Thread: Main Water Shut-off Valve All Plastic

I never saw one of these valves used on a public water system as the main disconnect. It is on the street side of the meter and has just enough clearance with the foundation wall to be turned. The handle seemed really flimsy too. There was a shut-off valve on the house side of meter and that one was brass construction.

What, if anything, would you say in a report about this?



Similar Threads:

• ??? at water main shut off valve
• water heater with hot water shut off valve
• gas shut off valve
• Is this a main water shut-off valve ?
• Is this a main water shut-off valve ?

They sell those at the hardware stores. If it isn't installed incorrectly, or isn't leaking, and can be operated to shut the water off, then I wouldn't say anything.

Street side of meter? As I understand it, everything upstream of the meter (before it) belongs to the city/water company. This may be different in your area. I don't report on it. It's not my client's property.

Originally Posted by Gary DeWitt

Street side of meter? As I understand it, everything upstream of the meter (before it) belongs to the city/water company. This may be different in your area. I don't report on it. It's not my client's property.

Things are different here. The homeowner is responsible for everything from the point where the water service line tees off the main supply line beneath street level.

If that truly is all plastic, I hope that water pipe is simply bonded and not intended to be a grounding electrode.

Originally Posted by Nick Ostrowski

I never saw one of these valves used on a public water system as the main disconnect. It is on the street side of the meter and has just enough clearance with the foundation wall to be turned. The handle seemed really flimsy too. There was a shut-off valve on the house side of meter and that one was brass construction.

What, if anything, would you say in a report about this?

Is this in Philly? Then:

Not for the general question about a "plastic valve" you stated, but YES and would advise a history/permit/discontinuation history with PWD ASAP, since, as I'm sure you are aware - major headaches when new property owners get one of those "whopper" billing assessments for past years upon years (in the news last few years) and the full brunt of the reuirements coming due in the next few months.

First, if this is philly, and this is either a recent condo sub or an older SFR even very old row hse, there should be a curb-stop exterior to the building line.

The 'service connection' is from the "ferrule" through the "water connection pipe" or "ferrule connection pipe" to the "curb-stop" The "curb-stop" is the 'main shut-off'. "Distributing Pipe" is from the curb line (or the "curb-stop" where required) into the premises, and the "Distributing Pipe" shall be in accordance with the Plumbing Code/Philadelphia Code.

The "plastic" valve inside the basement house-side of the "distributing pipe" and curb-side of the meter is referred to as the "inlet valve", the valve at the house-side of the meter is referred to as the "outlet valve".

If the distributing pipe is (likely if recently replaced, bored, lined, and/or if building line is 8-1/2' or more from the curb-stop) PE (likely MDPE) than the inlet valve-too would be same.

If work done 2008-ish or more recent older brass exceeds allowable lead content, CWA, lead-free standards. The continuous MDPE tubing requires MDPE valves, HDPE requires appropriate fittings valves & transitions to PWD standards for meter couplings.

More concerned about wet foundation, sewer (storm or sanitary?) proximity to water distribution, lack of sleeves and proper sealing to foundation, and leaking problem where is the moisture coming from - and looks of improper foundation repair.

from ferrule to curbstop Ferrule Connection Pipe
Ferrule Type Connection Pipe (2 inches and smaller) from the ferrule to the curb-stop shall be installed, repaired or replced by or under the direction of a licensed master plumber and shall:
(a) be be either copper tubing, ASTM Spec. B-88, type K in soft temper with approved red brass fittings; or
(b) be PolyEthylene service pipe, ASTM D 3350, as required, Water Department Standard Spec. W-21


General Requirements
(a) Distributing Pipe from the curb line (or the curb-stop where required) into the premises, shall be in accordance with the Plumbing Code/Philadelphia Code.
(c) Whenever a service connection is repaired or replaced, it shall be in accordnce with rules governing new service connections. When repair or replacement is between the main and the curb stop, such service connection shall be attached to the main by a ferrule not less thn 3/4-inch in size.

Property Owner
(a) The property owner shall set up the plumbing at the property to provide for the installation of the meter by the City. The plumbing shall include both an inlet valve and an outlet valve which shall be located as close as practicable to the meter, but allowing clearance for the flange bolts and couplings. The meter location must be easily accessible for the meter installtion; if it is not, the Department my require the property owner to change the plumbing.
(b) All meters located inside a property shall be set as close as possible to the point where the water service pipe enters the property.

(h) The property owner shall be responsible for the repair and maintenance of the plumbing that is accessory to the meter, such as inoperable or leaking valves and curb-stops, weakened pipes and fittings, and shall provide and py for such plumbing, repair and maintenance as City metering needs may require.