[RonFromSeattle]

I need to replace my water main service line.

I have never done plumbing work before, but I am hoping to do the work myself.

It's a 35 foot straight run, about 2 feet deep in my front yard. Pipe in there now is galvinized from 1940.

I need to know what type of pipe to replace with? I get the impression that PEX is very popular, and not that hard to use. Is PEX preferable to copper?

If so, is there a particular type of PEX to use? and what size?

Also, the current pipe enters the house through the concrete basement wall.
One plumber told me he'd drill a new hole and bypass the old pipe.

Is there any way I can just use the current hole? Eventhough it appears to me that the current galvinized pipe is cemented in place through the wall.

Thanks for any help.

Ron

 

[Just Bill]

Min. needed is probably 3/4", but I would install 1" copper. Not sure PEX will stand deep burial. The water company may not allow you to make the street connection, might stilll need a plumber for that. Once the old pipe is disconnected, I see no reason not to pull it out of the wall and use the same hole. One less place for water to leak in.

 

[Thurman]

PEX may not stand up to being underground for a long period of time due to any aggregates within the dirt rubbing up against it and causing a hole in due time. Your location may allow PVC to be run between the water meter and the home, ridgid copper is always the best to me for long life. IF you can pull the old run of pipe out of the wall, then by all means use the existing hole. As far as the termination at the water meter, if it is on your side of the meter your local water supplier may allow you to make this termination, after all-if it leaks you will pay for the water. Thanks, David

 

[RonFromSeattle]

Well, I"m a little confused. I've run across many plumbers in Seattle that use PEX for underground water mains. It's cheaper than copper, and everyone says it''s easier to make connections.

Thanks for the advice. But I am pretty sure I am going to use PEX.
Leaning toward 1" also, over 3/4.