The Isle of Wight County Public Utilities Division continues to make improvements to the public water system within the County on an annual basis. These improvements typically include replacement of old water meters, replacement of aged service lines from the public water main to the water meter, and the addition of coppersetters.
Please be informed that these improvements are necessary due to the number of maintenance issues experienced in the past several years caused by the age of the system. The addition of the coppersetters will act as a means to prevent water from entering the public water system from the private side of the meter. In other words, by the use of a check valve found in the coppersetter, water that enters the home cannot flow back into the public water main.
Homes that do not currently meet the existing plumbing code may experience increase water line pressures created by their water heater, referred to as thermal expansion. When water is heated, it expands; and since water is not compressible, the extra volume created by expansion can cause system pressure increases.
Plumbing codes require that thermal expansion control be addressed in plumbing systems. A temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is not considered a thermal expansion device. The relief valve is a safety measure to prevent hot water heater explosions; not for constant release of pressure. The International Plumbing Code (IPC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and Standard Plumbing Code all require thermal expansion control to be addressed.
For more information on safeguarding your home from increased pressures due to thermal expansion, please click to view the Thermal Expansion Video.