"Why do we have the water lines in our homes blown once a year?"
The Briarcliff HOA Line Blowing program is a valuable service provided each spring to every resident. There is no extra charge for this. Line blowing is funded via your Annual Service Fees because we believe it is a vital service for our residents, and an important component in maintaining our water system.
The 3/4" pipe from the underground water main to each home collects sediment over time, causing restricted flow. The sediment is actually calcium carbonate or oxygenated limestone, not rust or iron. It is formed when the water from our aquifer 170 feet underground mixes with the oxygen in the water main. A chemical reaction occurs producing a sediment of calcium carbonate along the inner walls of the home's water supply line.
Despite the sediment, the water is perfectly safe to drink just not pleasing to look at and some staining may occur when doing laundry. This is why our water mains are flushed three times a year in addition to the blowing of the home's service line each spring.
"How is the line blowing done?"
Each year the Homeowners Association hires a contractor to force compressed air into the 3/4" line coming into each house. This causes the sediment to loosen, and then be flushed out through a garden hose, with the result being better water flow.
"How do I make an appointment?"
When this important maintenance occurs, usually in late April, you will first be advised of the dates via notification on your First Half Annual Service Fees billing invoice. The scheduled dates will be announced and instructions on making your appointment provided. There will also be reminders posted at the subdivision entrances via sandwich boards, on our Facebook page, and you will receive an email when the scheduling process is live.
Appointment scheduling is done quickly and simply online through the ebriarcliff.org website. You pick a date and time, and fill in your name, lot number, address and phone number on the form. AT THIS TIME PLEASE CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION IS CORRECT AND THAT WE HAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.
You will receive a confirmation email as well as a reminder email of your appointment. We want ALL residents to avail themselves of this service so we communicate it via several touchpoints.
"What else do I need to know?"
You must be at home when the contractor arrives to allow access to your laundry room. The process takes less than 30 minutes. In some instances, particularly with laundry rooms that have been remodeled, the proper valves are not available; if there is no shut off valve the service cannot be completed. If there are any questions at all, contact Dan Gordon, Water Services Manager, at 248-421-3184.
Note: If an appointment is scheduled and confirmed and the homeowner is not present when the crew shows up to perform the work, the homeowner will be assessed a $25 rescheduling fee.
