How deep should a water main be buried?
According to ‘The Department of the Environment’, they recommend that pipes should be buried at least 600mm (two feet) underground. At this depth, the soil acts as a natural insulator and prevents them freezing.
What is the best pipe to use for underground main water line?
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) pipes are a considered the best choice for underground water lines. What makes this type of piping so great? HDPE pipes are non-toxic, tasteless, and considered a green building material. The pipes are designed to be high crack- and corrosion-resistant.
Why are water mains buried six feet below ground?
The classic rule-of-thumb procedure for avoiding cold-weather damage to water pipe is “bury it deep.” If water lines are located below the lowest level of frost penetration—five to six feet or more in many cold region locales—they should be safe from freezing.
What size is mains water pipe?
In most cases, the main pipeline from the street to your home is either 3/4 or 1 inch in diameter, supply branches use 3/4-inch-diameter pipe, and pipes for individual components are 1/2 inch.
What kind of pipe is used for water main?
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe is widely used for new water main applications. PVC pipe material is inexpensive, durable, and lightweight. Furthermore, it is corrosion resistant and nonreactive with most chemicals. Only ductile iron pipe is used as often for water main applications.
What size water line do you run from meter to house?
In the case of a three family house an 1 1/2″ service line is typically required. Again the exception would be if the length of the run of pipe was only 35′ or less. In most cases a six family house or greater will require a 2″ water service line.
How do I find my water main pipe underground?
To find an underground water pipe, you’ll need to use a utility line locator that can find both metal and plastic pipes. Depending on the area in which you’re currently working, these lines could be made of either material. So if you want to get the most accurate results, you’ll need a tool that can find both.
What size is the main water line?
The most common pipe diameter for water mains is 6 to 16 inches, with 8, 10, and 12 inches also being used. Branch lines providing service to individual homes, offices, buildings, and businesses vary in size from as small as half an inch in diameter up to 6 inches.
How do you keep underground water lines from freezing?
4 Steps to Prevent Pipes From Freezing That Are Buried
- Insulate using the proper insulation. Unlike household insulation, specialty insulation must be used to protect underground pipes.
- Water proof the insulation.
- Steel plate shallow water lines.
- Proper backfill and compaction.
What size water line do I need?