A connection to a public water main for a water service line is much more important than a property owner may realize. There can be various issues with a water main connection for a service line that will affect the service life of the water line and water pressure for the property:

• A connection for a main water line may be a ‘driven’ – installed before power tools were used. A driven tap can blow out of the main line without warning.
• A connection can be too small to supply the proper volume of water to a property.
• A tap can leak or be defective.

A driven tap

Driven taps are no longer legal in NYC for a water service line – However existing ones will not be violated unless a water main repair or replacement is being performed on that particular water line. Whenever a water main repair or water main replacement is performed and a driven tap is found it must be replaced. Driven taps were installed prior to power tools being utilized by the NYC DEP. They were actually driven into the city water main using a hammer – There are no threads to hold it in place and they are prone to blow out. In addition they are typically too small to properly service a property.

An inadequately sized tap

Many NYC properties have added plumbing fixtures or living space to an existing building over the years. A tap that may have been adequate or marginal years ago will now provide an inadequate volume of water and result in low water pressure as well. No matter how large the actual size of the water line, if the tap is too small there will not be enough water volume or pressure for the property. The minimum size allowed is 5/8″ for a one family house – many taps in NYC are only 1/2″ and wholly inadequate.

A leaking tap

Tap For A Water Main - CLICK TO ENLARGE

On very rare occasions a tap on a NYC water main may leak or become defective. Sometimes the ‘core’ of the fitting can be tightened, or the it can be screwed further into the NYC water main to stop the leak. But in most cases it would have to be plugged or removed with a new one installed in its place.

An important point:

A brand new properly sized tap installed into a NYC water main by the NYC DEP costs around $300.00. In almost all cases where low water pressure exists or there’s a chance of a defect it is good policy to replace it for the relatively modest expense of $300.00.

The expertise of the NYC DEP

The NYC DEP has highly experienced crews specializing in wet tap installations. The DEP can do a complete installation for a water service line in about 20 minutes with a total about a 1/2 gallon of water lost during each installation. Furthermore DEP has crews that install many taps each and every day in all five Boroughs to keep NYC water supply lines up to date and up to code.

This article was written by David Balkan and is the sole property of Joseph L. Balkan Inc.

Joseph L. Balkan, Inc. | Sewer and Water Main Specialists
130-01 Jamaica Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 849-0900 | Espanol (718) 943-5720 | Fax: (718) 849-9570

Frozen Water Line

Any exposed water main or water line should be insulated during the Winter. The same goes for a water line in an unheated environment – Even a buried NYC water main less than 3 1/2′ deep should be insulated from frost. Insulating is not a complicated process at all, but it depends on the circumstances.

• 

  Fiberglass Insulation

  Unheated properties | A water line or water main above ground level in an unheated property needs to be protected. This is frequently the case in new buildings where all utilities are not installed yet or in summer vacation homes. Typically regular fiberglass house insulation can be carefully wrapped around the exposed pipe to prevent freezing.

  

  Felt Insulation

  If the water line is present next to the house sewer, the sewer line also provides some heat and should be included inside the wrapping.

• Exposed water line | Any water line  exposed to the elements needs extra protection. In addition to applying extra layers of insulation, the insulation itself should be wrapped in plastic to make it waterproof.
  

  Heat Trace Wiring

  If electricity is available ‘heat trace’ wiring can be easily installed to provide heat from an electrical source for added ‘peace of mind’.

• Shallow water main | Even a buried water main  can be prone to freezing if it is not at least 3 1/2′ deep or if it is close to a gas main. A water main, no matter what time of year it is installed, must be at least 3 1/2′ feet deep in NYC to be below the frost line. Any main water line less than 3 1/2′ deep must be insulated with special hair felt insulation which will not compress, and then covered with plastic to make it waterproof. Installed properly even a shallow NYC main line will not freeze in the coldest Winter.
  

  Inside Of A Curb Valve Box

• Unoccupied properties | In cases where a reliable curb valve is present in the sidewalk area the water can be closed to the property as a 1st step. The 2nd step would be to disconnect the inside plumbing, open the main valve with the water off, and let the water drain out so no water is left inside any of the plumbing to freeze. This would prevent damage to any part of the water supply system for the house.

Please note that no special tools or expertise is required to perform any of this work. Another point to note: Frequently damage will not be apparent until after a frozen pipe thaws – that is when water will come rushing out from frozen and split plumbing. So remember to inspect your plumbing after a freeze and before a thaw. 

