A new “K” grade copper water main installation in NYC may last anywhere from 50-75 years on average. The elements used to make-up “K” grade copper tubing allows for the most durable, strongest and long lasting material that can be purchased on the market today.
Harris Water Main & Sewer Contractors made a routine site visit when a local homeowner in Maspeth Queens called for a free estimate on a broken water line; she had become aware of the break after she reported water spots showing up in the roadway located in-front of her house. She proceeded to call DEP to further investigate the issue and take the necessary action to resolve what was becoming a dangerous situation as the water had started to freeze. Several hours later the DEP had issued the homeowner a 3 day notice which had her completely baffled as she had a new water main installed one year prior.
A Harris water representative first assessed the problem by performing a noise test on the new water line. At the time of the water main noise test, the water was not being used in the house which meant the water main should have been completely silent. It was a complete surprise to both he homeowner and the Harris rep when they heard a loud hissing sound on the main. The only option at this point was adhering to the DEP 3 day notice and excavate the roadway to see what may have caused the leak.
The Harris Water field crew began excavating the street where the water had been rising to the surface until they reached the tap connection where the homeowner’s water line was connected to the city water main. They found the previous plumber made a faulty connection by installing the copper on the left side of the tap, installing the water service with a “swing” on the left makes the connection susceptible to loosening upon any type of movement or settlement below ground level. The proper way of installing a cooper water service is with a connection made on the right side of the tap, in this case any type of movement or settlement will tighten the tap connection.
The Harris field crew quickly corrected a very careless mistake made by the previous water main contractor and installed the copper with a “right swing” before closing the roadway excavation and repaving the street.
At Harris Water Main & Sewer Contractors we take pride in our employee training program, taking the time to properly train all employees allows for guaranteed quality and a long lasting water main or sewer installation.
- Apprentice level program consists of 1-2 years of entry level training consisting of general labor while shadowing a pre-technician level employee.
- Pre-Technician level employee must have 2 years’ experience working as a level 1 or 2 apprentice and 1 full year shadowing a technician as well as passing the Harris Water certification test.
- Technician level employee must have a minimum of 4 years working as a pre-technician in addition to a 1 year program that includes working directly with a jobsite foreman.
- Foreman level employee must have a minimum of 10 years working as a technician, passing several plumbing technology courses as well as required courses in reading blueprints.
A Brief History – Maspeth Queens
Coutesy of Wikipedia
The area known today as Maspeth was chartered by Dutch and English settlers in the mid-17th century. The Dutch had purchased land in the area known today as Queens in 1635, and within a few years began chartering towns. In 1642 they settled Maspat, under a charter granted to Rev. Francis Doughty. Maspat became the first European settlement in Queens. The settlement was leveled the following year in an attack by Native Indians, and the surviving settlers returned to Manhattan. It wasn’t until nine years later, in 1652, that settlers ventured back to the area, settling an area slightly inland from the previous Maspat location. This new area was called Middleburg, and eventually developed into what is now the town of Elmhurst, bordering Maspeth. Following the immigration waves of the 19th century, Maspeth was home to a shanty town of Boyash (Ludar) Gypsies between 1925 and 1939, though this was eventually bulldozed.
