[SteveAP]

Hi I have a Galvanized water service and there is a leak between the curb stop and the house before the meter underground. What type of repair is needed to the pipe without replacement of the whole run to the street, is there a transition fitting that can be used that is within the codes.

Thank You.
Steve

[Ken 297]

Steve
The hard part about reparing a galvanized water service is getting to it. Be careful when you are digging it up as the pipe is brittle and will break if hit with a shovel or pick.
The repair is simple.
If it is just a hole in the side you can use what is called a Skinner clamp. It has a rubber seal covered with a stainless steel cover. The whole unit is bolted tight onto the pipe. Just make sure you clean all the dirt and rust off the outside of the pipe first. Use a file and emery cloth to clean the pipe.

If a section of the pipe has to be replaced you just cut out the bad section with a hack saw. Transition couplings to copper are easy to get at any plumbing supply company. A coupling at both ends the use a piece of Type "K" copper in between. If your not sure the size take the piece of galvanized pipe with you to the plumbing store. Sizing of galvanized pipe is tricky if you haven't worked with it a lot.
Good Luck

[speedball1]

In the Tampa Bay Area we quit using galvanized when PVC came out. Galvanized will build up rust and cut down on the volume and pressure. I know, I have a galvanized water service that I have to replace. My advice would b e to replace the service with PVC. Good luck, Tom

[SteveAP]

Steve
The hard part about reparing a galvinized water service is getting to it. Be careful when you are digging it up as the pipe is brittle and will break if hit with a shovel or pick.
The repair is simple.
If it is just a hole in the side you can use what is called a Skinner clamp. It has a rubber seal covered with a stainless steel cover. The whole unit is bolted tight onto the pipe. Just make sure you clean all the dirt and rust off the outside of the pipe first. Use a file and emery cloth to clean the pipe.

If a section of the pipe has to be replaced you just cut out the bad section with a hack saw. Transition couplings to copper are easy to get at any plumbing supply company. A coupling at both ends the use a piece of Type "K" copper in between. If your not sure the size take the piece of galvinized pipe with you to the plumbing store. Sizing of galvinized pipe is tricky if you haven't worked with it a lot.
Good Luck

Thanks Ken; But the code in the area said I had to go back with Galv. Pipe and coupling, we got lucky the hole in the pipe was right next to the curb stop and we cut the pipe behind the old coupling from when they upgraded the public supply in the street.

Thanks Steve.

[SteveAP]

In the Tampa Bay Area we quit using galvanized when PVC came out. Galvanized will build up rust and cut down on the volume and pressure. I know, I have a galvanized water service that I have to replace. My advice would b e to replace the service with PVC. Good luck, Tom

Speedball; The code enforcement officer will not allow any changes or mixed materials with a minor repair.
Thanks anyway
Steve

[iamgrowler]

Speedball; The code enforcement officer will not allow any changes or mixed materials with a minor repair.
Thanks anyway
Steve

If this should happen again but in a less convenient spot, you can also use a Dressler coupling to make the repair.