Troubleshooting and Maintenance Flashcards
Determine the cause and solution for RUSTY WATER
Tuberculation - Corrosive, high level of iron causes tuberculation - lines (cast iron) pipes reducing flow (c-value)
Electrolysis can occur when a direct current electrical leak takes place underground, this type of leak is prone to attacking copper pipe. Electrolysis can also occur when two dissimilar metals come in contact with each other.
Fix through flushing
Can fix through sequestering iron - to keep iron dissolved temporarily…. Sequestering does not remove Fe/Mn from the water. Sequestration binds the Fe/Mn in soluble form preventing the compound from oxidizing on contact with air or chlorine. Sequestering prevents staining of plumbing fixtures and discoloration of the water, but a slight metallic taste remains
Red water is due to iron precipitate
Determine the cause and solution for SLIME IN WATER MAINS
Iron bacteria (seems like this is a ground water thing)
fix: shock system through super-chlorination
Hard to get rid of
Hard to reach all dead ends
Determine the cause and solution for UNSAFE SAMPLES
Presence of Coliform
- look for cross connection (could be coming from house, well)
- poor sampling technique.. additional testing will be needed
- Investigate!
Determine the cause and solution for STALE TASTING WATER
Sitting water
- could be part of the area (low demand)
- loop dead ends (expensive)
Fix:
- Use water in our tanks
- Flushing
Determine the cause and solution for ROTTEN EGG ODOR
Hydrogen Sulfide - It is found in deep or shallow wells and also can enter surface water through springs, although it quickly escapes to the atmosphere. (thrives in low oxygen environments like groundwater)
- Fix: Aeration & Carbon Filtration
- A lot of chemistry involved
- Continue chlorination
Identify possible causes for JOINT LEAKS in pipes
Poor installation
High Pressure
Solvent can degrade mechanical seal
Fix: Do thrust blocking
Identify possible causes for BLOW OUTS in pipes
Water Hammer
Poor thrust restraint
Identify possible causes for HORIZONTAL CRACKS in pipes
Compression
Freezing/thawing
Poor materials
What are some methods of leak detection
Same as methods to locate valves and mains
Geophone
Weird ghost needle things
Aquaphone
Discuss how a main break can be isolated on a distribution system so the fewest possible customers are isolated
Isolate via CLOSEST valves
What are ways to stop water flow in a copper service so a leaking curb stop can be fixed
Freeze the line
Crimp (squeeze) the line
Digging and stopping
What are some problems and remedies for low and high water pressure?
Low - won’t be able to supply water for fires, customer complains, back siphonage, angry industrial customers
FIX: fill elevated tanks, turn on booster pumps, clean dirty mains
High - Causes problems with hot water heaters and industry, Causes leaks at seals and joints
FIX: Pressure reducing valve until you can find the cause
What are some possible causes and solution for loss of system pressure
Causes: Power issues, Bad SCADA readings, Main breaks, Open Fire Hydrants, excessive usage, pump failure, tower problem
Solution: fill elevated tanks, turn on booster pumps, clean dirty mains
Describe the procedures to be followed when distribution system pressure is lost in 23% or more of the system
Immediately restore pressure
Turn on booster
Notify DNR
Emergency chlorination or more chlorination
Will have to take Bacti samples in that area
Will have to notify public
Explain the need and methods of maintaining electrical continuity when thawing frozen metallic pipe
Maintain continuity across joints (connect conductive cables)
Metal tip gaskets
WHAT?!
