Replacing main water line
#1
01-07-19, 04:28 PM
Replacing main water line
I've got a small leak in my main line and I thinks its better to replace it, unfortunately is located under my driveway and garage floor. My home is about 6' higher than the meter so its uphill to the garage.
The water line is the only utility in the front all others are in the backyard but they're all located on the same side of the house and I assume there's a utility easement along my property.
There 's about 7' between the house and the property line so a new line could be run along the house then turn under the garage floor so the concrete would have to be cut to lay a new line.
The current line is copper, should the new line be copper or some sort of plastic like PEX?
The water line is the only utility in the front all others are in the backyard but they're all located on the same side of the house and I assume there's a utility easement along my property.
There 's about 7' between the house and the property line so a new line could be run along the house then turn under the garage floor so the concrete would have to be cut to lay a new line.
The current line is copper, should the new line be copper or some sort of plastic like PEX?
#2
01-07-19, 05:12 PM
If you need to replace it, there's no reason it needs to follow the same path. It could definitely go from the street along a different path. New lines are usually done in PE or copper, depending on length and your area. Many plumbers still install soft copper for water mains.
But, often times, a leak is cheaper to find and fix than running a whole new line - unless the line is degrading for some reason. Often times the leak is caused by an errant rock that migrated too close to the pipe. Do you know if the leak is under the slab or driveway?
But, often times, a leak is cheaper to find and fix than running a whole new line - unless the line is degrading for some reason. Often times the leak is caused by an errant rock that migrated too close to the pipe. Do you know if the leak is under the slab or driveway?
#3
01-07-19, 06:02 PM
The leak is mostly visible midway down the driveway in an expansion joint about 3' below the garage floor level and a small area to one side where a sidewalk meets the driveway/garage floor, it could be coming from the driveway or the slab.
My driveway is full of cracks especially near the garage, I'm going to remove a small section to see if the leak may be from under the garage.
It's possible the leak was caused by a rock, the line does move a little every time a valve closes (water hammer) so a rock could eventually cause a leak.
The copper line is about 35 years old, is it likely that treated city water is corrosive enough to cause the leak?
My driveway is full of cracks especially near the garage, I'm going to remove a small section to see if the leak may be from under the garage.
It's possible the leak was caused by a rock, the line does move a little every time a valve closes (water hammer) so a rock could eventually cause a leak.
The copper line is about 35 years old, is it likely that treated city water is corrosive enough to cause the leak?
#4
01-08-19, 04:47 AM
Group Moderator
In my area water lines from the meter to house are most often black poly. In my area the soil and water types corrode copper so plastic lasts much longer. PEX can also be used but it's more expensive than black poly. When purchasing poly be aware that it's available in several different wall thicknesses and pressure ratings. Buy the higher pressure rating. It's only slightly more expensive but offers more puncture resistance.
#5
01-10-19, 05:47 PM
In my area many companys are using "directional drilling" to install new water,gas and even sewer lines. You only need to dig where it starts and ends. You may want to check on that option. Possibly less digging going that route.
#6
01-11-19, 05:00 AM
Group Moderator
Some companies can also pull a new line using your old water line as a guide. This method further reduces the need for digging. Unfortunately in my area there are no companies that do it or directional drilling so traditional digging up the whole yard is still the cheapest and fastest option.
#7
01-14-19, 04:28 PM
The main line is about 45' long would it be practical to insert 1/2" poly inside the main 3/4" copper pipe? I know the flow rate will drop, pressure should be close to 3/4" correct? Is it good practice to direct bury a poly to copper connection?
#8
01-15-19, 05:03 AM
Group Moderator
I would not even consider pulling 1/2" poly through 3/4" copper. Run a new 3/4" poly line. Yes, connections can be buried.
#9
01-17-19, 07:06 PM
Agreed, I wouldn't want to run a new 1/2" main to any house these days. Digging stinks, but it'll be well worthwhile.
(Or look at one of the other options that reduces digging)
(Or look at one of the other options that reduces digging)
