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    ZoeFace's Avatar
    ZoeFace Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 5, 2009, 10:58 PM
    Main water pipe
    I hava to replace the pipe that goes from my water meter to the house! It is a straight shot from the meter to the house and is about 25 feet. The current pipe is way rusted and part of it busted! The plumbing company told us it was going to cost us $3800 dollars to fix! I think that is way high! We were wondering how much this should cost and can we do it ourselves?
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 6, 2009, 03:52 AM
    Hi zoeface...

    Sounds a little high, but we really can't help much on pricing because each state/town has different pricing structure.

    I would recommend that you get two more estimates from local plumbers and then choose the best price in relation to the plumber you feel most comfortable with.

    Otherwise, we are a team of plumbing advisers here that will be glad to walk you through the entire job if you want to do this on your own. You would need basic tools, some new plumbing tools (maybe $50.00) and good mechanical skills to tackle the project.

    What pipe type (galvanized, copper, brass)? Is this an underground job? Will you be redoing any piping inside the home? How deep do you think the pipe is? Let me know the answers to my questions...


    MARK
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #3

    Apr 6, 2009, 05:09 AM
    Mark gave you excellent advice. It will depend upon your location on how deep you must bury the new PVC water service when you replace that old rusty galvanized. Once the trench is dug the rest is easy. Like Mark sez, We can walk you through the process. Your choice! Regards, tom
    afaroo's Avatar
    afaroo Posts: 4,006, Reputation: 251
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #4

    Apr 6, 2009, 07:51 AM

    Both Mark and Tom gave you excellent advises, if you have mechanical skill you be able to do it yourself, good luck.

    John
    ZoeFace's Avatar
    ZoeFace Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Apr 6, 2009, 09:45 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by massplumber2008 View Post
    Hi zoeface...

    Sounds a little high, but we really can't help much on pricing because each state/town has different pricing structure.

    I would recommend that you get two more estimates from local plumbers and then choose the best price in relation to the plumber you feel most comfortable with.

    Otherwise, we are a team of plumbing advisers here that will be glad to walk you through the entire job if you want to do this on your own. You would need basic tools, some new plumbing tools (maybe $50.00) and good mechanical skills to tackle the project.

    What pipe type (galvanized, copper, brass)? Is this an underground job? Will you be redoing any piping inside the home? How deep do you think the pipe is? Let me know the answers to my questions...


    MARK
    Thanks for the help! We have another guy coming today to give an estimate! The current pipe is galvanized and they were going to replace it with copper. We are in Utah so it does get pretty cold! The pipe is maybe a foot deep! I really think I am leaning towards doing it myself! Whoever did it before left a real mess! The took the galvanized pipe and connected it to the main waterline with a piece of pvc pipe. The plumber said that's not good! Anyway we are torn on what to do with this! All advice helps! Please! Thanks
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #6

    Apr 6, 2009, 09:57 AM
    What makes you think only a foot deep? In my area it is minimum 3 feet deep.. You should check with local water department to be sure.

    Or... do you know only 1 foot deep for sure? If so, get your estimates, talk to these guys for as much information as possible and then talk to your local plumbing inspector to see exactly what he will expect you to do. Jobs like this can get pretty involved.

    Let us know more when you do...
    afaroo's Avatar
    afaroo Posts: 4,006, Reputation: 251
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #7

    Apr 6, 2009, 10:03 AM

    I agree with Mark, you should do the job right from the beginning and per the code that it would not give you any headache at the end, thanks.

    John
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #8

    Apr 6, 2009, 12:08 PM
    Hi Zoe,
    Are you forced to replace your water service with copper? Is this code 0or the plumbers recommendation? Copper VS. PVC. Copper cost more, will wear out quicker and build up mineral on the pipe walls. PVC is less expensive, will outlast you and you won't be replacing it in 10 years depending on your soil. I would give some serious thought to replacing with PVC. Good luck, Tom
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #9

    Apr 7, 2009, 12:07 AM
    ZoeFace...

    It is a bad economy these days. Every penny counts. If you are handy - Do it yourself. You'll save about $3,500.00. Plastic or PVC - it doesn't matter. With PVC you'll spend under $100.00 for all materials. You supply (your own) free labor...

    Let us know if you need help to lead you through the pipe replacement...
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