Category Archives: How Things Work

Filling, Refilling, or Draining a Swimming Pool         

Need to fill a pool in Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, or Pineville? You have options…

Option 1:

Call swimming pool installation or pool supply companies to get referrals of companies who fill swimming pools. Search online for ‘swimming pool water charlotte,’ or check yellow pages under ‘swimming pools’ or ‘street cleaners.’ Consider getting more than one price estimate. If a contractor has to haul the water, it could cost a lot so make sure they explain all costs.

Option 2:

Fill from outside spigot using an existing water service.

Check past bills to calculate typical water use and how much it would cost to fill or refill the pool.

If it is an empty pool, consider filling it up halfway on one 30 day bill cycle and then fill the last half during the next billing cycle. Sewer charges apply up to 16 Ccf.

*1 Ccf = 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons of water

Option 3:

Rent a hydrant for two days if;

•            hydrant is in good working order.

•            hydrant is on your side of the street and wouldn’t restrict access to neighbor’s driveway.

•            you need at least of 15,000 gallons or 20 Ccfs.

Service requires a charge for a technician to connect water quality protection equipment and activate hydrant for rental and turn off after two days. Additionally, water consumption will be billed at the current commercial (non-residential) water rate.

Customer is required to rent or purchase an approved hose, from an independent supplier, to connect to the hydrant.

Please call (704) 400-2844 for additional information.

Option 4:

Apply for a separate water meter installed just for filling a swimming pool. View application and fees. Swimming pool meter charges start at tier 3 rate depending on amount of water used during monthly billing cycle.

How do i drain a pool?

Drain to Yard or Landscaped Area

A good option is to drain water to your yard or landscaped area if and only if you:

  • Do not cause flooding or other nuisance conditions on adjacent properties (notify your neighbors first).
  • Drain at a rate slow enough to not cause erosion.
  • Drain at a rate slow enough and to an area that allows the water to percolate into the ground and not discharge into the storm drain system, ditch or creek. This may be difficult to do because most properties are designed to drain off site. If discharge into a storm drain or water conveyance may occur, then you must follow the practices listed under “Drain to Storm Drain System”.

Drain to Storm Drain System

  • You may drain water from your pool or spa into a storm drain, ditch or creek if and only if you:
  • Dechlorinate the water below 0.1 milligrams per liter by allowing it to sit for one week without adding chlorine or by using a chemical dechlorination additive. Test the chlorine level with a pool testing kit before discharging.
  • Do not add other chemicals for at least one week before draining.
  • Ensure the pH of the water is between 6 and 9.
  • Remove or strain out algae and debris.
  • Discharge at a rate slow enough to not cause erosion.
  • Saltwater pools and spas may never be discharged to the storm drain system because of high chloride levels. You must choose another draining method if you have a saltwater pool or spa.

Drain to Sanitary Sewer System

  • You may drain water to the sanitary sewer system as a last resort if and only if you:
  • Contact Charlotte Water – System Protection to obtain authorization at 704-336-4407.
  • Follow all requirements provided by the person you talk to at Charlotte Water.
  • Do not discharge filter backwash to the storm drain system, but rather to a landscaped area or sanitary sewer. Some pool filters have a direct connection to the sewer system.
  • Dispose of filter material and collected debris in the trash.
  • Rinse filters over your lawn or landscaped area.

What Causes High Water Pressure and How Do I Fix It?

If you are reading this, you probably had a recent visit from a plumber.

Did you know:

  • Water pressure is primarily due to the elevation of storage tanks relative to the elevation of your home. 
  • Higher water pressures are in geographically low points (near a creek or the bottom of a neighborhood).
  • County building codes require pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) to be installed on new or remodeled residential plumbing if there is evidence of water pressure exceeding 80 psi.
  • You can buy a gauge at a home improvement store to check your pressure.
  • A PRV reduces the water pressure coming into your home to protect your plumbing, much like an electrical surge protector protects your computer or television.
  • Keep in mind that a PRV will age and need to be replaced. So if you notice a sudden increase in pressure in your plumbing, your PRV may be wearing out and needs to be replaced.
picture of a pressure reducing valve or PRV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I care if my water pressure is more than 80 psi?

​High water pressure could cause:

  • Appliances and fixtures fail sooner than average
  • Damage water heater
  • High repair and water bills 

How would I know if I have high water pressure?

If you are experiencing any of the below situations, it is time to talk to a plumber: 

· A leaking faucet or appliance may tell you it is wearing down, and water pressure should be checked. 

· A toilet flowing water from the tank into the bowl when not in use (could also be a simple toilet repair).

· Water is spitting instead of flowing when the faucet is first turned on.

· The sound of pipes banging inside the house may note pressure fluctuations.

· Irregular changes in pressure in shower or sinks.

· Appliances failing early.

· Mineral deposit build-up (white or greenish) on the outside of a shutoff valve. 

Check with your neighbors – It may be possible that your neighbors are experiencing a similar issue. If they are not, this may indicate a problem with your private plumbing. 

What should I ask the plumber about high water pressure and pressure-reducing valves?

