Dallas woman claims city is responsible for $8K in damages caused by worker

A woman in Dallas is struggling to flush her toilets and use her sinks, claiming city workers are responsible for damaging her plumbing system.

[@HuntMountain06]

Way more to this story than “the city changed the meter”.

[@loligagger85]

she has no leaks or issues. Higher better flow/ pressure send sediment down line. So everything works but she needs a $8 toilet float assembly. She needs an honest contractor to fix a few things for $100. debris is normal for new lines. more flow. this clogs up valve assemblies. EASY FIX. poor lady!

[@Stan_in_Shelton_WA]

There is also the issue of the picture of a crushed line at the meter. If the pipe looks like that there will be reduced water flow volume. Always flush lines after repairs or alterations. The valve can typically be cleaned and not need replacing. Definitely an ignorant news story and property owner, toilets are slow to fill by design.

[@jimwile9313]

100 percent on the water department. Pipes don't last forever, but they aren't built to withstand a water hammer. Even when new. Sue the crap out of the city. When we swapped out meters you always hooked a vent pipe to blow out the valve line before you hooked up to the user's water line. That prevents this problem.

[@jimwile9313]

I see a lot of questions about how replacing a meter can cause this problem. First of all, you don't replace meters without notifying the resident. First step is turn off the house side control valve and make certain the person inside knows to shut off all water use inside and outside of the house. (That prevents air gaps building up which cause a water hammer. Then turn off pressure on the street side (we sometimes had to pinch off the copper pipe or turn it off at a main valve.) You then do the physical meter replacement, but you don't connect the service side. You turn all water back on at the main side and have a blow off vent to take care of the air and sand in the system. Let it flow a minute, shut the water off at the meter and reconnect the service side. Turn water on at the house and then slowly open the service valve till all air is vented from the system. Reset the meter housing and replace any disturbed soil. You NEVER replace a meter without having access to the water on the service side.

[@shoktroop]

Welcome to ghetto city work.

[@mickey2201]

City of Dallas do the right thing Pay for all repairs and damages

[@programmer437]

Homeowners insurance???

[@elimarx1176]

Sue the city for negligence. In my opinion and NOT legal advice. Here is something you may want to read. Relevant Laws and Procedures Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA): Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 101 governs the process for filing claims against governmental entities in Texas, including cities. The TTCA provides a limited waiver of sovereign immunity, allowing individuals to sue for property damage caused by the negligent actions of a government employee acting within the scope of their employment. Notice Requirement: Under Section 101.101 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, you must provide notice of your claim to the city within six months of the incident. The notice must include: A description of the damage or injury. The time and place of the incident. A description of the incident. Some cities, including Dallas, may have shorter notice periods specified by their city ordinances, so it’s important to check local requirements. Filing a Claim with the City of Dallas: Before filing a lawsuit, you should file a formal claim with the City of Dallas. The city typically requires you to submit a claim form detailing the incident and the damages. This form can usually be obtained from the city’s website or the city clerk’s office. City of Dallas Claims Process: The City of Dallas has a Risk Management Division that handles claims against the city. You should contact this division to determine the specific process and obtain the necessary forms. Potential Legal Action: If the city denies your claim or fails to respond, you may then file a lawsuit in the appropriate court. The lawsuit would allege negligence on the part of the city worker and seek damages for the cost of repairing the water line and any additional damages incurred. Steps to Take Document the Damage: Take photos and detailed notes of the damage to your water line and any related property damage. Collect any repair estimates or bills. File a Notice of Claim: File a notice of claim with the City of Dallas within the required time frame, providing all necessary information about the incident and the damage. Follow Up: Follow up with the city’s Risk Management Division to ensure your claim is being processed. Conclusion You can sue the City of Dallas if a city worker damages your water line, but you must follow the specific procedures outlined in the Texas Tort Claims Act and any applicable city ordinances. Providing timely notice and documenting all aspects of the damage and incident are critical steps in this process.

[@bobroberts2371]

Care to offer specifics as to what the damage was, the exact location and how it would affect the plumbing inside the house? Why would the bathroom sink need to be removed if the alleged damage was at the meter?

[@haphazardprism]

Everything was leaking? Only a heavy water hammer effect could do that. Dirt in the lines isnt good, because its contaminated for one. Two theres a obvious break. Its kinked off and cracked somewhere. I dont see dirt coming in from a loose fitting. That dirt will settle in low lying lines and elbows too.

[@blaydCA]

They must have introduced too much large debris in the service line during the change out, which then fouled the regulator. A failed regulator combined with a crimped line will present: Low flow with demand AND High pressure when there is no demand. Repair the crimp Flush the lines. Leak check Replace the regulator Replace /repair affected fixtures/valves

[@user-vf6ru8gm9p]

How can it be the city if she has clean running water in the tub to fill the bucket but the toilet doesn't produce water.

[@danmessina6260]

They destroyed her plumbing by not installing meter using correct procedures. They never had access to the shutoff in her house. You don't replace a meter unless you have access to the inside shutoff.

[@Stan_in_Shelton_WA]

@@danmessina6260 All this hype about destroyed plumbing is rubbish. A few grains of sand in a toilet valve is easily cleaned out. the picture of a crushed water line at the meter is an easy fix that needs to be done.

[@blaydCA]

​@@danmessina6260 They replace meters on live lines all the time. They may well have butchered the install however. I’ve had multiple meters replaced in multiple towns and cities. Never had a problem, and certainly NO crimped lines.

[@randyblackburn9765]

The copper appears to be kinked and this confusing photo must be in the meter box because old meter gaskets are visible. If this is causing restricted water flow it’s a pretty simple fix and not 8 grand .Changing the meter didn’t remove the sink in the vanity and far as sediment in toilet tank , most toilets have that .If water company drastically increased water pressure and no pressure reducing valve was downstream or if no longer working then it could have caused a leak issue.

