Any plumbers in the house?

[JLaw]

Question for any plumbers out there...

The main water supply line to my house is leaking in several places. I'm planning on trenching and running new pipe this weekend, but don't know what type of pipe is right to run underground.

Quick searches show options on burying PEX, PVC, and CPVC show mixed reviews. Not sure if the soil type makes a difference, but it's in the Woodlands/Spring area, lots of trees to fight with.

Anyone have opinions or experiences with any of the above mentioned options?

Thanks,

JLaw

[C-dub]

Get a licensed plumber to do it. Work this extensive will usually also require a permit and must be inspected before covering it back up with dirt. I know it costs some serious change, but you don't want any trouble with the city. They'll just make you dig it back up and possibly redo the whole thing with a licensed plumber.

[CaptWoodrow10]

Schedule 40 PVC is what you want. Pex pipping is some awesome stuff and very easy to use, but it's not meant to be run underground.
CPVC is used for hot water applications, so it's a non- starter here.

Dub brought up a valid point. Some cities may require a permit for even this relatively simple job. I've never worked in your area, so I can't tell you yes or no to that. I can tell you that you WILL hit some buried cable where you least expect it. Save yourself the trouble and call Dig Test to come out and mark all of the buried utility lines for you. It's worth it.

ETA:
philip964 mentioned the valve on the supply side of the meter and that reminded me of another little piece of advice I should mention. When you've completed your repair, don't turn the valve all the way open immediately. Leave a few faucets open inside the house and then just crack the valve outside enough so that water starts to flow. You will hear water running trough the pipes for a few seconds while all of the empty pipes fill with water. After a few seconds the noise level will diminish, and it is safe to open the valve all the way. The reasoning behind this is simple. Pipes and joints have been known to blow out during the refilling process. Your DIY project could get really messy and expensive really quick, and I'm sure your wife will NOT be happy with you.

[KRM45]

You may indeed need a permit, but as long as long as it's your house and you live there (single family, not a rental) you do not need to use a licensed plumber.

In my opinion, the best material for this application is type k copper in a continuous roll. It may be more expensive, but you'll never need to touch it again. My second choice would be schedule 40 pvc (pressure rated).

Calling for utility locates is a very good idea. They generally require 72 hour notice.

Good luck, it's a big job.

[Oldgringo]

Be sure and bury the pipe below the frost line.

[A-R]

Be sure and bury the pipe below the frost line.

seems it would cost more to suspend it in the air 10 feet off the ground like that

[philip964]

You will need to turn off the water.

There is normally a valve inside the meter box (sometimes it is buried under soil) Sometimes it is outside the box. It will require a tee shaped tool to close and open. Home Depot sells them. Find this first before you do anything. Make sure it opens and closes.

I would do everything (everything, except backfilling the soil) before you disconnect from your existing line and reconnect. This way you are without water for only a very short time, that way you keep the wife happy.

Depending on your age, you may want someone else to dig the trench for the new pipe, or rent a machine. It is hard work and can lead to health issues if you haven't been exercising regularly. Good luck.

[PappaGun]

Personally I would go with PEX.

It is approved for use underground. It is tough as nails. It does not puncture or crack like PVC or copper if hit accidentally in the future. It's easy to work with and you can rent the tools to work with it.

I used to work for a national home bulder and we did all of our homes with PEX.

For the main line, if possible, run it in one length with no joints and you will never have to worry about a leaking joint. The first joint should be above ground after it enters the home.

It's really not a big deal if you take your time. Good luck!

[jimlongley]

I used to work for a national home bulder and we did all of our homes with PEX.

Well, that may explain a lot.

Seriously, though, something else that you need to consider is whether your existing entrance water line was metallic and if it is being used for a ground by the power company, telephone, or cable tv. Texas' soil is notorious for not being a very good ground, especially during extended dry periods, and eliminating one good ground could compromise your lightning protection.

[JLaw]

Didn't expect this much in put, thanks guys!

Fortunately we live in an unincorporated area, so no worries on permitting the job. Not too worried about the mechanics of it, 15 years in the refrigeration business has provided ample experience dealing with PVC work, and I have worked with PEX in the past. I just wasn't sure which would hold up better underground.

I sure wish I could afford to hire a plumber for this one, no doubt! Unfortuantely times are pretty tight and I'll have to put on my ditch digger/plumber-wannabe hat.

Roger that on the buried cables, they are due out tomorrow to mark them out. I kind of figured that even though there's no phone or electric running anywhere remotely close to that area, I'll probably run into something I'm not thinking about.

The old pipe going to the house isn't metal, it's a grey plastic flexible pipe. Not sure what it is, but it does not look like PEX, PVC, CPVC, or anything else I've seen before. It doesn't glue together anywhere, there are threaded fittings at each end that connect the pipe to the meter and the house.

Thanks for the tips fella's. Hope ya'll are thinking of the fun I'm having when you are slaving away at the range this weekend!

JLaw

[lonewolf]

I recall a period of time years ago when many mobile homes were outfitted with "Qwest" piping/tubing that had compression type threaded fittings. Notorious leakers, they were eventually abandoned after the company had to replace piping in many homes. Stuff was gray. Might have been in some underground applications that many years ago, especially in rural areas.

After bleeding the air from the pipes after the job, be sure to close all the faucets inside and out and check to see that the meter is not turning at all, indicating there are no longer any leaks.

Enjoy the job! Sorry I can't be there to help!

[PappaGun]

I recall a period of time years ago when many mobile homes were outfitted with "Qwest" piping/tubing that had compression type threaded fittings. Notorious leakers, they were eventually abandoned after the company had to replace piping in many homes. Stuff was gray. Might have been in some underground applications that many years ago, especially in rural areas.

After bleeding the air from the pipes after the job, be sure to close all the faucets inside and out and check to see that the meter is not turning at all, indicating there are no longer any leaks.

Enjoy the job! Sorry I can't be there to help!

Oh my.

I forgot about that stuff!
I had a house 20+ years ago that had been re-plumbed with Qwest and I was lucky to resell it before it had to be re-plumbed again.

There was a recall/class action that paid for a lot of the re-work, but I missed it. Go figure.