water line replacement

[karyn]

Hi Chrissy,
I'm trying to get an idea on the cost of replacing water lines/sewage in a small park in TX. It was metered a few years ago but the monthly bills are still high. As far as I can find out, the park was built in the early 50's & never had lines replaced. Can you give an idea...I know that the figures will depend largely on what area of the country the park is located.
Thanks,
Karyn

[Lance Nerland]

I am replacing my water lines in my 181 site park. Total cost including tap fees is $125,000.00 I am located in east Tennessee.

[karyn]

Hi Lance,
Thanks for responding. I have a 30 space park on 4.5 acres & am getting some estimates that are ranging anywhere from $20-35K. I have 26 homes & my average water bill is $1300/mo. I'm doing some due diligence & contacted a company that does leak detection...the guy gave me some suggestions before going the water line replacement route & also told me what I should do before the replacement. Have you ever used a leak detection company? The guy says he uses a tracer gas & also a listening device. Of course the larger leaks are going to be easier to locate. He has a plumber's license, charges $1200/day, & doesn't guarantee results, although he says he has averaged in the high 90% success range. If going the replacement route, he mentioned 2 things...make sure they carry adequare liability insurance(he carries 2M ) & having someone like 1-800-dig-test come out to check underground lines before digging. Always good to know.
Karyn

[Lance Nerland]

No, I have never used a leak detection service. Considering the age of the community I would go ahead and replace the lines. You get the benefit of increasing the park's value and you also get to deduct the cost as a capital improvement off your taxes.

I understand prices will vary, and I believe $25-$30 K is a very reasonable price. Do you bill residents seperately or is the water cost included in the lot rent? What is the difference between the water the residents use and your total usage? Also, what is the cost for repair and maintenance of the current system?

My price is so steep because I convinced the city to take care of everything from now on, including all repair and maintenance of the system. If you answer my three questions above, I can give you a much more informed opinion.

[Chrissy Jackson]

Just one thought. If your water lines run under the homes, cost of installation increases significantly if you have to move any homes.

[karyn]

Hi Lance,
Thanks again for replying so soon. The residents are being billed separately for their water & maintenace costs are minimal(probably

[Lance Nerland]

Never install water lines under homes if you can avoid it. My park has the main line running under homes. Last summer it broke creating a hole that was 6 ft. wide ans 3 ft. deep. Thank goodness it was not under a home. I am ending up abandoning it.

[Pendragon]

If each home has it's own meter, you can replace the meters with newer ones that have trickle gauges on them. The meters are about $50 each (probably less in bulk). They have a small spinner on them, if any water is moving, even a drip, the spinner will move. Get everyone to NOT use their water during a specific time, say, 2pm to 2:30pm, then check the spinner for each home. The one that is moving has the leak.

If none are moving, then it could be the main line before the metering station.

Aside from that, not knowing what your water rates are, or if they include sewage fees or not, your info says each home is about $50 a month (1300 / 26), which sounds about right if it includes sewage, but of course, is way too high for just water. May also be commercial rates vs residential rates.