§ 98-37. Service pipes and service lines.

(a)

All service pipes and service lines, on either public or private property, as permitted in this article, shall be laid on solid ground not less that five feet below the established grade of the street or six feet below pavement grade. Service lines laid in the trench with a sewer connection shall be at least 18 inches distant horizontally from such sewer connection, and, if the sewer is laid at a greater depth, shall be laid on a shelf or solid earth so as to be supported independently of the support of such sewer connection.

(b)

That portion of the service pipe from the main to the water meter shall be of copper, or some other material of like corrosion resistant nature, not less than ¾ inch in diameter approved by the city manager. All service pipe two inches and less in diameter shall be laid five feet or more beneath the surface of the ground. All service pipe shall be brought to the required depth as soon as possible after leaving the tap. All joints in copper pipe shall be a least ¾ inch, extra heavy round way service pipe, and shall be flare joints. Service cocks shall be stop type or ball valve types and shall be placed between the curb and sidewalk line. The stop box shall be set so that the cover is level with the surrounding sidewalk or lawn, and must be set on a brick or concrete foundation to prevent settlement. The lid of the box shall be marked with the word "water." No service pipe shall be laid on a fill unless supported in such a manner that the settlement of such fill will not affect such pipe.

(c)

A separate ball valve cock shall be placed on the service pipe just inside the building wall on both side of the water meter; such stops shall be equal to the service cock.

(d)

The corporation cock, the service pipe from the main to the service cock, the service cock, and stop box, eight feet off the property line, will be provided in place and maintained by the water department after payment of the connection fee. The service line from the service cock to the building on private property shall be installed and properly maintained by the owner and shall be inspected by the utility at the time of installation. The owner shall keep the stop box free from dirt, stones, or other substances that will prevent access to the service cock.

(e)

All service lines on private property and all water piping in all premises shall be installed by the property owner or a plumber licensed under law. Licensed plumbers shall not interfere in any way with service pipes installed by the water department and shall not be permitted to turn water on or off at the service cock, except for the purpose of testing their work, in which case, after the test is made, the service cock shall be left in the same condition and position as they found it. Any plumber called upon to shut off water and drain pipes in any premises shall do so inside the building only.

(f)

If water service pipe is introduced into the premises to supply fire hydrants, automatic sprinklers, or other fixtures to be used for the suppression of fires, a valve shall be placed on such connections as specified in subsection (b) of this section and no connections will be permitted on such pipes whereby water may be used for any other purpose on the premises. Private fire hydrants shall be sealed and treated as sealed valves. Sealed valves shall be opened in case of fire only, and when so opened, the water office shall be notified within 24 hours and the valve shall then be sealed by an employee of the city. A sealed valve shall not be required when an approved indicator check or fire service meter is installed.

(g)

One meter only shall be allowed on a single water service pipe.

(h)

In the case of a leaking water service line between the curb stop and the meter, notice shall be given based on the volume of leakage, and if not corrected, water service shall be terminated until repairs are completed.

(i)

Freezing problems between the curb stop and the meter, and including the meter, shall be the responsibility of the customer/owner. All services rendered by system employees to thaw a frozen service will be billed to the customer/owner. Charges will be based on actual costs for labor, supplies, equipment, and administration.

(j)

When a service has been out of service more than 12 months, a new tap fee shall be charged to re-establish service, unless otherwise determined by the city manager.

(Ord. No. 01-307, § 1, 4-2-2001)