THE LAWRENCE LIFT
July 2016
Do you know where your main water shut off valve is located? If you spring a leak in your home, how quickly could you shut the water off? Every home should have a shut off valve located at the point where the main water service comes into the structure. They are usually located in garages or utility rooms just upstream of the water heater. If you do not know where yours is located, it would be a good idea to contact your plumber and have him or her show you where it is located. It is also a good idea to make sure this and other valves, such as the valves for your sink and toilet supply lines (or other water using appliances.) Remember, just because you have an outside shut-off in a curb box or a meter pit, it does not necessarily mean they will work when needed. In many cases, valves have not been used in years andyour primary shut-off should be at the point where the line comes into the home. It is best to have a functioning valve inside your home that is properly working and is marked so everyone in the home is aware of its location.
If you are experiencing slow drainage in your sewer line, please remember to call Lawrence Utilities first, so we may check the public main for proper functioning. There are times when property owners call a plumber first and it turns out to be a clogged sewer main. It may save you a plumber’s bill if you call the LU first. You may call (317) 542-0511 during normal business hours, or our after-hours phone line at (317) 260-0220 to report a problem. If you cannot get through on the regular office line, please call the after-hours phone.
Many customers have activated their irrigation systems this season. Please remember that irrigation systems are required by State law to have a proper backflow device that has been tested by a certified tester. Copies of the test results are to be sent to the Lawrence Utilities Business Office. They may be faxed to (317) 549-4842.Scanned pdf copies of tests may be emailed to . Irrigation system backflow devices should be tested at the same time the system is activated. If you have any questions as to whether or not your device is current with regard to testing, you may email the utility at the email address listed above for submitting test results.
If you are a commercial customer, your domestic water line is required to have a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) backflow device and, if your building is equipped with a fire suppression system supplied by City water, a Double Check Detector Assembly (DCDA) backflow device is required. These devices are required to be tested annually. Please check your devices and make sure they are current!
If you area a food service establishment such as a restaurant, cafeteria or food processing facility, your sewer line is required to be protected by a Grease Interceptor or Grease “Trap”. These devices are also required to be properly sized and maintained. Utility Inspectors are authorized under city ordinance to access and inspect these devices. Part of the inspection calls for the account holder or tenant to provide records showing proper cleaning and maintenance of these devices. Please be sure your device is properly cleaned and maintained as grease buildup affects the performance of the sewer mains, which may cause problems for your neighbors connected upstream and/or downstream of you.
See reverse side for important information regarding alarm system permits.
Notice: Alarm Permits
The City of Lawrence has entered into a partnership with Cry Wolf, a Detroit, Michigan based company that is managing the City’s False Alarm Reduction Program. City ordinance requires annual renewal for residential and business alarms within the City of Lawrence. Cry Wolf is the billing and collection service for the City regarding alarm permits and violations, per ordinance.
Questions regarding Cry Wolf or alarm permit concerns can be answered by the Lawrence Police Administrative Offices by calling 317-549-6404.