Frequently Asked Questions

Leak Detection & Surveys

Do you perform leak surveys?

Yes. We provide comprehensive leak surveys to help utilities identify and reduce water loss.

Can you detect leaks inside buildings?

Do you provide leak detection services for residents?

Should we conduct distribution-system leak surveys annually?

Can you locate leaks on large transmission mains?

Can you provide continuous monitoring/detection of distribution system leaks?

Can you detect inflow and infiltration (I&I) in storm or sanitary systems?

How does your leak detection process work?

Valve Exercising &
Seized Valves

Do you perform valve exercising manually or with an electric/hydraulic valve turner?

We use both methods depending on the system and valve condition, with a preference for manual exercising per AWWA standards.

Should we exercise all of our valves every year?

What does valve exercising do?

Can you release seized valves in our system?

Can you release seized valves in water treatment plants and booster stations?

Can you release seized valves in wastewater facilities?

Hydrant Flushing,
Fire Flow & Hydrant Maintenance

What is the difference between hydrant flushing and main capacity testing?

Hydrant flushing is performed to clear sediment and improve water quality, while main capacity testing evaluates system capacity and fire flow.

Can you perform a fire flow test with only one hydrant?

What are the ISO requirements for fire flow testing?

Should we conduct fire flow or main capacity testing annually?

How does hydrant flushing affect the water system?

What does hydrant maintenance consist of?

What steps should customers follow during hydrant flushing?

Meter Testing & Calibration

Do you test water meters?

Yes. We test meters of all sizes to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards.

Do you test wastewater meters?

What’s the largest size of meter you can test?

How often should we test our meters?

Why is 98.5% to 101.5% considered a passing meter test? Shouldn’t it be 100%?

What’s the difference between an electronic meter calibration and a flow test?

How do I send in meters for testing?

Backflow Testing

Do you perform backflow testing?

We no longer provide backflow testing services.

Water Audits &
Asset Management

Do you perform water audits and validations?

Yes. We perform AWWA-approved water audits and validations to help utilities manage non-revenue water.

What services help recover non-revenue water?

What does asset management entail?

Do you create hydraulic system models?

When mapping assets with GPS, is sub-inch/centimeter precision necessary?

Specialized Testing & Assessments

Do you perform pipeline condition assessments?

Yes. We offer condition assessments to evaluate the health and performance of water mains.

What is a Pitot test?

What is a reservoir drawdown test?

What is a C-Factor test?

Can you evaluate pumps at treatment plants and booster stations?

General Questions

How soon can you get here?

Scheduling depends on workload and location. Contact us for availability.

Does “prevailing wage” apply to this type of work?

Do your crews perform work in confined spaces?

Why do you use 2-person crews? Wouldn’t it be cheaper with 1 person?

What are AWWA best practices and why do they matter?

What does M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. do?

What areas do you cover?

What are your hours of operation?

What do you charge for leak call outs?

Do you repair water main breaks?

Do you install pipe taps?

Careers at M.E. Simpson

Is there certain training required to work for M.E. Simpson?

Yes. We provide training and certifications necessary for fieldwork.

Do you require prior experience before being hired?

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