cost of underground (concrete) water line repair

[nj2012]

I have water leak under the concrete ground in the basement. There is no visible water. But the sound is coming right where the water pipe comes up from the slab. The meter isnt running because it's before the meter.

I called a plumber and was quoted $1800 to jackhammer that area and repair the leak only. (old house, probably better to just replace the whole thing to the city main line). The cost to go all the way out to the city line is $6900.

I have a couple of questions.

Are those pricing reasonable?

He explained to me that he must cut up my concrete driveway to replace the entire pipe.

Might be a dumb question but is that even necessary? can't he just dig a hole in my basement/garage where the pipe is coming up from and dig a hole on the street where the main line is? instead of messing up my entire driveway.

 

[phishfood]

There are trenchless options for replacing water mains, but they won't work for every situation. They are expensive, but usually cheaper than removing driveways, expensive landscaping, etc. Not all that many people offer this, as the equipment tends to be expensive, and the learning curve to effectively use the equipment is pretty steep, so you might have to do some searching to find someone qualified to even determine whether trenchless would work in your case.

 

[Chris]

If it is before the meter, 90% of the time it is owned by the water company and they are responsible for the repair. I would contact them first just to see. I know in Southern California they are all owned by the water companies.


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[nj2012]

So here is some information so you guys can evaluate the quote and let me know if it's a fair price.
This is from a reputable plumbing company, good reviews, A+ BBB rating.

They will install new piping from the water box (I will make sure I'm responsible from the water box and not the actual main) the valve inside my house (above ground).

They will use 1" Poly pipe. (Is this better than copper)?

They will do everything including get permit, pour concrete back in the ground.

QUOTE $6200

 

[havasu]

How many feet are they trenching? How much concrete is being jacked out and replaced? Don't let the BBB rating fool you, that company is fixed. Did you get three quotes? If not, please start calling others to give you a good comparison.

 

[nj2012]

How many feet are they trenching? How much concrete is being jacked out and replaced? Don't let the BBB rating fool you, that company is fixed. Did you get three quotes? If not, please start calling others to give you a good comparison.

about 20 feet of concrete.

They will replace 6feet x 6feet concrete slabs (part of driveway), and then cut out the rest I guess as much as they can to get the pipe in. About 14 feet in length not sure how much width they need to put down the pipe.

I got 4 quotes.
1 = 5000 not including concrete work and I have to get permits.
2 = 3000 not including concrete work and I have to get permits.
3 = 6800 including everything
4 = 6200 including everything.

Is 1" poly better than copper. According to the plumber they can put copper if I would like. But he said they chose poly because of sand under the concrete or something like that.

wow about BBB. What about google reviews. they have 124 reviews and 4.6 out of 5 stars.

 

[phishfood]

Ask about trench compaction. You don't want the repaired sections of driveway to be sinking and cracking because they just dropped the dirt back into the trench, without compacting it every foot or so.

 

[nj2012]

Ask about trench compaction. You don't want the repaired sections of driveway to be sinking and cracking because they just dropped the dirt back into the trench, without compacting it every foot or so.

He said the trenchless would need 4 to 5 feet from each end. Which will be half of the driveway. Do you think that's a better option? Also it should be cheaper right?

 

[Chris]

Price sounds about right for Southern California


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[journeyman]

Plastic pipe is trash. Use copper. A 1 inch line is good in case you should add anything in the future. Line only has to be 12 inches deep. Make sure to compact dirt like phishfood said and make sure they re-enforce concrete patch with rebar. Is there anyway to run new line with out digging up driveway? Make sure there is not a way to run line differently

 

[nj2012]

The city told me that I'm responsible to the main line not just to the curb. That's about 4 feet into the street on my side of the street.

Quote to curb was 6200
Now going to the street 9000!
Does that make sense? Is this still a fair price?

 

[journeyman]

That is fair. Once you go into street you have to be able to pull a right of way permit. Plus you ad in traffic control, asphalt, labor it adds up pretty quick. Make sure the company you use is pulling all the right permits. Depending on what state you live in responsibility differs. Here in san diego owner is only liable for line from meter to house. City takes over meter to street. Sewer system is different. Here the home owner is liable to maintain sewer from house to city saddle or tie in