Fighting a High Water Bill with Your Plumbing Invoice

Everyday I hear stories about water bills ranging from "I have a high water bill of $80 ", to "I have a high water bill of $25,000"(the latter of which was caused by 6 toilets constantly running for several months). Most high bill situations are caused by a polybutylene pipe rupture deep in the ground or a toilet running. However, I do see the occasional high water and fuel (gas or electric) bill caused by a running hot water heater overflow. The local water departments vary on their response to high bills. If you are a first time offender, a copy of a plumbing repair invoice will normally get you a great discount on your water bill. Proof the the water did not go into the sewer system (such as a water line breakage outside or relief line dumping to the outside of the house) can normally get the excess sewer charges knocked off. Grievances such, elderly, fixed income, medical problems, jobless, you didn't read my meter in 6 months will normally get you mercy. Chronic offenders who have been given discounts in the past for water leaks, may not get any help. Many counties such as Cobb and Fulton county will normally leave you a little note on the door to inform you of a leak. Analyzing your water bill bar chart can show the progression of a small leak turning into a big leak.

My Realtor Says I Have New and Improved Polybutylene Pipe?

Everyday I get many emails regarding polybutylene pipe questions. A customer called today and told me that a house she had under contract was built in 1993 and had grey polybutylene pipe. She stated that her realtor told her that it had the "new and improved polybutylene" and not to worry about this version of the pipe. I am not aware of any polybutylene without any problems within the United States, though I have read articles about polybutylene pipe in the European market which has not had any problems. Perhaps water additives or installation methods vary in Europe. I know for a fact that there were some variations in polybutylene pipe manufactured in the U.S., there is thick wall and thin wall blue polybutylene, but I have seen failures in both pipes. Interior polybutylene has always mainted the same wall thickness. However, some grey polybutylene almost appears to dry out. The pipe goes from it original flexible roll to almost stiff like PVC pipe. On several occasions I have cracked a piece of scrap grey polybutylene by folding it, when it is originally properties would have allowed it to fold. I have not tracked the manufacturers, manufacture dates, location of the bad pipe , humidity conditions or other factors which I have seen the polybutylene pipe in its worst conditions. Without a doubt copper fitting are superior to the garbage plastic acetal fittings. The plastic acetal fitting cannot take any stress after about ten years of use. They can snap like a twig if put under pressure. In summary, I would not be convinced by a realtor, seller or home inspector who tells you : "We have never had a leak","The pipe looks in good condition", "The house has the good polybutylene or fittings". Polybutylene pipe and fittings have an abnormally high failure rate compared to any other pipe on the market.