You have been living in the same place for years. Have you ever seen a copy of your water report? Every two years tests are made on your water to determine if it is potable or not. This is required by law, even if your water comes from a well. Your landlord is required to provide a copy of this report to you at no charge. If you are not getting this report or threw it out because you didn't understand what it was, then ask your landlord for a copy.
It is important to read that report. It lists what was found in your water and how much of it was found. It compares what was found to what the Federal maximum or minimum amount is allowed. What does it mean?
In the case of one local mobile home community, it means that they are drinking water that contains MORE arsenic than is permitted. Until the landlord takes steps to correct this problem, the residents are forced to purchase bottled water for cooking and drinking. The landlord has six years to correct the problem.
If you are planning to move to a new mobile home community, there are two very important steps to take:
1. Get a copy of the water report and know what you will be using to make your coffee, tea and feeding to your children before you move.
2. Make sure your landlord has flushed your water BEFORE you hook-up your water line to your home.
My landlord said my lot was all prepped and ready. I hooked-up the water and turned it on. It was November. I listened as the pipes filled and the air rushed out of the faucets. Then a sputter of water, more air and then the water started. Light brown. I waited for it to clear. Our water lines are all brand new. The water got darker. Then the water stopped. The short of it is the water lines were now filled and clogged with rock and mud. Worse yet there was no heat until the next day when the electricity gets turned on. The waterlines froze. The whole thing is funny, I laughed. And I learned a lesson: Don't take the land lord's word.
Municipal code and common sense requires your water lines to be insulated and have a heat tape. You can wrap your lines with fiberglass or foam. There are many types of heat tapes. Look for the ones that offer a lifetime guarantee. Regardless of the type you have, it should be checked every year and replaced if it isn't working. That means un-wrapping your water lines. But it's worth the effort. I used the foam insulation, so I know it will be easy to remove. It cost more out of pocket, but it is easier to install than fiberglass wrap and easier to remove than fiberglass wrap and then re-install. Less labor.
Your water line should hang above the ground. Besides the shut-off valve at ground level, you should have one where your water line connects to your home water line. That makes it easier to get to incase of an emergency.
Have a suggestion we can share with other mobile/manufactured home owners? Please call or email us postmaster@reallyneatstuffalaska.com