A homeowner in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn had become aware of a small sinkhole forming on his property. At first he did not pay much attention, until the hole began to drop more by the day. The homeowner was aware of Harris Water & Sewer after seeing them work in his neighborhood for many years, at this point he contacted Harris for an onsite investigation.
Sinkhole from leaking pipe |
The sinkhole was was now becoming deeper, and more moist from its initial occurrence a few weeks prior. Next a water main sound test was performed and confirmed that there was a loud hissing noise on his pipe. A water line should always be silent while all the water is off in the house, any type of sound is a strong indication of a water leak. The homeowner now contacted DEP to confirm that it was his pipe leaking, DEP investigated within hours and issued him with a “3 day notice” to have the pipe replaced.
Harris obtained all required permits and was on site within days to begin the new water line installation. This particular house was sixty five feet aware from the city water main, and was required to have copper installed to replace his lead pipe.
Excavation begins |
The excavation process began in the roadway so the onsite crew could turn off the leaking water line from the connection to the city main (AKA tap connection). Once the water was off, they began digging on the property and preparing tunnels form one hole, to the next, before the pipe could be pulled through.
The copper pipe is installed |
The old lead pipe was removed in preparation for the new copper water line. The new pipe was installed and connected to the city main, inside the house, all within a few hours. The job was completed in full the same day, the sinkhole was resolved and the homeowner now had lead free water!
Old lead pipe |
New copper pipe |
