Not Recommended. Requires specialized excavation equipment, plumbing expertise, understanding of critical code compliance, and coordination with public water supply and utility locating services. Professional installation ensures adherence to safety standards and code requirements.
Basic residential plumbing replacement, requiring adherence to established codes for materials, depth, and connections, often involving excavation and coordination with utilities and local authorities.
Project Guidelines & Rules
Permits & Pre-Construction
3 Rules
Permit Application
A plumbing permit is required from your local municipality prior to commencement of work.
Utility Locates
Contact JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) at least 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) before any excavation to identify and mark underground utilities. (Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act)
Site Plan Requirements
Provide a detailed site plan indicating the existing and proposed water service line location, main connection point, and relevant building features to the local building department.
Materials & Sizing
3 Rules
Approved Materials
Water service piping materials shall be copper tube (Type K or L), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plastic pipe, or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic pipe, approved for potable water distribution. (Illinois Plumbing Code 890.410(a))
Minimum Pipe Size
The minimum size of the water service pipe shall be 1 inch (25.4 mm) nominal diameter for residential properties, or as sized based on fixture units and pressure calculations to ensure adequate flow and pressure. (Illinois Plumbing Code 890.150(a); 2024 IRC P2904.1)
Fittings & Connections
Fittings shall be of an approved type, compatible with the pipe material, and suitable for potable water use. Joints shall be made in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable code sections. (Illinois Plumbing Code 890.410, 890.510)
Installation & Protection
5 Rules
Minimum Cover Depth
All water service piping shall be installed with a minimum earth cover of 42 inches (1067 mm) below finished grade to protect against frost penetration, or deeper if required by your local municipality. (Illinois Plumbing Code 890.130(b)(1))
Horizontal Separation from Sewers
Water service piping shall be installed at least 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally from any existing or proposed building sewer, septic tank, or sewage disposal field. (Illinois Plumbing Code 890.130(b)(3)(A))
Vertical Separation from Sewers
Where it is impossible to maintain 10 feet horizontal separation, the water service pipe shall be placed in a separate trench or on an undisturbed earth shelf, at least 12 inches (305 mm) above the top of the sewer line. (Illinois Plumbing Code 890.130(b)(3)(B))
Protection from Physical Damage
Piping passing through or under a foundation wall shall be provided with a protective sleeve. Piping shall be protected from damage by rocks, backfill, or other potential hazards. (Illinois Plumbing Code 890.130(b)(5), 890.130(d))
Trenching Safety
All excavations shall adhere to applicable safety regulations and local ordinances to prevent cave-ins and ensure worker safety.
Testing & Disinfection
2 Rules
Pressure Testing
The entire water service system shall be tested under a static water pressure of not less than 50 psi (345 kPa) or 25 psi (172 kPa) above the working pressure, whichever is greater, and maintained for a minimum of 15 minutes without any visible leaks. (Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1630(a))
Disinfection
Upon satisfactory completion of testing, the water service line shall be flushed and disinfected in accordance with AWWA C651 (Standard for Disinfecting Water Mains) or an equivalent approved method, before being placed into service. (Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1640(a))
Electrical Bonding & Grounding
3 Rules
Bonding of Water Piping
All interior metal water piping systems shall be bonded to the building's service equipment enclosure, the grounded conductor, or the grounding electrode conductor, if located within 5 feet of the point of entrance to the building. (2023 NEC 250.104(A)(1))
Grounding Electrode System
Metal underground water pipe in direct contact with the earth for 10 ft (3.0 m) or more and electrically continuous to the points of connection of the grounding electrode conductor and the bonding jumpers, shall be used as a grounding electrode. (2023 NEC 250.52(A)(1))
Supplementary Electrode
If the underground metal water pipe is used as a grounding electrode, it shall be supplemented by at least one additional grounding electrode of a type specified in NEC 250.52(A)(2) through (A)(8). (2023 NEC 250.53(D)(2))
Inspections & Final Steps
2 Rules
Required Inspections
Schedule required inspections with the local building department including, but not limited to, open trench inspection (before backfill), pressure test inspection, and final plumbing inspection.
Site Restoration
Upon successful final inspection, the excavated area shall be backfilled, compacted, and restored to its original condition or better, ensuring proper drainage and adherence to any local restoration ordinances.