This article was written by David Balkan and is the sole property of Joseph L. Balkan Inc.

Joseph L. Balkan, Inc. | Sewer and Water Main Specialists
130-01 Jamaica Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 849-0900 | Espanol (718) 943-5720 | Fax: (718) 849-9570

For over 40 years SPANY has kept its membership up-to-date on all current and pending government rules, codes and legislation. In addition SPANY provides a forum to keep abreast of new industry developments such as new installation methods and job-site safety issues. With its close affiliation with the Master Plumbers Council of the City of New York, the two associations provide a full range of services to the plumbing industry. The Subsurface Plumbers Association is respected by both NYC government agencies and the subsurface industry.

Dedicated Committee Work

The Subsurface Plumbers Association works tirelessly through its four formal Committees:

• The Department of Transportation Committee.
• The Department of Environmental Protection Committee.
• The Department of Buildings Committee.
• The Plumbing Technical Committee.

By utilizing these committees the association ensures that the licensed sewer and water main trade of NYC has representation and frequently acts as an advocate on behalf of the general public as well in regards to related issues. To keep abreast of issues the SPANY holds regular monthly membership meetings, and actively attends government agency meetings and appropriate public hearings.

Membership

Applicants for membership are closely screened to ensure that they are in complete compliance regarding proper licensing, insurance, bonding, and that they are in good standing within the NYC sewer and water main industry. Acceptance as a member is an honor and a privilege as well as a good indication of a reputable company devoted to its chosen trade.

Subsurface Plumbers Association of NYC
104-09 Metropolitan Avenue
Forest Hills, NY 11375

Angela Cappiello CMP CAE
Executive Director
718 793-6300

angelac@nycmpc.org

About Joseph L. Balkan Inc.

Balkan Sewer And Water Main Service has been a member of the Subsurface Plumbers since its inception in 1972. Balkan recognizes the importance of being a member in a trusted trade association. David Balkan has been the Vic President of the S.P.A. since 1992.

Joseph L. Balkan Inc. is the largest water main and sewer contractor in NYC performing an average of over 2,000 sewer and water main installations annually. 2012 Marks the 60th year of continuous operation under the same trusted family name for Balkan.

Joseph L. Balkan, Inc. | Sewer and Water Main Specialists
130-01 Jamaica Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 849-0900 | Espanol (718) 943-5720 | Fax: (718) 849-9570

Components of a ball valve

When it comes to operating a ball valve on a water main service line observing a few simple rules when opening and closing the ball valve can prevent damage and unnecessary repair work. In addition operating it correctly will add years of service life.

Opening or closing a ball valve

To open or close a ball type valve on a water line requires only a quarter of one turn. Typically there will be an arrow on the handle to indicate which direction to turn the handle for the desired affect. When opening or closing a ball valve do so slowly as abrupt rushes of water through a plumbing system can cause damage and leaks. Always have a faucet on a top floor of the building open to monitor water flow and let air escape when water is being introduced back into the plumbing system.

Helpful tip: If a ball valve is not ‘exercised‘  once in awhile (opened and closed) it may become frozen in place and hard to move. Never try to force the handle to move, or apply jolting force. If some extra leverage is needed place an ‘extension’ on the handle and apply steady even pressure – An extension on the handle should open the valve safely and easily. Many item can be used as an extension such as a short piece of 1 1/2″ or 2″ pipe placed directly over and around the handle.

Helpful tip #2: Most times when a ball valve for a water line is damaged it is caused by over-turning the handle. Never turn the valve handle more than 1/4 of a turn- If exceptional resistance is met you are probably turning the handle in the wrong direction!

About ball valves

‘Full port‘ ball valves should used at all times – this means that the opening inside the body is the full size of the valve inlet and outlet so there is no reduction in the flow of water. A ball valve is much more dependable than a gate type valve and fool-proof. In addition is is rated higher and able to withstand much greater pressures. Because there is no ‘stem’ inside the valve raising or lowering a ‘valve gate’ it is very unlikely to ever fail or break. Most NYC water main contractors prefer to use a ball valve as the main control valve on all domestic water service lines up to 2″ in diameter.

