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    Kristin Hopson's Avatar
    Kristin Hopson Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jan 21, 2009, 06:45 PM
    Buried water pipes
    How deep do I need to bury my water pipes to prevent freezing?
    afaroo's Avatar
    afaroo Posts: 4,006, Reputation: 251
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Jan 21, 2009, 07:03 PM

    If the line is freezing underground, the only solution would be to dig it up and put the line deeper, below the frost line. Your local extension agent should be able to give you a recommendation as to how deep.

    You can bury a PVC line at a minimum depth of 12"-18",
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jan 21, 2009, 07:16 PM

    Please give location. Also, are you talking about lines under slab, or outside of foundation? If you could tell me where you live, I could look up you local code. If you live in below freezing temps, then it will all depends.

    My area(under code) requires a seven foot bury for water lines(outside of house). This is because frost will penatrate near this depth in the spring. Many factors. Please let us know more about your situation.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #4

    Jan 21, 2009, 07:21 PM
    Hi all:

    Kristen... if these are underground water pipes INSIDE the home you just need to be under the concrete slab (or deeper) to prevent freezing. Residentially you need to be more concerned with keeping water pipes away from EXTERIOR WALLS then to be concerned about depth of pipes... ;)

    If this is in regard to exterior underground water pipe then you need to run water pipe below the freeze line or as directed by local codes enforcement people.

    More information please... ;)

    HI MGD77..was typing as you were. Seems we are on same wavelength! How is picture posting coming?

    MARK
    peterlove's Avatar
    peterlove Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Apr 9, 2012, 11:17 AM
    (scotland) running a water pipe from my house to the end of my garden underground for irrigation purpose
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #6

    Apr 9, 2012, 01:32 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by peterlove View Post
    (scotland) running a water pipe from my house to the end of my garden underground for irrigation purpose
    Hi peterlove and Welcome to The Plumbing Page. At AskMeHelpDesk.com. You're responding to a 3 year old dead thread Look in then upper left hand corner of the first post form the date in the first post before you post, Thanks,
    Is there a question in there someplace? If so we're waiting to answer it. Cheers, Tom
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #7

    Apr 9, 2012, 03:32 PM
    Peter, you won't have to go very deep in this case, just deep enough so you don't hit the water line when tilling etc. I would suggest going at least a foot deep. Also make sure to have a vacuum breaker on the system and a place to blow the line out in the winter if your temps get below freezing.
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