PB Yard Service Repair ?

theestimator1

theestimator1

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I will probably have to replace a leaking section of 3/4†Underground Polybutylene in a 150ft long Yard Service. I was thinking about using 3/4†PEX and Qest compression fittings because it’s easy (I am in the electrical trade, not plumbing). I worry about copper deteriorating underground. Is buried PEX and Qest fittings advisable or should I use something else? Thanks, Marty
 
There have been some questions about Quest. You'd want to use a larger pipe than that if you used pex since the walls are fairly thick.
 
I question repairing a polybutylene line...
When they go bad it is generally better to replace them.
 
Pb

Qest PB and PEX have the same i.d.'s, but if you join them with a PEX coupling, you have to use a pb crimp ring. But once it cracks there is a good chance it will happen again.
 
If it's outside and underground, why not just use PVC pipe and replace the whole length?
 
Redwood made a good point. After a little reading, it sounds like the polybutylene problem will only get worse, and continue forever. Jimbo made a good point. I didn’t realize buried copper would outlast me.
.
Now I’m thinking, eventually, 1†Type K copper w/ sweat fittings all the way. As a temporary fix, metal insert fittings & crimp rings could connect the old polybutylene to the new copper.
.
Does this make sense?
What material is used for a new 150ft residential Yard Service?
.
Your advice is extremely helpful, especially to an electrical person. Thank you to everyone.
 
No sweat connections underground.


3/4" @ 150' would be plenty


K is the best application, you could get it in one piece, problem solved with the connection underground, with K you can make a flared connection to the meter bracket outlet.


95% of all calls that come through my shop in relation to water service failures,


are plastic piping.


I can't make that up....it's just the statistic. The pipe is constantly expanding/contracting no matter what type it is.
 
Thanks Rugged,

Unspliced type K copper does seem like the most durable and reliable material for Yard Service, although I do have one concern, pinholes.

theestimator1
Master Electrician
Maryland
 
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