Water main in way of new sewer pipe

[d438a1]

Hi there,

I'm just in process of running a new drain connection (about 15-20m length in total). I've got to point where unfortunately the water main is coming across at a right angle exactly in it's path.

It's currently a 15mm copper main. I have future plans to replace it, but not for a while. It's actually about a 40 metre run from the main stop cock, so yes my flow isn't great!

Any tips on best way to reroute? I've currently got a trench about 350mm wide and it's about 700-800m depth where pipe is.

Thanks.

 

[blup]

To main the fall for the drainage pipe you would presumably cut the water supply and re route under the drain.

 

[d438a1]

Yeah, I wasn't sure if it was better practice to go above or under? Does it matter flow wise if I put effectively a U shape in that straight run?

 

[Notch7]

Yeah, I wasn't sure if it was better practice to go above or under? Does it matter flow wise if I put effectively a U shape in that straight run?

makes no difference for water under pressure

copper is not a great choice for under ground

 

[jj4091]

Yes you will increase the risk of it getting blocked with a build up of silt if you are refering to the drain.

 

[^woody^]

If you are replacing, then you could potentially replace the new pipe at a higher level if there is still sufficient depth, so what you do as a temporary measure won't matter.

But in practical terms, you should route the main above the new drain in case there is any settlement of the excavation that puts pressure on the water pipe. Use flexible pipe in a slight curve, not a rigid u-shape

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Rare to have copper underground, but not impossible. I'd dig back either side to expose enough pipe to get a coupling onto and bridge the new drain with some 20mm Blue HDPE.

 

[noseall]

copper is not a great choice for under ground

Rare to have copper underground,

Thick wall soft copper was extensively used underground around here. Usually coated in blue plastic.

 

[Nige F]

and bare copper back in the day

 

[d438a1]

Ok thanks for advice. I'll assess options tomorrow once I've excavated a bit more

 

[noseall]

and bare copper back in the day

There are still loads of early bare copper here too.

 

[evdamadiynot]

Likewise here
Id put a section of 25 mm blue plastic under the soil pipe and wrap the joins up in polythene ready for the replacement to be laid.
Larger pipe has less flow resistance.