How to connect 1.25" Copper to Polybutylene

[Cjccmc]

I have a slow leak outside where the water service enters my house. The supply line coming out of the ground is 1-1/4 " copper. My neighbor told me that in our 1981 built housing tract, all the lines from the meter use blue colored tubing which I assume is poly B.


My options at this point are:

A) repair $600 min

B) replace 23' run from meter with L grade copper: $2,300

C) DIY if possible


I’m tempted to try a DIY on this but want to know if I can reasonably expect to do this repair in 1 day. I have only minimal copper sweating experience on smaller sizes, so would like to do this repair with just mechanical attachments if possible. I have not dug down to the supply pipe as yet to get any measurements or markings on the tubing. My questions at this point are:


1) Since I have 1-1/4” copper coming out the ground, is there only one size polyB tubing that is likely to be connecting to it?

2) Assuming the OD or ID of the tubing has the critical dimension for sealing to a repair fitting, is it likely to be in useable condition after 40 years?

3) Where can I find fittings needed to make this repair?

4) Am I an idiot for attempting this?

 

[Terry]

Most of the work is in digging the ditch. If you have underground anything, you should call and have it marked. They do that for free. You don't want to hit any underground wires or gas lines.
Normally it's 3/4" at the meters, sometimes 1"
If it's a four bath home, you may have 1-1/4". If it's three bath or less, more likely 1". That's the inside diameter of the line. With copper, add 1/8" for the OD. If you're 23 feet to the meter, then replacing the line makes sense. I've replaced my black poly already on my home and many of my neighbors too.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Cjccmc]

Thanks for the reply Terry.

The copper tube that enters/exits the ground measures 1-3/8" OD.

 

[Kevin71246]

Do you have a buffalo box, and key? That's a good place to start. Without it I wouldn't touch it. Like Terry mentioned, most of the labor is digging. So if you want to make it a DIY (partial), do all the digging and have a plumber do the line (quick & easy part). This should save a ton of $$$. If you have a buffalo box & key and don't mind losing water, then give it a shot. Call a plumber if you give up or run into issues!

 

[Cjccmc]

Do you have a buffalo box, and key?

Yes, I can shut the water off at the meter

So if you want to make it a DIY (partial), do all the digging and have a plumber do the line (quick & easy part). This should save a ton of $$$.

The DIY job I have in mind is just to cut the poly B about 2 feet away from the copper riser shown in the pic and replace that section with new line. What I want to know is what parts are needed to connect back to the poly B and where to get them. The stuff in stock at big box stores doesn't fit, just not much selection above 1" size. The plumbing supply store needs to see a piece of the tubing to know if they have anything that will fit. But I have to cut the line to get a piece and water service is out until I complete the repair. I would want the have the right parts in hand before I cut the line.

If going with a full line replacement I would just have the plumbers do the digging and tunneling under the sidewalk. Too much labor for me with all my gray hair

 

[Kevin71246]

Sorry I can't help, but maybe you can get a few different fittings from this site to prepare: Supplyhouse dot com. I use them all the time. If you get all possibilities then hopefully you'll cover your basis; cant be too many sizes within reason!

 

[Kevin71246]

http://www.sharkbite.com/how-to/polybutylene-pipe-fittings-sharkbite-conversion-coupling/ Not sure if that link will stay but there's a sharkbite adapter. Sweating copper isn't hard at all... Spend time cleaning & preparing & you'll be fine. Make sure to inspect your joint. YouTube vids. Practice a bunch in a comfortable location then do the real joint.

Terry did mention he replaced his so maybe the condition isn't that great. Any reason you suspect it's leaking? Old age thus entire line may be on it's way out?