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View Full Version : Plumbing Underground Solder OK?


Chuckels
02-10-2005, 10:21 PM
Hi yaall,

We are preparing our store floor for 10 new large front loader washers by removing existing concrete and pouring deeper monolithic concrete bases instead of steel. For forty five years the only large washers were two 35# maytags that vibrated the concrete floor up and down a half inch +. In addition to this floor damage the 30 top load washers severely degraded the concrete below thus I decided to remove all the concrete below all of the old washers as well as dig deeper for the new 55 and 65# washers. When the cutter finished 8 hrs and $650 later I learned that the original six inch floor had been floated two inches with small rock concrete. The two 35# washers were anchored only to the top two inch layer and the degraded floor below the 30 tops was really only superfical. I could have removed only the top layer and not have spent three days and probably $2k+. The original floor would have been quite substantial. The problem that chagrins me is that I wonder how this lesson will help me make other better decisions in the future because I hope not to be party to anymore concrete and underground old stinky plumbing work.

The two inch cold water supply needs refitting. Is anyone able to say if it is wise to use regular solder instead of that high temp silver stuff for underground? I have tried and failed to properly apply the silver before so I am averse to trying it again. I am an expert solderer with the usual stuff so is it ok or not use it for underground in nice sandy soil in so cal?

Regards,
Chuckles

pete f
02-11-2005, 12:48 AM
I have plumbed my new mat in CPVC and the hot water line went into the floor. My mat I moved 5 years ago was plumbed CPVC and so far just fine, though most is above grade. Plastic won't corrode like copper will, but am sure someone here can tell me why copper may be better?

Ken
02-11-2005, 02:01 AM
When my under ground copper pip leak ,the plumer cut the old pip,ran the pip up and over the drop ceiling.
I have not seen anyone use CPVC for water in my area,copper or steel only,PVC only for drain,you can not even use PVC for drain in Chicago,iron pip only.I saw laundromat in AZ use CPVC.

Chuckels
02-11-2005, 03:12 PM
If the work was all new I would go with new materials or roll out underground copper without joints. However, I am having to deal with the existing 2" copper underground and it requires soldering of some sort. I am hoping that regular solder is suitable. Any ideas?

Chuckles

pete f
02-11-2005, 08:09 PM
If the work was all new I would go with new materials or roll out underground copper without joints. However, I am having to deal with the existing 2" copper underground and it requires soldering of some sort. I am hoping that regular solder is suitable. Any ideas?

Chuckles


Is there possibility of compression fittings? Do they last longer, ie, no solider? Copper has had bad momments with me..it is metal.

rickcarb
02-11-2005, 11:18 PM
Use silver solder, with armaflex insulation to protect and insulate if putting copper pipe underground.


Rick