[@duotronic6451]

Sediment gets pushed into home after maintenance. Flush fixtures. Fix that kink wherever it is. 😂😂😂

[@gottagift]

double check the dates on them service bills she produced. I gotta sneaking suspicion about this one. Damages throughout the house are typically caused by a hard freeze. as for the exterior picture of the pipe in the ground, there is constriction that will impede water flow. But it simply isn't going to cause problem like this lady is portraying. They more likely improved her water flow which caused previous problems to become apparent.

[@WilliamPozo]

yeah.. pressure went up and caused interior issues. Common issue whenever the city makes changes to the neighborhood service.

[@user-qn8pp6nr6i]

We put air (water) hammers in all commercial buildings but it is always good to put at least one at the end of the line in residential homes. You can build one or buy a mechanical one. Easy to build instead of a 90 or ell use a tee and put an 8 to 12 inch piece of pipe vertical with a cap it prevents the shock it's a cushion hence air hammer

[@wittydisplayname1761]

My understanding is that plumbers have gotten away from building water hammers as over time the air in the vertical tube will dissolve into the water and it will no longer work.

[@michelbrodeur6055]

Let us all know what comes of this travisty

[@user-ln7of9gs4s]

This is the worst reporting ever. I see a thumbnail of a kinked pipe, but no mention where that is. All I see is one tiny clip showing water coming out slow, but no one can tell how far the valve is open. No mention too on why it would cost so much to get a kink in a pipe replaced, when it looks like a quick and easy fix to cut out a section of pipe and replace. What exactly is damaged on the cities side? 🤷‍♂️

[@Zacht1980]

city's

[@dmo848]

They gave her what's called a water hammer. It's when you open the water valve main 2 quick when refilling the line to the main. Yeah I've seen this before cause I've caused it before. Also this woman's pipes were on the way out that means. So yes fault on both parts. Pipes don't last forever.😢

[@jimwile9313]

Then you weren't trained correctly. We always vented to the air after replacing meters and had special hook ups for that purpose. Did the job for years and never blew anyone's pipes out.

[@ronbarnhardt5201]

You know how those random vandals are concreting the water meter boxes.... Dang it now they can't read the meter... I hate when they do that...🤣😂😆

[@makerspace533]

A plumber who is not careful can get dirt in your water line. The dirt blocks up valves, especially the float valves in toilet tanks. Just replace the float vales and that should clear the toilet problems. Plumbers are as bad as HVAC guys when it comes to overcharging. You need someone on your side to make sure that doesn't happen. Maybe there's a handyman at Church that can help. Don't expect the city to help, you would be wasting your time.

[@81recinos]

City worker /water department change their meter valves live and they need to remove the meter,wile that is happening the water force will introduce mud,dirt rocks etcetera the city is very responsible for this matter this also contaminates drink water to this home

[@Jermsy212]

In my experience, the city won’t flat out say “no we’re not paying for repairs” unless they can prove they are not responsible. This probably already went through all the management in the water department and through risk management and they have proof it’s not their fault. This just sounds like she had a leak and is mad that the new meter is accurate enough to catch it.

[@christopherwilkinson4503]

Cival suit

[@longdonpiano]

Thats texas infrastructure for ya. This is what happens when you privitize utilities, lol

[@yourfriendfarming758]

Water hammer. Worker didn’t turn the valve on slowly.

[@bobroberts2371]

None of this makes sense that changing a meter can cause this.

[@vulcan2882]

she was told they were changing the meter, a lot of these companies have caused so many problems for people for years.

[@bobroberts2371]

@@vulcan2882 Please explain how changing the meter caused any failure in the house?

[@tetrabromobisphenol]

You're assuming the city workers are telling the truth about the scope of the work that was done...

[@akt2603]

@@bobroberts2371 The simple act of turning on the water to quickly can cause what's called 'Water Hammer' that can damage pipes and fittings up the line. The photo looks like they crimped the connecting pipe. Seized fittings can require a bit of torque to break free.

[@danho3778]

@@tetrabromobisphenol and you assumed that she is telling the truth that all the pipe is in perfect condition. Outside work cause inside leak??? Her piping are probably very old and she just want a payout.

[@Stan_in_Shelton_WA]

More garbage reporting.

[@johnevans1969]

This news anchor lady is absolutely GORGEOUS 😍 ❤ ♥ 💖

[@jamesn4508]

NYC plumber here. Faucet was left in on position by homeowner when city was replacing meter. Water was restored, water spilled out of sink and flooded house while homeowner was out for the day. Low water pressure is from kink in the line which may or may not have been caused by city. I would wager that homeowner was looking for an opportunity to fix kinked water line and city changing the meter story was perfect. No municipality in the United States of America is going to interrupt water service without multiple warnings/ notices/ advanced notice.

[@_DB.COOPER]

Totally her fault, not the cities.

[@user-ln7of9gs4s]

Don’t jump to co conclusions. This worthless news report doesn’t even say where that kink is.

[@JayValle-nw7wr]

Female anchor need to start a fanspage❤❤❤

[@jasonwinters2708]

How did the workers damage the plumbing in your house by working on the meter outside absolutely makes no sense I believe you're trying to get something for nothing

[@tetrabromobisphenol]

It makes perfect sense it the workers were careless and allowed mud/sand/debris into the lines while they changed out the meter.

[@PandaMan02]

makes a lot of sense, she was using water, pressure suddenly stopped, she closed her faucets, they turn the water back on, sudden pressure increase stirs up sediment and jackhammers everything in her home with sudden pressure increase.