Replace copper supply line under apt bldg with PVC or pex?

[laff66]

I am dealing with a 50 yr old apartment bldg on a pier & beam foundation with 2" copper water supply lines. We have had quite a few leaks over the last 6 months, and I'm wondering if it is possible to replace it with something besides very expensive copper. Not sure how we'd get to the pipes that go up into the units, but it sure would be nice to at least have peace of mind and get that 50 yr old stuff out of there.

 

[Zeppelin5000]

PEX is a possibility. As far as getting it up to all the units, they sell manifolds that you can use to branch to different locations.

 

[phishfood]

As far as I am aware, PVC is not code approved for use in/under a building for pressure pipe. 2" PEX is available, and would be an option.

 

[frodo]

remove the copper pipe, sell it for scrap. to offset the price of the pex
if you do scrap it out.
copper is bought by scrap yards graded As #1 or #2

copper that does not have solider fittings on it is #1

solider /fittings is #2

they will try and tell you because it is not shiney its #2. they are trying to get over on you

when you confront they with knowledge, they back down and give you the #1 price

cut all the fittings off and have 2 piles #1 and #2

 

[laff66]

Great info, thanks!

 

[journeyman]

plastic is plastic and if you are going under a slab it has to be copper and has to be brazed

 

[laff66]

See original post-- it's pier & beam

 

[youngplumberpro24]

By code in Kentucky warsbo or pex is perfectly legal in slab as long as it is sleeved and no fittings

 

[frodo]

upc code, pvc, cpvc,pex is approved under a conventional framed house [post an beam]


cpvc and pex and tubing is approved for underground/building