I have a So. Cal. Victorian house on a concrete foundation with a short
cripple wall on top supporting the first floor over the crawl space. The
existing original 3/4" galvanized water supply was routed from the city
meter in the front sidewalk at the curb, under the sidewalk and continued
underground over to the foundation, then vertically up about 18" to the
top of the mudsill, then horizontally through the house siding into the
crawlspace. Since it is now leaking and needs to be replaced, I want to
route the new 1" copper pipe in a way that is not visible on the front
wall of the house. The house is very close to the front public sidewalk
and the supply pipe has been an ugly eyesore. I long ago got rid of all
the rest of the exterior plumbing which used to run on the outside of the
walls. I cannot run the new copper supply around to the side of the
house, due to more concrete walkways. Does code require that I route it
under the foundation or through it or what? What is the best copper to use
for the underground portion? How about the easiest way to disconnect,
remove and replace the old galvanized from under the front sidewalk which
is about 5' wide without breaking into it? (Water hose technique or...?)

Any immediate info will be appreciated, since I would like to start
tomorrow, 4/21/6, although that may not be possible. Thank you in advance.

you know its possible to drill thru the ground, similiar to a wood
auger bit, only masonary. go from the meter, under the sidewalks
directly thru the foundation then dig in crawlspace and bring pipe up
inside.

you can use diamond core bits if the soil isnt too soft.

this is how utility companies run lines in areas witj lots of paving
and obstructions

might be best to call some local plumbers that do this they will have
the tools.

a good friend ran some pipe 30 feet in the dead of winter from his home
to garage, at the time it was snowing and 15 degrees, he worked in
comfort at both ends

tonyhaig wrote:
I have a So. Cal. Victorian house on a concrete foundation with a short
cripple wall on top supporting the first floor over the crawl space. The
existing original 3/4" galvanized water supply was routed from the city
meter in the front sidewalk at the curb, under the sidewalk and continued
underground over to the foundation, then vertically up about 18" to the
top of the mudsill, then horizontally through the house siding into the
crawlspace. Since it is now leaking and needs to be replaced, I want to
route the new 1" copper pipe in a way that is not visible on the front
wall of the house. The house is very close to the front public sidewalk
and the supply pipe has been an ugly eyesore. I long ago got rid of all
the rest of the exterior plumbing which used to run on the outside of the
walls. I cannot run the new copper supply around to the side of the
house, due to more concrete walkways. Does code require that I route it
under the foundation or through it or what? What is the best copper to use
for the underground portion? How about the easiest way to disconnect,
remove and replace the old galvanized from under the front sidewalk which
is about 5' wide without breaking into it? (Water hose technique or...?)

Any immediate info will be appreciated, since I would like to start
tomorrow, 4/21/6, although that may not be possible. Thank you in advance.

I would go thru the foundation, using a sleeve (PVC pipe?).
Use Type K soft copper tubing for underground.
No soldering; flare fittings only.

Remember to update any grounding/bonding which had been
attached to the old galv.

You have time yet today to get on the phone with your city
inspection dep't to find out what local rules apply.


Jim