Troubleshooting:
Q. My water looks
"dirty". How can I get it to clear up?
Try
running the cold water only* for 10 to 15 minutes, just at one
faucet. When the cold
water no longer looks dirty, turn on the hot water and run it until the water is
clear.
(*By not running the hot water until
the cold runs clear, you'll keep discolored water out of the hot water tank.)
Q. Why is my water
"milky" colored?
This is
probably caused by air in the water. You can check by filling a glass with
water. If the bubbles rise to the top, it is air. To remove air from the line,
try running a faucet at the highest location in the house, usually a second
floor bathroom, for about 15 minutes. If the problem persists, call us at (716)
593-3333.
Q. What are the white particles clogging my faucets?
This may be the result of the filler
tubes in some hot water heaters breaking down. It's most likely to happen with
newer water heaters, those less than 4 or 5 years old. The plastic in the filler
tubes sometimes breaks down into granules that look like powdered soap.
According to filler tube manufacturers, the problem has been solved. A
replacement tube is available and can be easily installed by a plumber or handy
homeowner.
Q. My water seems to be running slowly, what is the
cause?
Try to determine if the problem is
only with one faucet. If so, it may be a plugged faucet filter screen. You can
unscrew the screen and clean it.
If more than one faucet has low
pressure the cause may be one of the following:
- The shutoff valve (located before the meter) may
be open only 1 or 2 turns. Open the valve all the way.
- There is a problem with the supply line. Check to
see if your neighbors are having the same problem with their water flow.
(It's a good idea to do this before calling a plumber!) If the problem
affects more than your house, call us at (716) 593-3333.
- The pressure regulator (if you have one) may not
be working properly. You will need a plumber to test and replace the valve.
Q. How do I check for toilet leaks?
Toilets can be checked for leaks in
the following ways:
- Put a few drops of food coloring into the toilet
tank. Wait for about 1/2 hour. If the food coloring appears in the toilet
bowl, you have a leak. The stopper in the tank toilet bowl is usually the
cause. It may not be sealing properly or it is worn and needs to be
replaced.
- Remove the lid from the tank and flush the
toilet. Once the tank is filled check to see if water is still running in
the bowl or if you continue to hear water running. If so, check the water
level in the tank. If the water level is above the overflow pipe, you are
losing water. Put a little powder in the tank to check this. If water is
leaking out the overflow pipe, the powder will disappear. The float then
needs to be adjusted or replaced. Keep the water level at 1/2" to
1" below the top of the overflow pipe or as indicated on the pipe or
tank itself.
Q. Where is my shutoff valve located?
The valve is normally just ahead of
the meter on the wall facing the street at the point where the water service
pipe enters the building.
Q. How do I treat my water in an emergency?
Boiling is the surest way to make
water safe to drink. Vigorous boiling for one minute will kill any
disease-causing microorganisms in water. The flat taste of boiled water can be
improved by pouring it back and forth from one container to another to
aerate it, by allowing it to stand in the refrigerator for a few hours, or by
adding a pinch of salt for each quart of water boiled.
For additional information visit The
Office of Drinking Water.
Q. I don't have any water, has it been shut off for
non-payment?
If you have received a delinquency
notice and have not made arrangements by the shut-off date, your service
probably has been shut off. Call the office at (716) 593-4950 during normal
business hours (8:30 to 4:30). If you account is current, your water may be off
for emergency
repair work. (See the line Q&A page.)
GO TO THE TOP OF
THE PAGE
     | 
WELLSVILLE
WATER TREATMENT PLANT
