FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

I called a plumber to repair a leaking bathtub faucet. He found the newly installed cartridge was clogged with pieces of what appeared to be pipe liner. He pulled pieces out of the cartridge and the pipes flushing the line to that bathroom 4 times until the water ran clear. The pieces measure from 1/2 inch to 2.5 inches long. At first, he thought this was from pipe liner used by Fairfax Water. I contacted Fairfax Water and must say they are very responsive. George Hoke, Manager, Security & Safety called me the next day and explained that although Fairfax Water is using pipe liner in some areas, it is not used in this area. He also emailed to me a photo of the metal mesh that is installed in the meter at the curb that would prevent anything from getting through. He even had a Technician come by my house who pulled the mesh screen out from the meter and showed it to me. It was clear it would be impossible for anything this size to get through the screen. The Technician said his only suggestion was a possible problem with my hot water heater. I already knew it was about time to replace my 1998 hot water heater. When the plumber returned the following day he said there is a dip tube in the hot water heater, it was possible that was the source of the problem, he wouldn't know until he installed a new hot water heater so he could take the old one apart. The dip tube turned out to be the source of the problem, the dip tube had deteriorated from almost 4 ft tall (the length of the hot water heater), to only 3.5 inches and what was left of it looked just like the material that had clogged my shower cartridge. I was very impressed with Fairfax Water. Thank you so much, George. I wish I had gotten the Technician's name, both individuals were at all times professional, very responsive, and patiently took the time to answer all my questions.

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