I need to run a waterline from my chicken house to my new goat barn, about 220 ft. I would like to use 3/4 PEX, which should give me adequate pressure and flow. In my location frost line is 24 inches. At that depth, do I need to worry about expansion/contraction (reported 1.1" per 10 degrees per 100 ft)? If expansion/contraction might be a problem how do I compensate for it underground?
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Do not pull the PEX tight, but instead snake the PEX in the trench.
See https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/pex_design_guide.pdf page "77" (actual 87).
See https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/pex_design_guide.pdf page "77" (actual 87).
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WorthFlorida
Clinical Trail on a Cancer Drug Started 1/31/24. ☹
Is this well water or city water? Well water from the ground is fairly constant in temperature all year long whereas a municipal water supply the temperature varies with the seasons. Do try to make the full run with no fittings in between. The fitting are the weak point with PEX and they will easily fails if the water ever froze. The fittings also have a smaller diameter that will restrict flow. PEX can take a freeze better since it can give a little.
You also should adapt some air pressure fittings to blow out the line if you get a deep freeze as this past winter. I would actually bury the pipe a little deeper than 24" where the temperature is more stable.
You also should adapt some air pressure fittings to blow out the line if you get a deep freeze as this past winter. I would actually bury the pipe a little deeper than 24" where the temperature is more stable.
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Jeff H Young
In the Trades
I'd snake it some as Reach said and bury below frost level is Worth Florida suggestion . no need to pull tight or install above frost line. those 2 are musts .
Michael Young
In the Trades
Don't assume there is nothing underground. Get your ground marked for utilities first.
Set your trencher at 24" depth and go for it. DO NOT RENT a manual trencher. Get a trencher you can RIDE. Trust me. it's the difference between an hour and a half of EASY vs. an entire day you'll feel for the next two weeks.
Pex is rated for underground. You can direct-bury. You're piping 220-feet. Me personally, I would probably use 1-1/2 polyethylene (black well pipe). 220-feet is a long run. why not increase volume now so you never have to touch it again. I'd buy a 300-foot roll and be done with it.
Jeff H Young
In the Trades
We bury our lines below frost level 12 inches code here. Depending how much water the chickens drink Im agreeing with op for a 3/4 line going poly would save money and provide more flow as the ID is bigger than pex, big job digging 3 foot 220 ft long so I might splurge for 1 inch . even though its over kill 1 1/2 I would use if it was either free or I already had it. more work more money zero advantage
WorthFlorida
Clinical Trail on a Cancer Drug Started 1/31/24. ☹
I would bury two pipes, the other can be used for power if it is ever needed.
Jadnashua
Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
Per the table here MRPX 2014 Heating Installation Manual--E-Distribuion.pdf (mrpexsystems.com) 220' of 3/4" pex would have 22psi drop in dynamic pressure, not counting any elevation differences between the beginning and end of the run might be. A larger line can easily be had that will keep the pressure drop much smaller.
Michael Young
In the Trades
I like the way this guy thinks. (as long as the homeowner is willing to pay for that second pipe)
Jeff H Young
In the Trades
good point on second conduit for power. gas, cable, whatever you can think of you might want in future . careful thought 220 foot is a long way to dig and digging twice 440 foot aint much fun
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