Cory Lechner wrote:

The water main valve in our house is old (25 years++) and is leaking pretty
bad (3/4" copper pipe). The valve is situated just above floor level, in
which the water main pipe it is connected to comes out of a 12" deep
concrete hole (sump hole?), 24" x 24" square (weeping tile pipe drain into
this hole as well). The sump hole has a plywood cover with a slot in it for
the water main pipe to come through. The present water main valve then
leads into the water meter, then into the wall to supply the house with
water. There is also bare copper ground cable and clamp (which is badly
rusted from the leaky valve) clamped to the water main pipe below the
plywood cover as well (in the sump hole) that will have to be re-installed
as well.

I want to replace the old leaking valve with a new one that appears to allow
a bit better water flow (the new valve appears to have a bigger opening for
water flow). If I just wanted to repair the valve and not worry about
improving water flow, I could just replace the O-rings in the valve (but I
want improve water flow a bit). I will have to sweat a number of copper
fittings to complete the job.

My question:

I want to move the valve so that it is not visible, so I want to change it's
location to down into the sump hole below the plywood cover instead of above
it. Is there any problems foreseen with moving the location of the valve to
below the cover into the sump hole?

Cory

FWIW soldered fittings are not normally used (allowed)
before the meter. Maybe it's normal practice where you are...

If the valve has a drain (waste) fitting, I would have a
problem with it being in a sump for sanitary reasons.

I assume you'll have the utility shut off water at the
street for this project. If it won't shut off completely,
you'll have a really tough time soldering with water trickling thru.

Are the meter unions sealed? Will you have to break the seals
to do the work?

Since there is no union on your new valve, I don't see any reason
that the electric service grounding conductor can't be attached
above the sump. Make sure there is a bonding jumper around the
meter.

Jim