 Plumbing WATER MAIN If you have city or county supplied water, you are responsible for the supply line from the water main to your house. A home’s main water shut off valve that the city or county controls is usually found out near the street under a steel plate marked water or water main. The homeowner’s main water shutoff valve is usually located where the water line enters the house or beside the water meter. In cases where the water meter is not in the house, it can usually be found under a steel inspection cover in the front yard near the street.
WATER MAINS - "BIG BLUE" If the incoming water supply line to your house is a light blue color plastic, you have a Polybutylene pipe affectionately called "BIG BLUE". This type of pipe has a high failure rate, bursting unexpectedly. The pipe is also susceptible to shearing where it penetrates the foundation wall. One suggestion is to sleeve it where it enters the foundation, a procedure that is probably a waste of money since the pipe can also burst along its length. NOTE: There is a class action settlement program in place for homes that have had the pipe burst. The money does not cover the water damage to the home, or replacement of a seemingly good pipe before it bursts. | Welcome to BIS | About BIS | Home Inspections | Get Started | Technical FAQ | Contact us |
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