Joseph L. Balkan, Inc. | Sewer and Water Main Specialists
130-01 Jamaica Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 849-0900 | Espanol (718) 943-5720 | Fax: (718) 849-9570

This article was written by David Balkan as a helpful guide and is the sole property of Joseph L. Balkan Inc.

Inner workings of a gate valve

When it comes to operating a valve on a main water line observing a few simple rules when opening and closing the valve can prevent damage and unnecessary repair work. Additionally operating a main control valve properly will add years of service life.

Opening a gate valve for a main water line

Click to enlarge

The proper way to open a gate valve is to gently turn the handle counter-clockwise (to the left) without applying excessive force – do not ‘jerk’ the handle. A typical 1″ main control valve for a water line will take about six full turns to fully open.  Stop turning as soon as there is any resistance. Turning the handle or stem too far with excessive pressure can cause damage and very often will cause a leak.

Helpful tip: If you meet resistance when trying to open a main control valve loosen the packing nut one turn. The packing nut is on top of the gate valve body. That will allow the stem to move more easily. Always remember to tighten the packing nut after you are finished opening or closing the water to prevent a leak.

Helpful tip #2: If there is no water in the plumbing system when opening the valve always open a faucet on the top floor of the building to let air escape from the plumbing system. Air left in the plumbing can cause ‘water hammer’ and blow apart piping causing considerable damage.

Closing a gate valve for a main water line

Click to enlarge photo

Applying excessive pressure to a gate valve to make it close “all the way” has the effect of bending the gate, its seat or seal and doing permanent damage. Sometimes excessive pressure or jerking the handle will cause the stem to snap – Excessive pressure will cause the valve to break in the closed position and cut off the water supply to the property.

Helpful tip: If a gate will not close the flow of water fully never apply excessive force. Frequently debris or sediment may accumulate inside the body of the gate valve preventing the gate from fully closing. With a faucet open inside the building gently work the valve handle open and closed to flush out the sediment of debris. In most cases this will allow the valve to fully close – Never try to force the gate to close by using excessive pressure or force. If the water flow still will not stop call a licensed plumber – Never risk damage to your property!

 This article is written by David Balkan as a helpful guide for the general public and is the sole property of Joseph L. Balkan Inc.

Joseph L. Balkan, Inc. | Sewer and Water Main Specialists
130-01 Jamaica Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 849-0900 | Espanol (718) 943-5720 | Fax: (718) 849-9570

NYC water line replacement

Performing NYC water main and sewer repair work in the Wintertime poses special challenges. Property owners need assurance that sewer and water main work performed in harsh weather conditions will meet the same high standards as work done under normal weather conditions at other times of the year. For a water main and sewer contractor to make sure that happens requires special care, special tools, and equipment.

NYC Water Main Repair Work Done To Code

In the coldest NYC winter the frost level may reach 3′ deep. Water main repair work done properly means that any main water line must be a minimum of 3 1/2′ deep – below the frost line. In addition a water main repair requires that the water line be a minimum of 6″ away from other utility lines. In some cases an underground gas line can freeze the area surrounding it in the Wintertime. A quality water main repair requires attention to important details like these.

Specialty Pipe Insulation

Felt Insulation

Felt insulation

In NYC where multiple underground utility lines may be present installing a water main 3 1/2′ deep may not always be possible. In those rare cases that mandate a shallow installation special felt insulation is used and then wrapped in a water proof plastic covering. In addition steel plates should be carefully placed over shallow main water line installations to absorb vibration and for added protection.

In unoccupied buildings it is advisable to leave the curb valve off, or insulate the exposed portion of the water main inside an unheated basement. Details like these may be overlooked by an inexperienced NYC water main contractor resulting in a frozen water main and property damage.

Specialty Concrete Mix And Protection

Cement Additive

Concrete curing blanket

Doing high quality cement work in sub-freezing conditions presents special challenges. Hot water and anti-hydro should be used in proper proportions to mix the concrete – this makes the concrete set up faster and requires less water. Using a curing blanket and anti-hydro allows for cement work to be performed in weather as cold as 15 degrees. Curing concrete is a chemical reaction that creates heat, covering it with a special concrete curing blanket will ensure a quality finished product.  