​A licensed plumber can assess your current plumbing and recommend whether a PRV is needed. Remember, getting more than one price quote is always a good idea.

  • Some contractors / licensed plumbers may choose to use an expansion tank (also known as a bladder) or other options to discharge high water pressure safely out of the plumbing system. 
  • A PRV can be installed three feet behind the water meter box or inside your home before the water heater.
  • Avoid installing PRVs in sidewalks or driveways. 
  • Please be sure your plumber clearly explains any warranty that may apply to the PRV and the plumber’s work.
  • PRVs will eventually need to be replaced between 7 and 12 years typically.
    • Note: If your water pressure noticeably changes, It may be time to replace the PRV.

​What if the PRV makes the water pressure too low?

· PRVs are adjustable

· Consider replacing old fixtures or pipes that may be clogged with mineral deposits

Can Charlotte Water (CLTWater) reduce the water pressure in my home?

A licensed plumber can check your pressure and determine if you need a PRV.

Customers are in water pressure zones that serve several zip codes to provide minimal pressure of 20 psi to fire hydrants for public safety. CLTWater rarely changes water pressure zones. In those rare cases, a water pressure zone is changed to help customers experiencing low water pressure.

Does water pressure fluctuate daily?

​Water pressure will vary throughout the day. Based on elevation and other factors, your home has a water pressure range that varies a few psi. You are more likely to experience the following:

  • The low range of water pressure during summer mornings when irrigation use may be high in the neighborhood
  • The high range of water pressure typically from December through February when outdoor water use is minimal

Will the City of Charlotte pay for my PRV or plumbing costs caused by water pressure?

No.

I have 80+ psi and no PRV. Why didn’t my house have a PRV installed earlier?

​When houses are built or remodeled, the water pressure should be checked. If it is over 80 psi at the time of the test, a PRV is required. The test could have been conducted at a time of day when water pressure didn’t exceed 80 psi due to other factors (water usage, etc.).

Would Charlotte Water increase my pressure?

​Changing water pressure zones is extremely rare. Most properties have been in the same water pressure zone for several decades.

If CLTWater determines that customers need to move to a different water pressure zone, you would be notified several times in advance. 

Is the water or wastewater project nearby going to increase my water pressure?

Wastewater projects won’t have any impact on drinking water pipes or pressure.

Water projects may enhance flow and stabilize pressure by cleaning or replacing old pipes. Adding larger pipes may increase water storage in the area but will not significantly affect water pressure since most water pressure is the elevation difference between the storage tank and your home.

Where does my private plumbing start?

​The property owner maintains a water pipe from the end of the meter box (including the tailpiece) to the building(s). The property owner is responsible for pipes and fixtures in the buildings and wastewater pipes until the edge of the street or street right-of-way (varies). Charlotte Water maintains the water meter up to and including the meter yoke assembly, meter box, and water and wastewater pipes under the public street.

The illustration shows that Charlotte Water maintains the water pipes under the public streets and service lines from the water main to the meter box. Charlotte Water also maintains the meter and meter box. The property owner’s private plumbing starts at the tailpiece or pipe that leaves the water meter box and piping under the private plumbing to the building and inside the building.

Does my plumbing need to be replaced?

Just as pipes under the street age and have an end of service, so does plumbing in your home. Consider planning for the eventual replacement of plumbing that exceeds 50 years.

Learn more:

Charlotte Water Pressure

Homeowner’s Responsibility (Where Does Private Plumbing Begin?)

Water Service Replacement

Fixing At Home Leaks

Water Conservation Tips

How Do Water Towers Work?

How Do Water Towers Work?

Charlotte Water (CLTWater) employees dedicate their efforts to delivering safe, reliable water from the river to the tap. CLTWater has 11 elevated storage tanks. Our water treatment operators fill the tanks each night to prepare for morning use. Each day they refill as needed.

CLTWater sees a more than 50% increase in water use during the summertime for lawn irrigation.

Fast Facts:

  • Water pressure is mostly due to the elevation of storage tanks relative to the elevation of your home or business.
  • Elevated storage tanks help CLTWater provide consistent, stabilized pressure in the distribution system and ensure optimal fire protection for the public. 
  • CLTWater storage tanks are storing up-to-20 million gallons. 
  • Each tank is inspected and cleaned every 2-3 years.
  • Water within our storage tanks is turned over on a daily basis in order to ensure lower residence time within the distribution and aid in the conveyance of the highest water quality to customers. 

Water Pressure in Charlotte

Water pressure may vary a little every day. A home or business doesn’t experience a significant change in pressure unless moved to another pressure zone, a temporary surge in water usage or directional flow shift, an emergency water main break, or if CLTWater physically increases or decreases the height of storage tanks. These cases are extremely rare.

Higher water pressures are in geographically low points (near a creek) in a water pressure zone. Property owners may need to install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) to protect their plumbing if the psi is over 80 psi. You can buy a gauge at a home improvement store to check your pressure.

Learn more:

Charlotte Water Pressure

Homeowner’s Responsibility (Where Does Private Plumbing Begin?)

