Q regarding fixing old busted water line w/ no water in it for 2 yrs

[deltapapazulu]

Water line on a certain property has been busted for 2 years and no water in line. I am calling plumber tomorrow to get fixed and am just curious before I do that if fact that there has been no water in line would pose any particular issue to plumber just coming out and fixing that one spot where it busted. Will I maybe need to replace whole plumbing due to it not having water running in it.

Other bit of info is that it is an old metal line.

 

[Borek]

It probably wasn't completely dry, and was definitely filled with air. That could mean much faster corrosion.

 

[deltapapazulu]

It probably wasn't completely dry, and was definitely filled with air. That could mean much faster corrosion.

Yeah that is what I was thinking
Thanks for reply!!

 

[Baluncore]

It will depend on the material. Some metal lines were copper.
Is it cast iron sections with bitumen lining, or is it galvanised iron.
If it fell into disuse because it was rusted in places, then it will all need to be replaced, probably with a plastic line that will not corrode in the local soil.
What is the length and diameter of the line?

 

[Lnewqban]

Does anybody know the reason for which the pipe busted?
Could be possible for the remaining pipe to fail again soon for similar cause?

 

[berkeman]

Water line on a certain property has been busted for 2 years and no water in line. I am calling plumber tomorrow to get fixed and am just curious before I do that if fact that there has been no water in line would pose any particular issue to plumber just coming out and fixing that one spot where it busted. Will I maybe need to replace whole plumbing due to it not having water running in it.

Other bit of info is that it is an old metal line.

I don't know if my reply is in time for you to ask the plumber before they come out, but many plumbers now have the ability to "run a camera" through pipes to look for breaks and other issues. You could ask them if they can run a camera, and how much it will cost. It could save you money in the long run, if it shows that the rest of the pipe looks okay.

https://www.rotorooter.com/plumbing/video-camera-line-inspection/

https://match.angi.com/sem/task.Dra...6cC1baRGQ4DADaSJqIKhhoCVLYQAvD_BwE&sequence=0

 

[Rive]

it is an old metal line.

Just a remark: it is often a requirement to replace subpar/old equipment without any questions or permission asked (might be also a requirement to refuse simple patching).

Also, sometimes that's the cheapest and fastest solution.

 

[Nik_2213]

I suggest you get entire line inspected. If good, okay.
If bad, better to resolve now rather than have hidden / future leak(s). Those may cause anything from wasted water (metered ?) via sewage ingress during storms to sink-hole formation...

 

[DaveC426913]

If the offending line is not underground, why not just get the whole thing replaced? Or at least as much as feasible.

Unless you'd rather wait until it busts again, at the most inconvenient time (like when you're away on vacation during a cold snap).

 

[deltapapazulu]

If the offending line is not underground, why not just get the whole thing replaced? Or at least as much as feasible.

Unless you'd rather wait until it busts again, at the most inconvenient time (like when you're away on vacation during a cold snap).

Full replacement is actually currently in the works. Local service coming out to look at it tomorrow. What is standard medium grade material for newly installed water line running from meter to house?

Should be able to get a quote tomorrow. I live in southern state where things not as expensive and distance from meter to house is about 25 yards. Wonder about what this is going to cost me.

[belated note to others who have replied: sorry for returning late to this. thank you for the good replies!]

 

[Rive]

distance from meter to house is about 25 yards. Wonder about what this is going to cost me.

By my experience, it'll mainly depend on the hourly rates of the bobcat doing the digging and the expert doing the plumbing.
Likely the price of the pipe will be just small part

 

[hutchphd]

I had one done about a decade ago. Four feet down here in Indianapolis and they horizontal drilled it: no muss no fuss and cost $2200 for 45 ft line and meter relocation. If you dig a trench think about laying a backup pipe in the trench (plastic pipe is really cheap).

 

[DaveC426913]

I forgot to mention an alternate. (Though it sounds like it's too late.)

When we first moved into our house, construction was working on our street. The crew showed us a leak in the mains running from the street. They offered to fix it on-the-spot by attaching a metal mesh grippy thing to the copper line and used a backhoe to brute strength the old line out length-wise and pull the new line through. They charged us 700 bucks and it has been leak-free for 25 years.

 

[Tom.G]

"Chinese Finger Trap", also called "Chinese Handcuffs".
Used for pulling wire, cable, and pipe.

https://plcsusa.com/wire-mesh-pulling-grips/

https://www.google.com/search?q=chinese+finger+trap+pipe+puller

 

[florida23]

I have never heard of this "wire mesh" idea for pulling pipe - is this material similar to woven wire cloth like this: Woven Wire Cloth which is made of metal (usually stainless steel) or is this plastic or nylon material? The strength must be unbelievable!

 

[DaveC426913]

I have never heard of this "wire mesh" idea for pulling pipe - is this material similar to woven wire cloth like this: Woven Wire Cloth which is made of metal (usually stainless steel) or is this plastic or nylon material? The strength must be unbelievable!

Wire mesh pipe pullers also known as Towing Socks, Chinese Fingers or Pulling Grips

And yes, I was pretty impressed myself.

 

[florida23]

Incredible. Thank you for the information - now down the youtube rabbit hole!!!