Hi - I have a water line running to my garden sprinkler and I want to replace it with PVC. See picture: How easy is it to remove the union?



Does this pipe look normal for being buried for 30 years? I plan to extend it with PVC adding a shutoff valve and new sprinkler valves.

Basic question, what is the best way to remove the union so that I can put a PVC coupler on. I would prefer not to have to cut the pipe. The line is pressurized and the only way to service it is to shut off the main water supply.

James



Edited 1 times.

You SHOULD NOT do it. You need a "pressure backflow preventer/vacuum breaker" at the point where you connect your sprinkler lines AND since PVC is brittle, you should NOT use PVC until AFTER the bfp.

Thanks HJ - Yes, for sure I will put in a backflow preventer on the garden side. The plan is as follows:

1) Shut off main water supply
2) Remove union and old galvanized runs towards garden side (the two pipes)
3) Install a Gal to PVC union
4) Install shutoff valve on the PVC side
5) Turn on main water supply
6) Continue working on garden side with new sprinklers (with BFP etc)

Make sense?

James



Edited 1 times.

The BFP is USUALLY the first thing and it is attached to the steel, copper, or brass pipe so it does NOT crack the pipe.

The BFP will have its own valves integral to the unit.

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

Have you considered replacing the entire line. It looks as if it could rust through at any moment in time....not what makes you sleep at night. Good luck.

The rest of the pipe runs under concrete where it connects to the house... would prefer not to deal with that. It does appear very old and rusted.

I'm going to attempt to remove the union and cap it off until I'm ready for the next step.