[wldprairie]

The home is located in north central Arizona, and is about 1100 feet from an existing water line. The house is a 3 bed/2 bath home with normal water usage. I'm assuming using 1 1/2 inch pe or hdpe water line. The local water board sells meters for $600 and a turn-on fee of $35. How much on average would it cost to trench, lay pipe, and connect to meter?

[mygirlsdad77]

Prices vary so greatly from area to area, so your best bet would be to get three or more estimates locally. Even if someone here was in your area, it would be impossible to give an accurate guess online, as you have to see the land (utilitys, landscaping, driveways, sidewalks, etc etc.) Some areas are allowing black poly underground for water services(mine is), which would be much much cheaper than k copper. So local bids will be your best bet here. Find out what type of material they are using.

[speedball1]

Poly would be great if local codes allow. We use 3/4" PVC for our house supplies but with 1000 feet or run you will get some loss due to friction so I would install 1" pipe or tubing.
As MGD pointed out get at least three estimates from local plumbing contractors. Good luck. Tom

[Milo Dolezal]

First I would measure how much pressure there is at the meter. Based on this info, I would sized my main line. I would suggest that you go with even larger pipe than suggested above: perhaps 1 1/2" maybe even 2". That's especially true if you planning to connect irrigation to this main line. You can also have an engineer to figure out required pipe sizing for you. If it is my own house, I go with 2".

Materials: If you go with 2" PVC, I figured it will cost you around $1,200.00. At today's prices, type "L" copper will run you close to $5K. PEX would also be great to use for this type of application but I don't know if they make PEX larger than 1". One big advantage of PEX is that it is sold in rolls of up to 250' so it will speed up installation significantly.

Trenching: I would call somebody who owns tractor with ditch-witch ( trencher ) attachment. If it is a straight shot, he can trench it in one day no problem, charging you his daily fee only.

Connection to Meter: This goes automatically with installing main line. There should not be an extra fee for connecting main line to existing water meter at the property line. If you don't have meter, than purchase it and give it to the attending plumber to install. It mounts on 2 unions.

Labor: Cost of installation will vary widely depending on your location and how busy local plumbers are. As suggested above, shop around for prices. I think plumber and helper should install PVC or PEX in one day. Copper may take 2 days to install.

However, if you are hands-on-guy, you can do it yourself. Rent a trencher and use PVC or PEX for main line. One day to excavate, second day to install the pipe and third day to fill-in trench.

Good luck... Let us know how you did... Milo