underground copper line

[gfe76]

plumbers put in new underground copper water line to garage (about 60 feet). I just found out he used type L soft instead of type K. should I make him dig it up and replace? He says type L will work as well as type K . I live in pittsburgh. the line is buried 4 feet. Overall the plumber did a great job of replumbing the entire garage, but I thought only type K should be used underground. thanks

[Terry]

The UPC plumbing code allows type M below ground, but not under concrete.
Below concrete the requirement is type L.

Some plumbers may like type K, but it's not required. I've only seen water districts use it at the street main to the meter. I've never seen K in a plumbers truck.
In the Seattle area, type L in the ground is considered good stuff.

The weak link is going to be the fittings anyway. I've seen fittings go bad before the pipe did. That was on a swimming pool. Too much chlorine I guess.

Pipe information (http://www.terrylove.com/pipe.htm)

[gfe76]

thanks terry...I will let it stay.... I just wanted to get reassurance from an expert on the subject...

[hj]

I cannot remember any job using "K" copper in the past 30+ years.

[LonnythePlumber]

Type L is the most used copper in Kansas for underground water services.

[gfe76]

I say thanks again to all at the risk of making this thread unduly long...but I want you guys to know what a great service this is to those ignorant in your profession......

[LonnythePlumber]

This forum is also a great service to those of us somewhat wise in the profession.