Technical Questions
Minimum residual pressure of 25 psi or no less than 20 psi during instantaneous demand such as fire flow. Maximum pressure is only limited by how much the pipe and/or materials are rated. There is no high pressure limit by regulations.
Plumbing code requires pressure regulators to be installed on services where pressures from the water distribution system are above 80 psi.
There are numerous factors that affect pressures throughout the Commission’s water distribution system, such as: elevation, pump runs, system demands, proximity to elevated storage, etc. Water pressures on the Commission’s distribution system may vary from 25 psi to 170 psi. Due to these possible high pressures, our system is designed and built to withstand pressures of 200 psi.
Due to the possibility/presence of high pressures in water systems throughout the nation, the International Plumbing Code Section 604.8 requires “where water pressure within a building exceeds 80 psi static, an approved water –pressure reducing valve conforming to ASSE 1003 with strainer shall be installed to reduce the pressure in the building water distribution piping to 80 psi static or less.”
The Commission recommends that you have the pressure tested at your home or business and make the necessary improvements to ensure the internal pressure does not exceed 80 psi. The Commission does not and will not take any responsibility for any damage that may result from high interior water pressures.
A Boil Water Advisory is issued in some cases where there has been a disruption in water service. As a safety precaution we advise customers to boil ALL water used for drinking and cooking for a minimum of two minutes, until further notice. This is a safety precaution only, and does not mean that the water is contaminated.
Water will be sampled and tested within 24hours, and you will be notified when there is no longer a need to boil your water. If you ever have any questions about your water please contact our Customer Service Department at 803-359-8373.
The Commission maintains an active Flushing Program. The requirement is to scour all distribution mains on an ongoing cycle. Flushing keeps mains clean by removing debris and build up, and is a key function in maintaining high water quality.
The Commission purchases its water from the City of West Columbia which uses Chloramines as its method of disinfection. Read the Chloramines Fact Sheet for for information.
Most pink staining reported by customers is caused by a pink biofilm. Biofilm is typically composed of many different microorganisms and bacteria held together by biological polymers that improve the ability of bacteria to adhere to and proliferate on wet surfaces.
Unfortunately, biofilms may never be completely eliminated. So what can be done? Keep it dry. Leaking faucets provide moisture for growth. Keep it clean. Good old-fashioned scrubbing is the best solution. For more information on “pink stain” go to (www.awwa.org).
The Commission recommends that you collect the water in a clean cup or glass without allowing the water to enter the drain. Away from the drain, smell the water in the cup/glass to determine if you detect the same odor. This step will help identify if the odor is in the drain or the water.
- If the odor is determined to be in the drain, we recommend disinfecting the drain by pouring approximately 2 cups of undiluted bleach into the drain. Allow the bleach to “sit” in the drain (P trap) for at least 15-20 minutes before flushing with tap water. This will allow concentrated bleach to react with the odor causing bacteria in the drain and hopefully solve the odor problem.
- If you don’t have bleach, use baking soda. Pour about 1 cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by 1 cup of water and let “sit” for 20-30 minutes.
These steps may need to be repeated several times to completely resolve the drain odor. The P trap may also be removed from the piping under the sink and cleaned by hand. Products containing bleach and ammonia should never be mixed!
- It is highly recommended that you flush your water heater. Even if the problem seems to be on a hot and cold water side of plumbing, the common fixtures can be affected.
- Flush all plumbing lines in the house. Similar to a distribution system, the plumbing lines of a structure should be flushed to encourage the freshest water from the system is in the water line. If it has been a while since you used that fixture, it is a good practice to let the cold water run for 30-40 seconds or until the water is noticeably colder. All lines of concern in the house should be flushed one at a time beginning with the fixture closest to the service ending with the fixture furthest the service. When flushing household lines, you should remove the aerators (screens) from the faucets before flushing to help velocity and remove any debris that may be trapped in the line.
If you still need help with any of these issues regarding your water please contact Customer Service at (803)359-8373.
Only flush toilet paper, and waste. You should never flush baby wipes, paper towels, flushable sanitary wipes or anything else other than toilet paper or waste. Items that shouldn’t be flushed cause problems in your plumbing system, the main sewer lines and at the treatment plant. Higher costs in treatment in the end affects your sewer rates. To learn more click here
“FOG” (Fats, Oils and Grease) prevention is what we call it. Cooking grease poured down the drain can block sewer pipelines when it congeals and cause sewer backups and overflow into the environment, and into your home. Follow these steps to help with “FOG”
- Never pour fats, oils or cooking grease down the sink or garbage disposal.
- Pour excess grease into a container with a tight fitting lid and dispose of in your household garbage. Wipe the remaining grease from the pan with a scraper or paper towel.
- Place baskets/strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids, and empty into the trash for disposal.
- Place food scraps in appropriate waste containers rather than into the drain or garbage disposal.