Replies

1. 
   brownbagg | Apr 16, 2006 05:56am | #1

   I got one inch pvc on mine.
1. 
   andybuildz | Apr 16, 2006 06:22am | #2

   After asking a few people I added 3/4" copper underground to my pool for a hose bib. Ran it about 70' 18" deep. I'll let you know in buncha years how it worked out...lol.

    If Blodgett says, Tipi tipi tipi it must be so!

   TipiFest 06~~> Send me your email addy for a Paypal invoice to the greatest show on earth~~>[email protected]

   
1. 
   woodway | Apr 16, 2006 06:29am | #5

   Is that one of those new cordless shovels I see laying there in the dirt??

1. 
   andybuildz | Apr 16, 2006 07:22am | #7

   Is that one of those new cordless shovels I see laying there in the dirt??>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
   Ask my back.......at 55 my back is pizzed at me already...If Blodgett says, Tipi tipi tipi it must be so!

   TipiFest 06~~> Send me your email addy for a Paypal invoice to the greatest show on earth~~>[email protected]

2. 
   davidmeiland | Apr 16, 2006 06:24am | #3

   The building department and/or the water utility may dictate what you can use. Soft copper or PEX would be my choice.

3. 
   Ray | Apr 16, 2006 06:26am | #4

   Make sure the ground on your electrical panel is to a ground rod and not the water pipe - they used to do that. Then I'd go with 1" PVC.

1. 
   BillHartmann | Apr 16, 2006 07:34am | #8

   "Make sure the ground on your electrical panel is to a ground rod and not the water pipe - they used to do that. Then I'd go with 1" PVC."It is a little more involved than that.IF you have a metalic underground water pipe that is at least 10ft long them it must be used as a ground electrode.However it it can not be used alone. Typically a ground rod is used for the seconardy electrode.If the water pipe not suitable for use as the ground electrode then other ground electrodes are required. And a single ground rod does not qualify unless it is tested and it resistance is verified.Howver, 2 ground rods can be used with testing and that is what is common.Howver, there are other types of electrodes. But in existing residential the most common way to meet current codes is metalic water pipe and ground rod or two ground rods.BUT, even if the water pipe does not quailify for use as a ground electrode and the internal piping is metallic then the pipe is still bonded to the ground electrode system.

4. 
   BillBrennen | Apr 16, 2006 06:37am | #6

   I'm also in SoCal. Here we use soft copper, type L or K(heaviest) with no joints except at the meter and the shutoff. AHJ require a plastic sleeve over the copper to prevent soil corrosion on the outside. It looks like heavy blue plastic bag without ends, just sleeve the copper before putting it in the trench.

   I used poly in Colorado 22 years ago with no problems yet. It has to be rated for potable service, and the joints are barbed fittings. Old well guy told me to use two hose clamps on each fitting, with the screws on opposite sides to balance the forces. He said he'd seen single clamps work loose over time.

   Bill

5. 
   junkhound | Apr 16, 2006 01:12pm | #9

   Replaced the 80 YO neighbors galv line for him in '67, first replacement I ever did.  Used PVC. Still OK as far as I know.

   Used PVC for 20 ft from well to own house in '72, never had any problems yet.

   Another neighbor ran a  500 feet roll of polyethelene to his house from the city mains, circal 1980, beleive he had put in one splice where he had damaged the run, that leaked 20 years later for a $400 water bill.

   South park area of Seattle, worked with transformer mfg company that had unexplained water problems on factory floor in the 1980s.  Found out they had built (in 1940s?) over the water line to the old 1890s house still nesteled away down the block.  Turns out the old galvanized water supply pipe to the house was 4 ft deep (we need only go 18" deep here for frost), never found during factory build, finally started leaking after 90 years or so.  Probably dont have as much zinc onthe galv pipe these days though.

   EDIT PS:  DO PAY ATTENTION TO THE GROUNDING PER PREVIOUS POSTS.

   
   

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   Edited 4/16/2006 6:13 am ET by junkhound

6. 
   Dave45 | Apr 16, 2006 04:38pm | #10

   The water company should be able to tell you what they're using - and what will meet local code.

   Here in San Jose, they're using soft copper or HDPE (High Density Polypropolene)