Service Problems

Contents:
Water Pressure Problems, Low or High
Water Leaks
Discolored Water
Odorous Water
Sewer Lift Station Odors
Meter Pit Problems
Sewage Manhole or Sewer Service Cleanout Problems
Sump Pump Problems
Grinder Pumps

WATER PRESSURE PROBLEMS, LOW OR HIGH
Low pressure is generally described as not enough water in the system. Low pressure may often be confused with low flow. Low pressures or flows can be caused by:

1. Pipe restrictions, such as your main valve being partially closed, or the screens on individual faucets needing cleaning.

2. A malfunctioning pressure reducing valve (PRV).

Pressure at your point-of-use is determined by the difference between the elevation of the water level in the water tank serving your service area and the elevation of your service connection. The higher your service connection, the less your pressure.

After you have investigated to see if any of the above causes are restricting your flows or pressure, please call the Service Authority's O&M Division at (703) 335-7982 to schedule a pressure check at your service.

High pressure is generally described as too much pressure causing your internal plumbing lines to bang, your hot water pressure relief valve to trip, or wearing out faucet washers very quickly. A malfunctioning pressure reducing valve (PRV) can cause both high and low pressure problems.

PRV's are the homeowner's responsibility to install and/or maintain. The plumbing code recommends PRV's be installed where the service pressure is 80 psi or more.

Since the pressure at your point-of-use is determined by the difference between the elevation of the water level in the water tank serving your service and the elevation of your service connection, the higher the difference between these levels, the higher your pressure.

Please call the Service Authority's O&M Division at (703) 335-7982 to schedule a pressure check at your service.

WATER LEAKS
If you see water suddenly flowing in the street, in your yard, or in areas not commonly associated with flowing water, please call the Service Authority's O&M Division at (703) 335-7982. We will dispatch someone to check out the cause of the running water and respond accordingly.

If it is determined to be a water leak in a water main or service line up to and through the water meter pit, the Service Authority personnel will repair the leak and any damage caused by the leak. In some cases, should the water meter pit be located in the utility strip (between the curb and sidewalk) of a public street maintained by VDOT, the meter pit may be relocated to your property line (back of the sidewalk).

Should the water leak be outside the meter pit, between the meter pit and your residence or business or inside a building, the repair will be the customer's responsibility.

DISCOLORED WATER
Discolored water is water containing an accumulation of mineral deposits which has precipitated from the water. These depositions are usually iron, manganese, or calcium deposits.

Discolored water poses no health concerns. It is free from harmful bacteria and safe for most household uses. You should not do laundry until the discoloration ceases since staining on white or light colored clothing is possible. While you can drink the water, it may not taste good. You probably do not want to use it to make baby formula.

Discolored water is usually caused by a sudden change in the normal flow of the water in the mains servicing your connection. This can be caused by turning off main valves, a broken water main, turning on a fire hydrant for fire fighting or filling a water tanker, or pumping problems.

If after allowing your water to run for five (5) to (10) minutes the discoloration has not ceased, please call the Service Authority's O&M Division at (703) 335-7982 and report the problem.

ODOROUS WATER
Customers whose service is located on dead-end streets such as a cul-de-sac, or the end of a parking lot, from time to time may experience odorous water. This is caused by the water becoming still and allowing mineral deposition to build up. These minerals, such as iron and manganese, sometimes cause taste and odor problems to develop.

To remedy this condition, the Service Authority's personnel will flush the water to remove the mineral buildup and freshen the water. Please call the Service Authority's O&M Division at (703) 335-7982 to schedule an appointment to investigate this condition.

In the spring of each year, March through June, the Fairfax County Water Authority (FCWA) changes the way the water is disinfected. During this period, the process is changed to a free chlorine residual. This allows for a more intense and complete disinfection of our water mains, but it causes the chlorine in the water to be noticeable. The amount of chlorine is not changed, but because it is in a free state it can be readily noticed. It is during this period the Service Authority performs its annual system-wide flushing operations. This allows for enhanced water system disinfection, sediment removal, and operation of a majority of our fire hydrants.

Should the chlorine odor appear extreme, please let your water run for five (5) to ten (10) minutes to reduce its presence. If this does not improve, please call the Service Authority's O&M Division at (703) 335-7982.

SEWER LIFT STATION ODORS
The Service Authority operates more than fifty (50) sewage lift stations located throughout Prince William County. Occasionally, due to atmospheric conditions, sewage odors will permeate low areas, especially during days with high humidity. Should these odors continue, please call the Service Authority's O&M Division at (703) 335-7982 and report the odor problem.

METER PIT PROBLEMS
If you find the cover on a meter pit missing or notice it is loose, please call the Service Authority's O&M Division at (703) 335-7982 to report the problem.

SEWAGE MANHOLE OR SEWER SERVICE CLEANOUT PROBLEMS
If you have identified a sanitary sewer manhole cover as being loose, broken, or missing, please notify the Service Authority's O&M Division at (703) 335-7982.

Your sewer service line (lateral) may have a cleanout near your property line. This cleanout generally indicates the limit of responsibility between the customer and the Service Authority. If your cleanout or a cleanout you see is missing a cap or cover, please call the Service Authority's O&M Division at (703) 335-7982.

SUMP PUMP PROBLEMS
The Service Authority has installed nearly 1,000 sump pumps throughout the County to redirect storm water and ground water from the sanitary sewer system.

The owner of the residence where the sump pump was installed signed an agreement committing to the operation and maintenance of the pump in perpetuity. The Service Authority wants to continue assisting the owner or tenant in monitoring the sump pump system. If you have problems with your sump pump, please call the Service Authority's O&M Division at (703) 335-7982.

If the sump pump needs to be replaced, the Service Authority will replace the pump and bill the owner for the actual cost of the new pump. No charges for the labor will be added.

GRINDER PUMPS
The Service Authority is responsible for the maintenance of grinder pumps installed in the Gainesville/Haymarket area with the 1982-83 EPA funded sewage improvements, or as approved later. The only pumps serviced by the Service Authority are E-1 (Environment One) grinder pumps.

If your residence is serviced by one of these pumps and your alarm is activated, please call the Service Authority's O&M Division at (703) 335-7982 and report the problem.

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