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Author:
TxLadyNeedsAdvice (TX)
Replacing water lines across several properties owned by others and myself, is there a regulation regarding water line depth?
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Author:
SMSPlumbing (MD)
Most frost lines are about 18". Most plumbers install the lines 2' down. This is below that line, and out of harms way from freezing.
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Author:
TxLadyNeedsAdvice (TX)
as a rule of thumb? is there a state regulation?
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Author:
SMSPlumbing (MD)
This is from the 2009 Internation Plumbing Code book.
"Freezing
Pipes must be protected against freezing conditions. Outside, this means placing
the pipe deep enough in the ground to avoid freezing. The depth will vary with geographic
locations, but your local code officer can provide you with minimum
depths. Normally, exterior water supply piping must be installed at least 6 inches
below the frost line and not less than 12 inches below finished grade level.
Aboveground pipes in unheated areas must be protected with insulation or other
means of protection from freezing."
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Author:
jimmy-o (CA)
Your local building department will tell you what the frost line is in your area. Code usually calls for 6" below frost line.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Usually, either below the frost line, or 12" for metal pipes and 18" for plastic if freezing is not a problem.
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Author:
TxLadyNeedsAdvice (TX)
Thanks!!!
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Author:
TxLadyNeedsAdvice (TX)
Thank you!
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Author:
dlh (TX)
in north texas the freeze line is 6". water lines are usually deeper 2'-3' but 12" is the minimum depth
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PLUMBERS "Protecting The Health Of The Nation"
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Author:
TxLadyNeedsAdvice (TX)
Thanks!! Is this minimum written somewhere?
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Author:
birddoggiest (ID)
Your Authority Having Jourisdiction/ City, County or State?
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Author:
TxLadyNeedsAdvice (TX)
Yea, small community, backwoods county...No local code officer...We do have a fire marshall, but he didn't help. I thought maybe guidelines were written up in the Texas Code, but can't get access to a current one.
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Author:
dlh (TX)
texas has adopted 2 major codes the ipc and the upc. each city has the option of adopting one of those codes and then they can make certain amendments to them so it is very difficult to give you a specific answer unless we happen to know the exact code for your city. all the code really says is it must be at least 6" below the frost line so you have to know the frost line depth in your area before you can have an exact number
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PLUMBERS "Protecting The Health Of The Nation"
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Author:
TxLadyNeedsAdvice (TX)
ok...its a rural area and the county personnel didn't know the frost line so I will have to be content with that. I do appreciate the help!
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Author:
Wheelchair (IL)
DH, a licensed Texas plumber advises 12 minimum but suggest 24-36 inches. Going the minimum exposes you the home owner to some risk should the weather have a sudden freeze or a 100 year low. Considering that you want it done correctly and have no fear.. consider the 24-36 guide and have peace of mind, knowing that you did it right the first time.
Best Wishes
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Author:
hj (AZ)
quote; Going the minimum exposes you the home owner to some risk should the weather have a sudden freeze or a 100 year low
You have to be lower than the "sustained" freeze level. A "sudden freeze" will seldom overcome the thermal mass of the ground cover unless it is sustained for MANY, many days.
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Author:
dlh (TX)
which rarely happens, in my area at least. there are areas in texas where it does get that cold for that long though
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PLUMBERS "Protecting The Health Of The Nation"
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