Water Service Replacement

Fixing At Home Leaks

Water Conservation Tips

A Cautionary Tale…Replace Your Plumbing Before It Becomes An Emergency

For years, as a Charlotte Water employee, I have encouraged customers to plan ahead for the replacement of their private plumbing, especially if their pipes are nearing 50 years. I thought about replacing my plumbing, but I waited too long. Below is my warning to customers in old houses.

I started hearing a dripping sound that I hadn’t heard before. I followed the sound into the basement and traced it back to our private plumbing line coming into the house. It soon went from a dripping noise to several dripping noises.

I quickly called CharMeck 311 (704-336-7600) to request an emergency water turn-off by Charlotte Water Customer Service. The call took just a few minutes, and a field technician was there to turn off our water at the meter in less than an hour.

A Temporary Solution

We used coolers to capture and store the water leaking out of our walls and then used the water to flush toilets later.

I bought a few gallons of distilled water for coffee and a few gallons of purified water for drinking.

How to flush a toilet without water service

  1. Talk to your next-door neighbors to see if you can hook up a hose temporarily to fill containers.
  2. Lift the toilet tank lid off (see picture)
  3. Pour water to the water line mark inside the tank.
  4. You will need to pour at least two gallons per flush.
  5. I refilled containers using a hose connected to my neighbor’s house and refilled each night at a relative’s home.
  6. We put the containers by the toilets to refill the tank and reused small water bottles to wash hands.

Pro tip– designate one or two toilets as the one(s) you plan on using during the outage. Make others off-limits to reduce the number of toilets you must refill.

Pour water to the ‘water line’ mark in the toilet tank.

After replacing our plumbing line, we ran cold water first for several minutes outside spigots/hose bibs and then indoor tubs and water faucets. The water heater took more than an hour to reheat. As a precaution, we tossed out the old ice and the next batch of ice from the automatic ice maker in the fridge.

Everything changes when you don’t have easy access to flowing water. Our children appreciated tap water more and conserved water because they knew it took extra steps. We are so thankful to have a new water line and I hope my experience helps you prevent a similar emergency and provides a few ideas on how to survive it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some signs I may have a plumbing leak between the water meter and the house?

If you hear a dripping noise or notice wet spots in your crawlspace or basement or even a greener-than-usual patch of grass on the area between your meter and your house you may have a leak.

How much water do I need each day?

At least a gallon for hand washing, brushing teeth and drinking, so at a bare minimum, you will need seven gallons per person per day to drink, brush, and flush. This doesn’t include showers, laundry, or dishwashing. Consider purchasing paper plates, plastic cups, and utensils.

Any purchased water containers (gallon jugs or small water bottles) can be refilled several times to reduce the cost of purchasing water at a store.

Use any large containers you have around to store and refill toilets.

  • Wet dry vacuum to suck up any water if you experience flooding
  • Coolers
  • Dehumidifier and humidifier tanks
  • If possible, store water in a bathtub and keep a large container to scoop the water out

How can I prevent a plumbing emergency?

If your plumbing is 50+ years old, you should plan in advance to prevent this from happening to you:

  • Talk to your home insurance provider to see if your policy covers water line replacement or if it should be added to your policy.
    • Some homeowners’ insurance only covers the damage (i.e., flooding) and not the plumbing repair.
  • Research alternative insurance options, including home warranty or service line protection plans to see if they would be a good fit for your situation

Find out what your plumbing materials are made of.

  • Lead – installed 1900-1986, dull gray and easily scratched surface, although banned in 1986, installation of lead pipes was very rare in Mecklenburg County.
  • Copper – installed 1930s present, reddish (like a penny) to dark brown or green, in some cases may contain lead-based solder if home was built before 1986 and hasn’t had plumbing replaced after 1986.
  • Galvanized Steel – 1930-1980s, gray or metallic, may rust internally and externally, limited lifespan.
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – 1950s – present, white, doesn’t corrode or rust.
  • Polyethylene (PEX) – 1990s to present, many colors (typically red and blue for hot and cold supply lines), flexible to install.

Don’t wait…

  • Get three quotes/price estimates from licensed plumbers.
    • Each plumber may have a different strategy to replace your plumbing
    • Ask a lot of questions
    • Plumbers are very busy and a project like this will need time to schedule.
    • Know what is under your front yard. Do you have buried fiber optic, wastewater pipes, storm drain, etc? Trees can also affect where your service line is installed. Contact NC 811 to learn about what public utilities can be marked and how to find locators that find private lines (well, septic, gas, etc.)
    • Don’t do anything to your plumbing that could possibly cause a leak.

How long will it take for plumbers to install new plumbing?

It can vary. We were without water for seven days before our new plumbing line was installed and service was restored.

Our water pipe repair damaged a sidewalk. Will the City fix the sidewalk?

If your repair requires damaging or removing the sidewalk, you will need to replace the sidewalk. Make sure to get three quotes and ensure that they are trained and able to complete the work to the city / town sidewalk specifications.

Did you know that your plumbing actually starts at the building side of the meter box? Learn more on this blog.