Emergency Midtown Manhattan Water Main Repair Handled By Balkan

Water Main Service
February 9, 2017

by David Balkan

water line leak

When you require a Manhattan water main repair job, it can frequently be of an emergency nature. In the case of a recent Balkan client, their 2″ water service line had completely ruptured. No only were the occupants of the affected building without water, but their neighbors basements were getting flooded as well. Balkan was chosen to take on this job. Balkan received the go-head late on a Thursday, almost at the end of the workday.

Regardless of the late time Balkan was given the go-ahead, a water main repair crew was still mobilized the very same day. In this case a crew arrived on the scene to service the client that very same night. Being flexible to your needs as a client, and your neighbors as well, is a Balkan hallmark. When you hire Balkan Sewer And Water Main Service we aim to not only please you, but to exceed your expectations. We act as your personal Ambassador.  Being respectful and professional to your neighbors, your tenants, and your clients, is all part of the package when you hire Balkan.

Manhattan water main repair
Midtown Manhattan water main leak

Not all Manhattan water main leaks are created equal

Not all leaks are the same, some leaks are much worse than others. The 1st step to successfully completing a Manhattan water main repair is closing off the leaking water, sometimes easier said than done. That can mean staying calm, professional, and courteous, even under chaotic circumstances. This particular leak on West 30th Street did most certainly qualify as a chaotic situation.

In this particular case using a 3″ pump did little to lower the water level in the tap hole. After adding a second 3″ pump, and a third 3″ pump the water level still would not lower inside the excavation. It seems that the 2″ connection and the water service line itself had completely separated. That meant the 2″ wet connection on the 20″ city main was leaking water with full force into the open excavation. This was too much water for even three 3″ pumps to handle. A seemingly “unbeatable leak” was when the Balkan Team rose to the occasion.

Manhattan water main repair
Water line severs off of the connection

A novel solution for a Manhattan water main leak

After an incredible but futile effort by the Balkan repair crew, which included working almost 24 hours around-the-clock, it took the addition of a fourth high-volume pump and an ingenious solution to solve the issue. After the broken connection was exposed, a 4″ section of pipe was brought to the job site. Then the  4″ section of pipe was placed directly over the connection. By using the 4″ pipe to direct the leaking water out of the hole, only then did the water level in the hole drop. Only then could the 2″ wet connection be closed, finally stopping the leak. Balkan then made a temporary connection to the end of the service line, restoring water service for the weekend.

By providing four high-volume water pumps, and a little ingenuity, Balkan avoided the DEP having to shut down a section of NYC main water line in Midtown Manhattan. Closing the affected section of the city main would have meant the unexpected loss of water service for many businesses, and on a Friday afternoon no less.Manhattan water leak

A surprising solution for an emergency leak

Completing a Manhattan water main repair

When a Manhattan water main repair or replacement is needed, frequently the NYC DOT will limit the work hours to the sensitive area of the work. This job on West 3oth Street was such a case. Once a “hard copy” permit was secured, the work hours were limited to weekends only. As a matter of fact, in some cases work must be performed nights only. So when you need this type of work, you can rest assured that Balkan will be available for you weekends, night, or even 24/7. In this case, it was a combination of 24/7, and then weekends. That means a water main repair company has to routinely be highly flexible in order serve their clients needs.

leaking tap connection
It takes skill and determination to work under these circumstances

Over two following weekend days, the Balkan Manhattan water main repair crew completed the installation. This is an example why if you are a Manhattan property owner, property manager, or other professional making a hiring decision, knowing which plumber to call is vital. Calling Balkan will assure you of a timely and professional solution every single time, and under any circumstance.

The year 2017 marks Balkan’s 65th year of serving New Yorkers, another reason to rest assured you’re in good hands. For your added peace of mind Balkan provides free and no-obligation site visits seven days a week, and after hours as well. Contact Balkan Sewer And Water Main to receive professional, courteous service, and expert advice.

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David Balkan

David Balkan is the CEO of Balkan Sewer And Water Main, the largest and most trusted service in New York City. David is extremely active in various NYC plumber organizations being the Chairman of the Subsurface Committee in the Master Plumbers Council, and Vice President of the Subsurface Plumbers Association. In addition David’s expertise is respected by officials of New York City agencies such as the NYC DEP, NYC DOB, and the NYC DOT. He frequently provides valuable input on a variety of industry related matters.

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