Ask the Question

eric pacheco · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Posts: 2

Due to lifes circumstances water services have never being hooked up to a 30+ year mobile home. I am making it possible for this individual to get water into their home for the first time. Do you think that the plumbing and water heater and anything else plumbing/water related in this mobile home may function at start-up? I can just imagine everything blowing up after turning on the water. This is pre HUD mobile home. Should I take the chance or not? What procedures or tests can I do to see if this will work or not? Thank you for your time.

ChrisR · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2003 1:21 am Post subject: Re: Mobile Home

[Do you think that the plumbing and water heater and anything else plumbing/water related in this mobile home may function at start-up?]

Not likely at all. Rubber perishes, springs weaken, metal corrodes, and anything can stick. Things might work for a short while then fail.

[What procedures or tests can I do to see if this will work or not? Thank you for your time.]
The appliances would need a thorough service by someone with knowledge of the appliances who could decide if they are serviceable or not. With respect sir, that may not be you!

Just Bill · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2003 12:29 pm Post subject:

I agree with Chris, a system that has been sitting that long, might(???) hold water initially, but the chances are good that things will quickly fall apart. I would first start by replacing ALL washers, gaskets, etc. If the plumbing is a gray plastic, I would not even attempt putting pressure on it. Polybutyl plumbing has been in many lawsuits over the past 10-15 years. If it is copper, you could pressure test the system before putting water in it, but you could still have problems.