Curing blanket covering cement work

Sidewalk cement by Balkan

Proper Asphalt Paving

Balkan heated body dump truck

Hot exhuast piped to dump body

Exhaust piping close-up

Even a highly experienced paving crew needs some assistance to perform high quality paving in cold weather conditions. Placing hot asphalt in a regular dump truck on a very cold day will result in unusable product and a poor paving job in just a few hours. In the winter a heated-body dump truck should be used to pave excavations made during sewer repair or water main repair work. Using a heated-body truck enables timely road paving even in harsh weather conditions that will be long-lasting. Performing timely restoration also prevents liabilities such as trip-and-falls and damage to vehicles.

Why Balkan Sewer And Water Main?

Balkan provides a devotion to superior NYC water main repair and sewer repair work year-round utilizing specialty tools, equipment, and materials for all NYC water main repair and sewer repair jobs. No detail is overlooked – there are good reasons that 2012 is Balkan’s 60th year of continuous operation under the same trusted family name. When is comes to NYC sewer repair and water main repair work ‘Balkan provides answers not excuses’.

Joseph L. Balkan, Inc. | Sewer and Water Main Specialists
130-01 Jamaica Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 849-0900 | Espanol (718) 943-5720 | Fax: (718) 849-9570

Aerial View Of Balkan Birthday Cake

Balkan pulled out all the stops to celebrate it’s 60th birthday including using some of it’s specialty equipment to help get the job done. Utilizing a patented cake roof support system, specialty mixer, and cake hoisting truck, a 2,500 pound birthday cake was made and hoisted onto the roof of the building. No small task – but Balkan can handle almost any specialty job. Thanks to great relations with it’s vendors a specialty cake mix was utilized that is weather resistant, long-lasting, and delicious as well.

Specialty Mixer

Balkan Cake Being Hoisted Onto Roof

Balkan Sewer And Water Main was assisted in preparing for the celebration by it’s entire staff – It’s not every day that you turn 60. An actual 1/16 scale model of the roof cake was shared and enjoyed by all.

Candles Are Installed And Lit

1/16 Scale Model Of Birthday Cake

But seriously……………………………..

Joe Balkan founded Joseph L. Balkan Inc. in 1952 and started out in East New York with about $900.00 of capital and tremendous determination. Little did he know that by sticking to his word and performing high quality sewer repair and water main repair work his name would be renowned in the NYC sewer and water main industry 60 years later. His sons Paul and David carry on Joe’s principals of service, quality, and integrity in all sewer and water main work they perform to this very day.

From a small storefront to a 48,000 square foot facility, from two crews to over a dozen sewer repair and water main repair crews, Balkan is the premier sewer and water main contractor in NYC. Our 60th  year of continuous operation under the same trusted family name proves it.

Balkan Plumbing Circa 1952

Main Offices 2012

Joseph L. Balkan, Inc. | Sewer and Water Main Specialists
130-01 Jamaica Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 849-0900 | Espanol (718) 943-5720 | Fax: (718) 849-9570

Sewer Repair

NYC sewer repair and water main repair work can now be attended to much sooner than ever before.  The NYC DEP and NYC DOT recently implemented an electronic permit system for water main and sewer contractors. The new system cuts the time to secure a permit from what once was up to three days to frequently under three hours. The benefits of the electronic permit system are many-fold, but most importantly NYC property owners can now routinely receive service for sewer and water main issues within 24 hours.

In the past if the NYC DEP issued a ‘Three Day Notice‘ for a water main repair or sewer repair violation the permit process itself could take three days – there was no way for a property owner or contractor to comply with the notice. All the while valuable water was lost due to a leak, roadways were being washed out, or raw sewage continued to leach underground or inside a property. Additionally valuable DEP and DOT manpower was wasted by trying to process water main or sewer repair permits instead of performing other valuable duties.

Electronic Permits

Another outcome is that errors on the permit forms are addressed more quickly via the electronic system. In the past Permit Expeditors for the sewer repair and water main repair contractor would trek back and forth from a water main and sewer contractors office to the various borough offices of the NYC DEP and NYC DOT over and over again. Not only was valuable time lost, but expense to the property owner was added to the water main repair or sewer repair job.

Sometimes ‘Big Government‘ gets it right

NYC- City Hall

In this era we may frequently feel that ‘big government’ is completely out of touch with our problems and needs whether we are residents or business owners. However in the case of switching to an electronic permit system for NYC DEP and NYC DOT permits ‘big government’ got it right. Both NYC agencies implemented the changes in a professional manner having industry meetings, classes, and testing the system slowly before going fully ‘live’. Intelligence, professionalism, and consideration for private industry were all part of the process. Kudos to the NYC DEP and NYC DOT for a job well-done, the property owners of NYC  and the sewer and water main repair industry appreciates it.

