Water Line Conduit
#1
09-25-13, 05:40 AM
Water Line Conduit
I am having a new concrete driveway and walkway installed in the next few weeks and would like to have them install a conduit underneath in anticipation of needing to replace my water line. Several of the surrounding neighbors have had to have theirs replaced because of leaks, and its only a matter of time until it happens to me (water line is "Big Blue"/polybutylene). I don't want my brand new driveway and walkway to be compromised if/when the water line gets replaced, so I'd like to lay a conduit in the ground at the same time the new driveway is being installed. Question is, what type of pipe/conduit do I use?
#2
09-25-13, 05:56 AM
Super Moderator
I would use 2" pvc or even 1 1/2"... I would cap both ends with a clean out and take reference points on where exactly the PVC is. Like measure off the house x amount of ft....etc.
Most times if a new service is needed they usually do not trench and pull a new line with trenchless technology... A cable /splitter or a mole.....
Most times if a new service is needed they usually do not trench and pull a new line with trenchless technology... A cable /splitter or a mole.....
#3
09-25-13, 06:12 AM
While you are at it, lay in a second one in case you decide to run any type of electrical to another part of your yard. If you don't use it, so be it.. If you need it and have to bore, you won't be a happy camper.
#4
09-25-13, 06:27 AM
Super Moderator
And even lay another for irrigation and such....................You could never have too many, and PVC is cheap.
But for electrical I believe you may need specific conduit?????
But for electrical I believe you may need specific conduit?????
#5
09-25-13, 06:36 AM
Only if you are running in conduit completely and using THWN wires. Using UF you can direct bury it and run it through the conduit loose, but it needs to be buried a little deeper than plumbing maybe.
#6
09-25-13, 07:54 AM
Most times if a new service is needed they usually do not trench and pull a new line with trenchless technology... A cable /splitter or a mole....
#7
09-25-13, 08:41 AM
Super Moderator
Your disconnect the water pipe in the home, and dig one hole at the street. Then run a cable through the old line and pull a new one underground. There are several methods to do this...
But its always good to have a back up in case something goes wrong.
But its always good to have a back up in case something goes wrong.
#9
09-25-13, 02:47 PM
Member
When choosing a location for the future water line sleeve, make sure it isn't too close to your existing sewer line. Many public utilities have strict rules about minimum separation distance between the two, to avoid possible cross-contamination if/when leaks develop.
#10
10-04-13, 05:59 AM
I got two estimates on installing my new driveway and walkway and the second estimator said he wouldn't recommend installing a pipe just before installing the new drive, because it would disturb and weaken the soil. However, it is mostly red clay and it seems that as long as they compact it well everything should be fine (meaning no settling). The pipe would have to be laid 36" deep to be below the frost line, so he said they would have to use a ditch witch, which would make a pretty significant trench. The first estimator said they could dig it by hand. Not sure who to believe. I'm sure it could be done by hand, but I'm surprised that the first estimator didn't add any additional cost to do so, whereas the second estimator wants to rent equipment to do it (I don't blame him -- it would be faster and easier). Lastly, the first estimator said they take three days from start to finish--the first day they spray paint the outline and string it out, wait for my approval, then install the forms the second day and dig it out, then pour and finish on the third day. The second estimator said they do everything in one day, which seems pretty ambitious and frankly too rushed.
#11
10-12-13, 12:18 PM
The length of time to do the project depends on the size of the crew and the type of equipment used. In this case 3 days sounds too long and one day if you said sounds very aggressive. It seems like the contractor with a one day schedule wants to use the trencher so he could keep to the one day schedule. That's actually not a bad plan if he can do it because it simplifies things for him significantly.
If I was estimating this I would have it planned on 2 days. The 1st day I would layout, excavate and set forms. The 2nd day I would install the reinforcing, pour the concrete and finish it. Again without knowing the size of the driveway and walkways it's difficult to provide an accurate estimate. The estimate from the person with the shorter timetable should be lower assuming they are both doing the same quality of work and have the same credentials.
Also, just for your information while you are actually talking about doing is providing a Sleeve under the driveway and walkway for the future installation of the water pipe. Conduit is normally only a term used for electrical installations and Sleeving is the terminology used when installing a larger diameter pipe to put something else through.
If I was estimating this I would have it planned on 2 days. The 1st day I would layout, excavate and set forms. The 2nd day I would install the reinforcing, pour the concrete and finish it. Again without knowing the size of the driveway and walkways it's difficult to provide an accurate estimate. The estimate from the person with the shorter timetable should be lower assuming they are both doing the same quality of work and have the same credentials.
Also, just for your information while you are actually talking about doing is providing a Sleeve under the driveway and walkway for the future installation of the water pipe. Conduit is normally only a term used for electrical installations and Sleeving is the terminology used when installing a larger diameter pipe to put something else through.
#12
10-13-13, 11:48 AM
The contractor that said three days said they intentionally take this long because they want to be sure the homeowner can see the design before they begin. This is one thing I liked about this particular company, other than the lower cost. The first day is spent marking out the perimeter with spray paint and/or string and customer approval, the second day is spent excavating and installing forms, and the third day is for pouring and finishing.
#13
10-13-13, 12:01 PM
His three-day schedule is actually a two-day schedule. The first day's work would take one person about one hour to complete. Not saying that's a bad thing but it's not really a working day as far as his crews go. How close of the 2 estimates you have it for this job? If they are quite a ways apart you should at least consider getting a third estimate to see where it falls.
