Owning or renting a home sometimes comes up with periodic repairs that are necessary in order to keep it in great condition. Water pipe replacement is one of those necessary repairs, and can be easily done in your home, by you, in just a few simple steps.
Water supply pipes are placed to keep the water flowing from its source into various places in your home. Often, a small water pipe that supplies water from the water company’s main reservoir in the street to your home can become damaged, and this results in low flow to the house. This means that new installments, like a new sprinkler system, will become problematic. It may take more valve circuits put in place, or even installing a large water pipe to improve the water pressure and flow.
To begin replacing the water pipe, the first step is to call 811. 811 is an informational service available everywhere in the United States. It is necessary for any digging job. Calling this number will ensure that you will not hit any important utility lines when digging to replace your new pipe. Even small projects like the simple planting of trees of shrubs require a call to 811. If you do happen to hit a utility line, you may be responsible for fines and fees associated with the damage and the lost service cost. The 811 service will send a person out to your property to mark any locations that may be dangerous to dig in. This way you will know you are avoiding hazards. In addition, this will help you locate where the existing water supply pipe is located, another essential step for the replacement process.
After locating the necessary water main pipes and knowing that hazards will be avoided, it is essential to get a plumping permit. This is required in many areas to replace water supply pipes or even to cut into the pipe itself. Contacting the local building authorities will take care of any issues that may arise in this area. You will be able to make sure that what you are doing is safe and responsible. The next step to replacing your water pipe is to excavate around the water main in the street and the location where the water pipe will connect to the home. This will allow you to plot the supply pipe. You will then need to connect the two excavations, digging a trench that will get them down to the level of the existing pipe.
The next important step is to calculate how much pipe you will need. You should also take into consideration any fittings and connectors that you will need to complete the installation. A recommended pipe is PVC Schedule 40 pipe. Upgrading a quarter of an inch more from the old pipe to the PVC pipe is also recommended. To obtain these materials, visiting a local hardware store or home improvement store will help you achieve this goal. Also, remember the PVC glue and proper installation. Finally, you should turn off your water supply at the main and disconnect the exposed pipe at both ends. Then, place the new PVC pipe in the trench, and use the connectors and PVC glue at each end of the pipe. Attach the pipe to the main of the house with the new fittings, and the job is done. You will be able to then turn the water back on and check for leaks, and fill in the trench and/or replace sod or grass to get your yard back in shape.
Replacing a water pipe is as easy as getting the proper permits, knowing where you dig, researching and buying the right materials, and placing the pipe. Be sure to consult the proper authorities or professionals if problems arise. I love doing it myself but when it comes to plumbing issues I’d rather leave it to Elite Plumbing Services INC out of Palm Harbor Fl . I’ve been using Mike and his team for some time now they’re great.