low water pressure in Bellingham Wa

This pebble was restricting flow into the building. Probably got there from the new water meter install in Bellingham, but what do I know. Fixed it and it's a done deal.

Bellingham Wa pipe corrosion

I had no end of fun with that corrosion. Really wanted to smoke it, but the homeowner stopped me. Stoopid coppers never lets me have fun. Seriously, though, it looks like the pipe is ready to go any second now. Always be aware of your pipes.

Yes, that whole system was replaced.

Threesome in Bellingham

A common job for me comes in threes. The biggest was a sixsome, but that's rare in Bellingham.

Yes, the 20% discount applies. The first toilet is at full cost and the last two was at a 20% discount.

Bellingham threesome

Bellingham Sink

This is one of the oldest sinks I've seen in decades. When I started doing plumbing, it was old and that's saying something.

Yes, it was replaced..

1951 Kohler sink Bellingham WA

1951 Kohler sink Bellingham Wa

1951 Kohler sink drain

New Kohler sink

Water Meters

Had a  phone call from a homeowner who objected to having had to call Bellingham Public Works to shut off his water at his meter. He explained to me that he should be able to shut off his water at his meter any time he wants because it's his water and his water meter.

While meters are new to Bellingham, they aren't new to the rest of the county or even the nation. Go 1" outside of City of Bellingham boundaries and everyone has a water meter. So therefore, like our beloved Traffic Guy, I'll explain the oh-so-obvious facts.

1. It ain't your water meter. The meter belongs to the company/agency/city that sells you water.

2. Since it ain't your water meter, you can't touch it. If you do and it breaks, you're in a World of Hurt. There are fines and much ridicule for breaking their meters. The reason for this seemingly fascist law is that the water meter is attached to the infrastructure that serves everyone else. Again, it ain't your meter.

3. You buy the water only after it passes through the meter. Everything after the meter, is yours: pipes, water, usage, everything.

I did install a water shut off under that caller's house for under $500.00.

Bellingham Wa water meter

Bellingham Wa water meter

New Ball Plumbing Plumbing Truck!

Not really, but if I could afford a new one, I'd get this one:

Here's a picture of a hidden crack in Bellingham. Looks like a stress break, but who knows:

Bellingham Water Pressure Regulator Valve: PRV

So what does a water pressure regulator valve (PRV) look like and where does it go? The valve is put on the main water line before any fixture or hose bib and it's usually located under the building. It's usually all brass, but there's a plastic and brass model that's more common in our little slice of heaven.

I use a double union model (pictured) because it's easier to replace; should only take 5 minutes to do the actual replacement with the same model. Shutting down the water, setting up and crawling to the valve takes some time.

New installs can take up to two hours depending on the job.