Full Text Document

The following specifications are intended to guide anyone who is constructing a water service line to a structure being serviced by the water system of Union Williams PSD.

This information indicates acceptable practice. It is not possible for these rules to cover every possible situation or question. If you have questions regarding water service installations, please contact the Union Williams Public Service District at 304-464-5121.

INSPECTION The PSD personnel, whether on public or private property, must inspect all customer service line construction before any backfilling of excavation is performed. These inspections can be performed Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. To schedule an inspection notify the District office at 304-464-5121 twenty-four hours in advance. Inspections will not be performed on weekends, evenings, or legal holidays.

When a private water supply exists (well, cistern, etc.) at the customer’s residence or place of business, an air separation between the two systems must exist to have no connection between the two supplies. Valves or check valves will not be acceptable.

SERVICE LINE CONNECTION TO METER SETTING After applying for service and paying all fees, the customer or contractor working for the customer must install the service line and make connection to the provided pigtail. Connection to pigtail must be with an approved pack joint style compression fitting. Once the service line is in place, contact the PSD office to schedule an inspection for the service.

The District is not required to make changes in the meter setting elevation once the tap is installed, the customer must have area where meter setting is to be located at final grade before tap is made. The customer shall bear the full and total cost for any such changes.

Tapping of main water lines is only to be performed by Union Williams PSD personnel, or a contractor working for the district.

SERVICE LINE INSTALLATION The use of any plastic fittings for pipe connections before your shut off valve is PROHIBITED.  (Only brass, bronze, or steel). Water service will not be established if these types of fittings are used.

Approved pipe materials consist of iron pipe size (IPS) polyethylene (P.E.) tubing at a pressure rating of at least 160 PSI, however, 200 PSI is recommended by the District. The pipe diameter shall be ¾” to 1” depending upon the size of your proposed service. If this line is longer than 500 feet, consult the District on proper line size to maintain adequate flow.

Backfill material shall consist of fine suitable material. All material shall be free of cinders, ashes, refuse, or organic material. The service line shall have a minimum of 24 inches of cover in the yard area, and 30 inches in roadways or driveways.

The water service lines must be installed in a trench with at least two feet of separation from other pipes or wires such as sewer, telephone, cable, etc…

The District REQUIRES a shut off valve (brass, bronze, or steel) to be located immediately inside the foundation wall, crawl space or basement, at or near the point of entrance of your service line or other readily accessible location. The purpose of this valve is for you to be able to shut off your water if the need arises. Only District personnel are to be in the meter-setting fixture, the customer should NEVER tamper with the meter setting. (Tampering with the District’s property could result in legal action.)

At the point where the service line enters through the block or foundation, a sleeve is required to protect the pipe.

A pressure gauge is strongly recommended by the District, but not a requirement.

A thermal expansion tank is recommended. This device is to prevent damage to your hot water tank or your residence, resulting from thermal expansion.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION Union Williams PSD installs a type of outside meter setting which is equipped with a check valve. The purpose of a check valve is to prevent the water that has gone through your water meter setting from returning to our water system due to thermal expansion. The installation of a thermal expansion pressure device is strongly recommended for the purpose of relieving pressure on your water heater tank and house plumbing.

THERMAL EXPANSION As water is heated, it expands; your water tank will push hot water out of the inlet when heating during times of minimal hot water use. Due to a check valve used at the meter setting, water can’t flow back through the meter into the main water line. The expansion of water can result in the damage of plumbing and fixtures or release of water through the water heaters relief valve and possible continued dripping of water from the relief valve. Water leaking from this valve may damage your residence.

PRESSURE REGULATORS If water pressure exceeds 120 psi at the water meter setting the District will install, maintain, and service a pressure regulator. If water supply pressure is less than 120 psi it is the responsibility of the customer to install, maintain, and service a pressure regulator (if desired) at the owner’s expense.

High water pressure can be dangerous and can cause water heaters and other appliances to malfunction. The District recommends that for water pressure over 80 psi at the dwelling or structure the customer should install a pressure regulator at their expense. Pressure regulators can be purchased at any local hardware store or home improvement center.