Water/Sewage Problem (San Antonio, Anton: house, transfer, buy)

[b0knows]

Hi San Antonians. I have a problem and was wondering if I could get some advice on where to go and who to get help from.

We moved into our house in San Antonio a few months ago and have noticed a loud motor sound that lasts for about two hours during the night about once a week. After weeks of searching, we finally were able to identify the root cause as our neighbor's sprinkler system. They have their sprinklers set to water from 3-5am every Tuesday morning which is when we would hear the motor noise come on in our house. I checked the water meter outside of the house when their sprinkler was on and sure enough, there is a motor running at the meter, and for whatever reason, that sound gets transferred to the inside of our house.

So my question is, do I call SAWS and see if they can do something to fix the problem or do I contact a plumber?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Hedgehog_Mom]

It sounds like you need to tell your neighbor about the problem and suggest that they have their sprinkler system looked at. They're required to have a backflow prevention valve for the sprinkler system and sometimes if there's low flow through the valve, it can start making noise. It could mean they have a leak somewhere in the sprinkler system.

[b0knows]

Originally Posted by Hedgehog_Mom

It sounds like you need to tell your neighbor about the problem and suggest that they have their sprinkler system looked at. They're required to have a backflow prevention valve for the sprinkler system and sometimes if there's low flow through the valve, it can start making noise. It could mean they have a leak somewhere in the sprinkler system.

Thanks for the reply. It's hard to tell my neighbors that they need to pay for someone to come out for a problem that's not bothering them. Their sprinkler system seems to be working fine, and the only complaint is that we have to deal with the noise issue.

[prim8]

You can try SAWS, but I wouldn't expect them to want to do anything about it even if it were their problem.

If you're not going to ask the neighbor to look into it, I would call a irrigation person or plumber.

If the sound it coming from your neighbors property, the problem is likely there as well, and there's probably nothing you can do on yours that will fix it.

Perhaps talk to the neighbor and explain what is going on and see how they react? If there is a problem, they may be happy you pointed it out to them so they can get it fixed before it becomes a big problem.

[TexasRedneck]

It's hard to imagine a motor making a noise that loud if it's functioning properly. Might just want to knock on their door, explain the situation and ask if they would mind running it so you can BOTH hear what's going on. As mentioned, it might be caused by the backflow device, or even a valve that's not opening fully. You might well be doing him a favor by making him aware of a developing problem that could cost him some $$$ down the road.

[Paka]

HOLY CRAP!!! If they can afford to water for 2 hours every week, they can CERTAINLY afford the backflow device.....OMG, I can not even IMAGINE the wasted water, and the COST of it with these SAWS rates!!! Take your water bill with you to show them when you go speak to them, they will probably buy you dinner with their savings!!!!

[Rustybolt]

Sounds like an adjustment of pressure relief valve on their system might be in order. No motors involved here...just water pressure doing its thing.

[TexasRedneck]

Originally Posted by Rustybolt

Sounds like an adjustment of pressure relief valve on their system might be in order. No motors involved here...just water pressure doing its thing.

Which is why I suggested having them run it while they're both present. It's VERY unusual to run a booster pump w/a sprinkler system on a municipal system (most won't allow it) in the first place - but it's best to actually replicate the sound so all involved know the source. It might not even be on the neighbor's system.

[Rustybolt]

Good advice TR.

[ged_782]

Originally Posted by b0knows

They have their sprinklers set to water from 3-5am every Tuesday morning which is when we would hear the motor noise come on in our house.

Watering hours for SAWS customers using sprinklers is 7-11 AM and 7-11 PM, on designated days. Sounds like your neighbor needs to re-set their timer.