errmmm... american mains are 120V not 110. Also IIRC the lines for stuff like your washer and dryer and the AC are also 240V. But I could be wrong on that last part.

Nah, shamrock, we're just more energy efficient here :D

[ 06-10-2005, 10:27 PM: Message edited by: Firestormalpha ]

Have you tried sticking a screwdriver into the outlet? :D

Honestly, GFCI outlets tend to freak out at the slightest sign of moisture. You may want to consider re-wiring your outside outlets with non-GFCI outlets on their own circuit.

volts * amps = watts

twice the volts at half the current equals the same power (watts)

Thus, a 240V system may use less amperage, but probably uses the same power level.

FOUND THE PROBLEM!

There is a leak in a copper pipe (the leak is UNDER THE SLAB of concrete (groan). I saw water coming out into the garage wall (the wall on the other side is our master bathroom sink pipes.

Anyway, All the drywall was soaked. I cut it away stud to stud and now called a plumber to come out, JACKHAMMER up the freaking slab, fix it and give me a nasty bill :D . Copper.... We need to get this crap changed out to PVC2. Copper sucks down here because of the phosphate and just the bad chemical contents.

This leek, while in the wall, caused the moisture, and the plug with that safety plug is right around the corner from it--not far. So that's gotta be it.

Anyway, it'll prolly cost around $500 to fix this. :( any OTHER issues I gotta deal with!? [img]smile.gif[/img] gosh.. lightning, leek..

To replace all the copper will cost around $5000, but MAY be covered by insurance. dunno yet.

Ugh, water damage is the pits, Z! But at least you know what it was now and can fix it. I sympathize on the house repairs and bills, it's a neverending run of things with houses, isn't it?

Copper is superior! Don't change it. The amount of actual copper disolved into the water is minute and of no health concern. On the other hand it prevents microorganisms from depositing and/or growing in the plumbing and to some degree in the water itself. Plastics contains a lot of chemical modifiers to give it the correct physical properties. I would be a lot more concerned as they are released even on nanomolar scale.

A quick Google:
http://www.homeownernet.com/articles/plumbing1.html

EDIT: Interestingly the article also states that copper plumbing has a 50 year warranty. If you have your paperwork in order and know where to call you are entitled to either a full refund or have your repair costs covered. Preferable to contacting the insurance company.

[ 06-11-2005, 08:10 PM: Message edited by: mad=dog ]

At least you found it before the leak got any worse. Hopefully it won't cost to much to fix and hopefully your insurance should cover most of it.

<font color="cyan">Glad to hear you found out the problem, but I'd go with what Mad=dog said.

Definately find the paperwork!!!</font>

Copper is better. I believe down in the southern states they use Pex, a type of plastic that expands/contracts. There are two types, Pex for heat and Pex for water.

I too would check your paperwork, if you can locate it, to see if it may be under warranty. My husband says Pex is the way lots of southern states are leaning towards. He is a plumber and used to work in North Carolina. I think it's because it's easier to install and work with and there's no soldering involved when connencting joints.

Z, I wish you well with the plumbing adventure.

T

Question... why would a copper pipe sudenly spring a leak while encased in concrete? It does not make sense, are you sure that it IS the cause of the problem? not just a coincedance. How old is the house? Did the lightning use the coper pipe to earth itself?

Make sure the plumber gives you a written report because if I know insurance companies they are Ar$*holes [img]graemlins/heee.gif[/img]

Copper pipes are better than the lead brain killers we used to have Zir-c Ziboc -ZZZ ... Bob ;)

[ 06-13-2005, 08:58 AM: Message edited by: wellard ]