Water Line Replacement (Main)

[randyjaneway]

I have 2 questions, if there is someone who could help me with them, please.
1) I am replacing the 3/4 main galvanized pipe from meter to house; however, about 1 foot of pipe from the meter is under the sidewalk (meter is under sidewalk with removable panel for meter reader access). How do I replace that pipe?
2) The main pipe comes up to the house, then goes into the garage to the water heater before going into the house; can I use pvc in the garage before it goes into the house? Water dept. guy said I could use pvc for the main. Is it still considered the main all the way until it gets into the house?
I live in Chino, California, which is in San Bernardino county.
Randy

[Wgoodrich]

I am sure you will have local ammendments to the IRC plumbing code in your area. You need to check with them. Also you need to check with your inspector to confirm you can do this and if permits and licensing is required. Many times the utility company who can be exempt from the plumbing code will have control of the type pipe between the meter and the house. Once you enter the house then the plumbing code would take over. Check with your utility company to see if black plastic pipe is normally what they use. I suspect that will be confirmed.

To get under your sidewalk without destroying your side walk you can cut off the pipe at the meter leaving enough to remove the nipple. Then install a shut off and a quick connect union at the meter. Then dig down below frost line in that area a trench from the house to the sidewalk. Make at least 10' straight of the trench approaching the side walk. Use a back hoe or sledge hammer to drive a 2" rigid pipe from house side of the sidewalk under the sidewalk aimed at the meter. When it appears at the meter then pull you plastic line from the house to the sidewalk through the 2" rigid to the meter and connect.

Again check with your inspector and your utility company to find the rules that apply locally.

Hope this helps

Wg