Joseph L. Balkan, Inc. | Sewer and Water Main Specialists
130-01 Jamaica Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 849-0900 | Espanol (718) 943-5720 | Fax: (718) 849-9570

Charlotte Pipe - The Clear Choice

Not only is Charlotte Pipe making a super high quality product which is the only extra heavy cast iron sewer pipe that Balkan will use, but they are environmentally friendly as well. Not too often does a company completely ‘get it right’ – but Charlotte does. From an extremely safe workplace and well paying jobs, to a high quality product and modern facilities as well. For all of these reasons Charlotte extra heavy cast iron sewer pipe is the only material used to back Balkan’s unconditional 10 year guarantee on NYC sewer line replacement work.

Charlotte Plastic Pipe Plant

‘Buying American’ in this global economy may seem old fashioned or corny but many times it is the right choice for contractors and their valued clients. Sometimes as in the case of sewer pipe it may mean a contractor pays more for a higher quality material. But having full faith in a sewer line replacement or other installation means having full faith in the materials used. In addition it is comforting to believe that you are not taking part in irrevocably poisoning and polluting the environment.

Courtesy of China Digital Times

Chinese pipe factory

Frequently when a NYC sewer contractor seeks all means possible to save a buck or cut corners it shows up in their finished product – your sewer line replacement or sewer repair. Ask your sewer contractor who made their sewer pipe – not who imported their sewer pipe. 

Pollution in China

Joseph L. Balkan, Inc. | Sewer and Water Main Specialists
130-01 Jamaica Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 849-0900 | Espanol (718) 943-5720 | Fax: (718) 849-9570

NYC DEP Violation

When the DEP shuts off a NYC water main service line it can cause a lot of distress. Imagine if it’s Christmas time, and the line shut is a Queens water main servicing a Church. When a very bad leak exists even a Church during the Holidays can have their  service line shut and be issued a NYC DEP Ten Day Notice.

When this call came in on Christmas day Balkan responded immediately and worked with the Church’s inside plumber to provide a temporary  connection from another service line nearby. Water was restored by Balkan in a couple of hours even though the Church had not yet decided to hire Balkan. No matter the time of day or time of year Balkan is a NYC sewer and water main contractor that can be counted on.

St. Gerard Majella

When the St. Gerard Majella Parish and school in Hollis did make their hiring decision their licensed inside plumber contacted Balkan and work was commenced and finished the very next day. This included all required permits and a new tap connection into the NYC water main. With the New Years Holiday soon to follow final restoration of all disturbed surfaces was performed within 24 hours of the completion of the water line replacement. Providing this type of service for a Queens main water line is routine for an experienced company like Balkan – it is what their client shave come to expect throughout Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx.

What is a temporary water connection?

Main Water Line Installation

Water Service Disconnected From Tap

There are occasions when a main water line is shut in the roadway due to a leak or for other reasons. Frequently a temporary connection can be made to restore service to the entire affected building’s plumbing system. If done properly heat and hot water will be restored from this connection as well.

Garden Hose Connection

A water line connection for temporary service can frequently be provided using a garden hose and a coupling to connect between two houses outside hose cock connections. The entire process takes about 20 minutes – but it is important to close the main control valve for the property with the broken water main or the water will leak back out. In the Winter time it is important to keep the water running a bit to prevent the temporary line from freezing.

In other cases such as the Parish school above there may be more than one main water line. Typically this is when there is a dedicated main water  line for fire protection and another main water line for domestic use. Frequently there are Tees or outlets that can be inter-connected inside the building to restore service to a property. Again it is very important to close the main control valve for the broken water main or the water will leak back out through the break in the line.

In many cases Balkan Sewer And Water Main Service will provide temporary connections to property owners in distress as a courtesy and free of charge. Exceptions would be when  excessive labor is required, then a nominal charge would be applied – but never with an obligation to hire. Helping out a property owner in distress is a courtesy Balkan frequently provides as a ‘good will’ gesture.

For more information read this informative post: NYC Water Main Break.

Joseph L. Balkan, Inc. | Sewer and Water Main Specialists
130-01 Jamaica Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 849-0900 | Espanol (718) 943-5720 | Fax: (718) 849-9570