plumber said it’s a good thing I didn’t try to fix it myself. Since the household water meter was being fed by this pipe valve, if I attempted to fix it, I would have snapped the valve off and flooded the whole basement. He wouldn’t fix it either. I had to call the Department of Environmental Protection. Only they are allowed to repair this leak. And what a repair job it was. It’s a good thing my insurance will cover this.

Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley

Sometimes DIY jobs are best handled by people with more experience than ourselves. And may cost a lot more when self-attempted!
You made a very wise choice when you were faced with a possibly costly and problematic repair.

will

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Scruples wrote:

The other day I was in my basement. I noticed the ... (show quote)

Prob. a REALLY good thing you did not " Go For It "... I don't know how your area divides responsibilities but in the County where I retired from Utilities the " Mason Dixon " line was at the meter... Anything upstream was our responsibility and everything downstream the homeowners... Could have been nightmare of insurance litigation if you had flooded.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Scruples wrote:

The other day I was in my basement. I noticed the ... (show quote)

I suppose it depends on some "details"...
I had a leaky entrance turn valve replaced with a lever ball valve, my plumber did it.
He did have to turn the water off at the street to do so.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Scruples wrote:

The other day I was in my basement. I noticed the ... (show quote)

Sometimes “professionals” know what they are talking about - sometimes not. My wife had two guys come in to look at the flooding problem we had in our basement. One guy’s estimate was twice as much, and he recommended we have a plumber come in and install a special valve to prevent the sewer’s backing up into the drains. I questioned that, because I thought the basement drain was lower than the sewer line, and actually went to the sump. The professional plumber said the valve would be useless to reduce flooding because the basement drains go to the sump. We hired the less expensive guy.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Scruples wrote:

The other day I was in my basement. I noticed the ... (show quote)

For future reference there is tape designed for just situation. Just wrap it tightly around the dripping pipe and it seals the leak. This saved me an expensive visit 3 years ago and it is still in place. Cost about $10.

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

Chit-chat

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

flip1948 wrote:

Chit-chat

I originally intended to include photos of the digging and such. But I had some difficulty adding the photos. I will try to shift this thread to the correct place.

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

Scruples wrote:

I originally intended to include photos of the digging and such. But I had some difficulty adding the photos. I will try to shift this thread to the correct place.

Pictures wouldn't have made it appropriate for the Main Discussion group.

I'm not trying to bust your chops as generally your posts are in the proper places.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

joer wrote:

For future reference there is tape designed for just situation. Just wrap it tightly around the dripping pipe and it seals the leak. This saved me an expensive visit 3 years ago and it is still in place. Cost about $10.

That only delays the possible failure of the part in most cases where pressure are involved.
Gravity flow is another story and can be repaired with these modern tapes!!

Canonuser Loc: UK and South Africa

A tip I always consider when about to embark in any DIY work. ‘What is the worst possible scenario that could occur and how much would it cost to fix it.’

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

MrBob wrote:

Prob. a REALLY good thing you did not " Go For It "... I don't know how your area divides responsibilities but in the County where I retired from Utilities the " Mason Dixon " line was at the meter... Anything upstream was our responsibility and everything downstream the homeowners... Could have been nightmare of insurance litigation if you had flooded.

In these parts the same applies, but the meter is always placed at the street R.O.W. line.

Stan

Dave H2

Yes, self vulcanizing rubber tape. Available in most hardware stores. When coupled with a stainless steel hose clamp, is a very safe temporary repair.
D

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

flip1948 wrote:

Pictures wouldn't have made it appropriate for the Main Discussion group.

I'm not trying to bust your chops as generally your posts are in the proper places.

Don’t worry, I’m not easily offended. Besides no one can break my shoes. Only Me.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

MrBob wrote:

Prob. a REALLY good thing you did not " Go For It "... I don't know how your area divides responsibilities but in the County where I retired from Utilities the " Mason Dixon " line was at the meter... Anything upstream was our responsibility and everything downstream the homeowners... Could have been nightmare of insurance litigation if you had flooded.

Works the same here in Ohio. At least southern Ohio.